For my pleasure, when I look out my home window, I see nothing but green. A variety of bushes and different types of trees shadow my backyard which are a bright green. Green is my second favourite colour; first being blue, so I love seeing green. It calms and relaxes me. I love going to my parents' cottage up north around the Huntsville area. It is so green there, but a three hour drive north.
My family has been going to this cottage since 1975 when it was just a piece of land. The cottage was built by a master craftsman who unfortunately died a few years later from cancer. He was definitely a lovely man. And he did a great job building the cottage which is basically a living room, dining room and kitchen all open in a row and then two bedrooms and a bathroom.
There is no internet or television at the cottage. Nor are there a microwave, washer or dryer. It is a very simple place. Yes, we have a canoe, kayak and small fishing boat. There are also numerous games to play or books to read while there. I always bring up a pile of books to read. It is also a wonderful place to write. I am so creative up there (probably because I don't have a tv!).
The cottage is surrounded by forest so surrounded by green. There also is the exquisite view of the beautiful, blue lake. The cottage is 75 feet from the pristine lake and the cool waters are a wonderful and refreshing sensation on hot and humid days. The small lake is pretty clean. We don't drink the water anymore but, if you swallow a mouthful, you are safe. It is fantastic swimming at the lake which is a pleasure I partake of numerous times a day.
Because it is a cottage, you eat simple meals. Most dinners are barbequed food which is simply delicious up there. Food, for some reason, tastes better up north. We go to town once a week to do the grocery shopping. Otherwise, we rarely go into town.
We are starting the summer and I am hoping to go up there. It is not that easy for me to go up anymore. Unfortunately, I cannot go up with my parents. I love them but we can't live together anymore. I don't want to go up alone because it would be too lonely. Without the internet, I would find it very isolating. You have never heard silence until you have been up there.
So, I have to wait to find a friend who will go up with me. I have two possibilities at the moment and I hope both or, at least one, pans out. Wish me luck! All I can do is hope.
have fun,
patty
www.pattylesser.com
Thursday, 27 June 2013
Tuesday, 25 June 2013
Anybody out there?
What's wrong with people these days? Why won't professional people at least acknowledge you with a quick email?
I have sent so many literary agents my query letter via email and 99% never bothered replying. No email even just to say 'not interested'. Are they that busy? So, I became frustrated with waiting for agents which is why I self-published through Amazon. You require so much time and energy into writing a query letter which is basically an advertisement for your book.They are difficult to write and you spend many hours going over and over and over it again until you can get it just right. The blurbs about my books on my website www.pattylesser.com are taken from my query letters.
After to speaking to a woman at Chapters in Meadowlands, Ancaster, she requested that I send her as much information as I could about the book. It was her job to decide which books are in and which are out of the bookstore. I prepared and sent her a detailed email about Shall We Chat? Didn't hear from her. A couple of weeks after that, send her an email that I would be in the area and could I drop any books off. She again didn't respond. Finally, a month ago, I again sent her an email with the article that came out in the Dundas Star. Still nothing. What am I to think?
Any advice? What should I do? Do I email her again? Do I phone her? Of course I don't want to piss her off, but what are my choices? How aggressive do I get?
I will wait until July 8th before I take another step so you all have plenty of time to leave me any suggestions. There is no point contacting her around a holiday weekend. People usually are difficult to reach at that time.
In addition, I sent Shall We Chat? to Bob Cowan and Annette Hamm at the CHCH television station. They are a team that host a morning show and they alway anchor the noon news. Now, I can't get up for their morning show but I always watch them at noon. They are a great team and I enjoy watching them. I hoped that maybe they would give a local author a break and put me on the morning show as chat is an interesting and relevant topic as well as talking about opening up the discussion about mental illness being that I'm Bipolar.
No, Bob and Annette did not respond in receipt of my book so I don't know if they actually received it. I also sent them an email through the CHCH site advising of my article in the local newspaper. Still, I have not heard from them. Isn't that a little bit annoying? Sure, they must receive plenty of interested folks who want to be put on TV, but can't they at least acknowledge your efforts? Are they that busy? Or am I being foolish to think why would they bother with a lightweight like me?
