A rainstorm is moving through Burbank and the Southland this morning. We’re getting steady rain, strong winds, and cool temperatures. The high today in B-town upper 50s — lows tonight in the 40s. In a weird weather twist, another blast of spring in the forecast for the middle of the week. By Wednesday, the high is expected to reach 80 in the Media City!
Some really strong winds are causing havoc in Burbank and throughout the Southland this evening. The winds are ripping through the trees, tumbling leaves and debris through streets, yards, and parking lots. At the Trader Joe’s market on Alameda Avenue this evening, shoppers could be seen holding tightly to their grocery bags as they hurried home or to their vehicles.
There’s a high wind warning in effect through Friday noon. Also, the winds are kicking up the fire danger — so there’s a red flag alert as well through late Friday.
The forecast is for the winds to increase overnight 25 to 40 mph with some gusts up to 60 mph. There are already reports of power outages in West Los Angeles and Granada Hills — and some traffic lights are out. So drive with extra care if you have to be out and about tonight.
Fall takes a pause in the Southland. Very warm temperatures are expected today. The predicted high for the Media City — in the low to mid-80s! A great way to wrap up the long Thanksgiving weekend.
Photo courtesy Southland author Cheryl Holt
New York Times bestselling author dishes on the dramatic changes in the publishing industry
I always considered myself to be the walking, talking success story of American publishing. I’m a lawyer, and at age 40, I had two babies back to back. Suddenly, I was a stay-at-home mom and trying to figure out how to replace the income I relinquished due to this life change.
I decided to start writing novels. I didn’t know anything about writing books or about the publishing industry. I simply forged ahead, armed with a steely determination that I would figure it out and prosper in a big way.
After four years of trying, and seven finished manuscripts, I finally sold my first novel. Over the next decade, I went on to write 28 books for four major New York publishing houses. Along the way, I became a Waldenbooks, USA Today, and New York Times bestselling author.
But it came at a price. I wore out my wrists and neck. I now suffer from several stress-related conditions, and I nearly bankrupted by family by suffering through the financial ups and downs that come with an artistic career. It was almost a relief when, at the end of 2009, my last publisher dropped me, and I decided to quit writing.
For almost a year and a half, I shut down my webpage and turned off my email. I didn’t think I would miss writing, but such an intense artistic enterprise has a way of embedding itself into your DNA.
A friend began nagging at me to try again, and after months of listening to his harangue, I finally relented and agreed to start over one more time. However, during my hiatus, the industry I knew and understood, where I had once worked so intensely, had vanished.
Books are an impulse purchase, made when people have extra money to spend. With the crash of the economy in 2008, the publishing industry began to implode. People stopped buying books. At the publishing companies, there were massive layoffs, more mergers and consolidations, and it was a virtual bloodbath for authors.
The big book chains—that used to order 8 weeks of stock—began to order 2 weeks instead. In response, the companies slashed their print runs, so even if an author had a book published, its shelf life flitted by in the blink of an eye. Reprints of old titles became the norm; it’s much cheaper to republish an old book than to lay out the expense for a new one.
The “star” authors continued to write for the big companies, but many of the mid-list and low-list authors were dumped. Borders finally filed for bankruptcy and will liquidate. Barnes and Noble stores—if you’re lucky enough to still have one in your town—have shelves that look empty.
The authors who lost their spots with the NY publishing houses turned to e-books. Their decisions to self-publish were made easier by the advent of functional e-book devices such as Kindle and Nook.
As I jumped into these turbulent waters, I quickly saw that there was no way for me to sell a manuscript to a NY print publisher. There are only a handful of companies that publish paperbacks, and I had written for 4 of them. The others had never been interested in signing me. So NY was off the table. What was I to do? And how was I to do it?
Even though I didn’t want to begin self-publishing, I decided to try e-books. I had been suffering from the opinion shared by many readers that e-books aren’t “real” books. But I eventually realized that I was fussing like an old dinosaur. I didn’t want to learn “new” things. I didn’t want to start over in a new and scary world where all the rules had changed.
