Can I Get a Moment of Silence for Borders Books & Music, Please?
Liquidation begins on remaining 399 stores
All the kids I knew growing up had cool parents who dropped them off at the mall, complete with a credit card for impulse shopping ease. My friend Sophia’s mom would joke with her, “Try not to spend too much, honey” as she opened her wallet and handed over that treasured piece of plastic. I’d stare at her with envy in my eyes, shooting virtual daggers at her very existence. Sophia would turn to me and say, “are you sure you can’t go?” And for a fleeting moment I’d fantasize about lying to my parents so I could spend the day with her. I imagined eating at Sabarro pizza, buying trendy clothes at the shopping boutiques, and flirting with boys by the penny-for-your-thoughts fountain. Despite that millisecond of mental rebellion, my inner “good-girl” moral code knew it was wrong, so I politely declined each time. (Damn you, conscience!)
My parents, on the other hand, were a different breed. They were (and still are, for that matter) bookworms, or “bookies” as I referred to them (I love the elusive “illegal” taste that word leaves in your mouth despite the fact that it couldn’t be farther from the truth). A book store represented a children’s “safe-zone” to both my mom and dad, so when a brand new Borders opened up down the street, they were ecstatic. After receiving my hundredth “no” for requesting a drop off at the mall, I gave into their Borders alternative. “Fine!” I mumbled in defeat. “Just please drop me off down the street so I don’t look lame.” My dad chuckled, told me I was being “silly” and grabbed the car keys. Dropping me off down the street was out of the question. It was always curbside service.
From the moment I walked in their automatic doors, there was something about the smell of Borders that I found calming. It was a mixture of recently bound books, fresh coffee concoctions prepared by the baristas in the back, and the mild scent of lemon pledge. Employees paced the store greeting customers, offering assistance, and making suggestions with a smile. It was immaculate like a museum, yet it felt like a house I’d lived in for years. And there, on my very first visit, I fell in love. To hell with smelly malls and crowded movie theaters, my parents were onto something!
As with countless others, you can imagine my disappointment when I heard my beloved Borders Books and Music was going out of business. I bought my first (official) diary there, listened to Hole’s Live Through This album on repeat (the store clerks never said a word!), and sat for hours skimming fashion magazines, reading classic novels, and true crime thrillers. I saw my first naked man flipping the pages of a photography book there, for god’s sake. Well, it was either that, or Harvey Keitel in The Piano. I’m not sure. But most importantly, I now understand how those young Harry Potter fans feel – the closure of Borders is like the death of my childhood. (Insert sad face here)
As it stands, Borders began liquidating their remaining 399 stores this past Friday. Sadly that leaves their 10,700 employees in a less than savory spot. So where do we go from here? Are bookstores going to evaporate over the next few years while everyone converts to the land of Kindles and e-textbook rentals? I’m pretty sure I just heard Circuit City roll over in their grave (May they rest in peace). No one knows what the future holds, but just as Netflix conquered Blockbuster, I’ll bet that virtual page flipping is going to dominate what’s left of our book stores. So much for cruising bookshelves, skimming titles while sipping on a latte, and taking in the sweet aroma of the printed page. I don’t know about you, but I’m going to enjoy these simple pleasures while I still can. Au revoir, Borders. You had me at ‘Books and Music’.
How many doctors does it take to screw in a light bulb? How many authors does it take to write a book?
When I contemplate the process an author goes through while writing a book, my mind starts wandering. In this daydream of mine, they’re tucked away in an isolated cabin, frantically slamming on the keys of a vintage typewriter, surrounded by empty coffee cups. Meals are skipped, cigarettes are chain smoked and finger
nails are chewed upon. They work tirelessly through the night, often pacing with a glass of scotch in their hand. Did I mention they’re wearing a robe, too? Ok, ok… You get it. And I think I hit some classic stereotypes there too. My point (yes, I have one) is that the accuracy of the aforementioned stereotypes doesn’t matter, just the theme: Authors traditionally write alone. But who’s to say that’s the only way?
