George R. Lasher's Notebook

Radiation? Don't be silly!

Mind-boggling acts of supernatural terrorism, steamy romance, bitter betrayal, and a quest for world dominance and immortality are waiting for you in The Falcon and His Desert Rose, available to Kindle owners for FREE, this Memorial Day weekend on Amazon.com. Download it now! http://www.amazon.com/Falcon-His-Desert-Rose-ebook/dp/B005UD7R1C/ref=tmm_kin_tit... le_0?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2

Like • Comment • May 26, 2012 at 9:41pm EDT

Sweet

1 Like • May 27, 2012 at 12:26pm EDT

Marsha

Thank you George. I have a Kindle for pc and now have it there. Hopefully I'll get to it before summer's end. I have to proof my husband's book first.

1 Like • 1 Day 16 Hours ago

Radiation? Don't be silly!

I did a theatrical performance once, on puns. It never won any awards or wound up on Broadway, or anything. It was just a play on words.

Like • Comment • Apr 17, 2012 at 11:40am EDT

4 people like this.

haha, punny.

Like • Apr 17, 2012 at 5:24pm EDT

The mosquitoes are so bad in the Houston area this year, they had to call out the SWAT team!

Like • Comment • Apr 16, 2012 at 10:15pm EDT

5 people like this.

Show all 5 comments.

George!! Have you no shame? Although, those pesky vampires are bad here in Houston. A swarm of the critters carried off my dog, Quito. I really miss Quito.

2 Like • Apr 17, 2012 at 8:52am EDT

Groan!

Like • Apr 17, 2012 at 9:35am EDT

In my otherwise boring day of calling people all day, this made me LOL! keep 'em 'comin'

Like • Apr 17, 2012 at 12:50pm EDT

Even though it is being given away for FREE to Kindle owners this weekend, it was pretty cool to see my novel listed in the top 100 for suspense on Amazon.com. The Falcon and His Desert Rose was #3 at 8:45 this morning. Number 1 in France, Germany, and Spain, and number 12 in Great Britain.

Like • Comment • Apr 15, 2012 at 9:54am EDT

1 person likes this.

Lisa Hollar

And that helps you when it stops being free. Puts you up where people can find you in the huge mess of books.

1 Like • Apr 15, 2012 at 2:57pm EDT

Just checked out Amazon, you have a 4.5 star rating too, WTG George.

1 Like • Apr 16, 2012 at 7:47pm EDT

Yesterday I introduced Rhiannon Frater at the Houston Writers Guild's spring Writers Conference. She has penned 3 zombie novels, all optioned for film! She started out self-publishing. Today, I met and introduced Ken Atchity, an agent and major force in the film industry who searches for stories that would be right for the big screen. Oh, yeah, I sold some books, too!
http://www.amazon.com/Falcon-His-Desert-Rose-ebook/dp/B005UD7R1C/ref=tmm_k in_title_0?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2

Like • Comment • Apr 14, 2012 at 3:09pm EDT

1 person likes this.

Radiation? Don't be silly!

You can't buy happiness, but you can buy books, which is almost the same thing.
http://www.amazon.com/Falcon-His-Desert-Rose-ebook/dp/B005UD7R1C/ref=tmm _kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2

Like • Comment • Apr 13, 2012 at 7:06pm EDT

1 person likes this.

So true. And I love your book!

1 Like • Apr 13, 2012 at 7:11pm EDT

Can I use that line? I love it

1 Like • Apr 14, 2012 at 12:31am EDT

Latest review of my novel, which is available as a paperback book, or as an eBook for Kindles, Nooks, and iPads.
http://bethswritingopinions.blogspot.com/

Like • Comment • Apr 11, 2012 at 2:09am EDT

Another issue I struggle with during production of a novel, is when to rewrite. I have a tendency to write a chapter and then rewrite it until I feel good about it. Then, I write another chapter or two and repeat the process. The problem is that I wear myself out doing rewrites and never get the story finished. I think it is better to just blow through the whole novel, get it all down, and save it before the rewriting starts. Problem is, I can't make myself do that.

Like • Comment • Apr 9, 2012 at 4:24pm EDT

3 people like this.

Show all 4 comments.

