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

The unexpected can gift better

Summer 2016 is now coming to a close (Autumn begins Thursday September 22nd this year) so I thought it an excellent time to accomplish my seasonal blogging on Alicia Rose at WordPress. The reason behind my being a seasonal blogger is the amount of time required to do the blogging had to come into consideration. Book manuscripts for future publications and online publishing articles do not write themselves. Writing anything takes time and effort. To all of my readers who have encouraged me to blog more often, a great big thank you for your enthusiasm; very heart-warming.

First, before I get into my usual sharing mode, I want to thank all who have given thumbs up for my videos on my YouTube channel Alicia Rose Shares, followed me on Twitter, befriended me on Facebook, bobbled me on BOBL, became a friend on Wazzub Community, plus my posts on Google+, connected with me on LinkedIn, and continue to support my website Alicia Rose Shares as well as this blog. Your positive feedback gifting support has been very inspirational. The unexpected constructive criticism given has also been an excellent help. Thank you so very much!

To those of you who read the multi-topical articles on my columns KnowABit and HubPages, I heartfelt thank you. Truly wonderful to share my interests and reviews with you. Appreciate you taking the time to read what I have written, truly honored by this.

Quite a stir occurred in my world July 2016. It was most unexpected, did not foresee this event. Examiner.com website was completely transformed into AXS.com a live entertainment venue only site July 15, 2016. My Oklahoma City Health and Happiness Examiner column was on this date unpublished, and my brand of Health and Happiness articles were no longer required by AXS. At first, I was upset by this change for it meant losing something very important to me, but now looking back AXS did me a great favor. This change allowed me to determine what was most important, where my passion truly is, and pursue new goals in my field. It was not the stumble back a step or two kind of change in my writing career.

Foremost, I had become too used to being the Oklahoma City Health and Happiness Examiner. I had been it for so long that the title had become an online identity greater than me being an Author, Columnist and Reviewer. When someone asked me how to find me online, I used to say, “Please search under the Oklahoma City Health and Happiness Examiner, that is my column.” I had a brand other than Alicia Rose. Having multiple brands is not unheard of, but can be confusing to those trying to find your work. It took me 1 3/4 months to sort this out plus update my information on the sites I was active. Learned much along the way in the online world. Fortunately, I made a list preventing any site being overlooked. Now I am easier to “search” and “find.” Just the other day I said, “You can find me through my website Alicia Rose Shares.” A much better method since all I do as an Author, Columnist and Reviewer is listed on my official author site.

That was not the only unexpected change this summer gifted. I also had an upbeat one. How can a work related surprise brighten instead of turn the day glum? Well, this one did when I upgraded my laptop from the unfriendly Windows 8.1 to Windows 10 the minute Microsoft let me know via Microsoft Explorer I could do this. Their free upgrade came with a deadline of August 31, 2016. I did not wait even 5 minutes after reading their invitation to upgrade. This turned out better than expected! Upgrading to Windows 10 did not cost me anything. No Explorer and Google Chrome browser favorites or files were misplaced or lost during the downloading process. Nothing was hard to find after this change. Windows 10 is compatible with earlier versions of Word, PowerPoint, Excel (Office packages). Considering I am very attached to my Microsoft Office package, I was ecstatic not to be forced into upgrading. I did have to update the Bluetooth driver for Windows 10 and re-pair my devices, but that went fairly quickly. All in all it was the easiest upgrade of its kind I have ever experienced!

The personal assistant Cortana is amazing! The calendar that works with Cortana has gifted me a better organizational method; very user friendly. If you can upgrade to or get Windows 10 for your PC, my recommendation is do as soon as possible! Windows 10 saves time and is faster than Microsoft Vista, Windows 7, XP and 8.1. My laptop runs a lot smoother now than it did on Windows 8.1. A lot of problems and glitches I was experiencing with 8.1 magically disappeared the minute Windows 10 was up and running!

Microsoft Edge, the browser that comes with Windows 10, is better than Microsoft Explorer. This browser comes with some handy features that Explorer does not have. My favorite is the Web Note. The only thing I miss is no language translator for Microsoft Edge. If I want to translate a web page from a foreign language to English, I have to use Google Chrome, which I kept any way because some sites I publish on are not compatible with Microsoft Edge or Explorer. I do use Edge more than Chrome when I am online, because it is more user friendly. Microsoft Edge is working great for me as I publish this via WordPress. I am very glad WordPress’s website and Edge are compatible!

Nothing like a few summer changes to keep one’s mind sharp and keep life interesting. Can hardly wait for the beautiful orange, yellow and red colors of Autumn as the trees’ leaves change into their new Fall look.

