I’ve probably admitted this plenty of times before, but I’m a read-aholic. I love books, and get as many as I can. I’m also cheap (sorry, but it’s so true!), so a huge majority of the books I get are downloaded to my Kindle. Sometimes, they’re free for the day and I take advantage. Other times, they’re between ninety-nine cents to three dollars. (Told you I was cheap.) Since I read so many of these types of books, I’ve been incredibly exposed to self-published authors, as most self-published authors sell their books at these low prices.

Now, just because I’m getting published traditionally does not mean I have any bias against self-publishing. There are pros and cons to both. Each author must decide which method is best for them. However, I’ve noticed a trend as I’ve read these types of books on my Kindle and I can’t keep my observations to myself anymore. So, I’m writing this post, inspired, and somewhat bothered, by what I’ve seen.

It seems to me that a lot of self-published authors are taking shortcuts to get published. I’ve read many novels that had tremendous potential, but didn’t quite satisfy. Generally, it’s because it looks as if the author didn’t hire a professional editor to go over the manuscript before publishing. And I’m sorry, but if a book is riddled with misspelled words or a lot of grammatical errors, I can’t enjoy the story. So one shortcut that you should NEVER take if you’re going to self-publish is hiring a professional editor. It would be prudent to hire them for both content and copy editing. Editors are trained to spot inconsistencies in plot and character that an author might not catch.

Another shortcut you shouldn’t take (this applies to all authors): have both beta readers and a critique group. In case you’re wondering what the difference is: beta readers are readers who can help give feedback to the general feel of the book. They can point out what they like and don’t like about the plot and characters. A critique group in a group of people who trades their work. So you critique their work while they critique yours. It’s a nice fair trade. Not to mention that when you start critiquing other people’s work, it helps you grow in your own writing.

Now I’m not talking about getting friends and family to be your beta readers or critique group. No offense, but they can’t be trusted to give you the harsh truth you need to improve your work. What I’m talking about is finding people who are a part of the writing industry. People who go to writers conferences and listen to writing podcasts (Writing Excuses, anyone?) who can give you real, professional feedback.

I could go on to some other things to do before you publish, but I think those two are the big ones. Just remember, listen to all feedback with an open mind and tough skin. No one is reading your work so that they can tear into you and make you feel bad. Whatever they have to say is what they genuinely think as they read your work. Whether you implement their suggestion, you need to hear it. And I know a lot of you don’t want to pay for an editor. I get it. Like I said above, I’m totally cheap. But it’s a worthy investment to make. Because if you really want to be a successful writer, your novels have to look polished.

I would like to point out that not all self-published authors skip these steps. But I am noticing many who are, and it doesn’t reflect well on those self-published authors who have put in the time and money to make their work as professional as a traditionally published book.

When I do read eBooks that have a lot of spelling errors or just repeat a certain phrase over and over again (I find that really annoying), I won’t buy another one of their books. I don’t care if it’s a free download, I won’t get it. This is why I’m writing this post today. Because there are a lot of gifted authors out there. Some of them, I would buy more of their books if they were polished. So, please, go through the essential steps before you put your book out there – I promise it will benefit you.

I really enjoy watching UK shows, and US shows as well. I got sucked into the UK version of Being Human, but couldn’t sit through the US version. (Both are on Netflix, if you’re interested.) Anyway, when I saw this post by guest Elly, I was excited to publish it on my blog. Happy reading, everyone!

It has recently been revealed that US network Fox has picked up the much loved UK sitcom Gavin and Stacey. The long-distance love story of Essex boy Gavin and valley girl Stacey enthralled its British audience, but will it translate to the American small screen?

When British TV shows are adapted for the American audience, it seems to go one of two ways: brilliantly right or horribly wrong. These famous examples prove the point.

Got it right: The Office

Ricky Gervais’ sitcom based in a Slough office block seemed so distinctly English that the idea of an American adaptation was considered sacrilegious. 10 years later the US version of The Office is into its ninth season and scores huge ratings both in the US and in the UK. Sticking loosely to the same format as the British version, The Office has developed its own unique characters and is a real joy to watch. Steve Carrell is a real treat to watch as manager Michael Scott of Dunder Mifflin Paper Company.

Got it wrong: The IT Crowd

Despite using the same script as the UK version and one of the same actors, the American version of this particular workplace comedy didn’t make the cut. In fact, it didn’t even make it onto television screens – it was axed after the pilot (which you can still watch online).

Got it right: Shameless

A comedy following the trials and tribulations of the rough and ready Gallagher family from Manchester, it’s easy to see why there was scepticism over whether this could be transformed into a hit American show. But with veteran actors William H. Macy and Joan Cusack on board, the series has been getting positive reviews on both sides of the Atlantic. Although the themes and tones of the British show are retained, the writing is intrinsically American.

