Author Archives: Thetawave
15 Places to Make Money Creating Your Own Products
Creating your own products used to mean a significant up-front investment — purchasing a minimum amount of the product as dictated by the manufacturer, paying for warehousing, packaging, point-of-sale systems, and other overhead costs. And that was all before you
15 Places to Make Money Creating Your Own Products
Creating your own products used to mean a significant up-front investment — purchasing a minimum amount of the product as dictated by the manufacturer, paying for warehousing, packaging, point-of-sale systems, and other overhead costs. And that was all before you
Art Resources for Game Creation
One of things I constantly run into is “where to find new images?” I believe that most designers have this ongoing issue–and it doesn’t help that we should be very conscious of the rights of the image creator. This is
Art Resources for Game Creation
One of things I constantly run into is “where to find new images?” I believe that most designers have this ongoing issue–and it doesn’t help that we should be very conscious of the rights of the image creator. This is
Review: The iPhone on Straight Talk | 9to5Mac
In recent months, the iPhone has been released on a few U.S. prepaid carriers, allowing consumers to purchase the device without a contract on a much cheaper plan than what a post-paid carrier would offer on a contract. Unfortunately, the
Review: The iPhone on Straight Talk | 9to5Mac
In recent months, the iPhone has been released on a few U.S. prepaid carriers, allowing consumers to purchase the device without a contract on a much cheaper plan than what a post-paid carrier would offer on a contract. Unfortunately, the
How To: Straight Talk and iPhone – SIM Swap
Tired of huge cell phone bills but want to keep your iPhone with all its cool apps? Get Straighttalk. Here’s how: via How To: Straight Talk and iPhone – SIM Swap.
How To: Straight Talk and iPhone – SIM Swap
Tired of huge cell phone bills but want to keep your iPhone with all its cool apps? Get Straighttalk. Here’s how: via How To: Straight Talk and iPhone – SIM Swap.
How to avoid writing badly.
Reblogged from Author Solutions – The Indie Book Writers Blog | Self Publishing | Get Published: For many years of my career, I was a creative director at an ad agency and one thing I would tell the writers on
How to avoid writing badly.
Reblogged from Author Solutions – The Indie Book Writers Blog | Self Publishing | Get Published: For many years of my career, I was a creative director at an ad agency and one thing I would tell the writers on
Self Published Authors Get Ready, You’re Being Dumped » The Vandal
Self Published Authors Get Ready, You’re Being Dumped If you’re a self published author, get ready for some disappointing news. Your usefulness is coming to an end. Yes, you have all worked very hard for very little return in building
Self Published Authors Get Ready, You’re Being Dumped » The Vandal
Self Published Authors Get Ready, You’re Being Dumped If you’re a self published author, get ready for some disappointing news. Your usefulness is coming to an end. Yes, you have all worked very hard for very little return in building
How to Easily Post an Article From the Web on Your Blog
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Get a blog at WordPress, if you don’t have one. If you want to post things that you see on other websites, I recommend the tool called “Press This.” You need to add it to the toolbar in
How to Easily Post an Article From the Web on Your Blog
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Get a blog at WordPress, if you don’t have one. If you want to post things that you see on other websites, I recommend the tool called “Press This.” You need to add it to the toolbar in
How to Post Your Blog Article to Your LinkedIn Profile & Discussion Group
The following instructions allow you to post your blog article to your profile and to any discussion groups you belong to. Assuming you have a WordPress blog: SETUP 1. Login 2. Go to your dashboard 3. Go to Settings >
How to Post Your Blog Article to Your LinkedIn Profile & Discussion Group
The following instructions allow you to post your blog article to your profile and to any discussion groups you belong to. Assuming you have a WordPress blog: SETUP 1. Login 2. Go to your dashboard 3. Go to Settings >
Limbaugh Announces New Fragrance
Conservative radio talker Rush Limbaugh has taken one step further in creating a full-fledged lifestyle brand by announcing the launch of a new fragrance called “Rush.” The musky, some might say musty, scent with a hint of cinnamon and black
Limbaugh Announces New Fragrance
