Reading Habits – June & July 2010

August 19, 2010 by sherby57 Leave a Comment

I’ve never really seen myself as a stubborn person, but as you’re reading another edition of Reading Habits, it seems that I’m actually as stubborn as a mule.  You can probably gather by this statement that I’ve not had a sudden road to Damascus style transformation and started reading again.  I’ve not even been to Damascus.  I should probably just accept that I don’t read any more and that I’ve joined the massed ranks of philistines.

Never! I will never accept this! I’ll carry on saying that I enjoy reading until my dying breath, even if I never read another book.  I certainly hope that I will read another book one day, but at this stage I’m far from convinced.

Anyway, in June I didn’t read any books, even though I only had 40 pages of a comic book to go.  This constitutes the laziest I have ever been in my life and I feel totally ashamed.  I did acquire a book through Bookmooch, though:  The Complete Short Stories by Ian Rankin, which now means I own all of the Rebus stories.  Whether or not I’ll ever read them all is another matter entirely.

Cover of

Cover of Fool's Gold Volume 1

July saw me finally get around to reading those 40 remaining pages of Amy Reeder Hadley’s Fool’s Gold Volume 1. As I mentioned in June, I bought this on a complete whim and so I didn’t actually know what it was about.  Perhaps I should have checked.  Fool’s Gold is the story of a high school girl (who is a talented dressmaker) who forms a club to identify all the cocky boys in school (the Fool’s Gold of the title) and to all swear never to date these dicks.

Ahem.  I think it’s safe to say that I’m not exactly the target demographic for this book.  As such, I don’t feel at all able to give any opinion at all without sounding like either a) an old man or b) really creepy.

And that’s all the book news I have from the last two months. I’m pathetic.

Result:  Match abandoned.

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Post Recycling – July 2009

July 12, 2010 by sherby57 2 Comments

There were only 4, rather uninteresting, posts published on PSGOM last July.  This clearly doesn’t bode well for me being able to write a fascinating edition of Post Recycling.  Regular readers will know that I’m a bit OCD about completing my regular posts, and so I am compelled to write it anyway.  In some ways, this makes it a good month as it won’t require much work to complete.  `

The month started with My New Love For The Radio, a post listing my friend, and Warrington legend, Dave Burley’s upcoming radio appearances.  As these all occurred over a year ago, the post is now pretty redundant.  It’s a bit embarrassing to actually mention it at all, but when you’ve only got two posts to choose from then you have no choice.

There were two entries into the Milk Bottle Manifesto, the first being Swine Flu.  This is significant because it’s the first MBM that wasn’t written by myself.  Although, it’s not really that significant.  The other was Scorpions!, which was inspired by a stag do in Portugal that I’d just got back from.  We were in a rock bar with a local band performing covers of, unsurprisingly, rock classics.  We thought it would be really funny to shout out “we want the Scorpios” in a variety of stupid voices to try and persuade them to do a Scorpions track - presumably Wind of Change as this is the only one we’d heard of.  It didn’t work, but we amused ourselves greatly.  I know it doesn’t sound tres hilarious now, but it was at the time. 

The final post of the month was about book-swapping web-site, Bookmooch.  It makes me sad to read it as it reminds me of the days when I was actually capable of reading a book.  That all seems so long ago now and I seem to have devolved into a complete philistine.  If you have a load of spare books, though, then I highly recommend going on Bookmooch.

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Reading Habits – May 2010

June 26, 2010 by sherby57 1 Comment

Sadly, I’m just completing Reading Habits as a formality again.  I didn’t read any books in May.  Would it be weird for me to go and see a hypnotherapist to get me to start reading again?  I’m getting pretty desperate now.  The bookcase full of unread books in my spare bedroom is starting to talk to me.  It really hates my guts.

I did acquire one book in May.  I was reading through the Comics news on DigitalSpy, which I read even though I’ve not bought a comic for years, and I read this story.  It was about artist Amy Reeder Hadley being named as the new cover artist for Supergirl.  Being totally out of the loop, I had no idea what Hadley’s work was like, so I did a quick google.  I loved what I saw.  I had a look on Amazon to see what books she had available, and spotted that her Fool’s Gold was available for about £3 delivered.  It’s safe to say that I made an impulse buy.  Perhaps I should have read what it was about first.  Find out more next time.

P.s.

This month constituted a 1-0 reading defeat.  Boo-hoo.

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More Free Shipping – Just Buy It

June 22, 2010 by sherby57 Leave a Comment

It’s been a while since I’ve bored you about my book, so you’re all way overdue.  If you’re a new reader to my blogs then you’ve really missed out on the thrill of my book launch.  These books are potential collectors items of the future, so make sure you buy your copy quickly.  Obviously, there’s an overwhelming probability that they’re not going to be collectors items, but why take that risk?

In an attempt to make the purchasing of your copy easier, those good folks at Lulu.com are offering free shipping if you use the code:  FREEGROUND305.  Don’t delay, the offer runs out on the 30th June.