Leave a comment and let me know what you think. This is one problem about self-publishing: no marketing assistance. I'm on my own and could use any help.
have fun,
patty
www.pattylesser.com
I have sent so many literary agents my query letter via email and 99% never bothered replying. No email even just to say 'not interested'. Are they that busy? So, I became frustrated with waiting for agents which is why I self-published through Amazon. You require so much time and energy into writing a query letter which is basically an advertisement for your book.They are difficult to write and you spend many hours going over and over and over it again until you can get it just right. The blurbs about my books on my website www.pattylesser.com are taken from my query letters.
After to speaking to a woman at Chapters in Meadowlands, Ancaster, she requested that I send her as much information as I could about the book. It was her job to decide which books are in and which are out of the bookstore. I prepared and sent her a detailed email about Shall We Chat? Didn't hear from her. A couple of weeks after that, send her an email that I would be in the area and could I drop any books off. She again didn't respond. Finally, a month ago, I again sent her an email with the article that came out in the Dundas Star. Still nothing. What am I to think?
Any advice? What should I do? Do I email her again? Do I phone her? Of course I don't want to piss her off, but what are my choices? How aggressive do I get?
I will wait until July 8th before I take another step so you all have plenty of time to leave me any suggestions. There is no point contacting her around a holiday weekend. People usually are difficult to reach at that time.
In addition, I sent Shall We Chat? to Bob Cowan and Annette Hamm at the CHCH television station. They are a team that host a morning show and they alway anchor the noon news. Now, I can't get up for their morning show but I always watch them at noon. They are a great team and I enjoy watching them. I hoped that maybe they would give a local author a break and put me on the morning show as chat is an interesting and relevant topic as well as talking about opening up the discussion about mental illness being that I'm Bipolar.
No, Bob and Annette did not respond in receipt of my book so I don't know if they actually received it. I also sent them an email through the CHCH site advising of my article in the local newspaper. Still, I have not heard from them. Isn't that a little bit annoying? Sure, they must receive plenty of interested folks who want to be put on TV, but can't they at least acknowledge your efforts? Are they that busy? Or am I being foolish to think why would they bother with a lightweight like me?
Leave a comment and let me know what you think. This is one problem about self-publishing: no marketing assistance. I'm on my own and could use any help.
have fun,
patty
www.pattylesser.com
Saturday, 22 June 2013
Family
As we get older, I think you begin to appreciate what family you have in your life. My brother and I were estranged for a few years. We have been talking more recently and I will be taking my nephews to their first baseball game in August. I love baseball (I love all sports) and I'm not able to frequent many games. It will be nice introducing my nephews in a new sport.
On Friday, I had lunch with my parents and my aunt and uncle whom I haven't seen in a few years. It was good to see them looking so well, but I was reminded why we haven't seen each other in a while. I think it would be best to keep distance.
But decided to email my cousin, their daughter. She called me Friday night. It was a rare time for her since her husband was away from home and the kids were out for the night. It was so good to talk to her. We spoke openly and honestly with each other. We truly shared which has brought us so close. She lives in Boston, Mass., and it won't be possible to meet any time soon but we considered taking a trip to the Bahamas together. That would be so much fun. We'll see.
The daughter of my father's brother is also a close friend. She lives in Venice, California, and again I don't see her often but we keep in contact with phone calls and email. I have always felt that Joy was more my sister than cousin. We look like sisters. She is a wonderful woman whose intelligence never ceases to amaze me. I have so much respect for her. Luckily, we are close and I know I will be seeing her soon. Hopefully, she will make a trip up this way soon.
My family is spread out all over Canada. I have cousins in the Maritimes and cousins out west in Alberta. I haven't seen them in ages which makes it difficult to keep in touch.