Conservative radio talker Rush Limbaugh has taken one step further in creating a full-fledged lifestyle brand by announcing the launch of a new fragrance called “Rush.” The musky, some might say musty, scent with a hint of cinnamon and black
Book Illustration Basics for Writers & Illustrators Alike
You Want to Be a Book Illustrator I recommend going to school and getting professional training. Take design and illustration courses from working professionals in the field. The design department of a university or art school is a great place
Book Illustration Basics for Writers & Illustrators Alike
You Want to Be a Book Illustrator I recommend going to school and getting professional training. Take design and illustration courses from working professionals in the field. The design department of a university or art school is a great place
3 Simple Recession-Proof Businesses
Thinking of starting a new business? Any good business person knows that there are opportunities in every economic climate. It’s a matter of seeing trends and knowing how and when to act. See the trend under the news increased environmental
3 Simple Recession-Proof Businesses
Thinking of starting a new business? Any good business person knows that there are opportunities in every economic climate. It’s a matter of seeing trends and knowing how and when to act. See the trend under the news increased environmental
Still Waters Run Deep: Visual Metaphors & Effective Book Design
Many first-time clients tend to fall into a common trap when hiring a graphic designer: they want a “literal” solution. They don’t understand that a more effective kind of design uses visual metaphors to generate interest in the viewer. The
Still Waters Run Deep: Visual Metaphors & Effective Book Design
Many first-time clients tend to fall into a common trap when hiring a graphic designer: they want a “literal” solution. They don’t understand that a more effective kind of design uses visual metaphors to generate interest in the viewer. The
What Do Women Really Want? The Use of Sensuality in Advertising.
What do women want, and how do you write copy for them? How do you advertise a product (such as a face/body cream) to women? How do women experience a product and how does it differ from men? It seems
What Do Women Really Want? The Use of Sensuality in Advertising.
What do women want, and how do you write copy for them? How do you advertise a product (such as a face/body cream) to women? How do women experience a product and how does it differ from men? It seems
Found: Interactive Design at Grocery Store
~ or A Rose is a Rose is a Rose, Except When it’s Trash. In California, we have three different ways to discard trash: landfill, compost, and recycling; there is a lot of confusion regarding what goes where. Americans are always in a
Found: Interactive Design at Grocery Store
~ or A Rose is a Rose is a Rose, Except When it’s Trash. In California, we have three different ways to discard trash: landfill, compost, and recycling; there is a lot of confusion regarding what goes where. Americans are always in a
The Fine Art of Book Cover Design
In the last post I featured a book cover design that used very few elements to create an eye-catching design that instantly conveyed the mood and content of the book. I thought it would be fun to show how the
The Fine Art of Book Cover Design
In the last post I featured a book cover design that used very few elements to create an eye-catching design that instantly conveyed the mood and content of the book. I thought it would be fun to show how the
A Happy Book Cover Design
A lot of folks new to publishing think that books need illustrations. But no matter how good the illustration (or photo) a book cover relies on the skill of its graphic designer. The job of the designer is fourfold: 1.
A Happy Book Cover Design
A lot of folks new to publishing think that books need illustrations. But no matter how good the illustration (or photo) a book cover relies on the skill of its graphic designer. The job of the designer is fourfold: 1.
Disk Utility’s hidden talents | Macworld
by Ted Landau, Macworld.com Jun 5, 2006 12:00 am Poor Disk Utility. It seems fated to remain one of Mac OS X’s most underappreciated utilities. If you’ve even launched it at all, chances are you haven’t gone beyond using its
Disk Utility’s hidden talents | Macworld
by Ted Landau, Macworld.com Jun 5, 2006 12:00 am Poor Disk Utility. It seems fated to remain one of Mac OS X’s most underappreciated utilities. If you’ve even launched it at all, chances are you haven’t gone beyond using its
Publisher looking for short travel stories–adventures or amazing travel experiences
