Construction Tales- Available at the Katonah Library in Westchester County, New York

Hello everyone! I am sharing that my book is available in the Katonah library in Westchester County, New York. It was a pleasant surprise. Here is a screenshot of the listing on the library website. I am going to offer the teen version of my book to a few independent book fairs this year. The book is entitled, Construction Tales: A Young Person's Guide to Accomplish Anything in Life http://www.amazon.com/Construction-Tales-Persons-Accomplish-Anything/dp/1497593115/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1454165496&sr=8-1&keywords=construction+Tales+a+young+person+guide+to+Accomplish+Anything+in+Life As soon as I get my first review, I will post it. I will see what other venues I can find to get involved in within the next few months. Thanks for reading my blog! Cheers! Leslie M Jasper

A Funny Jobsite Memory To Share

Hello everyone! Funny jobsite memory- Construction Tales I was working on a job where guys were plastering photos of naked women on the gang box. I had a coworker ask me if I was okay with the nudity. My smart ass reply, "Why?? Are they pictures of me??" A moment of fear flashed over his face. Then humor consumed his face when I flashed a cheesy grin from ear to ear. "Bro, I don't give a shit! As long as my name and social is right on the check." I decided to even the score of smut on the walls of the metal gangbox. I picked up a magazine with guys wearing leather hot pants while shirtless. Those babies were plastered all over the inside lid of the second gangbox. It looked like a collage of man meat- perhaps a middle school girl's locker. I didn't post nude photos- just super provocative. Come on, I had to demonstrate some class...haha! I walked back to the gangbox to get some material. The fire alarm guy comes running up to me and says, "Ohhh thank God!!" I stared at the man for a moment perplexed yet highly amused. He says, "I was trying to figure out which electrician was the gay guy! I'm so happy to see you on the job!" Laughter erupted while I gazed at the man collage behind him. Now that, my friend, made my day! www.lesliemjasper.blogspot.com This was a short story I am sharing from Construction Tales- enjoy! I am going to get back to writing Volume 2- My Illuminated Path Continues.. Cheers! Leslie M Jasper

A Short Story From A Local #3 IBEW Sister From The 1980's

Hello everyone! I am sharing a short story from a fellow Local #3 IBEW sister! A story from me........In 1982, while I was an apprentice in LU #3, NYC electrical union, we were outside Grand Central Station eating lunch. A few of the guys were giving compliments to some of the women walking by. Nothing nasty, but hey, you are very pretty....things like that. So I told the guys that when I saw a man I thought worthy of my attention, I would say something. 10 minutes later I finally saw a man and I said, hey, I think you are nice looking and would love to talk to you. Well, this man turned around, walked over to me and said, were you talking to me? I froze up and said no. The guys never let me forget how I had my chance and blew it. I expected him to keep walking like all the women. Anyway, I have not thought of that in a long time and thought I would share. Cheers! Leslie M Jasper

Short Story- Construction Tales: Volume 2: My Illuminated Path Continues...

Hello everyone! Funny jobsite story (coming to Volume 2): I'm working on a job where we are installing 4 inch rigid pipe. I have been there a few months and discover I am pregnant. I know I have to keep my mouth shut about it for as long as possible. I want to work until I can't do it anymore. My goal was to have my child and do my much needed carpal tunnel surgery. I used to hang my hands off the side of the bed to sleep (would go numb all night). I already knew this was going to be the most difficult thing to do in life. I'm sitting in the back of the job truck going to the site one morning. The foreman was driving. He decides to start digging into me about my weight. Here he starts, "You know you need to start watching what you eat. You are gaining so much weight and it is not healthy! Your face alone is getting so huge! Your a pretty girl and you are ruining your body!" My reply, "you are so right!" He comes at me again, "No, really! You need to stop shoving Twinkies and other kinds of junk food in your face!" I feel the burning need to take a piece of pipe to the back of his head! I probably said something along the lines of missing his calling as a fitness coach with Richard Simmons. I kept my mouth shut and just smiled. Almost a year later, I run into him at a Christmas party. His approach, "I had no idea you were pregnant! Congrats on the baby boy!" Thanks for the well wishes- #dumbbitch #thinkbeforeyouspeak Construction Tales: My Illuminated Path Continues... (Under Construction) I will share a few as I go back to writing Volume 2 of Construction Tales. Have a great day! Cheers! Leslie M Jasper

