CircleCount helps you better understand Google+

2013-01-18 06:33:41 (4 comments, 0 reshares, 1 +1s)

If you were invited to join a community-based site for amateur writers with professional aspirations, or for pro writers who were just starting out, what sort of things would you expect/want to be able to do there?

I'm thinking in terms of discussions of craft, workshops on different aspects of craft and the business side of publishing, sharing WIPs with limited audiences (critique group stuff), and working on collaborative projects. What am I missing or overlooking?

2012-11-08 15:44:23 (0 comments, 1 reshares, 3 +1s)

In this week's Other Blog Spotlight I target a newer writer still finding her voice (and her confidence). Pop through to my post for links to some of her work. Don't forget to leave her a comment or three while you're there.

She's +Brewed Bohemian here, although she's more active on Twitter (@BrewedBohemian). Spread the love, people.

2012-11-02 14:44:36 (1 comments, 0 reshares, 5 +1s)

Hey Google, if I can't send email to that many people why do you give me the option? And why can't I select one circle to email and just share normally with other circles?

I hate it when you don't make sense, Google.

2012-11-02 14:42:57 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 0 +1s)

I have it on good authority that this one is "more creepy than scary" but still, I hope you enjoy.

As usual there are both text and audio flavors available.

2012-11-02 03:45:21 (3 comments, 0 reshares, 7 +1s)

The only reason I'm only 1667 words behind is that we're only one day in. #nanowrimo

2012-10-25 16:41:50 (3 comments, 0 reshares, 1 +1s)

If you like stories (and who doesn't like stories?) you'll want to check out my write up of Meg McNulty (@charitygirlblog on the tweety). Epic, myth-flavoured tales of romance and betrayal, and all in just a few hundred words.

Go ye, and be entertained.

2012-10-16 15:28:50 (5 comments, 0 reshares, 3 +1s)

Okay, I know this is Google+ and a lot of people act like they're allergic to "that other place". You know the one I mean, the house that Zuckerberg built. I also know that most, if not all, of you still use Facebook.

What I want you to do is log in to your Facebook account, then pop over to my author page and click on my like button. 

I have been told by an extremely unreliable source that if I get enough likes I will obtain super powers... or be offered a book deal. Either way I need you to do this for me. Thank you. I appreciate this.

Oh, and in case you are worried, I promise not to spam your FB account with ceaseless self-promotion and crap you don't care about. I will post links to freely available fiction I think is good (mine as well as other people's), the odd article I find thought provoking now and then, and... well, that's about it.more »

2012-10-15 23:44:17 (8 comments, 0 reshares, 4 +1s)

If any of you folks are doing NaNoWriMo this year and feel like you could use a little extra kick in the pants...

...public, objective, third-party pressure to help make sure you get your 1700 words in each and every day in November.

Let me know if this is something you could use.

2012-10-12 04:29:07 (3 comments, 0 reshares, 1 +1s)

I'm a little bit behind the curve on posting this, but here it is. 

Those of you who know +Susan Lewis already read her blog, those of you who don't have been missing out. Seriously missing out.

I'm big on stories - good stories, well told stories, unique stories. Susan has all of the aforementioned going for her. Give her a read.

2012-09-27 16:34:50 (3 comments, 0 reshares, 2 +1s)

If you don't know +Eva Rieder you probably should. I spotlight her blog this week at http://msmanz.com/2012/eva-rieder-spotlight/. 

2012-09-09 00:17:04 (3 comments, 0 reshares, 1 +1s)

My short fiction podcast is available in the iTunes store (for free, of course). 

Point your iThing at http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/stories-for-masses-podcasts/id557219179 for great (or at least not terrible) short fiction written and narrated by yours truly.

2012-09-07 17:25:17 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 0 +1s)

Floggin' the bloggin'.

In this blog post I win an award, show pictures of my workspace, and may or may not be sarcastic about things.

2012-09-04 14:41:40 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 0 +1s)

New short fiction up at ye old blog in both text-y and audio-y flavours.

Collectively, they are proof that I can do a Scottish accent with my keyboard, but not with my mouth (not even the crappy Mike Meyers kind).

Check it out, comment, subscribe, do as you will.

2012-09-04 01:00:34 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 0 +1s)

This. Absolutely this.

2012-09-02 16:23:01 (3 comments, 0 reshares, 2 +1s)

I've just realised that I haven't been keeping up with the people who have added me recently. The end result is that I have several hundred people in my "circled you but you didn't circle them" section.

I will endeavour to go through 100 of you a day until I've completely sorted through my circle adds.

I will also try and get some writing done in the very near future.

Really I will.

2012-09-02 04:57:50 (2 comments, 0 reshares, 1 +1s)

If you prefer to read with your ears...

...please enjoy my sexy, sexy voice and mad audio editing skills with the podcast version.

(The iTunes link is http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/science-fiction-horror-fantasy/id557219179 if you use that sort of thing)

2012-09-02 04:52:11 (0 comments, 1 reshares, 1 +1s)

I've posted a new flash piece on my website. I really hope you'll leave a comment.

