Friday, October 31, 2014

Publisher's Desk- Profile Available on November 13th, 2014

Hello everyone! My profile is on Publisher's Desk. Every so often, they open up all profiles on this website for all literary agents to view. The next day that my book and profile will be visible will be on November 13, 2014. Here is the website in case you are interested. www.publishersdesk.com I am debating about getting a subscription. I am already subscribed to IPR License out of England. http://www.iprlicense.com/Home/Index I shall see if there is any success with that venture. Okay, off to create blueprints for a college job in Brooklyn, New York. I shall speak to you all soon! Thanks for reading (as always!) Cheers! Leslie M Jasper

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Taking a BIM (Building Information Modeling) Course Until December 2014

Hello everyone! I am in the middle of taking a course that is offered through my union hall. I am a member of Local #3 IBEW out of New York City, Westchester County, and Fairfield County, Connecticut. I hold an E-2 electrical license for the state of Connecticut. I did not mention it in my book but I am indeed a proud union member. I never wanted to take the chance of angering the powers at be, within my organization, upon discovering being mentioned in the book. I did not want to take the risk of mentioning my union in the book so I left that out. Therefore, I did not mention my union affiliation or any contractors that I have worked for in the past. My last time I worked with the electrical tools was in March of 2014. My shop ran out of funds for the work we had on the horizon. To my dismay, I had to choose on what to do. I could have taken some time off or jump ship and ask for a layoff. However, that is not the correct union way to take time off. I chose to close my eyes and take a leap of faith. It was right around this time when I was told about this field engineering job opportunity. I was nervous about applying since I never did that type of work in my life. My fear was to jump ship and this opportunity would pass me by due to not being qualified. Then again, if I stayed on the list waiting for a job, I was looking at over 2 years before I would take on another electrician job. I guess I had nothing to lose. This fact did not ease the fear of starting something new in the least bit. I took on the interview and did my best to prove that I was ready and able to learn and become the best at my new job. After a few months of waiting, I was called in for a second interview. I had a less than stellar interview with a project manager boss. I figured that I blew the interview over my butting of heads with the project manager boss. He was asking me questions that I didn't need to know as a project manager. I knew the answers but I refused to answer them since he was trying to embarrass me. He then tried to cut my head off in front of the boss. I calmly shut him down in front of the boss. I could tell that the boss was highly amused by my drive and determination. To my surprise, I was assigned on the spot to learn Auto-CAD by the boss. I was so thrilled at the receipt of this new job!! Not so long afterwards, fear set in. I knew it was game on and I needed to learn fast in order to get past the training phase and be hired on permanently. All I had to do was pay attention...INTENTLY!!! My job has trained me to work in Auto-CAD. It is a computer program that develops blueprints for jobsites. Our jobs in NYC are large in size and budget. Since I work for a large electrical contractor, they can afford to train people. All I had when I got hired on was my field experience as an electrician. I have been now printing out blueprints for about six months now. To my surprise and advantage, I learned very quickly how to navigate through the program. Auto-CAD seemed overwhelming at first. I was able to learn one step at a time....and it came to me!!! Every once in awhile I will run into an issue that I must request guidance. For the most part, I am able to figure out the program on my own. Now that I have learned 2 dimensional blueprinting, it is time for me to learn 3 dimensional. The concept of viewing blueprints like a video game is called BIM aka Building Information Modeling. This certification is state of the art and needed to work within my shop. Some jobs require some form of BIM work in the engineering process. This program is somewhat similar to Auto-CAD but very different. I am learning both Revit and Navisworks. The two work together in an effort to take all elements of a construction job and mesh them all together. The idea is to be able to visually see a finished project of a construction job and plan accordingly. This is supposed to save tremendous amounts of time and money. This is especially true for multi-million dollar projects. I am in week #3 of learning the program. I have another 6 weeks to go. I am fortunate that I have access to the programs at work. I will even be able to apply what I have learned while at work. My goal is to become the best I can be at this job. I must go back to paying attention in class. I hope everyone is having a great week! Cheers! Leslie M. Jasper

Saturday, October 18, 2014

Blodgett Memorial Library Book Event 12-4 pm Today!

