Originally Posted: Sunday, March 23, 2014 Construction Tales: A Young Person's Guide to Accomplish Anything in Life Hello everyone! I just submitted my deeply edited teen version of my book entitled, Construction Tales: A Young Person's Guide to Accomplish Anything in Life for Amazon review.  It should be readily available on Amazon this week!  It is geared to help teens understand that even the most difficult goals can be accomplished with strength, smarts, and determination.  I am hoping to inspire and motivate young readers from all walks of life around the world!  I will be sure to let you know when it becomes available online.  I have to work to get it on Nook, Kindle, and iTunes soon!  Thanks for reading and have a great weekend! Cheers! Leslie M. Jasper

Originally Posted: Tuesday, March 18, 2014 Walking Away From The Tools Hello everyone! After a 2 1/2 year run with my last shop, we ran out of work.  I was sad to have to take my termination slip and walk away from my job.  The level of unemployment in Westchester, New York is so high, I am looking at over 2 years before I can return to work with the tools.  I started my college education journey back in 2009 since I saw the handwriting on the wall.  I plan to use my MBA in business and work experience to land a project manager job in New York City.  I am in the process of going out on interviews.  One shop is promising so far.  I am keeping my fingers crossed that I will land something soon.  I have plenty of work and projects to keep me busy in the meantime.  I am going back to get my New York real estate license so I can do that on the side.  One must have multiple hustles in order to survive in New York.  I am also a writing coach/teach OSHA.  Going in right now to work

Originally Posted: Thursday, March 6, 2014 Writing A Young Adult's Version of Construction Tales!! Hello everyone! I am editing my book (severely!) to create a young adult's version of Construction Tales!!  After some thought, I know that I can tailor the book so that I can inspire young people to do anything they want to do in life!  My story can be a source of inspiration for both boys and girls from all walks of life!  I have to remove the dirty stories, strong language, and talks about drinking or anything else that is deemed inappropriate!  I also plan to write a simple version of the adult book for small children as well.  That will come in the future.  The title of the young people verison of the book is: Construction Tales: A Young Person's Guide to Accomplish Anything in Life! As soon as the book becomes available on Amazon, I will be sure to let my readers know about it!  I thank you for reading my blog as always!  Shouting out to blog readers from the

Originally Posted: Monday, March 3, 2014 Another Book Review To Share Hello everyone! I hope you are all doing well.  I wanted to share with you a review that was made by a reader in Pennsylvania who emailed me about the book.  I decided to share the book review whether good or bad.  I am in the process of reviewing the editing process of the audio book.  I am also working on setting up a book signing at a book store down in Larchmont, New York.  Here is the book review from a reader recently: Leslie, Thank you for sharing your story with me. I just finished reading it. I especially liked the last chapter because it shared what you are doing now. You have had quite a journey. I enjoyed seeing the union side of the construction trade. I grew up in a non-union construction company; which I worked (only in the office because I am not mechanically inclined) for years. I am considering going back to it in the future. My only criticism of the book is that it was tough to follow a

Originally Posted: Saturday, January 25, 2014 Sharing Poems by New York Author, Joni Mercado Hello everyone, I wanted to share Joni's work with my readers.  She has written many poems over the years.  I wanted to share them with readers.  Her work can be picked up on Amazon, I believe.  Enjoy! Leslie M. Jasper WHAT SPRING HATH SPRUNG What dreams may come of change? A soft, warm breeze blows softly by. Strokes of paint over the walls of our abode bring forth a fresh, clean scent into the air, as flowers blooming everywhere. Cobwebs are brushed aside, dust swept up. Old wallpaper scraped and peeled away. An unappealing mess displayed. Appealing once replaced. Things in boxes, things out of boxes and back where they may have been. Who can remember where? Some things are rearranged just for the sake of change. The studio and deck display a colorful coat of paint. Their new coat refreshed. Carpenter bees, unaccustomed to the taste, have abandoned their boring. Today's su

Originally Posted: Friday, January 24, 2014 Back Cover for Construction Tales: Volume II: My Illuminated Path to Learn the Trade Continues.. I just met up with my writer's group last night to read my back cover for Volume 2.  I decided to share it with my blog readers so that you get an idea of what Volume 2 will be about! :) In my last volume, I took you on a sheetrock-dusted journey to see what it was like to become a female electrician’s apprentice.  You got to experience, through my eyes, my challenges and triumphs during my  5½-year trade school program.  You also got a sample of what it is like to work with my crazy co-workers.  The beauty of my trade is that you get to keep meeting new and interesting electricians as well as other tradesmen and tradeswomen.  The different people within each trade adds to the vibe and energy found on the job.  I have many more stories to tell you, from the past twelve years, since gaining journeywoman status.  This is exactly why

Originally Posted: Saturday, January 18, 2014 Construction Tales: Volume I: A Woman's Journey to Become an Electrician YouTube Videos Hello everyone! I must shout out and acknowledge my blog readers from Malaysia, Europe, and Asia.  I am excited to see you have an interest!  Please comment on my posts since I would love your perspective of my unique work experience! I am going to attach links to the 2 videos that are on YouTube.com pertaining to my book.  The first is a promotional video to give readers an idea of what my book is about with some jobsite footage. http://youtu.be/-MQAV8hQfr0 The second was from a recent interview that I did with host, Vinny Dacquino, on my book.  The segment is entitled, Let's Talk Writing Episode 69 Leslie Jasper on YouTube.com. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNiI08b0evs http://youtu.be/gNiI08b0evs I thank everyone for reading my blog! My book is available in paperback and for Kindle, Nook, iPad at Amazon, Barnes&Noble, and iTun

