Undermining Alex is out in the public!

Undermining Alex is the sequel to Just Alex, a Science Fiction novel. This is the second installment of a 4 book series.

April 24, 2018 was another landmark day in my author career with the birth of the sequel to Just Alex titled Undermining Alex. The relief and joy felt as this book finally was released to the public was indescribable for it had taken 8 years to reach this momentous day. That is how long it took me to achieve being an author of a second book published. Yes, in some ways it was embarrassing. I was, still am, however, grateful for this achievement for I had slain a very difficult writing task.  It is not easy to write a four-book series. The second book held unforeseen enormous writing challenges. As of the birth of Undermining Alex,  I had become more successful as an author with two books born. Definitely a moment to celebrate!

Why 8 years? Besides numerous personal challenges those 8 years gifted, the main reason was the second book had to be consistent with the first. This is no easy task. There was a lot to make sure matched Just Alex‘s content. Going back and forth to check and double check took a huge amount of time. The polishing process as well as suffering through the final edit also pushed the publishing day to when it occurred. The entire process took a lot longer than I had planned. Yes, that was frustrating, but these things are extraordinarily time consuming. I kept my eye on my main objective which was to have Undermining Alex written as well, or better, then Just Alex.

According to my husband, I have succeeded with this objective. It was delightful to receive Undermining Alex in softcover book format and share it with him. He liked this sequel, better than Just Alex. My husband normally does not like anything Science Fiction. It amazes me that he likes this book series. When I asked him why he likes the Science Fiction I wrote but will not stay in the room for a TV or movie in the same genre, he pointed out it was “too way out there, far-fetched.” He further elaborated, his opinion was, Just Alex and Undermining Alex did not tax his imagination. The characters, plots, subplots, gadgetry and science were believable to him.

My husband now daily reminds me to hurry up and get the third installment, Hiding Alex manuscript finished. He is having trouble waiting for me to go through its check, double check and polishing process. Wait till he finds out how long the final edit will take (kidding!). I am confident this will not take 8 years to complete. My goal is to publish Hiding Alex in about 2 years (or sooner if my husband has his way).

Undermining Alex as of the end of May 2018, can be found in US bookstores (on the Ingram List) and online. My website Alicia Rose Shares has the online links if you want to see where, listed on the Welcome page under Author News.

It is thrilling to share this journey with you!

Alicia Rose

Starting Summer 2017 with something new feels great!

Artwork titled: First Day of Summer, artist not known to Alicia Rose.

Greetings! I know it has been quite awhile since Autumn 2016 when I last published a blog on this site. A lot has happened during my hiatus! I have many new plans and goals for the rest of 2017. Some will overshoot into 2018. I am figuratively jumping up and down in my chair filled with excitement for all I foresee to be accomplished in the next few days, weeks, months and rest of this year! Very electrifying! 

First, this is what I have achieved since my last WordPress blog:

1. Winter of 2016, I added on my official author’s website Alicia Rose Shares a new page titled Special Offers Just for YOU! The adorable white dog doing healthful Yoga stretches on this particular page is my dog-nephew Sam who lives in Texas. This dog loving Aunt couldn’t resist using this picture of Sam! I love my dog-nephew very much. Earlier this year Sam visited us with my brother-in-law. I loved smothering Sam with affection and lots of pets. Sam enjoyed all the attention he received from my husband and I. We were accused of spoiling Sam “rotten” by my husband’s Texan brother who has a great sense of humor.
2. January 2017, I became a member of Netgalley. This website gave me a Professional Reader badge since I review books professionally. Definitely an honor to receive! On June 6, 2017 I posted my first review on Netgalley.
3. May 2017, I added a new page to Alicia Rose Shares, as a way to introduce my new official primary blog site, Alicia Rose Online. This took me months to get ready for I was using a new site vendor and had to learn their way to set up pages and add content. Changing venues for this project started off a little rocky, but I did meet my set goals for my new primary official author’s blog. Felt wonderful! Love goal setting, helps me stay on track. Highly recommend writing down (as a list) short, medium and long term goals as a way to stay focused.
4. I tried some new online money making opportunities. Some like CashCrate worked out, and I am still participating. Enjoying the extra cash I received. Some of the new business ones I tried January 2017 to May 2017 did not work out for me; my expectations were not met. Two of them became the kind where one feels like they are siphoning money from one’s bank accounts, kept asking for more and more and more. I put a stop to those and managed to get half of what I put into those programs reimbursed. My fault, in two cases I waited too long to quit. Still am a little upset at myself for not watching the calendar as closely as I should have.