The following was seen on CouchSurfing.org ————- Hi there, My name is Ian Usher, and I am both a couchsurfing traveller and a travel stories publisher, working under the banner of Wider Vision Publishing. We have recently published five Amazon
Publisher looking for short travel stories–adventures or amazing travel experiences
The following was seen on CouchSurfing.org ————- Hi there, My name is Ian Usher, and I am both a couchsurfing traveller and a travel stories publisher, working under the banner of Wider Vision Publishing. We have recently published five Amazon
A Free Art Deco Font for Professional Designers
Download this beautiful, free font: CASSANNET >>
80 Beautiful Typefaces For Professional Design | Smashing Magazine
Let’s take a look at over 80 gorgeous typefaces for professional design, based upon suggestions from designers and web-developers all over the world. Most screenshots are taken from the foundries and provided specimens – particularly on Veer.com and Fontshop.com… via
80 Beautiful Typefaces For Professional Design | Smashing Magazine
Let’s take a look at over 80 gorgeous typefaces for professional design, based upon suggestions from designers and web-developers all over the world. Most screenshots are taken from the foundries and provided specimens – particularly on Veer.com and Fontshop.com… via
The Path to Buying a Book
One of the things I learned from interface design is that a good designer / marketer has to know the common path that the user takes when first encountering the product. Sites like Amazon make it easier for a user
The Path to Buying a Book
One of the things I learned from interface design is that a good designer / marketer has to know the common path that the user takes when first encountering the product. Sites like Amazon make it easier for a user
Revenge of the Middle-Aged Woman
A book’s title is one of the five elements that I defined in a former post as the most important to the popularity of a book. In perusing through titles in a recent search on Amazon, I found this amusing,
Revenge of the Middle-Aged Woman
A book’s title is one of the five elements that I defined in a former post as the most important to the popularity of a book. In perusing through titles in a recent search on Amazon, I found this amusing,
How to Post Your Email Address Online (while avoiding spammers)
Be careful of posting your email address online. A favorite technique of spammers is to “scrape” websites for email addresses. Then they can not only spam you but use your email address to send out spam to others. One way
How to Post Your Email Address Online (while avoiding spammers)
Be careful of posting your email address online. A favorite technique of spammers is to “scrape” websites for email addresses. Then they can not only spam you but use your email address to send out spam to others. One way
Funding Your Small Business With Crowd Funding
The JOBS Act The Jumpstart Our Business Startups (JOBS) Act, signed into law by President Obama this week, wipes away a batch of regulatory restrictions on small companies. The CROWDFUND Act will enable any US citizen to invest at least
Funding Your Small Business With Crowd Funding
The JOBS Act The Jumpstart Our Business Startups (JOBS) Act, signed into law by President Obama this week, wipes away a batch of regulatory restrictions on small companies. The CROWDFUND Act will enable any US citizen to invest at least
Copyright, Trademark, or Patent?
People often ask me how they can protect their work. There is a lot of confusion about what form of protection is appropriate. When should you use a copyright? And what exactly is a patent or trademark? Here’s a quick
Copyright, Trademark, or Patent?
People often ask me how they can protect their work. There is a lot of confusion about what form of protection is appropriate. When should you use a copyright? And what exactly is a patent or trademark? Here’s a quick
How Can You Protect a Creative Idea?
THE NEXT BEST THING TO SLICED BREAD I know how the creative mind works: when you have a brainstorm, you know your idea is unique and brilliant. It probably is, but know this: many people have brilliant ideas, and they
How Can You Protect a Creative Idea?
THE NEXT BEST THING TO SLICED BREAD I know how the creative mind works: when you have a brainstorm, you know your idea is unique and brilliant. It probably is, but know this: many people have brilliant ideas, and they
CHEAP Bird Seed: Spread It Around!
My newest book is now available as a download off my site, ParallelMindzz for only $4.98 (CHEAP). If you wanted the free offer, it’s over for now, but you can have the book is available for less than the cost of
CHEAP Bird Seed: Spread It Around!