It’s hard enough for my friends to agree on a restaurant for dinner, let alone agree on the direction of a book. Everyone has something to contribute. So when I read an article about No Rest for the Dead, a novel written by twenty-six writers, I immediately wanted to high five them on their successful group effort. Collaborative writing is nothing new to BookRix. In February 2011, we brought SocialBook to life. If you’re not familiar with it, you’re missing out. SocialBook allows writers to work cohesively on an e-book, regardless of their location on a map. Still skeptical? Give it a chance -it’s simpler than it sounds.
Let’s say you’re trying to write a recipe book on authentic Brazilian cuisine (try not to drool on your keyboard). Make it easy on yourself and create a SocialBook on the topic – its fool proof. Now comes the fun part – open the door by inviting your Facebook friends and Twitter followers. It’s like a party, but without the cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Those in your network that share your passion for food can contribute by providing ideas, commenting on your work and rating your progress! Think about it- when you work alone, your book takes a break when you take a break. When you work with SocialBook, it’s active even when you’re not. Our application has a rad #hashtag feature that allows direct feeding from Facebook and Twitter, so your friends don’t even have to log on! Simply create a hashtag unique to your book (example: #Kimskickassbrazillindishes). Now all your friends have to do is reference that #hashtag in their comments, suggestions, etc., and voila! You’re in business.
In a world that waits for no one, it’s important to keep your finger on the pulse of what’s happening. At BookRix, we’re confident this is the next step towards innovative collaborative writing. Gone were the days of lonely writing and solitary confinement. Literary collaboration is where it’s at. It’s like book club, only better because you’re all working towards the same goal. A finished product! Don’t be the last author standing in your robe, holding a bottle of bourbon. Let others join in on the terrycloth festivities. I can hear the virtual clinking of glasses already. Don’t forget to toast!
Don’t be a #Twitwit: The Do’s and Don’ts of Social Media’s Fastest Growing Micro-blogging Site
Most of us had a parental tag-team growing up. They enforced rules, praised us for good grades, and occasionally let us stay up late past bedtime. But what happens when the folks who previously corrected our bad posture and encouraged common courtesies aren’t privy to the etiquette of social networking? Who’s supposed to point out the error of our ways? #facepalm.
As a kid, my mom had a rehearsed speech she went over each time I was dropped off at a friend’s house for dinner. “Remember to say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’. Don’t put your elbows on the table – it’s rude. And if you overstay your welcome, they won’t invite you over again. Call me when dinner is over – I’ll come get you”. Jeeze. Needless to say, our parent’s were desperate to teach us manners and I’m sure we’re thankful for the help. I know I am. Unfortunately, mom and dad (at least mine in particular) know very little about social networking and still ask if I’m on “Facespace”.
Sigh.
The internet can be a crazy place. Faux pas happen every day. It’s tragic when something embarrassing happens to you, but amusing (at least for entertainment value) when it’s someone else. If one of the items below hits a nerve – then it’s probably true. Don’t be bummed. The truth hurts! Just remember – it’s better to be self aware than to be a repeat offender.
Follow back- Ugh. These two words scream “Add Me”. A term that should’ve been left on Myspace’s doorstep. We’ve evolved. No need to beg for followers. Add quality people, post quality content, and you’ll never have to ask for a pity follow. Promise.
Don’t Be a Self Indulgent Douche – If more than 75% of your Tweets are about yourself, simmer down. Yes, technically it’s your Twitter account. But there’s a way to do it without sounding like a tool. Read an interesting article? Find a hidden gem on Ebay? Mix up the “you” themed monotony and post about something other than you. Your followers will find it refreshing and it might reduce your chances of being ‘unfollowed’. Just sayin’.
Promotion… Shamotion- Sure Tweeting can be a great way to promote your new book, blog, site, etc. By all means, get your name out there! Just remember – being authentic is key. People can spot a bot a mile away, so nuke the auto posts and get real. If you want people to sing your praises with @mentions and RTs then you need to step up your game and leave your ego at the door. Be genuine, be respectful, be humble. When you rub someone the wrong way, they usually don’t come back for seconds.
