The Forty-Nine Cent Review

As I sit here before my computer downing a wee bit of my homemade chicken noodle soup (yes, I can cook) and try to rid myself of the last vestiges of my nasty cold (turned bronchitis then modified into some other wonderful nauseating ailment), I thought I would pass along some information regarding one of the newest moves by Amazon.

As some know, on occasion I do book reviews (and endorsements) on those works that catch my eye, interest, or otherwise seem to need my attention (lol), and as part of my service, I post my opinions and so forth at places like my site, blog, BN.com and Amazon for others to read.

Now, since I recently reviewed a construction book (the one about building a house) I was posting it to my various outlets and was somewhat surprised to find I wasn't able to submit my review at Amazon due to a change in policy--namely, it's now a requirement for one to "pay to play."

As a result, here I was, stuck between knowing I was obliged to post it (as I said I would) and wondering how much I wanted to spend in order to gain the "posting privilege" since now it seemed in order to post one had to have made some kind of purchase prior to the posting (regardless of any previous trustworthiness established).

Well lo and behold as I was perusing the selections, didn't you know I had a brainstorm: Amazon Shorts. (You know, that little ebook program.) A wonderful option for all the requirements said was that I had to buy something, not how much I had to spend to qualify.

Thus I scrolled through the Shorts selections until I found one that I thought would be "okay" enough to spend my whopping forty-nine cents on and *whammo* it's just enough for I am now qualified for those revered "pay to play posting privileges!"

Just passing along the info FWIW!

Review: So... You Want to Build a House by J.M. Gore & W. Null

With the seemingly endless upward trend of real estate pricing, potential homeowners are constantly on the lookout for cost-cutting tips and organizational ideas to help them make the right decisions during the construction of their "customized dream house."

And this title, "So... You Want to Build a House," by J. M. Gore and William Null does just that by providing readers with useful information about subjects such as: the "perfect house;" consulting with realtors, architects, and subs; controlling both hard and soft expenses; finding the value of an upgrade; learning how that "one little change" can impact the overall outcome; and more.

But the book also helps guide the reader through the complicated process of building by including over a dozen worksheets specifically designed to help with the planning, budgeting, and building process--covering most every stage from the purchase of the land all the way through to the closing.

With all of this workbook's tips and insight, this proves to be a helpful text for anyone who may be considering a home building project (even though the inclusion of an additional set of the planning sheets or duplicates would have been appreciated).

But overall, "So... You Want to Build a House" is still a solid workbook and a great reference for anyone who's even thinking about any kind of residential project (whether they're building by themselves or through a professional)!

Good Job!

©2006 Reviewed by Dehanna Bailee

More book info:

So... You Want to Build a House
By J.M. Gore and William Null
ISBN 0071474935
$19.95 108 pgs.

Want me to review your's next? Just send me a query in regards to your project :)

A Conference NOT to Miss!!

It's for writer's of all levels! It's online! And best of all-it's F*R-E-E!!!!!!

Ever wanted to attend a writer's conference but didn't have the time, money, or ability? Well, here's your chance to come join the fun and enhance your craft-all without having to leave the comfort of home!!

This October, The Muse Online Writers Conference will offer writers from around the world the unique opportunity to not only gain resources that can enhance their craft but help them make contacts and hopefully achieve the one thing all writers seek-to be better writers and get published!!

The Muse Online Writers' Conference will feature an Interactive Chat Lounge offering direct dialogue with presenters, a Virtual Convention Chat Hall for week-long question and answer sessions, as well as a Teleconference Lounge providing live, interactive talks.

This is an event NOT to be missed!! This is YOUR opportunity to meet a variety of professionals who have the knowledge to add to your writing base. Attend one of many workshops! Chat with some of the Presenters! There's lots of giveaways to all who attend!

Don't miss this chance to improve your writing for F-R-E-E!!

Registration for the conference is required. Interested parties can find more information by visiting: http://www.freewebs.com/TheMuseOnlineWritersConference

HOW TO ATTEND: Official registration begins the first of September-but you can sign in earlier if you'd like. Just send an email to: museitupeditor@yahoo.ca

Include your full name and in the subject heading type: CONFERENCE PREREGISTRATION