Get plot right: Lessons from 7 bestsellers
I could see this information as being pretty helpful, as most of the best sellers are not that well written and they are usually pretty quick reads. Maybe writing the next best seller is as easy as stealing a plot from one of the major mass market paper back writers, and inserting interesting characters.
Here is the list: (Click the link above for the entire article)
The Davinci Code by Dan Brown
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Steig Larssen
The Thirteenth Tale by by Diane Setterfield
Diane Setterfield’s first novel became a best seller immediately after its release in 2006 and was made into a film by the BBC in 2013. The Thirteenth Tale hearkens back to its gothic predecessors. The plot itself shifts between past and present as the protagonist uncovers the family secrets of a famous novelist.
While the book’s structure and the particulars of its plot are original, the success of The Thirteenth Tale indicates that newness is not always what the public is seeking. Old-fashioned melodrama abounds in The Thirteenth Tale, and with its backdrop of antiquarian bookselling and echoes of nineteenth century classics, it is almost a polar opposite to the contemporary concerns of Girl With the Dragon Tattoo. What it shares with that, and other bestsellers, is a number of plot twist and unpredictable revelations that grip the reader.
The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova
Kostova’s 2005 novel The Historian quickly became the fastest-selling first novel in U.S. publishing history. Kostova based her story on the historical Vlad Tepes and the literary Count Dracula as she related the tale of a professor and his daughter in search of Tepes’ tomb.
The book includes lush descriptions of the many European countries in which it is set. Like The Da Vinci Code, it draws on a literary and historical background that most readers have a passing familiarity with and gives the reader a sense of access to secrets and historical details formerly concealed. Like several other bestsellers, secret histories and discoveries create an interest and make the book a page-turner. Unlike The Da Vinci Code but like The Thirteenth Victim, the time scope of The Historian is huge, set across three major periods in the twentieth century.
Another best-seller that occurs across a broad swathe of the twentieth century is one by South African writer Lauren Beukes:
The Shining Girls by Lauren Beukes
The serial killer is an ever-popular trope in thrillers and crime fiction, but Beukes marries it to time travel in her 2013 novel, later optioned by actor Leonardo di Caprio’s production company. The Shining Girls tells the story of one who seeks out young women to murder in order to maintain his connection with the time-travelling house he has stumbled into. What Beukes gets right in The Shining Girls is injecting something fresh into well-worn storytelling tropes such as serial killers with female victims.
The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
Bradley's Blog:Jason Bradley is a freelance writer, editor, and blogger. Jason blogs about transportation, hobbies, travel, and other random topics.
Thursday, November 12, 2015
Brainerd Lakes Live Music: Nov. 12-18, 2015
I still have one weekend left of deer hunting, but for those of you not inclined to take part in Minnesota's white tail deer hunting craze, another option might be checking out some live music this weekend in the Brainerd Lakes Area.
My choice for live music this week would be The Agates at the Eagles Club. The Eagles club is a great place to relax after a stressful week at work, and enjoy some live music by the band with the coolest name in Minnesota. You see, this band is named after the state's gemstone, the illusive but brilliantly ensconced agate. They can be found in many places in the BLA, and I am hoping this band is also a GEM!
For week of Nov. 12-18; bands perform from 9 p.m. to close with no cover unless otherwise noted.
BRAINERD
Coco Moon
601 Laurel St.
Bluegrass, first, third and fifth Friday of the month
Eagles Club
124 Front St.
The Agates, 7:30-11:30 p.m. Friday; $5 for all dances for non-Eagle members.
Last Turn Saloon
215 S. Eighth St.
Duncan Vinje, 8:30-10:30 p.m. Friday
Theology on Tap, 6-9 p.m. Saturday
Liquor Pigz
718 Laurel St.
Karaoke, 10 p.m. every Wednesday
Jam session/open mic, 9 p.m. every Sunday
Shep's on Sixth
315 S. Sixth St.
DJ, every Friday-Saturday in Elbow Room
St. Mathias Bar and Grill
4640 County Road 121
Big T, Saturday
BREEZY POINT
Commander Bar
30279 Airport Road
In2ition, 9:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday
JJ's Pub
Downstairs of the Commander
Lee Bone, Saturday
CROSBY
The Bridge Tavern
26929 Highway 6
Live music every Friday; Classic Country Dinner Theater, 4-8 p.m. Sunday
My choice for live music this week would be The Agates at the Eagles Club. The Eagles club is a great place to relax after a stressful week at work, and enjoy some live music by the band with the coolest name in Minnesota. You see, this band is named after the state's gemstone, the illusive but brilliantly ensconced agate. They can be found in many places in the BLA, and I am hoping this band is also a GEM!
