Marlene C. Bertrand
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Be the Better Person

4/17/2017

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On Being the Better Person
I say it often, “Be the better person!” In fact, people are probably sick of hearing me say that every time they come to me with a struggle they are having with another person. I admit, I do say be the better person a lot.

But look, there is more to being the better person than mere words. I like being the better person. The truth is… being the better person is one of my most useful life tools for survival.
I never thought I would quote Bill Clinton but I like what he said about being a better person:

“If you live long enough, you’ll make mistakes. But if you learn from them, you’ll be a better person. It’s how you handle adversity, not how it affects you. The main thing is never quit, never quit, never quit."
--William J. Clinton
How can I be the better person?
Listen, when I say be the better person, I don’t mean that you should be full of yourself and act like you are all that and a bag of chips. I also don’t mean that you should roll over and let people beat you up or belittle you in any way. No, being the better person has a lot to do with how you analyze and respond to things that happen in life.

For example, it is good to try to see things from other people’s perspective. Think… “How would I feel if X was happening to me?” "How would I feel if someone said X to me?" Consider the other person’s point of view before responding. When you do this, you will see that your reaction becomes more well-rounded and appropriate for the situation.

Don’t be a target!
Another tactic about being the better person is to never react to things people say or do. Don’t put your feelings out there - on a platter for people to squash you down to the ground. Many people love to put other people down, especially if they think you are an easy target. You’re the better person when you are not jumping up and down, yelling and screaming at people. When you are yelling and screaming at people, it only makes YOU appear to look like a child throwing a temper tantrum. If there is any yelling and screaming going on, let it be the OTHER person. Let THEM look childish instead of you. Granted, you don’t deserve to get yelled at, but neither do other people. Let them act like the out of control child with a temper tantrum. In doing this, you will appear to be the more mature person that you are. You will, essentially be the better person.

In today's society, people can be ultra-mean. But, you do not have to stoop down to their level. Be the better person at all times and you will find it easier to handle the ups and downs of other people and their meanness.

Video: Motivation Monday #1 - Be a Better Person
This guy, Stu Crompton, says all the things I say on a regular basis. In this short video (3:37), he talks about how we should:
  • Stop judging people – He says, “If you’re going to judge somebody, make sure you’re dammed perfect yourself.”
  • Surround yourself with positive people.
  • Rid yourself of all toxic people.
  • Stop with indirect insults.
  • Don’t try to make everybody happy. You can’t please everybody. Do what makes you happy.
  • Set lifetime goals.
  • “Always be looking forward, don’t dwell on the past.”
I just watched Stu's video today and enjoyed it so much I subscribed to his channel. I want to catch all of his Monday Motivations.
We only have one life to live. Live it to the best level you can. I hope this message helps you be the best person you can be.

Copyright Marlene C. Bertrand 2017
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My Book About How I Conquered Being Suddenly Unemployed

9/6/2016

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ITT Tech Closing Down - Massive Job Loss for 8,000 Employees
I read in the news today that ITT Tech is closing all 130 campuses in 38 states. They are eliminating 8,000 employees. That’s what my book, “Riches to Rags to Right-Sized Living: The Simple Life – The New American Dream” is all about - how people are let go from being employed and all of a sudden they are unemployed. In the book, I share my personal story of how I dealt with being unexpectedly unemployed. I hope that by reading my story, someone is able to come out of sudden unemployment with a different and possibly better lifestyle.

Book Description (On Amazon and Kindle):
On August 25, 2016, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that from January 2013 through December 2015, there were 3.2 million workers displaced from jobs they had held for at least 3 years.
 
Losing a job is distressing. Not being able to find a replacement job can be devastating and there is no comfort in knowing the number of people who share in your job loss position. The possibility of poverty becomes a “real” alternative and managing the transition is your only solution.