Sunny Afternoon by Milen

 

Have a great rest of summer! Barbecue while you can! Happy Labor Day and Autumn Solstice!

Alicia Rose

Maintaining updated content is a must!

Hard to believe June and summer are right around the corner. As I write this blog on May 26, 2016 I am amazed by how rapidly half of this year seems to be passing. It feels like the turn of the century (2oth to 21st) happened just yesterday instead of fifteen years ago (in 2001). Hard to believe how much has changed since the 20th century, except for gas prices which this past winter (2015 – 2016) was similar to the 1980’s with this summer being more like 1990’s prices. Thank goodness for this gas price break, especially for my fellow Americans who need their car to get to and from work! There is much to be grateful for while I type this via my laptop…..

Keeping a promise, given since this blog began, to my readers who visit this blog site, today I updated it. There will be some surprises. The biggest is one less page for I removed the page listing what I have published (its content is now on my official author website Alicia Rose Shares). To further shock, I completely restructured, added new content and changed the title to the page formerly known as Sharing with you things I like or recommend to Sharing with you as a friend. 

I look forward to receiving feedback regarding all changes accomplished. Maintaining and updating seasonally, annually or periodically one’s official blog and website is definitely a must! Someone recently sent me feedback informing me they had stopped visiting Alicia Rose at WordPress, because I did not add new content as often as they preferred. This made me realize, I needed to give my official author’s blog more tender loving care by checking all content and updating this site more often. My goal this year is to keep my official blog site as evergreen as is humanly possible. To all who send me feedback, I return with appreciation for without it, I might not have realized it was time to update as I have today.

To my fellow Americans in the USA: fabulous Memorial Day Weekend! For 2016, Memorial day is May 30th! Be safe while celebrating plus remembering to honor those who have fought and lost their lives for our country as well as those who still are active in the US Military. Do not forget to wish all Veterans you know a great big thank you too for many served under extreme extraordinary circumstances while the rest of us stayed safe at home throughout the USA.

This author is very thankful for those brave souls who currently serve for they are our heroes ensuring we are safe! Sincere gratitude to all who are and have been in the US Military (or their own country’s) for to serve one’s country with honor and dignity definitely makes every military personnel a hero!

Thank YOU for visiting, and may the rest of 2016 spring bring you joy plus prosperity!

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

 

Autumn: A Time for Gratitude, You have mine

Sunny Afternoon, artwork by Milen

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, I felt it was the perfect time to show my gratitude to everyone who visits, follows and reads Alicia Rose at WordPress. During summer 2013 this website’s stats soared its highest in traffic! I am ecstatic and extremely grateful for this blessing; makes it worthwhile to continue sharing with each of you.

This autumn, I deleted a few opportunities listed on Alicia’s Tips and Money Making Opportunities for People on a Budget. Often times paying websites or programs that plan to be long-term become short term opportunities on the Internet, because of this it is best not to solely rely on one opportunity to generate pay. If you want to create a sustainable income online, it is best to have multiple sources. Do not be afraid to participate in two to ten money making opportunities. It is the wise thing to do when dealing with money making paradigms on the Internet for there are thousands of start-up opportunities that remain, while others that look great at first can go south later. I have seen this happen several times; count myself lucky that the majority I have decided to stick with have not. No one can predict how a money making model will pan out, why many rely on “word of mouth” from people they know and respect before trying an opportunity.

My recommendation is not to stretch further than ten money making opportunities. I would work no more than ten at a time long-term (or for as long as each lasts). Each model accepted will take time for your participation to make money with it; some ten minutes a day while others could daily take up to an hour or more. If something looks like it will take a huge chunk of your daily or weekly time, make certain you have that amount of time to seriously commit. Treat each opportunity accepted as if it is most important.

This autumn is gorgeous! My dachshund and I are enjoying the sunny days even though it has cooled down into the 60’s and low 70’s. The leaves dancing in the wind displaying the variety of autumn colors (red, oranges, yellows, and browns) makes it worthwhile to be outdoors as nature gifts its own ballet; definitely a sight to see!

As usual, busy editing Undermining Alex as well as keeping my online bookstore updated regularly and seasonally. My bookstore’s busiest time began with All Hallows Eve (Halloween) for this is the beginning of the Holiday Season which will end next year, January 2, 2014.

Hope you like my new autumn header picture and appearance for my official author’s blog; thought a new theme was in order. All feedback is welcome – tells me someone out there online is reading what I write. For all who gift feedback, you have my heartfelt thanks and gratitude!

To all a delightful Thanksgiving and joy filled autumn!

Alicia Rose

Summer is a great season for starting something new

Happy Independence Day!

My sincerest apologies to all for the lapse of blogging on this website. I have no excuses. I simply did not have the time to blog monthly this year. There are many writing and business goals I have set that I am determined to accomplish in 2013.

Recently, many visitors to this blog have asked me about making money online. They wanted to know my opinion since I own an online bookstore that also shares several legitimate opportunities that myself or friends of mine are happily participating. In response to their query, I have added a new page after deleting one that had very old news; my blog site definitely needed updating.

The new page titled Alicia’s tips and money making opportunities for people on a budget seriously covers the topic of making money online. The recommendations given on this page are ones I wish someone had taught me before I blundered through the Internet at the end of 2008 in search of something that would give me a real online self-employment income. What is offered on this new page continues to produce excellent results for me.

My goal of this new page is to help others get started in a legitimate business opportunity setting where they can excel plus be rewarded by their effort. As with any money making opportunity, the more you participate the better it generates for you.

The opportunities I have listed on this new page are ones I am currently participating long-term. I have no short-term; no get rich quick type of model to present anyone. Real business and money making opportunities take time and effort to generate success. There are no shortcuts. There are no quick millionaire results; when you join an opportunity view it as a long-term commitment for the life of the business behind it. This will yield superior results for you in the long run.

Looking forward to assisting many with my new page; all feedback is very welcome. I want to know what you think.

Happy summer to all!

Alicia Rose

Enjoying Spring and Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

This spring has been filled with many changes, challenges and good experiences. Looking back at the goals achieved as well as the new ones made, I can see where my visionary mindset has truly taken me into the magnificent direction that has gifted me a sense of success, happiness and a feeling of being accomplished. This spring, I noticed the beginning of reaping the benefits of delayed gratification as a self-employed entity which continues to be sweetly rewarding. I further had the honor of helping someone grow into a fellow author and delivered appreciation toward many others. This spring of 2012, has been enlightening, inspirational and fantastic!

Receiving blessings during springtime is delightful; a great way to begin the year. Spring is about rebirth and renewal. Many see spring as the time to begin something great and new. Animals usually naturally have their babies during springtime. Spring is a time to enjoy the beautiful new greenery and spring flowers. Even the spring rains grant those in agriculture a chance for a successful harvest. Spring is a time for rejoicing and seeing the year brimming with limitless possibilities.

May, being a month where spring definitely is in full force, usually has warmer weather where my dog can enjoy the great outdoors longer. This means much to him for this beloved dachshund loves being outdoors enjoying the warm sunshine, literally basking in it.  This brings me to the delicious thought of the traditional Memorial Day barbeque that many enjoy with family and friends. Where I live this particular weekend at the end of May normally has great outdoor activity weather, sunny and bright.

This year Memorial Day is Monday May 28^th, which makes Memorial Day Weekend 26^th – 28^th. I truly believe this particular Memorial Day is extremely important considering all going on in the Middle East (Israel, Pakistan, Libya, Syria and Afghanistan). Many of us know someone or have a beloved one who is either currently serving in the armed forces or who has given their life in service. Most of us have had a friend and/or family member who have been in the US military, now a veteran. On behalf of all of these brave and gallant men and women, I plan taking Memorial Day off in their remembrance with much gratitude filling my heart. I shall take time to remember their noble sacrifice for the good of our country and its citizens. Those in the US Military do great deeds! I thank each one of them.

Wishing all a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend!

Alicia Rose

May this New Year bring all joy!

New Year fireworks for all to enjoy! Compliments of Google Images.

 

This New Year has already begun at an exciting pace. I have many goals that are planned to be met which mean new ones to create; very exciting for me! I can hardly wait for 2012 to unfold into the expected wonderful year.

One of the goals I have already accomplished is setting my Daily Duties in the order I wish to accomplish them. I even have added which hours in the day I wish to accomplish these tasks in order to organize myself better. This helps me stay on-track throughout my work day.

Along with creating my Daily Duties roster, I have my monthly tasks listed on a wall calendar as a reminder so these do not become neglected. I also use a planner. This way I do not forget to telephone or miss an appointment. I find the more organized I am the better my day, month and year is.

For 2012, I will be monitoring, updating and blogging on Alicia Rose at WordPress on a monthly basis. There is much I have planned to share. Please check monthly to keep abreast of the added content. Thank you.

Looking forward to another delightful year blogging and sharing things with you! Hope your holiday season went well. May this bright New Year bring you and your family much joy!

Happy January!

Alicia Rose