Last week I read a blog-wish I could remember where-about the status of publishing. It is in trouble just like the rest of the businesses around the world.
The author of the above mentioned blog simply stated that if we each bought a book for this holiday season, we would have a tremendous impact on the publishing world and the domino effect of the economy-all the people in the periphery-from the printer to the stocker to ink and paper manufacturers-you get the drift.
I, for one think it is an excellent idea and have already done more than my share. My family loves to read, so it was a no brainer, I buy books.
For my grandchildren I always buy seasonal and holiday books, I think it makes the holiday that much more special. The kids see a celebration through different set of eyes.
So when you’re ready to do your shopping think about that book purchase, for yourself, family, friend or just a grab bag. Don’t forget Toys For Tots-books make great gifts.
On another exciting note A Hotel in Paris in now available in the Kindle format at Amazon-link to follow soon.
Till next Saturday,
Margot Justes
A Hotel in Paris ISBN 978-1-59080-534-3
Art brought her to Paris, then a stranger’s death changes her life.
Missing ISBN 978-1-59080-611 1
www.mjustes.com
available on amazon.com
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Paradigm of Existence by Margot Justes
My blogs are usually light and written so I may keep in touch with readers, writers and maybe a fan or two. This week will be a bit different.
A friend suffered a devastating loss and frankly I don’t know how to help except to be there for her when and if needed.
Often when faced with a tragedy we mourn, that goes without saying, we lose a bit of self and we question the existence of everything; because the loss is so great, so incredibly unimaginable and terrible.
I’m using the royal ‘we’ since it’s easier to do, and I assume most of us go through this period of doubt when faced with horror.
I lean toward the metaphysical aspect of self doubt. Do we exist? Is our reality everyone else’s reality? Is there life after death? Can we and do we face our own mortality? Is it easier to say there is life after death, because we cannot admit the fact that we will have an end just as we did a beginning? How do we acknowledge the unknown, that possibility of more?
It’s a huge universe and getting bigger with every scientific discovery that allows us to see more.
So maybe, to make our losses seem easier, we do accept the theory that our soul survives and lives on, or that we reincarnate and become another being. Hopefully we have learned enough in this life to become better in the next. So the soul (however that is defined) of our loved ones are going through the process of change rather than the finality of death. In other words, the distinct possibility maybe there is more.
Till next Saturday,
Margot Justes
A Hotel in Paris ISBN 978-1-59080-534-3
Art brought her to Paris, then a stranger’s death changes her life.
Missing ISBN 978-1-59080-611 1
www.mjustes.com
available on amazon.com
A friend suffered a devastating loss and frankly I don’t know how to help except to be there for her when and if needed.
Often when faced with a tragedy we mourn, that goes without saying, we lose a bit of self and we question the existence of everything; because the loss is so great, so incredibly unimaginable and terrible.
I’m using the royal ‘we’ since it’s easier to do, and I assume most of us go through this period of doubt when faced with horror.
I lean toward the metaphysical aspect of self doubt. Do we exist? Is our reality everyone else’s reality? Is there life after death? Can we and do we face our own mortality? Is it easier to say there is life after death, because we cannot admit the fact that we will have an end just as we did a beginning? How do we acknowledge the unknown, that possibility of more?
It’s a huge universe and getting bigger with every scientific discovery that allows us to see more.
So maybe, to make our losses seem easier, we do accept the theory that our soul survives and lives on, or that we reincarnate and become another being. Hopefully we have learned enough in this life to become better in the next. So the soul (however that is defined) of our loved ones are going through the process of change rather than the finality of death. In other words, the distinct possibility maybe there is more.
Till next Saturday,
Margot Justes
A Hotel in Paris ISBN 978-1-59080-534-3
Art brought her to Paris, then a stranger’s death changes her life.
Missing ISBN 978-1-59080-611 1
www.mjustes.com
available on amazon.com
Saturday, November 1, 2008
A Blog by Any Other Name by Margot Justes
I had a signing in a delightful independent book store in Ottawa, Illinois called the Book Mouse-bookmouse.org
They did not have a mouse, but they did have a real live kitten; seven months old with a mischievous glint in his eye and an appetite for pretzels. He had the run of the place and took full advantage, his favorite perch on top of the tall book case allowed him to view his domain...