This is a memoir. It is a true story that recalls the journey of Marlene Bertrand, a woman who once owned a small business, who once earned a six-figure income and lived the lifestyle of the American Dream. But, then in the year 2008 a new presidential regime was voted in. This new Commander-in-Chief charged in and changed the way of the world, making decisions without regard for the citizens who would be affected. These presidential decisions wrought havoc on the economy; consequently, these decisions destroyed the very lifestyle to which Marlene had become accustomed.

After losing her job due to “Right-Sizing,” Marlene was unable to find gainful employment and rapidly went from living an upper-middle class lifestyle to living in poverty. It wasn’t easy, but Marlene is a positive thinker. When life gives her lemons, she makes lemonade. After making some adjustments in her mindset and behavior she is now living a simple life, sharing her struggles and solutions to help others transition to living a simple, yet sustainable lifestyle.

Marlene not only talks about living with less income, she is living with less income. In “From Riches to Rags to Right-Sized Living,” Marlene shows you how to live with less money, yet still live a more abundant lifestyle.

Marlene says,
“As I was writing this book I feared I might be sharing too much of my life with the world. But, the more I wrote, the more I realized that sharing my story might help others know that they are not alone in their financial and lifestyle struggles. Being terminated from employment can happen to anyone."

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The Best Tips I Ever Read About How to Write Flash Fiction

4/6/2015

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PicturePencils for writing.
I am a true fan of flash fiction. I enjoy reading. I also like reading a story from start to finish in one sitting. In Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Philosophy of Composition,” Poe said that a short story should be read in one sitting. He further indicated that one sitting is considered from a half hour to two hours.

Flash Fiction Satisfies My Joy of Reading
The short reading session of flash fiction coincides with my reading preference. I’m a person who doesn’t like to leave things undone. Flash fiction matches my joy of reading with my desire to be finished with something without leaving it on the table to finish later. When I finish reading a flash fiction story, my mind is left feeling fulfilled. I can relax, knowing I have completed something. I don’t have to come back to finish reading it later.

Accomplished Writer Shares Flash Writing Tips

As a writer, I also enjoy writing flash fiction because I get to tell a quick and meaningful story that anyone, including busy readers, can enjoy in a moment's time.

Writer, Linda Crampton (AliciaC on HubPages) has a solid handle on what it takes to write flash fiction. Her article Flash Fiction – Genre Facts, Writing Tips and Stories is filled with helpful information on the various types of flash fiction known as short fiction, short short fiction, and micro-fiction.

Make sure you watch the accompanying video titled, “Flash Fiction: A Quick Snapshot.” This video gives you a quick and entertaining overview of flash fiction and what a flash fiction should do in order to leave your reader feeling satisfied with your flash fiction work of art.

Learn How to Write Flash Fiction
If you are considering writing flash fiction, I highly recommend that you read Flash Fiction – Genre Facts, Writing Tips and Stories to learn the ins and outs of flash fiction.


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There is a Right Way to Feature a Guest Writer on Your Blog

1/26/2015

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Picture of BLOGPhoto of the word BLOG.
I enjoy writing. And, whenever I am asked to write a blog for someone as a guest, I am honored and happy to do so. Guest blogging is a way for me to share my experience with readers who I may otherwise not be able to reach. I also appreciate when other writers agree to be a guest blogger for my blogs. This gives readers exposure to writers who have a lot more to share than just little old me.

Recently, I read an article from a fellow writer who offers some handy suggestions on the proper way to invite guests to write for your blog. I found the article to be extremely helpful.

If you are interested in asking others to write for your blog, you will find some helpful tips by reading:
The Proper Way to Feature a Guest Writer on Your Blog by  bravewarrior a HubPages writer.

Make Money Blogging!
I recently read a book that delivers on its promise to provide useable information about how to make money blogging. I know most writers write because they have a passion for writing. I have a passion for writing too, but if I can generate a little income from writing, I see no harm in that.

