text:
Journey leads list of 'Best Driving Songs'
Listen to Journey on iHeartRadio
If Journey's music fuels your journeys, you aren't alone. Thirty-percent of those taking part in Insurance.com's poll of the Best and Worst Songs for Driving give a nod to "Don't Stop Believin'," putting it at the top of the Best list. And it's one of two Journey songs in the top five. "Any Way You Want It" is tied for third place tie with AC/DC's "You Shook Me All Night Long."
Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" ranks second, while Tom Cochrane's "Life is a Highway" rounds out the top five. ABBA's "Dancing Queen," Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers' "American Girl," and Bruce Springsteen's "Born To Run" are also in the top ten.
Meanwhile, 29% find "Who Let The Dogs Out?" tough to listen to -- at least when they're behind the wheel. That percentage is putting the Baha Men's hit at the top of the Worst Songs list. Taylor Swift's "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together" follows in second place, with Cher's "Believe" at number three. Morris Albert's "Feelings" and Madonna's "Papa Don't Preach" complete the Worst top five.
However, while Swift's massive hit ranks high among the Worst Songs, she joins Bruno Mars in leading the rundown of drivers' "guilty-pleasure listening favorites." Journey and Madonna are also on the guilty-pleasures list, along with Madonna, Lady Gaga, and Katy Perry.
The Best Songs For Driving
"Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey: 30%
"Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen: 27%
"You Shook Me All Night Long" by AC/DC: 22%
"Any Way You Want It" by Journey: 22%
"Life is a Highway" by Tom Cochrane: 21%
"Dancing Queen" by ABBA: 19%
"American Girl" by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers: 16%
"Don't Stop Till You Get Enough" by Michael Jackson: 15%
"Born to Run" by Bruce Springsteen: 14%
"Fortunate Son" by Creedence Clearwater Revival: 14%
"September" by Earth, Wind and Fire: 13%
"Every Day is a Winding Road" by Sheryl Crow: 13%
"California Love" by 2Pac: 13%
"Drive My Car" by the Beatles: 13%
"Little Red Corvette" by Prince: 13%
"Runnin' Down a Dream" by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers: 12%
"This is How We Do It" by Montell Jordan: 11%
"I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)" by The Proclaimers: 9%
"Holiday" by Madonna: 9%
"London Calling" by The Clash: 6%
Popular Write-Ins
"Highway to Hell" by AC/DC
"Radar Love" by Golden Earring
"I Can't Drive 55" by Sammy Hagar
The Worst Songs For Driving
"Who Let the Dogs Out?" by The Baha Men: 29%
"We Are Never, Ever Getting Back Together" by Taylor Swift: 25%
"Believe" by Cher: 22%
"Feelings" by Morris Albert: 20%
"Papa Don't Preach" by Madonna: 18%
"Firework" by Katy Perry: 18%
"Mambo #5" by Lou Bega: 18%
"You're Beautiful" by James Blunt: 14%
"Arms Wide Open" by Creed: 13%
"I Will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor: 12%
"Let's Hear it for the Boy" by Deniece Williams: 12%
"Caribbean Queen" by Billy Ocean: 10%
"Maneater" by Hall and Oates: 10%
"We Built this City" by Jefferson Starship: 8%
"Total Eclipse of the Heart" by Bonnie Tyler: 8%
Drivers' Guilty-Pleasure Listening Favorites
Bruno Mars: 12%
Taylor Swift: 12%
Lady Gaga: 11%
Journey: 9%
Katy Perry: 9%
Coldplay: 8%
Justin Bieber: 7%
Madonna: 6%
Rush Limbaugh: 5%
Howard Stern: 4%
Photo Credit Getty Images


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Lady Gaga Hospitalized In Denver
Listen to Lady Gaga Radio on iHeartRadio
A hospital visit is putting question marks over Lady Gaga's concert in Seattle tonight. The pop star was hospitalized after her show in Denver Wednesday night with altitude sickness.
Gaga posted a picture of herself wearing an oxygen mask and included the caption "Altitude Sickness is no Joke."
Her next stop on her artRave tour is scheduled for tonight in Seattle. So far the show is still on. Gaga was forced to scrap remaining dates on her tour last year after an injury forced her to undergo hip surgery.
Photo: Getty Images

subset: commoncrawl


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text:
Panthers 44, Saints 38: DeAngelo Williams rushed for a season-high 210 yards and two touchdowns and Mike Tolbert scored on three 1-yard runs as visiting Carolina ended the season with its first four-game win streak since 2008.
Cam Newton passed for 248 yards for the Panthers, who racked up season highs for points and total yards (530). The Saints surpassed a dubious NFL record by allowing 7,042 total yards this season.
Drew Brees passed for 396 yards and four touchdowns - becoming the first player in NFL history with three 5,000-yard seasons and the first with more than 15,000 passing yards in a three-year span - and Lance Moore (four catches, 121 yards) and Jimmy Graham (nine catches, 115 yards) put up big numbers.
As has been the case all season, though, the Saints' defense didn't do enough. After Brees' second touchdown pass - a 19-yard strike to Jimmy Graham - gave New Orleans a 24-13 lead with 10:49 left in the third quarter, the Panthers reeled off 28 consecutive points to take control.
Williams scored on runs of 54 and 12 yards and also set up another score with a season-long 65-yard scamper in his only 100-yard game of the season.
GAME NOTEBOOK: The Saints allowed 500 yards or more in four games this season. … Carolina's two highest-scoring outputs of the season game against New Orleans. It won the first meeting 35-27 in Week 2. … Brees is responsible for three of the six 5,000-yard passing seasons in NFL history.


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Watch out: By 2029, robots will be smarter than people
(NEWSER) – If you're concerned that robots might one day gain sentience and rise up against the humans, a recent proclamation from Google's director of engineering probably will not calm you: Ray Kurzweil says that by 2029, computers will be smarter than even the smartest people. Kurzweil, a leading artificial intelligence developer, says that by then robots will be able to understand human language and learn from experience, the Independentreports.
Read the full story on Newser.com


text:
Firefighters salute 8-year-old who died trying to save his grandfather
Eight-year-old Tyler Doohan will be laid to rest on Wednesday as the most honored of honorary firefighters, saluted by his local fire company as one of its own who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.
"This kid should be thought of as a true hero who lost his life," Chief Chris Ebmeyer of the volunteer Penfield Fire Company outside Rochester, N.Y., said on Friday.
Ebmeyer reported that Tyler had been sleeping at the front of his grandfather's house trailer early on the morning of January 20, when he awoke to see flames. The boy managed to rouse six other people and get to them to safety, including an aunt and two other children, aged 4 and 6.
Tyler then heard calls for help and realized that his disabled grandfather and step-great-grandfather were still inside. Tyler had a particular bond with the grandfather, who was the kind of guy who was always quick to assist a neighbor or to help somebody in need even though he did not have all that much himself. The grandfather, 54-year-old Steven Smith, had lost part of a leg and got around in a wheelchair or on crutches.
The aunt tried to hold Tyler, but he broke free and dashed back inside the 14-by-60 foot metal trailer, which had become a kind of huge oven. The heat was just mounting to the point at which the flammable material inside the trailer suddenly ignited in an instantaneous inferno known as a flashover.
The aunt tried to go after the boy, but the fire drove her back. The first of the first responders arrived and sought to gain entry through the rear. He, too was forced to retreat.
"Impossible," Ebmeyer later said.
The other firefighters who arrived could only battle the blaze from the outside.
"Untenable," Ebmeyer recalled.
Once the flames were knocked down, the firefighters entered to find Tyler in the back, having managed to get within a few feet from the bed where his grandfather lay. His step-great-grandfather, 57-year-old Louis Beach, was also found dead, on the incinerated remnants of what might have been a sofa.
Read The Full Article On The Daily Beast
More articles from The Daily Beast:
- A Former Army Ranger Copes with His Friends Suicides and Asks What He Could Have Done to Help Them
- How Young People are Being Left Out of the Economic Recovery
- The Louisiana Public School Cramming Christianity Down Students' Throats
© 2013 Newsweek/Daily Beast Company LLC


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Mort Silverblatt Head & Neck Cancer Support Group
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
1:30 pm
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The Mort Silverblatt SPONHC Chapter of the Head & Neck Support Group meets every second Tuesday of the month. This support and educational group is open to patients, survivors, and caregivers.
For this meeting, please go to Suite 100 and check in with greeter upon arrival. For more information, please contact Penny Fisher, M.S., R.N., C.O.R.L.N., at 305-243-4952.


text:
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Ten Commandments for the Happy Writer
But believe it or not, writing and happiness can, in fact, go together. For our Thursday entry in Positivity Week, here are ten ways for a writer to stay positive:
1. Enjoy the present. Writers are dreamers, and dreamers tend to daydream about the future while concocting wildly optimistic scenarios that involve bestsellerdom, riches, and interviews with Ryan Seacrest. In doing so they forget to enjoy the present. I call this the "if only" game. You know how it goes: if only I could find an agent, then I'll be happy. When you have an agent, then it becomes: if only I could get published, then I'll be happy. And so on. The only way to stay sane in the business is to enjoy every step as you're actually experiencing it. Happiness is not around the bend. It's found in the present. Because writing is pretty great -- otherwise why are you doing it?
2. Maintain your integrity. With frustration comes temptation. It's tempting to try and beat the system, whether that's by having someone else write your query, lying to the people you work with, or, you know, concocting the occasional fake memoir. This may even work in the short term, but unless you are Satan incarnate (and I hope you're not) it will steadily chip away at your happiness and confidence, and your heart will shrivel and blacken into something they show kids in health class to scare them away from smoking. Don't do it.
3. Recognize the forces that are outside of your control. While it's tempting to think that it's all your fault if your book doesn't sell, or your agent's fault or the industry's fault or the fault of a public that just doesn't recognize your genius, a lot of times it's just luck not going your way. Chance is BIG in this business. Huge. Gambling has nothing on the incredibly delicate and complex calculus that results in a book taking off. Bow before the whims of fate, because chance is more powerful than you and your agent combined.
4. Don't neglect your friends and family. No book is worth losing a friend, losing a spouse, losing crucial time with your children. Hear me? NO book is worth it. Not one. Not a bestseller, not a passion project, nothing. Friends and family first. THEN writing. Writing is not an excuse to neglect your friends and family. Unless you don't like them very much.
