The Mango Tree Cafe', Loi Kroh Road

Every once in a blue moon, an absolute gift presents itself. Such is mine in the form of a book entitled, "The Mango Tree Cafe', Loi Kroh Road".

As a ghostwriter, I have enjoyed the process of writing and rewriting various books for clients all over the country. But (you knew it was coming, didn't you?) I have to say that I was not prepared for the pleasant surprise I received recently.

A colleague of mine asked if I would be interested in helping a client with his book. I read the first chapter and was amazed. It was written with the same type eloquent prose reminiscent of"And a River Runs Through It," but needed just a bit of polish.

Lovely surprise #2: The client asked if I would be interested in co-writing this book with him. My response was a lightening speed YES! The challenge? Although he is a native New Zealander, he is located in Beijing, China while I am located in Nashville, TN, USA.

The Internet is an amazing piece of technology to be sure. So readers, please follow 2 authors' located worlds apart on the progress on this fascinating book. You can read more about "The Mango Tree Cafe', Loi Kroh Road" and how it reduced me to tears at the end.

It is a poignant, beautifully written book. And, one that you will never forget.

That's a promise. Spread the word.

The Ultimate Goal of this Ghostwriter

As I have attested to many times in blogs before, I absolutely LOVE what I do for a living. To me, there is nothing better than getting up in the morning and working on a book.

As a ghostwriter, you will have all types of writing jobs from school papers to short stories to e-books to novels. What is my favorite? No question, a Fiction novel. But, is there really a call for a Ghostwriter to write fiction novels on a full-time basis? God, I hope so.

Some of the clients that I am working for at the moment are even offering 1/2 writing credit to me on their Fictional works. Am I so enamored with being anonymous that I refuse? Heck, no. Whether my name is prominently displayed or not, the nitty gritty of the matter is: I want to write fiction, period.

Agents: Know of any publishing houses or established authors that need a good Fiction novel Ghostwriter? If so, I’m available.

Taryn Simpson is a fulltime ghostwriter with 3 novels and 2 screenplays to her credit along with numerous novels she has ghosted for her clients. To learn more about her Ghostwriting: www.Taryn-Simpson.blogspot.com

Pure "D" ole Meaness

Don't know why I am quoting my grandmother more these days...maybe because I am starting to see things as she did many years ago. Sometimes age and maturity do that to a person. And, when someone said or did something out of pure spite, meaness, evilness or what have you, my Mamaw would say something to the effect of, 'that person said that out of "Pure D ole Meaness." Never knew what she was referring to regarding the "D", but got the idea just the same.

I read in the news the other day where Ann Coulter, famed Republican known for her vile called Senator John Edwards a "fag". Why must she say and do things to be so unlikeable and even dare I say, hateable? I have to say it does seem to come to her very easily. And, she knows how to grab a headline.

Think about it, "9-11 Widows are enjoying their husbands' deaths"? It got her name in the papers and her book a few more buyers. So what is she selling now? God only knows, but I'm not buying. In a day and age where journalists are suppposed to be practicing ethics and exercise their free speech carefully, Ann Coulter does neither.

I don't think she has an ethical bone in her body. But, I did find at least one thing she has.

Hatred. That and Pure "D" ole Meaness.

More Musings Later-

Southernisms

"...Poor George, he was born with a silver foot in his mouth!"
Democratic Convention Speech


I had lunch with "The Mikster" this week. Might I say that I was so enjoying not having to watch the time to make sure that I was taking only an hour for lunch! I decided to make it my errand day as I usually am in front of my laptop from early in the morning till late at night.

During our lunch, we caught up on what each of us were up to, and of course we discussed our favorite "Southernisms". Not sure what that is? Read on for a listing of our favorites.

- "Is that South in your Mouth? "

Translation: Is that a Southern accent I hear?


- "I'm hungrier than a tied up dawg"

Translation: I'm pretty damned hungry.


- "I'm busier than a one legged man in a butt kicking contest"

Translation: I'm extremely busy.


- "I'm more nervous than a long tailed cat in a roomful of rocking chairs"

Translation: I'm very nervous


- "He was smiling like a raccon eating grapes through a picket fence"

Translation: He had a big smile on his face.


