GEARIN UP: WEEK ONE

Deana Barnhart's Blogfest

"The Rules: 

1) Sign up below

2) Take the greatest, dumbest, weirdest...just whatever kind of writing question you have, and post it on your blog Wednesday. 

3) Head over to as many blogs as you can that are on the list and answer their question they've posted if you know the answer or can help.

4) Follow as many blogs you want to, make connections, build your platform."

I just want to get this out there: I'm awful at asking questions. I rarely do it. I never raised my hand in class. And even though "there's no such thing as a dumb question", my questions are often dumb. To add to this disclaimer, the question I'm asking isn't necessarily writing related as it is already-published-author related.

But I just had to ask...

How the heck do authors afford all their book tours and swag?? Is it paid for by the publishing house? Is that what the advance is for?

I always wonder this when I see tweets or posts from authors talking about heading off on another book tour, especially if it's out of country!

 So, there's my question. I know it's not exactly writing related but I couldn't think of anything with this question swirling about in my head. ;)





I CELEBRATE OUR INDEPENDENCE...

BECAUSE FREEDOM IS NEVER FREE.

I am proud of this country because...

"O, thus be it ever when freeman shall stand,

Between their loved home and the war's desolation!

Blest with the victory and peace, may the heav'n-rescued land

Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation!

Then conquer we must, when our cause, it is just,

And this be our motto: "In God is our trust"

And the star spangled banner in triumph shall wave

O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!"

Last verse of Star-Spangled Banner

by

Francis Scott Key

September 1814

"Rally round the flag, boys!

Rally one again;

There are traitors in the camp boys,

And pirates on the Main:

There are rebels in the front boys,

A foes across the sea,

Who hate the proud republican

And scoff at you and me.

Rally round the Flag, boys!

Rally in your might;

Let the nations see how freemen

Can battle for the right;

Make the throbbing mountains echo

With the thunder of your tread;

With music sweet of martial feet

Salute our gallant dead.

Rally round the flag, boys;

Rally with cheer;

For all you love and cherish most,

For all that you hold dear,

Defend the brave old banner,

Unsullied from the earth

Within its folds enshrined it holds

All that this life is worth.

The rally round the Flag, boys;

Rally, rally still!

Rally from the valley,
And rally from the hill;

Rally from the ship, boys,

And rally from the plow;

Now or never is the word--

Never! failing now."

Raising the flag on Iwo Jima

February 23, 1945

"Here men from the planet Earth first set foot upon the Moon.

July 1969 A.D.

We came in peace for all mankind."

 

We will NEVER forget.

TO ALL THE AWESOME CITIZENS OF THIS GREAT COUNTRY:

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!!

 And to all my friends from other great countries:

Have an awesome day!

Lol!

I didn't forget you. ;)