Word of advisement: if you feel overwhelmed by a cost of an opportunity, cancel. The majority of opportunities will give you your money back (for trying their program) during the first 30 to 60 days. I stalwartly read the fine print (terms of service) to see how long this probationary period is for reimbursement eases the pain of disappointment.

Fortunately, one of the new tried opportunities introduced me to something I truly needed! A website that could help me with my marketing needs. Yes, even authors need to succumb to online marketing in order to generate book sales. I also needed to market my online published works via HubPages, etc. I was elated for the introduction to GetResponse for this site would also be able to help me create a much needed newsletter and market it online too! Very exciting! My online footprint will be increasing very soon in a more delightful way than I had thought possible. Great to spread one’s wings! Can hardly wait to soar higher than before! Looking forward to being my newsletter’s Editor-in-Chief.

I have, as you undoubtedly have noticed, discontinued some pages for this site. This is due to revamping Alicia Rose at WordPress into my secondary official author’s blog. I will be covering the Author Lifestyle, how much fun it is and share what I am doing as an author online and off. Just like I am doing in this blog. I plan to share a lot of what I learn professionally; seeing this as a fun and helpful share.

The remaining pages on Alicia Rose at WordPress (here) have been updated, as I felt was needed, so some elder content remains while new has been added. The content that was on the pages unpublished from this site, was transferred to Alicia Rose Online. Half was placed on the page Meet Me under my introduction of myself. The rest was put on the page Tips, Ideas, Offers.  I also added a lot of new content on Alicia Rose Online so if you get the chance, please visit my new primary official blog.

Regarding how often I will be blogging on Alicia Rose at WordPress, well that probably will continue to be seasonally (Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter). If I do get the opportunity to blog more often on this site, I definitely will.

To everyone who reached out to me during my hiatus, it was great to hear from you. Appreciated you checking to see if I was still alive, plus your gifted words of encouragement. Makes writing this blog worthwhile. Truly appreciate all of YOU!

Thank you to all new visitors and those who continue to remain loyal to Alicia Rose at WordPress I began in 2010 (my dear readers) for taking the time out of your busy day to read this blog. I am truly grateful!

Great Summer to everyone! It definitely is the sunny season for barbecues and picnics! First day of Summer (June 21st) this year lands on a Wednesday. Enjoy the longest day in the year!

Alicia Rose

dded a new page to Alicia Rose Shares website title

Summer changes can increase happiness

This summer has been full of decision making. It was not easy to make the life changing ones, but after considering all the pros and cons, I was able to make them. Looking back now that it is September with autumn around the corner (September 23rd this year), I am delighted with the changes generated by the important decisions made. Changes can increase a person’s happiness, it did me; lessened the stress levels too. This was truly amazing!

The biggest decision was regarding my online only bookstore. It saddened me to make this website unpublished, delete it off of the Internet. I did make sure to redirect its URL to my new website Alicia Rose Shares born the same day (August 31, 2015). This was truly a mixed blessing day as I said farewell to one beloved project, and introduced my official author’s website for better Internet visibility. For more about this check my page titled History of Alicia’s online only bookstore and her official author’s website.

The best thing about these changes means this blog will be more active; less time between blogs. This is my new goal set. I am determined to become more known as Author, Columnist and Freelance Writer. I look forward to this challenge for writing is something I truly love doing.

Another perk is these new challenges include more time working on my book manuscripts which means less time between each book’s publication date. The sequel to Just Alex is so close to being fully edited that I am bouncing with delight in my chair as I type this; can hardly wait to send the manuscript to my publisher! I appreciate the encouragement from my family, friends and readers. This means a lot to me! Thank you very much!

Wonderful to share this new with you. I did update the pages of this blog today September 10, 2015 to reflect the changes mentioned.

Happy Autumn and thank you for visiting,

Alicia Rose

New Year and Spring! 2015 is going fast!

My friend Xenia Bakran-Sunic, a contemporary poet, took this picture. The Primroses bloomed gorgeously this Spring in Croatia.

My loyal visitors, I would like to thank you for continuing to read my author’s blog, plus continue to check the pages so you do not miss any new content or revisions. In January and April 2015, I went through each of the pages and updated them. Added and deleted content to ensure the evergreen aspect of this website.

