writing

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First Doctor's Visit In Years

( culture / writing / blog / health )
Yesterday, I had my first doctor's appointment in several years. Hey, I've been healthy. Shocking, I know. There was a sign on the outside door saying masks required, and a sign on the interior door saying the same thing. The receptionist was wearing a mask. I introduced myself. She asked if I needed a mask. I said sure, she gave me on... read more

Another Way: Beyond The Status Quo

( culture / writing / books / novels )
Anti-corporate crusader Dobie Pokorny wants to save the world from corporate titans like Colonel Charonne. The latter and his henchmen are determined to stop him. On Dobie's "speaking truth to power" tour, he meets and falls in love with Kaylie while enduring attacks at every turn. She is out of his le... read more

Inspiration For My Novels And Novellas

( culture / writing / books / novels )
I just put this together and thought I'd share it on this blog in addition to my writing platform. Lottery President Wanted to state ... read more

A Couple Of Freebies Here

( culture / writing / books / novels )
My latest attempt at monetization on BuyMeACoffee.com... until they cancel me for being politically incorrect. To start things off, here's my first published work, and my most-recently published. Work sounds pretentious, I know. They're just a co... read more

Thanksgiving Week Trip To The Gulf Coast

( culture / writing / travel / blog )
Just getting the rental car (minivan) in the first place was a bit of an adventure. Because we were leaving Monday morning, we wanted to pick it up Sunday night, but all local Enterprise offices are closed on Sundays, which I find weird, given that travel-and-leisure-related activities, more often ... read more

Elements Of A Story

( culture / writing / advice )
What are the main ELEMENTS OF A STORY? Setting; Character; Plot; Conflict; Theme; Point-of-view; Tone; Style; : Elements of a Story... read more

From Hill To Valley, A Long-Winded Postcard From The Road

( culture / writing / travel / blog )
The drive from Spring Hill, Tennessee to Valley, Alabama was uneventful... until we were almost there. So close. That's a fairly generic name for a town, though, isn't it? Valley. It's like finding a good spot for a town, planting your flag, and naming it River or Forest or Hill. I know, that i... read more

The Faded Page

( culture / writing / books )
"Free eBooks forever. FP now includes 6312 eBooks in its collection." Books in the public domain. fadedpage.com... read more

Ingredients Of A Novel

( culture / writing / advice )
VARIOUS WRITERS' RULES Write a draft. Then let it rest. -- Stephen King;Read a lot. -- King;Never use a long word when a short one will do. -- George Orwell;Never use the passive voice when you can use the active voice. -- Orwell;Know and understand your audience. -- Pierre Berton;Recycle and read t... read more

Random Book Reviews

( culture / writing / books / reviews )
From Lionel, January 2013: I just finished reading The Walking Drum by Louis L'Amour, a historical novel. Best book I've ever read. From Doug: Dad, I'm still finishing the David Baldacci book, First Family, and then have his Hour Game to read, but with that recommendation, I'd like you to save ... read more

No Service

( culture / humor / writing / blog )
No Service. That's what my phone said when I arrived at the restaurant to pick up my teenage daughter. I couldn't text her to say I'd arrived. I would have to do the unthinkable: Get out of the car, physically walk in, and risk human interaction. Worst of all, one of her co-workers might see me... read more

Ol' Lightnin' Quotes (From The Lazy Pug Cafe)

( culture / writing / books / novels )
"It's not a tree's purpose in life to stand around being picturesque. Not this tree, at least. Maybe that weeping willow up front, or my old friends ruthlessly cut down in their prime when this place was built, but a mighty oak like me, a real tree's purpose is to... uh... is to... um... what... read more

Semmy Quotes (From Another Way: Beyond The Status Quo)

( culture / writing / books / novels )
"Don't be scared when you feel you are about to die. You're not frightened when you wake up in the morning, are you? Pretty much the same thing. 'Life is but a dream!'""We are from beyond the Pleiades, in the eighth dimension...when we're not slumming it down here in the third and ... read more

Riva Petkovic Quotes (From Operation Detour)

( culture / writing / books / novels )
"You might be smart with computers, but in real life you are a complete idiot.""Programmer, data entry clerk, whatever. How have you not gone insane already!?""Put some clothes on! Nobody wants to see that.""All the great military operations had memorable names: C... read more

