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Auto Loan - Why Is It Important To Have The Best Car Loan Rate?
There is something that you should have crystal clear before you wish to opt for the best car loan rate. It all depends on your credit score. Remember those seven words because they are going to decide whether you get the best cat loan rate for your auto loan or not.Many people look for a low down payment or low monthly payments when searching for an auto loan, but you shouldn’t. I’ll tell you why. Auto loan rates decide how much you will end up paying. If you get a low down payment but have a high auto loan rate then in the end you’ll need more money to pay for your car. Generally, you’ll wind up paying around 20 to 30 percent more than the original price. Some times is can climb up to 40 percent if you’re not careful.One Small Tip and…If you want to go for the best car loan rate you will need to know a few tips and tricks to get the job done. Here is one tip that works out for many people, however it depends mostly on the auto car dealer.At the end of

Giants?" and so on.

You can see why 'Little Tommy's Exciting Day' type of story doesn't succeed. Tommy doesn't set out to do anything or solve a problem (other than being bored) and is faced with no challenges along the way. Stuff just happens.

Any book needs to answer the story question, but it must be more than a simple yes or no. It must show HOW the main character achieved his goal, and it must show how the character grows and changes as he pursues his goal. He needs to have a plan of action. Inevitably, he will need to adapt to circumstances - but with each new obstacle, the main character must (1) react; (2) evaluate the plan and make necessary changes, THEN (3) move forward. In most episodic stories, the character simply reacts then moves forward to the next obstacle WITHOUT making further plans. Quite often, older/wiser/stronger secondary characters will decide on the next step for him. Not a good idea! This gives you a weak main character.

3. The reactive character does not operate from his strengths.

He magically finds new skills when needed, rather than possessing them beforehand. He overcomes each obstacle b

Display Fabrics & Printing Processes
Printed fabric can be incorporated in a number of ways into signage, trade show displays, lobby displays, museum displays and more. In fabric printing for displays, a decorative pattern or design is applied to constructed fabric by dye sublimation or direct digital printing methods. Here's a quick breakdown of each type of textile printing:In dye sublimation printing, an image is digitally printed in reverse with special dye sublimation toners or inks onto regular media, such as paper. The image is then placed on top of a polyester-based or coated fabric, and subjected to high heat and pressure from a heat press. The dye sub toners or inks "sublimate" (when a material goes directly from a solid state to a gaseous state, without becoming liquid)and flow into the fabric, dying the threads.In direct fabric digital printing, fabric is fed directly into an inkjet printer. Of course, the fabric must have a special inkjet coating on it, and then it

The rejection letter says: "Your story, on the surface, appears to be well-told and has appealing characters. However, the writing is episodic; the story lacks direction."

You frown. Huh? The story lacks direction? How could it? Your main character is on a quest; how much more of a direction could you have than that?

Clearly, this editor doesn't know what she's talking about. Oh well. It takes all types... you bundle up your manuscript and send it out to the next publisher.

Six rejections later, you feel more than a bit miffed. This is a good story; everyone in your writing group says so. Your writing style is smooth and accomplished (even a few editors have said that).

So why the heck do they keep rejecting it? It's something to do with the plot; that much is clear. But what?

If you're lucky enough to get feedback, look for clues in the comments that have been made. The moment you see the word 'episodic', that is the biggest and best clue you could have. Not all editors will use this term. They might say things like 'what is the story question?' or 'the character has no clear-cut goal' or 'there is no character growth'. All of these things can point to your story being episodic.

1. What Does "Episodic" Mean?

If someone tells you that your story is 'episodic', they mean that your story is a series of episodes, or events, that are very loosely tied together. The "events" crop up one after the other as a way of entertaining the reader, but there is little character growth between one episode and the next. Nor can we easily see how one event grows out of the one before.