To keep the kitten company, another critter, a chinchilla with an affinity for pumpkin seeds. Stairs from the cage allowed him to go down and provide some exercise for the kitten. As the saying goes–and the chase was on…
The Book Mouse is one of those great full of personality and ambiance independent book stores that serves the local community and warmly welcomes authors. I felt right at home.
Till next Saturday,
Margot Justes
A Hotel in Paris ISBN 978-1-59080-534-3
Art brought her to Paris, then a stranger’s death changes her life.
Missing ISBN 978-1-59080-611 1
www.mjustes.com
available on amazon.com
They did not have a mouse, but they did have a real live kitten; seven months old with a mischievous glint in his eye and an appetite for pretzels. He had the run of the place and took full advantage, his favorite perch on top of the tall book case allowed him to view his domain...
To keep the kitten company, another critter, a chinchilla with an affinity for pumpkin seeds. Stairs from the cage allowed him to go down and provide some exercise for the kitten. As the saying goes–and the chase was on…
The Book Mouse is one of those great full of personality and ambiance independent book stores that serves the local community and warmly welcomes authors. I felt right at home.
Till next Saturday,
Margot Justes
A Hotel in Paris ISBN 978-1-59080-534-3
Art brought her to Paris, then a stranger’s death changes her life.
Missing ISBN 978-1-59080-611 1
www.mjustes.com
available on amazon.com
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Author Fair by Margot Justes
I had the pleasure of attending an Author Fair at the Joliet Public Library. No idea what to expect, nevertheless, I was prepared, books and promo material was all I needed. Once I walked in, I was very well taken care of; a smiling staff member showed me to my table; my name in a frame and balloons on said table made for a very pleasant welcome.
It was an unusual format, tables were set up everywhere in the library, every corner, every empty space was occupied. It allowed the people to browse and meet the authors, chat and even buy a book or two. I thought the set up was a great idea, and was very well received judging by the comments I overheard.
The best part was the welcome and the effort on the part of the library staff to make the authors comfortable and glad to be there, and seeing many familiar faces.
Even lunch was offered to the participants and their guests. Staff members walked around offering water, making sure we were happy, no doubt about it, we were pampered. I could get used to that.
Till next Saturday,
Margot Justes
A Hotel in Paris ISBN 978-1-59080-534-3
Art brought her to Paris, then a stranger’s death changes her life.
Missing ISBN 978-1-59080-611 1
www.mjustes.com
available on amazon.com
It was an unusual format, tables were set up everywhere in the library, every corner, every empty space was occupied. It allowed the people to browse and meet the authors, chat and even buy a book or two. I thought the set up was a great idea, and was very well received judging by the comments I overheard.
The best part was the welcome and the effort on the part of the library staff to make the authors comfortable and glad to be there, and seeing many familiar faces.
Even lunch was offered to the participants and their guests. Staff members walked around offering water, making sure we were happy, no doubt about it, we were pampered. I could get used to that.
Till next Saturday,
Margot Justes
A Hotel in Paris ISBN 978-1-59080-534-3
Art brought her to Paris, then a stranger’s death changes her life.
Missing ISBN 978-1-59080-611 1
www.mjustes.com
available on amazon.com
Saturday, September 27, 2008
The Changing Face of Web Design by Margot Justes
I noticed that web site design is forever changing, continuously evolving, colors change, twinkling lights are added, arrows point in many directions, anything to give the website a new look. Something fresh, different to entice visitors as often as possible.
I was told it’s necessary; people don’t want to see the same thing over again. Change is expected. From a personal observation, some of them are so busy and full of detail that I don’t know where to go first-so usually I leave. I want simplicity, easy access-not confusion or an engineering degree to figure out where I need to be.
I, for one love my website, just the way it is, and I believe it does change. The events are updated, book trailer is up, reviews are posted, announcements and new publications are listed; all those things change frequently. But the basic design is permanent. It is perfect, elegant and easy to use. There is not one single iota that I would alter about the design of my site.
