What was the last great book you had the pleasure of reading? Was it a romance novel or good mystery/suspense? Then again, maybe that new-age Tom Brown stuff is right up your alley. A lot of folks are getting into those enigmatic puzzle plots these days. It's just plain intriguing. Regardless of where your reading interests lie, you can always get a recap of what's considered the top ten best seller books. The "New York Times" rates this stuff all the time. They can give you the latest scoop on which novels to check out and which ones to avoid. After all, this is heavy duty entertainment we're talking about here. A good book is practically incomparable. I know I could use a few more in my life.
I haven't read much lately. Well, that's not exactly true. I've been busy most of the time, and I use my spare reading time to go through Gavin De Becker's book on safety. It may not be on the best seller books list, but it's a wonderful source of useful knowledge. And no, not all knowledge is very useful. This particular book, "Protecting the Gift," elaborates on crime and violence. Particularly against children and women. This is THE book to own in you have kids. Like I said, it's rich with valuable information. And better yet, it's true. There are a number of real stories throughout the text. Sure, some may make you cry and some may make your heart drop, but they're reality nonetheless. It's crucial for us all to stay in touch with reality. This gives us better defenses against its harshness and cruel side. To live in the dark will only make you a victim. Anyway, this book, "Protecting the Gift," is a great way to learn more about the dangers of the world and yourself. It's not meant to make you worry. It's meant to make you aware and not waste time worrying. Because if you're wasting time worrying, then you're not paying attention to what's really going on.
You'd better believe that most people are interested in the top ten list. They want to know what best seller books receive the most raves. These are the ones they'll probably use their spare time to read. I, on the other hand, am not interested in best seller books. It all depends on the topic; not the popularity or hype.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Accounting Books
Accounting is tricky business, and not everyone has the mind for it. In order to get a degree in accounting, you have to spend a great deal of time in college learning the ins and outs of the profession. Like any profession, there are those who just don’t cut it. If you have a more creative mind, accounting may not be for you. I once took a few courses, and did some accounting for a small company. I found it was just not for me, and I stuck with writing to make a living.
If you aren’t a professional, but need to keep track of your own expenses, you can buy some accounting books and try to teach yourself the basics. The skills needed to take care of your home, and your home business might be something you can handle. Some people choose to buy ledger accounting books to keep track of expenses and income, while others opt for software.
Software has a huge advantage over regular accounting books. If you have a basic understanding of what you are doing, you can learn how to put your information into the program, and it will do most of the work for you. It can also generate reports to let you know how you are doing. You can get reports for expenses, profit, operating costs, and anything else you may need to know. Software such as Peachtree Accounting comes with customer support.
If you really want to do this, you should buy some textbooks first, and get a grip on the basics. Accounting books can be found online as well as in many major bookstores. You can find more complicated books if you wish to learn everything there is about accounting, or you can buy simpler guides that will teach you what you need to know without going into too much detail. This is great if you want to keep an eye on things, but then will hand everything over to an accountant or tax preparer at the end of the year.
If you don’t want to spend a lot of money on accounting books and programs, you can look at your local library for books. You may also want to look through eBay or your local classified ads for people selling used books and used software. If you still feel lost, call your local college. They may offer simple and basic accounting courses for those with a home or small business.
If you aren’t a professional, but need to keep track of your own expenses, you can buy some accounting books and try to teach yourself the basics. The skills needed to take care of your home, and your home business might be something you can handle. Some people choose to buy ledger accounting books to keep track of expenses and income, while others opt for software.
Software has a huge advantage over regular accounting books. If you have a basic understanding of what you are doing, you can learn how to put your information into the program, and it will do most of the work for you. It can also generate reports to let you know how you are doing. You can get reports for expenses, profit, operating costs, and anything else you may need to know. Software such as Peachtree Accounting comes with customer support.
If you really want to do this, you should buy some textbooks first, and get a grip on the basics. Accounting books can be found online as well as in many major bookstores. You can find more complicated books if you wish to learn everything there is about accounting, or you can buy simpler guides that will teach you what you need to know without going into too much detail. This is great if you want to keep an eye on things, but then will hand everything over to an accountant or tax preparer at the end of the year.
If you don’t want to spend a lot of money on accounting books and programs, you can look at your local library for books. You may also want to look through eBay or your local classified ads for people selling used books and used software. If you still feel lost, call your local college. They may offer simple and basic accounting courses for those with a home or small business.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Knowledge On How To Write Books
Is there a book inside you? 81 percent of Americans say yes. With so many people having the desire to see their story in print, why does only a small percentage pick up the pen and write? Maybe it's because writing and publishing a book seems like such an immeasurable task. But with proper direction, all writers have the ability to see their story in book form. You're not alone in this venture, there are about 195,000 new titles published in the U.S. each year-is yours next?