I sincerely apologize for not writing a blog post since June 2014. A lot had to do with keeping Alicia’s Bookstore and more updated, adding new content (still have more to add) plus maintaining the website as the patrons except. Another aspect for lack of blogging on WordPress was working on Undermining Alex. I place publishing the sequel to Just Alex as top priority. It is not easy to write a book series compared to individual books. I am learning a lot about writing and editing a Science Fiction book series. There is much to maintain consistent per each book. Writing a book series takes more time than I expected, but it is sorting itself out as perseverance produces a quality sequel.

In the interim, I also published new articles on HubPages and as the Oklahoma City Health and Happiness Examiner

. It is very rewarding having loyal readers with the same topical diversified tastes. They have been very encouraging and inspirational. I am very appreciative, and enjoy feedback very much.

2015 has begun at the speed of light for me. Yes, as we all have, real life things off line has kept me from blogging with you as well. Unfortunately, real life issues, concerns, family time, etc. must come first.

There are many things I have planned for my official blog; much I would like to share with you in 2015. Goals have been set (annual, monthly and weekly). I look forward to checking them off as each are completed. May you be successful in completing your 2015 goals, or keeping your New Year’s Resolutions (or both).

Thank you very much for visiting. All visits are immensely appreciated. Best Spring 2015 wishes for you and your family!

Alicia Rose

Tips and more plus a great summer!

Happy Independence Day!

Hard to believe this year is half over! Where did 2014 go? Wow! Firstly, I want to thank my loyal followers and readers on WordPress for realizing this official author’s blog of mine is secondary to my writing and publishing (on and off line). Even though I had every intention of keeping it monthly, that has gone by the wayside due to working diligently on my next book to be published (book 2 of a book series) as well as real life stuff (My husband, sons, grandsons and Dachshund remind me they need time with me too).

February 2014, the online only bookstore’s anniversary month, I was very busy completely revamping this site plus gave it a domain name change. I did this in order to have a shorter domain name, plus it was time to have the same provider for website and domain name (found out it was more cost efficient). The new name I chose was Alicia’s Bookstore and more. I also had to change its business email address twice due to the first chosen had a symbol that caused problems (&) in being used by other email providers (Gmail, Yahoo, Comcast, etc). They would not accept it as a valid email address because of the symbol used; very odd (my opinion). All in all February gifted many online learning experiences. Note: This experience taught me it is best to refrain from changing a domain name and initially begin with the same provider for both domain name and website.

Throughout the rest of the interim (March through June), I updated much at Alicia’s Bookstore and more, wrote and published articles on Examiner and HubPages, plus diligently kept up with my entrepreneur projects (shared on Alicia’s tips and money making opportunities for people on a budget – updated June 26, 2014).

The latest for this blog is the following pages were also updated in June 2014:

a) Sharing with you things I like or recommend

b) No Charge to You (truly FREE)

The sharing with you… page is now more multi-topical. I plan to expand this page into sharing a whole lot about many diverse topics from A to Z that cannot be covered in the No Charge to You (truly FREE) page. I am looking forward to sharing much with you.

I am weekly active on my social networking pages, but I need to update my bookstore’s YouTube videos; have it on my “To Do” list. Thank goodness for being organized!

Have a wonderful holiday (July 4th – enjoy the fireworks, I love them!) and stupendous summer!

Alicia Rose

 

Happy New Year!

New Year party items.

Much gratitude and appreciation to all of my readers, whether it be for my published works (online and in book format); I thank you for visiting my official author’s blog. If you are new, welcome! If you are one of the regulars, good to see you and many thanks for checking to see what new post, content or page I have on WordPress. I am very thankful to WordPress for this venue has gifted me more readers, helped me share my works with many who might not otherwise be exposed to what I do (my online bookstore or written works). Yes, I refer others to WordPress; usually new authors or freelance writers.

This year I have many plans regarding this blog. It has become more seasonal than weekly or bi-weekly as far as my posting. This is because the more you get known, the more you have to do. At the end of 2013, I looked over my duty roster, and cut back some things that were in need of weeding out. Not everything works the way we hope for one reason or another; especially online. However, there are more positives online and off than negatives (my opinion, shared with Physicists that have proven there is more positive mass than negative mass in the universe according to articles shared in 2013 by Scientific American magazine), so as one thing is bid farewell, a new one usually presents itself during the New Year. I am looking forward to the new brought into my life this year.

There are some changes to the page titled Alicia’s Tips and Money Making Opportunities for People on a Budget. I have new content to add that in retrospect should have been added when I first wrote it. Ah, hindsight, a very beautiful thing…….. There are also some changes with some of the opportunities already listed. I am doing my best to maintain this page updated, keep up with alterations per each website as they occur in their offered program.