5. Don't Quit Your Day Job. Quitting a job you need to pay the bills in order to write a novel is like selling your house and putting the proceeds into a lottery ticket. You don't have to quit your job to write. There is time in the day. You may have to sacrifice your relaxation time or sleep time or reality television habit, but there is time. You just have to do it.
6. Keep up with publishing industry news. It may seem counterintuitive to follow the news of a business in which layoffs currently constitute the bulk of headlines. But it behooves you to keep yourself informed. You'll be happier (and more successful) if you know what you're doing.
7. Reach out to fellow writers. No one knows how hard it is to write other than other people who have tried to do it themselves. Their company is golden. If you're reading this it means you have an Internet connection. Reach out and touch a writer. And plus, the Internet allows you to reach out to writers without smelling anyone's coffee breath.
8. Park your jealousy at the door. Writing can turn ordinary people into raving lunatics when they start to believe that another author's success is undeserved. Do not begrudge other writers their success. They've earned it. Even if they suck.
9. Be thankful for what you have. If you have the time to write you're doing pretty well. There are millions of starving people around the world, and they're not writing because they're starving. If you're writing: you're doing just fine. Appreciate it.
10. Keep writing. Didn't find an agent? Keep writing. Book didn't sell? Keep writing. Book sold? Keep writing. OMG an asteroid is going to crash into Earth and enshroud the planet in ten feet of ash? Keep writing. People will need something to read in the resulting permanent winter.
233 comments:«Oldest ‹Older 1 – 200 of 233 Newer› Newest»
- Yat-Yee said...
Nathan, you're really digging this positivity thing, aren't you? :)
Thanks for these practical tips. I especially like:
About to lose a friend? Stop writing and pay attention to what's really important.
Asteroid coming? Keep writing.
- March 5, 2009 at 1:06 PM
- Dara said...
I'm so going to print this off and put it in my study :)
Thanks for these ten commandments!
- March 5, 2009 at 1:07 PM
- BarbS. said...
Nice, Nathan. Definitely a keeper. Thanks!
- March 5, 2009 at 1:10 PM
- BookEnds, LLC said...
One of the best posts I've seen in a long time. This should be on every writer's board.
--jessica faust
- March 5, 2009 at 1:11 PM
- Vegas Linda Lou said...
Excellent post, Nathan! And these commandments can be applied to everyone, not just writers.
Thank you for all the work you put into maintaining such an interesting and informative blog.
- March 5, 2009 at 1:12 PM
- Davin Malasarn said...
- This comment has been removed by the author.
- March 5, 2009 at 1:24 PM
- Ink said...
And when Permanent Winter arrives books and manuscript pages will make great kindling. Survival of the wordiest.
- March 5, 2009 at 1:27 PM
- Vancouver Dame said...
Nathan, this is the best blog post this week, and you say it so well. I plan to post the 'Ten Commandments' in my writing spot to keep me in focus when doubt creeps in. I like the tenacity that you encourage, and the way you don't condescend to your readers like some writing blogs do. There's a very good reason that you have a great following - you give back to us, the readers.
I liked the link to the E.A. Poe article, one of my early favorite authors. It must be that sensitive, creative nature in writers that brings out the worst in us when things get us down. Thanks for giving us the 10 reasons we should believe in ourselves. Hope you have a great Thursday.
- March 5, 2009 at 1:28 PM
- Peter Gajdics said...
Mr. Bransford: I have to say that aside from being wildly informative, your site manages to always put a smile on my face. You are witty beyond belief. Thank you for all you do to help writers.
- March 5, 2009 at 1:28 PM
- thumbtack4k said...
I'm about to graduate college and every day for me has been a struggle lately because I keep getting pounded with news about publishing and journalism going under or dying out or whatever everyone is saying now. I find that I've been beating myself up a lot about things I can't control like getting ignored when I send out a resume or submissions. Things like this really brighten my day and give me some hope.. or at least make me stop berating myself. Thank you for your posts! I've been reading for a while and not introducing myself even though you said I should so...
My name is Lisa Kilian. I am a soon to be alumnus of the University of North Texas. I love everything about writing, literature, and publishing. I was heartbroken when John Updike died but when I read the obit in the New York Times, it made me get up and start getting ready for my life in the publishing industry.
- March 5, 2009 at 1:31 PM
- Thomas Burchfield said...
Thanks, Nathan.
An addendum to maintaining integrity; whether your pursuing high-minded literature or the next genre bestseller, always be sure it's a book *you* would want to read. Don't bother chasing the marketplace; they may want vampires this fall, but by next spring, it may be mummies.
- March 5, 2009 at 1:32 PM
- JohnO said...
Another fine post, N. I'm digging "Up with Positivity Week" here on the NBLA blog.
But as usual, I want recompense for feeding you your news peg!
- March 5, 2009 at 1:36 PM
- selestial-owg said...
Love, love, LOVE this post!
Thank you :D
- March 5, 2009 at 1:37 PM
Nathan, you're a peach.
- March 5, 2009 at 1:39 PM
- Lisa Mantchev said...
Yes, yes, a thousand times YES.
- March 5, 2009 at 1:39 PM
- David said...
Those are wonderful, Nathan.
What? Mummies?! Thanks, Thomas Burchfield! Wait! The Vampire Werewolf Zombie Mummy Wars! Wow! That's it! (Oops. I've run out of exclamation marks.)
- March 5, 2009 at 1:41 PM
- Robert A Meacham said...
Your tips are spot on. I have experienced the time thing but have not been de-railed by selfishness. Balancing time with family , friends, work, and then writing, makes for a healty life. One thing I have discovered, and you said it well, is to keep writing.
- March 5, 2009 at 1:41 PM
- Brian F. said...
- March 5, 2009 at 1:45 PM
Or write that ass - asteroid - right into the next scene!!??
- March 5, 2009 at 1:49 PM
- lotusgirl said...
Positivity looks GREAT on you. Everyone needs to read these 10Cs.
- March 5, 2009 at 1:50 PM
In a VERY tough personal week,
Thank You for presenting
Positivity Week.
(word verification was gonshi:
translation gone she or otherwise a gonner who is also female)
- March 5, 2009 at 1:51 PM
"Maybe it's similar to the idea that some people want to have a wedding and some people want to get married."
I love it. So true. Thank you for an uplifting week. And Marley & Me out in Germany today - positive posts AND puppies all in one week!
- March 5, 2009 at 1:52 PM
- T. Anne said...
Geez Nathan, you've thought of the upside to a permanent winter! You really are on a roll!
- March 5, 2009 at 1:53 PM
Nathan--The only one I disagree with is the last part of #8. People whose writing sucks have not "earned" success if it is given to them. Sorry.
Otherwise, these are great.
- March 5, 2009 at 1:55 PM
- Anne Whitfield - author said...
Very well said.
Sometimes while striving we do lose sight of other things.
Thanks for the reminder.
- March 5, 2009 at 1:57 PM
- Marie said...
And one more:
When I start dreading the empty page, I read. Reading something amazing reminds me why I torment myself so.
- March 5, 2009 at 1:57 PM
- Robena Grant said...
I love these writer's commandments.
Thank you.
- March 5, 2009 at 2:02 PM
- Brian Buckley said...
Amen to #9. When writers complain about how hard writing is, they're really just venting. Writing is hard compared to, say, eating potato chips, but if writing is the toughest thing in your life right now, I think you're doing okay.
- March 5, 2009 at 2:04 PM
- Nathan Bransford said...
Purple Potato Chip-
Yes, they do. Chances are they worked just as hard at it as any other writer. If they happen to catch on with the reading public: good for them. Even if you personally think they suck.
Success isn't "given" to anyone in this business.
- March 5, 2009 at 2:05 PM
How did you know I read your blog?
Also, would you be interested in repping my memoir?
- March 5, 2009 at 2:06 PM
- adrcremer said...
Positivity week is saving my life here in Minnesota, where March (and sometimes April) lead you to believe that asteroid did hit somewhere and we truly are stuck in permanent winter.
Now I know I should keep writing.
- March 5, 2009 at 2:06 PM
Good answer Nathan. I was about to be not so diplomatic to the snack food
- March 5, 2009 at 2:07 PM
- Kiersten said...
Yeah, I learned the whole be happy now thing back when I was desperately querying and then almost died (the near death was not related to the querying, fortunately). Not having an agent kind of paled in relation to not seeing my kids grow up.
And then, hey, got an agent a couple of months later anyway ; ) Plus I still get to see my kids grow up. Things work out.
- March 5, 2009 at 2:08 PM
- Lisa Schroeder said...
Awesome list - people get so caught up in it all and I love your reminders to keep it all in perspective.
Now, I have to get back to work, because I still have that damn, I mean wonderful paycheck-giving, day job.
- March 5, 2009 at 2:08 PM
- Dawn said...
It's amazing that whenever I come here, I find something I NEED to read, know, and learn.
- March 5, 2009 at 2:09 PM
- Jo said...
Bless you!
- March 5, 2009 at 2:10 PM
- Lucy said...
This is a fantastic checklist for any artist. You've got to find a way to be happy in the now~ awesome!
- March 5, 2009 at 2:10 PM
- Dawn said...
But just to add a note: I don't like most of my family. *wink*
- March 5, 2009 at 2:10 PM
- Heidi said...
AMEN!! I'm happiest when I'm writing, which is why I do it.
Not that there aren't times I'd like to drink and beg for money...
And you just about lost me on the giving up reality shows.
- March 5, 2009 at 2:12 PM
- Mary Cunningham said...
I'm speechless! You've nailed it.
- March 5, 2009 at 2:14 PM
- Susan Gabriel said...
Just found this blog from someone posting a link on Twitter. This is a really, really good post. Well-written, clever, witty. I will visit again. Thanks!
- March 5, 2009 at 2:15 PM
- Stephanie Faris said...
Okay, but if an asteroid is heading to earth, I'm going to take a break from writing...
- March 5, 2009 at 2:15 PM
- Ann Victor said...
The asteroid is my favourite!
- March 5, 2009 at 2:15 PM
- Sarah said...
I'd like to add my thanks to the rest; this week's positivity has motivated me to de-lurk, as I missed the last opportunity. Keep up the inspiration and valuable information!
- March 5, 2009 at 2:17 PM
- Justus M. Bowman said...
"They've earned it. Even if they suck."
Ha ha. This is quite funny, but you have a point too.
