The Elements of Visual Style PUBLISHED BY HOUGHTON MIFFLIN,The Elements of Visual Style is a no-nonsense guide to creating documents that catch the eye and get results. The focus of the book is on visual style, the thoughtful arrangement of text, space, and art so that a page is attractive, directs attention, organizes information, is easy to comprehend, and is devoid of distractions. Readers will learn how visual style can be achieved in any document (in print or online) by applying proven design and psychological principles. By understanding how people perceive, read, and remember information, it's possible to create work that attracts, informs, and persuades. For more about the book, click on the cover.     101 Things NOT to Do Before You Die PUBLISHED BY THOMAS DUNNE, 101 Things NOT to Do Before You Die is a witty, subversive guide that turns conventional “wisdom” upside down! Too many books tell us what to do to achieve happiness — unfortunately, often at great risk, expense, or effort. This is not one of those books. It’s a book for the rest of us. You see, it’s what we DON’T do that determines our happiness quotient. Using the exciting principle of “selective inaction,” I help people adjust their thinking so they can make more satisfying decisions in everyday situations. Do you think you’ll be content if you try to run with the bulls? Or ponder the lyrics to “Louie, Louie”? Or read War and Peace ? Or brag about your gas mileage? Think again! And let this book be your guide to getting more out of life — simply by doing less. For more about the book, click the cover.     When Good People Write Bad Sentences PUBLISHED BY ST. MARTIN'S, When Good People Write Bad Sentences is a 12-step program for recovery from addiction to bad writing. This common affliction can cloud judgment, hurt relationships, and lead to anxiety, guilt, self-loathing, and, yes, even malaise. And the victim is often unaware of even having a problem. But now this book offers hope for the verbally unenlightened. In its pages, you will find help in overcoming self-destructive psychological needs that are satisfied by bad writing habits. And you will learn how to get in touch with your inner child-writer and deal with unresolved writing issues that block clear communication. To find out more about the book, click on the cover.     Fun With Phone Solicitors PUBLISHED BY WARNER BOOKS, Fun with Phone Solicitors is a collection of doctor approved, environmentally friendly techniques for confronting unwanted calls head-on. If pesky telemarketers are getting on your nerves, turn the tables! Drive them bonkers with effective Fun techniques like The Moron Maneuver and The Doggie-Talk Dodge. It’s creative and relieves stress! For details, click on the cover.     Nerds Among Us PUBLISHED BY 5:09 PRESS, Nerds Among Us, my first novel, is an example of semi-autobiographical parahumor, a largely unexplored literary genre. The story, as I tell readers in the first chapter, is about “...intrigue and suspense. It’s about high drama and sexual adventure. It’s about national security and covert liaisons. In other words, it’s mostly about stuff that I made up, because, you see, I live in a small town and rarely go out socially.” You are familiar with the term “artistic license,” aren’t you? For information about the book, click on the cover.       Writing is an exploration. You start from nothing and learn as you go.    — E. L. Doctorow