What Bill Gates Could Have Done.

Every day technology changes. And if you spend time with people in high tech industries, you're bombarded by these daily updates.

But yesterday over lunch, a tech engineer complained about how his electric bills have gone through the roof thanks to the new smart meters.

We talked about solar panels, etc., and I was once again struck by how much time has been devoted to computer updates over the last few years, yet so little money was spent by people like Bill Gates to update solar energy. Right now, we need huge expensive solar panels which aren't as efficient as they could be. But what if instead of developing smaller phones and faster computers, Gates along with other business people had put together teams to develop solar energy?

Maybe we'd have solar panels the size of cell phones now. Panels which could be plugged into a tiny unit attached to our houses. This would have made a major difference in our quest for cheap, clean energy.

Well, Gates didn't. And so while our bills go through the roof, we have to wait until something better comes along.

Looks, looks, looks!

Do you ever consider a book because you like the author's looks? A silly idea? I'm not so sure. Many of us are influenced by looks in terms of celebrities we follow, shows we watch, and movies we choose to see.

So would you ever refuse to read a book because the author's photo is unattractive? Or the author looks old?

How do you feel?

On being a writer

It's 2011 and other than pushing my new mystery A CLAUSE FOR MURDER, I'm focusing on the next book in the Betsy Ross series. I often wonder what pushes me. Because coming up with a new and funnier novel, is a daunting task. Between structuring the novel, creating vivid characters, and making the words flow, there are the final rewrites.

All this before the real work begins. I mean the task of supporting a new book. Creating interest. Making sales.

We've reached a time in history where anything is possible. But it's hard to stand out from the pack. And with stores like Borders going under and new technology, it's a challenge to juggle so many roles. Because being a writer is a private, intimate matter. But standing up in front of people or creating a persona on the internet is another. Dual roles for a writer. And both of them are creative yet demanding.

I believe many writers out there feel this pressure. If you're one of them, I'd love to hear from you.