- March 5, 2009 at 2:20 PM
- Mira said...
These are really good, Nathan.
I'm going to re-read them from time to time for the reminder.
And I'm not just saying that. This is a good list.
- March 5, 2009 at 2:21 PM
- David said...
Delightful post--and I've been surprised all week that you have come up with such authentically positive points.
I'd add another positive thing: having family and friends who support your writing, give honest criticism, and then happily read your revisions. And who hang in there a long, long time.
- March 5, 2009 at 2:22 PM
- ryan field said...
Well done, Sir.
- March 5, 2009 at 2:22 PM
- MaLanie1971 said...
Thank you Nathan, I needed to hear this. As I have forgotten my "be totally present and in the now" mantras.
Oddly enough before reading your Ten Commandments, I just posted on my blog about my obsession with my book.
I was poking fun at myself on my blog but the truth is that my little inner voice has been whispering MaLanie, slow down take care of your family first and enjoy the writing experience.
Thank you again, and by the way your blog has been extremely helpful to me.
- March 5, 2009 at 2:22 PM
- Jackee said...
Thanks for this beautiful list, Nathan. You are awesome and I think you've made all our day!
Hurray for positivity.
- March 5, 2009 at 2:25 PM
- L.C. Gant said...
Wow, Nathan! This might very well be your best blogging week ever. Each post has been better than the last.
Considering you aren't a writer yourself (at least, not that I know of), you've got the craft of writing down to a science. Every one of these commandments is spot-on.
I love this post. I'm linking to it on my blog today. Then I'm printing it out and posting it on my wall. I think the publishing world would be a much happier place if every writer knew this list by heart. Thanks for sharing!
P.S. Can we have Positivity Week again? Like, really soon? Once a month, maybe?
- March 5, 2009 at 2:26 PM
- Ulysses said...
Stephen King said, "Life is not a way to support your writing, writing should be a way to support your life." (or words to that effect).
On the other hand, we have Asimov: "If my doctor told me I had only six minutes to live, I wouldn't brood. I'd type a little faster."
I figure, if you're not happy, writing success isn't going to change that. Happiness comes from something other than riches, or accomplishments or laurels. Happiness comes from seeing the beauty in just being who and where and when you are and enjoying that. Everything else is just a way of having fun.
... this from a man out of his depth in a parking-lot puddle.
- March 5, 2009 at 2:27 PM
- Joann Mannix said...
In the karmic order of the universe, you are a soul of light, Nathan. I do so believe that. Your positivity week has bolstered my waning confidence and given me that gentle, kind-hearted slap on the tush to keep going.
And as for the moroseness of writers, it is why we can tell our stories the way we do...our hearts bleed like no others. That's why my family rolls their eyes at me when I'm really feeling the moment, weeping away on Christmas morning or cuddling with a kitty or watching green frogs sing about rainbows....It's all about feeling it.
- March 5, 2009 at 2:37 PM
- Rick Daley said...
I recall in one post or comment, you said you didn't consider yourself to be a writer. I beg to differ with you. I think you are a talented writer, and you're not too shabby as a philosopher, either.
WORD VERIFICATION: rerru. What Scooby-Doo says when he's in trouble.
- March 5, 2009 at 2:43 PM
- Windy said...
I love it! Thanks for helping to keep things in perspective!
- March 5, 2009 at 2:47 PM
- Rachel said...
Great post. I really loved #9 and #1. I think if you enjoy the present and realize how incredibly lucky you are to have a home, food, and friends, everything else will fall into place...appreciation of your friends/family, hard work, enjoyment of others' success...
- March 5, 2009 at 2:49 PM
- Bane of Anubis said...
Excellent points.
"They've earned it. Even if they suck." - priceless :).
- March 5, 2009 at 2:50 PM
- Marilyn Peake said...
Thank you so much for today's post, Nathan. This past year, when the economy went south and publishing businesses cut way back, I suddenly discovered and have been living by those same ten commandments. They work. I'm finally happy exactly where I'm at with writing. Sure, I hope to make more money at it someday; but writing is a pretty fun gig even without huge advances and major contracts, and it's never worth sacrificing too much of the other important areas of your life.
Your sense of humor cracks me up. I read part of your blog post outloud to my husband today. You have an amazing way with words.
- March 5, 2009 at 2:51 PM
- Sharon A. Lavy said...
Positively nice post.
- March 5, 2009 at 2:52 PM
- Scott said...
Thanks, Nathan, great advice!
What about the 11th Commandment: have plenty of wine or other 'adult' beverages on hand when the rejection letter comes in!
Kidding. This post will definitely make it to the corkboard next to the computer.
Okay, word verify is 'itigater' - is this someone who uses the word 'it' inapproriately throughout their writing?
- March 5, 2009 at 2:55 PM
- Lynn Raye Harris said...
I've never commented here before, but this was awesome. I've been having a good week, actually, and feeling quite happy with the state of my career. But good days can be followed by bad, so very good advice for every day. :)
- March 5, 2009 at 2:58 PM
Nathan, positivity suits you. You'd make a good psychologist. Seriously, my day job is working as a clinical psychologist and I'm forever reminding people "Wherever you go, there you are." Happy people tend to be happy regardless of the details of their lives, and unhappy people who tell me they'll be happy as soon as they change jobs, win the lotto, etc. don't realize that happiness is not an external event but an internal one. If you live in the present, that takes care of many things on your list anyway (spending time w/ family, etc.)
As always, thanks for the great post and hope everyone has a great day!
- March 5, 2009 at 2:59 PM
- Stephen Parrish said...
You earned your blog pay today.
- March 5, 2009 at 2:59 PM
- Donna Hosie said...
LOL @ number ten!
- March 5, 2009 at 3:00 PM
- sylvia said...
This is lovely. I want to see it framed.
- March 5, 2009 at 3:01 PM
- Amber Lynn Argyle said...
Authors are dramatic people. How could we write if we weren't? Still, sometimes I need to remember "it's no big deal." I repeat this to myself constantly in the hopes that I will eventually believe it. :)
- March 5, 2009 at 3:02 PM
- Laraine Herring said...
Rock on, Nathan. :-)
OK, I'm a little late on coming out of the lurking closet, but I'm here. I share your blog w/my novel writing students. You pull no punches, and I (and they) really appreciate that. (I teach creative writing.)
I do have an agent and I am published, and none of it matters in the big scheme of things. I wish I'd found your blog 20 years ago (not that it was around!) when I was looking for said agent, said publisher, said career :-) -- your advice and humor are gifts to the writing community. Your blog has helped ground me in all this current upheaval. Thanks for the efforts.
- March 5, 2009 at 3:02 PM
- Cass said...
I realy love this positivity week.
These Ten Commandments are now going to be posted on my wall above my computer.
- March 5, 2009 at 3:03 PM
- Craven said...
I'll add one more piece of e-litter to this mounting pile.
Thank you. Especially for #4. It's a little too easy to become consumed and forget what's really important.
- March 5, 2009 at 3:06 PM
Well, 7 and 8 have generally made me a less happy writer. But good advice all around.
- March 5, 2009 at 3:11 PM
As an experiment I went outside one summer night and found I could read in the back garden at half-past ten at night. Now I shall have to go out and look out for asteroids as they could be featured in the next novel.When the world comes to an end, I shall positively be taking notes......
- March 5, 2009 at 3:12 PM
- Marilyn Peake said...
Discovered some huge news today regarding eBooks. Apparently, Barnes & Noble has purchased Fictionwise and may have plans to open their own e-Bookstore: news announcement.
Fictionwise has an announcement on their website.
- March 5, 2009 at 3:20 PM
- Jen said...
To fit in with positivity week I stopped watching the news in the morning and started watching Spongebob Squarepants. I highly recommend this - I have been in a much better mood every day without all of the doom and gloom of the news in the morning!
You can get your doom and gloom in the paper at lunch, or on the 4pm, 5pm, 6pm, 10pm or 11pm news (or, on one of the 10 news channels).
But I digress... Love the commandments. And just think, if you survived the asteroid hitting Earth while half the population got wiped out, you'd have a much better corner on the book market...
- March 5, 2009 at 3:35 PM
- Steve Fuller said...
11. The delicious nectar of alcohol. Sweet, sweet alcohol.
- March 5, 2009 at 3:36 PM
- nancorbett said...
Happily, these are things that I try to practice. I'm enjoying the journey for the most part. I don't ever want to forget that I write because I love to, not because I want to be published. I do want to be published. But that's not why I write.
But, when I saw the word, Commandments, I shuttered. That word makes me feel like a lightening bolt is poised for my head.
- March 5, 2009 at 3:40 PM
- Charlotte said...
Thanks, Nathan, for warming the cockles of this writer's heart. I especially love #10.
- March 5, 2009 at 3:41 PM
- Griffin Asher said...
Ooo, this is a great list to keep at hand.
Thanks for posting them.
- March 5, 2009 at 3:44 PM
I still respectfully disagree, Nathan. People who have not 'earned' it are successful all the time in all ventures, publishing included.
I think the commandment about not being jealous of the situation is a good one, but it should be revised to not let this fact of life make you look over your shoulder and corrupt your work.
People succeed without earning that success all the time. We just have to get over that fact and move on--unless one wants to be one of them.
- March 5, 2009 at 3:46 PM
- Nancy Coffelt said...
The first 9 should be givens if you're a thoughtful, balanced human being - oh wait - we're talking about writers here!
But seriously, take number 10 seriously.
I mean that seriously.
- March 5, 2009 at 3:52 PM
- pjd said...
the fault of a public that just doesn't recognize your genius
You mean that's not it?
Regarding #4: Did you recently get married or something?
Oh, yeah, by the way: Good advice, every one. The type of advice that people will ignore until they learn it for themselves through experience.
- March 5, 2009 at 4:02 PM
Thank you, Nathan.
A friend of mine likes to say there are three common things that are not so common any more in our world: common courtesy, common decency, and common sense. You display all three to an uncommon degree, and thus are a credit to your generation and to the publishing industry. Again, thank you.
- March 5, 2009 at 4:29 PM
- Toni said...
This is better than Prozac! Your commandments keep everything in perspective.
- March 5, 2009 at 4:34 PM
- Horserider said...
Thank you for posting this Nathan. :) I'm going to copy/paste it into a word document. I think everyone needs to read #8. There's been so much bashing of Paolini, Meyer, and Rowling lately. (not saying they suck. I love them)
Friends...friends...all my friends are writer type friends. Writing didn't come between me and my best friend, moving did.
