Rapscallion and Other Useful Insults

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Even though it is Shakespearean, I fully embrace the concept...as should we all, I say!

I was amazed at the number of fantastic insults I learn during my research for my Victorian Steampunk novel.  I mean...surely we should bring these back into use!

Quackery (of course)
Balderdash
Cad
Bounder


Mental Floss has a list of 56 Victorian Slang Terms we should seriously consider bringing back.

So as you head into the weekend...

Throw on some gaspipes and paste on your giggle mug. Its going to be nanty narking!

Have a lovely weekend, my lovelies!

by +Raquel Byrnes

Publicity and the Reluctant Writer - Funny Video

P is for Publicity....yeah! Uh...no?  

Writers don't really like this very much do they?  Its intimidating and outside their skill set. I mean, when you're writing you slip into a whole other world of your choosing and making. You manipulate events and feelings.  You are the creator with capital "C" and you like it!


Publicity...not so much fun.  This funny video encapsulates the dilemma perfectly. He may be a marketing train-wreck, but we can learn a lot from this guy. Just, you know, opposite of what he does.



Some other sites to help you build up your publicity "Know-How" are:

• How To Write A Press Release - Article
• ShoutLife - Social Networking
• BookBuzzr - Free online book marketing
• Blog Talk Radio - interviews and reviews

What are some things I've missed? Have you come across some great tips to share with the A-Z Bloggers?  

Until next time...Go Write!

Photograph by Sasha W.

Survival Wednesdays - Free Running

So I've been tinkering with this YA novel idea that has Free Running or Parkour in it. Its a type of urban acrobatics in which kids do stunningly dangerous and gravity-defying moves on buildings, roofs and ledges that would make any mother's hair turn white.


Sounds fun, right?


So in researching this wholesome activity, I found that there are a few things to keep in mind before trying it out.


First...You HAVE to be a fictional character or a trained professional.


Second...Wear the right clothes. This type of activity is not suitable for enrobed princesses, knights, any sort of caped-crusader or women wearing Manolos. Loose pants and t-shirts seem to be the popular choice.


Third...You  must be "Fit" as in, a testosterone fueled, adrenaline junkie whose parents are Cirque Du Soleil performers.


Fourth...Wear the right equipment like protective gear such as elbow and knee pads, gloves, helmet. And choose the right shoes.  Cause nothing breaks a five-story fall like some awesome kicks!


And Fifth...start easy. I would suggest a curb or possibly a tin can for starters. Don't attempt what trained athletes and professional stunt men use wires, pulleys, and landing pads for right off the bat. Work up to it.


After perusing countless videos its come to my attention that I don't see any of the ladies taking a header off of high-rises. Hmmm...I may have to remedy that.


Until next time, I leave you with my favorite Free Running Video.  Now...Go Write!



Photograph by Thor.