Awards
Honorable Mention in the 78th Annual Writer’s Digest Awards, Feature Article Category
Excerpts from reviews of my publications
Collaboration 2.0 – published by ALA Tech Source
“Collaboration 2.0 is a clear, concise, and easy-to-read introduction to the concepts presented. Hastings looks at Web 2.0 tools from the perspective of someone looking to foster ease of communication and project-based work in libraries. Tools such as Facebook and Delicious, traditionally used for social purposes or personal productivity, take on a new light when viewed through this lens. ” – Cliff Landis
“This is one LTR not to miss!” – Michael Stephens
Hastings, Robin M. Microblogging and Lifestreaming in Libraries. (The Tech Set, Vol. 3). 105p. illus. ISBN 978-1-55570-707-1.
Microblogs are brief, textlike communications posted through such services as Twitter, while Lifestreaming applications are similar to RSS aggregators except that they monitor a variety of social media instead. Products such as Friendfeed or Tumblr, also known as “Social Aggregators,” allow users to manage their Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Delicious, or flickr activity from one convenient interface. Examples include sending patron notifications via social media and creating a single repository to house all of the library’s blogs, feeds, photos, and videos. Anyone interested in marshaling the art of monitoring or moderating simultaneous social networking sites will benefit from this book, but its real value lies in describing how libraries can specifically leverage these tools to organize and enhance services.
Excerpts from evaluation forms for presentations I have led
LSSC Technology Course for Library Juice Academy
Microblogging and Lifestreaming for Government (NAGW)
“Good presentation. Great job. Very Interesting.”
Web 2.0 For You
“This course was excellent. Didn’t know what to expect coming in, but wow. Lots of useful info – can’t wait to start implementing!”
“Learned much more than I thought I would! Woohoo!”
Look Ma – No Programming! Cool Tips and Tricks
“Absolutely Great! Thank You” – Joan Henderson
Implementing Library Learning 2.0 at UKSG
Review – http://liveserials.blogspot.com/2008/04/breakout-session-b-30-implementing.html
Becoming 2.0 at MORENet
Facebook message from Vernelle: “Wanted to thank you for all the info you shared with us at the Summer Skills Institute. I am picking through what I can use for me, and what I can share with my patrons. Thanks again”
Web 3.0 at NAGW
“Best session I have attended yet – great job!”
“You gave us lots to think about”
“I can hardly wait to work with this. Very interesting session”
“Great presentation! Will try to use this info when I get back to work!”
“Perfect balance between technical and non-technical info. Engaging presenter. Would love to hear from her again!”
“Really fascinating stuff I never would have learned otherwise!!”
Collaborating In The Cloud at MLA
“5 stars! Wonderful! Thank you!!”
“I would like to see the entire 90 minute program. This was short & there is so much info.”
“Thanks for making the slides available”
ALA E-Course – Online
T. Williams “As a Library supervisor, meeting facilitator, and training coordinator my mind is swimming with the possible uses of Google Drive within our system. We recently migrated our email to Gmail. Though definitely still a Google novice, the possibilities astound me. Looking forward to see if Week 2 can top this!”
B Smith “I thoroughly enjoyed learning about Google Docs, Google Drive and other stuff. I learned a lot and it definitely wasn’t as difficult as I thought it would be.”
One reply on “Raves and Reviews”
My recently finished contemporary romance novel Before Dawn takes readers inside the complicated life of biracial, Max. Below provides a brief synopsis of the 72,480 word (271 pages on Kindle) manuscript:
Feisty New Yorker, Max, falls for her mysterious coworker, Tommy, who is fourteen years her senior. Wanting to please him and meet his beauty standards she conflictingly conceals her natural hair from him and avoids tanning so her skin doesn’t get too dark. Max tightly holds onto their forbidden romance while trying to figure out who she is and her place in a world she doesn’t always fit in. Too caught up with her feelings she becomes oblivious to the consequences of her actions. As tragedy strikes Max has to face her own worst enemy, herself.
It is imperative that I create characters that are strong and likable, despite their flaws. Nothing about the main characters I pen are black and white. They are all multi-layered individuals who may not always make the right choices, but most times learn from their shortcomings. I try to keep the storylines relevant and realistic by addressing topics such as family relationships, friendship, relationships, mental health, amongst other topics that many women can relate to.
As a Haitian American writer I find it necessary to have diversity in my writing. What makes this novel unique besides the multi-layered characters and strong storylines are the strong dialogue that captivates readers and makes this book a page turner.
In 2009, my dream came true when my first young adult novel, Reckless Perfection, was published. I received multiple positive reviews on the coming of age story. In 2016 I published the sequel to the above novel, Chasing Ghosts which was also well received. Other than several book signings, interviews, and book festivals I created a few YouTube videos for both books that have over thousands of views.
All of my novels are available on Amazon and my website. Besides my website dedicated to my writings I am also active on social media engaging with fellow readers, by providing blogs, giveaways and updates on my projects.
My new novel is available as ebook on Amazon and audiobook.
Thank you for taking the time to consider reviewing my novel Before Dawn which came out 9/5/22. I am also open to doing promotions and giveaways.