The Competition

Mike Reiss

Television Writer

Michael "Mike" L. Reiss is an American television comedy writer. He served as a show-runner, writer and producer for the animated series The Simpsons and co-created the animated series The Critic. Wikipedia

Born: September 15, 1959 (age 54), Bristol, CT

Spouse: Denise Reiss

Education: Harvard University

Movies and TV shows: The Simpsons Movie, The Critic, More

Awards: Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Animated Program (for Programming Less Than One Hour), More

 I'm amazed at how many authors join the ranks every single day.  Back when I started, I had a few loyal fans, but now even those fans are authors and I'm hoping other reader's have filled their slots. You could get a review from a legitimate site in just a few weeks instead of waiting for years, and people knew your name.

 If you read my blog often, you already know I love Reader's Digest, and today I'm quoting from an article that appeared, written my Mike Reiss and entitled, "I'm a Non-Celebrity--Buy My Book."

He starts out by stating he's written seventeen children's books and the toughest part is competing with all the "famous" people who've also written books for kids...people like Queen Latifah, Sarah Ferguson, Julie Andrews, Judy Collins, Kathie Lee Gifford and Jamie Lee Curtis.  Even John Travolta and Madonna.  He claims his book, listed alphabetically in stores, is 'sandwiched' between Carl Reiner and LeAnn Rimes.  *lol*

He asks a very valid question, but I'm sure I know the answer.  Why are celebrities writing kid's books?  Jay Leno, who earns millions a year, owns 460 cars and 89 motorcycles certainly doesn't do it for the money, nor does Jerry Seinfield, Neil Sedaka or Steve Martin.

The answer, I believe, lies within the soul of each of us who loves to write.  I certainly didn't start writing for the money, although I have to admit that getting a royalty amount that buys more than a McDonald's Happy Meal is a treat.   The Kindle has made a great big difference for those of us who write romantic fiction for the women of the world who still like to dream, but I still haven't figured out exactly how we compete.

If you name a way to promote myself, I'm pretty sure I've tried it, but with the growing number of authors who traditionally publish every day...and now those who self-publish, most of us continue to be lost in the ocean of new names and titles.

Any new ideas?  

Book Me A Room in Capacitated

I have been many places, but I've never been in Cahoots.  Apparently you have can't go alone--you have to be in Cahoots with someone.  I've also never been in Cognito, but I hear no one recognizes you there.  I have, however, been in Sane.  You have to be driven there, and I've made several trips thanks to family, friends, and work.

I'd like to go to Conclusions, but you have to jump, and I'm not much into physical activities anymore.  I've also been in Doubt...a sad place and I try not to visit there too often.

I've been in Flexible, but only when it was very important to stand firm.  Sometimes I'm in Capable, and I go there more often as I get older.

One of my favorite places to be is in Suspense!  It really gets the adrenaline flowing and the old heart pumping!  And although sometimes I think I'm in Vincible, life shows me I'm not.

I have been in Deepdoodoo frequently, and the more adventurous I get, the easier it is to end up there.

Taken from Reader's Digest with planetproctor.com listed as the source.

I had to laugh when a friend copied this to her blog and someone commented what about in Love, nn Trouble and in Consequential.  She suggested staying away from the last place since you don't really matter when you're there.

How about in Turmoil?   In Visible?  I image that's much like In Cognito.  People might recognize you but they can't see you.  :)  Can you think of any others?  Let's keep it going.

Ginger Loves Reader's Digest and Their Tips!

I'm sure RD won't mind me sharing one of their wonderful articles as long as I credit the author, Michelle Crouch, and mention this was in the December 2012 issue.  I think it's wonderful that this magazine often shares tips that the normal everyday person wouldn't know about unless they informed us.  Such is the case of "Thirteen Things Your Mall Salesperson Won't Tell You."

I'm going to paraphrase, so it won't be worded exactly as Ms. Crouch's article.

1.  Some retailers add raised floor covering that actually vibrates and makes you walk slower and allows extra time to view items for purchase.  Studies have shown this little trick increases sales by 8%.

2.  When shopping, avoid the cart if a carry basket will suffice.  Studies show that shoppers buy 40% more if they use the cart because our subconscious mind wants us to fill the space.

3.  There are comparison apps available to check for better prices if you find an item you want.  Ms. Crouch indicates you can also ask the salesperson to call you if the price drops.  (Good luck with that one.)

4.  The best deals are found on weekdays because of the arrival of new merchandise and markdowns on the old.  Traffic is slower during the week and markdowns increase shoppers in the store.

5.  Remember that those cute little kiosks  in the mall pay the highest rent per square foot, so you aren't likely to find any bargains there.

6.  If something is on what's called an "end cap" or end of the aisle with a very evident price tag, that doesn't indicate it's a sale.  Manufacturers pay for those prime spots.

7.  When you have company while shopping, you'll always buy more.

8.  Poor customer service?  Not surprised.  Most employees receive bare bones training, minimum wage and are asked to do everything from cleaning toilets to unloading new merchandise.  The average length of employment is ninety days.  (I can attest to this.  I worked a Christmas season as a retail store in California, and believe me, you don't get in the spirit by dealing with all the scrooges :)

9. Displays at the register are called impulse towers for a reason.

10.  Clearance racks are a treasure trove and most who search through the merchandise will likely buy something whether it's a treasure or not simply because of the wonderful mark-down.

11.  Keep your receipt because if the price drops within a certain number of days, many retailers will refund the difference.

12.  Hate the malls?  Shop online.  This is especially helpful during the Christmas rush.  December 17 is free-shipping day by tons of retailers with delivery promised by Christmas Eve.  Check out the sites you like and determine their policy.  Some will provide free shipping anytime with a minimum purchase they've posted.

13.  When ordering jewelry on line, right before you hit "place your order" CANCEL instead.  Many retailers will email you with an offer of a discount if you return and make your purchase.

There...now you're armed to take a break from reading and writing and become a savvy shopper.  Thanks RD for educating me.

WHAT'S IN A TITLE? POSTED BY GINGER

I don't know that titles play the number one role in helping readers select their material, but I do know that often, publishers point out changes that might better fit the contents.  I've never had an actual original title changed, but I enjoyed a recent article in Reader's Digest that shares the "almost" names of some classic books I'm sure we've all heard of or read.  So, how would the original title have affected your choices?

The Strike.......................................became Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand

The High-Bouncing Lover.............became The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Atticus............................................became To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee

The Last Man in Europe ................became 1984 by George Orwell

Fiesta .............................................became The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway

First Impressions ...........................became Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Catch-11 ........................................became Catch-22 by Joseph Heller

Mistress Mary .................................became The Secret Garden by Frances Burnett



 If you want another surprise, go to Amazon and see how the covers have changed over they years and the different versions available.  Pretty amazing