Author Spotlight – Don Massenzio

Welcome!

 

1. When did you start writing? 

I’ve been writing ever since I could read. I’ve been writing in a business setting for over 30 years. I’m frequently called upon to create and edit corporate communications. I have run large teams that were responsible for creating large documents. As for creative writing, I’ve only been published for the past two years or so. My first publication was a short story that was accepted for “Down in the Dirt” magazine. I then completed my first novel in April of 2014 and am about to release my sixth this coming April, 2016.

 

2. What motivates you to write? 

It’s therapeutic. I travel a lot and that is a tough thing for me. I’m a homebody and miss my family and suffer from homesickness. Writing fills the time that I can’t sleep, when I’m stuck in airports and on long flights.

 

3. What genre do you write in and what made you chose this particular genre?

My first three books were detective/crime fiction. My fourth book was a terrorism thriller. I also released a book of short stories that crosses other genres. I prefer to write detective/crime fiction because that is one of my preferred genres to read.

 

 

4. What is your goal in writing? Do you have dreams where your writing should take you?

My goal is to foster a group of readers that enjoy my work in the short term. My long-term goal, after 32 years in corporate America, I would love for the writing, blogging, and publishing to become a retirement type business to keep me busy and supplement my income.

 

5. Do you ever suffer from writer’s block and if yes, how do you deal with it?

Because my writing time is so limited (I work a 50-60 hour per week job), writer’s block isn’t something I can deal with. I usually have multiple writing projects going so I can hop from project to project if I get stuck on one.

 

 

6. What advice would you like to give new, hopeful authors? 

Keep writing. Keep working on improving your writing. Don’t get discouraged. Share your writing with others. I wish I had the courage to share my writing earlier in life. I published my first novel at 51 years old.

 

 

7. Please, tell us about your work. 

I have a three book detective series based on my Frank Rozzani detective character. I also have a terrorism thriller titled, Blood Orange along with a book of short stories called Random Tales.

  

Thank you for being my guest. It was such a pleasure to have you here!!

 

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Here are some links:

 

Website: www.donmassenzio.com 

Blog: https://donmassenzio.wordpress.com/ 

Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/authordonmassenzio

 

Buying Links

 

Frankly Speaking – Frank Rozzani Detective Series – Book 1: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JJ5F53O?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

 

 

 

 

Let Me be Frank – Frank Rozzani Detective Series – Book 2:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NRVWN68?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

 

 

 

Frank Incensed – Frank Rozzani Detective Series – Book 3:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00VCJPQCA?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

 

 

 

Frank Rozzani Detective Series Boxed Set (Books 1-3 plus bonus short story)

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B018466T7Y?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

 

 

 

Random Tales – Short Stories

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00VAEKIXY?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

 

 

 

Blood Orange

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B016HGZT4C?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

Introducing Personality Disorders to add to one of your characters III

In case you plan to add a personality disorder to one of your characters, I thought it might be an idea to list the ten major PD’s, separated in three cluster types and a list of symptoms.

 

In my last blog post, I have provided you with the Cluster types B of Personality disorders. To repeat the differences real quick, you will find here below the different Cluster types again:

 

Cluster A (Odd, bizarre, eccentric)

Paranoid PD, Schizoid PD, Schizotypal PD

 

Cluster B (Dramatic, erratic)

Antisocial PD, Borderline PD, Histrionic PD, Narcissistic PD

 

Cluster C (Anxious, fearful)

Avoidant PD, Dependent PD, Obsessive-compulsive PD

 

 

Cluster C types

Cluster C personality disorders are characterized by anxious, fearful thinking or behavior. They include avoidant personality disorder, dependent personality disorder, and obsessive-compulsive personality disorder. It’s not necessary to exhibit all the signs and symptoms listed for a disorder to be diagnosed.