Hello everyone! I am at the library at 37 Broad Street in Fishkill with fellow authors. My books are on sale for the event for $5/each. I have teen and adult versions on hand. Stop by and say hello! Enjoy your Saturday! Cheers! Leslie M. Jasper

Friday, October 17, 2014

Multi-Author Event- Blodgett Memorial Library in Fishkill October 18, 2014 12-4 pm

Hello Everyone, I have been invited for a second time to the Blodgett Memorial Library in Fishkill, New York for their multi-author book signing event. Local authors from the New York City area are invited to showcase their work while offering their books to interested readers. I now have the teen and adult version of my book. The teen version is entitled, Construction Tales: A Young Person's Guide to Accomplish Anything in Life. The adult version is entitled, Construction Tales: Volume I: A Woman's Journey to Become an Electrician by Leslie M Jasper. They are both available in paperback and e-books on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. They are available globally as well. If you are interested in stopping by to say hello, the library is located at: Blodgett Memorial Library 37 Broad Street Fishkill, New York 12524 Phone: 845-896-9215 Fax: 845-896-9243 Email: blodmem@optonline.net http://blodgettmemoriallibrary.org/ My son, Johnny, will be helping me to pitch to readers about my book. He will be working hard to win over readers! I will be selling the books (teen and adult) for $5/each at the event. If you want to get in on this 50% reduced price, stop by the library. Have a great Friday and weekend. Thanks to all blog readers (outside the U.S. too!) for stopping by my blog! Cheers! Leslie M. Jasper

Monday, October 13, 2014

Construction Tales YouTube Promo Video/ My First Taped Book Interview

Hello Everyone! I have not shared my first taped book interview. I worked with gracious host, Vinny Daquino, to tape an episode of Let's Talk Writing Episode #69. It is a YouTube Video. Here is the link: http://youtu.be/gNiI08b0evs I also had my cousin Kristina help me put together a video to promote the book. I filmed real job site footage while read the back cover of my book. It gives an idea of what the book is about. The book is intended to be humorous while letting readers know what my journey was like. I do not seek sympathy or anything negative in nature. It is meant to inspire people to tackle challenges and make even the most difficult situations happen. I feel that I was in a difficult spot at one time and I pushed through and accomplished my goals! Here is the Book Promo Video: http://youtu.be/-MQAV8hQfr0 Have a great work week! Cheers! Leslie M Jasper

Perdue Engineering Professor Has My Book- My Cousin Spotted It On His Cart

Hello everyone! My cousin, Kristina, is a grad student at Perdue University in Indiana. She told me that she saw an engineering professor carrying my Construction Tales book on his cart. She approached him and told him her cousin is the author of the book. The professor was surprised and didn't think she was serious at first. I think she was pleasantly surprised to see it pop up out of nowhere as well. It was a surprise to hear the report on my book sighting as well. I was tickled and honored to hear the book is being read by teaching professionals in Indiana. I am off to canvas libraries and spread the news that Construction Tales exists! Have a great work week! Thanks for stopping by to check out what I have to say! Cheers!! Leslie M Jasper Here is a YouTube Clip of my first book interview for Let's Talk Writing Episode 69: http://youtu.be/gNiI08b0evs

Pre-Career Discussion Fun!

We had a goofy moment prior to the career chat!

Career Discussion With Girls Today Leaders Tomorrow in Valley Forge, PA Had an Impact!!

Hello Everyone!!

I wanted to share with you about my recent trip to Pennsylvania this weekend. I traveled with a fellow union electrician and friend, Amber Ray, to the Valley Forge Girls Scouts Headquarters on Saturday.  We spoke to girls involved in the Girls Today Leaders Tomorrow mentoring program.  We were invited by AFL-CIO Philly Rep, Nicole Fuller, to speak about our electrical careers to a group of 100 young ladies.  My friend was very nervous about how we would work out on speaking together for the first time (she didn't want to screw up). I think we covered a lot of ground in 30 minutes and gave the girls a view of what they would expect.

We spoke about our careers, how much money and benefits you can make in the trade, what to expect, and how to conduct themselves. Their personal biz should be kept private since that molds their working reputation. We spoke about using humor to help deal with negative coworkers.  Another important topic would be to never give up or give anyone the satisfaction of quitting. We told them men will give you a pass if you work hard and as a team.  Learn very aspect of the job and become the smartest member of the crew.

I spoke about the teen version of my book and passed out promo material. I am hoping for a review on my book.  I felt just as empowered giving young girls tips on how to enter our trade and how to navigate. I thank those people who asked us to speak to the girls. I would love to inspire others at venues in the future. I felt welcomed by Nicole and Emily at the event.  I look forward to working with Nicole on other events in the future! It was a great day and I hope we impacted a young woman's life!!

Cheers!

Leslie M Jasper




Friday, October 10, 2014

Mindset Towards Women in U.S.- Behind the Times!!

Hello everyone!

I made a statement without really knowing it in the office this week. I have never been one to play a helpless role or ask for help. If I am capable, I will do the task at hand.  We run out of water in the office. Therefore,  when I discover no water, I pitch in and make it happen.  I guess a lot of people were highly impressed with my strength.  I was told by multiple people how they were amazed that I pack a water cooler jug like it is paper. I did find it amusing to see how it effected people.  I've only been doing engineering/AutoCAD work for about 6 months now. Prior to that,  I always had to be physically ready for my job in the electrical field. I would not have earned respect of the crew if I did not step up and handle my job.  It is what I know to do. Besides, when I was a kid, my dad always told me that I was capable of anything.  He said my strength and smarts could help me do things better than the guys.