Some examples of how a story may be episodic:

(a) The "Little Tommy had never had such an exciting day!" theme:

FIRST: A child starts out in a normal/boring situation. Then something happens to change things. (A child might find a doorway into a magic kingdom, go on a balloon ride, go to stay on the grandparents' farm etc etc)
SECOND: The child sees a series of amazing sights/takes part in various fun activities/experiences several hair-raising incidents.
THIRD: The child says "What a lovely day I've had. I'll keep this fairy land a secret, but I'll keep going back to have more fun with my new friends!" (Or: "Phew. I'm glad that's over. I'm so happy to be back home!")

What's wrong with this? There is no plot. Just a bunch of 'stuff' that happens to fill in time.

(b) The "Fantasy Trap"

FIRST: The main character is drawn into a different world or discovers that he/she is 'the chosen one'.
SECOND: This character is presented with a 'quest' to prove his worthiness to take up the mantle of the Chosen One. (He might have to free a character/being from enchantment or imprisonment, OR to learn to use the magic that is buried deep within, OR to right a great wrong etc etc.)
THIRD: The character sets off on his quest. On the way he is faced with one challenge after another (Menacing Fantasy Creature #1, the Hypnotic Field of Flowers, the Dreadful Sucking Swamp, the Shape-Changer, Menacing Fantasy Creature #2, the Dark and Deadly Forest, the Awful Abyss, the Mountain of Sorrows, Menacing Fantasy Creature #3 and so on and so on...)
FOURTH: The character overcomes each obstacle in turn. He finally frees the imprisoned Queen or finds the Sword of Destiny or whatever. He saves the land from annihilation or closes the door between two worlds and keeps evil at bay for another 1000 years.

Yawn. Another cliched fantasy novel ends.

Now, before you indignantly start to point out the many classic (and popular) fantasy novels that fit into the above formula, let me point out why some books work and some don't (even though they appear to have the same 'ingredients'). This applies to any genre.

1. The character is reactive rather than proactive.

In other words, he spends the book stumbling from one obstacle to another, reacting to whatever crops up. He doesn't sit down and formulate a clear plan of action. Quite often, other characters guide the outcome.

2. There is no story question.

The 'story question' is the question that is aroused in the reader's mind at the beginning of the story: "Will the guy get the girl?"; "Will Mary succeed in taking over the firm?"; "Will Xanor take his rightful place as Head of the Galaxy Alien Committee?"; "Will Laura track down the serial killer before she becomes the next victim?"; "How will Toby find his way back from the Land of Giants?" and so on.

3. The reactive character does not operate from his strengths.

He magically finds new skills when needed, rather than possessing them beforehand. He overcomes each obstacle by

Protecting Your Legal Rights - Affordably!
So you've examined all the tax shelters, distribution strategies, marketing plans, and started out on your road to riches and independence. But wait! Now you find out that you are exposed to liabilities, interferences maybe even litigation. Now what? The budget for legal expense is stretched well beyond your comfort zone.The bottom line: We all need legal advice or representation. Most of us simply cannot justify the rising cost of this service. Are you aware that Legal Service Plans for Business offer extensive coverage and are also extremely affordable? According to the American Bar Association, tens of millions of legal service plans are in force at this very moment.How do you handle everyday matters? You know you have legal rights but, are you prepared to enforce them? How do you identify or better yet, defend those rights?Theoretically, with a Legal Service Plan you can budget some of your legal expense in advance and never be unprepared to defend your rights aga

owth'. All of these things can point to your story being episodic.

1. What Does "Episodic" Mean?

Some examples of how a story may be episodic:

(a) The "Little Tommy had never had such an exciting day!" theme:

FIRST: A child starts out in a normal/boring situation. Then something happens to change things. (A child might find a doorway into a magic kingdom, go on a balloon ride, go to stay on the grandparents' farm etc etc)
SECOND: The child sees a series of amazing sights/takes part in various fun activities/experiences several hair-raising incidents.
THIRD: The child says "What a lovely day I've had. I'll keep this fairy land a secret, but I'll keep going back to have more fun with my new friends!" (Or: "Phew. I'm glad that's over. I'm so happy to be back home!")