What to Write?
Do you have an expertise which may benefit others? Has your imagination run wild with thrilling mysteries others may enjoy reading about? Or do you simply have a story to tell? If you feel there is a book inside you, the first step to turning your idea into a book is of course, writing it. First and foremost, write what you know. With experience comes knowledge, and you will enjoy writing more when you are familiar with your subject. Later, when you are promoting your book, you will need to be very familiar with the information included to be comfortable discussing your book with potential buyers and others.
When you choose your book, the subject matters. Check your resources (library or internet) to make sure the book market is not already saturated with similar books. It's always good to look for a niche, something new that hasn't been previously published or puts a new twist on a subject. Make yourself familiar with researching the library or internet; you will be spending many hours there, especially if your choice is to write non-fiction.
Avoid a book idea which requires the reader to make notes in the book. Libraries and some booksellers prefer not to carry books which include several work sheet pages because they lose value once written in.
Who's Your Audience?
Before you decide exactly what to write, figure out who will be buying and reading your book. If you are writing a family history, for instance, your audience may be limited to your friends and family members, and book sales won't be a concern to you. But if your plan is to sell your book and make profit, you need to research the market to determine what your audience will want to buy. People buy non-fiction books to learn about something; they purchase fiction books for the pleasure of reading. Consider non-fiction for your first book, they're easier to write and considerably more non-fiction books are published than fiction. In fact, non-fiction generally outsells fiction by two to one.
Half of all books sold in 2006 were sold to people over age 45. Women buy 68 percent of all books sold, so it might be wise to consider targeting your book idea to include a more mature and primarily female audience as well. The highest percentages of books sold were mass market paperbacks and college text books.
The following are statistics on what age groups purchase which type of books. Results are based on telephone interviews with 1,001 adults, aged 18 and older.
The top three for ages 18-29 were:
• 72% - Biographies or books about history
• 60% - Self-improvement books
• 58% - Thriller or suspense novels
For ages 30 - 49:
• 72% - Biographies or books about history
• 60% - Religion and theology
• 60% - Self-improvement books
For ages 50 - 64:
• 74% - Biographies or books about history
• 60% - Self-improvement books
• 59% - Current literary fiction
For ages 65 and over:
• 76% - Biographies and books about history
• 58% - Religion and theology
• 53% - Current events books and mystery novels
What to Write?
Do you have an expertise which may benefit others? Has your imagination run wild with thrilling mysteries others may enjoy reading about? Or do you simply have a story to tell? If you feel there is a book inside you, the first step to turning your idea into a book is of course, writing it. First and foremost, write what you know. With experience comes knowledge, and you will enjoy writing more when you are familiar with your subject. Later, when you are promoting your book, you will need to be very familiar with the information included to be comfortable discussing your book with potential buyers and others.
When you choose your book, the subject matters. Check your resources (library or internet) to make sure the book market is not already saturated with similar books. It's always good to look for a niche, something new that hasn't been previously published or puts a new twist on a subject. Make yourself familiar with researching the library or internet; you will be spending many hours there, especially if your choice is to write non-fiction.
Avoid a book idea which requires the reader to make notes in the book. Libraries and some booksellers prefer not to carry books which include several work sheet pages because they lose value once written in.
Who's Your Audience?
Before you decide exactly what to write, figure out who will be buying and reading your book. If you are writing a family history, for instance, your audience may be limited to your friends and family members, and book sales won't be a concern to you. But if your plan is to sell your book and make profit, you need to research the market to determine what your audience will want to buy. People buy non-fiction books to learn about something; they purchase fiction books for the pleasure of reading. Consider non-fiction for your first book, they're easier to write and considerably more non-fiction books are published than fiction. In fact, non-fiction generally outsells fiction by two to one.
Half of all books sold in 2006 were sold to people over age 45. Women buy 68 percent of all books sold, so it might be wise to consider targeting your book idea to include a more mature and primarily female audience as well. The highest percentages of books sold were mass market paperbacks and college text books.
The following are statistics on what age groups purchase which type of books. Results are based on telephone interviews with 1,001 adults, aged 18 and older.
The top three for ages 18-29 were:
• 72% - Biographies or books about history
• 60% - Self-improvement books
• 58% - Thriller or suspense novels
For ages 30 - 49:
• 72% - Biographies or books about history
• 60% - Religion and theology
• 60% - Self-improvement books
For ages 50 - 64:
• 74% - Biographies or books about history
• 60% - Self-improvement books
• 59% - Current literary fiction
For ages 65 and over:
• 76% - Biographies and books about history
• 58% - Religion and theology
• 53% - Current events books and mystery novels
Books And Literature On Web Authoring
If you have returned to read more about on, go right on below, but if you want to know about the origins and its historical content, go read the first entry.
