Chapter Critique Contest from Lisa Burstein!

Wow! PRETTY AMY is one month old and I want to celebrate with you!

I will be giving away 3!!! 3 chapter critiques 1 from my EDITOR(!!!) 1 from my AGENT(!!!) & 1 from ME. Any genre, not just YA!
&
A $25 gift card for Amazon or Barnes and Noble.  
All you have to do is complete any of the requirements below to be entered!

Why would you want to win a critique from my editor?

Because it is Stacy Cantor Abrams! Editorial Director at Entangled publishing with 10 years experience in the publishing industry. Plus she's awesome and super smart!

Why would you want to win a critique from my agent?Because it is Susan Finesman! She began scouting books, plays and narrative non-fiction for Tri-Star Pictures in 1986. Five years later, she moved on to SAVOY Pictures followed by a long and award winning stint at HOME BOX OFFICE where highlights included an Emmy. Plus she has a great eye and provides amazing feedback- amazing enough to get my book published!

Why would you want to win a critique from me? 

Um, I have been through the paces of an MFA program, managed to snag an agent and 2 publishing contracts! (I hope that means it looks like I know what I'm doing)

Why would you want to win a Amazon or Barnes & Noble gift card? 

Because you love to read, obvs.!

If you've already done any of the things below you do not have to complete them again, just click the entries and follow the rules below to make sure you're entered! This is open internationally!!!!

Please enter here, like I did, and good luck! 

http://lisaburstein.com/Contests_.html

Barbeque Etiquette by Guest Blogger Lydia Ramsey

image: freedigitalphotos.net

Brush Up On Your Barbeque Etiquette

Summer has arrived, marking the beginning of the barbeque season. This is the time of the year when the grill is hauled out and cleaned off, the required

cooking utensils are inventoried, the lawn furniture is hosed down, and the

sauces and rubs are added to the grocery list. It is also the time for

revisiting your barbeque etiquette.

If barbeque etiquette sounds like an oxymoron, it isn’t. There are indeed rules

for properly conducting yourself as a host and as a guest. Just because these

festive events are held outdoors and are casual in nature does mean that

anything goes. Whether the occasion is for business such as the company picnic or simply a neighborhood gathering, there are standards to follow.

Etiquette Tips for the Hosts:

1. Be prepared. That means making sure you have enough of everything from

charcoal or propane to food and beverages and don’t forget the cups, plates and napkins. Grandma’s china and crystal are not appropriate substitutes when you run out of serving items.

2. Have a rain plan. While rain should be forbidden during outdoor events, it

will occasionally show up. Either arrange for tents or know how you will handle an indoor picnic.

3. Provide all the food and beverage. Unless you are hosting a family reunion

or the traditional neighborhood party, don’t ask people to bring things.

4. Have plenty of bug spray and insect repellent. Your guests should be the

ones eating, not eaten. If you live in a “buggy” environment, it is a good idea

to have food domes on hand, not only to keep certain foods warm, but to keep

flying pests out of your culinary delights.

Etiquette Tips for the Guests:

1. Keep your grilling advice to yourself. Your host is in charge of the grill.

You may have what you consider is a better way of doing of things, but unless

you see that the host is about to set the place on fire, keep your mouth shut.

Open it only for conversation and food.

2. Leave your legendary potato salad at home. Unless you are asked to bring a

dish, don’t. It would be an insult to your host.

3. Volunteer to help. Now that’s good barbeque etiquette. These events can get

hectic at the last minute so offer your assistance in case it is needed.

4. Use your napkin to clean off your sticky fingers. Tempting as it may be to

lick your fingers, it is simply not good manners. Neither is using your finger

nail or toothpick to pick the corn out from between your teeth. Be sure to have

dental floss on hand, but excuse yourself to use it.

Etiquette Tips for the Business Barbecue

1. Maintain your professionalism. While you are there to have fun, be mindful of your actions and your words.

2. Dress like a professional. Business attire is not expected, but make sure

that your casual dress is conservative. Avoid anything that is sloppy, shabby,

sexy or revealing.

3. Hold back when serving yourself. Piling on as much food as your plate will

hold makes you look like you only came to eat. You can go back for more once

everyone has been served.

4. Play it safe with the drinks. If alcohol is being served, limit your intake.

Warm weather, alcoholic beverages and a company barbecue can be a dangerous combination.

Barbecues and picnics provide a relaxed way for family, friends and co-workers to gather together, to catch up and get to know each other better. Enjoy yourself and others but always be mindful of your manners. Demonstrate your best barbecue etiquette so you will be invited back and you will still have a job on the next working day.

© 2012, Lydia Ramsey. All rights reserved. 

Lydia Ramsey is an international business etiquette expert, based in Savannah, Georgia. Through her keynote addresses, live seminars, executive coaching, her books and other products, she has helped individuals and organizations add the polish that builds profits. Visit her website to learn more:

http://www.mannersthatsell.com

Don't call it a comeback...

I'm still here and I'm still battling the belly fat. I'm still trying to lose weight and I'm writing about it. In more ways than one!

I wrote a children's book that I plan to self publish soon about learning to balance foods . The inspiration came from being on Dr. Oz and also trying out for The Revolution. While speaking to the producers from the show, I mentioned to them that I had a Carb monkey on my back, which some of them thought was pretty funny, that I chose to talk about it that way.

Even after learning of how diabetes runs rampant through my family, it's what my father passed away from, I still can't kick this horrible habit of eating all the wrong foods.

My husband says if I get some sleep, my willpower may be stronger. That 2nd shift is kicking my tail, although I am grateful to be employed in this rough economy, I'm thinking of planning my exit strategy soon.

Hope you all have been okay. Will update soon.