First Book Review- Construction Tales- A Young Person's Guide to Accomplish Anything in Life

Hello everyone! Here is a book review from a fellow coworker from Five Star Electric in New York City. "CONSTRUCTION TALES: A YOUNG PERSON'S GUIDE TO ACCOMPLISH ANYTHING IN LIFE" AUTHOR: LESLIE JASPER BOOK REVIEW BY JACQUELYN HECHT, 1/24/16 I am honored to write this review for "Construction Tales: A Young Person's Guide to Accomplish Anything in Life" by Leslie Jasper. Leslie Jasper is a successful female Journeywoman Electrician in a field traditionally dominated by men. The reason I am so honored to write this particular review is because this book is far from what it's title suggests. In "Construction Tales," Leslie Jasper challenges her readers to be open-minded and to read between the lines to get the most meaning out of her tales. If the reader only reaches the conclusion that the book is full of dirt on her male coworkers and their deficiencies, then the reader's ignorance is obvious & the true meaning of this book was missed. This book is not a guide in the literal sense. If you want a guide on how to be successful in the electrical industry, pick up "Electrical & Lighting for Dummies." This book is an autobiographical, extremely personal, account of Leslie's journey from her first year apprencticeship and leading up to the final chapter & publication of this book in 2014 which at the time was her 17th year as a full-fledged, experienced electrician journeywoman. Jasper's individual journey is a unique road she alone took from novice to the professional woman she is today in the electrical industry. She tells the truth about every challenge she went through. Jasper writes from her heart. I respect Jasper for all of her honest truths. She is real in a world that shuns it. A world that looks at people who don't conform to society's standards as a menace to others. But in fact, Leslie is special because she refuses to back down or be told she cannot break the norms of what society deams acceptable for women. She breaks the mold. For this reason, Leslie proves herself as a leader instead of a follower. Like she says on page 127, "Few women go against the grains of society to even make an attmept" to reach their full potentials. As a female, Leslie chose a difficult road in life. She has not looked for an easy way out but instead has accepted all challenges placed before her. When bosses challenged her & coworkers watched to see if she would fail, she explains how she worked her tail off to prove them all wrong. Leslie explains throughout the book that if you are willing to work hard & be a strong female, the men in this industry for the most part will learn to accept you. She has proved herself & her abilities to not only herself but to all of those around her. Another suitable title for this outstanding book is "Leslie Jasper: A Force to be Reckoned With." Interestingly, part of the reason she chose to write this book, as she explains to the reader, is unique all in itself. Leslie uses this book as a form of release to separate her past from her present. She doesn't hound on any past derailments or losses. Additionally, she seeks revenge on the people who tried to hold her back. On page 115, she gives a powerful statement about this. Jasper has the ability to compartmentalize her life into separate sections in which she has either endured major loss, faced great challenges, grown as a electrician and so forth. Many times the sections overlap. Jasper has the ability to step back & view her past from the outside. She is not held back by her past. Her past is actually what propels her forward. This book offers many powerful take home lessons on how to be successful. Pages are referenced in parenthesis: - Learn from your inevitable mistakes and don't repeat them (76) - You only have one life, make the best of it (77) - Treat others as you would like to be treated yourself (77) - Don't take the easy way out (83) - Marketing yourself as being a well-rounded & multi-faceted worker with multiple talents is highly beneficial when looking for employment (83) - Don't take messy shortcuts or cheat in your work (102) - Experience & confidence come with time (104) - Step out of your comfort zone (129) I get the sense from her book that Leslie Jasper is a strong woman both physically and mentally. I can only see further successes for her as she continues her life journey. Many doors are open for her. I am super grateful for her taking the time to read the book and offer a review for Amazon and Barnes&Noble! She said it is suitable for high school and maybe middle school readers. So did another friend after reading her copy. As always, thank you for reading this blog. Cheers! Leslie M Jasper