I have realized how important family is at this stage in life. I don't have many close friends and the two closest live in England. Both my cousins make my life better even though they too can't meet me for coffee or a movie. I'm just appreciative they are in my life.
have fun,
patty
www.pattylesser.com
On Friday, I had lunch with my parents and my aunt and uncle whom I haven't seen in a few years. It was good to see them looking so well, but I was reminded why we haven't seen each other in a while. I think it would be best to keep distance.
But decided to email my cousin, their daughter. She called me Friday night. It was a rare time for her since her husband was away from home and the kids were out for the night. It was so good to talk to her. We spoke openly and honestly with each other. We truly shared which has brought us so close. She lives in Boston, Mass., and it won't be possible to meet any time soon but we considered taking a trip to the Bahamas together. That would be so much fun. We'll see.
The daughter of my father's brother is also a close friend. She lives in Venice, California, and again I don't see her often but we keep in contact with phone calls and email. I have always felt that Joy was more my sister than cousin. We look like sisters. She is a wonderful woman whose intelligence never ceases to amaze me. I have so much respect for her. Luckily, we are close and I know I will be seeing her soon. Hopefully, she will make a trip up this way soon.
My family is spread out all over Canada. I have cousins in the Maritimes and cousins out west in Alberta. I haven't seen them in ages which makes it difficult to keep in touch.
I have realized how important family is at this stage in life. I don't have many close friends and the two closest live in England. Both my cousins make my life better even though they too can't meet me for coffee or a movie. I'm just appreciative they are in my life.
have fun,
patty
www.pattylesser.com
Tuesday, 18 June 2013
Sleep Lab
As I have mentioned before, I have severe sleep problems. No sleeping medication works so I knew I needed some more help. I asked my family doctor to refer me to a sleep disorder's clinic. He did so immediately and I was told I would have to wait 3-4 weeks for an appointment. Not enjoying my sleep at the moment, I was prepared to stick it out a little longer.
Miracle upon miracle, yesterday afternoon I received a call from the sleep disorder's clinic asking me if I could attend at the hospital that night for a sleep lab which involved staying overnight at the hospital while being monitored. Of course, I jumped at the chance.
So, last night, I slept at the hospital wired up like an octupus. I arrived at the clinic at 9:00 pm and by 9:30 pm, a technician put around 20 wires on my head, face, chest, stomach and legs. I also had one thing over my nose and another in my nose. All the wires led to a box that was put on a rope around my neck until I went to bed. Before I was ordered to sleep at 11:00 pm, the technician attached the box to what looked like a computer cord that was attached to a panel on the wall. Once I was all hooked up, I was allowed to go to sleep but I didn't think I'd sleep all trustled up like that.
Amazingly enough, I did sleep and I was told there was 800 pages of data for them to go through. I will get the report in two weeks. It was an incredible night. I didn't feel like I slept that much but the technician said I did. At one point, he came into my room in the early morning hours and shocked the hell out of me. I think I shocked him more with my scream.
Wifi is one the greatest inventions. It was so wonderful being able to watch the Boston/Chicago playoffs online at the CBC Sports site while in the hospital. I didn't like the thought of missing the game and the hospital offered free wifi. So I was able to watch the game and even chat a bit.
No, I didn't have a nap today even though I was woken up at 5:30 am and even though I didn't have a good night's sleep. I would rather wait and go to bed at a decent hour and sleep the night. I'm not always guaranteed sleep if I take a nap during the day. So, it was an uneventful day. I'm glad I got through it.
have fun,
patty
www.pattylesser.com
Miracle upon miracle, yesterday afternoon I received a call from the sleep disorder's clinic asking me if I could attend at the hospital that night for a sleep lab which involved staying overnight at the hospital while being monitored. Of course, I jumped at the chance.