For week of Nov. 12-18; bands perform from 9 p.m. to close with no cover unless otherwise noted.
BRAINERD
Coco Moon
601 Laurel St.
Bluegrass, first, third and fifth Friday of the month
Eagles Club
124 Front St.
The Agates, 7:30-11:30 p.m. Friday; $5 for all dances for non-Eagle members.
Last Turn Saloon
215 S. Eighth St.
Duncan Vinje, 8:30-10:30 p.m. Friday
Theology on Tap, 6-9 p.m. Saturday
Liquor Pigz
718 Laurel St.
Karaoke, 10 p.m. every Wednesday
Jam session/open mic, 9 p.m. every Sunday
Shep's on Sixth
315 S. Sixth St.
DJ, every Friday-Saturday in Elbow Room
St. Mathias Bar and Grill
4640 County Road 121
Big T, Saturday
BREEZY POINT
Commander Bar
30279 Airport Road
In2ition, 9:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday
JJ's Pub
Downstairs of the Commander
Lee Bone, Saturday
CROSBY
The Bridge Tavern
26929 Highway 6
Live music every Friday; Classic Country Dinner Theater, 4-8 p.m. Sunday
Career Planning for High School Students Part 1: Identifying Interests
High school is a stressful time for many students. It is a time when many students are trying to juggle the increasing demands of an adult life, with all of the activities and social requirements associated with the upper levels of high school. Transitioning from high school to college, or a career or technical program, is a major life change. I have included some helpful information that may help students make informed choices about their future. The Bureau of Labor has a great article written by Elka Torpey titled: "Career Planning for High Schoolers":
I have highlighted some of my favorite information from the first part of this article, but follow the link to read the article in its entirety.
Link to full article: /career-planning-for-high-schoolers.htm
In the article, Elka Torpey states,
"If you’re still in high school, you may not be as sure of your vocation as Lovely is of hers. But, like Lovely, you can start thinking about—and planning for—your future before graduation.
“Start exploring what you want to do when you’re a freshman,” says Mark Danaher, a career counselor at Newington High School in Newington, Connecticut. “The high school years go very quickly.”
Most people need some preparation before they’re ready for the workforce, and planning should begin long before it’s time to start a career. This could include taking technical courses during high school or, after graduating, attending a college or university to earn a certificate or a degree. Knowing what type of career preparation you need begins with thinking about what type of career you want.
This article helps high school students plan for careers. The first section talks about exploring your interests. The second section highlights the importance of internships, jobs, and other opportunities for getting experience. The third section describes some education or training options, both in high school and afterward. The fourth section offers some thoughts on pursuing your dream career. And the final section lists sources for more information."
Here are some of my thoughts on the initial stages of career planning for high school students:
The first part of the article lists many free career interest tools that can be useful as a starting point for career exploration.
I agree with the article's position on not putting too much pressure on students to find one career and stick with it. The most important questions high school students should ask are:
What do I like to do? (List 5)
What are some job that I know I don't like to do? (List 5)
Most high school students have work experience, and this is a good starting point for thinking about what they are willing to do for work, or what they know they don't want to do.
For example, if a student has worked in a the service industry and they know they love working with and helping people, it may be a good starting point for looking into a career in hospitality or management.
I find that many students have a passion they love to pursue, but may need assistance with figuring out how to turn this passion into a career.
After identifying interest, many students may find it helpful to complete a free online assessment at a great site for career exploration : http://www.mynextmove.org/
I have highlighted some of my favorite information from the first part of this article, but follow the link to read the article in its entirety.
Link to full article: /career-planning-for-high-schoolers.htm
In the article, Elka Torpey states,
"If you’re still in high school, you may not be as sure of your vocation as Lovely is of hers. But, like Lovely, you can start thinking about—and planning for—your future before graduation.
“Start exploring what you want to do when you’re a freshman,” says Mark Danaher, a career counselor at Newington High School in Newington, Connecticut. “The high school years go very quickly.”
Most people need some preparation before they’re ready for the workforce, and planning should begin long before it’s time to start a career. This could include taking technical courses during high school or, after graduating, attending a college or university to earn a certificate or a degree. Knowing what type of career preparation you need begins with thinking about what type of career you want.
This article helps high school students plan for careers. The first section talks about exploring your interests. The second section highlights the importance of internships, jobs, and other opportunities for getting experience. The third section describes some education or training options, both in high school and afterward. The fourth section offers some thoughts on pursuing your dream career. And the final section lists sources for more information."