- March 5, 2009 at 4:34 PM
- rightonmom said...
Ah, you're the writer sage to my writer grasshopper...thank you thank you.
Seriously, well said.
- March 5, 2009 at 4:38 PM
- Michelle Miles said...
My two favorite: #5 and #7. You are SO right!
- March 5, 2009 at 4:49 PM
- Jen said...
Purple Potato Chip said...
I still respectfully disagree, Nathan. People who have not 'earned' it are successful all the time in all ventures, publishing included.
I agree, in some instances - does Paris Hilton, with her ghost-written book, deserve to call herself a published author? I think not.
Word Verification - Corgis. Cue the Queen...
- March 5, 2009 at 4:52 PM
- Nathan Bransford said...
I don't even think it's worth begrudging Paris Hilton. If you want her success and everything that comes with it (including that book deal).... uh, more power to you, but it probably says more about you than her.
- March 5, 2009 at 4:54 PM
Purple potato chip-
I will dare to say I could rip apart at least five of your top ten favorite bands. It's a gift and I'm a music snob. Does it mean that the bands, for the most part, didn't put time and energy and more time into that album? No. They worked hard on something that they knew the radio stations would play.
But I'm just being mean now and perhaps I'm wrong, perhaps have as much taste as me when it comes to such things so I am wrong. All I'm saying is Nathan's probably right.
Even the celebrities had to work their brains real hard to think of something interesting that happened to them.
- March 5, 2009 at 4:54 PM
- Alexa said...
Excellent ideas for writing and life. Especially number 1, I only recently got that and started enjoying the present rather than looking to the future!
- March 5, 2009 at 4:55 PM
- Merry Monteleone said...
I didn't read all the comments on this one, but can I print it and put it on my fridge?
I like you on the happiness wagon, Nathan.
Thanks for the smile today.
- March 5, 2009 at 5:09 PM
I must not have written that clearly enough. It's not a matter of taste. People like different things, and who knows what will strike thousands of people's fancies all at one time. We agree on that.
I'm talking about people who have success with books (get a book published, sell thousands of copies, etc.) who have not earned it because they did very little to nothing at all in terms of writing it, or something similar to that.
Most of us knew a "golden" guy or gal in school for whom everything seemed to go their way without any effort on their parts whatsoever. That's what I mean. It's just a fact of the universe that this happens. It happens in publishing like everywhere else. Maybe you have to live a lot of years and see this enough to come to terms with it.
I totally agree with Nathan, though, that 'happy writers' don't waste time shaking their fists at the sky over the injustice of this situation. All I'm saying is that there are people who don't earn their success but still get it, and that happens in publishing like everywhere else.
- March 5, 2009 at 5:49 PM
- Jovanna said...
Good advice, Nathan.
...and the ants come marching in... there's this annoying song in my head. :)
- March 5, 2009 at 5:56 PM
- Litgirl01 said...
True...many creative people aren't the happiest. Seems that sometimes creativity comes from passion and angst.
The best advice is to seek company with other writers. It really helps!
I don't put much stock in being published or finding an agent. I will keep writing because I love it. If I publish, great! If I don't,that's okay too. At least I accomplished my own goals. That's all I can control.
- March 5, 2009 at 5:57 PM
Okay purple potato chip.
I concede only because something in my comments told you know that I was a feckless youth. I just have a hard time seeing how the golden boy got plucked from his obscurity selling stocks and became a best selling author. But if you've been doing this awhile, you know better than me.
And I did think the word "sucks" implied taste, but I get what you're saying now and will stop arguing.
- March 5, 2009 at 5:59 PM
- Phil Ruggiero said...
Great advice - especially keeping your day job (is you happen to have one in this economy).
Where does one find publishing news?
So, how do you read every query within 24 hours, maintain a very useful blog, and represent writers?
- March 5, 2009 at 6:11 PM
- Dan Krokos said...
Reading what those authors had to say was depressing.
- March 5, 2009 at 6:13 PM
- robinellen said...
Thank you.
- March 5, 2009 at 6:15 PM
Beautifully timed!
I have blagged myself a ticket to a very prestigious event & was second guessing my cheeky manoeuvre. Now I'm going to stand in the room among 39 much-more-successful-than-I-am authors and think positive. I shall fake it 'til I make it!
- March 5, 2009 at 6:17 PM
- Scott said...
Steve Fuller said...
11. The delicious nectar of alcohol. Sweet, sweet alcohol.
Well observed, sir. Might I add...
12. A sexy desktop picture. Or two.
- March 5, 2009 at 6:19 PM
- Richard Lewis said...
Getting published is a great validation of hard work and cultivated talent, but it doesn't who you are or your life. Nothing magical happens on the other side of the Great ISBN Divide.
So I'd like to add, that when you get published, these same ten commandments still apply.
Great post, Nathan.
- March 5, 2009 at 6:20 PM
- Maria Schneider said...
Wow, there must be something in the San Francisco air.
- March 5, 2009 at 6:25 PM
- Denise Eagan said...
Nathan, thank you. For the list and Positivity Week. I think a lot of us really needed it.
- March 5, 2009 at 6:26 PM
- irishoma said...
Excellent post! What wonderful and uplifting advice; you should write a book.
- March 5, 2009 at 6:29 PM
My previous comment makes it sound as though I'm going to ignore your advice & tell big fat porkies about my success. I haven't, honest. I'm polishing the final draft of my MS as we speak/type and then off it will go with a shiny query to the agent at the top of my list. I RSVP'd to the event on the off chance that they would take pity on me...and they have. Hence the freaking out.
The event is about making connections in the industry and the stepping stones to success and a publishing deal. So far so good, only it is being held at a very swanky venue and half the attendees share space on my bookshelves! Scary stuff.
- March 5, 2009 at 6:29 PM
All so very true. The ones I second most heartily? Keep the freaking day job, and do not neglect family and friends. Both will support, sustain and nourish you through the inevitable hard lumps on the road to your own rainbow connection.
- March 5, 2009 at 6:52 PM
- Tricia said...
Commandment number 13.
Don't write on the 13th--it's bad luck.
- March 5, 2009 at 7:02 PM
- Kristin Laughtin said...
Great post, and useful for both writers and their non-writing friends. I'm a big advocate of #1. Yes, my goal is to work toward publication one day, but it's nice to be able to still enjoy writing as a hobby right now, one I could choose to engage in as much or as little as I wish without worrying about deadlines or rejections or reader reaction. #3 and 5 are great for dealing with friends and family who think I should submit now and become and instant bestseller, and #6 is one of the best things I've done since deciding to pursue this path.
- March 5, 2009 at 7:05 PM
Commandment 13 exception:
Always write on Friday the 13th if you are a Horror writer or one of those special people who sneers in the face of superstition!
(some of our BEST writers!!)
- March 5, 2009 at 7:08 PM
- m clement hall said...
Nathan, I took the liberty of putting an abbreviated version of this on the Authonomy Forum, together with your url and a strong suggestion anyone seriously interested in writing should follow your blog.
I hope that's okay.
If not, I can wipe it.
best wishes,
- March 5, 2009 at 7:08 PM
- Whirlochre said...
Oh you great big hairy orange throbber, you.
Humungoids cast into voids.
- March 5, 2009 at 7:13 PM
- Jen said...
Nathan Bransford said...
I don't even think it's worth begrudging Paris Hilton. If you want her success and everything that comes with it (including that book deal).... uh, more power to you, but it probably says more about you than her.
Whoa! I don't begrudge her, nor would I want her life. I like my own life! I probably should have read all the comments before commenting, but I just picked up on the potato man's comment and agreed that not everyone who has a book with their name on it actually wrote it.
*backs out of the room cautiously*
- March 5, 2009 at 7:25 PM
Nathan= Thank you for making even me think that publishing on-line might not be the horror I thought it was. Also showing us that an agent can have a heart! And making us smile...
Why does your message come into my mailbox so much later than into everyone else's?
- March 5, 2009 at 8:15 PM
Nathan Bransford, your post offended me.
In the midst of positivity week, no less.
Some of us consider ourselves persons of integrity. Not perfect but real. Road-tested. Put to the flame. And in this post you equate writers who dare pay someone to write a query letter with Satan incarnate. (Well, technically you write: "2. Maintain your integrity. With frustration comes temptation. It's tempting to try and beat the system, whether that's by having someone else write your query, lying to the people you work with, or, you know, concocting the occasional fake memoir." THEN you mention Satan incarnate.)
ARGH! To be associated in the same breath with inveterate liars and memoir fakers! (Never mind Satan.)
I respectfully ask you to apologize. As a loyal reader.
I am the Satan-ette who once dared post here, under my real name, about paying a professional years ago to rewrite a query. It took a bit of courage by the way, to say so in a public forum. Your comments and personal response piqued me into deciding never to borrow from that rewritten query again (and the YA agent I'd hooked for another book was from a transom query I wrote myself). But the lessons learned from the pro, years ago, taught me a lot that my writers' groups didn't. For example, keep the query lean. And as you say, spend less time talking about us and more about the book. (The pro was right, as you are.)
Nathan, rescue my good name from the muck. No integrity! We wonder what's next. Perhaps having feedback on one's query from a writer's group will be deemed unethical. Or using knowledge gained from a fellow writer to recraft our proposal package will be condemned. Or—may the sensitive avert their eyes—having a PUBLISHED WRITER refer us to her agent… Heavens forfend!
At least agents are the bastions of integrity.
I will now withdraw to the ranks of the lowly and unwashed. Those naked among us, stripped of our integrity.
- March 5, 2009 at 8:17 PM
- GuyStewart/DISCOVERCHURCH said...
Thank you.
- March 5, 2009 at 8:27 PM
By now, Nathan, your hat should be fitting a bit tight. But it is all well deserved! I have enjoyed this week's blogs the most since first lurking around these parts.
Your points are very valid.
It is not always easy in this modern world to be content, but content is where we should be when we are writing.
One thing...it is often the times we think our world is falling apart, things couldn't be worse, or that the "end of the world isn't coming fast enough," that we can find new perspectives and understandings that the blue skies could never give us. David Morrell said that a bad childhood is a goldmine. It can be, but only if we make it a positive, not a negative thing.
Thank you for all the news, great ideas, inside perspectives and your witty humor, too.
- March 5, 2009 at 8:32 PM
- Nathan Bransford said...