According to the Mayo Clinic here is a short list of symptoms to each personality disorder of Cluster B:

 

Avoidant personality disorder

• Too sensitive to criticism or rejection
• Feeling inadequate, inferior or unattractive
• Avoidance of work activities that require interpersonal contact
• Social inhibition, timidity, and isolation, especially avoiding new activities or meeting strangers
• Extreme shyness in social situations and personal relationships
• Fear of disapproval, embarrassment or ridicule

 

Dependent personality disorder

• Excessive dependence on others and feels the need to be taken care of
• Submissive or clingy behavior toward others
• Fear of having to provide self-care or fend for yourself if left alone
• Lack of self-confidence, requiring excessive advice and reassurance from others to make even small decisions
• Difficulty starting or doing projects on own due to lack of self-confidence
• Difficulty disagreeing with others, fearing disapproval
• Tolerance of poor or abusive treatment, even when other options are available
• Urgent need to start a new relationship when a close one has ended

 

Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder

• Preoccupation with details, orderliness, and rules
• Extreme perfectionism, resulting in dysfunction and distress when perfection is not achieved, such as feeling unable to finish a project because you don’t meet your own strict standards
• Desire to be in control of people, tasks and situations and inability to delegate tasks
• Neglect of friends and enjoyable activities because of excessive commitment to work or a project
• Inability to discard broken or worthless objects
• Rigid and stubborn
• Inflexible about morality, ethics or values
• Tight, miserly control over budgeting and spending money

 

To get an overview of the Cluster C types, you will find here below the infographic:

These were my lists of the ten known personality disorders. I hope I have created some overview for you which might make it easy to add one of these personality disorders to one of your fictional characters.

If you like to read more about these particular mental health disabilities, please use the “sources links.”

____________________________________________________________________

 

Sources :

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/hide-and-seek/201205/the-10-personality-disorders

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/personality-disorders/basics/symptoms/con-20030111

Happy Easter 2016

It’s Good Friday today. We have come a full circle. Here we go, celebrating spring for the second time since this blog exists. At this time of the year, so many things are happening.

A new year, a new season, warmth, sunshine, spring, baby birds, baby bunnies, changes everywhere.

Of course, I could write all kinds of stuff right now, bunny verses, bible quotes, reminders of what Easter means. Deep in my heart, I keep a special key to the Easter time… to each one of us, it might mean something else! Should we care? Should we discuss? Should we argue?

I don’t think so – we should celebrate a new spring and an amazing and wonderful holiday together.

 

Picture courtesy of: http://easter-pictures.tk/easter-chick-pictures/

 

Right now I’d love to take the opportunity to thank you once more for making this blog such an adventurous experience for me!

AND OF COURSE:

I wish you and your loved ones:

Picture courtesy of: http://investorplace.com/2015/04/happy-easter-images-pictures/11/

 

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Picture courtesy of: http://allwall.xyz/easter-wallpaper-565/

Writing a Query Letter #wwwblogs #writinganovel

Query letters. Am I the only one who is scared of them and really wants to do it RIGHT? Not only ‘right’ but ‘RIGHT’… I think this is such an important blog post who might give me more than a hint! Thank you Alison for sharing this!

Alison Williams Writing

While it’s true that the world of publishing is changing, and that many authors are happy to self-publish, some writers still wish to find an agent, and so will need to introduce themselves with a query letter.

What’s important

It’s absolutely vital to remember that this letter is the first example of your writing that an agent will see, so make it count. These are the key things to remember:

• Address your letter to a specific agent – avoid Dear Sir/Madam.  Using a name shows that you’ve selected that agent – not just stuck a pin in ‘The Writers’ and Artists’ Yearbook’
• Make it clear you’ve done your homework – state why you’re approaching that particular agent (similar authors? Looking for your genre?)
• Make your book sound interesting
• State the genre and word length
• Include any details of your writing history – competitions, publications, experience
• Keep it formal, keep it…

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The Espresso Book Machine: an Update

Nicholas C. Rossis provides us with great information on the ‘Espresso Book Machine’. Thank you very much for this great work, Nicholas! We really appreciate it!

 

 

Nicholas C. Rossis

Many of you were taken by the Espresso Book Machine by Xerox and the news of the first European Print-On-Demand bookstore opening in Paris. You had many questions in regards to the resulting book’s cost, the quality of printing etc, so I thought I’d come up with a little more information on the technology.

the Espresso Book Machine

Brandon Badger, Product Manager on Google Books, and Dane Neller, CEO of On Demand Books, discuss the Espresso Book Machine in the video below:

You will notice that it’s really a fancy laser printer with great collating and trimming features.

However, I couldn’t help but notice that the pages are A4-sized and printed in a portrait orientation (see 1’53” or image on the right). That means the machine is ideal for textbooks and reports, but fans of literature may find the end result unflattering.