- "This room is colder than a witch's boob in a brass bra"

Translation: It's pretty damn cold in here.


- "I was so cold, I shivered just like a dawg pooping peach seeds".

Translation: I was so cold, I was shaking. Now go look at a peach seed, think about it and you will understand just how hard that person must have been shaking.

Aren't they great? The rest are really dirty, so I'll refrain from mentioning them here. I've had to clean up several of them already. But, you get the idea.

By the way, I put a pic of Ann Richards, the late great governor of Texas at the top of my blog. She epitomized the sassy, no-nonsense style, grace and true grit of a southerner.

Damn, I miss Ann Richards.

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I'm busier than a 1 legged man in a butt kicking contest...

Man....here it is 11pm on a Friday night and I'm finally winding down. Life couldn't get much better...I'm in the midst of writing 2 fiction books and am LOVING it. Yes, Virginia, I really get paid to do something I love.

Did anyone watch Oprah today? I firmly believe that there is something to "The Secret". As Dr. Phil used to say, "If you can verbalize it, you can achieve it."

Amen.
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The Secret to My Success Interview

Linda Della Donna from New York interviewed me a couple of days ago and she asked some really intriguing questions.

Read all about it: Thanks, Linda!

One-th of the Month!

You know, I took a quick breather from writing today and thought to myself.....

Self, you haven't heard from the production company lately about your book becoming a movie. So, I sent an email and Scott sent me a reply. I have to tell you, it seems surreal.

Hi Taryn,

I promise I haven't forgotten about you. But I have been super busy, in a most beneficial way. The Documentary I shot back in October, has already gained national attention and has a huge underground following, that has thousands to our website.

A few of those people have asked about Glittering Secrets, so yes, there is interest in it. I have just been picked up to shoot another feature, with an approximate budget of $5 million.

But I am going to pass your script on to these executive producers, and let them see their next project.

We are attempting to acquire Morgan Freeman for one of the characters in this other film, if we do, I'll see if he'll mention Glittering Secrets to Ashley Judd.

Take Care,

Scott Norwood

************************************************************************************

Self, That Ain't Too Shabby!

Gifts for Writers - LOOK >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Yes, I am an entrepreneurial monster. But, I am really happy with the designs I came up with to promote my business. DO check it out! I have t-shirts, journals, tote bags, caps and more with writing related info.

C'mon, check it out....
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Pay it Forward!

I always tell people that networking is the way to go, and by-crackity, I'm at it again. Deborah Ng, who posts all the freelancing writer jobs (God bless her) in one spot has started a concept called "Pay it Forward" which works like this: I'll plug your blog if you pay it forward by mentioning on your own blog the concept behind pay it forward Tuesday and plugging someone else.

Got it? Get to it! See the links to the right >>>>>>> pay them a visit and leave some nice comments. Then do yourself and see Deb's site: http://writersrow.com/deborahng/freelancewritingjobs.html

Look for a blurb each Tuesday, right here at Musings from a Writer.

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Jason Walker's Day to Shine!

I just had to put this link on my blog for everyone to see! Jason had an interview with his local TV news station and he got to talk about his book, "Missing My Body". Remember, you can purchase for $8 if you look to the side and click on the dropdown box. Click on this link to watch:

http://www.walb.com/global/video/popup/pop_player.asp?LaunchPageAdTag=Homepage&ClipID1=1164821&h1=Quadriplegic%20releases%20his%20memoir&vt1=v&at1=News&d1=132567&activePane=playlist&playerVersion=9&hostPageUrl=http%3A//www.walb.com/&rnd=55195946

You know, sometimes being a freelance writer/ghostwriter can be stressful looking for the next gig, but then sometimes.....well, sometimes it reminds you why you love to write.

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Blogginators!

Got a nice surprise over the weekend....I've been establishing a presence over at Writers Cafe.org due to some gentle nudging from a good friend and fellow writer, Debra Gordon. Man, am I glad that I did! I posted a poem I wrote eons ago and a short story as well as my e-books. I've heard nothing but encouragement, praise and a bunch of "atta-girl!'s".