What's wrong with this? There is no plot. Just a bunch of 'stuff' that happens to fill in time.

(b) The "Fantasy Trap"

FIRST: The main character is drawn into a different world or discovers that he/she is 'the chosen one'.
SECOND: This character is presented with a 'quest' to prove his worthiness to take up the mantle of the Chosen One. (He might have to free a character/being from enchantment or imprisonment, OR to learn to use the magic that is buried deep within, OR to right a great wrong etc etc.)
THIRD: The character sets off on his quest. On the way he is faced with one challenge after another (Menacing Fantasy Creature #1, the Hypnotic Field of Flowers, the Dreadful Sucking Swamp, the Shape-Changer, Menacing Fantasy Creature #2, the Dark and Deadly Forest, the Awful Abyss, the Mountain of Sorrows, Menacing Fantasy Creature #3 and so on and so on...)
FOURTH: The character overcomes each obstacle in turn. He finally frees the imprisoned Queen or finds the Sword of Destiny or whatever. He saves the land from annihilation or closes the door between two worlds and keeps evil at bay for another 1000 years.

Yawn. Another cliched fantasy novel ends.

1. The character is reactive rather than proactive.

2. There is no story question.

3. The reactive character does not operate from his strengths.

He magically finds new skills when needed, rather than possessing them beforehand. He overcomes each obstacle b

A Guide to Choosing Income Rating Tax Software
Income tax is something people have to file with the government every year. The amount to be paid is different for everyone and this depends entirely on one’s income. The taxpayer can compute everything using a calculator or better yet use software to make the job easier.There are a lot of tax softwares now available to help in filing income tax. Some are for personal use while others are for business. How can the person tell this is the right one to use? Here are some guidelines that will be helpful in choosing it.1. When looking for the right program, it is important to know what features does it have. Does it have the required forms when filing for federal or state taxes? Can the program enable the person to save the information when it is not yet finished? Is it possible to submit the report online?2. Some programs promise to cut the time of filing the income tax form in half. A good question to ask if whether this is user-friendly enough for the person to underst

s!" (Or: "Phew. I'm glad that's over. I'm so happy to be back home!") What's wrong with this? There is no plot. Just a bunch of 'stuff' that happens to fill in time.

(b) The "Fantasy Trap"

FIRST: The main character is drawn into a different world or discovers that he/she is 'the chosen one'.
SECOND: This character is presented with a 'quest' to prove his worthiness to take up the mantle of the Chosen One. (He might have to free a character/being from enchantment or imprisonment, OR to learn to use the magic that is buried deep within, OR to right a great wrong etc etc.)
THIRD: The character sets off on his quest. On the way he is faced with one challenge after another (Menacing Fantasy Creature #1, the Hypnotic Field of Flowers, the Dreadful Sucking Swamp, the Shape-Changer, Menacing Fantasy Creature #2, the Dark and Deadly Forest, the Awful Abyss, the Mountain of Sorrows, Menacing Fantasy Creature #3 and so on and so on...)
FOURTH: The character overcomes each obstacle in turn. He finally frees the imprisoned Queen or finds the Sword of Destiny or whatever. He saves the land from annihilation or closes the door between two worlds and keeps evil at bay for another 1000 years.

Yawn. Another cliched fantasy novel ends.