At least, it’s not…

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Introducing Personality Disorders to add to one of your characters II

In case you plan to add a personality disorder to one of your characters, I thought it might be an idea to list the ten major PD’s, separated in three cluster types and a list of symptoms.

 

In my last blog post, I have provided you with the Cluster types A of Personality disorders. To repeat the differences real quick, you will find here below the different Cluster types again:

 

Cluster A (Odd, bizarre, eccentric)

Paranoid PD, Schizoid PD, Schizotypal PD

Cluster B (Dramatic, erratic)

Antisocial PD, Borderline PD, Histrionic PD, Narcissistic PD

Cluster C (Anxious, fearful)

Avoidant PD, Dependent PD, Obsessive-compulsive PD

 

 

Cluster B types

 

Cluster B personality disorders are characterized by dramatic, overly emotional or unpredictable thinking or behavior. They include antisocial personality disorder, borderline personality disorder, histrionic personality disorder and narcissistic personality disorder. It’s not necessary to exhibit all the signs and symptoms listed for a disorder to be diagnosed.

According to the Mayo Clinic here is a short list of symptoms to each personality disorder of Cluster B:

 

Antisocial personality disorder

• Disregard for others’ needs or feelings
• Persistent lying, stealing, using aliases, conning others
• Recurring problems with the law
• Repeated violation of the rights of others
• Aggressive, often violent behavior
• Disregard for the safety of self or others
• Impulsive behavior
• Consistently irresponsible
• Lack of remorse for behavior

 

Borderline personality disorder

• Impulsive and risky behavior, such as having unsafe sex, gambling or binge eating
• Unstable or fragile self-image
• Unstable and intense relationships
• Up and down moods, often as a reaction to interpersonal stress
• Suicidal behavior or threats of self-injury
• Intense fear of being alone or abandoned
• Ongoing feelings of emptiness
• Frequent, intense displays of anger
• Stress-related paranoia that comes and goes

 

Histrionic personality disorder

• Constantly seeking attention
• Excessively emotional, dramatic or sexually provocative to gain attention
• Speaks dramatically with strong opinions, but few facts or details to back them up
• Easily influenced by others
• Shallow, rapidly changing emotions
• Excessive concern with physical appearance
• Thinks relationships with others are closer than they really are

 

Narcissistic personality disorder

• Belief that you’re special and more important than others
• Fantasies about power, success and attractiveness
• Failure to recognize others’ needs and feelings
• Exaggeration of achievements or talents
• Expectation of constant praise and admiration
• Arrogance
• Unreasonable expectations of favors and advantages, often taking advantage of others
• Envy of others or belief that others envy you

 

 

To get an overview of the Cluster B types, you will find here below the infographic:

 

To give each one of the clusters plenty of attention, I will provide you with the cluster C personality disorders in my next blog post.

If you like to read more about these particular mental health disabilities, please use the “sources links.”

____________________________________________________________________

 

Sources :

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/hide-and-seek/201205/the-10-personality-disorders

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/personality-disorders/basics/symptoms/con-20030111

How Companies Are Taking Advantage of Bloggers

Suzie speaks has published an informative and interesting blog post to warn us about companies taking advantage of bloggers. Thank you very much for sharing your experience. We really appreciate it!

Suzie Speaks

I’m going to send you an email.

In that email, I’m going to give you a theme. It could be about anything – a time or a place, an event, lifestyle choice, food or a holiday that is approaching. I’m then going to ‘invite’ you to write a blog post about that theme, and ask you to return my email if you’re interested in doing so.

When you reply, I will ask you to include a link to my blog in your post. I’m going to give you absolutely nothing in return, but I may offer you a vague indication that your blog post will possibly be featured on my social media pages. However, I won’t commit to anything – my focus is that your blog post includes information about me.

Would you do it?

To be fair, some of my readers probably would – I’ve known them for a…

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Page Count vs Word Count

Cynthia B Ainsworthe, experienced and successful author is telling us about the difference between page count vs. word count. Quite valuable information in my opinion. Thank you Cynthia for sharing this with us.

Cynthia B Ainsworthe

Page Count vs Word Count in Fiction Books

During several book signings, one question frequently asked of me has been, “How many pages is the book?” I always explain that the novel is over 90,000 words. The person’s expression, tells me that I might as well have been speaking a foreign language.