But I forged ahead and figured it out. My first two e-books were posted on-line in June, and with their release, I sent out an announcement to my email fan list.
In reply, I received many happy letters from fans who already own e-readers and who were excited to read the new books. But I was surprised and saddened to receive dozens of really angry letters from avid readers who were upset about my switch to e-books. Many people said that I had “sold out” as a writer.
The division seemed to be age-based. Younger readers told me they loved their electronic readers and were excited to see me embrace the new technology. Older readers, who love their print books, were incensed and offended by the entire notion of e-books. One reader asked, “If we continue down this road, what will happen to libraries?”
What indeed?
I didn’t have any satisfying answers for the angry people who wrote to me. The book industry has changed—as has the author’s place in it. As readers and writers, we can’t fix the economic factors driving all this chaos. Authors are not flocking to e-books because they prefer them over print books. They’re making the move out of necessity. If you hear that your favorite author has published an e-book, the chance is great that she has lost her spot with her NY publisher.
More and more authors will be making this move, which will begin a burgeoning cycle of change. More authors will be dropped by their publishers, so more authors will write e-books, so more devices will be invented, which will lower the price of e-readers and push even more readers into e-books. In a few years, it’s likely that very few paperbacks will be published. If a reader wants to find a book, an e-reader and on-line publisher may be the only way to do it.
For those of us who love books, it’s a daunting and scary thought.
###
CHERYL HOLT lives and writes in Los Angeles. For details on her backlist and two new e-books, “Seduce Me” and “Nicholas,” click over to her website http://cherylholt.com/
The Mega Millions jackpot may spark a new round of lottery fever. The jackpot took a tumble to $74 million, after no one won the big one in last Tuesday’s draw. The winning digits: 20, 25, 35, 52, 55, and the Mega Ball 10.
A ticket with all of those hot numbers, except the Mega Ball was sold here in the Southland at get this — Lucky Liquors at 2121 Lincoln Boulevard in Santa Monica. That ticket is worth $207, 820.
The next Mega Millions draw is tomorrow, Friday, July 29 at 8 p.m.
Photo: John Shearer/Wireimage/People -- The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge say good-bye before boarding a plane back to the U.K. this afternoon at LAX July 10, 2011
Prince William and Kate Middleton left Los Angeles for home this afternoon, after an events packed three day visit to SoCal, which included a polo match in Santa Barbara, mingling with Hollywood stars at a gala, and chatting with inner-city kids on L.A.’s Skid Row. People Magazine has complete coverage of the Royals’ visit on the last leg of their North American tour. Also, check out People’s photo gallery of William and Kate doing the Southland here.
For more photos of William and Kate’s tour, click over to the Prince of Wales’ family website.
Photo courtesy Southland writer and USA Today bestselling author Rebecca Forster
I face each new project with a combination of angst and self pity, positive I will never write a decent book again much less publish one. After 23 published novels, one indie and two scripts (one in development) you’d think I’d be over all that. I’m not. Enter, my freelance editor Jenny Jensen*. I work with her because she is in my corner and because I sell more often when I do.
Still, I have to wonder, why can’t I edit myself? Haven’t I learned anything from her? Am I an author idiot?
Thankfully, the answer is no and Jenny gave me a couple of good reasons why I’m not:
Knowing why I use a freelance editor usually leads to the question…
Can Only Rich Writers Afford a Freelance Editor?
Prices for freelance help ranges from ridiculously cheap to the astronomically expensive. Some projects only need grammatical assistance and others continuity or story editing. Story editing is more expensive but, in my case, it is critical. I write thrillers that rely on a trail of clues and red herrings and I cannot assess the effectiveness the webs I weave on my own.
In this roiling market, those who offer the cleanest, most professional product will be noticed. In the e-book market, those who present a flawed product will be called on the carpet instantly and very publicly. That is the worst kind of publicity and hard to recover from.
How Do I Work with a Freelance Editor?
The same way you work with a New York editor attached to a publisher. You respect one another’s expertise and perspective. You have discussions, not confrontations. You recognize your weakness and her strengths. You pay on time and she turns the project around on time.