You can buy the book here:

http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/the-best-of-the-world-of-sherby57-volume-1/6558616

or, here:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Best-World-Sherby57-1/dp/1445742187/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1277226854&sr=8-1

Speaking of Amazon, they’ve still not published the 5-star review that I gave myself.  This kind of suggests that they actually do read through all submitted reviews.  They’re so mean to me.  If anybody would like to give my book a lovely review then I’d be ever so grateful.

If you’ve no idea what my book is about, then have a read here.

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Amazonian

May 26, 2010 by sherby57 10 Comments

For those of you who haven’t been paying attention, I recently self-published a book based on my other blog, The World of Sherby57.  Despite only selling two copies to people other than myself, it’s been an interesting experience.  Mainly because it’s nice to have a real book with your own name on the front.  I’m easily pleased, I know.

Well, today saw another exciting milestone in my life as a best-selling author, as the book is now available to buy on Amazon.  In previous posts, we’ve already established that I’m fully aware that I am participating in vanity publishing, so I’m happy to say that my vanity has definitely been well and truly tickled by being available from the world’s largest book retailer.  It sounds impressive to be able to tell people that I have something they can buy on Amazon.  Hopefully they won’t then go on to ask how it’s selling.

Folks in the UK can check it out here:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Best-World-Sherby57-1/dp/1445742187/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1274877587&sr=8-1

Our American cousins can have a look at it here:

http://www.amazon.com/Best-World-Sherby57-1/dp/1445742187/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1274878244&sr=8-1

You can also, obviously, find it on the Amazon iPhone app.  It gives me a special thrill that it’s available on an iPhone app.  I’m very sad.  Here’s a photo of my glory:

Anyway, if anyone would like to leave a (positive) review on either of the sites then I would be eternally grateful.  Although it’s safe to say that most of you haven’t read the book, I think that if you’ve read my blog then you’re fully justified in writing a (positive) review on that basis.  After all, we’ve all read reviews on Amazon by people who have seen a TV programme but not bought the DVD of that same programme.  That’s only my own biased opinion, though.

You could also just buy the book.  That would be great.

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More Book Stuff + Lulu Advice

May 6, 2010 by sherby57 4 Comments

Exciting news! I have now sold a grand total of 2 copies of my book to people who are not me.  I’m not sure what the rules are, but I’m pretty sure that I’m now allowed to use the phrase “best-selling author” on my CV.  Genuine thanks go out to Joanne and Joe (aka JLS from Team Extreme) for actually bothering.  I’m sure that you’ll both get your just rewards for being such fine, upstanding members of society.  I do expect them both to write glowing reviews of the book that I can publish on here as testimonials.  I also expect a similar review from Dr Angel who has her own copy of the wonderful work of literature.  She earned her complimentary copy of the book by being the only person who’s ever shown any sustained interest in The World of Sherby57.  I couldn’t have done it without her.

Anyway, enough with the sentimentality, let’s carry on with some more tedious book related news.  It probably isn’t a good marketing technique to mention this, but I did learn something valuable about self-publishing with Lulu.com:  make double sure that you’ve picked the most appropriate paper size for your book.

There are several options of book size on Lulu and I settled on “pocket” for no particular reason.  Many of the sizes were so similar that I pretty much picked at random.  However I had a few formatting problems when trying to upload my ‘manuscript’ to the web-site and so, out of frustration, I decided to re-format from a different template.  I picked A5, simply because it was the one I had heard of.  Luckily, this time I was able to upload and publish successfully.

However, at a later date, I was browsing on Lulu and spotted a book with a similar number of pages to mine that was significantly cheaper.  I investigated to see how they had achieved it and it was simply down to the paper size.  I don’t really understand why such similar sized books should vary so much in price.  For example, the manufacturing cost of a 100-page A5 book is £7.35; the price for a similar 100-page Pocket book is £2.98.  The size of A5 is 5.8″ x 8.2″.  The size of Pocket is 4.2″ x 6.8″.  It doesn’t make any sense to me either.  Just make sure you choose wisely.

Anyway, I can only apologise for my crapness.  If I’ve not completely put you off, you can buy a copy of my book from here.  There’s a very nifty preview of the first 12 pages, so go and have a nosy.

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Reading Habits – April 2010

May 2, 2010 by sherby57 Leave a Comment

Those of you who have been following Reading Habits will know that I’ve not read any books for a few months.  Last time, I set myself the challenge of reading at least one book this month.  Would I be able to accomplish this gargantuan feat?

Well, I did start reading McMafia, as I said I would, but only managed to get about 25 pages in.  It’s not that it was a bad book, I just seem to have forgotten how to read properly.  I can’t remember getting a bang on the head, but I can only assume that something like that must have happened.  With this impaired literary ability, I was starting to think that even reading one book was going to be impossible.