For those who are looking for something new for this year, I recommend Perfect Pages. This is a brand new business plus benefits directory type of thing that is preparing to officially launch March 1, 2014; already in beta for those who join. If you sign up before it is officially launched, I believe you will have the opportunity to assist with its content by sharing reviews for businesses you use in your area (like your favorite restaurants, hotels, shops, etc). You are rewarded for your participation or use of Perfect Pages. It is free to join. This will remain free even after Perfect Pages launches in March. This is a great way to do something positive in the field of online opportunity, as well as start something at the ground floor. This “business + benefits” site is a perfect starting point for beginners just cutting their teeth on Internet participation. The people and company behind Perfect Pages are wonderful: reliable and honest. You also get the Perfect APP upon joining Perfect Pages; a two for one deal.

Undermining Alex has given me quite a few snags here and there throughout the editing process. There was much to revamp since I had altered a lot in Just Alex, all content has to be uniform in a book series. This is not as easy as one might think or expect, but in the long run it will be worth my effort. I am confident to have the manuscript ready for publication sometime this year (probably end of summer, beginning of autumn). This book series is now going to be four books instead of the original three I was planning to write. This is for the better, and should gift readers a superior series reading experience.

May the rest of your winter be filled with much fun and great times with family or friends; for those returned to school, enjoy what is left of your school year. Your educational years will be sweeter as you look back on them in the years ahead. Yes, I am speaking to you from those “years ahead.” 😀

Happy New Year to you and your family!

Alicia Rose

 

A Happy Summer and 4th of July!

A Happy July 4th, Independence Day, to everyone!
Source: Google Images/Reuse/blogspot.com

Since I last posted on WordPress, my life took a turn for the busier. My organizational skills were taxed to the maximum as well as my time management ones. I actually had to re-organize my daily duties since I had taken on a few more projects. The fun thing is that these new projects turned out better than planned which is wonderful; made my May and June.

Undermining Alex will probably be published sometime in 2013 instead of as originally planned for autumn/winter 2012. Just Alex is currently generating steady sales and it is in my publisher’s best interest to wait on publishing its sequel. This is an author‘s dream come true for a first book published – steady sales!

May 2012, Aya Katz author of Vacuum County and four other books were added to Alicia Harrell’s Bookstore. The write-up about Dr. Katz is in our Featured Selections as #9. It was a great honor to include Aya Katz as a featured author.

June 2012, a new good read published in May 2012 titled Financial Revolution by Matthew A. Easterbrook was added as a Featured Selection in Alicia Harrell’s Bookstore. It was an honor to feature this author who is publishing his work through my publisher, Infinity Publishing.

May and June this year has been two months filled with helping others. I feel that these good deeds accomplished, even though they lowered my blogging/posting, were well worth all effort even though these things were not newsworthy, just important to those involved. Sometimes being there does matter; especially to those closest to you.

To share a little bit more about my helping others: I thoroughly enjoyed assisting the two authors mentioned above with promoting their books by having them as a Featured Author. I helped several friends receive their very own private perfect internet home page for “free forever.” My husband and I were there as best as we could for two close friends who lost their spouses. I helped a dear lady friend who is not computer savvy begin an opportunity online. She was grateful; was something she found very interesting.

I also took the time to visit cousins I had not seen in four months and was introduced to Chick-Fil-A. We cousins had a great time! Visiting with them reminded me how great Summer Family Reunions can be.

Some of my new projects in June took me out of my house. I actually received more organic Vitamin D from sunshine because I went outdoors more. Recently I learned that there are chronic health conditions that are caused by Vitamin D deficiency and that one’s Vitamin D levels should be checked regularly.

On Examiner, I wrote articles that are family and health related. The latest article written shares delicious recipes children would enjoy. These were fun to research and share with everyone.

Thank you for visiting and may your Independence Day on Wednesday July 4th be grand!

Alicia Rose

Delightful autumn and an all-natural cleaning tip for you!

This photo of autumn leaves was taken in Ada, Oklahoma. Ada is located in Southern Oklahoma. Found online Google Images/richardbarron.net

Once again, here in Oklahoma, the leaves are beginning to turn into their stunning fall colors. Some trees have already begun the leaf shedding process while others will do this later as the weather becomes colder. Right now, at the end of September, the weather is enjoyable in the milder 70’s and 80’s temperatures. The foliage is incrementally changing toward the beautiful autumn look we appreciate for fall is very pretty in Oklahoma with its browns, yellows, oranges and reds.

