Ben East Books

Category: Blogs

  • When I’m Not Writing

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    Ben East
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    This is what I write about when I’m not writing: Stuff I read The ice in my drink vs the bell around my cat’s neck Titles of books I’d like to write The news Rage at the universe when the universe applies its whims inexorably against my wishes Politics Things I think are funny but…

  • Facebook vs Google in the Bubble

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    Ben East
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    The Google self and the Facebook self, in other words, are pretty different people. There’s a big difference between “you are what you click” and “you are what you share.” The Filter Bubble by Eli Pariser (2009) looks at how personalization on the Internet transforms the Internet itself, creating a different user experience for everyone. Through…

  • Blogging in the Filter Bubble

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    Ben East
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    The new Internet doesn’t just know you’re a dog; it knows your breed and wants to sell you a bowl of premium kibble. Eli Pariser’s 2009 The Filter Bubble is a call to self-reflection on how we represent ourselves—consciously and unconsciously—in the digital age. “You click on a link, which signals an interest in something,…

  • The Webnovel

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    Ben East
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    Distraction, or possibility? After a few weeks mulling and several hours research, I’d say it’s the former over the latter. But I’m open to hearing about the experience of others. I’ve already published my thoughts about Wattpad — Library, Roller Rink, or Click Farm? — and despite a few sensible comments by experienced authors who view…

  • April Reboot

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    Ben East
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    If white rabbits and colored eggs can symbolize Christianity’s holiest day, then why not boots? I’m in reboot mode after considerable turmoil to my writing framework. Turmoil here isn’t used in the negative. Jesus Christ Himself (Jesus H. Christ, to some) achieved his greatest miracle on waves of enormous turmoil. Turmoil forces us to react,…

  • Mail Call—Trump-Sized Satire

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    Ben East
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    Oh happy day! New books arrived for review, including one unexpected. Thanks to a tip from writing coach, author, and blogger Marylee MacDonald and literary website Dactyl Review I find myself in possession of not one but TWO books courtesy of author U.R. Bowie. The first looks like a novel of the most ridiculous order for…

  • A Trail in Two Countries

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    Ben East
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    Years ago I traveled the sands of Saudi Arabia, stopping along the way to tour the  old camel train forts. I visited these caravanserai along the Hejaz Railway, the line targeted by T.E. Lawrence and the Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire during World War I. My journeys between 2003-05 took me north from Jeddah through…

  • Book Marketing & Helping Others

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    Ben East
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    I’ve turned the tables on fellow indie writer and keen author interviewer Matthew Whiteside, who describes his Uniweb Productions website as A place for creativity, hope, inspiration, and all around good times. Anyone familiar with his interviews knows about the good times. But what about the hope and inspiration? What about the creativity? Find out…

  • Ten Questions

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    Ben East
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    I am asked, “A book begins as an idea in the writer’s imagination. Eventually, this grain of sand turns into a pearl. What was the grain of sand that fired your imagination?” I respond: Orwellian signs in the DC Metro: “IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING.” See what, exactly? Commuters staring empty-eyed at phones while…

  • Writers’ Resources

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    Ben East
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    Featuring two new resources for writers: Dactyl Review and Marylee MacDonald’s coaching blog. I came upon the first after engaging with the second by following the primary law of social media: be social. A quick exchange on Marylee’s blog pointed me the way to Dactyl Review, opening up a whole new platform for publishing book…