Game of Thrones Historical Inspirations

Happy Cat! Happy Cat!

You all know how much Panzer loves Game of Thrones ... So when our big kitty George R. R. Martin fan heard GalleyCAT had a post with an infographic about him and where he gets his inspiration from, he jumped in the Panzermobile and headed right over.

According to the post by Maryann Yin, Game of Thrones is inspired by real history and the actual people who lived it. Included in the post is a link to a TED-Ed lesson and a link to a previous GalleyCAT post about Mr. Martin and his use of history. Also included is the infographic itself showing the historical figures and actions who inspired Game of Thrones.

Panzer says, "I'm doing the Happy Kitty Dance!"

To read the post and the infographic, tootle over to infographic

10 Ways To Hook Your Readers And Keep Them Reading

Could you resist this face?

Panzer headed out into the Catosphere looking for an interesting post for his friends. Our affable kitty stopped in at the Write To Done site to see what he could find.

After some digging around, Panzer found a post by Dr. John Yeoman about the 10 Ways To Keep Readers Hooked when you're writing fiction. Included in those 10 ways are the usual ones Panzer is familiar with like end each section/chapter on a cliff hanger to keep the reader reading, write short sentences to increase the tension for the reader, and introduce a new character to keep the reader's interest. However, there are some our big kitty hadn't heard before, like ask a question to pique the reader's interest, make a casual remark that the reader can interpret as incorrect and five other ways you might find useful

Panzer says, "The best way to hook a reader is to introduce a big, lovable cat. Nobody can resist me for long."

To read the post, tootle over to fiction story hooks

Navigating the Ocean of Story

Hmmm. What could I ask?

Panzer was out tootling around in the Catosphere today and he found the Book View Cafe site. Our adventuresome kitty has never been there before, so he was digging around to see what he could find.

According to a post by science fiction and fantasy author Ursula K. Le Guin, she's starting an online workshop which she calls Fictional Navigation. Writers will submit questions of 200 words or less and Ms. Le Guin will choose ones to answer. She will only accept questions about writing.

Panzer says, "This sounds like it will be interesting."

To read the post, tootle over to Navigating the Ocean of Story

A New Panzerism

Panzer on having a healthy relationship:

Mom's love for me is sick, sick, sick.

It's a demanding relationship for me.

Maybe, if I could just get her to be a little less dependent on me.

Wait Mom! Don't stop!

But ...

Her need to touch my soft, silky fur does feel kind of good.

Maybe ...

Being co-dependent isn't so bad.

Amazon Has Competition From Jet

What do you think will happen?

Panzer was tootling around in the Catosphere when he heard some ooohhing and aaawwing. Following the sound took to the WIRED site.

According to a post there by Brian Barrett, Amazon has some competition in the form of a new company called Jet. Jet will be carrying many of the same products as Amazon, but at a lower price.

Jet charges an annual membership fee, but there's a three-month free trial period to see if you like the products, service and prices they offer. After the three months you can either sign up for the $50 per year membership fee or the $100 per year fee. Not surprisingly, the $100 membership has similar, if not the same, features as Amazon Prime.

Panzer says, "This will either be fun to watch or a great big fizzle."

Note: This is a v-e-r-y l-o-n-g post, so bring a b-i-g cup of tea.

To read the post, tootle over to Jet

Entitle Subscription Service Closes It's Doors

Now I have to find another service.

Panzer made a short trip into the Catosphere today. Our intrepid traveling kitty made a stop at the Publishers' Weekly site.

According to a post by Calvin Reid, the Entitle ebook subscription service has ceased business. The last day was July 21. As an ebook subscription service, Entitle charged a monthly fee. The monthly fees were based on the number of books a member read. The fees ranged from $16.99 to $33.50 per month. These fee prices were too high to attract readers and the business closed.

Panzer says, "Sometimes you just have to charge less to make up the difference with more buyers."

To read the post, tootle over to Entitle

Smashwords: How to Publish Ebooks - An Ebook Publishing Intens...

Watch it very carefully.

Panzer made a trip over to the Smashwords Blog today. Our explorer kitty found a new post about ebook publishing by Mark Coker.

According to Mr Coker's post, while at this year's Pacific Northwest Writers (PNWA) Conference, he presented four workshops on ebook self-publishing. Each presentation is 90 minutes long and covers a different aspect of the ebook publishing process. When you finish watching all four you'll be able to produce and market a quality ebook.

Panzer says, "It's a good primer for new self-publishers and a good reminder for old self-publishers."

Note: Remember, these are long presentations. Bring a h-u-g-e cup of tea and a l-a-r-g-e sack lunch.

To read the post and watch the presentations, tootle over to Smashwords: How to Publish Ebooks - An Ebook Publishing Intens...:

George R. R. Martin On Hugo Voting

Geez. They're just puppies.

Panzer was out tootling around in the Catosphere today looking for some news for you. Our big bad kitty stopped in at George R. R. Martin's Not A Blog site.