George-That is why I did the NaNo in Nov. I started to rewrite and now I have lost interest in the story. It seems to convoluted. But writing straight through to the end was exciting, knowing I didn't have to be perfect but get the story written. next time I am going to do a story more in my familiar genre and I will want to do the rewrite. I have worked on it, but my insecurities keep blindsiding me.

1 Like • Apr 11, 2012 at 10:13am EDT

I enjoy NaNo, but I still found myself going back and editing what I wrote, habit.

Like • Apr 12, 2012 at 3:27pm EDT

Valarie-I started to do that too, but I didn't want to end up short of words and time by doing that, so I only did mass misspelling as I went.

Like • Apr 12, 2012 at 3:38pm EDT

many literary rules are being broken by newly published (usually self-published, or YA authors). Hiring a professional editor is expensive, and writing well isn't a byproduct of becoming an eloquent orator. When you read successful novels that overuse, or inappropriately employ the dreaded words "was" and "had," don't assume that means you should follow suit. In this electronic age of abbreviated, instant communication, wrong may go uncorrected, but that doesn't make it right.

Like • Comment • Apr 9, 2012 at 12:16pm EDT

1 person likes this.

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I have also found that 'classics' have it all wrong as well and wonder how they got published. Trying to read Pride and Prejudice - has no description and you don't know who is talking half the time.

Like • Apr 9, 2012 at 1:49pm EDT

many of the classics have tons of errors that wouldn't escape the sharp eye of a good, modern day editor. Without the internet, or readinly handy dictionaries, words were often misspelled and facts were frequently misrepresented. But in most cases they did pretty well for the limited resources they had at their disposal. These days, we have few excuses for our errors.

Like • Apr 9, 2012 at 1:58pm EDT

chopstix

I believe writing and reading practices evolved over time. I finished reading 1001 Arabian Nights recently. In the preface, a scholar explains historical differences between arabic writers in our midieval era and modern narration.

Like • Apr 9, 2012 at 2:01pm EDT

I'm no genius, ask my wife, but I've learned a lot from the live critique groups offered by The Houston Writers Guild. My skin got thicker, and my writing improved. This weekend, I will again serve as MC @ the annual spring writers conference, sponsored by The Houston Writers Guild. Conferences like this, where literary agents come to teach and find new authors to represent, can help you make the quantum leap you need to become published. Check out The Houston Writers Guild website.

Like • Comment • Apr 9, 2012 at 11:59am EDT

Lisa Hollar

Someof the best advice I got came from two professionals I met via twitter. One is an editor for a small publishing company. She bought one of my self pubbed stories and wrote me to say how much she liked it. She also let me know what needed fixed. I still make mistakes, but thanks to her, I am making less. The other woman is a cover artist/author and designed one of my covers. She always lets me know when I am becoming passive, which is a big problem for me.

1 Like • Apr 9, 2012 at 1:39pm EDT

Due to time and money, and my job, I have only been to a couple writer's conferences and each one was invaluable.

Like • Apr 10, 2012 at 11:44am EDT

"Had" is bad. Had is another word that can kill your chance of catching a literary agenet's eye, or winning serious literary contests. The word "had" removes the reader from being "in the moment" with the character. EXAMPLE: Bob had thought about dating Amy, but her beauty intimidated him.
If I had written Bob thought about dating Amy...we would be reading about what Bob is doing rather than what he did.

Like • Comment • Apr 9, 2012 at 11:46am EDT

1 person likes this.

Show all 6 comments.

I agree, I have that one on my list. I think it is about limiting the use of these words where we can. Over usage is the problem and it shows a lazy writer. It is a problem I constantly battle. (I just removed a couple of haves and reworded this)

1 Like • Apr 9, 2012 at 3:49pm EDT

I write, then I read what I've written, if I can read the sentence without had or have, I take it out, which is 98% of the time.

Like • Apr 10, 2012 at 11:46am EDT

Fairport

Bob wants to ...or Bob toys with the thought

Like • Apr 12, 2012 at 10:42am EDT

For the first 8 years of what I refer to as my literary life, I killed any chance of publication by not employing the suggestions of the greatest authors to have ever picked up a pen. EXAMPLE: Substitute "damn" every time you're inclined to write "very"; your editor will delete it and the writing will be just as it should be. Mark Twain.
Today "damn" isn't deleted, but the point is that "very" is a useless word. Be descriptive enough, and you lose the need for "very".