Here are some of my thoughts on the initial stages of career planning for high school students:
The first part of the article lists many free career interest tools that can be useful as a starting point for career exploration.
I agree with the article's position on not putting too much pressure on students to find one career and stick with it. The most important questions high school students should ask are:
What do I like to do? (List 5)
What are some job that I know I don't like to do? (List 5)
Most high school students have work experience, and this is a good starting point for thinking about what they are willing to do for work, or what they know they don't want to do.
For example, if a student has worked in a the service industry and they know they love working with and helping people, it may be a good starting point for looking into a career in hospitality or management.
I find that many students have a passion they love to pursue, but may need assistance with figuring out how to turn this passion into a career.
After identifying interest, many students may find it helpful to complete a free online assessment at a great site for career exploration : http://www.mynextmove.org/
Thursday, November 5, 2015
Rolling CB Interview™ - 2004 Kenworth: Bull Hauler
Northbound Kenworth driver hauling cattle is interviewed in this Rolling CB interview. The truck has a lot of horsepower, which is a giant understatement, but it seems like most bull haulers modify their trucks to haul more weight. He has 45 head of cattle on which is around 48,000 pounds. Most bull haulers are owner operators, and they have a great deal of pride in their ride. I grew up around cattle and know how skittish they can get, so I have a lot of respect for the work these drivers must go through just getting their freight loaded onto the truck.
M State's Mobile Classroom
Check out this short informative video on M State's Mobile Welding Classroom. The college has converted a reefer trailer into a mobile welding training classroom that will travel to sites so students can train without having to incur transportation costs. They see going to the students to help them with skills as a futuristic vision of what education can look like in comparison to the traditional model.
I think this would be a great resource for high school students interested in a high demand career field like welding.
Brainerd Lakes Area Live Music: November 5th-11th, 2015
I don't want to jinx the unseasonably warm Minnesota fall we have been having, but it is still mild out as I am composing this post. It is a great time to get out of the house and spend some time checking out the local live music scene in the Brainerd Lakes area of Minnesota.
Mike Soderlund will be the artist to check out this week. He is playing on Saturday at the Last Turn Saloon, and it will be a show you won't want to miss.
Check out other options below:
Via the Brainerd Dispatch:
For week of Nov. 5-11; bands perform from 9 p.m. to close with no cover unless otherwise noted.
BRAINERD
Coco Moon
601 Laurel St.
Bluegrass, first, third and fifth Friday of the month
Eagles Club
124 Front St.
The Agates, 7:30-11:30 p.m. Friday; $5 for all dances for non-Eagle members.
Last Turn Saloon
215 S. Eighth St.
Mike Soderlund, 8:30-10:30 p.m. Saturday
Liquor Pigz
718 Laurel St.
Karaoke, 10 p.m. every Wednesday
Jam session/open mic, 9 p.m. every Sunday
Shep's on Sixth
315 S. Sixth St.
DJ, every Friday-Saturday in Elbow Room
BREEZY POINT
Commander Bar
30279 Airport Road
Drama Queen, 9:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday
JJ's Pub
Downstairs of the Commander
Mary Stary, Saturday
CROSBY
The Bridge Tavern
26929 Highway 6
Live music every Friday; Classic Country Dinner Theater, 4-8 p.m. Sunday
Mike Soderlund will be the artist to check out this week. He is playing on Saturday at the Last Turn Saloon, and it will be a show you won't want to miss.
Check out other options below:
Via the Brainerd Dispatch:
For week of Nov. 5-11; bands perform from 9 p.m. to close with no cover unless otherwise noted.
BRAINERD
Coco Moon
601 Laurel St.
Bluegrass, first, third and fifth Friday of the month
Eagles Club
124 Front St.
The Agates, 7:30-11:30 p.m. Friday; $5 for all dances for non-Eagle members.
Last Turn Saloon
215 S. Eighth St.
Mike Soderlund, 8:30-10:30 p.m. Saturday
Liquor Pigz
718 Laurel St.
Karaoke, 10 p.m. every Wednesday
Jam session/open mic, 9 p.m. every Sunday
Shep's on Sixth
315 S. Sixth St.
DJ, every Friday-Saturday in Elbow Room
BREEZY POINT
Commander Bar
30279 Airport Road
Drama Queen, 9:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday
JJ's Pub
Downstairs of the Commander
Mary Stary, Saturday
CROSBY
The Bridge Tavern
26929 Highway 6
Live music every Friday; Classic Country Dinner Theater, 4-8 p.m. Sunday
Wednesday, November 4, 2015
Barbeque with Franklin
After watching this series, I am going to try and build a smoker when it warms up in the spring.