So, last night, I slept at the hospital wired up like an octupus. I arrived at the clinic at 9:00 pm and by 9:30 pm, a technician put around 20 wires on my head, face, chest, stomach and legs. I also had one thing over my nose and another in my nose. All the wires led to a box that was put on a rope around my neck until I went to bed. Before I was ordered to sleep at 11:00 pm, the technician attached the box to what looked like a computer cord that was attached to a panel on the wall. Once I was all hooked up, I was allowed to go to sleep but I didn't think I'd sleep all trustled up like that.
Amazingly enough, I did sleep and I was told there was 800 pages of data for them to go through. I will get the report in two weeks. It was an incredible night. I didn't feel like I slept that much but the technician said I did. At one point, he came into my room in the early morning hours and shocked the hell out of me. I think I shocked him more with my scream.
Wifi is one the greatest inventions. It was so wonderful being able to watch the Boston/Chicago playoffs online at the CBC Sports site while in the hospital. I didn't like the thought of missing the game and the hospital offered free wifi. So I was able to watch the game and even chat a bit.
No, I didn't have a nap today even though I was woken up at 5:30 am and even though I didn't have a good night's sleep. I would rather wait and go to bed at a decent hour and sleep the night. I'm not always guaranteed sleep if I take a nap during the day. So, it was an uneventful day. I'm glad I got through it.
have fun,
patty
www.pattylesser.com
Saturday, 15 June 2013
I'm in the newspaper
The local Dundas Star News did an article about my book Shall We Chat? Revealing the Secrets of Chatting Online. It came out in their paper yesterday (Friday). I'm getting calls from neighbours letting me know that they have seen it. This is quite exciting. I'm so hoping this free advertisement will induce sales of my book and interest people in my website.
If you'd like to read the Dundas Star article, go to this link: http://www.hamiltonnews.com/community/ancaster/shall-we-chat-examines-online-secrets/
Next, I'm going to approach the Hamilton Spectator and see if they will put me in their paper. That would be a dream come true. While at McMaster Univeristy, I was the Assistant Sport's Editor for the Silhouette, McMaster's university paper. I wrote a variety of articles about sports but, in addition, managed to write some news stories. I had considered trying to get a job at the Spectator after I had completed university. But, as you know, I went to Israel instead for five years.
For my nephew, Aiden's 13th birthday, I gave him the manuscript of my fourth book: That Truthful Place. I dedicated the book to him. Unfortunately, it is not finished yet. There is a bit more left to write but I know I will be able to finish it in time. Aiden seemed pleased with his present. He is the first one to read that book and, since its about 13 year old kids with telepathy, he is my audience. I can't wait to hear from him when he has finished reading the book.
Right now, I'm working on my fifth book: The Nuts which is about five poker buddies and long time friends who come together to advert a conspiracy which threatens the U.S.A. I have written about 143 pages so far. I know where I'm going for a while but then there are a few hiccups in the road to the conclusion which I know what to write. I've been having trouble with this book for a few years. I get to a point and then don't know where to go. I will work on it as long as I can. Then I will go back to That Truthful Place and finish it off.
I'm considering publishing my second book entitled Waiting for Love Online. I really like this book but it should be edited but I'm scared the editor will have problems with it. In addition, the editor is asking for $1,000 all inclusive to edit my book. Its a fair price but I don't have $1,000. I am self-publishing so I hope people will forgive small mistakes. At least, I'll be getting my work published.
have fun,
patty
www.pattylesser.com
If you'd like to read the Dundas Star article, go to this link: http://www.hamiltonnews.com/community/ancaster/shall-we-chat-examines-online-secrets/
Next, I'm going to approach the Hamilton Spectator and see if they will put me in their paper. That would be a dream come true. While at McMaster Univeristy, I was the Assistant Sport's Editor for the Silhouette, McMaster's university paper. I wrote a variety of articles about sports but, in addition, managed to write some news stories. I had considered trying to get a job at the Spectator after I had completed university. But, as you know, I went to Israel instead for five years.