Like • Comment • Apr 9, 2012 at 11:40am EDT

Wow-another good tip. I found this to be damn interesting information. Thanks again, George.

2 Like • Apr 9, 2012 at 11:46am EDT

More on the word, "was." Take the sentence, Bob said he was sick. using was robs us of feeling Bob's discomfort. If we had instead written, Bob said he felt as if he might throw up at any moment, then the reader has a better understanding of what Bob is experiencing. Virtually every time you use the word was, you should stop and examine whether some other way might exist to reword that sentence which would provide better descrption that would help the reader feel more connected.

Like • Comment • Apr 9, 2012 at 3:12am EDT

1 person likes this.

Thank you for this advice. I will take another look at my work and see where I can cut out was and very. This could be an interesting bit of editing I can do on my own.

Like • Apr 9, 2012 at 9:56am EDT

Was is one of those words Word hates. It underlines it every time and forces me to use a different word or reword what I've written until either I take the whole sentence out or Word likes the change.

Like • Apr 10, 2012 at 11:49am EDT

I'm throwing this out there for all to consider. For 8 of the 12 years I've been writing, I wrote passionately, but poorly. The things that have contributed most to my improvement have been joining critique groups, live and online, that offer constructive comments about each others' stories. I've learned to try to avoid using the words, "was" and "very." Additionally, never begin sentences with There was, or It was. Several Literary Agents have told me those are big no-nos.

Like • Comment • Apr 9, 2012 at 3:07am EDT

1 person likes this.

~~This was~~ Your advice ~~was~~ makes me think twice about sentence construction. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us, George.

Like • Apr 9, 2012 at 7:35am EDT

Thank you for all your sound advice. I too find that having someone else look at my work is the most beneficial thing I can do. I don't have the opportunity for a critique group where I live. If it exists, I'm unaware of it, and I have looked for one, to no avail. So every review I get here is helpful and enlightening.

Like • Apr 10, 2012 at 11:53am EDT

I've penned more of The Panther In the Hall and want to encourage everyone to chime in with their reactions and reviews. I haven't gotten this much enjoyment from writing a story in quite a while, but I sometimes tend to see through rose colored glasses. Tell me what you think.

ID: 1850440 (Rated: 13+)
The Panther In the Hall

3 chapters completed, detailing milestones in the life of an amazing family.
by George R. Lasher

Like • Comment • Apr 5, 2012 at 12:09am EDT

The second chapter of The Panther In the Hall is now available to read and review. In order to fine tune this tail, err, tale, I need more feedback pertaining to this unfinished story, based on nightmares I had as a little boy (yes, I know that's been a while. Lincoln was president back then.)

ID: 1850440 (Rated: 13+)
The Panther In the Hall

3 chapters completed, detailing milestones in the life of an amazing family.
by George R. Lasher

Like • Comment • Apr 2, 2012 at 1:12pm EDT

For those who have read The Falcon and His Desert Rose, I need more reviews on the Amazon.com website. For those that have not yet taken a peek at my romantic, international thriller, may I encourage you to do so. Check out the first 3 chapters for free! http://www.amazon.com/Falcon-His-Desert-Rose-ebook/dp/B005UD7R1C/ref=tmm_kin_tit... le_0?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2

Like • Comment • Mar 31, 2012 at 5:52pm EDT

The second chapter of The Panther In the Hall is now available to read and review. 750 gift points will be awarded to those who offer their carefully-considered, constructive suggestions, opinions, and reactions to this unfinished story, based on nightmares I had as a little boy.

ID: 1850440 (Rated: 13+)
The Panther In the Hall

3 chapters completed, detailing milestones in the life of an amazing family.
by George R. Lasher

Like • Comment • Mar 31, 2012 at 4:11pm EDT

This weekend (3/24) I drove my trusty Toyota up to Amarillo and Lubbock where I appeared at a couple of Barnes and Noble stores, autographing books for people nice enough to buy paperback copies of my novel, The Falcon and His Desert Rose. Kudos to my publisher, World Castle Publishing, for scheduling these successful events. It was a blast! (1400 miles round trip from Houston is a haul, but the Avalon is a really nice road car, and gets a whopping 30 mpg at 75mph

Like • Comment • Mar 26, 2012 at 1:59am EDT

2 people like this.