I wonder if all the changes on the websites are really that important and effective. I would love to hear from writers-do you really change your site frequently? And readers-does it really matter to you? What do you look for when you visit?
I’m going to add something to the blog-I wrote it last night, but didn’t post it yet-was gone all day. In the meantime I got an e-mail from a friend who suggested I make the website a bit more personal-not change the design, but update it with information on my writing, progress of same or lack there of. I have already e-mailed my web-gal. The timing of my friend’s e-mail couldn’t have been better.
Till next Saturday,
Margot Justes
A Hotel in Paris ISBN 978-1-59080-534-3
Art brought her to Paris, then a stranger’s death changes her life.
Missing ISBN 978-1-59080-611 1
www.mjustes.com
available on amazon.com
I was told it’s necessary; people don’t want to see the same thing over again. Change is expected. From a personal observation, some of them are so busy and full of detail that I don’t know where to go first-so usually I leave. I want simplicity, easy access-not confusion or an engineering degree to figure out where I need to be.
I, for one love my website, just the way it is, and I believe it does change. The events are updated, book trailer is up, reviews are posted, announcements and new publications are listed; all those things change frequently. But the basic design is permanent. It is perfect, elegant and easy to use. There is not one single iota that I would alter about the design of my site.
I wonder if all the changes on the websites are really that important and effective. I would love to hear from writers-do you really change your site frequently? And readers-does it really matter to you? What do you look for when you visit?
I’m going to add something to the blog-I wrote it last night, but didn’t post it yet-was gone all day. In the meantime I got an e-mail from a friend who suggested I make the website a bit more personal-not change the design, but update it with information on my writing, progress of same or lack there of. I have already e-mailed my web-gal. The timing of my friend’s e-mail couldn’t have been better.
Till next Saturday,
Margot Justes
A Hotel in Paris ISBN 978-1-59080-534-3
Art brought her to Paris, then a stranger’s death changes her life.
Missing ISBN 978-1-59080-611 1
www.mjustes.com
available on amazon.com
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Missing by Margot Justes
A new anthology from Echelon Press-Missing- is scheduled to debut at Bouchercon in Baltimore, MD next month.
Many wonderful writers, among them our own ACME author Norm Cowie donated a short story. All the stories have a common link-a missing person, and royalties are being donated to charity.
In 2007 they were over 800,000 people who disappeared- are missing-that is a staggering number. Hopefully our efforts will leave a mark-it is a step in the right direction.
The idea came from Amy Alessio, a YA Librarian at the Schaumburg Library in Illinois. She participated in The Heat of the Moment Anthology, and approached Karen Syed of Echelon press at the Love is Murder conference (LIM) and asked if it could be done.
Karen did not hesitate and immediately responded positively; she had authors lined up before the conference was finished.
There is a book signing already scheduled at Centuries & Sleuths. www.centuriesandsleuths.com
November 23 1-3 pm.
7419 W. Madison St. Forest Park, IL
708/771-7243
Among the authors who committed to the signing are Amy Alessio, Robert Goldsborough, Margot Justes, Joe Konrath, Mary Welk, and more to come.
Till next Saturday,
Margot Justes
A Hotel in Paris ISBN 978-1-59080-534-3
Art brought her to Paris, then a stranger’s death changes her life.
The Heat of the Moment
Missing ISBN 978-1-59080-611 1
www.mjustes.com
available on amazon.com
Many wonderful writers, among them our own ACME author Norm Cowie donated a short story. All the stories have a common link-a missing person, and royalties are being donated to charity.
In 2007 they were over 800,000 people who disappeared- are missing-that is a staggering number. Hopefully our efforts will leave a mark-it is a step in the right direction.
The idea came from Amy Alessio, a YA Librarian at the Schaumburg Library in Illinois. She participated in The Heat of the Moment Anthology, and approached Karen Syed of Echelon press at the Love is Murder conference (LIM) and asked if it could be done.
Karen did not hesitate and immediately responded positively; she had authors lined up before the conference was finished.
There is a book signing already scheduled at Centuries & Sleuths. www.centuriesandsleuths.com
November 23 1-3 pm.