I have no idea why the publishing industry has not educated the reading public that word count determines the length of a novel and not the number of pages, and that  a 70,000-word book can have more printed pages than a 90,000-word novel.

There are several reasons for this that are useful to the publisher:

• Font style and size: A font style and size will either increase or decrease the number of characters per page. Times New Roman font delivers fewer characters per page than Garamond. The industry standard for size is from 10 point to 13 point…

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Introducing Personality Disorders to add to one of your characters I

Do you think of writing a novel with a “disturbed” agonist? Do you have a victim in your novel with a “mental disorder”? Do you know which kind of mental disturbance your character has?

I have done some research to make it easier for you and to list a few of the most common and defined Personality disorders for you to use.

 

According to “Psychology Today” DM-5  lists ten personality disorders and allocates each to one of three groups or ‘clusters’: A, B, or C

 

Let’s have a look at them:

 

Cluster A (Odd, bizarre, eccentric)

Paranoid PD, Schizoid PD, Schizotypal PD

 

Cluster B (Dramatic, erratic)

Antisocial PD, Borderline PD, Histrionic PD, Narcissistic PD

 

Cluster C (Anxious, fearful)

Avoidant PD, Dependent PD, Obsessive-compulsive PD

 

Cluster A types:

 

Cluster A personality disorders are characterized by odd, eccentric thinking or behavior. They include paranoid personality disorder, schizoid personality disorder, and schizotypal personality disorder. It’s not necessary to exhibit all the signs and symptoms listed for a disorder to be diagnosed.

 

To make it easier, we’ll leave a detailed description aside and will simply show the symptoms as listed by the Mayo Clinic:

 

Paranoid personality disorder

• Pervasive distrust and suspicion of others and their motives
• Unjustified belief that others are trying to harm or deceive you
• Unjustified suspicion of the loyalty or trustworthiness of others
• Hesitant to confide in others due to unreasonable fear that others will use the information against you
• Perception of innocent remarks or nonthreatening situations as personal insults or attacks
• Angry or hostile reaction to perceived slights or insults
• Tendency to hold grudges
• Unjustified, recurrent suspicion that spouse or sexual partner is unfaithful

 

Schizoid personality disorder

• Lack of interest in social or personal relationships, preferring to be alone
• Limited range of emotional expression
• Inability to take pleasure in most activities
• Inability to pick up normal social cues
• Appearance of being cold or indifferent to others
• Little or no interest in having sex with another person

 

Schizotypal personality disorder

• Peculiar dress, thinking, beliefs, speech or behavior
• Odd perceptual experiences, such as hearing a voice whisper your name
• Flat emotions or inappropriate emotional responses
• Social anxiety and a lack of or discomfort with close relationships
• Indifferent, inappropriate or suspicious response to others
• “Magical thinking” — believing you can influence people and events with your thoughts
• Belief that certain casual incidents or events have hidden messages meant specifically for you

 

Or, if some infographic might help you: here it is:

 

To give each one of the clusters plenty of attention, I will provide you with the cluster B personality disorders in my next blog post.

If you like to read more about these particular mental health disabilities, please use the “sources links.”

____________________________________________________________________

 

Sources :

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/hide-and-seek/201205/the-10-personality-disorders

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/personality-disorders/basics/symptoms/con-20030111

 

7 Signs a Person is Suffering from Author Fatigue

What a unique blog post about the 7 signs a person is suffering from author fatigue. I had to re-blog it. Maybe some of us recognize the one or other sign? 😀

Legends of Windemere

Yahoo Image Search

Does this really need an intro?  Sure most, if not all, of us have been here at some point.  This is possibly a new thing I’ll do from time to time, which was inspired by John W. Howell’s Ten 10 Lists on Mondays.

1. You start dreaming about editing and it steadily becomes a nightmare.  Their, there, and they’re attack out of the shadows.  You’re strapped to a chair and forced to watch all of your greatest typos play out in front of a giant crowd.  Also, you’re naked and the dog ate your manuscript.  Not sure where the dog came from, but it looks remarkably like your old English teacher who swore you wouldn’t be able to write your name much less a novel.
2. You sit down to write at the laptop and blast away an epic chapter that is the best you’ve ever done.  Your…

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