• LGBTSR

    Blank Page to Bookshelf: From First Sentence to First Sale: Fiction Writing, Character Creation, and Self-Publishing Basics Now Available

    January 3, 2026 /

    Two years of workshops, one solid book

    This has been a goal of mine for the last six months, and it’s out for 2026. You can get the ebook on Amazon ($8.95), various other online retaliers, or directly from me for a $2 discount ($6.96 – epub and PDF).

    The paperback edition is available on Amazon, coming on IngramSpark, and will be available to bookstores and retailers everywhere.

    About ‘Blank Page to Bookshelf’

    Blank Page to Book Shelf: From First Sentence to First Sale: Fiction Writing, Character Creation, and Self-Publishing Basics brings together the core lessons from author and workshop instructor Mark McNease’s writing workshops, distilled into a single, accessible volume for aspiring and emerging writers.

    Guiding readers from initial idea through character creation, plotting, revision, and self-publishing, the book emphasizes practical steps and realistic expectations. It demystifies both the creative process and the mechanics of self-publishing, helping writers move from concept to completed book.

    Suitable for individual writers, writing groups, and creative workshops, this how-to guide blends craft instruction with actionable publishing guidance.

    A clear, encouraging roadmap for turning a blank page into a finished book.

     

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  • The Twist Podcast

    A Twist Podcast Bonus Interview: Rick Rose In Conversation with Sonia Thomas on Life’s Next Chapters

    January 2, 2026 /

    A Twist Podcast Bonus Interview features host Rick Rose in conversation with Sonia Thomas as she reflects on retirement, her career with DHS and ICE, and her newest chapter as founder of SimplyHygge. Sonia shares insights on public service, life after government work, finding balance in retirement, and building a lifestyle brand rooted in comfort, mindfulness, and purpose. An honest, thoughtful discussion about career transitions, reinvention, and embracing a slower, more intentional way of living.

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  • Savvy Senior

    Savvy Senior: How To Find a Quality Nursing Home for Your Loved One

    January 2, 2026 /

    By Jim Miller

    Dear Savvy Senior,

    Can you give me some tips on picking a good nursing home for my father? Since his stroke, I’ve been taking care of him at home, but he’s gotten to the point where it’s too much for me to handle.  

    Exhausted Daughter

    Dear Exhausted,

    Choosing a nursing home for a loved one that provides quality is a very important decision that requires careful evaluation and some homework. Here are some steps you can take that can help you find a good facility and avoid a bad one.

    Make a list: There are several sources you can turn to for referrals to top nursing homes in your area including the Area Agency on Aging (call 800-677-1116 or visit Eldercare.acl.gov for contact information); your dad’s doctor or nearby hospital discharge planner; friends or neighbors who may have had a loved one in a nursing home; and online at Medicare’s nursing home compare tool at Medicare.gov/care-com

    Also, keep in mind that it’s always best to choose a nursing home that’s close to family members and friends who can visit often, because residents with frequent visitors usually get better care.

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  • LGBTSR

    LGBTSr Is Back on Facebook!

    January 1, 2026 /

    LGBTSr returns to Facebook! This page is a supplement to LGBTSR. com, “where age is embraced and life is celebrated.” We’ve come back from a long hiatus to share all the great things at the website that has been serving the community for 15 years. The Daily Readlines (rhymes with headlines) news roundup, columns, advice, tech talk, health beat, podcasts and more. We hope you like us as much as we like you. Give us a like and a follow sometime.  – Mark McNease / LGBTSr

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