Dobie Pokorny Quotes (From Another Way: Beyond The Status Quo)

( culture / writing / books / novels )
"If you're not at least a little bit of a conspiracy theorist these days, you're just not paying attention. Sure, some scoff at the mere thought of conspiracy, but ask any detective, lawyer or judge — if you can find an honest one — and they'll tell you conspiracies happen all the ... read more

Colonel Charonne Quotes (From Another Way: Beyond The Status Quo)

( culture / writing / books / novels )
""You're that Commie, Pokorny! I should shoot you where you stand!""Pokorny's still out there selling that tripe and it needs to stop. Now! I want him gone! You know what I'm saying?" -- Colonel Charonne from Another Way: Beyond the Status Quo ... read more

Benny Reed Quotes (From Lottery President)

( culture / writing / books / novels )
"You really think the President is in charge of anything? He's a figurehead, a spokesman... he's the country's Vanna White.""Instead of voting for the person they like best, they vote for the one they think they have to vote for so the other one doesn't win. The reason an otherwise ... read more

Alex Pannas Quotes (From Operation Detour)

( culture / writing / books / novels )
"If I seem flippant, that's just how I cope. You either laugh or you cry. You apparently start referring to yourself in the second person, too.""I'm a trusting person. I just took my doctor's word for it.""I try to be cool. I now know something about being an outsider. Nothi... read more

Feeding Horses In The Rain

( culture / writing / poetry )
Feeding horses in the rain is such a painThe horses trot by and splash mud in my eyeI toss all the flakesmissing puddles and small lakesThe wind picks up fast as blankets go on lastI make my way back Put away random tackTake off my muddy clothesWarm up my cold toesWatch them eat from the housePlan a... read more

Lee Child Quote

( culture / quotes / writing )
"Don't get it right, get it written!" -- Lee Child NEW! Random samples of dialogue from my novels!... read more

Freewrite, The Device For Distraction-Free Writing

( culture / writing / tech )
Article about it here, and the manufacturer's website here. And one of their founders has an ... read more

The Good Old Days

( culture / writing / blog / shopping )
Ah, the good ol' days when the shelves were full! Click the image.... read more

More Advice For Writers

( culture / writing / advice )
People read fiction seeking clarity. One of the worst things a writer can do is to create confusion. I'm referring to the payoff at the end of the book. People also read fiction for something better than reality, or at least better than their own. So, keep it clear and concise and, most importan... read more

Political Compass Test

( culture / writing / politics )
"Welcome! It's timely to stress that The Political Compass has been on the internet since 2001. The uniqueness of our take on politics is reflected in the gratifyingly enthusiastic reviews we've enjoyed in the national media of many countries from our earliest years - as well as from many teach... read more

Thoughts On Writing

( culture / writing / advice )
Louis L'Amour once said he could write while sitting in the middle of the freeway. That didn't impress me at the time, but now it does.Not one, but two dogs threw up behind me as I wrote. Was that a commentary on my writing? Wouldn't be the first time.As I told these guys in the job interview, If y... read more

The Lazy Pug Cafe

( culture / writing / books / novels )
The Lazy Pug Cafe was a dilapidated old farmhouse abandoned years ago. A massive, ancient oak tree, Ol' Lightnin', lurked out back while the house itself served as a sad but charming reminder of days gone by. Locals were grateful someone was finally bringing the old girl back to life. Come meet p... read more

Review My Books

( culture / writing / books / reviews )
If you've read any of my novels, please give them a review on Amazon (click the book's image, below or on the right, then click the Write a Customer Review button on its Amazon page, to the left), on Apple Books, Kobo, Barnes & Noble, or wherever you bought it. Thanks! Leaving a review on iBooks i... read more

Good Article About Storytelling

( culture / writing / advice )
"Pop culture today is obsessed with the battle between good and evil. Traditional folktales never were. What changed?" Go to the-good-guy-bad-guy-myth... read more

Best Fiction Of 2019

( culture / writing / books / novels )
"The Testaments by Margaret Atwood... wins this year's Best Fiction award for her long-anticipated sequel to the dystopian classic The Handmaid's Tale. The book picks up the story 15 years after handmaid Offred's ambiguous fate in the theocratic nation of Gilead and continues the saga's dar ... read more