After thinking about the water cooler incident,  it kind of makes me sad. I live and work near New York City. My area is up to date on fashion,  technology,  scientific research, etc. However,  out mindset towards women's capabilities is that of a 3rd world nation. Women are not perceived as strong or capable of doing complex tasks. The difference here is that you get the opportunity to do a job.  If you can't hack the work, you will just be always unemployed. It just makes me amused to see how shocked people are at a woman who has strength or doesn't act helpless. We have some work in our society in order to advance away from the caveman mentality.

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

IPR License Magazine October 2014 Issue- FrankFurt Book Fair October 8-12, 2014 Ad For My Book!!

Hello everyone!


I am proud to announce that my ad for IPR License Magazine, out of England, is now available online for viewing.  It will be passed out to different people within the publishing industry during the Frankfurt Book Fair coming up October 8-12, 2014.  I am hoping that someone outside the U.S. will find the book interesting and translate it to different languages.  Here is the link:


http://iprlicense.com/Home/IPRRightsMagazine


http://issuu.com/iprlicense/docs/ipr_rights_magazine_-_frankfurt_14/29?e=10102536/9620890




I hope everyone has a great day! 


Cheers!


Leslie M. Jasper

Monday, October 6, 2014

Multi-Author Event Blodgett Memorial Library Fishkill, New York October 18, 2014

Hello To All,


I was invited by the Blodgett Memorial Library in Fishkill, NY to participate in a second multi-author event at their library.  It is going to take place from 12 noon - 4pm on October 18, 2014 at the Blodgett Memorial Library.  I will be a handful of other local authors to showcase our books and talk to potential readers about our literary works.  The address of the library is:


Blodgett Memorial Library
 37 Broad St.
Fishkill, NY 12524
(845) 896-9215


Stop by the library and say hello!  I am open to visiting other libraries in the New York area.  I would even entertain traveling to other locations.  Feel free to contact me on any of my social media sites.  I am under Leslie M Jasper at Facebook, Twitter, Google +, Instagram, Tumblr, and Pinterest. 


Have a great day!




Cheers!
Leslie M. Jasper

Sunday, October 5, 2014

Guest Speaker- Girl Scouts of Pennsylvania Saturday October 11, 2014

Hello everyone!

I am proud to say I will be a guest speaker with a fellow female electrician, Amber Ray, to a group of 100 young Girl Scouts from Pennsylvania. A rep from the organization reached out to a rep for AFL-CIO to gain some women in the construction field to talk to the girls about what it is like in the trades. I plan to tell the girls about my experiences and talk about my teen version of my book. The teen version is entitled, Construction Tales: A Young Person's Guide to Accomplish Anything in Life. It is available on Amazon and Barnes&Noble. I will post pictures from the event. I am open to other speaking engagements.  Empowering young people is very important!  Have a great day!

http://www.gsep.org/

Cheers!

Leslie M. Jasper

Frankfurt Book Fair- October 8-12 2014

Hello Everyone!

I am looking forward to seeing my ad in IPR License Magazine out of England. The Frankfurt Book Fair is coming up next week in Germany from Oct 8-12 2014.  I would love to translate my book to German, Spanish, Arabic, and different languages in Southeast Asia. We shall see if the book gets any international attention.  I will share any updates if they happen. As soon as the ad gets in my hands for IPR License Magazine, I will post that!

http://www.buchmesse.de/en/

Have a good day!
Cheers!
Leslie M. Jasper

Oregon Vineyard- HV Cellars Has Best Tasting Blackberry Wine!

Hello everyone,

I became friendly with an owner of an Oregon vineyard. My sister picks blackberries for the vineyard in order to score some extra cash. My sister introduced me to Evelyn Luce. She is a wonderful woman to chat with on the phone. She was kind to send me some samples of wine. I hooked up a wine party with a few of my friends. I had Oregon Blackberry, Pinot Noir, and Oregon Chardonnay to try. All the ladies loved the Oregon Blackberry the most!!!  New Yorkers do not have access to blackberries. They are expensive in the store. Meanwhile,  blackberries grow like wild since they are thorny weeds in Oregon. The group are not red wine drinkers so they did not like the Pinot Noir at all. The chardonnay was sweet with a vanilla aftertaste. They liked the chardonnay but the Oregon Blackberry was the front runner. I am excited for the vineyard that their products were so well received! I was energized and would love to help them find a New York distributor for their wine.

The Oregon Blackberry wine bottles go for $20 each plus shipping.  A case of 12 gets a 15% discount.

Until their website is up and running, orders can be placed at:

HV Cellars
Terry Luce
Cell 1-541-294-8577
Office 1-541-572-0251

I am thrilled with their products so wanted to share. Mention that you got the contact information from my blog.  They would love to know that!

Cheers and have a great weekend!

Leslie M. Jasper