I've never said that people can't or shouldn't get help with their query, whether that's feedback from a support group or a paid service. I just want to hear from authors in their own words and don't believe authors should misrepresent their work.
- March 5, 2009 at 8:44 PM
- Nathan Bransford said...
Oops!! I didn't mean "you" in the sense of "YOU clearly want Paris Hilton's career," I meant "you" in the hypothetical sense, as in, someone else "if someone wants, etc. etc." Sorry. That comment wasn't directed at you personally, just making a general point.
- March 5, 2009 at 8:46 PM
- Cassandra said...
If we didn't have these bad times, how would we have the appreciation of the good times? The only way we can go from rock bottom is up!
- March 5, 2009 at 9:23 PM
- Laura D said...
Great post, Nathan. I'd add keep the old chin up and plug on in my personal list.
- March 5, 2009 at 9:33 PM
- Jen said...
Nathan Bransford said...
Oops!! I didn't mean "you" in the sense of "YOU clearly want Paris Hilton's career," I meant "you" in the hypothetical sense, as in, someone else "if someone wants, etc. etc." Sorry. That comment wasn't directed at you personally, just making a general point.
Haha, that's OK. I was just thinking OMG am I giving off some weird Paris-wannabe vibe? Is it all the OMGs?
All's well that end's well, though! And, I don't think you should retract your statment about writers having integrity. I wholeheartedly agree.
- March 5, 2009 at 9:35 PM
- Marla Taviano said...
This is delightful.
- March 5, 2009 at 9:35 PM
- Kathy Kulig said...
Excellent advice Nathan. We need that positive slap up side the head now and then. Thank you!
Best, Kathy www.kathykulig.com
- March 5, 2009 at 9:49 PM
- a kelly said...
Thanks for the encouragement and the reality check. This sometimes negative writer thanks you!
- March 5, 2009 at 9:57 PM
- Writer from Hell said...
Wow! Those are the ten commandments really! Point no. 9 really puts things in perspective. Your writing is like rushing gurgling water refreshing and energising all around!
You are superb....Mr. Brown (yours truly, WfH)
- March 5, 2009 at 10:12 PM
- James said...
That was well written and very good. Maybe you should forget the day job and become a writer yourself. lol You'd be a good one.
- March 5, 2009 at 10:24 PM
I suggest rewriting rule 5 to read:
Rule 5) Expatriate. Leave the country! By living overseas somewhere cheap, you can devote all your time to writing, plus the foreign landscape will give you something interesting to write about.
- March 5, 2009 at 10:33 PM
- D. Michael Olive said...
Very insightful. I never wanted to be Hemingway, just wanted to have some fun and entertain. My wife calls it my midlife crisis but she loves it. She told me some men by expensive cars, some have affairs, I write. And she knows if I disappear for a while, I'm in my office creating world disasters to be solved by my protagonist. My kids tell me as they read my books, they can tell when I've had a bad day because I usually kill off somebody violently. For me, it's a great stress reliever. Thanks again.
- March 5, 2009 at 10:35 PM
- D. Michael Olive said...
Very insightful. I never wanted to be Hemingway, just wanted to have some fun and entertain. My wife calls it my midlife crisis but she loves it. She told me some men buy expensive cars, some have affairs, I write. And she knows if I disappear for a while, I'm in my office creating world disasters to be solved by my protagonist. My kids tell me as they read my books, they can tell when I've had a bad day because I usually kill off somebody violently. For me, it's a great stress reliever. Thanks again.
- March 5, 2009 at 10:36 PM
- Carolyn Matkowsky said...
Thank you, Nathan. This is a great post and just what I needed to yank me from the writing doldrums.
- March 5, 2009 at 10:37 PM
- candicekennington said...
Hear, Hear!
- March 5, 2009 at 10:39 PM
- Thomma Lyn said...
*grin*, these are wise, wonderful, witty, and true. Thanks!
- March 5, 2009 at 10:45 PM
- Moose said...
Nathan, I'm sorry for drinking so much. Could you please send me some money?
- March 5, 2009 at 10:54 PM
- Renee Collins said...
Love, love, love this post, Nathan. Thanks so much!
I am totally a fan of this optimism week idea of yours. You rock!
- March 5, 2009 at 11:55 PM
- TERI REES WANG said...
This is right up my alley of the "Be the tree you want to Be" ...
"Grounding" meditation I just posted.
We could all use a little toes rooted in the soil, and fingertips reaching high in the sky, ..to get us back in the swing of things. Feel free >
- March 6, 2009 at 12:48 AM
- Karen said...
Fantastic commandments. We should all give them a try. Linking to pass on the good news.
- March 6, 2009 at 1:14 AM
- Maripat said...
Wonderful. Thank you.
- March 6, 2009 at 7:03 AM
- Marjory Bancroft said...
Thanks so much for the clarification. I'm now bemused.
You write: "Marjory-I've never said that people can't or shouldn't get help with their query, whether that's feedback from a support group or a paid service. I just want to hear from authors in their own words and don't believe authors should misrepresent their work."
In part I THINK you are distinguishing between ghostwritten vs. rewritten queries. Is that the case?
And if you are using a rewrite (as opposed to feedback from) a paid service, are you then supposed to announce that in the query? We can hardly, in a query, distinguish between sentences we wrote and sentences that a paid service wrote... So you're saying we cannot use said paid-for sentences without sacrificing our integrity? (I swear--beats her breast--that these are not rhetorical questions.)
Feeling befuddled.
- March 6, 2009 at 7:55 AM
- Steve Fuller said...
It's like we share a brain. If you're ever in Cincinnati, drop me a line and we'll share a pint or two.
- March 6, 2009 at 9:28 AM
- Rowenna said...
Love it! And a nuance to #1--enjoy the fact that you can write! There are plenty of people who love to read and have beautiful ideas but aren't granted the gift of expressing them. When you think about it, the ability and desire to put words down on paper is pretty mind-boggling.
verification: chiestio. Is this the new Cheetos brand tortilla chip hybrid?
- March 6, 2009 at 9:29 AM
Like lots of other writers, I waste way too much time reading blogs that are often info-lite and unredeeming. Or even worse, downright nasty, leaving a sour aftertaste (agents who reveal what they really think of the punters, e.g.).
Thanks for writing this and redeeming my trip through blog-land today. If I ever teach another creative writing class, you will bet that the kiddos get a copy of this (with credit to you, of course).
- March 6, 2009 at 9:54 AM
- lkmadigan said...
Why are you so awesome?
- March 6, 2009 at 10:15 AM
- Lady Glamis said...
Oh, wow, what an awesome post, Nathan! Thank you. :)
- March 6, 2009 at 11:00 AM
- Damyanti said...
This is a great post. Linked to it from my blog, hoping to pass the good word.
- March 6, 2009 at 11:22 AM
- Scott said...
It's like we share a brain. If you're ever in Cincinnati, drop me a line and we'll share a pint or two.
Will do, Steve. And if you're in Jersey--southern part--give me a shout. In the meantime, I'm planning on getting our brain very drunk tonight so I'd be careful if you're planning on operating any heavy machinery.
- March 6, 2009 at 11:48 AM
- Ellegant said...
I just came across your blog and am completely inspired. My day job is the furthest thing from writing, but words are where my heart lies, even if it never brings me money. These are a great reminder that writers start writing because they need to express themselves creativity. Somewhere along the line, however, some lose that passion.
I look forward to reading more of your blog.
- March 6, 2009 at 12:10 PM
- Damiena said...
Fantastic post!
- March 6, 2009 at 12:14 PM
- Kerry Gans said...
I love these 10 commandments!
I especially believe in not sacrificing friends or family. They ground you in the real world and--if they are like my friends and family--also provide a great deal of fodder to use in your books! Also, having lost people I love, I realize that I can live without a published book, but it is very hard to heal after losing a loved one.
I also advocate reaching out to other writers. My "serious" writing career didn't start until I met up with the vibrant writing community in the Doylestown, PA area. Being with others who share my passion, and learning from others farther along in their career and craft (and who generously share their knowledge), energizes me. I always leave workshops and meetings there eager to get back to my writing!
Great post - I am enjoying Positivity Week!
- March 6, 2009 at 12:26 PM
- Kim Stagliano said...
Nathan, hurry up and become a Dad. You're going to be a damn good one.
- March 6, 2009 at 12:44 PM
- Marwa Ayad said...
Your posts are always insightful, Nathan. Keep writing.
I have a question for you (and I would very much appreciate your answer). I'm now a published author, and I live outside the US, so is it easier now for me getting a literary agent for my current manuscript(s)? Just wondering.
Feel free to email me at: email@example.com
Thanks again.
- March 6, 2009 at 2:46 PM
- Susan Fine said...
Thanks so much for all these insights. I read an interview with Michael Chabon a few years back, and I try to keep in mind and apply to my own work what he said about writing. It went something like this, "Writing takes luck, discipline, and talent, and the only thing I can control is the discipline, so I try to be very disciplined." I really enjoyed hearing that from a writer who I think has lots of talent and yet is modest and wonderfully human and also made clear in that statement the work behind writing. I greatly appreciate your encouragement not to be jealous of others. I'm in a group (classof2k9.com) of debut middle grade and ya authors, and it's been a wonderful experience to collaborate, the 22 of us, on getting the word out about our books. Thanks so much for this post!
- March 6, 2009 at 11:00 PM
- lettersfromlordship said...
Re No. 2 -- I just bet you'd sign up to rep Satan incarnate, if he queried you with his memoir!
Great commandments. Thanks.
- March 9, 2009 at 2:53 PM
- Marc Vun Kannon said...
You realize, I hope, that number 3 and number 8 are sort of mutually exclusive. If they earned it, then there's an element of non-luck involved. If it's luck, then they didn't really earn it. Some success is just too big to believe that anyone could ever 'earn' it.
- March 9, 2009 at 3:17 PM
- giddymomof6 said...
This is awesome! I run a blog for a group of mommy writers, do you mind if I post this on there, with credit to you of course? Jenni
- March 9, 2009 at 5:54 PM
- Nathan Bransford said...
Definitely. I just ask for a link back. I appreciate it!
- March 9, 2009 at 5:58 PM
- giddymomof6 said...
Thanks! You're the best. There already is a link to you on the site, but I'll make sure it's in the post too. Jenni
- March 9, 2009 at 6:13 PM
- C.L. Coons said...