No Annoying Prompts

( culture / writing / blog / friendsnews )
Aren't you glad we don't have any of those annoying pop-up ads asking you to join our newsletter? Ironic, isn't it, given that we are an online newsletter?Please support this website, should you be so inclined: buy one of my novels/novellas; buy me a (virtual) cup of coffee here or here; or, click... read more

Best And Worst Self-Publishing Sites

( culture / writing / advice )
Good site showing who to trust (or not) when it comes to self-publishing: self-publishing-service-reviews... read more

Most Popular Site On The Internet

( culture / writing / blog / friendsnews )
This is the 12,157,539th most popular website in the world, according to silktide.com! Wow! We have hit the big time. See image here: Look at that Popularity and Social Interest score! Woohoo! All zeroes, baby! Please support this website, should you be so inclined: buy one of my novels/novell... read more

Support This Site

( culture / writing / blog / friendsnews )
...should you be so inclined:Buy one of my books at Amazon or SmashWords, or here; buy me a (virtual) cup ... read more

How To Support This Website

( culture / writing / blog / friendsnews )
Please support this website, should you be so inclined: buy one of my novels/novellas; buy me a (virtual) cup of coffee here or here; or, click one of the ads sprinkled throughout the site.Thanks! ... read more

History Of Friendsnews.Com

( culture / writing / blog / friendsnews )
FYI for those researching insignificant corners of the web: Wayback Machine Please support this website, should you be so inclined: buy one of my novels/novellas; buy me a (virtual) cup of coffee here or here; or, click one of the ads sprinkled throughout the site.Thanks! ... read more

All Of My Books

( culture / writing / books / novels )
See Novels/NovellasFeatured book deals on Smashwords Over the past year, I've made updates and/or corrections to most if not all of my novels (listed below). According to Amazon, You should get automatic updates if 1) your device is connected to wireless internet (Wi-Fi), and 2) you turn on automa... read more

Operation Detour

( culture / writing / books / novels )
Riva is a beautiful young black ops agent on her first assignment. She tries to turn Alex into her own asset, just to prove she can. When he loses both his job and girlfriend, she thinks he's putty in her hands. When he decides to go out with a bang, she's afraid she's overplayed that hand. ... read more

Last Train Out

( culture / writing / books / novels )
Clay and his adopted daughter Jenna look forward to their upcoming "homeland tour" to Russia. His intentions are pure. Hers, not so much. After she goes missing, he learns she is not the innocent little girl he once thought. Not even close. His only hope is to find her and catch the Last Train Out.... read more

Temporary Insanity

( culture / writing / books / novels )
Long before winning the lottery and running for president, Benny was living in L.A. working as a word processing temp. He thought his latest assignment was just another gig, never anticipating Venelia and the Dynamos. The what?... read more

Recently-Discovered Book Repository

( culture / writing / books )
"HathiTrust is a partnership of academic and research institutions, offering a collection of millions of titles digitized from libraries around the world." See Hathi Trust Digital Library... read more

How To Move A Book Store

( culture / writing / books )
A rent increase forced the owners of October Books to move locations in Southampton. They used a crowd funding campaign and loans to buy a former bank location about 500 feet down the street for $400,000. ... read more

Best Thrillers Of All-Time

( culture / writing / books / novels )
According to the Telegraph, anyway. An interesting list. Several if not most of these were that author's first published novel. I've actually read half of these, though it's been years. I should read them again.The Manchurian Candidate by Richard Condon (1959)The Hunt for Red October by Tom Clancy ... read more

Cats Disrespecting Pugs

( culture / writing / pets )
So, I'm lying on the bed with the pug Joey between my legs. No, that's not a figure of speech. I'm referring to an actual dog, actually between my calves. Anyway, the cat (Sunny) comes up, thinks about jumping across my legs to the other side, then decides to just step on me, then step on Joey, to the other side of the bed. #CatsDisrespecting... read more