WendyM

Hi George,
Now I have a kindle, I shall be downloading your new book for holiday reading material. It's quite exciting for me to be in touch with a real live author!

Like • Mar 26, 2012 at 5:35am EDT

Great Job! What fun even if you are tired at the end of the day, it was worth every minute.

Like • Mar 26, 2012 at 10:27am EDT

I'm seeking feedback pertaining to the first chapter of an unfinished short story; a work in progress, entitled, The Panther In the Hall. Your carefully considered remarks and reviews would be most appreciated, and will be rewarded with 750 gift points.

ID: 1850440 (Rated: 13+)
The Panther In the Hall

3 chapters completed, detailing milestones in the life of an amazing family.
by George R. Lasher

Like • Comment • Mar 18, 2012 at 1:06pm EDT

Hi George. Always a pleasure to read your work. I'll take a look at it soon.
Winnie

Like • Mar 18, 2012 at 1:42pm EDT

The FREE weekend promotion on Amazon.com is going pretty darn well for my novel, The Falcon and His Desert Rose. For suspense novels it has vaulted to # 1 in Spain, # 10, in Germany, # 12 in Great Britain, and # 47 in the United States. Exciting to know how many readers I'm gaining with this giveaway to Kindle owners, even though their purchases aren't earning me a cent.

Like • Comment • Mar 11, 2012 at 6:52pm EDT

My novel, The Falcon and His Desert Rose is FREE to kindle owners this weekend on Amazon.com
http://www.free-press-release.com/news-march-madness-free-e-book-giv eaway-1331342052.html

Like • Comment • Mar 11, 2012 at 12:30am EST

chopstix

Rats, I paid full price. I really like the second chapter.

Like • Mar 11, 2012 at 1:02am EST

Darn, I don't have a Kindle

Like • Mar 11, 2012 at 9:54am EDT

A bartender claimed to have served a martini to Charles Dickens. When I reminded him that Dickens died in 1870, he shrugged. "Maybe, but he looked just like him, so when he ordered his martini, I asked him, Olive or twist?" Needless to say, I don't go to that bar, anymore. BTW today is the last day Kindle owners can obtain a FREE copy of The Falcon and His Desert Rose from Amazon.com. http://www.amazon.com/Falcon-His-Desert-Rose-ebook/dp/B005UD7R1C/ref=tmm_kin_tit... le_0?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2

Like • Comment • Jan 22, 2012 at 1:32pm EST

1 person likes this.

A truck, delivering copies of Roget's Thesaurus hit a slick spot on the hiway and overturned. The books were scattered all over the road. Witnesses were astonished, astounded, shocked, surprised, mystified, startled, and dumbfounded.

Like • Comment • Jan 22, 2012 at 12:27am EST

3 people like this.

Doremi-84 on July 7

LOL

Like • Jan 22, 2012 at 11:29am EST

I met a guitarist the other day who says he reads music and listens to books on CDs.

Like • Comment • Jan 21, 2012 at 4:21pm EST

1 person likes this.

Doremi-84 on July 7

That's like going to Long Island to hear the sea and see the Sound

1 Like • Jan 22, 2012 at 11:30am EST

Kindle owners may let one of the most glorious words in the English language roll off their tongue this weekend as they purchase the ebook version of The Falcon and His Desert Rose from Amazon.com. Let's say it together, shall we? FREE. Once again now, a little louder...FREEEEEE. Has a nice ring to it, doesn't it? http://www.amazon.com/Falcon-His-Desert-Rose-ebook/dp/B005UD7R1C/ref=tmm_kin_tit... le_0?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2

Like • Comment • Jan 20, 2012 at 1:09pm EST

1 person likes this.

I'm seeking reviews, reactions, and constructive comments pertaining to my latest holiday-season, short story, a fleeting glimpse of a future bank robbery gone bad, called, Turning Dark.