Awesome, Nathan!
- March 9, 2009 at 6:23 PM
- austere said...
Will try.
- March 10, 2009 at 6:21 AM
Dear Nathan,
I got very useful tips thru this. its a very informative blog.
there are certain things in life that we cant recognize and we have to be...
Thanks...keep writing for us...
- March 10, 2009 at 10:46 AM
- Josephine Cameron said...
thank you! this is so refreshingly grounded.
- March 10, 2009 at 12:45 PM
- DeborahB said...
It's going to take me awhile to chisel this onto the stone tablets.
- March 10, 2009 at 5:00 PM
- giddymomof6 said...
Thanks again, for the use of your article! You're awesome! Jenni
- March 15, 2009 at 6:06 AM
- Edith said...
I'm a little late, but thanks for the great list, Nathan. I said a little Amen after each one. ;) Re: Asteroid comment, I'm also thinking you read Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer. Love that book.
- March 18, 2009 at 12:05 AM
- Monica said...
Found this through Writer's Digest and glad I did. Was frustrated that I might have to go the agent route and have no clue where to even begin. This helped me relish in the milestones I've already encountered.
- March 18, 2009 at 2:19 PM
- Mitali Perkins said...
Man, your parents did a good job. Pass on the praise.
- March 18, 2009 at 2:20 PM
- Kae and Jon said...
Your positivity week is fabulous! And the Ten Commandments should be tattooed on every writer's forearm. Thanks!
Kae, KT Public Relations & Literary Services
- March 20, 2009 at 10:55 AM
- Rachel Cotterill said...
I believe I'm a naturally happy writer. I write, I enjoy writing (if I wasn't writing I'd just spend that time reading!), and if I'm lucky I get paid. Sounds pretty good to me :)
- March 25, 2009 at 3:53 PM
- David Macinnis Gill said...
Man, I needed to read that. Especially #1.
- March 27, 2009 at 10:23 PM
- Boni Ashburn said...
I'm guessing that if I just got around to reading this post from March 5th in my blog reader and it's now March 31st that I'm probably in violation of a bunch of these Commandments, but I'm going to start out April with a new, fresh perspective thanks to this post. So thanks, Nathan, for reminding us of the things we forget :)
- March 31, 2009 at 10:13 PM
- i love you said...
I needed to read this at this exact second. My work was blatantly copied twice this week and I was letting it affect me.
Thanks very much. It takes great awareness to write with such clarity.
- April 7, 2009 at 11:27 PM
- Janette said...
Whoops, only just found this but the timing is perfect anyway! Thanks Nathan, I'm hooked.
And re #8 - I LOVE it when sucky writing gets success, especially if the reason it sucks is poor structure, weak story, unclear narrative, boring characters or any of the other writing flaws.
That way, the little voice of paranoia in my head that says everyone in the world writes better than I is, for a time, silenced.
After all, if THAT got published, there is still hope for me! :-)
- April 12, 2009 at 9:46 PM
- gillian said...
Thank you, Nathan.
This has been the worst day. My first time to your blog. I don't generally do blogs. This was truly a gift. Sometimes all one needs is simply a kind person to wave along the way.
Thank you for the wave.
- April 14, 2009 at 6:03 PM
- Kirsten Wallace said...
- This comment has been removed by the author.
- April 23, 2009 at 7:38 PM
- Kirsten Wallace said...
Sorry, I had a huge typo in the last comment.
I'm glad I found this today. It was exactly what I needed to read.
Thanks for the positive words, Nathan.
- April 23, 2009 at 7:39 PM
Thank you, thank you, thank you. I'm glad to see that there's possitive influence at work here. I'm totally going to be hooked to your blogs you know... if only you were into fantasy. {sigh}
- April 30, 2009 at 1:51 PM
Nathan, do you have any idea what a gem your blog is - especially to an aspiring author, who has had no formal education in writing (double-majored in chemistry and mathematics in college), and did not speak English until she was fifteen years old? In case you did not know, IT IS! I have learned so much from your blog. Thank YOU!!
- May 13, 2009 at 9:39 PM
You just made my day. I was deeply afraid that I was turning into another Sylvia Plath at the age of nineteen, minus the gas stove incident.
- May 20, 2009 at 5:22 PM
- Chris said...
Just found your blog today. I appreciate your candor and experience... so helpful. My name's Chris and it's nice to meet you.
- June 16, 2009 at 9:32 AM
- Bobby Nash said...
This made my day, Nathan. Absolutely true on all counts.
- June 20, 2009 at 10:33 AM
That is the best advice I have ever recieved as a writer. Thank you. And thank you for the prompt reply to my query this morning.
Best of wishes,
- June 30, 2009 at 1:49 PM
- Donna said...
Nathan, you are the best!!!!!!
- July 3, 2009 at 3:49 AM
Thank you for this! I recently sent you a query (which you very immediately but politely rejected) and it's so easy to take these things personally, when really, a large amount of chance and lucks goes into the process of getting published. Having read other agents blogs as well as yours, yours is the one I check almost daily because you truly seem to care about writers as opposed to implying that they are a necessary evil.
- July 16, 2009 at 2:14 PM
- Louise Curtis said...
*great sigh of delight*
Excellent positivity and perspective. I'm one of the 49% of mentally ill creative types out there (still JUST in a minority, though, which makes us special. . .).
Writing is a weird career with a lot of failure - but it's just so FUN I can't stop :)
want more fun?
follow my two month pirate story written just for twitter (preview post is there, but it doesn't start until August 1 2009):
- July 26, 2009 at 1:23 AM
The strange things is that in a sense, writing, being a spiritual vocation (or at least it should be) should cause those conclusions to emerge naturally.
It seems that it has become fashionable to talk of the writing being a hateful business for a number of contemporary writers. It may be that this is true for some, but the whole bandwagon effect makes me suspicious. Writing is not easy, not by any means, but that and hating it is not the same thing. Among the many other reasons why one writes is a key reason and that is that one depends upon it. For happiness and for sanity. If it is so bad, why do it?
Of course none of what I say is meant to detract from your excellent post. Kudos.
- August 9, 2009 at 12:26 AM
this is fantastic - found via twitter. read number one and found myself laughing and nodding in agreement.
- August 12, 2009 at 2:37 AM
What a shameless load of butt kissers.
- August 14, 2009 at 6:45 AM
- MJ Smith said...
I'm a new writer, and these commandments are something I will read often.
Thanks Mr. Bransford
- August 24, 2009 at 3:48 PM
I do have coffee breath...
- September 10, 2009 at 11:06 AM
- angelicajulia said...
"OMG an asteroid is going to crash into Earth and enshroud the planet in ten feet of ash? Keep writing. People will need something to read in the resulting permanent winter."
-- absolutely loved it :]
Thanks for this post. I've been having problems with remaining optimistic.
- October 20, 2009 at 10:13 PM
Nathan, Thank you for the reality check.
- October 23, 2009 at 10:43 AM
- D.M. SOLIS said...
Dear Nathan,
What can I possibly add? This is so good, I wish I'd said it.
Peace and continued good things for you.
- October 25, 2009 at 4:27 PM
- Marta said...
I've just visited your blog for the first time. Great commandments :)!
- November 25, 2009 at 9:05 AM
Nathan, this is off topic: new format looks great, but I'm a bit dismayed to see there's no longer a search window for us to pull up posts about particular topics/key words... Any chance of changing that?
- December 14, 2009 at 10:03 AM
- annie diamond said...
I agree that aspiring writers should reach out to other writers. Especially those who've written books they hated.
I read a book I didn't like and I contacted the author to let him know and to also say that his tedious, philosophical novel actually inspired me to be a better writer in that it showed me how I should not write. He replied to say he was happy that at least his book was good for something. I thought it was nice of him to reply. But when I tried to reach out to him again he didn't respond. Too bad. I knew there were a few things I could learn from him. I was even going to ask: when you receive negative comments like mine, do they make you want to reach through your computer and slap the persons who send them?
- December 22, 2009 at 10:13 AM
- Clara Rose said...
Nathan, you make me laugh, thanks!
The writers profession is a solitary endeavor but it doesn't have to be lonely :) we are all in this boat together.
I LOVE positive people!
- January 9, 2010 at 8:14 AM
- Kate said...
New to your blog, but finding all of the information tremendously helpful. The commandments are terrific!
- January 12, 2010 at 7:22 PM
- Limari Colón said...
I decided to stop here as well, since I was already in the neighborhood.
Don't panic. I rarely wear hats and lost my sunglasses in Europe.
You are the person I choose to thank today.
I have heard/read many times over that publishing is a ruthless business.
Thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge. Your posts are extremely enjoyable and helpful. Really helpful (If I knew HTML, "really" would be italicized).
You distinguish yourself from other agents, and I thought you should know. :)
- February 10, 2010 at 12:58 PM
- Secret Love said...
Now this is why being a writer is so cool. Other people, mere mortals, are forbidden from lying, stealing, killing and committing adultery; all writers have to do is stuff like keeping up with publishing news, reaching out to fellow writers, and parking their jealousy at the door.
Despite this I still find that I have sinned. I quit the day job and neglect my friends and family - I moved to Thailand to write. I'm doing ok with 1 thru 3, 8,9, and 10, especially number 1.
I feel number 10, keep writing, needs amending to: keep writing on one project and do not start more than three other projects until you have finished at least one.
My curse seems to be pushing a rock up hill, once I overcome inertia and actually get it moving I spot another rock that desperately needs pushing to the summit, I switch rocks. Rock number one doesn't roll back down but it does lose all momentum. Once rock two is moving all of a sudden rock 3 appears far more pressing...
I find it very hard to understand writers who say they are stuck for inspiration. It's not that I wish I had less, I just wish I could impose some kind of order on it. Maybe a kind of idea traffic control system, where highly skilled individuals could keep ideas in a holding pattern until they can safely be handled, all the while keeping an eye on their fuel supply, ensuring they don't fall to the ground prematurely.
I have this fantasy that one day I will actually finish a book and I will enjoy the feeling so much, I will have this surge of directed energy, finishing all my other projects, amazing and astounding my agent and publisher not just with the quality of my work - they will already be in awe of my genius from reading my first completed piece - but with the sheer quantity of completed projects I am able to deliver...
But back to a reality. Time to go for a foot massage (one hour $4 inc tip) before settling down to my 6 hour writing day.
Enjoy your day jobs. I enjoy not having one even more now I know its against the rules.
