For a couple of years, I’ve been drooling over the handheld scanners that are on the market. Of course there is always something else that comes up (like feeding a house full of mouths and paying those pesky utility bills every month), so I couldn’t quite justify getting one until recently while working on my latest manuscript edits. I’m not much of an electronic gadget type (now kitchen gadgets, that’s a whole other story), but I now consider my new handheld scanner in my top 5 of favorite electronic gadgets. After doing several months of research on finding one that fit my needs (A. ease of use B. ease of use C. ease of use, I picked it up from Amazon and couldn’t be happier with the simplicity and quality of the scans. The one I purchased is the Wacces EasyScan Portable Document and Image Scanner for less than $100! It can scan up to 600dpi and has 2 settings for dpi choices – low and high. It can also scan in black and white or color. It also came with a storage bag to protect it while toting it in your purse or laptop bag. It’s super, super easy to use, hence the name “EasyScan.”
I have years and years worth of magazine clippings in binders that I can now just scan and digitize them for storage on my computer. Sure, I could just use my bulky flatbed scanner, but that thing frustrates me because it’s slow and cumbersome. With the handheld scanner, I can scan magazine pages, book edits, etc. while sitting in the living room watching TV or at the dining room table. It’s super portable and will also come in handy when I go to do more research at the library for an upcoming book project. No need to check out a pile of library books. I can now just scan the pages that I want to reference, on the spot and then download the files onto my laptop. I don’t recommend many products, but this one is a keeper.
Here’s a sample scan I just did of a recipe to show how it does at 600 dpi (high quality):
The Couples Guide to Pregnancy & Beyond has hit the #1 spot on Amazon! It’s being offered for FREE e-book download now for those interested in getting a copy today! The paperback version is also available for sale and makes a great baby shower gift book.
My latest book has just been released on Amazon today in ebook format and the mass market paperback will be available on the site by the end of the week, or early next week. Here’s the new book trailer for it!
Starting today, you can begin reserving a copy of my third book – If You Wore the Uniform… You’re a Brown Volume 1. Due for release this summer by Blue Leaf Publications, but because of such high demand, the publishing house has agreed to begin taking reservation orders and also offering it in limited edition hardcover and author autographed softcover. The mass market paperback will be made available Fall 2012.
Be one of the first to own Volume 1 of If You Wore the Uniform… You’re a Brown!
The Cleveland Browns book reservation page is in its test phase as of this afternoon. The publishing house just sent over a test link and it looks great! As soon as I have the go-ahead, I’ll be linking to it from here.
My latest article for my column features John Carlos’ new autobiography (Haymarket Books, Fall 2011). Find out how you can get an autographed copy and help the local high school raise money.
Here’s the mock-up for the cover of what we will be using for the Cleveland Brown’s book. It’s not the final, just a mock-up. Due for release Fall, 2012
March 1st – Release of The Couples Guide to Pregnancy & Beyond (will be offered in paperback and e-book) *Already have major endorsements behind it!
Fall 2012 – If You Wore the Uniform… You’re a Brown Volume 1 (will be offered in Collectible Hardcover, Paperback and e-book) *Great endorsements from notable sports figures
The January 2012 issue of Palm Springs Life Magazine (with Glenn Close on the cover) features Stormy Knight in the Word Association section! Thank you, PSL!
My latest article for my column is the start of a new series featuring career options off the beaten path for kids to consider. Just in time for the spooky Halloween season, here’s the first cool and creepy career feature.
Here are a few of the endorsements that have already come in for my next book, “The Couples Guide to Pregnancy and Beyond.” It will be released in paperback and e-book Spring, 2012!