Theneverendingtweet(makeitstop!) They chose 140 characters for a reason. If being brief isn’t your forte, link to a blog or community forum for the full story. Don’t send back to back tweets because your inner chatty Cathy can’t be tamed. Reel in the beast!
Credit is Given Were Credit is Due – If someone posts something worthy of a RT, by all means pass it on for others to enjoy. Just don’t remove the “RT” and post it as your own. Bad manners all around, dude. Not cool.
The rumor stops with you! We’ve seen it spread like wild fire. “Keith Richards is dead!”, “Justin Bieber arrested for DUI” “Bret Farve caught in a scandal!” Ok, scratch the latter – I made my point. But before you start playing a game of Twitterphone, get your facts straight. Sure, you might need to Google it – but credible tweeting is worth more than its weight in gold.
Don’t be caught with your pants down. Scandalous tweets are tacky and ultimately a no-no. Take a lesson from Anthony Weiner. Unless you want the world to know your business, it’s probably best to keep it under wraps. Literally and figuratively.
The blind leading the blind. The reason for posting links is for people to click on them, right? Ok then. Channel your inner sleazy salesman and tell us why we should click it. No one likes a blind link, so give us a hint. A clue. Something! A little mystery can be a good thing, but too much mystery and you’ll be alone in the dark.
The Chain Gang – This should’ve ended with AOL email spam, but alas – it’s made it’s way to Twitter. Chain Tweets are the worst. First off, no one is going to die in their sleep/lose a kidney/or fall victim to a horrible tragedy if you don’t RT. Resist the urge, people. It’s so 1995.
How to Develop a Story by BookRix Member Smithmatthewd
BookRix member, smithmatthewd
Many of you know BookRix member, Smithmatthewd, as a prolific writer on the site with the unique ability to sneak in surprise endings. If you need any proof of that, look no further than his tales Anthropophagi (entered into the Frightening Fiction contest) and Easy Money?
In the following guest post, Smithmatthewd gives us a look into how he develops his stories.
Story Development
Before I began to write The Littlest Superhero, I went through the process of thinking about what a superhero symbolizes. The two predominate characteristics I thought of were hope and action. After developing this base from which to begin, I tried to find an environment for the story that would be relevant in modern society. Lastly, I wanted to apply simple dialogue that reaffirmed the base of the story.
E-book by smithmatthewd
Hope was fairly easy to include within the story. The obvious hope, that the main character, Gabriel wouldn’t be harmed, and that his mother would survive was a simple part of the story line. However, throughout the story, Gabriel dons, removes, and then has his cape returned. The cape is symbolic of hope in the story. Gabriel begins the story having donned the cape in hopes of protecting his mother in some way. When Gabriel’s hope is dashed, he removes the cape (and his hope) and offers them to his mother. Finally, as the story ends Gabriel is given the hope back by his mother (unknowingly to him, but consciously by his mother in an effort to keep him from ever becoming like his father.)
Action in the story is in two forms. I opened the story with the comic book classics of “Boom, Pow, Slash! “to immediately insert a sense of action. Both the domestic violence and reactions of Gabriel and his mother also apply action to the story.
Domestic violence and Gabriel’s presence in the situation came from having read a news article on the internet about children living in the middle of domestic violence. The more I thought about heroes and hope, the more I found myself thinking about the hope of these children and their welfare. Once that was established, I needed to place Gabriel into a situation that the reader would emotionally feel and share in the hope, and fear, of the situation.
The dialogue contained in the story is simple with a purpose. In order to keep the story in line with the qualities of a child, I did not want to use complex words or dialogue. The simple structure of the words adds to the innocence of the story.
I appreciate the opportunity to participate in this blog and hope you enjoyed The Littlest Superhero.
You now can check out the next chapters of “The Littlest Superhero” and find a list of all of Smithmatthewd’s books on BookRix.