Folding Clothes

( culture / writing / blog / home-garden )
I thought I'd watch some sports while folding clothes (making up for my complete lack of doing chores yesterday). My choices were NBA basketball (where travelling is only called after 6 or 7 steps), bull riding (where I just feel sorry for the bulls), or a dog show (where I just couldn't care less).... read more

Airlines Misbehaving

( culture / writing / blog / airlines )
United Airlines says "Thank you, American Airlines, now everyone finally knows we're not the ONLY aholes!" Yes, the woman was apparently belligerent (just like United's victim), but these so-called professionals need to be a LOT more professional.... read more

Local Pick Up

( culture / writing / blog / shopping )
Just ordered a $10 item on eBay. They offered "Local Pick Up in Las Vegas, Nevada" versus delivering it. I live in Nashville. I need to decide if it's worth driving out there. Suggestions?... read more

Writers Need Followers?

( culture / writing / advice )
Publishers and writing "gurus" preach that writers need followers. The problem is that emotionally-stable people don't want followers, they want friends, compatriots, people who listen, not followers. Especially zombie followers. They're the worst! :) But seriously, I don't trust anyone who actively seeks followers... read more

Fence Guy

( culture / writing / blog / home-garden )
So, the wife texts me saying, "Fence guy quoted $35500 to do the fence. He's coming out Wednesday." This is a fence repair for a small backyard, not a new thousand acre fence. Me: "How much?!" Wife (paraphrasing): "Oops, I left out the decimal point!... read more

Recent Tweets

( culture / writing / tweets )
Note: I am no longer on Twitter or Facebook. I remember when I didn't know what a tweet was, other than the sound a bird makes. It wasn't so long ago, either. Below is just a random list of tweets. Pathetic, I know, but I felt the need to put something new on the site. Anyway..."Saturday, July 20, 2013: Picked more b... read more

My Novels

( culture / writing / books / novels )
WilliamArthurHolmes.comFeatured book deals on Smashwords or go to Another peak at my books Over the past year, I've made updates and/or corrections to most if not all of my novels (listed below). According to Amazon, You should get automatic updates if 1) your device is connecte... read more

Requiem For A Pigeon

( culture / writing / poetry )
by BillWe witnessed a pigeon's demiseRight here on the dock o' the BayThere was nothing we could doNothing we could sayIt just wasn't the pigeon's dayWe tried mouth-to-beakAnd the Heimlich techniqueBut the pigeon had croakedDid you know pigeons float?Well, this one sure did today!... read more

Advice For Writing

( culture / writing / advice )
A writer's narrative perspective (their voice, or, how they come across to their reader) must be: This is me talking to you. That's it. Nothing more, nothing less. It's not: This is me 100 years ago speaking in a classical voice. It's not: Speaking as if from professor to student or from adul ... read more

Tweets

( culture / writing / tweets )
Note: I am no longer on Twitter or Facebook, but here's what I've managed to salvage from back then. My Twitter feed: by @TheBillHolmes Some of my better tweets, according to me ...Never work FOR someone else, work WITH them.I do some of my best work when I'm supposed to be doing something else.E... read more

How Does Writing Affect Your Brain?

( culture / writing / health )
How Does Writing Affect Your Brain? infographic. Interesting ... to me, anyway. "Most of us write a little something everyday. It might be a grocery list, a poem, or a write-up on the infographic of the day. As we go through this daily ritual, however, we are probably not aware of the effec... read more

Just Another Sunday

( culture / writing / blog / shopping )
Wife and kid are off at this thing called church. Maybe you've heard of it. I'm not sure what to make of it. :) I'm basically just hanging out waiting for the new mattress to be delivered. We told the delivery guy, Anytime! He sounded foreign. I hope he shows up before 10pm! Never know with these dang ferners! Anyway, we went ahead and... read more

Started A New Story Today

( culture / writing / stories / novels )
I started writing a new story today. Can't say much about it except that it's pretty much sci-fi, though it might wander into religion and politics. So, yeah, it should offend just about everyone. Then I took a break and started cleaning. Did a load of dishes. Vacuumed and cleaned the office carpet... read more

About My Books

( culture / writing / books / novels )
Go to williamarthurholmes.com. Another Way -- Last Train Out -- Clay and his adopted daughter, Jenna, look forward to their upcoming homeland tour to Russia. His intentions are pure. Hers, not so much. When she goes missing, his worst fears are realized. She is not the innocent little girl he thoug... read more