Eventually, as autumn grows closer to the Winter Solstice the green grass will become its winter brown (in California they call it golden and their grass if not watered changes to what we call here as “winter brown” in the summer), usually around Halloween or near the time change in early November as we fall back into the Standard Time; bidding farewell to the federal funded to participating states Daylight Saving Time.

Today, my dachshund found more leaves on the ground to stomp over for the “crunchy” sound. He loves walking through a pile of leaves or a lawn covered with them. This is one dog that might be little, but adores making the big “crunchy” sound as he tromps on the leaves child-like. We go through this every autumn. I find it amusing and fun to watch our precious dachshund have so much fun with the leaves – like a young child with a big box.

I will be adding more new content to the other pages; as time permits. I am planning on adding some videos for all ages; some will be educational, others fun or musical (or all three). Please keep an eye out for new content right here at Alicia Rose at WordPress. There is much I have found to share and will be adding these jewels throughout the month of October.

As far as when my second book Undermining Alex will be published, that will occur sometime next year. The release date is unknown at this time – sincerest apologies. As soon as it is published in 2012, I will definitely blog right here on my official author’s blog website an announcement.

Alicia Harrell’s Bookstore is doing well for its first year as an online bookstore that offers more than just books. There have been more photos, banners and a featured selection by Linda Yezak added. We do have space for more to showcase on the Featured Selections page. As this unique bookstore’s owner, I personally invite you to visit Alicia Harrell’s Bookstore and see all that is new.

In October, my plans are to add more services on the Welcome page to well round out the bookstore’s website thereby offering a better variety of services as well as the huge selection of books, CDs, DVDs, Amazon Kindle products, children through teenage items, baby products, accessories and much more! We currently have a great selection of autographed books available on the Autograph and Rare Books page that many might find of interest. The page’s title describes exactly what is on that page; designed for those who enjoy book collecting.

For those ecologically minded and performing their autumn cleaning (similar to spring cleaning), vinegar is an excellent cleaning agent (with or without water added). Straight vinegar is perfect for getting rid of mold and mildew – where ever located in the home. I use it to clean my coffee pot, linoleum flooring, toilet bowls, sinks, bathroom tile, bathtubs, laundry room and for sterilizing the cupboards. It is very versatile, won’t harm the outside of dryers, washing machines, refrigerators, ovens or stoves. Vinegar has saved me
much in cleaning products.

Vinegar smells better than the chemical-based cleaning products. It is chemical free and one does not have to worry about it touching the skin for vinegar comes from all-natural sources. You can also drink a teaspoon of it for detoxification purposes.

Which Vinegar should you use? I have found White Vinegar best for cleaning and Apple Cider Vinegar is great for detoxification. The Apple Cider Vinegar tastes better; is easier to ingest. The White Vinegar has a clean smell that is not overpowering; recommend for the sensitive nose.

A heartfelt thank you for the valuable time you spent visiting this site. All visitors are welcome! Children and teens, remember to get your parent’s permission – or view this website with your parents as a family time thing.

Happy autumn to each and every one!

Alicia Rose

 

There is much new on Alicia Harrell’s Bookstore!

One of the featured selections on Alicia Harrell's Bookstore and more website.

Throughout the month of July, Alicia Harrell’s Bookstore and more expanded by several web pages. Alicia Harrell’s Bookstore now offers articles as freebies, services, books, DVDs, children’s toys, rare books, autographed copies from well known authors, featured selections and much more.

Alicia Harrell’s Bookstore and more is currently accepting feedback and ideas about content. If you know of something that would be a great addition for this website, do not hesitate to visit and use its handy Contact Form on the bottom right of its Welcome page.

All feedback is welcome on Alicia Harrell’s Bookstore and more. This is a visitor and author friendly website.

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For those who regularly visit this blog website, I do sincerely thank you. As my time permits, more content will be added to the other pages. I am currently occupied with working on Undermining Alex the sequel to Just Alex.

Thank you and happy August to all!

Alicia Rose

Alicia added a new page!

Spring flowers blooming in the countryside.

Hi and welcome everyone! Thank you for stopping by. Hope March has been treating you well. I have added the Alicia Harrell’s Bookstore page. Doing my best to add content that is of interest.

Spring this year lands on March 20th. Where have the days gone? They do go by fast when busy.

Feel free to leave a comment and let me know what you think of this informational blog domain. Would love to hear from you.

Happy March and National Nutrition Month to everyone,

Alicia Rose