Really, there is much to discuss when it comes to books and literature about web authoring, there are so many aspects which could be covered. Here in this post, we have to take a look into literatures on web authoring, and these literatures are include materials published in magazines, as well as on sites across the Internet.
There are many magazines which are published for the budding web author. Some of the hundreds of magazines includes Practical Web Design, Digital Web Magazine and D-Zine!. Although there are many magazines in print, there are others which are not published in printed form and published online. These magazines include web authoring tips as well as software. This however, doesn't necessarily open the nitty gritty of the internal coding of the actual site.
Other sources of information include online forums. These forums provide a world wide, interactive source of web authoring, where people can read up tips and tricks as well as look for help. Unlike books, magazines, and content websites, they allow for interactions, and searches for relevant information. Forums are usually up-to-date and because of this is helpful for young budding web authors find what they want.
Lastly of the basic literatures is content websites. Some websites are dedicated to specific coding formats, while others have a jungle of information though it. Much like books, online websites describing coding and formats are of a seemingly dead source, however a few provide interactive samples. Differing from books, online websites are coloured. This difference enables budding web authors see the colours and effect online.
Really, there is much to discuss when it comes to books and literature about web authoring, there are so many aspects which could be covered. Here in this post, we have to take a look into literatures on web authoring, and these literatures are include materials published in magazines, as well as on sites across the Internet.
There are many magazines which are published for the budding web author. Some of the hundreds of magazines includes Practical Web Design, Digital Web Magazine and D-Zine!. Although there are many magazines in print, there are others which are not published in printed form and published online. These magazines include web authoring tips as well as software. This however, doesn't necessarily open the nitty gritty of the internal coding of the actual site.
Other sources of information include online forums. These forums provide a world wide, interactive source of web authoring, where people can read up tips and tricks as well as look for help. Unlike books, magazines, and content websites, they allow for interactions, and searches for relevant information. Forums are usually up-to-date and because of this is helpful for young budding web authors find what they want.
Lastly of the basic literatures is content websites. Some websites are dedicated to specific coding formats, while others have a jungle of information though it. Much like books, online websites describing coding and formats are of a seemingly dead source, however a few provide interactive samples. Differing from books, online websites are coloured. This difference enables budding web authors see the colours and effect online.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Christian Books And Literature For Better Knowledge And Spirituality
More and more people are turning to spirituality and religion, both for comfort and knowledge. Perhaps the state of the world has something to do with this trend, but statistically, there's a greater interest in matters of the soul and our Creator.
Christianity is one of the world's great religions, with a great many followers. Even if you're already a Christian, you may be surprised at the number of Christian books that are available. Christian bookstores have increased in number over the past several years and can provide books covering aspects of Christianity you never even heard of in Sunday School.
Christian books offer opportunities to readers to enrich their knowledge of their faith.
The breadth of topics is astounding. There are Christian books for all age groups and levels of knowledge. For example, there are many Children's Bibles containing particular Bible stories intended for the young reader, giving them an introduction to the life of Jesus and some of the important principles of Christianity. For home schoolers, you'll find Christian books for both religious studies and academic textbooks. There are Christian magazines for kids which promote the Christian ethics of love, kindness, generosity towards your neighbors and a peaceful life.
Christian books for teens cater to the needs of this age group, addressing problems they may face in today's society, with solutions and insights based on Christian teachings. Christian books of this “self help” type can be valuable to this vulnerable age group in growing and coming to terms with the everyday problems of today.
For adults, Christian books offer a beautiful way to enrich your faith. For example, there are dozens of books devoted to the lives of Saints. If you've wondered why an individual has been designated a Saint, this category of Christian books can be inspiring and educational reading. There are books detailing the lives of Saints we've all heard of, such as St. Francis of Assisi, St. Patrick and St. Padre Pio. There are also books which are anthologies of Saints who were ordinary individuals, living in the “outside” world rather than cloistered in a convent. Reading one of these can open your eyes to how these almost unknown Saints conducted their lives in humble and difficult circumstances, giving to others throughout their lives through love, charity and hope.
There are Christian books in audio and e-book formats as well. There are several excellent and comprehensive books on the History of Christianity, which will surely enlighten you in your understanding of Christianity and its place in world history. There are Concordances, which are indexes of the Bible, which allow you to look up names, topics and phrases, giving you the book and verse covering your inquiry.
If you're a Christian or just curious about this religion, read up and gain a fascinating perspective on your own spirituality.