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“…just what the doctor ordered. There are a thousand books on pregnancy geared to the expectant mother, but until now, not one that addresses the expectant dad in a format that he’ll actually read. It’s straight-talking, humorous and written in “guy talk”, while being sensitive enough to address the expectant mom’s questions and concerns. A true he/she bonding opportunity! Two thumbs up!” — Dave E. David, M.D. Nationally recognized Board Certified Obstetrician and creator of the video “Making Womb For Baby” http://www.drdavedavid.com
“We love this fun and refreshing approach to calming pregnancy fears for moms and dads.” — Ellie & Melissa, co-founders of the nation’s #1 maternity concierge and consulting company and planning experts for WebMD, DisneyFamily, Baby Zone, and Pregnancy Magazine. http://www.thebabyplanners.com
“A must-read if you’re expecting. Duffy and Zakour share the honest truth about those exciting nine months and beyond. Spiced with humor, their suggestions will truly help expectant parents understand each other and what’s happening in baby’s first apartment—the womb!” — Blythe Lipman, author of “Help! My Baby Came Without Instructions,” host of the Baby and Toddler Instructions radio show, and expert with 25+ years of experience in the field. http://www.babyinstructions.com
“A practical, delightful book chock full of valuable guidance for the expecting couple and gives them an expert map to embark on life’s greatest adventure.” — Stevanne Auerbach, PhD., Dr Toy Author, Smart Play Toys, http://www.drtoy.com
“A great approach to a very challenging subject, and a book every father-to-be should read. Having gone through the magic of having children twice, I would have appreciated this direct yet light hearted approach to preparing for the big day.” — John McPherson, Author, “Ten Simple Rules for Being a Better Parent in a World Turned Upside Down” http://www.tensimplerules.net
It’s an hour long and the interview starts at about the 11-15 minute mark… talking about The Couples Guide to Pregnancy and Beyond (Blue Leaf, Spring 2012).
Despite feeling under the weather today, I ventured out to the Orange County Book Festival this morning and promoted Stormy Knight a little. Here’s my article recap with a few photos and video. For those that aren’t aware, it’s the World’s Largest free Children’s Book Festival.
Great news! For those that have purchased the e-book version of Stormy Knight: Prom Queen of the Undead, I can now autograph copies of it for you for FREE! Just go to this site and put in your request. It will come with a personalized message just for you.
I put together a crossword puzzle that I have used during classroom visits. For Stormy Knight fans, you can download and print your own copy. FREE Stormy Knight Crossword Puzzle
You can buy a copy of Stormy Knight: Prom Queen of the Undead at Wegman’s Grocery Stores! Here’s a list:
345 Eastern Blvd. Canandaigua, NY 14424
745 Calkins Rd. Rochester, NY 14623
6600 Pittsford-Palmyra Road Fairport, NY 14450
3195 Monroe Avenue Rochester, NY 14618
4276 Lakeville Road Geneseo, NY 14454
24 Bridge Street Corning, NY 14830
2157 Penfield Road, Penfield, NY 14526
3177 Latta Road Rochester, NY 14612
6660 Fourth Section Road Brockport, NY 14420
3175 Chili Avenue Rochester, NY 14624
500 South Meadow Street Ithaca, NY 14850
650 Harry L. Drive Johnson City, Ny 13790
300 Hamilton St. Geneva, NY 14456
675 Alberta Drive Amherst, NY 14226
5725 Sheridan Drive Williamsville, NY 14221
945 Fairmount Avenue West Jamestown, NY 14701
Just a reminder that the e-book version of Stormy Knight: Prom Queen of the Undead is currently on sale for only .99. Click the BUY THE BOOK link at the top or on the side an it will take you to a list of places to purchase it (Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Smashwords).
EXCITING! Just found out that San Diego’s book store Mysterious Galaxy has Stormy Knight on their list of books “that’ve caught our attention, and we don’t want to escape yours.” : )
Stormy Knight: Prom Queen of the Undead e-book version is on sale for only .99 right now!!! In honor of back-to-school time and getting kids into meeting their reading minutes for school, the price is been dropped temporarily. Even if you do not have a Kindle or a Nook, you can STILL download the e-version and read it on your computer – for ONLY .99! It’s available at Amazon, Smashwords and Barnes & Noble websites. Just click the BUY THE BOOK link to the right for direct links.
The paperback version is also available for sale and makes a great baby shower gift book.