1. The character is reactive rather than proactive.

2. There is no story question.

3. The reactive character does not operate from his strengths.

He magically finds new skills when needed, rather than possessing them beforehand. He overcomes each obstacle b

Get Out of Debt - Starting Today
Debt is one of the worst situations any individual or family can be in. Not only can the fear of owing lots of money disrupt a family’s happiness and routines, but being in debt can prevent you and your family from saving for the most important purchases such as tuition costs and a home mortgage.There are many ways to get out of debt, but the two most common options are consolidation loans and debt consulting services.Consolidation loans are a quick and easy way to reorganize your debt. For instance, if you have 5 credit cards, which are causing the majority of debt, you will most likely want to get rid of them. Most credit cards charge high interest rates, late fees and force you to pay a minimum payment each month, which usually only covers interest costs and not the principle of the loan. In this case, it can take an individual years to pay off credit card debt. One of the options is to take out one large loan at a lower interest rate that pays off all of your credit

ves the land from annihilation or closes the door between two worlds and keeps evil at bay for another 1000 years. Yawn. Another cliched fantasy novel ends.

1. The character is reactive rather than proactive.

2. There is no story question.

3. The reactive character does not operate from his strengths.

He magically finds new skills when needed, rather than possessing them beforehand. He overcomes each obstacle b

Who to Involve in Change Initiatives?
By now hopefully most managers and professional know that involving the right people in change initiatives is a key factor that will impact success. Involving those who work in the processes that will be impacted is crucial, as they will ultimately be responsible for carrying out the change on a day-to-day basis.However, how can we make sure we select the right people from the process? One way to look at it is to consider the model presented by Everett Rogers in his book “Diffusion of Innovations.”Consider the normal distribution, a bell-shaped curve that in this case represents variation in human preferences. At one end of the distribution are what Rogers calls the Innovators and Early Adopters, at the other end are the Late Adopters and Laggards, and in the middle is the Majority. We usually would expect about 2/3rds of people to fall into the middle category, with the remaining evenly split between the two tails of the curve.The curve can be thought of as predi

Giants?" and so on.

3. The reactive character does not operate from his strengths.

He magically finds new skills when needed, rather than possessing them beforehand. He overcomes each obstacle by luck, intervention by someone else, or an amazing new talent that comes as a surprise to him.

2. What You Can Do to Save An Episodic Story

Give your character a goal. e.g. "Mary is forced to leave her child behind. She is determined to come back for him." Then begin the plan of action. (Mary's first step is...??? What further action does she plan?)
Give your character significant strengths and some weaknesses. These strengths and weaknesses will determine her plan of attack and ultimately reveal the flaws in that plan.
Decide on the obstacles that the character will encounter on her way to the goal.
Decide how your character will react to these obstacles and how this will affect her plan of action. Her reaction should be governed by her strengths and weaknesses as well as by circumstances. She will either overcome obstacles, go around them, or turn them into opportunities. Each setback will require a new plan of attack. Each triumph will determine the next step. Other people can help, but make sure your protagonist makes most of the significant breakthroughs.
Check every scene to make sure it moves the story forward. How will the scene affect the character's growth and the eventual outcome? Is she moving closer to achieving her goal? Has she earned her success? How does each scene relate to the initial story question?
Make sure each scene flows logically from the one before.

If you can see that your story IS episodic, then take the time to work out just what it needs. You may be able to fix the plot with minimal rewrites, but that's unlikely. By having your main character make more decisions, you could easily find that he would have chosen a different direction. That's probably a good thing... you've discovered that you've been more of a puppet master than a wise author who lets her characters learn by their mistakes.

Grit your teeth and get to work. After you've diagnosed an episodic plot, then operated on it, you're going to be a much better writer.

(c) copyright Marg McAlister

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As the old saying goes, “you never get a second chance to make a first impression.” In today’s business world, of course, that first impression usually does not come from a face-to-face conversation, but from whatever you can tell your future boss about yourself on paper: your resume.

This is part 17 in my series on goals. These can be used in anything from affiliate marketing to real life romance. Please tell others about this series as I think there are things that can benefit everyone in some way.

Have you been lured into online business and internet marketing with promises of the gold you will find at the end of the rainbow? And ended up spending much more than you make each month, and wondering how these marketing gurus make money, if at all?

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