Cracking Up Over Lottery President

( culture / writing / books / novels )
Here's one of my brothers reading my book, Lottery President. He seems to be enjoying it. I swear I didn't pay him to do this. New book out!Here's my Amazon Author's Page, where you can find both the paperback and Kindle versions of Lottery President and Operation Detour of your own. :)The Kindle b... read more

Lottery President

( culture / writing / books / novels )
For most people, winning $300 million in the lottery would be enough. They would retire, buy a big house and travel the world. Not Benny. He took the money and ran... for president. The house he had in mind was the White House. He didn't want to travel the world so much as save it from politicians. Retire? "I'll retire w ... read more

New Washer

( culture / writing / blog / appliances )
The new washer was delivered today. I let them take the old one away even though we'd just bought it (used) a week ago. That's right, it lasted just one week. Oh well, we didn't really need that $200 (after tax and delivery), anyway. </sarcasm>I say let them take it because I could have had... read more

Guest Posting

( culture / writing / blog / friendsnews )
I've been following and listening to Jeff Goins's TribeWriters program, and he says an important aspect to successful blogging (at least as far as getting noticed) is to guest post on other people's blogs. Jeff is a great resource, by the way. So, if you want to post something on my blog, please ... read more

I Am Now A Published Author

( culture / writing / books / novels )
OK, so it's SELF-published, but still ... :) It's called Lottery President. Hopefully, it's at least slightly entertaining. Tell a friend! Here's one of my brothers reading it. He seems to be enjoying it. I swear I didn't pay him to do this. Here's a link to all of my books Ask me a question on ... read more

Blog Content

( culture / writing / blog / internet )
I'm as guilty as anyone about trying to add content to my blog just for the sake of content (because search engines look for and rate highly based on how fresh your blog's content is). But someone whose blog/newsletter I subscribe to has stooped to simply stating the obvious, maybe phrasing it dif... read more

Great Suction

( culture / writing / blog / home-garden )
In preparation for the much-anticipated Comcast installation (Internet, not TV), I do as they suggest and clear out a space where I want them to put the cable wall jack. Once I have that space cleared, I decide to vacuum the area. It's almost an instinctive reaction: You clear out a space that hasn'... read more

Tried To Mow The Lawn

( culture / writing / blog / home-garden )
Well, I tried to mow the lawn, but the lawnmower wouldn't start. I swear. :) It's probably all clogged up from sitting there unused all winter. It was a hand-me-down mower, anyway, probably in need of replacing, but that's just not in the budget right now. Actually, the yard looks better au natural ... read more

Your Novel Blueprint

( culture / writing / advice / novels )
Good article for writers. "Writing a novel and building a house are pretty similar when you think about it. For instance, most builders or homeowners spend a lot of time dreaming... Read the rest here Y... read more

My Writer's Platform

( culture / writing / books )
WilliamArthurHolmes.com is my writer's platform, with a page showing where you can buy, preview and/or review all of my books. Or, just look below... Where to buy, preview or review my books ANOTHER WAY: Beyond the Status Quo Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Good Reads, Kobo, Scribd ... read more

Fooling Themselves

( culture / writing / blog / politics )
The "elites" are adept at fooling themselves into thinking they know best. The superiority they bestow upon themselves is a convenient justification for keeping us commoners in the dark, and themselves in power.... read more

Writing

( culture / writing )
Writers on the subject of writing My author's page Books Jokes Poetry Short Stories Last Train Out - Electronic versions, PaperbackLottery President - Kindle, PaperbackOperation Detour - Kindle, PaperbackMy Amazon author's pageMy Goodreads pageMy Lulu profileMy Smashwords profile Some good writing... read more

New Rules For Writers

( culture / writing / advice )
Anis Shivani: New Rules For Writers: Ignore Publicity, Shun Crowds, Refuse Recognition And More."These rules totally go against every prescription for writing success you'll hear as a young new writer from all quarters: ... read more

Snake

( culture / writing / blog / animals )
I almost stepped on a snake as Elizabeth and I came out of the creek. Yes, we were in the creek. Anyway, I yelled, Aaaah when he slithered past me toward her and into the water. She wanted to get a better look at him as he lay there half in the water, half out. It was only three feet long, but ... read more