How cool is that? If you're not familiar with it, look over to the side here>>>>>> and click on the black box. Lots and Lots of great writers all wanting to help each other and push the proverbial literary envelope.

Check it out, you won't be sorry. Oh, and visit "Blogginators" listed under groups. You'll be glad you did. Writers are a cool bunch of people, I must say.

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I'm Not Your Writer...

I'd never thought I would say those words to anyone, but I did today.

I had a potential client call me and he wanted me to ghost a blog for him. The topic was on HR. He wanted certain things discussed on this blog and was pretty open to most any subject, but it couldn't be negative toward employees or HR people's view of employees. Well, I don't know about any other HR person, but that is what is universal about being in this field. The fact of the matter is, some employees abuse policies (not all, but some) and that is the way it is.

When I asked him for an example of what he wanted....he gave me a ridiculous example as if I were stupid but then when I read his comments from people on his blogs....they had the same comments as I did.....He wanted me to start right away.....

After he asked me repeatedly to do the articles, All I could say was, "I'm not your writer."

To the Blogger Guy:

#1 - Don't patronize me, just tell me what you want or need.

#2 - If you can't do that, I'm not your writer.

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Notice anything different?

Yep, I have my ebooks on display to the right >>>>>>>>>>>>>
They look pretty good, if I do say so myself. I like to call it my "Virtual Garage Sale"....

Feel free to browse the titles and email if you're interested in buying one or all of them! (A girl can hope, right?)
Conversations with Pearl:

The true story of a woman I worked with via long distance and finally met before she succumbed to Cancer. She was the hootiest, (is that a word?) most bizarre and wonderfully wierd person I ever met! She was downright irreverant. It's a great read.....Project Greenlight gave me rave reviews on that script.

“...As a straight narrative it is touching and impressive…the action is small, personal and dramatic – the subject matter is serious and you have a flair for telling it in a readable conversational way…you have very obvious strengths…you have wit, humor, depth and perspective…”

Missing My Body:

The true story of a young man battling Duchenne's Muscular Dystrophy and his journey through life as a quadriplegic. He's a remarkable young man....

The Underbelly of the HR Professional

Yep, I'm that insider's view....it's a funny yet disturbing look at how callous HR people tend to get in their jobs. I call them (cause I was one) "Underpaid Social Workers with a bad attitude".

Glittering Secrets

Good Lord, you must know by now I wrote this one too. I have it posted everywhere.

Be sure to email me if you're interested in any of these books!

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Have I started my new Book? NOOOOOOoooooooo

That's ok. I've been busy trying to get all of my writing contracts signed and faxed, writing articles for clients, and so on. busy busy busy. That's the way I like it though!

I was really hoping to get started on my book, but I'm in the midst of writing 4 as we speak, and there isn't much time for me to stick my own work in there! I have to admit, I am really excited about 2007! I think it will be a fruitful year!

Followup news: I now have 3 corporate clients, in addition to individual clients. I've only heard back from 1 Literary agent in New York City: Her comments stated that she liked my writing, but she preferred a different style of suspense/thriller novel. Ahhh, such is life.

I promise, as soon as I get at least a paragraph down of my new book, I will write about it here. Happy Yule Y'all,
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Dreams that Define My Next Book...

If you're an author, or even an avid reader, I'm sure you have wondered...."How do other writers come up with book ideas?" Well, I have had major writer's block on coming up with a subject matter that was of interest.

I've had an idea for years on writing a book about the youngest child to be committed to an insane asylum....(fictional of course) and his journeys, breaking out of the hospital and so on. But the subject matter just seems too dark right now. Not so much when you give someone a brief synopsis of the idea, but when you sit down to really write it. So that one is on hold.

BUT....I dreamed last night what I SHOULD write about. (That is a new one for me). I am going to title it, "In My Skin", the same title as one of my poems. Once I copyright the idea, I will expand upon it here.

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What a Difference 4 days make...

Just 4 days ago....Nov 29, I insisted that "Failure is NOT a freaking option." How true that statement is if you believe it. Don't get me wrong, I haven't earned any cash in those 4 days, I don't even have a job lead for that matter.