- February 22, 2010 at 11:32 PM
About number 8, I often haterize people but I dont think its jealosy, but genuine disdane for some of the absoute rubish that finds its way inside my house via the aqueducts known as my wife and daughter. Twilight...GAG.
- March 20, 2010 at 3:40 AM
- Doreen McGettigan said...
Very positive!! Except the asteroid part...I guess I better write faster!
- March 26, 2010 at 2:18 PM
- Notanaturalmartyr said...
Hi, I self-publlshed through Amazon's print-on-demand program, learned a lot and discovered I could promote more than I'd thought. I ended up enjoying it and would do it again.
All it cost was the $39.95 that allowed me to price my book low and the cost of the books. I recouped all this from sales with minimal marketing. I still get unsolicited, overwhelmingly positive, feedback, to the point where I'm about to start looking for a traditional publisher.
- March 26, 2010 at 4:48 PM


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Report: U2 postpones album & tour until 2015
U2 is putting album and tour plans on hold.
Billboard.com says the veteran rockers have pushed back plans for both until 2015 citing the need for more time in the recording studio.
U2 has been working on a new album for months with much anticipation for a release date this year. But a source says it seems to be taking longer for them to finish their latest offering, adding that the band still hasn't found what it's looking for in trying to capture "that magic" it's used to capturing.
U2 guitarist The Edge told "Rolling Stone" last year that the band had 30 songs in various stages of recording but said U2 lives by the rule that they won't let go of anything until they are 100 percent happy with it.
U2 performed last week at the 86th Academy Awards where their song "No Ordinary Love" from Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom was nominated for Best Song. The Oscar eventually went to the song "Let It Go" from the soundtrack to the Disney animated movie Frozen.
Photo Credit Getty Images


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Star Wars Episode VII set 30 years after Jedi
(NEWSER) – Star Wars fanatics now have a timeline for the next episode in the intergalactic space drama. Bob Iger, CEO of the Walt Disney Company, said yesterday at the company's shareholders' meeting that Episode VIIwill take place about 30 years after 1983's Return of the Jedi. And that's not all: "There will be some very familiar faces along with a trio of new young leads," he said. But so far, only one returning character has been officially confirmed: Iger said R2D2 will definitely be back when the film hits theaters on Dec. 18, 2015. Newsy reports:


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WATCH: Evgeni Plushenko figure skating to Ginuwine's 'Pony' is perfection
Evgeni Plushenko has been regarded as one of the best male figure-skaters in the world, and one year skated a very ... um, memorable ... routine to Tom Jones' hit "Sex Bomb." But it seems there is another song more suitible for the exact same routine - Genuine's baby-making hit "Pony."
Check it out below!


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Keith Urban reveals his surprising 'Most Moving Moment' of 'Idol' season 12
Listen to Keith Urban on iHeartRadio
(Yahoo!) - Backstage at night one of this season's "American Idol" finale, judge Keith Urban spoke to the press, and he was asked to recall his most moving moment of Season 12. Was it Kree Harrison's homecoming? Lazaro Arbos's audition? Angie Miller's Boston tribute?
"Hearing that Randy [Jackson] was leaving," Keith answered. When reporters chuckled, Keith added, "It's true!"
Keith and Randy became fast friends this year when they sat on the "Idol" panel together, Keith explained. "I bonded with Randy quickly, because we're both players. I joined an ensemble like this the same way I'd join a band. I like being in a band, I like being in an ensemble, and I like being on a team. And I felt that immediately with Ryan [Seacrest] and Randy, particularly."
However, despite their chumminess, Keith said he found out that Randy was quitting "Idol" after 12 seasons "when everybody else did, literally" — that is, when Randy announced his resignation via E! News last week.
As for whether Keith would like to return to a Randy-less "Idol" next season, if asked, he answered: "Iwould, yeah! I mean, I literally enjoyed coming to work every day. And that's a rarity."
Keith will perform his new single, "Little Bit of Everything," on Thursday night's grand "Idol" finale. Randy is also performing, playing bass on a medley of greatest hits by his longtime friend, fellow judge, and former client, Mariah Carey.
Photo Credit Getty Images


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PAWS Pet of the Week: Meet Tango!
Meet Tango, a pretty two-year old tortie who really needs some kindness in her life. Tango was found in a busy Cleveland neighborhood crying for the attention of restaurant and bar patrons. She was skinny and cold, desperate for food and shelter. Luckily a PAWS volunteer saw her and scooped her up.
Tango has not had an easy life and can sometimes be a little apprehensive about being touched. She is adjusting to her new carefree life and recently discovered the joys of playing with cat toys. She loves being with her foster parents and sleeps peacefully on the end of their bed. Tango is getting used to other kitties and would be a great cat for someone who is looking for an independent but curious pet. Tango has been tested, spayed and is up to date on shots.To read more or comment...
Lost: Rottweiler in Green/Coventry area
Contact Phone Number: 330-802-0347 or 330-802-0009
Email: email@example.com
Jarvis rd. green/coventry area -- We are looking for jada. she is a sweet kind lovable Rottweiler. black with nub tail. she will answer to anybody.and love u as much as we love her.she still has her pink collar on.please contact 3308020347/3308020009 if you have her or seen her. Thank you the kulasa family.To read more or comment...
Found: Small white mix poodle neuter male dog in Clinton
FOUND A SMALL WHITE POODLE MIX DOG MALE NEUTER ALL SHAVED BUT THE EARS AND TAIL. FOUND ON GRILL RD. IN CLINTON OHIO SUNDAY 2/27/11 AT ABOUT 12:00 P.M. 330-603-1294.To read more or comment...
Lost male beagle, mostly black, near Chapel Hill
Our dog was lost either friday evening or sat morn near the Chapel Hill area in the falls. Very friendly about 15 ins tall mostly black with white paws and red collar. Answers to snoopy. 330-962-9191.To read more or comment...
Beautiful Siamese Cat Needs Home
My neighbors put their Siamese kitten out in the winter cold and won't find her a home. Seenatra, a beautiful blue eyed female kitten barely over a year old, needs a home. She is hanging out in my garage and I'm doing everything I can to keep the tom cats away, they're trying their best to get to her so please help me find her a loving home, away from the cold elements and danger. She deserves her own, warm home with a loving family! Please! I already have cats and I tried to bring her in but my cats don't want another roomie.To read more or comment...
Lost Dog in Hartville
Female chow/shepherd mix,reddish/blackish, very short hair. Is very skinny, 32lbs, is insulin-dependent, and losing her eyesight. She needs her shots and special food right away, had a pink collar on, no tags. Her name is Kayla, and is deeply missed! Phone Number: 330-806-9979
Email: email@example.com
SOS Adoptee of the Day: Daisy!
Breed: Calico (mix)
Age: 3 yrs
Gender: Female
Altered: Yes
Ref. no.: 100728R
Found cat in Uniontown, Green area
Found a small to medium female cat in Uniontown, Green area (Meadowood). Must be able to describe distinctive features. 330-703-9036.To read more or comment...
SOS Adoptee of the Day: Patches the Kitty!
Name: Patches
Breed: Calico (mix)
Gender: Female
Altered: Yes
Ref. no.: 091001Q
PAWS Pet of the Week: Meet Shorty!
Short on stature, big on sweetness.
Shorty is a very special girl. Before PAWS rescued her, she suffered some type of terrible trauma that left her without back feet. Don't tell Shorty, though! Despite her disability, she can even manage to jump up onto a king size bed! She gets around fine, primarily walking on her front paws and using her back legs for balance. A litter box with lower sides is a must. And a home on one floor would be ideal as steps can be difficult.To read more or comment...
Lost: Cane Corse in North Hill area
Lost North Hill area Tallmadge Ave, Saturday night 9:30pm.To read more or comment...
Found: Two lab mix pups
Found 2 black lab mix pups. North St. area in Akron. Please call 330-285-7737 and identify.To read more or comment...
SOS adoptee of the day: Beau!
Breed: Australian Shepherd - Chow Chow (mix)
Age: 4 yrs
Gender: Male
Altered: Yes
Ref. no.: 081107R
Beau is a 4 year old Australian Shepherd/Chow mix with a mysterious yet tragic past. He is naturally cautious of strangers due to his Chow mixture but he is deathly afraid of pre-teen and teenage boys. We can only guess what type of life he once had. We are working on his trust issues and his issues with believing that all strangers are bad people and feel he would not be suited in a home with children. Once his trust is earned though, you will reap the benefits of a loving and loyal companion who is happy to just spend time with you. To apply for adoption, please fill out an on-line application at www.saveohiostrays.org. Save Ohio Strays does NOT claim or guarantee any breeds given in this description. These strays come from shelters so there is usually no further knowledge. These are best guess descriptions for breed. SOS NEVER ships pets and will not adopt out to a driving radius greater than 3 hours from Medina, Ohio.To read more or comment...
Found: Dog near Firestone Park Library
Found 02-18-11 around 4 pm near Firestone Park Library. Older male, white face possibly a lab mix. Neutered and house broken. Very well mannered and missing his family. 330-734-5488.To read more or comment...
Lost: Male Golden Retriever
Male Golden Retriever, 3-years-old, went missing 2/16 on east market between 91 and 76 east. Name is Frank (male). He has a black spot on his tongue, very energetic and friendly. If you have any information please contact me, please help us bring our dog home. 330-858-7710.To read more or comment...
SOS Adoptee of the Day: Zena!
Breed: American Bulldog - Pit Bull Terrier (mix)
Gender: Female
Altered: Yes
Ref. no.: 100330M
Ohio Lets Dog Abusers Off Easy
Among all states and their animal cruelty laws, Ohio ranks 45th out of 50 in how the state prosecutes animal abusers.
Back in 2009, pets.ohio.com told you about an Ohio kennel owner who was sued after he starved a dog (and 11 others) in his care. These dogs were left with him by pet owners who had to go on trips and wanted to place their dog in a safe place. Instead, the owners of Nitro, a Rottweiler left at the kennel, were called by police while on their trip and informed that Nitro had been starved to death.To read more or comment...
One of a Kind Pet Rescue Open House
One of a Kind Pet Rescue in Akron, Ohio held a wine and cheese open house on February 16, 2011 to help introduce the public to the facility, which opened on October 2010. Visit them at http://www.oneofakindpets.org/To read more or comment...