Oh, don’t forget to say thank you to your freelance editor when that publishing house cuts you your advance check.
###
*Jenny resides at http://www.e-bookeditor.com. Note the wonderful example on her home page of what a difference punctuation can make.
Visit Rebecca at http://www.rebeccaforster.com for writing tips, lots of pictures and a sneak peek at her latest book.
Rebecca Forster's "Beyond Malice," is a bestselling digital release.
A lot of money on the line in the Mega Millions lottery draw tonight. The jackpot is hovering at around $44 million. In last Tuesday’s game no one picked all of the winning numbers — but one Southland player got all but the Mega Ball correct. Tuesday’s numbers: 1, 19, 20, 31, 36 and the Mega Ball 9.
That lucky SoCal Mega Millions ticket was bought at the Valero Fuel Station 1285 East Vernon Avenue in Los Angeles. The ticket is worth $598, 206.
Tonight’s Mega Millions draw is at 8 p.m.
Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Plants and flowers bloom on a hillside in Burbank March 2011
More rain overnight in Burbank and a 30 percent chance of shower activity today. March 2011 has turned out to be a pretty wet month for the Southland. The relentless storms have battered the roads and frayed the nerves of commuters — but left the local hillsides green and the flowers and plants blooming in Burbank. And that’s a lovely sight to see.
After morning showers, the sun came out in Burbank today. Don’t get fooled and ditch that umbrella, the vicious storm system that beat the heck out of the Southland yesterday – is not done yet.
There’s a 20 percent chance of more rain today — and thunderstorms that could produce hail! It will be breezy, but not like the strong winds we got yesterday. The high will reach only in the 50s here in the Media City. The weather picture is improving — slowly.
Burbank and the rest of the Southland is getting hammered by a major storm system this afternoon. The rain is coming down in sheets. Powerful winds are whipping through the area.
The National Weather Service says rain is falling at a quarter to a half an inch an hour and that could increase to an inch per hour by nightfall. The NWS has issued a flood advisory for small streams and roadways. Also, there is the chance of mud and rock slides on roadways as well.
A flash flood watch remains in effect for the nearby station fire burn areas, where the potential for flooding and debris flows are a serious concern.
A lot rain falling in Burbank this morning. Just before 9 a.m. lightning flashed across the sky, followed by rumbling thunder in B-town. The calendar says it’s the first day of spring. It still feels like winter. This Pacific storm is pounding the entire Southland and is expected to continue the assault through tonight.
This storm is packing winds 15-to-30 mph with some gusts reaching 45 mph. Also, it’s cold outside. The high in the Media City — only in the 50s. The weather is pretty nasty out there, so drive with extra care.
As predicted, light rain began falling in Burbank early this morning. This late winter storm arrives with a full payload — some bouts of heavy rain, cold temps, and breezy conditions. Weather watchers are saying this storm will linger in the Southland – probably for several days. So get out the umbrellas, jackets, and boots again.
National weather service graphic -- Tsunami warning red, advisory orange, watch yellow, and information only green March 11, 2011
In the aftermath of that massive 8.9 earthquake in Japan, a Tsunami is rolling across the Pacific today. Waves have hit Hawaii and are now splashing up on the coast of Southern California. The Los Angeles Times website has extensive coverage — including photos and video.
Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Book buyers waited patiently in a long line to chat with and get journalist/author Belva Davis to sign a copy of her memoir, "Never in My Wildest Dreams," at Agape International Spiritual Center 5700 Buckingham Parkway, Culver City February 27, 2011
Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- A fan shares a moment with journalist/author Belva Davis during a book signing at Agape International Spiritual Center 5700 Buckingham Parkway, Culver City February 27, 2011
Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- These book lovers were lucky enough to get a copy of journalist/author Belva Davis's memoir, "Never in My Wildest Dreams," before it sold out at the Agape International Spiritual Center bookstore 5700 Buckingham Parkway, Culver City, February 27, 2011
Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Journalist/Author Belva Davis shared her inspiring journey with a group in Vroman's Bookstore at 695 East Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena February 28, 2011
Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Author/News Anchor/Reporter Belva Davis signed copies of her memoir, "Never in My Wildest Dreams" at Eso Won Bookstore, 4331 Degnan Boulevard, Los Angeles March 1, 2011
Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Journalist/Author Belva Davis spoke to a full house at the Eso Won Bookstore, 4331 Degnan Boulevard, Los Angeles March 1, 2011
For more on Belva Davis, her memoir, “Never in My Wildest Dreams: A Black Woman’s Life in Journalism,” and her amazing journey go here.
Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- View from the Magnolia Boulevard bridge over looking the 5 freeway in Burbank March 5, 2011
Another warm and sunny winter day on tap for Burbank today. The sky is not that gorgeous clear blue it was yesterday — as some patchy clouds and light winds have moved into the Media City and the Southland.
It will be cooler today with the high maybe in the low 70s. On Saturday the high reached 79 in B-town. Tonight, there’s a 20 per cent chance of rain. Change is in the air.
Photo: Pete Souza/White House -- Entertainer Stevie Wonder got a standing ovation from the audience during "The Motown Sound: In Performance at the White House" concert February 24, 2011
PBS stations across the country ran the premiere of the TV special, ”The Motown Sound: In Performance at the White House,” last night. The concert recorded in the East Room of the White House back on February 24, 2011, was a celebration of Black History Month and the legendary soul/pop/rhythm and blues sound of Motown Records.
Some of the great artists who helped create that Motown Sound: The Temptations, Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, The Supremes, Gladys Knight and the Pips, and Stevie Wonder.
President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama hosted the event, which included appearances by Seal, Jamie Foxx, Smokey Robinson, Sheryl Crow, John Legend, Nick Jonas, and Southland KJLH radio station owner/entertainer, Stevie Wonder — just to name a few.
A brief period of sunshine gave way to more dark clouds, then rain, and just before noon, hail in Burbank! The hard pebbles pounded the roof of my house and created white patches of quickly melting ice on the ground in the hillside area. The weather is freaky out there today. Don’t get faked out by a little sunshine – keep that umbrella handy.
Award-winning journalist/author, Belva Davis, is in the Southland this weekend for a number of meet-and-greet-and-book signing events. As Black History month draws to a close, this is an incredible opportunity to meet a trailblazer, Davis, the first African American female reporter/anchor in the West, who covered some of the most significant news stories of the past few decades while fighting racism and sexism.
In her memoir, “Never in My Wildest Dreams: A Black Woman’s Life in Journalism,” Davis describes her fascinating journey, from a difficult childhood to a broken first marriage to becoming one of the top TV journalists in the country. It’s an excellent read without rancor or bitterness. Entertaining, insightful, humorous at times, and engaging from the first to the very last page.
In the spirit of full disclosure, I have to say I am a long-time fan of Davis. Growing up in the Bay Area, I watched Davis with awe and admiration on the small screen as she reported the news and co-anchored a newscast at KPIX-TV in San Francisco. The relationship became both personal and professional, when later I got my first real broadcast news job in the KPIX newsroom.
“Never in My Wildest Dreams” is an important book. It should be read by all who enjoy the against-the-odds triumph of determination and talent over adversity. Here’s a list of upcoming Southland appearances by Davis.
Sunday, February 27, 2011 — 7 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Monday, February 28, 2011 — 7 p.m.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011 — 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
All events are free and open to the public.
No one hit the jackpot by picking all of the winning numbers in last night’s Mega Millions lottery draw. The lucky digits are 5, 6, 7, 30, 45, and the Mega Ball 42. Two California tickets got all but the Mega Ball number right. Each is worth $105,764.
Also, we’ve got a local winner who scored big time on the day after Valentine’s Day. In last Tuesday’s draw, one ticket matched the winning numbers 17, 18, 24, 35, and 39 –but missed the Mega Ball number of 18. That ticket is worth $403, 806. It was sold at Black Jack Market, 12643 Sherman Way in North Hollywood.
The next Mega Millions draw is Tuesday, February 22.