Then I went into HMV to buy some headphones and made an impulse buy of Kick-Ass by Mark Millar and John Romita JR.  Yes, it’s the graphic novel that has recently been turned into a hit film about an average American teen, Dave Lizewski, who decides to become a super-hero.  Unlike most comic books, however, Lizewski hasn’t trained for years and doesn’t have an arsenal of high-tech weaponry.  No, in Kick-Ass, he gets his arse kicked and ends up in hospital.  You all probably know this anyway, as the film has been very successful.

Like one of Millar’s previous books, Wanted (also a hit film), I didn’t know exactly what to make of it.   Part of me thinks that it’s an interesting critique on the super-hero genre, played out as an uber-violent satire.  Another part of me thinks that they just think its cool to have a 10-year old girl call some gangsters cunts before chopping their heads off with a samurai sword.  It’s quite possible that I’m misunderstanding it.  I’m not very good with sub-text.  As for the art, I’ve always liked Romita’s style and I’ve seen a lot of praise for his work on Kick-Ass, but is it just me that thinks that too many of his panels feel rushed?

Anyway, I’ve not seen the film, so I’d be interested to hear what other people think who have seen it or read the book.

P.s.

I’ve not totally given up on McMafia.  I’m going to give it another try this month.

Books Acquired

Kick-Ass by Mark Millar & John Romita JR – See above

Curb Your Enthusiasm: The Book by Dierdre Dolan – British Heart Foundation shop – As I’m not totally insane, I’ve not been into any charity shops since I stopped reading.  On Friday, however, I felt the urge to pop my head in and see if there was anything interesting on offer.  I was quite surprised to see the Curb Your Enthusiam book in there.  It seems an odd book to end up in a charity shop and it was almost as if it was calling me to come and buy it.  So I did.

The Result

Books read 1 – Books acquired 2.  A defeat, but an acceptable one.

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A Week of Sherby57: 18th Apr – 24th Apr 2010

April 26, 2010 by sherby57 Leave a Comment

Yet another week has flown by like a cloud of volcanic ash.  As a result of these unforeseen circumstances, I didn’t publish any posts on Friday and Saturday.  Sorry about that.

Sunday 18th

Remember These Facts – Two facts that may possibly help you in a crisis.  Sadly, I can’t remember which type of crisis they are applicable in.  Have a read anyway, just in case.

Monday 19th

Sherby57′s Mind Expanders – 2 –  The solution to last week’s immense puzzle and a brand new one to tease your tiny brains with.  If you’ve been having a good try at solving these riddles then I expect that your IQ has shot up by at least 30 points.  Possibly.

Tuesday 20th

Poor Poem – A Poem – It’s a bad poem about writing a bad poem.  It’s very post modern (i.e. it’s rubbish).

Wednesday 21st

Free Postage Offer for the Sherby57 Book – Hmmm. What an excellent book I’ve written and yet there are P&P charges incurred when buying a copy.  Whatever are we going to do?  Well, have a look at this link and you can get free P&P.  Super.

Thursday 22nd

Martin’s Muse – A Story – It’s a story about a romantic novelist who’s lost his inspiration and the strange way in which he gets it back.  Very moving.

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Free Shipping on my Book

April 20, 2010 by sherby57 Leave a Comment

OK, I know you’re probably not interested, but I have to try anyway.  If you were thinking of purchasing a copy of my book then you can use the code FREEMAILUK305 at the checkout at lulu.com to get free shipping (up to the value of £2.99).  Here’s the link, just to make it a bit easier for you:

http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/the-best-of-the-world-of-sherby57-volume-1/6558616

You’ve really not got any excuse not to buy a copy immediately.  Other than not wanting to, of course, but please don’t let that stop you.  Thanks for listening.

P.s.

The offer is valid until the 5th May, so don’t think about it for too long.


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A Week of Sherby57: 11th Apr – 17th Apr 2010

April 19, 2010 by sherby57 Leave a Comment

Lovely posts, lovely man.  Enjoy:

Sunday 11th

The Book of The Blog – Have I mentioned that I’ve released a book version of The World of Sherby57 called The Best of The World of Sherby57: Volume 1?  Oh, I’ve mentioned it several times, have I?  Well forgive me, your Lordship.  Anyway, this is another post advertising my wonderful book.

Monday 12th

Sherby57’s Mind Expanders – 1 – There’s a lot of flabby minds these days, so I thought I’d have a crack at getting your thoughts in shape.  This is a very tricky brainteaser, so don’t feel bad if you don’t get it straight away.  The solution will be published this week.

Tuesday 13th

Hunting Turnips – A Poem – It’s a poem about how it feels to hunt turnips for fun.  Admit it, we’ve all done it.

Wednesday 14th

Doctor Sherby57 on TV – A round up of the week’s TV, including: a St Helens-based sci-fi drama, a wig-based game show and a documentary about toes.

Thursday 15th

Leo and Linda’s Lion Luxury – A Story – Yet more bonkers romance.  It really is my forte.  This week sees two mis-matched people find love in the beautiful city of Wolfsteinsten.

Saturday 17th

The Sherby57 Exercise Plan – My new fitness regime has worked wonders for me and it seems only fair that I share my secrets with you.  Get prepared to buy a whole new wardrobe.

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