Have you been searching for love the conventional way, scouring the coffee houses and bars in the hopes of discovering your soul mate? Alternatively, have taken the plunge into the world of on-line dating, wallowing through prospective admirers. Here are some rules and suggestions to follow, termed “netiquette”, as you venture into the exciting world of online dating. :

1. Your profile is the most important feature of Internet dating. It needs to be clever and innovative. If your profile is not great, then you could be losing out on many potential dates. Furthermore, you could be losing out on meeting that special person that we all long for. It’s worth looking at other profiles to get a feel for what they say but don’t feel that you need to emulate them, for you are after all, unique, and you want to come across that way. Make sure that your profile stands out by writing the things that the others don’t have. This way, you can give others a real insight into your personality. Don’t lie or embellish your profile, as you’ll soon get trapped by your words.

2. Keep your emotional baggage at bay when it comes to writing a profile that works and when messaging potential dates. Everyone has problems. It’s impossible not to have something left over from a previous relationship – lack of confidence, financial concerns, a broken heart. Avoid putting your miseries on display for the whole world to see and to discuss. Keep your troubles hidden until you meet someone with whom you feel comfortable enough to share your feelings.

3. When you post a photo online, please remember that it’s supposed to represent you, so however tempting it is to post a photo of Jennifer Lopez or Brad Pitt, your date does need to know what you look like. Otherwise they are never going to find you when you meet.

4. True love needs interaction, and it’s also far from being skin deep. Respond when you get a message even if you don’t really desire the other person. There is no point in being impudent or cold. This person has real feelings. It’s fine to say, “no thanks” if you honestly feel that you are not suited on any level. At the opposite end of the scale, don’t play hard to get. If you like someone and they like you, be yourself, have fun, enjoy the interaction and don’t play games.

5. One of the almost guaranteed topics that will crop up repeatedly is the subject of sex. This might not come as much of a shock. Remember that you can interact with a fun chat if that’s what you want but make sure it’s reciprocated. Attempting to solicit sex, virtual or otherwise, too quickly may frighten off an otherwise potential mate.

6. When writing to your future date, there is no need to write essays. Capitalize on brevity and make the most of a short message by making every word count. Save the life story as a topic of interest for when you first meet.

7. An important safety tip is to remember that until you meet in a safe place, you are relying upon the word of the individual to reflect whom they truly are. Don’t think that everyone out there in Internet land is a wonderful enchanted being who is going to come and mesmerize you with their charm and whisk you off to fantasy land. Beware of those who promise you Xanadu. Fantasy is a wonderful, erotic tool, but until you are comfortable and have met your mate keep a foot planted firmly on the ground of the real world. On-line Internet dating offers a lot of potential but there is no magic wand. Be cautious not to give out too much information before establishing a bond.

Relationships are hard work, and you’ll have to take the good with the bad, but if you follow these commandments, you’ll enjoy the whole dating experience.
In my next blog, you will experience the perspective of my friend Alice, who is familiar with on-line dating. Her stories are hilarious so stay tuned.

Happy Birthday Ruchel, you’re an amazing woman and I truly love you!

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Trish Silver provides a wonderful take on what life for a contestant
on a reality television show is like after the last performance. She gives a
remarkable view of the world beyond and how a star is born. The original
music that was made for the novel only adds to the magical ambiance that
Ms. Silver so marvelously crafts. This is a story for anyone who has ever
been in love or ever dreamed of finding the special person meant for them.

If any of you have exciting news like this, please comment here and let us all know.

I was watching Nightline the other night and saw a segment called “Born to Cheat?” On the show Pastor Ed Young said that if a couple has a great sexual life it’s not necessary for the spouses to stray outside the marriage. This passage about passion and sexuality is actually a scripture in the bible. This validates to me the choice I made early on to craft my characters with integrity and fidelity. I was glad that I didn’t bow to the pressures from publishers and evaluators to add more conflict through cheating and drug use. I wanted this not to be the typical pop star rise and fall story about a celebrity being corrupted by fame and fortune. I wanted to prove that you one could write an exciting story without stooping to that level.