7419 W. Madison St. Forest Park, IL
708/771-7243
Among the authors who committed to the signing are Amy Alessio, Robert Goldsborough, Margot Justes, Joe Konrath, Mary Welk, and more to come.
Till next Saturday,
Margot Justes
A Hotel in Paris ISBN 978-1-59080-534-3
Art brought her to Paris, then a stranger’s death changes her life.
The Heat of the Moment
Missing ISBN 978-1-59080-611 1
www.mjustes.com
available on amazon.com
Saturday, September 6, 2008
More Travel Stuff by Margot Justes
I have missed the last couple of weeks-family events and a trip to Decatur, GA for a book festival-pretty much took care of the two weekends.
The good thing about promoting A Hotel in Paris is that I get to travel, so for this blog, I want to get back to travel agencies. When I travel promoting the above mentioned book, I have specific locations already selected. So it’s easy for me to book the hotel and flight all by myself.
However, picking a vacation destination is another matter. Sometimes I do it myself but sometimes not…that is when a good travel agency is essential. This is where a travel agency can either make or break a vacation.
You are going to pay for the service-you can’t get around it-but you might as well pay and get the best service you can, Suburban Travel provides that extra touch.
The vacation will be planned for you, but in addition you will get a bit of history, selected and localized sites-by that I mean-if you are in a specific area, the sites around that area will be outlined for you-to maximize the use of your time-so that you may see as much as possible. The information provided will be current. I do prefer knowing the restaurant is still in business rather than showing up and poof it’s not there...
In essence you will have your own destination notes tailored specifically to your needs and travel plans. Can’t go wrong there…you will also receive tips on restaurants, shopping…you get the idea.
Suburban Travel has been in business more than 25 years and they have truly honed in their approach to travel–thus the client gets the full benefit of their expertise.
I have a travel tip from them-if you happen to be going to Prague check out The Blue Duck restaurant-it is expensive but excellent, and also in Prague (it would seem Prague is a popular destination) the Kolkovna restaurant is not expensive but well worth a visit and a local favorite.
As the business cards states Suburban Travel, Inc – Specialists in the Art of Travel.
Check them out at www.suburbantrvl.com , call 847/729-7730 or 800/237-7730.
Art is always a good thing…
Till next Saturday,
Margot Justes
A Hotel in Paris
Art brought her to Paris, then a stranger’s death changes her life.
Available on amazon.com
Heat of the Moment
Missing-coming October 2008
www.mjustes.com
The good thing about promoting A Hotel in Paris is that I get to travel, so for this blog, I want to get back to travel agencies. When I travel promoting the above mentioned book, I have specific locations already selected. So it’s easy for me to book the hotel and flight all by myself.
However, picking a vacation destination is another matter. Sometimes I do it myself but sometimes not…that is when a good travel agency is essential. This is where a travel agency can either make or break a vacation.
You are going to pay for the service-you can’t get around it-but you might as well pay and get the best service you can, Suburban Travel provides that extra touch.
The vacation will be planned for you, but in addition you will get a bit of history, selected and localized sites-by that I mean-if you are in a specific area, the sites around that area will be outlined for you-to maximize the use of your time-so that you may see as much as possible. The information provided will be current. I do prefer knowing the restaurant is still in business rather than showing up and poof it’s not there...
In essence you will have your own destination notes tailored specifically to your needs and travel plans. Can’t go wrong there…you will also receive tips on restaurants, shopping…you get the idea.
Suburban Travel has been in business more than 25 years and they have truly honed in their approach to travel–thus the client gets the full benefit of their expertise.
I have a travel tip from them-if you happen to be going to Prague check out The Blue Duck restaurant-it is expensive but excellent, and also in Prague (it would seem Prague is a popular destination) the Kolkovna restaurant is not expensive but well worth a visit and a local favorite.
As the business cards states Suburban Travel, Inc – Specialists in the Art of Travel.
Check them out at www.suburbantrvl.com , call 847/729-7730 or 800/237-7730.
Art is always a good thing…
Till next Saturday,
Margot Justes
A Hotel in Paris
Art brought her to Paris, then a stranger’s death changes her life.
Available on amazon.com
Heat of the Moment
Missing-coming October 2008
www.mjustes.com
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