My newest book is now available as a download off my site, ParallelMindzz for only $4.98 (CHEAP). If you wanted the free offer, it’s over for now, but you can have the book is available for less than the cost of
Top Ten Reasons Why Your Website Should Be a WordPress Blog
There is a lot of confusion about Wordpress, even to some old-school web professionals. I will attempt to clarify and define the differences so you can make a good choice of what kind of website you want to have. Please be
Top Ten Reasons Why Your Website Should Be a WordPress Blog
There is a lot of confusion about Wordpress, even to some old-school web professionals. I will attempt to clarify and define the differences so you can make a good choice of what kind of website you want to have. Please be
Short History of Web Design
For those who are not techhies or propeller-heads, I thought it might be time for a review of website design history. This short article is a technical background to support my other articles on WordPress, and why you might want
Short History of Web Design
For those who are not techhies or propeller-heads, I thought it might be time for a review of website design history. This short article is a technical background to support my other articles on WordPress, and why you might want
Tips on How to Get Your WordPress Website Up Quickly
There are three basic ways to get your website up quickly. You have to decide which one appeals to you. This article assumes that you want to run a dynamic site that updates information regularly and for that reason, comes
Tips on How to Get Your WordPress Website Up Quickly
There are three basic ways to get your website up quickly. You have to decide which one appeals to you. This article assumes that you want to run a dynamic site that updates information regularly and for that reason, comes
Friends Don’t Let Friends Use Go-Daddy
I can’t tell you the amount of times people have asked me about web hosting services. Which one is the best? Since they registered their domain name with GoDaddy, they naturally think that this is the way to go, but
Friends Don’t Let Friends Use Go-Daddy
I can’t tell you the amount of times people have asked me about web hosting services. Which one is the best? Since they registered their domain name with GoDaddy, they naturally think that this is the way to go, but
You Deserve a Medal: Honors on the Path to True Love
I won’t say that the cover of this book deserves a medal (which is surprising, since it was designed by a designer), but I found myself laughing myself silly at the premise: For over two thousand years, heroic deeds and
You Deserve a Medal: Honors on the Path to True Love
I won’t say that the cover of this book deserves a medal (which is surprising, since it was designed by a designer), but I found myself laughing myself silly at the premise: For over two thousand years, heroic deeds and
Steal Like an Artist (book trailer)
This is one book I would like to have designed and written. In fact I may steal the idea… (wait a minute, I already published a book like this) Pocket Parallel Mind About the Author Austin Kleon is a writer
Steal Like an Artist (book trailer)
This is one book I would like to have designed and written. In fact I may steal the idea… (wait a minute, I already published a book like this) Pocket Parallel Mind About the Author Austin Kleon is a writer
An Inspirational Website by Top Graphic Designer
These days it is hard for a designer to find inspiring websites online. Most websites — including 3 of my own — are made in PHP and CSS, which limits a lot of fun, creative interactive goodies and design elements
An Inspirational Website by Top Graphic Designer
These days it is hard for a designer to find inspiring websites online. Most websites — including 3 of my own — are made in PHP and CSS, which limits a lot of fun, creative interactive goodies and design elements
The 5 Elements of a Great Book
There are five elements to a great book—only one is your content. To create a successful book, you need: 1. A great concept 2. A catchy title 3. An outstanding cover, and book interior (design) 4. Good editing (content and
The 5 Elements of a Great Book
There are five elements to a great book—only one is your content. To create a successful book, you need: 1. A great concept 2. A catchy title 3. An outstanding cover, and book interior (design) 4. Good editing (content and
PayPal Reverses Proposed Censorship: Letter From Smashwords Founder Mark Coker
Great news. Yesterday afternoon I met with PayPal at their office in San Jose, where they informed me of their decision to modify their policies to allow legal fiction. Effective last night, we rolled back the Smashwords Terms of Service
PayPal Reverses Proposed Censorship: Letter From Smashwords Founder Mark Coker
Great news. Yesterday afternoon I met with PayPal at their office in San Jose, where they informed me of their decision to modify their policies to allow legal fiction. Effective last night, we rolled back the Smashwords Terms of Service
A Book Cover That Freezes Viewers in Their Tracks
Book designer Karen Minster takes a gutsy chance by turning the name of the author and the image of the swanky lady 90 degrees in this book cover design. An image deliberately misplaced like this draws attention, while inferring that
A Book Cover That Freezes Viewers in Their Tracks
Book designer Karen Minster takes a gutsy chance by turning the name of the author and the image of the swanky lady 90 degrees in this book cover design. An image deliberately misplaced like this draws attention, while inferring that
Need a Book Cover? Tips on How to Hire & Work With a Designer
Your cover is one of the main areas where you SHOULD absolutely spend money. However, remember to do your due diligence first: Find a real graphic designer, not a pseudo designer. These days a lot of people call themselves “designers”
Need a Book Cover? Tips on How to Hire & Work With a Designer
Your cover is one of the main areas where you SHOULD absolutely spend money. However, remember to do your due diligence first: Find a real graphic designer, not a pseudo designer. These days a lot of people call themselves “designers”
How Graphic Designers Helped Elect a President
The power of visual images has been used for years to help promote political issues as well as advertise products. Few may realize that designers all over the USA helped elect Obama. (Unfortunately, I cannot embed the marvelous video on
How Graphic Designers Helped Elect a President
The power of visual images has been used for years to help promote political issues as well as advertise products. Few may realize that designers all over the USA helped elect Obama. (Unfortunately, I cannot embed the marvelous video on
My SQL Wears a Suit, What Does Your SQL wear?