By the way, I’m still struggling with blogging but I’m learning to tolerate it.

Because of the economy people are losing their jobs, homes and 70% of them have been living paycheck to paycheck. They find themselves on the street and in some cases; they become vagrants, which in most cases classifies them as criminals. For many homeless people, this life consists of waiting in lines at food banks, occasional arrests, periodic harassing and finding a clean place to sleep that won’t put them in harm’s way.  It’s an appalling life that one cannot fully understand, unless put in that situation.

I want to be a special voice for the homeless and someday be able (through charitable contributions and book sales) to open up homeless sanctuaries around the country that will teach these poor souls a new vocation, spiritual guidance and counseling. A drug free environment is crucial and the schooling for these children is mandatory at a local public school. All school clothes and supplies will be new and given to the children to increase self-esteem.  They will be able to stay in the facility for eighteen months while they build their self-esteem and self-confidence with the help of psychological counseling. After the allotted time, they will be given money to start their new lives and the sanctuary will find them employment.  Would you join me in my quest to end homelessness in America and be a voice of motivation for these unfortunate individuals?

One of my friends asked how the book was selling. I said, “Great for an unknown author.”

The conversation suddenly changed to other topics. I’m used to my friends being indifferent. I thought to myself, but wait until I turn into a famous writer, then I will get the respect that I deserve!

When I got home, I tried to get it together. I checked my blog and still no comments. Staring at my computer in disbelief, I thought how could this happen. So I played free poker on line to ease my pain.

The next morning, I worked on my continuing second novel. In the late afternoon, I went to play cards with my little old lady friend from Pasadena. Her name is Rose, she’s 90 and sharp as a tack. She’s unbelievable…no health problems and very serious about her card games…a no nonsense type of gal. I love games and gambling! It runs in my family. My father died in front of a slot machine. He had a massive coronary. Maybe that will be my fate too. We played Shanghai Rummy from 5:30 until 1 a.m. She beat me four out of six games. There are nine different games to one set. So that makes 56 games in all. I went home trampled, but happy. I love her company and spunk. I want to be her when I grow up!

By the way, the California fires were burning all around us. On my way home, the smoke came blasting through the air-conditioning vents and I was afraid they were going to close the freeway or I was going to die of asphyxiation. However, I made it home safely. It’s sad how two firemen lost their lives fighting these horrific fires. I’m grieving for them and their families. We experienced a fire once and believe me, it was scary. Our house took eight months to be rebuilt, and we lost a lot of things…just things. Everybody lived and that was all that mattered.

It’s late, my eyes are closing, and tomorrow I’m listening to a teleseminar about Facebook and other social media sites. Stay tuned for some valuable information on networking and promotion. If you would like to leave a comment… you can.

Trish

Blogging seems too time consuming and nonproductive. In my limited experience, no one seems to ever leave a comment and that to a writer is devastating. Why blog if no one reads it?

I’m an unknown author who has just written her first great American novel. Everyone thinks that their novel is the best and is going to be the next big Blockbuster. I actually think that my new romance novel, “When I Remember Love,” could very easily be adapted into film, it’s the new modern day “Love Story.” By the way, I even have a songwriting team…more about that later. My book is about a talented pop-star who tries out for a reality talent show and meets the love of his life before the finale. They marry quickly and begin their journey through the music industry together. You will find out what’s like to live with a major celebrity and have access to a backstage pass into the exciting world of a Superstar. I even dare to write about a married couple that has a HOT sex life.  With a lousy economy, studios closing at a rapid rate and me being an unknown HOT author (that’s the comments that I get from my fans…yes I do have fans), I’m a bit reluctant to blog often. However, I hired a marketing coach and an assistant, and they have ordered me…I mean requested that I blog. So even though I hate it, I will try to make it interesting and maybe, just maybe, you will comment and I will not be so pessimistic.

Stay tuned for part two tomorrow.

Trish Silver

www.trishsilver.com