Mr. Martin is urging fans to secure memberships so they can vote for the SF Hugo Awards. Panzer told you about the little brouhaha going on over the Hugo Awards and Puppygate back in April. Back then there were Mad Puppies and Sad Puppies and Rabid Puppies (all kinds of puppies) running and yapping all over the Catosphere. Well, now it's time for the vote to see who the big dogs are. Mr. Martin has a link to apply (and pay) for a membership and another one to download a ballot. July 31 voting ends.

Panzer says, "Happy Kittens? Mr. Martin, how did Happy Kittens get pulled into that litter box?"

Note: Mr. Martin also has a link to File 777 where you can read more about all those puppies running in and out of their dog house.

To read the post, tootle over to Not A Blog

A New Panzerism

A Two For One Panzerism

Panzer on Commodities:

Mmmm. Mmmm. Good.

Buy Tuna Fish Bellies.

Panzer on Trading Commodities:

Never sell above Commodities.

Moral: Fat, sassy, and smelling like fish is attainable by today's modern kitty who has internet access.

A Newbie's Guide to Publishing: Douglas Preston's Fail-A-Thon Continues

I need to rest.

Panzer made a trip over to author J.A. Konrath's Blog today. He hasn't been there for quite a while now. Our big bad kitty boy found a post there addressing author Douglas Preston's newest attack on the evil Amazon empire.

Mr. Konrath's post is in the form of an imaginary interview which is where some his best posts shine. He can be funny and acerbic at the same time in them. The post is based on an interview Mr. Preston did with the American Book Sellers Association. Apparently Mr. Preston and his friends have sent another letter to the Dept. of Justice.  Mr. Konrath takes Mr. Preston and his friends to task for statements made about and against Amazon and the letter itself. But the post addresses other issues as well. Mr. Konrath also includes quotes from Mr. Preston spotlighting his disrespect for readers in general and those who use Amazon in particular "for their sense of entitlement" and wanting low book prices. There's much more included this post.

Panzer says, "I only have a limited amount of awake time and I have to put it to good use. So I'm letting Mr. Konrath and others duke it out in the Catosphere arena without my expertise."

Note: This is a v-e-r-y l-o-n-g post and needs a v-e-r-y l-a-r-g-e cup of tea, but it's worth your time.

To read the post, tootle over to A Newbie's Guide to Publishing: Douglas Preston's Fail-A-Thon Continues:

Barnes and Noble Spinoff Date Set

I am so tired.

Panzer is still proofreading Cats and Wisdom so it was a quick trip into the Catosphere today. Our busy kitty boy found an interesting post over at the Publishers' Weekly site.

According to Jim Milliot, the date for the Barnes and Noble's spinoff of Barnes & Noble Education division has finally been set. On August 3, Barnes & Noble Education will become a separate entity. B&N Education is Barnes and Nobles college division. The Nook division will stay with Barnes and Noble.

Panzer says, "Whew! It took long enough."

To read the post, tootle over to B & N spinoff set

Cat Wisdom For The Ages

Panzer wants all his friends to know that Cat Wisdom for Humans is finally finished with the last edits (hopefully!).

It's been quite an interesting journey getting CW ready to upload. All those cute Panzerism graphics did not work when uploaded the first time.

So ...

Our big bad kitty boy is getting ready for a second try!

See you tomorrow.

A New Panzerism

Panzer on the human misconception of their importance:

Mom told me that, if parents compliment children, it boosts their confidence.

She said that's a good thing.

But ...

She needs to learn you don't ever compliment a cat.

N-o-o-o ... a real bad idea.

Good kitty? You're kidding, right?

Cats will always take such sentiments and turn them into moments of disbelief and then hilarity.

How dare a mere human ... an inferior species to cats ... pass judgement on us ...

with statements like "Good Kitty" and "What a smart boy."

Amazon's Book Review Policy - Part 2

Panzer got woken up from his afternoon nap today by yowling and hissing. When our big brave explorer kitty got the Panzermobile fueled up and out into the Catosphere, he discovered the noise was coming from the Indies Unlimited site.

Panzer found a guest post by Brenda Perlin whose ebook review got rejected by Amazon. In an email to Ms. Perlin it was stated Amazon's rationale was that the reviewer "rules" say no reviews for authors/persons you know are accepted. Amazon determined she knew the author/person the review was for and so the review was rejected. Our kitty boy posted about a similar ebook review rejection earlier this week. According to this Indies Unlimited post, a petition has been started to get Amazon to change their review policy.

I'm busy. Leave me out of it.

Panzer says, "I'm not taking sides in this new war with Amazon. I've got other work to do right now ... like take a nap ... and eat ... and take a nap. You know important cat work."

Note: The post isn't that long. but the comments section is. So ... if you plan to read the comments, you will need a h-u-g-e cup of tea.

To read Brenda Perlin's post, tootle over to Amazon reviews
To read Panzer's post from earlier this week, tootle over to book review policy

Melissa's Mochas, Mysteries and Meows: Forever Young, My Precious Truffles

We'll miss you.

Short post today.

Panzer got some sad news yesterday. His kitty friend Truffles at Melissa's Mochas, Mysteries and Meows blog has gone over the rainbow bridge.