Tuesday, November 3, 2015
Truck Driver Tips: How to Organize A Semi Truck
This is a great video on how to organize a truck:
CJ is a blogger and truck driver, and I appreciate all of the organization tips she
gives for setting up the inside of your truck. I also think her organizational strategies
could be used for organizing any space. One thing is for certain and that is the fact
that professional drivers have to learn to live in small spaces for large amounts of time, and
organization can sure help make things easier. Check out more of her tips at: https://www.thehealthytrucker.net/latest-tips/
CJ is a blogger and truck driver, and I appreciate all of the organization tips she
gives for setting up the inside of your truck. I also think her organizational strategies
could be used for organizing any space. One thing is for certain and that is the fact
that professional drivers have to learn to live in small spaces for large amounts of time, and
organization can sure help make things easier. Check out more of her tips at: https://www.thehealthytrucker.net/latest-tips/
Bidding War for Truck Drivers in the United States: Wall Street Journal
I am wondering when trucking companies are going to turn things around and start taking care of
their employees. I also wonder if trucking is starting to consider unionizing again, or what other measures this industry may need to take to keep up with the demand for qualified commercial drivers.
I found the WSJ article to be a great read. Please see the excerpt below, or follow this link for the full article.
From the WSJ article:
There is a shortage of truck drivers in the United States.
Unsurprisingly, that's leading to a bidding war for qualified truckers among the big companies. The Wall Street Journal recently reported on the need for 48,000 truckers in an industry of 800,000.
It's not shocking that the country faces a trucker shortage: Days on the job are long, it's hard to have a family, and drivers are required to be in a seat and watch the road for hours at a time. In addition to that, pay bumps couldn't even keep up with inflation between 2000 and 2014.
their employees. I also wonder if trucking is starting to consider unionizing again, or what other measures this industry may need to take to keep up with the demand for qualified commercial drivers.
I found the WSJ article to be a great read. Please see the excerpt below, or follow this link for the full article.
From the WSJ article:
There is a shortage of truck drivers in the United States.
Monday, November 2, 2015
Netflix New Releases November 2015
TELEVISION
November 1
Girlfriends' Guide to Divorce (Season 1)
Seven Deadly Sins (Season 1)
Worst Year of My Life, Again (Season 1)
November 2
Last Tango in Halifax (Season 3)
November 3
Julius Jr. (Season 2)
November 6
Master of None (Season 1)
November 13
Atención Atención (Season 1)
W/ Bob and David (Season 1)
Young & Hungry (Season 2)
November 15
Continuum (Season 4)
Jessie (Season 4)
November 16
Cristela (Season 1)
November 18
Black Butler (Season 3)
River (season 1)
November 20
LEGO Ninjago: Masters of Spinjitzu (Season 3)
Marvel's Jessica Jones (Season 1)
November 23
The Red Road (Season 2)
Ultimate Spider-Man (Season 3)
November 24
Liv and Maddie (Season 2)
November 25
Gringolandia (Season 3)
Switched at Birth (Season 4)
MOVIES
November 1
Beethoven's Christmas Adventure (2011)
Idris Elba: Mandela, My Dad and Me (2015)
Last Days in Vietnam (2014)
Pasion de Gavilanes (2003)
Robot Overlords (2015)|
Smithsonian Channel: The Day Kennedy Died (2013)
The Last Time You Had Fun (2014)
The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie (2004)
Thomas & Friends: The Christmas Engines (2014)
Twinsters (2015)
November 3
Do I Sound Gay? (2014)
The Midnight Swim (2014)
November 5
Amapola (2014)
Amour Fou (2014)
The Runner (2015)
November 6
Care Bears & Cousins (Season 1)
November 7
LeapFrog Letter Factory: Great Shape Mystery (2015)
November 12
Anna Karenina (2012)
November 13
Call Me Lucky (2015)
John Mulaney: The Comeback Kid (2015)
November 14
Blue Caprice (2013)
Dior and I (2014)
November 15
People, Places, Things (2015)
Soaked in Bleach (2015)
Tengo Ganas de Ti (2012)
November 20
Sin Tetas No Hay Paraiso (2007)
November 25
Home (2014)
November 26
Zipper (2015)
November 28
A Perfect Man (2013)
Best of Enemies (2015)
The Best Offer (2013)
November 29
Electric Boogaloo: The Wild, Untold Story of Cannon Films (2014)
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