2012-08-26 10:09:09 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 1 +1s)

Time to turn the page and start a new chapter. The new home isn't quite ready yet, but it's getting there.

2012-08-25 07:32:39 (1 comments, 0 reshares, 4 +1s)

I know I'm in the zone creatively when I start doing dumbass stuff like pouring the grounds into my cup rather than into the press.

It's been a long time since I designed a website...

2012-08-24 16:44:37 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 4 +1s)

I think gun ownership in the US is an unofficial religion. It inspires the same complete lack of rationality in its adherents as religion does, and it's just as futile to start a conversation on the one subject as it is on the other.

Maybe someday we'll find a cure.

2012-08-24 16:41:33 (6 comments, 0 reshares, 1 +1s)

So I was just blocked for the first time (I assume it was the first time - no way to know for sure). Made me wonder. Well, first it made me chuckle, but then it made me wonder; why do people feel the need to announce that they are going to block someone before they do it? If you feel the need to block someone just do it and shut up about it. I guess it's the Internet equivalent of slamming the door and, just like slamming the door, it really just makes you look like a douche.

Especially when it was because you were being a bit of an ass about your personal hot-button issue and the person you'll now be blocking called you out on it.

2012-08-23 15:42:32 (10 comments, 1 reshares, 3 +1s)

So to all the people saying that the solution to gun violence is more guns, does that mean the solution to obesity is more food, or just less healthy food?

I'm just trying to understand the reasoning, here.

2012-08-22 14:35:15 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 1 +1s)

For those that weren't aware, I pay my bills by writing web content and copy and I am currently accepting new clients. 

I specialize in blog posts and white papers in the areas of 

- marketing/social media
- technology 
- science
- food and drink
- writing

but I can write on pretty much any topic, either from your outline or with the barest hint of a suggestion regarding subject matter. I am also very good at SEO and keyword inclusion

I have room for one or two clients depending on volume required. If you are looking for top quality content at reasonable rates send me a message here or at Michael.s.manz(a t)gmail.com. 

Even if you don't need my services, maybe someone in your circles does. I'd certainly appreciate your passing this along just in case.

2012-08-20 15:00:10 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 0 +1s)

Of possible interest to those of a writerly persuasion.

2012-08-17 00:12:32 (2 comments, 1 reshares, 1 +1s)

Just in case you missed it. The Decline and Fall of the American Empire.

2012-08-09 13:26:10 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 1 +1s)

I thought this might be of interest to those interested in self-publishing or in self-publishing support industries like graphic art/design, etc.

It looks promising if it works as advertised, although I have to admit I'd like to see some more information than I can find on it (so if you know something about this site please chime in).

2012-08-08 17:59:24 (1 comments, 0 reshares, 2 +1s)

Didn't realise the typhoon was international news. It wasn't actually that bad here, but in Hangzhou, Ningbo and Shanghai it was pretty rough.

We're fine, Mom. Stop worrying. :)

2012-08-03 05:25:12 (10 comments, 0 reshares, 2 +1s)

Just watched the first episode of season 1 of Grimm.

The show has a great premise. So far I'm impressed with both the writing and the acting. I spotted a couple of "how convenient" moments, but for the most part they're staying pretty true to the characters, which is sadly refreshing these days.

This is the first time in years I've been truly excited about something on TV.

2012-07-27 16:13:16 (1 comments, 0 reshares, 1 +1s)

It turns out my cat's ancestors were... cats.

2012-07-27 16:12:09 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 0 +1s)

This is what was happening in the Quebecoise music scene in the 90s.

You're welcome.

2012-07-23 00:18:14 (8 comments, 0 reshares, 3 +1s)

This coming Saturday is Ubuntu day in my house. My desktop and the HTPC are both getting switched from windows. To quote Ed Grimley, "I'm very excited, I must say."

2012-07-18 03:35:48 (1 comments, 0 reshares, 1 +1s)

Hooray for unrestricted purchasing!

2012-07-08 01:22:48 (1 comments, 2 reshares, 2 +1s)

I think this is more important than even the author of the article realizes. This is democratization of communications.

Now where's my flying car?

2012-07-03 15:34:13 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 0 +1s)

The BRAND NEW Amateur Photographer's Circle –– First Share Monday, July 9

#CircleSharingForThePeopleAPC1  

READ before asking for inclusion!

Are you an amateur photographer? Do you want to learn more about photography? Do you want to meet people just like yourself? Do you want to have your work promoted on a page exclusively made for amateurs here on Google+? Then this is a circle for you.

This brand new circle will focus on amateur photographers who wants to learn more about photography. I will add a page for this circle and promote the work from people who are in it. We will share tips and tricks about equipment, photography and editing –– and there will be exclusive content available only to the circle members. Plus a few surprises along the way... :) First share will be July 9 (Monday).

Do you want to join theAPC? The... more »