Office Coworker Reading Teen Version on Construction Tales

Hello everyone! My coworker in the office at Five Star Electric has agreed to read the teen version of my book. I have been working in the office in New York City for almost two years now. I am starting to connect with people in the office. Their eyes on my book will offer a different perspective since they are within the industry yet not in the field. My newest work pal, Jackie, has agreed to help me and read the teen version of my book. I gave it to her in exchange for a review on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. I am happy with Jackie helping me out. It means alot to me so I am grateful for her help! I have given a few copies of my book to some people. Not one of them has returned the favor to offer a review for the book. It bothers me that people accept things and do not offer what they promise in return. This is why I am thrilled she is honoring her promise to read the book! Jackie is up to 3 chapters as of yesterday. Here is Jackie's initial review: Reading my friend Leslie's book. She gives her perspective as a female electrician in a male-dominated industry. Leslie provides her personal advice and tips & tricks for being a successful electrician working in the trade. I'm up to chapter 3 and enjoying her blunt, honest and straightforward writing style. There's no sugar-coating in this book. She gives her readers the real deal of what to expect in the workplace. When Jackie offers more of her review, I will share! As always, thank you for checking out my blog! Cheers! Leslie M Jasper

My 3nd Book Interview- The Authors Show with Linda Thompson

Good morning and Happy Friday! I am sharing my 3rd book interview that is on YouTube! Here is the link: https://youtu.be/5KLFmhyzG50 I am looking to release my audio versionof the book soon! My other book interviews can be found by plugging in Let's Talk Writing Episode 69 and 100 on YouTube. Please give some feedback. Thanks for reading. I will chat with you soon! Cheers!! LeslieM Jasper

Book Trailer Link- Via YouTube and The Combined Book Exhibit!

Hello everyone! Here is the link to my book trailer that is on YouTube. Please share with fellow avid readers! Have a great holiday weekend! http://youtu.be/U4rEOnGPU2I Cheers! Leslie M Jasper

Happy New Year From New York- 2016!!

Hello everyone, I want to wish everyone a Happy New Year and best wishes in 2016! I wish great health, happiness, and success in 2016! I got to spend New Years Eve with a wonderful family at The Cedars Restaurant in Foxwoods Casino in Connecticut. I rang in the new year with this beautiful family and my fiance, Curt, and my son, Johnny. Curt did not get alot of sleep before having to go to work. However, he made the sacrifice in order to spend time with us. I am in talks with a woman out in Los Angeles. She is a film student out there. She will be drawing up documents in an effort to start production on Construction Tales. It is a part of her course work as film student in Los Angeles. She will be submitting the finished product to a handful of Hollywood studios for feedback. I am growing in my excitment as to the start of this project. I am looking forward to seeing what she can come up with her creativeness! When I get something in my hands, I will be sure to share the progress and final product, of course! I was speaking to a female co-worker this past week about my book. I offered to give her a copy of my teen version in exchange for a review on Amazon and my blog. I do not have a review yet for the edited version of my book. I have given out a few copies of my book. To my disappointment, no one has yet to offer a review of the book. I find that frustrating since it bothers me when people promise something and do not deliver. I won't allow it to discourage me since I am a warrior and I will keep trying. As of now, my co-worker has offered a review by the end of the month. I will be patient and wait for her to approach me with the news of the review. I will look for more avid readers and give them a book in exchange for a review. I am not in a huge reading circle. I guess that happens when one works with busy people or construction workers. Few of my co-workers are big into reading books. I find alot of them asking me to produce an audio version of my book. I do have one, just waiting for my eldest son to finish the editing on it. I will share as soon as it is ready online. I wrapped up teaching my Principles of Trade Unionism course. I had a wonderful round of students in my class. They were mostly college educated and managed to submit 95% of the work! I only had one or two incomplete portfolios. I will miss them as students but will see them in the spring. I am often the campus writing coach so I will see them in that capacity. I already plan of grabbing a few of them in the spring to do some work with them on their writing. I am unsure if I will get a teaching opportunity in the spring. I will take whatever God gives me. As always, thanks for stopping by to review my blog. Have a great holiday weekend! Cheers! Leslie M Jasper