Link of the Day: Challenge Your Writing Style

The Huffington Post:  5 Ways To Try A New Writing Style

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When I first started writing back in my teen years, first person was my go-to tense.  It wasn’t until a few years ago that I started experimenting in 3rd person, and realized that it not only offered a different flavor to my overall work, but also pushed me to write even better.  As writers, we have to constantly challenge ourselves to be better.  Whether that includes writing a genre we’re unfamiliar with, or writing in a different tense, changing things up is extremely important.

Experimenting is often key when writing, and today’s link of the day shows five ways that you can change up your writing style and tackle the unknown, and maybe even become a better writer in the process.  So, check out the link above and challenge your creativity today!

And, let us know in the comment section below how you have changed up your own writing, and how it has benefited you as a writer.

Happy Wednesday All and Keep On Writing!

Link of the Day: The Best Redesigned Book Covers

Via: Flavorwire.com

Flavorwire:  10 Redesigned Book Covers That Are Actually Better Than the Iconic Versions

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The design of book covers are important.  It is what a reader initially sees, and many readers (myself included) have been known to buy a book based solely off its cover.

These 10 redesigns of some classic literature covers have been described as being even better than the original cover designs.  And there’s no doubting that the redesigned book cover above of Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 45  is pretty kick-ass.

So, check out the link above and see some more creative redesigns of famous books, and let us know in the comment section below which is your favorite!  My personal vote goes to Fahrenheit 45!

Happy Wednesday All!

Link of the Day: Gifts for Your Special Book Nerd

Via: Buzzfeed.com

BuzzFeed:  16 Fancy Gifts for Book Nerds

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Sure, the holidays may be over, but there are still birthdays, anniversaries, and special occasions to buy for.

And yes, your eyes did not deceive you, the photo above boasts a book-scented perfume.  I mean, come on!  What book nerd wouldn’t want to smell like a newly opened novel?!  I know I sure would!

So check out the link above and buy something unique for that special reader in your life.

Happy Wednesday All!

Link of the Day: Down with the Ivory Trade!

The Huffington Post: Tsavo National Park Elephants Killed by Poachers in Kenya

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This literally brought tears to my eyes.  There are only two species of elephants remaining – the Asian and African elephant – and countries, especially China, continue to partake in the ivory trade.  This demand for ivory from Asia increases the incentive for Africans to turn to poaching due to the large amount of money they receive.

This horrific act needs to be stopped.  While we can’t all be out fighting on the front lines for these animals, we can do our parts right from our home.  First, check out these websites to learn more about the ivory trade and how to fight against elephant poaching:

WildAid

Bloody Ivory

Next, refuse to visit China or any other country that supports the ivory trade.  Or, if you or someone you know does travel to Asia, especially China, make sure to ask what things are made of before you buy.  Ivory is used to make tourist souvenirs, so ask, and if anything is made of ivory, bone, or skin, refuse to buy.  This may not make the biggest impact, but at least you are taking a stand.

And finally, please spread the word about poaching, the ivory trade, and what can be done to help stop these random killings.  The world needs to be educated about the importance of animal life and rights, so please do your part!

Happy Wednesday All!

Link of the Day: Literary Resolutions

Los Angeles Times: 15 Literary Resolutions for 2013

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As a writer and avid reader, I try to make New Year resolutions that will enhance and motivate me to write and read throughout the year.  However, “writing more” and “reading a new book every two weeks” will not cut it this year.  So, I needed ideas for some good literary resolutions.

Check out the link above for some bookish resolutions, and let us know in the comment section below what your literary resolutions of the New Year are!

Happy Wednesday All!

Link of the Day: Animal Families

The Huffington Post: Animal Parents and Babies will Make Your Day Better

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The holidays are all about spending time with family, and these animals know how safe and secure you feel when you’re surrounded by those you love.

Check out the adorable photos and put a smile on your face this cold Wednesday day!

Happy Wednesday All!

Link of the Day: Gifts for the Bookworm in Your Life

The Huffington Post: Gifts for Bookworms: 10 Clever Ideas for Writers and Readers

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Christmas is coming, so why not splurge on a little bookworm gift ideas for your friends, family, or even yourself!

Some of these are pretty neat, and I’m already looking to get the ”642 Things To Write About” writing prompt book for myself (yes, for myself), so take a look to see what you can find!

Happy Wednesday All!

Link of the Day: The Patriotic Dog

Via: The Huffington Post

The Huffington Post: 4th of July Festivities: How to Keep Your Dog Calm

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It is officially 4th of July, and a time to drink, eat, and of course celebrate with fireworks as we honor our country of the United States.  However, when it comes to fireworks, that is one aspect of the festivities that can really harm your dog.

Fireworks are loud for humans, but imagine 10 times of that huge boom.  The noise of fireworks is 10x more loud for a dog than it is for a human, and that can not only cause ear damage, but also make your pet very anxious and stressed out.

There are some precautions you can take, so check out the link above to keep your patriotic doggie safe.

Happy Wednesday and Fourth of July All!

Link of the Day: Punctuation Mark Personality

The Huffington Post: What Your Favorite Punctuation Mark Says About You

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Mine is either an exclamation point (!) or a hyphen (-).  Which, according to this test, says I’m a hyper person – thanks to the exclamation point – and a creative social butterfly – thanks to Mr. Hyphen.

Check out what your punctuation mark personality is!

Happy Wednesday All!

Link of the Day: ‘Community’ Inspired Art

Via: Flavorwire.com

Flavorwire: ‘Six Seasons and a Movie’: Art Inspired by NBC’s ‘Community’

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I’m a HUGE fan of TV shows.  At one point I followed 18 different TV shows religiously.  However, ‘Community’ is one of my all time favorites.  I didn’t really like it in the beginning as the first couple of episodes were a little typical and slow, but I fell in love with it by maybe the 5th episode and realized just how different and original this show truly is.

So, it is only right that this is the Link of the Day.  All of these fan arts are so cool, and make sure you check out the second one.  Of course, if you haven’t seen the show you won’t understand, but that’s why you MUST watch it!  It really is so good!

Have you seen ‘Community’?

Happy Wednesday All!