To read about Truffles and/or leave your condolences, tootle over to Melissa's Mochas, Mysteries and Meows: Forever Young, My Precious Truffles:

Amazon's Book Review Policy

Rules are rules.

Panzer was taking a nap when he got woken up by a bunch of hissing and yowling coming from the Catosphere. Our sleepy little kitty hopped in the Panzermobile to see what all the ruckus was about.

Panzer didn't have any trouble following all the noise to the Consumer Affairs site. According to a post by Jennifer Abel, blogger Imy Santiago is up in arms because Amazon wouldn't post a review by her. Amazon said she violated their review policy. Back and forth emails are quoted in the post to show Amazon's "lack of transparency" in regard to why they wouldn't post the review. Basically, it come down to the fact Amazon believes she "knows" the author of the book she was reviewing and, therefore, it couldn't be an honest review. There's a link in the post to Santiago's original post at her blog.

Panzer says "Amazon knows everything about authors, including who your friends are. Have a link to your blog at Author Central (Hi, Amazon!)? They have not only your posts, but the comments. Put a link to your Twitter account (Hi!) and same thing. Have a Goodreads account with a link to your blog? Same thing (Hi, again!). And on it goes.  Everything is tied together. And ... You do know about Amazon and Goodreads, right? There's no place to hide."

To read the post, tootle over to book reviews

Smashwords July FREE and Discounted Ebooks Sale

Hurry over while it's FREE!

Panzer's trip into the Catosphere today took him over to the Smashwords site.

Smashwords is having a huge sale all month on ebooks. Some are 25% off; some are 50% off; some are 75% off; and some are FREE.

Now, you all know how much Panzer likes FREE stuff.

So ...

He's offering his ebook Cats and Crime FREE!

Here's the instructions to get Cats and Crime. Follow the link below to his Smashwords page, click to Buy the ebook, enter the coupon code SW100, click enter, make sure the price says 0.00. Smashwords will then tell you how to download the ebook.

To see all the other discounted and FREE ebooks, follow the second link below. At Smashwords, scroll down the front page and on the left you'll see "Browse Books on Sales," click and look for ebooks of interest. Be sure to read the information at each book and make sure it's FREE, before you buy it. Remember, some are only discounted, NOT FREE.

Note from Panzer: You shouldn't need an account to download Cats and Crime with the direct link below. But the accounts are FREE and easy to set up. I'm not sure if you'll need one to download the other FREE ebooks.

For your FREE copy, tootle over to Cats and Crime

To see other FREE ebooks, tootle over to Smashwords

A New Panzerism

Panzer on plausible deniability:

Here's an exercise for some of my cat friends to try.

You know that key fob Mom has for her new car?

Well, if you pounce on it just right,
the car's horn goes off in the driveway.
Pounce again and the same thing happens.

Me? I was sleeping.

For the best results, it needs to be done at 3 a.m.

Just be sure to be curled up in a ball on the chair far away from the key fob, when Mom comes running downstairs at the noise.

Enjoy July 4th Barbecues, Hot Dogs And Lemonade

Happy 4th of July!  

 
From Panzer, Mom and What's His Name

Has George R. R. Martin Finished The Winds of Winter?

Did he or didn't he?

Panzer took a quick trip to the Catosphere today. While our kitty explorer was out there, he stopped in at The Independent site. Panzer spent some time digging around there and dug up an interesting post by Daisy Wyatt.

According to Ms. Wyatt, rumors are circulating that George R. R. Martin has finished The Winds of Winter. It's book 6 in The Game of Thrones TV series. Of course as with all rumors, other sites are reporting he hasn't finished it.

But ... it's an interesting story about how the rumor got started.

Panzer says, "Why don't you just ask him?"

To read the post, tootle over to George R.R. Martin

More Time For You With Simple Marketing Tools

Whew! I'm glad I found my way home.

Panzer got lost in the Catosphere today. Our poor bewildered kitty was flying here and there trying to get his bearings. In his travels, he discovered the BookBub site.

At the site he found a post by Diane Urban about tools to make your ebook marketing easier. There's information on Trello for time management, Canva for image design, Feedly for a blog post aggregator and more. The post is from earlier this year but the information contained in it is still valid for indies today.

Panzer says, "I want anything that gives me more time in my day."

To read the post, tootle over to simple marketing tools

Smashwords: Wattpad Runs Major Promotion Featuring 72 Smashwor...

They're all FREE!

Panzer was out tootling around in the Catosphere today. Our big bad kitty boy stopped in at the Smashwords Blog to see what's new in the world of indie book distribution. He's really glad he did because now he's doing the Happy Kitty Dance!

According to a post by Mark Coker, Smashwords and Wattpad are running a romance promotion featuring 72 Smashwords authors. The authors' books will be serialized and available for FREE reading on the Wattpad website or on it's apps. A list of all the titles available with links is in the post.

Sorry, the promotion is only for romances.

Panzer says, "You do have a Wattpad account, right? The account is FREE just like all the reading there is FREE."

To read the post, tootle over to Smashwords: Wattpad Runs Major Promotion Featuring 72 Smashwor...: