- Simply...to Inspire: You can read about how the title for the book came about, at the two places. |
- Two-year anniversary in writing: (8/06 to 8/08) Celebrating the fact that 72 of my 83 articles have been published on 384 websites; blogs and directories on the Internet. Obviously, there are many website owners who think my articles are worthy of being published, This has been important to me, because it has raised my confidence level to an all-time high, and the experience in writing articles will help me for my book as well. Article portfolio |
The idea came about at the International Hot-Air Balloon Fiesta, and you can learn more here |
- Writer Beware: I found this publishing watchdog group, which deals with questionable literary agents/publishers and other publishing/screenwriting issues, etc. |
(Marketing my book) * Website: The traffic to my website is increasing at a turtle's pace, but increasing nonetheless. The book title link appears on every page, so as to get the traffic who enter my site other than the Front Page, etc. * Author's Den: This is my writing site, where I have many articles and my book are posted. There are links back to my website, etc. * Ezine Articles.com: The name of the game, is to spread the word about all my projects, including my website and my book, etc. This is my directory where all my articles are posted, and the traffic continues to be steady, with links back to my website. Before August, 2006, I had no writing credits whatsoever. As of 07-08... 71 of my articles have been published on over 360 websites; directories; and blogs, etc. A book publisher or agent are not going to look my way, unless I have writing credits. Articles published. * Southwest Writers (member) Over 600 members nation-wide; Winner: 2008 Bravo Award (Albuquerque Arts Alliance) I advertise in Sage newsletter: Full page ad cost: $100.00: active/March, 2008/ archive-3 years. There's no free lunch! |
Questions: If I can't give away my articles...what makes me think anybody will pay me for them? If I can't give away my articles (which involves style; story-telling ability; writing interestingly, etc.), what makes me think anybody is going to pay me for my book? |
Articles A few of my articles will be included in the book, but will be re-written, and expanded upon. The Positive and Healing Power of Humor |
Inspirational quotes The visitor will see quotations on every page on my website, and a complete list is shown in the Storage Place. These quotes are inspirational and motivational in nature, and will be a part of my book. "Out of the clutter...find simplicity." Albert Einstein I'm not a psychologist, medical doctor or social worker, so this book is written by an ordinary person for ordinary people...in language that can be understood, etc. |
The visitor will see where my articles have been published, etc., on more than 360 websites, blogs and directories! |
Here, you'll find the 60+ articles I have written during my first two years in writing , and the visitor can see samples and style of my writing, etc. |
As a woodcarver for over 25 years, I had my hands full teaching myself to carve wood. Now, I stuck my nose into the difficult field of writing...I must be crazy! The visitor can see here how my interest in writing got started. |
To all the young people out there...STAY IN SCHOOL! Jerry Aragon/The Humor Doctor humordoctormd@yahoo.com The Funny Farm Book: Simply to Inspire |
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Work in Progress! |
Simply...to Inspire is my first attempt to write a book. All of us have to get up each day and we all have to be inspired and motivated to support ourselves and our families, etc. Everyone knows what they do best, and I believe what I do best is...simply...to inspire and motivate people to do their best, etc. And yes, there are a trillion books out there on inspiration and motivation, but there are none like my own. And, that's because my experiences in life are unique to myself. Furthermore, nobody can tell a story like I can...simply because we're all different...we all have our own fingerprints, etc. I welcome the competition, and it will be the competition that will make my book better, etc. For many or us, the bumpy road of life, is littered with orange barrels; pot holes; barricades; detours; cones and plenty of cone-heads! (difficult people) As the reader can see, my book is going to be unique and different from all the others. It's a collection of short stories and anecdotes...which will deal with serious issues...and will be entertaining as well. The book will be about my true-life experiences...some are humorous...others are not. Get inspired...get motivated...get going! What are you waiting for? |
As a woodcarver for over 25 years, I had my hands full teaching myself to carve wood. Now, I stuck my nose into the difficult field of writing...I must be crazy! The visitor can see here how my interest in writing got started. |
Here, you'll find the 60+ articles I have written during my first two years in writing , and the visitor can see samples and style of my writing, etc. |
The visitor will see where my articles have been published, etc., on more than 360 websites, blogs and directories! |
Writing status - Two years; from August, 2006 to August, 2008 |
Work in Progress! |
Sorry... but, there's NO Free Lunch! Anything worth doing, is going to cost in time, effort, money...or all three! "For those who want to succeed, will find a way...and for those who don't...will find an excuse!" Leo Aquilla. |
UPDATE: August, 2008 |
The bumpy road of life! |
Book/Purpose: To inspire and motivate others, to get the courage it takes to confront and over-come their challenges...so as to have a quality life...and to be successful in reaching their goals! Here, is an email I received recently, concerning one of my articles... "Jerry, thanks for the great tips. I feel like I'm already off to a terrific start this morning with the simple act of reading this article...Cynthia Everyone knows artricles and books can inspire and motivate... |
Overview: (book) I came to write this book, because I have lost SIX jobs over a decade or so. I worked as a temporary employee for months between regular jobs, etc. I had the opportunity to work more than 30 different companies, both large and small. During this time, I saw so much negativity in the work place such as...gossip; put-down of others; apathy toward quality; hate and even three fist-fights! This is a shame! Attitude is everything...and all American's have to do more to change their attitude toward one another in a positive way! It was senior President Bush who said, "What we need, is a kinder, gentler nation!" I agree! |
My Two Cents In my articles and book, I'm not a crusader for anything! It's none of my business if a person wants to commit suicide...one puff at a time; one pound at a time; one snort at a time; one drink at a time; or one heart-attack at a time...it's none of my business! |
Book: Universal audience (A collection of short-stories) This book is comprised of some of the most important words in the world: Inspiration; motivation; hope; self-respect; trust; discipline; commitment; sacrifice; will-power; determination; integrity; honesty; open mind; positive thinking;courage; persistence; mutual respect; confidence/self-esteem; pride; dignity; and how humor plays a role as well, etc. Take humor seriously! NOTE: There is a story behind every word listed above... - When you have two negative parents (48 year/marriage) , blaming each other for everything that's wrong...and in denial about everything...you have a dysfunctional family! With ten kids in the family, we all suffered because of this! And sadly, most of my brothers and sisters (who I haven't seen in 12 years) are this way, too ...negative and selfish! Requirement: Think positive! - In the year 2008, marks my 22nd anniversary of jogging 15 miles a week since 1986, and that translates to over 16,000 miles. Requirement; commitment...a promise to myself. There's no free lunch! - In 2001, I lost 40 pounds, and I have never gained it back, despite many temptations. It took about 10 months to lose the weight! Requirements: sacrifice/discipline. There's no free lunch! - For over 40 years, I have suffered from high-blood pressure, and I have to follow doctor's instructions to do what it takes to stay alive or I wouldn't be writing this piece.It took seven years in visits to the VA Medical Center to get results. Requirements; will-power/discipline. There's no free lunch! - As a woodcarver for over 25 years, I participated in over 40 arts and craft shows, and sold my work. Just like the millions of people who suffer from stage fright, there are millions of people who don't show or sell their work, because they are afraid of failure! They have to learn to get over it! Requirements; courage/self-confidence. There's no free lunch! - Over the years, I have had to follow my doctor's instructions; stay on a diet, quit drinking; quit smoking, etc. Requirements; sacrifice/discipline/will power. - When I was hospitalized for over three months, and I only had 28 cents on the dresser, and I was headed to a homeless shelter, I had to find a way out of this mess. Requirement; hope/determination/think positive. - A person who loses their hair, and goes through drastic changes in their apprearance. They have to find a way to keep their chin up and to deal with it over a long period of time, etc. Requirement; keep self-esteem. - In my 40's, I completed three writing courses, to improve my writing skills, at a cost of about $200.00 at the time, and it took about 15 months to complete! Requirement; Determination to be a good writer. There's no free lunch! - At nineteen years of age, I entered the U.S. Air Force during war. (Viet Nam). And now, with the high cost of medical care, I get all my medical and medications free! Requirement: courage There's no free lunch! - "I appreciate the confidence with which you have approached me." Those are the words of Senator Pete Domenici (NM) as he got involved in a VA Medical Center matter on my behalf. I think there are many people who can't or won't defend themselves, because they are not good writers Everything has to be in writing today such as complaints to consumer protection; patient relations, etc. I wrote a 52 page booklet (bound), in my appeal of the decision by the VA to terminate my disability pension, and I think it's one of my best works. Having the ability to approach people in high places. Requirements: courage/confidence in my writing - This is my first time building a website; first time writing a book; first time writing my articles to be posted on a directory and shown to the world. Requirements: courage; confidence - Taking chances (common sense) with my website; articles; display show; and book.Requirements; courage/confidence - In 1970, I quit smoking, which is one of the best things I have ever done for myself and those around me, and I have not touched a cigarette since. It took about 10 months to quit! Requirements; discipline/will power. There's no free lunch! - In recent years, I've been betrayed by my own vocational counsellor at the VA Medical Center; my apartment manager; by two ex-friends; and by my own mother! Who can you trust anymore? Issue: Integrity, or lack thereof! - It was a lazy summer afternoon, and I was participating in an outdoor arts and crafts show on the Plaza. Over 150 exhibitors were selling their wares, when all of a sudden and without warning...the SPRINKLERS CAME ON! You have not seen panic, until you see art work; pottery; ceramics crashing to the sidewalks, and people scattering in every direction! Requirement: Determination: Get up...dust yourself off (or dry yourself off) and go to the next show! - Living through the drug-culture of the 1960's, I have never taken drugs of any kind, and is one of my best accomplishments! Requirements: discipline and the ability to say NO! - A fellow-employee, who was about 58 years old (recently married), told me one day, that he didn't marry his wife because he loved her. He told me he married her because he needed someone to take care of him in his old age. This is a selfish person without \integrity! It's amazing to me just what kind of skeletons a person has in their closets! Issue: Integrity, or lack thereof. - As a Hispanic kid growing up, I did not speak or write the English language well, and I was teased and put-down by others! Solutions/requirements: Improve communications skills/build self-esteem over a long period of time, etc. - Standing in a soup line...I've been there...I've done that! At the time, I was humiliated and shamed, but one thing was certain...I was grateful I had a meal to eat! Living in a homeless shelter was the same thing. I was embarrassed and humiliated, and there wasn't a day that went by that I didn't say, "How could this happen?" Again...I was grateful I had a roof over my head. Requirement: Try to keep up the self-esteem. - When my parents got divorced, my father was 70 years old, and my mother was 66 years old. On two occasions, my mother told me, that if the divorce didn't go through, that she would poison my father! Of the ten kids in our family, I was the only one who showed up for the hearing, etc. This is a perfect example of a selfish, dysfunctional family at its worst! Issue; Integrity or lack thereof! - Overall...I have probably had over 150 visits to medical facilities on one kind or another, in search of getting my health. After years...I finally succeeded! (1970's/80's) Requirement: ope/determination/positive thinking. There's no free lunch! - In a decade or so, I have lost SIX jobs due to layoffs...all for legitimate reasons; companies closing; defense cuts; down-sizing; out-sourcing, etc. Requirement; Keep self-esteem up. - In 2005, I arrived at the VA Hospital in an ambulance, and I couldn't make arrangements to get my possessions out of my apartment, and I suffered my "Katrina," and lost everything! Requiremtent: Determination to re-build - My pride and joy...my website! The Red, White and Blue has given my the freedom to build my website, and to express my thoughts and ideas and to show the world my work! Requirements; Confidence; courage and lots of PRIDE! - Like most American's, I was ashamed and embarrassed when I had to apply for food stamps. But in a democracy, we all pitch in to help those in need! Requirement: Dignity; it's okay to ask for help when you need it! - A knock on the door, and somebody hands you a summons from the courthouse. I thought a judge would never throw an unemployed person out in the streets...but I was wrong! This is the first time I was homeless! Requirement: courage - When I was declared dis-abled by the VA and Social Security, I had no other choice but to file for bankruptcy. When I learned that an individual could file him or herself without an attorney, I filed myself and saved lots of money! Requirement: confidence in your abilities. - Because of hard times, I was dis-connected from my website and the Internet, from May, 2004 until November, 2007 (2 1/2 years) Requirement: Determination to make a come-back. - Millions of people out there have family problems, which are the most difficult to deal with. I had not seen my mother since 1993 (15 years), and she passed away in February, 2008 at the age of 85. My mother stepped on a few toes while she was alive, and she needed to mend a few fences, etc. But, because of her stubborness and negativity, she never did! Two of the most important words in the world are, "I'm sorry." And, neither of my parents knew how to say those two important words! I never thought it would all end this way! Solution: I have no regrets or no guilt whatsoever. - All of us have to place enormous trust in our doctors and medical people to do the right thing. All of us know that the VA Medical Centers are training hospitals. When I was in the hospital for over three months, I was terribly sick with nausea, and I lost 16 pounds I was not allowed to go to the G.I. Clinic to find out what was wrong. I suspected the medication I was being given, and that there was guinea-pigging or expermentation going on! When I was discharged from the ward, I went across the patio, and checked into the emergency room, to get the care I didn't get in the ward. In 2008, this case is still pending, and my 50 page booklet has gone to the higher-ups at the VA; the FBI, and to two members of the NM congressional delegation. Issue: Determination to do the right thing and confidence to fight the system, etc. - My father emptied the checking and savings accounts and took off and left my mother for dead! I paid her mortgage and supported her for over a year, until we found my father and brought to justice. Requirement; Determination - Because of job losses and hard times, I got in credit card debt as many people do when they lose their jobs. A Writ of Execution is when the Sheriff's Department people come over looking around at your personal possessions to satisfy a debt. Requirement: courage - Suffering from a life-time of headaches, is just like having a learning disability. Headaches affect memory and retention. Therefore, a person needs both to be a good learner, and I was never a good student because of this. I was not dumb...but, I have always been a slow-learner. |
Non-fiction Book Proposal Those visitors with the need to know...and wishing to see the non-fiction book proposal can email me, and I will give them a link to the page. |
Work in Progress! |
Let's Do Lunch...(What's on the menu?) |
You can pop all the pills you want; have the best doctors and technologies in the world, and you're still going to need the following items on your menu: discipline; determination; commitment; sacrifice; perseverance; and a heavy helping of will-power and courage to fight off peer-pressure/temptation, etc. And, of course...lunch is NEVER free! |
Think Positive! Out With the Negative! The glass is either half full...or it's half empty. I like to think of the glass being half full. For it has been positive thinking and humor (in part), that has gotten me through my darkest days...and there have been many! |
"Having a positive mental attitude, is asking how something can be done, instead of saying it can't be done." Bo Bennett. |
emails Over the years, I've received hundreds of wonderful emails concerning my website and my work. A few of these emails will be part of my book, such as the following email from a woman I have never met. |
"Humordoctor: I really liked the Think Positive Section, where it talked about negatives and positives. I used to be very negative, always finding the negative side of things, always putting excuses why not to do things and so on. I was married to my husband for almost 9 years and I changed. He is a very positive person with a can-do attitude, and he struggled with me in the beginning, but he stuck by me and we have a great relationship now. I wish more people were like you and my husband in this world, but unfortunately that's not the case and I've come across some pretty negative people who feel they have to put other people down to make themselves feel good. If they are miserable, everyone has to be miserable. I've seen some high spirited people brought down by the negativity of a pessimist. I try not to let that happen to me. I walk away from negative people and try to stay away from them. I try to surround myself with people who are positive, open-minded and who are happy about accomplishments, rather than jealous...Monica" |
People can choose to change their attitude into a more postitive way, such as the example shown above if they want to. |
If At First You Don't Succeed... This book is designed to show, that anyone can fall...get back up...dust themselves off...and get back on track, etc. . |
* Thanksgiving * It's Thanksgiving everyday, when you have hope AND your health! You Can Do It! Peer-pressure is not just for teen-agers; The ugly face of peer-pressure will follow us all to the grave; by those who want us to go in a different direction with our lives! So, decide what you want in life...and don't let anyone keep you from reaching your goals and your dreams! You Can Do It! As everyone knows...peer-pressure can have its own form of lasting pain, etc. |
Open Mind Unlike my parents, who were close-minded, I think one of the best qualities a person can have, is to be open-minded about change for the better in their lives. It was having an open mind, that got me through many years of medical problems, and on my way to a better life. |
"It Can't Happen To Me!" Hurricane; tornado; illness; accident; house fire; homelessness; divorce; job loss; being homeless...it always happens to somebody else, right? |
"Hope arouses, as nothing arouses a passion for the possible." William Sloan Coffin |
Learning From Others What is one of the best ways to learn? From others, right? Learn from their experiences...good and bad; their wisdom; education; mistakes; skills; talents; attitude, etc. THINK POSITIVE! "Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goals; nothing can HELP the man with the wrong mental attitude." Thomas Jefferson |
World economy/recession on the way? Made in China; Made in Japan; Made in Mexico; Made in India; Made in France, etc. It was ageism (discrimination against older workers), that played a part in my downfall, etc. |
Watch For Bigots |
Pink slip |
Are we becoming a negative society? Virginia Tech; Govenor/N.Y.; Enron; Omaha; No. Illinois; World Com; DWI; cheating in sports; high divorce rate; Columbine High School; mud-slinging/politics; etc. |
Honesty is the Best Policy I thought denial was a river in Egypt! You're in the best postion, to watch your nose grow...if you're in denial about anything in your life, etc. . |
Inspirational quotes The visitor will see quotations on every page on my website, and a complete list is shown in the Storage Place. These quotes are inspirational and motivational in nature, and will be a part of my book. "Out of the clutter...find simplicity." Albert Einstein I'm not a psychologist, medical doctor or social worker, so this book is written by an ordinary person for ordinary people...in language that can be understood, etc. |
Articles A few of my articles will be included in the book, but will be re-written, and expanded upon. The Positive and Healing Power of Humor |
From: Healthline.com Humor therapy; (definition) the art of using humor and laughter to help heal people with physical and mental illness. . |
My Two Cents Throughout the book, I'll offer my two cents on a variety of subjects. |