Got it wrong: The Inbetweeners

It’s almost ironic that an American adaptation of a British TV show so similar to American teen comedies should fall flat. Relying heavily on the British script left little room for unique character development and some of the funniest scenes got lost in translation. Despite poor reviews, MTV has picked it up for a second season; let’s hope they learn from their mistakes and capture the essence of their adolescent awkwardness.

If you’re not familiar with any of these home-grown hits, there are some great TVs on finance now available, meaning you can catch up on the comedy without laughing at your bank balance.

This is a guest post by Elly, who has a passion for writing about Fashion, Beauty & Lifestyle across the world. She also tweets regularly on the latest updates in the fashion and retail industry, which can be found here (@Russell_Elly).

photo credit: doobybrain via photopin cc

There’s something so compelling about the characters of the ol’ west, rough around the edges and looking for—or thrust into–adventure. Whether they be shoot ‘em up flicks or revisionist in nature, a good western flick can draw a crowd like no other. Here are our top picks for the best westerns of all time.

1) Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969)

A western flick about bank robbers would be nothing without a dynamic duo, and that’s exactly what Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid delivers. The flick follows Butch Cassidy (Paul Newman), the brains of the operation, and the Sundance Kid (Robert Redford), the fastest gunman in the west, as they make their escape from the feds in America to the border of Bolivia.

2) Unforgiven (1992)

What makes this Clint Eastwood revisionist western great is that it blurs the traditional lines between the good guys and the bad guys in the wild west. Eastwood portrays the haggard William Munny, a retired outlaw who takes on one last job, but must compete with bounty hunters to ultimately win the money.

3) The Searchers (1956)

If you want to see John Wayne in one of the best performances of his career, look no further than his portrayal of Ethan Edwards in The Searchers. After his brother’s family is slaughtered in a Comanche raid, Edwards, an American Civil War vet, sets out to find the one surviving member of the family, his kidnapped niece. The film takes a painstaking turn when he arrives to find said niece has assimilated to the culture. In 2008, this John Ford-film earned the distinction of the best American western of all time by The American Film Institute.

4) The Magnificent Seven (1960)

A band of gunfighters is a trope in western flicks, but few can achieve the iconic status that a film like The Magnificent Seven did. Based on the 1954 Japanese film Seven Samurai, this John Sturges’ film stars a strong cast of actors: Steve McQueen, Charles Bronson, James Coburn, Robert Vaughn, Horst Buchholz, and Brad Dexter. What makes this film work in part is that each of their characters is drawn so well. The shoot ‘em up action doesn’t hurt, either.

5) High Noon (1952)

If there’s one lesson to be learned from this Frank Zinnemann classic, it’s that westerns can offer more than just action. In High Noon, we meet retired Marshall Will Kane (Gary Cooper), who’s about to skip town on a happily ever after with his new wife (Grace Kelly). Standing in his way is an escaped killer he once caught, so the movie focuses on Kane’s struggle to decide between leaving his violent past behind and fighting for what he knows is right.

It may be far from a traditional western, but Quentin Tarantino’s recent take on the genre, Django Unchained, is earning a lot of Oscar buzz. Sell old DVDs on musicMagpie and head out to the cinema.

Kerrin Allsop is a real film buff. She spends most evenings either watching film or talking about film.

photo credit: Ken Lund via photopin cc

The influence of martial arts action sequences has been widespread over the years, not only in the entertainment industry, but also in the artfulness behind this popular style of fighting. Martial arts in films involves a number of fights between movie characters, as well as training sessions and other action scenes. Some movies focus primarily on the action, and others direct attention towards the larger plot and character development. These films offer a unique look into the art of the discipline, specifically how fast and precise movements might be delivered in a battle situation, sometimes with one man taking on many men at once. At the heart of each film is a strong, well-trained fighter who can control his emotions and apply the teachings of his instructor for the greater good of the world around him. There are a number of notable martial arts films that can educate and inspire practitioners of all levels. Here are five that are famous for their jaw-dropping fights and mesmerizing plots.

1. The Seventh Samurai

The first notable movie, The Seventh Samurai, was released in 1954 and directed by Akira Kurosawa. In this film, a veteran samurai recruits six other samurai to assist him in protecting a village that has fallen victim to bandit attacks. The samurais eventually end up in a battle with forty bandits who are attacking the village and must use their skills to fight them off.

2. Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon

Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon was another box-office hit that topped 100 million dollars upon its release in the United States. Directed by Ang Lee, the movie is actually based off of the fourth novel in a Chinese book series called the Crane Iron Pentalogy. The movie takes place in the early nineteenth century, as two warriors attempt to recover a 400-year-old sword that has been stolen by bandits. In the process, they meet a nobleman’s teenage daughter who has fallen upon troubled times. Not only is this movie action-packed, but it contains an intriguing, ever-growing plot.

3. The Chinese Connection

The Chinese Connection was directed in 1972 by Wei Lo and stars Bruce Lee, Nora Miao and James Tien. The main plot revolves around Chen Zhen, played by Bruce Lee, who returns to China only to discover that his teacher has been murdered. He soon becomes a victim of racism, and must use his martial arts skills to defend himself and solve the mystery of his teacher’s murder.

4. The Matrix

The next movie is noted as another top martial film even though it is not technically about martial arts. The Matrix involves a variety of martial arts fighting techniques as a man battles his overlords in a distorted reality. Although a more westernized version of martial arts, the movie’s intense action scenes were choreographed by martial arts experts.

5. Ip Man

Lastly, there is Ip Man, which is based on the true story of martial arts master Yip Man, who taught both Bruce Lee and Wing Chun.

There are a number of other martial arts movies that have become popular over the years, but some stick out more than others thanks to their unique plots, characters and action sequences. Ultimately, they prove that with hard work, dedication and the right attitude, the art of fighting can be breathtakingly exciting.

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Learn martial arts and kickboxing in Gilbert, Arizona from the Valley’s leading taekwondo school, Sandoval Freestyle Karate Gilbert, where students are taught self-defense and listening skills.

This summer I replaced my old vinyl flooring for hard wood. The hardest part of the change was putting furniture back on that floor. The floor was calling to me, begging to serve its real purpose in life. Its siren call harassed me until I succumbed. I danced. I rejoiced in the movement, the grace and fluidity coursing from the floor through my body. Ah, to dance.

Dancing is a universal language of heartfelt sentiment. Whether we are the ones doing the dancing or simply watching the dancing, the feelings the dance arouses seem to engrain themselves on our collective memory.
Can you forget how you laughed to see Patrick Dempsey lead the entire high school in the African Anteater Mating Ritual Dance in “Can’t Buy Me Love.” What about when Patrick Swayze danced with Jennifer Grey and lifted her sky-high in “Dirty Dancing”– can you still see her pale pink dress flowing? And if a guy slides into a room wearing nothing but a dress shirt and gym socks? You know it: Tom Cruise dancing in “Risky Business”.
I happen to be a fan of dancing and dancing movies in general. So when I see a dancing film pop up on Netflix and I start wiggling in my seat, my husband groans and indulges me—he knows I have a passion for quirky, off-the-wall movies. That said, here are some movies that make me want to get up and start dancing.

Singing In The Rain—This oldie-but-goodie stars Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds, and Donald O’Connor as silent movie stars trying to adjust to the age of “talking films.” A classic Gene Kelly film, this movie is FULL of dancing, from the comedic stunts in “Make them Laugh” to the soft shoeing and jazz in “Broadway Rhythm”.

Shall We Dance?— I feel happy every time I see this 1996 Japanese film. Shohei Sugiyama is a middle aged Japanese businessman who feels caught in the rigid structure of his life. Bucking cultural norms, he decides to jump out on a limb and take a ballroom dance class. Skip the Richard Gere and J.Lo. re-make and see the original.

Marilyn Hotchkiss’ Ballroom Dancing & Charm School— A grieving widower finds solace and a second chance at life when he attends a dancing lesson for a dying man. My screen saver is magenta in honor of this movie. Miss Hotchkiss teaches that dance can “exorcise demons, access deep seated emotions and color your life in joyous shades of brilliant magenta that you never knew existed.”

Need a little satire in your life? Pick “Strictly Ballroom”. This Aussie movie follows a young ballroom star with ambition to dance “outside the lines” of traditional ballroom steps. Add an overbearing mom, distant father, over-the-top dance partners and a shy girl, and you have an ugly duckling love story wrapped in a mockery of the prevalent ballroom culture. Now when I hear Cindi Lauper’s “Time After Time” or Doris Day’s “Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps” I can’t keep my feet from doing the Rhumba.

So pop up some corn this weekend and indulge in a dance flick. I won’t hold it against you if you start dancing in your seat. Be warned, “Dancing is a very powerful drug.” (Marilyn Hotchkiss’ Ballroom Dancing & Charm School)

Erica Miller has taught Cooking and Exercise Classes for 12 years. She focuses her dancing passion by choreographing routines for her Zumba classes. Check out Erica’s exercise tips, healthy recipes and Zumba dances on her blog.