So, take a look at this book:
How To Make Money Blogging: How I Replaced My Day Job With My Blog
I feel confident that you will find some valuable tips to help you create blogs that could possibly help you make money.
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Marlene's Review of Without a Trace: The Rock Harbor Series

1/19/2015

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Without a Trace (Rock Harbor, #1)Without a Trace by Colleen Coble
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this book. Although, I have to admit that I had a little trouble keeping up with all the characters, that’s probably just me not being able to keep up. The book moved along nicely, keeping me intrigued the whole time. I enjoyed the way the author sprinkled a divine message throughout the book. I recommend this book for anyone who wants to unwind and relax with a book that reads well and ends in a way that leaves you happy you had the pleasure of reading it.

View all my reviews
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Marlene's Review of Dan Harris' Memoir

1/14/2015

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Hoist on My Own Petard: Or: How Writing 10% Happier Threw My Own Advice Right Back in My FaceHoist on My Own Petard: Or: How Writing 10% Happier Threw My Own Advice Right Back in My Face by Dan Harris
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed reading the stories the author shared. Nothing was held back as Dan Harris told about his travels, adventures, and life struggles. This is a memoir that is not only fun to read, but ends with a lesson that everyone in life could use.

View all my reviews
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Twelve Types of Nouns and How to Use Them

1/12/2015

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Most writers know the basic parts of grammar such as the subject and verb. We also know about the noun and that a noun is the name of a person, place, or thing. But do you know the noun is more complex? Do you know about the following categories of nouns?

  • Proper nouns

  • Common nouns

  • Countable nouns

  • Uncountable nouns

  • Concrete nouns

  • Abstract nouns

  • Collective nouns

  • Compound nouns

  • Adjectival nouns

  • Adverbial nouns

  • Animate nouns

  • Inanimate nouns

Since this blog is about my journey as a writer, I must admit that I had no idea that the noun could be indexed into so many categories.

Today, I read an article titled, “English Grammar: Types of Nouns.” By LindaSarhan, a HubPages Author. Linda Sarhan has a style of writing that makes learning easy. For a very comprehensive lesson about the various types of nouns and how to use these nouns effectively, I recommend reading English Grammar: Types of Nouns. You will also see examples to help you recognize each type of noun.

Please come back to let me know what you think of the article.

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Deck the House With Garland!

12/17/2014

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PictureChristmas Garland
If you come to my house right now you will see red, gold, and silver garland in just about every room.

I don’t know what it is about garland, but when it comes to decorating the house for the Christmas holidays, I bring out my entire collection of garland and place it in, on, and around the entire house. I am comforted by the intriguing festoon of slithery ribbons that move with every breeze, capturing every glint of light with those shimmery slithers of ribbons.

T
he scenery around here is festive. The mood is happy, humble, and grateful to be surrounded by the love of family and friends.

Time to Celebrate
From January to December, I work hard. By the time the holidays come around, I am ready to take a break from the work I love and spend more time with the people I love.

So, I’m signing off for the holidays, making travel arrangements to visit loved ones and to celebrate with the people who are here for me through the good times and the bad times. These are my folks. I love them so much. I look forward to being with them.

I will return to blogging, writing, and audiobook productions in the coming year of 2015. Until then, I wish you a very merry Christmas and hope you have a wonderful new year.

Copyright Marlene C Bertrand 2014.   All rights reserved.

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How to Write Metaphors Like a Professional Writer

12/10/2014

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PictureWrite until your heart is content.
A metaphor is a figure of speech. We speak metaphorically when we say something that represents something else.

A metaphor is a comparison of two things that are completely different, yet when we use them in correlation with each other, we see some sort of resemblance or sameness, providing a clear picture of what we mean.

There Are Two Types of Metaphors.
Metaphors can be simple or can be structured as what is known as a simile. Let’s explore each type of metaphor.

The Simple Metaphor: Generally, a metaphor associates an object or concept that is real with an object or concept that is not real.

Examples:
My heart is broken.
In this example, the heart is real, but it is not actually broken.