I enjoy humorous copy in advertising. When I wrote my latest book, Bird Seed, (now FREE for a limited time as a download) I found myself writing it in a humorous style; quite a departure from my first book, Parallel
My SQL Wears a Suit, What Does Your SQL wear?
I enjoy humorous copy in advertising. When I wrote my latest book, Bird Seed, (now FREE for a limited time as a download) I found myself writing it in a humorous style; quite a departure from my first book, Parallel
Found Object: Wine Label
I was in Trader Joe’s recently with a friend of mine who is an architect when I discovered a new wine in the wine section. I admit that my lust was merely visual: I didn’t care what the wine actually
Found Object: Wine Label
I was in Trader Joe’s recently with a friend of mine who is an architect when I discovered a new wine in the wine section. I admit that my lust was merely visual: I didn’t care what the wine actually
How Much Should a Custom Book Cover Cost?
Whether you are publishing just an E-book or in print, you will need a book cover. This means that you will have to hire at least one design professional. There are two people traditionally involved in book cover design: 1.
How Much Should a Custom Book Cover Cost?
Whether you are publishing just an E-book or in print, you will need a book cover. This means that you will have to hire at least one design professional. There are two people traditionally involved in book cover design: 1.
Should You Enter Your Book in the IPPY Competition?
Does your book may have a chance of winning a book contest? Here are my four principles of producing a quality—if not a bestselling—book: CONCEPT Is the concept for your book intriguing? Does it present something really different from others
Should You Enter Your Book in the IPPY Competition?
Does your book may have a chance of winning a book contest? Here are my four principles of producing a quality—if not a bestselling—book: CONCEPT Is the concept for your book intriguing? Does it present something really different from others
A Book Cover for a Naughty Novel
OK, it’s just not really a naughty book; it’s just a romance novel by bestselling author Gena Showalter. I thought it would make a good cover for design analysis. Looks great in the large photo, right? Although I love the
A Book Cover for a Naughty Novel
OK, it’s just not really a naughty book; it’s just a romance novel by bestselling author Gena Showalter. I thought it would make a good cover for design analysis. Looks great in the large photo, right? Although I love the
Outstanding Magazines for Graphic Designers
Fast Company’s Co.Design is my new love. Of course, as a graphic designer, I love it for the way it looks. In a sea of “developer-designed” websites, this site stands out as a delicately refined, beautiful marvel. As for the
Outstanding Magazines for Graphic Designers
Fast Company’s Co.Design is my new love. Of course, as a graphic designer, I love it for the way it looks. In a sea of “developer-designed” websites, this site stands out as a delicately refined, beautiful marvel. As for the
Typography for a Historical Novel
A year ago I designed the interior of an historical novel from the time of the American Revolution. I wanted to find a font I had seen in other period novels that looked antique and hand-printed from an old letterpress
Typography for a Historical Novel
A year ago I designed the interior of an historical novel from the time of the American Revolution. I wanted to find a font I had seen in other period novels that looked antique and hand-printed from an old letterpress
Should an Author Design Their Own Bookcover?
A few years ago I was asked to step in to finish a book cover design. The author already had a painting to put on the cover, so all I didn’t have to illustrate the book. I used my expertise
Should an Author Design Their Own Bookcover?
A few years ago I was asked to step in to finish a book cover design. The author already had a painting to put on the cover, so all I didn’t have to illustrate the book. I used my expertise
The Solitude of Prime Numbers
This book cover and title attracted my attention. It’s a definite entry in my top book cover awards competition, for typographical treatment, a fresh nearly-naive design, and for the illustration. The “two peas in a pod” image conveys a cozy
The Solitude of Prime Numbers
This book cover and title attracted my attention. It’s a definite entry in my top book cover awards competition, for typographical treatment, a fresh nearly-naive design, and for the illustration. The “two peas in a pod” image conveys a cozy
Moonwalking With Einstein
I’ve decided to create my own list of phenomenal book cover and book interior design. They should win awards, as far as I am concerned. As I see them, I’ll add them to this list. All the book covers that
Moonwalking With Einstein
I’ve decided to create my own list of phenomenal book cover and book interior design. They should win awards, as far as I am concerned. As I see them, I’ll add them to this list. All the book covers that