Cats sleep where they like
A pets.ohio.com reader sent this photo of her cat, along with a note:
"Ruby has been an odd cat from day one. She has never slept where a normal cat would, nor in a normal cat position. This is her comfy lego spot. Others include, on the top bunk under the blankets, and in Dad's chair upside down."To read more or comment...
Stray Cat Controls Rats at Prime Minister's Home
A stray tabby is being enlisted by British Prime Minister David Cameron to help control a rat problem at his official residence at 10 Downing Street in London.To read more or comment...
PAWS Pet of the Week: Meet Rudy!
DECLAWED Darling, Green Eyed Boy Seeks Loving Home.
Rudy is a gorgeous gray long-nosed cat with huge green eyes. With his very short, 2" tail, he may be a Manx mix. Obviously a former house cat, Rudy was found starving and abandoned, wandering the city streets. He's between 4-6 years old, very well behaved and super sweet.To read more or comment...
Found: Neopolitan Mastiff in the Goodyear Metro parks area
Found in the Goodyear Metro parks area about February 1st. If he is yours please call and describe. 330-697-0873.To read more or comment...
PAWS Pet of the Week: Meet Alexia!
Ring In The New Year With Beautiful Alexia.
About two years old, Alexia is a sweet, domestic short-haired, gorgeous gray and white girl. Having spent time outdoors, cold, lonely and longing for food and friendship, Alexia is just SOOO happy to be warm and well-fed.To read more or comment...
Lost: black lab (female) CINDER
CINDER BLACK LAB HAS BEEN MISSING FROM HOME SINCE MID AFTERNOON 2-6-11 ANY INFO PLEASE CALL 330-475-6608.To read more or comment...
Found Dog on West Exchange Street. Male w red collar
I found a dog around 4:45 (February 7th) wondering in traffic on West Exchange. He is a male, neutered, short hair. mostly black with large ears and weighs about 40 lbs (my best guess). He is very friendly. 330-592-5852To read more or comment...
Lost dog in Suffield off Waterloo Road
I live off of Waterloo Rd in Suffield. My husband let Ebony out at 8:30 a.m and when he went back out to get her she was gone. We searched the entire neighborhood by both car and foot, and have not seen her. I have went door to door and no one knows anything. Ebony was recently groomed, a purple collar and a white and multi-colored bandanna. She is entirely black with the exception of a little gray under her chin. She is the sweetest dog and my family misses her so much. She never gets loose and we are new to the neighborhood, so I don't know if she can find her way back home. I went to the vet on St. Rt 532 in Mogadore and a woman had called and said she found a dog on Waterloo Rd early Sunday morning, so I am praying that is Ebony, If you have any information please call Jodi at (330)532-7243...thank you so much.To read more or comment...
Short hair retriever spotted at Rolling Acres Sears
Stray, medium size, short hair retriever look alike, almost white with tan down center of back. Has a collar with tags; can't get close enough to read tags. Very docile but won't come close.To read more or comment...
Lost: Male Boxer North Hill Area
Please help! Lost Male Boxer Brindle with black face 2 years old. Great dog very friendly! He needs to come home his very missed! 330-819-4789.To read more or comment...
Hattie Larlham facility dog day care to get bigger digs, move closer to Akron-Canton Airport, add staff
By Kathy Antoniotti
Beacon Journal staff writer
Lost: Female black lab mixes Schocalog Rd/White Pond Drive area
Maggie and Lucy both got loose Friday afternoon. Both female black lab mixes, each weighs about 50 pounds, both have tags. Schocalog Rd/White Pond Drive area of Akron. Please call 330-864-0717. REWARD!!!To read more or comment...
Lost dog: Buchtel Avenue near the University of Akron
My roommates and I lost our dog today. His name is Oso and he's a medium to large dog, about 50 pounds. He was lost near Buchtel Avenue near the University of Akron around 5 PM today. Please call me if you find him- we really miss our puppy! Thank you so much!
Lost Yorkie in Firestone Park/Akron
On Saturday January 29, 2010 our beloved family pet went outside to use the restroom and got out of our gated back yard. We believe that she is still in the area. She weighs less than 10 pounds her fur is tan and black. She has a lavender bow in her hair a pink collar and a black and white polka dot dress on that says fashion forever. She has been a member of our family for several years and my children and I miss her dearly! If you have her please contact me ASAP (330) 926-6038.To read more or comment...
Post-Olympic slaughter of 100 sled dogs prompts rage, embarrassment
VANCOUVER, British Columbia -- An organization that fights animal abuse is calling the slaughter of up to 100 sled dogs by an outdoor adventure company in British Columbia a bloodbath and police are investigating.To read more or comment...
- 2014 (21)
- 2013 (135)
- 2012 (353)
- 2011 (380)
- 2010 (415)
- 2009 (776)
- 2008 (2)


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Justin Bieber to be arraigned on Valentine's Day
Listen to Justin Bieber on iHeartRadio
Justin Bieber has a Valentine's Day date with the courts.
A rep for the state attorney's office tells "People" the singer is expected to plead not guilty to charges he picked up in Miami Beach last week after an alleged drag racing incident. He apparently does not have to be present to enter the plea on February 14th.
Bieber is charged with DUI, resisting arrest and driving with an expired license. Police say the singer admitted to smoking marijuana, drinking and taking prescription medication at the time of his arrest.
The 19-year-old pop star is said to be in Panama with friends and family. He was spotted riding a four-wheeler along the beach there this week filming what appeared to be music video.
Photo Credit Miami Beach Police Department


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Fitbit Flex Wireless Activity & Sleep Wristband
Was $99.95 NOW $69.95
The Fitbit wristband automatically tracks your daily movements and sleep cycles to help determine if you are getting enough exercise and sleep. As comfortable and unobtrusive as a gel wristband, the device contains an accelerometer that monitors the intensity and duration of movements, tracks steps taken, distance traveled, and calculates calories burned, as well as an altimeter that measures elevation. The Fitbit wristband tracks how long you took to fall asleep, how often you woke up, and how long you were actually asleep, not just lying in bed. The device automatically uploads the information to the manufacturer's website wirelessly via Bluetooth when it is within 15' of a paired iPad 3 or later, a notebook computer, or select smartphones (iPhone 4s or later, Samsung Galaxy SIII and Note 2). Data can also be synched into popular fitness apps such as SparkPeople and Lose It! Operates for up to 7 days after a 1 1/2-hour charge via USB. Black. 2" L x 3/4" W x 1/2" D. (1 oz.)
Lifetime Guarantee
The Wellness Monitor Wristband comes with The Hammacher Schlemmer Lifetime Guarantee. If this product ever disappoints you, for any reason, you may return your Hammacher Schlemmer purchase for exchange, credit, or refund.
Should you have any questions, we are available seven days a week (8:00 am – midnight EST). Please call 1-800-321-1484 to speak with a specialist or email us at email@example.com to receive a response within three business hours or less.
Sale item quantities are limited — please order soon.
Shipping charges noted in parentheses apply in addition to our standard shipping & service.
We're sorry, but gift wrap is not available. Please call 1-800-395-7006 for Premium or Express delivery rates.
Oversized items scheduled for expedited delivery (Premium or Express) may incur additional shipping and services charges because of their unusual size. Please call 1-800-321-1484 for an estimate of S&S charges. International callers, please call 1-513-860-3397.
We're sorry, but gift wrap is not available for oversized items.
Shipped via truck and may require customer assistance upon delivery. You will be contacted to make an appointment for delivery.
We're sorry, but gift wrap and gift cards are not available.
GST still applies and will be charged upon processing. For complete shipping & service charges please call Customer Service at 1-800-321-1484.
May we recommend:
(based on 7 reviews)
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(6 of 6 customers found this review helpful)
Great Product
By Fitness Gadget Freak
from Chicago, IL
Love this product! Tracks my daily activity and wireless uploads to the website. I can also add my food to the site to see what I burned versus what I take in! Also like the sleep feature, which tracks the amount of solid sleep I get in a night. It only needs to be charged once a week or so and it really helps to make sure I get enough activity!
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
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(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)
Confusing to use.
By Jeff A
from Madison, WI
It is helping to make me aware of my exersizing and eating habits. Bought the scale from fitbits and haven't figured out how to link to the band.
This device provides great feedback
By Pilates Fan
from Phoenix, AZ
This device has provided very useable and helpful feedback about my daily activity levels and sleep patterns. I like the fact that you can track so many health parameters on one device. I never notice when I have it on. Once you have set the device up, it is very easy to use.
Easy to keep track of my activities.
By Tom
from Aiken , SC
Easy to start up the comoputer program.
Good product, lacks user guide.
By Mad Dog
from Nova Scotia, Canada
Product works well, but setting up and learning how to use it was frustrating (still is) because no guide is provided either on-line or hard copy.
Personal Trainer in a Band.
By Kris the Mother
from Huntersville, NC
My daughter loves it. She is a runner and she charts her performance. She is a stay at home Mom with 3 small children and she has to make every minute count in her running and workouts. It is her time away to relax and stay fit for her family,
Great motivator on your wrist
By Chuck
from Long Island, New York
Easy to use and track on your computer or mobile.
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WelcomeSamantha Novo & Alex NovoBaby, November 16, 2016 - Registry Number: 5569554
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Dolly Parton sets release date for new album
Listen to Dolly Parton on iHeartRadio
Dolly Parton's next album will be arriving in the spring. The country star is giving fans a release date and track list for her next disc, titled Blue Smoke, which will hit stores on May 13th.
The singer says the project includes "all of the colors" of her life and "all the areas of music" she's been able to "dabble in through the years." Dolly explains that the set includes her "old world mountain voice," her "tender side," and her "bluegrass side."
Tracks include "From Here To The Moon and Back" and her duet with Kenny Rogers, "You Can't Make Old Friends."
Dolly is currently in Australia on her "Blue Smoke World Tour," and will be performing in Melbourne and Adelaide this week. She'll launch the U.S. portion of the trek with two shows in Tulsa, Oklahoma on May 22nd and 23rd.
Check out the full track list below!
1. Blue Smoke
2. Unlikely Angel
3. Don't Think Twice
4. You Can't Make Old Friends w/ Kenny Rogers
5. Home
6. Banks of the Ohio
7. Lay Your Hands on Me
8. Miss You-Miss Me
9. If I Had Wings
10. Lover du Jour
11. From Here to the Moon and Back w/ Willie Nelson
12. Try