Tom is a pig.
In this example, Tom is not really a pig. But, because pigs are sloppy, when we say Tom is a pig, it creates the vision of Tom eating sloppily.

It’s raining cats and dogs.
In this example, it is raining, but cats and dogs are not falling from the sky. We use such a phrase to say it is raining very hard.

The Simile: Similes is a type of metaphor that uses words such as “like” or “as” to make a comparison between two things that are not alike. A simile is used when the writer wants to say that one thing is like another thing.

Examples:
He ran like the wind.
In this example, comparing his running speed to the wind gives the reader the idea that he ran very fast.

She sings like an angel.
In this example, we are saying she sings beautifully.

It is as cold as ice.
In this example, we are saying it is very cold.

Use Metaphors Effectively
Metaphors help the writer paint a vivid picture for their readers. A cleverly written metaphor can liven up your content. I admit that it took me a long time to get a handle on how to use metaphors effectively. But, once I got a little bit of an idea of how to use metaphors, I tried my hand at using them with a publication that I wrote titled, “Write Like a Musician for Content That Flows.” 

For Further Reading
I have a writer friend who is a former school teacher. His name is William Holland. He is a published author who explains metaphors in a way that may help you gain a tighter grasp of the concept. Read his publication titled, “Writing 101: The Under-Appreciated metaphor.”  

Until next time, "Happy Writing!"

Copyright Marlene C. Bertrand.    All rights reserved.


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The Period and the Semicolon

12/8/2014

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A period is used to note the end of a sentence.

A semicolon, on the other hand, is a cross between a comma and a period; denoting that related information is to follow.

Here are some common semicolon rules:

Rule 1:
We often use a comma at the end of a thought. It causes the reader to pause. Now, the semicolon, being a combination of a comma and a period notes more or less a complete thought. When you use the semicolon, you are letting the reader know that the words which follow the semicolon are closely related to the words preceding the semicolon.

Example:
Tasha said she was sorry; it was her fault anyway.

Rule 2:
There are certain words that we use to cause the reader to pause. Some grammar experts call these connector words or transitional words. We use these words to connect two independent clauses (sentences that have a subject and a verb, and is a complete thought).

Use a semicolon between independent clauses, separated by connector or transitional words such as and, but, with respect to, in other words, actually, indeed, furthermore, also, besides, however, as soon as, all of a sudden, etc. Place the semicolon in front of the connector words and a comma after connector words.

Examples:
I ran for six miles; all of a sudden, my feet began to ache.
I can’t believe he didn’t open the door; then again, she did tell him she didn’t need his help for anything.

Rule 3:
In sentences that contain a series of items, we use commas. Sometimes, when the series contain items that include a comma (cities and states) a semicolon is used to make items in a series clearer.

Example:
I’d like to visit Paris, Texas; Marysville, Michigan; and San Jose, Costa Rica.

Semicolon or Period?
When you just want the reader to pause or when you want to join independent clauses together, use a semicolon. Use a period at the end of a complete sentence.

A semicolon is never used at the end of a sentence; however, a semicolon can be used at the end of a complete thought. Essentially, when two minor thoughts are brought together to form a better understanding for the reader, a semicolon may be used.

Copyright Marlene C. Bertrand 2014
Originally published 12-8-2014


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    Marlene C. Bertrand declared "Independent Writer" status in 2013. This blog shares her journey as a writer. Visit Marlene's  My Books page for recently published books.

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    Recommended Recources

    When I need answers to my writing questions, I refer to resources that have served me well as a technical writer in the past and as a freelance writer now. The following books sit on my bookshelf ready for use at my demand. When working with clients, you will need to adhere to the client’s style guide for how they want their documents to be formatted. As a freelance writer, you have the liberty of setting up your own style guide. The following resources offer excellent information on grammar and punctuation styles that are most common to writing for United States publishing standards.

    Any one or all of the following books are valuable books to have on your bookshelf at all times:

    Strunk and White's Elements of Style

    The Chicago Manual of Style

    Associated Press Stylebook


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