Christianity is one of the world's great religions, with a great many followers. Even if you're already a Christian, you may be surprised at the number of Christian books that are available. Christian bookstores have increased in number over the past several years and can provide books covering aspects of Christianity you never even heard of in Sunday School.
Christian books offer opportunities to readers to enrich their knowledge of their faith.
The breadth of topics is astounding. There are Christian books for all age groups and levels of knowledge. For example, there are many Children's Bibles containing particular Bible stories intended for the young reader, giving them an introduction to the life of Jesus and some of the important principles of Christianity. For home schoolers, you'll find Christian books for both religious studies and academic textbooks. There are Christian magazines for kids which promote the Christian ethics of love, kindness, generosity towards your neighbors and a peaceful life.
Christian books for teens cater to the needs of this age group, addressing problems they may face in today's society, with solutions and insights based on Christian teachings. Christian books of this “self help” type can be valuable to this vulnerable age group in growing and coming to terms with the everyday problems of today.
For adults, Christian books offer a beautiful way to enrich your faith. For example, there are dozens of books devoted to the lives of Saints. If you've wondered why an individual has been designated a Saint, this category of Christian books can be inspiring and educational reading. There are books detailing the lives of Saints we've all heard of, such as St. Francis of Assisi, St. Patrick and St. Padre Pio. There are also books which are anthologies of Saints who were ordinary individuals, living in the “outside” world rather than cloistered in a convent. Reading one of these can open your eyes to how these almost unknown Saints conducted their lives in humble and difficult circumstances, giving to others throughout their lives through love, charity and hope.
There are Christian books in audio and e-book formats as well. There are several excellent and comprehensive books on the History of Christianity, which will surely enlighten you in your understanding of Christianity and its place in world history. There are Concordances, which are indexes of the Bible, which allow you to look up names, topics and phrases, giving you the book and verse covering your inquiry.
If you're a Christian or just curious about this religion, read up and gain a fascinating perspective on your own spirituality.
Best Seller Books - For Your Knowledge
Our society has become so fast paced that it seems we are looking for the fastest way to do everything. We have drive thru for many services, such as banking, dry cleaning, take out foods, and our morning coffee to name a few. We have fast foods, convenience foods and foods that are sold in the grocery store for fast preparation. We can pay our bills online to save time and we can also shop online to save time. We have cell phones with text messaging so we do not have to take the time for a conversation and emails to take the place of writing letters or talking on the phone. I am not sure why we are in such a hurry or what is being done with all the time we are saving using these conveniences. There are times when I think that I was born in the wrong era. I still enjoy slow cooked meals, writing letters and reading the long versions of books. I still seem to have time to complete the rest of the tasks that life throws at me.
I make a point of reading best seller books as often as I can. I have found that you need to be careful in buying books to make sure that you get the full version that the author wrote. I did not realize this until recently. I had finished a book by an author that is often on the best seller list. At the back of the book was the first chapter of his newest book that was to be on the market in a few months. When the paperback version came out I purchased it. It was on the rack with other best seller books at a well known discount store. I purchased the book and began to read it. The first chapter was different than I remembered reading in the back of the other novel. It had fewer details and was shorter. I dug out the other book and compared. I had no idea that paperback versions of some books are condensed, especially if they are purchased at discount stores. I was told this by the owner of a book store. He said that is why you should buy your best seller books from a book store rather than a discount store. I had assumed that the prices where less at discount stores because of the volume of sales, rather than the fact that you are getting a condensed version of the book.
I mentioned this to the local librarian. She told me that this is why the library sells donated paperbacks, rather than lending them. They want the best seller books that they lend to be the full versions that the authors intended to sell. She said that many people like the condensed version because they are faster to read. Again wanting to do everything fast has even effected a quiet pass time.
I make a point of reading best seller books as often as I can. I have found that you need to be careful in buying books to make sure that you get the full version that the author wrote. I did not realize this until recently. I had finished a book by an author that is often on the best seller list. At the back of the book was the first chapter of his newest book that was to be on the market in a few months. When the paperback version came out I purchased it. It was on the rack with other best seller books at a well known discount store. I purchased the book and began to read it. The first chapter was different than I remembered reading in the back of the other novel. It had fewer details and was shorter. I dug out the other book and compared. I had no idea that paperback versions of some books are condensed, especially if they are purchased at discount stores. I was told this by the owner of a book store. He said that is why you should buy your best seller books from a book store rather than a discount store. I had assumed that the prices where less at discount stores because of the volume of sales, rather than the fact that you are getting a condensed version of the book.
I mentioned this to the local librarian. She told me that this is why the library sells donated paperbacks, rather than lending them. They want the best seller books that they lend to be the full versions that the authors intended to sell. She said that many people like the condensed version because they are faster to read. Again wanting to do everything fast has even effected a quiet pass time.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)