For my nephew, Aiden's 13th birthday, I gave him the manuscript of my fourth book: That Truthful Place. I dedicated the book to him. Unfortunately, it is not finished yet. There is a bit more left to write but I know I will be able to finish it in time. Aiden seemed pleased with his present. He is the first one to read that book and, since its about 13 year old kids with telepathy, he is my audience. I can't wait to hear from him when he has finished reading the book.
Right now, I'm working on my fifth book: The Nuts which is about five poker buddies and long time friends who come together to advert a conspiracy which threatens the U.S.A. I have written about 143 pages so far. I know where I'm going for a while but then there are a few hiccups in the road to the conclusion which I know what to write. I've been having trouble with this book for a few years. I get to a point and then don't know where to go. I will work on it as long as I can. Then I will go back to That Truthful Place and finish it off.
I'm considering publishing my second book entitled Waiting for Love Online. I really like this book but it should be edited but I'm scared the editor will have problems with it. In addition, the editor is asking for $1,000 all inclusive to edit my book. Its a fair price but I don't have $1,000. I am self-publishing so I hope people will forgive small mistakes. At least, I'll be getting my work published.
have fun,
patty
www.pattylesser.com
Thursday, 6 June 2013
Finally
I received an annoying telephone call this morning from a telemarketer waking me up. I had been having a nice interesting dream about being with people and our pets. A woman was having problems and needed someone to look after her dog. I had to take a long drive to reach her. Don't remember much more. Telephone ring interferred with remembering that dream.
After the call, I went back to sleep and it was a restless, anxious dream. I was frantically trying to figure out different ways to get noticed so people will learn about my book Shall We Chat? My unconscious mind went through many scenarios. It became so intense that I was stressing out. Woke up feeling out of sorts.
I haven't written anything in my blog for a while because I am suffering from severe insomnia. Tried everything and many different medications. Nothing works or had bad side effects from the drug. I didn't sleep Thursday night and went to bed at 11 pm Friday. Didn't sleep Saturday night but finally slept at 10 pm Sunday night. But then I also didn't sleep Monday night. Finally slept early on Tuesday night. Slept also last night and woke up at a decent hour this morning. It is wonderful sleeping two nights in a row.
Yes, I've called the doctor. Waiting for his return call.
But, I finally have wonderful news. Something to write about. The local Dundas Star News is printing an article about me and my book. Here is the article: http://www.hamiltonnews.com/community/ancaster/shall-we-chat-examines-online-secrets/
Isn't this wonderful? I'm finally getting out there. I have been very discouraged which is another reason why I didn't write in my blog.
Another wonderful event is that Bryan Prince Books in Westdale, Hamilton, will carry my book. I am taking over a few copies hopefully today.
So, finally, I'm happy again. Things are looking up!
have fun,
patty
www.pattylesser.com
After the call, I went back to sleep and it was a restless, anxious dream. I was frantically trying to figure out different ways to get noticed so people will learn about my book Shall We Chat? My unconscious mind went through many scenarios. It became so intense that I was stressing out. Woke up feeling out of sorts.
I haven't written anything in my blog for a while because I am suffering from severe insomnia. Tried everything and many different medications. Nothing works or had bad side effects from the drug. I didn't sleep Thursday night and went to bed at 11 pm Friday. Didn't sleep Saturday night but finally slept at 10 pm Sunday night. But then I also didn't sleep Monday night. Finally slept early on Tuesday night. Slept also last night and woke up at a decent hour this morning. It is wonderful sleeping two nights in a row.
Yes, I've called the doctor. Waiting for his return call.
But, I finally have wonderful news. Something to write about. The local Dundas Star News is printing an article about me and my book. Here is the article: http://www.hamiltonnews.com/community/ancaster/shall-we-chat-examines-online-secrets/
Isn't this wonderful? I'm finally getting out there. I have been very discouraged which is another reason why I didn't write in my blog.
Another wonderful event is that Bryan Prince Books in Westdale, Hamilton, will carry my book. I am taking over a few copies hopefully today.
So, finally, I'm happy again. Things are looking up!
have fun,
patty
www.pattylesser.com
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