BUT...in staying true with my new mantra, FINAFO, I did something that I did several years ago and after hearing the feedback, I decided that I should wait a very long time before doing it again. That is: Querying a literary agent. They usually say something like, "Don't call us, we'll call you.....we have plenty of clients at the moment, but thank you for your query.... etc. etc. etc.

Well......guess what? I have F-O-U-R , countem FOUR NYC literary agents requesting to see my work. I really love ghostwriting....so what did I do? Apply for a ghostwriting position with a book publisher. Guess what? I'M HIRED. They will contact me when a client needs a writer within my genre.

So remember those of you struggling with your craft out there: KEEP GOING, BECAUSE FAILURE IS NOT AN OPTION.

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Failure is NOT an Option!

I have to admit...I was getting pretty antzy yesterday about the slow trickle of money that has been coming my way for writing gigs. I know, I know....we're are knee deep into the Holiday season and people aren't really thinking about needing a writer at this particular time. At least it's not number one on their list.

So, with the help of my trusty Virtual Assistant, I have her plowing through the Chamber of Commerce listings with an email template I gave her and I am DETERMINED to make this thing work. I've also been accepted as a ghostwriter for Arbor Books...but as the publisher said, "I'm way down the list".

I can do this. Failure is NOT a Freaking option.
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If You REALLY want to analyze my personality....

Advanced Global Personality Test Results Extraversion 50% Stability 60% Orderliness 53% Accommodation 30% Interdependence 43% Intellectual 63% Mystical 56% Artistic 90% Religious 76% Hedonism 70% Materialism 70% Narcissism 63% Adventurousness 70% Work ethic 43% Self absorbed 56% Conflict seeking 23% Need to dominate 36% Romantic 63% Avoidant 30% Anti-authority 83% Wealth 16% Dependency 10% Change averse 43% Cautiousness 63% Individuality 76% Sexuality 36% Peter pan complex 36% Physical security 83% Physical Fitness 10% Histrionic 16% Paranoia 50% Vanity 10% Hypersensitivity 56% Female cliche 10%

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How about those Titans?

Okay, they have sucked the majority of the season, but man, have they come a long way. They beat the Philadelphia Eagles for God's sake on Sunday! Not just eeking by, mind you. They gave them a good ole fashioned butt kicking.

I like my little stocky man, Travis Henry, my long drink of water quarterback, Vince Young and my run the kickoffs to at least the 30 yardline, Bobby Wade.

Pacman? Haynesworth? Sometimes I think Floyd Reese goes shopping for football players at "Thugs R Us". I wish they would get rid of Pacman.

By the way, got a compliment (at least, I'm taking it that way) from a friend on Sunday. I usually go to her apartment and sit on her couch and root for my Titans. She is bored silly cause she is from Connecticut. She keeps silently wondering, What time do the New England Patriots come on? Anyway, I stayed home this past weekend and she told me she honestly missed my cursing and screaming while the Titans were on.

She said she actually watched the game and thought to herself, okay, if Taryn were sitting here, she would say &*(&&!!!! ###&*(((&%!!!!!!!!!!!

Awwwww, isn't that nice? GO TITANS (Can you tell I kinda like football?)

To Blog of Old, or to Blog in Beta, That is the Question.

How come I am the only blogger out there that hasn't gotten the "invite" to move my existing blogs over to the Beta Blogger? (Say it 3 times fast and it sounds like you are talking about a certain kind of high blood pressure medicine. I'm old, aren't I?)

Anyway, it seems my writer friends are just zippity doo-dahing over to the Beta Blogger and their profiles and links are posted where they are supposed to be. Mine, however, are SUPPOSED to be positioned at the side ----------> are really located at the end of all my posts. Somebody would have to be REALLY interested in what I have to say to scroll way down there and I'm not naive enough to believe that everyone is thinking to themselves, "Oooohhhh, I have to scroll down and see what links this sarcastic writer likes...." C'mon, I wasn't born yesterday.

Forget trying to post pictures.....it takes forever. Am I being punished by the Blogging gods?

More musings later-