Screenplay Submitted

( culture / writing / screenplays )
I submitted a screenplay to Scriptapalooza today. See scriptapalooza.com. The first deadline is Friday the 5th. The real deadline is April 15. I think first prize is $10,000, but the main thing is that real Hollywood industry people read all of the scripts, so maybe even if you don't win the contest... read more

My Family Members' Books

( culture / writing / books )
Scared to Life ...and Loving It!: One Man's Journey With Prostate Cancerby Kenneth J. SouzaMy Lifeby Lionel Joseph Holmes His autobiography, with pictures.Portuguese Pioneers of the Sacramento Areaby Lionel Holmes and Joseph D'Allessandro Tales of the Portuguese Pioneers of the Sacramento area. M... read more

New Fence

( culture / writing / blog / home-garden )
I forgot to mention that I built a fence last weekend. It only spans about 12 feet from the side of the house to the retaining wall dividing us from our slightly-uphill neighbor. I've still got to cut a gate into it. Hopefully, I can pull that off. I pulled it off. See below. Then, maybe next week... read more

Poetry By Friendsnews Members

( culture / writing / poetry )
A Prince in Disguise A Saga of Seven Hats People you'll be missing and why THE RUN... read more

Hats

( culture / writing / poetry )
by Jeannie Womack Joseph wore many hats in his life,the first one was of son,next an officer, a Dutch Marine,that to him was fun; In Maastricht, in '49,he married his childhood love,now he was Tina's devoted spouse,and together they set up a nice, clean house; 8 years went by, his son, John, was bor ... read more

People You'll Be Missing And Why

( culture / writing / poetry )
by Jeannie WomackThe time has come for you to move on,but I'm sure you'll be missing us while you are gone;No more conversation with boss Catherine to really make you think,You'll miss your adventures with supervisor Stella who is always in the pink;The daily reports from Lala about her bodily funct ... read more

A Prince In Disguise

( culture / writing / poetry )
by Jeannie Womack We met on the race track in '72I couldn't resist his eyes, so blueWe soon fell in love and started a lifeIn '76 he made me his wife A teacher, leader, rebel and yesA son, brother, father, the bestBoss man, biker, hero and moreLoving, caring, cheerful, no bore He meant what he saidH ... read more

The Run

( culture / writing / poetry )
by Jeannie Womack Running in the rain isn't the paina non-runner might think it would beI put on my jacket that has a hood,lace up my shoes, and stretching is goodI open the door, expecting moreas the rain comes sprinkling downMy course is not planned yet,I'll try not to get my shoes wetI start out ... read more

A Saga Of Seven

( culture / writing / poetry )
This is a story in the style called rapthat'll surely encourage an afternoon napof a family of seven, their kids and their wivesand something regarding their travels and lives. Now first there was Greg, a Brooklyn-born lad;and then it was Lucy that Mom and Dad had.She was born at Sing Sing (no, not ... read more

Books

( culture / writing / books )
Vernon Coleman books Last Train Out. smile.amazon.com/dp/B01GNA3LI8 ... read more

The Legend Of Conan

( culture / writing / poems )
(Irish Traditional)Once there was a kittenConan was his nameHe grew to nearly 20 poundsBut a kitten he remainedHe grew to be ferociousFeared throughout the landHush, my child and you shall hearThe legend of Conan A harder working kittenThe world has never seenHe'd guard the yard from front to backAn... read more

A Girl Named Lucy

( culture / writing / poetry )
from 1990 This is a story 'bout a girl named LucyOtherwise known as The Rappin' WatusiShe lays down a beat that gets your toes tappin'If your toes get tired, let your fingers do the snappin'She says Hey buddy, don't you be no squareIf you can't find a partner, use a wooden chairOkay, so you'v... read more

A Day At The Races

( culture / writing / stories / horseracing )
from 1994The first Saturday in May. What does this date mean to you? Probably nothing, except that Spring has finally arrived, unless you live in California where it's been Spring already for two months or more - real Spring, not calendar Spring. But ask any horse racing buff and they will tell y... read more