ID: 1826777 (Rated: 18+)
Turning Dark

A fugitive from a robbery gone bad reflects on life during the final week of 2099.
by George R. Lasher

Like • Comment • Jan 12, 2012 at 12:48pm EST

"The difference between fiction and reality? Fiction has to make sense." - Tom Clancy.
If we can clone animals why not humans? And if we can clone humans, why not the very gods, themselves? Modern science and ancient magic are used to create a new Egyptian Messiah, in The Falcon and His Desert Rose. Now on sale in e-Book format for only 3.99 or 12.99 for the paperback! http://www.amazon.com/Falcon-His-Desert-Rose-ebook/dp/B005UD7R1C/ref=tmm_kin_tit... le_0?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2

Like • Comment • Jan 12, 2012 at 12:41pm EST

An old guy in a gym asked his trainer, "Which machine should I use to impress that blonde?" he pointed to a nearby beauty. After a glance at the hottie and back at his pudgy client, the trainer suggested, "The ATM machine in the lobby." BTW, if you haven't ordered The Falcon and His Desert Rose, the reviews continue to be impressive! Available in paperback or E-Book format. http://www.amazon.com/Falcon-His-Desert-Rose-ebook/dp/B005UD7R1C/ref=tmm_kin_tit... le_0?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2

Like • Comment • Jan 11, 2012 at 6:40pm EST

1 person likes this.

Lindsay's Views & Reviews
5 Stars
I knew I was going to enjoy this book as soon as I saw the cover. I have always loved anything and everything related to Egyptian lore, myth and history. The Falcon and His Desert Rose is nothing short of an amazing story. I don't give 5 star ratings that often anymore, but with this, if I could give it 6 stars, I would.

By: Lindsay and Jane's Views and Reviews
.

Like • Comment • Nov 29, 2011 at 4:14pm EST

An interview with one of your favorite authors...well, at least one of your fellow authors here, on writing.com http://www.lindsayannekendal.com/authorinterviews.htm

Like • Comment • Nov 4, 2011 at 3:51pm EDT

2 people like this.

No more teasers. If you have $5.99 and a Nook, an iPad, or a Kindle, the wait is over you may now order the eBook version of The Falcon and His Desert Rose.

http://www.amazon.com/Falcon-His-Desert-Rose-ebook/dp/B005UD7R1C/ref=sr_1_1: :QM:...

Please be sure to click on the "Like" icon. For those that prefer turning real pages, the paperback will become available this Saturday or Sunday. "Welcome to my imagination."

Like • Comment • Oct 11, 2011 at 1:08am EDT

3 people like this.

The release date is drawing closer for this International Thriller that was conceived four years ago. World Castle Publishing has sent the final version of The Falcon and His Desert Rose to the printer. The first chapter appears now on CreateSpace and Twitter. Your impressions and thoughts are encouraged!
https://www.createspace.com/Preview/1088918

Like • Comment • Oct 6, 2011 at 12:52pm EDT

1 person likes this.

Adriana Noir

I don't want a teaser, George! I want to buy the whole book! Congratulations! I can't wait. *grins*

1 Like • Oct 10, 2011 at 9:34pm EDT

My novel, The Falcon and His Desert Rose, is being published as an eBook and in paperback byWorld Castle Publishing. The release date for this romantic, international thriller is set for late October or November this year. Here is a sneak preview:

ID: 1468329 (Rated: 18+)
The Falcon & His Desert Rose - Prologue

An ancient god is secretly reincarnated in hopes of returning Egypt to its former glory.
by George R. Lasher

Kindest regards to all,
George

Like • Comment • Sep 7, 2011 at 12:28pm EDT

3 people like this.

Show all 4 comments.

Congratulations George.

Like • Sep 10, 2011 at 9:28am EDT

Adriana Noir

Congratulations, George! That is awesome.

I can't wait to read it!

Like • Sep 10, 2011 at 10:57am EDT

Justin Lee Simes

Nicely done George!! Way to go!

Like • Sep 18, 2011 at 12:17pm EDT

faeriestone

Hi George,
Was just looking at my comments list and came across, 'The Memory Lane Malt Shop,' and just had to read again!
I love it!

regards

Sandie

Like • Comment • Mar 1, 2011 at 6:57pm EST

Thanks for the kind words...sorry to be so long in responding...I don't often view my notebook page.

Like • May 10, 2011 at 1:23pm EDT

jack hammer

Hi George,

I just found out how to use this notebook thing. Did I thank you for sending "Sophisticated humour" to me? Anyway thanks again. I am slowly reading through your port. Great work. Maybe I will find enough courage to review it soon.
kind regards,

Like • Comment • Jan 21, 2011 at 11:59am EST