Originally Posted: Tuesday, January 14, 2014 Let's Talk Writing Episode 69 Leslie Jasper- YouTube.com Video Interview Hello everyone! I am excited about sharing my taped interview with Comcast host and author, Vincent Dacquino.  Here are the links to access and view the video.  I look forward to hearing feedback from readers!  I wish everyone well and have a great week! Vincent Dacquino's website and other writer's episodes: http://vtdacquino.com/wp/category/lets-talk-writing/ YouTube.com link to Let's Talk Writing Episode 69 with Leslie M. Jasper: http://youtu.be/gNiI08b0evs Cheers! Leslie M. Jasper

Originally Posted: Tuesday, January 14, 2014 Sharing Some 2013 Jobsite Pictures! Hello everyone! I realized I have not shared any jobsite photos.  Therefore, I am posting some today.  My book on my unusual job as a female electrician in New York is on Amazon/Barnes&Noble/iTunes.  Here is the Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/Construction-Tales-Womans-Journey-Electrician/dp/1467960160/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1389701682&sr=1-1&keywords=construction+tales+volume+i Here are a few pictures from work: Now that I made you laugh...you can go on with your day!  Make whatever you do fun and memorable. Even if it is a miserable task!! Till we meet again my friends (all around the world I see!) Cheers! Leslie M. Jasper

Originally Posted: Tuesday, November 26, 2013 Construction Tales- First Television Appearance! Hello everyone! I wanted to give an update about two new events happening soon!  I have been invited by author, Vincent T. Dacquino, to attend a taped interview for my book.  The show will be taped on December 17, 2013 and should be aired 2-3 weeks afterwards.  It will also be available for viewing on YouTube.com  Of course, when it becomes available, I will be providing the link and information.  I have also been invited, by Mr. Dacquino, to attend the multi-author event taking place at the Mahopac Library in Mahopac, New York.  I will be displaying my book with 30 other authors on December 07, 2013 from 1-4pm.  Feel free to stop by if you live in the area! Here is a link to Mr. Dacquino's website: http://vtdacquino.com/wp/upcoming-events/ Here is the link to the Let's Talk Writing Television series: http://vtdacquino.com/wp/category/lets-talk-writing/ There are some othe

Originally Posted: Wednesday, November 20, 2013 Last Day of The 2013 Virtual Book Tour- Blog Spots for my Book!! Hello All! As promised, here is my book stops today on the virtual book tour hosted by  www.virtualbooktourcafe.com ! Thanks for reading! Cheers! Leslie M. Jasper Only God Can Make a Tree Write Up: http://onlygodwritestrees.blogspot.com/2013/11/feature-construction-tales-volume-1-by.html?showComment=1384998694775#c5951396711116060016 Deal Sharing Aunt post: http://www.dealsharingaunt.blogspot.com/2013/11/construction-talesvolume-i-by-leslie.html Interview with 4Covert2Overt: http://4covert2overt.blogspot.com/ Black Coffee, Brown Cow spotlight: http://blackcoffeebrowncow.blogspot.com/2013/11/why-book-covers-are-so-important-with.html BK Walker Books Spotlight: http://blackcoffeebrowncow.blogspot.com/2013/11/why-book-covers-are-so-important-with.html

Originally Posted: Wednesday, November 20, 2013 Construction Tales Book Review from 2013! Hello everyone! Today is the last day of my virtual book tour hosted by  www.virtualbooktourcafe.com My book was read and reviewed on the Bikers With Books blog at: http://bikerswithbooks.blogspot.com/2013/11/construction-talesvolume-i-by-leslie.html Review of Construction Tales: Volume I by Burt Morgret "From working in the construction industry for over 20 years, I know first hand how difficult it is for a women in this industry. Men in this field don't make it easy for women, and many don't recognize women as an equal in this line of work. As a business owner, I've hired women and know the difficulties Jasper faced proving herself. I was touched by her strength and endurance, not only in her work life, but personal as well. Jasper did a great job of pulling the reader in with such great detail that you could literally visualize how each situation was pl

Originally Posted: Tuesday, November 19, 2013 The 2013 Virtual Book Tour Continues!! Hello everyone! Here are a few locations that are spotlighting my book Construction Tales: Volume I: A Woman's Journey to Become an Electrician.  The first stop is at: 3 Partners in Shopping Blog: http://3partnersinshopping.blogspot.com/2013/11/construction-tales-volume-1-by-leslie-m.html?showComment=1384906588182#c178379479364372479 The Daily Mayo: http://www.dailymayo.com/2013/11/19/guest-post-and-giveaway-10-things-you-dont-know-about-author-leslie-jasper/ The Avid Reader: http://the-avidreader.blogspot.com/2013/11/book-feature-construction-talesvolume-i.html Writing Innovations: http://writinginnovations.blogspot.com/2013/11/construction-tales-volume-i-by-leslie.html BK Walker Books Interview: http://bkwalkerbooks.com/interview-with-leslie-jasper-construction-talesvolume-i/ There is one more day of interviews and reviews! Stay tuned and I will post them tomorrow! Thanks to readers f

Originally Posted: Monday, November 18, 2013 Book Reviews/Interviews During my 2013 Virtual Book Tour!! Hi everyone! Shout out to blog readers from the United States and Europe! I am excited to see alot of blog readers from the Ukraine and Germany!!  France also has a strong presence as well! I thank you so much and please share the news of my book that is available worldwide on Amazon and Barnes&Noble. My interview with Mass Musings: http://walkermuse.blogspot.com/2013/11/construction-tales-by-leslie-jasper.html Into the Land of Books Review: http://etherealistic-reader.blogspot.com/ A review from Lori's Reading Corner: http://www.lorisreadingcorner.com/2013/11/guest-postvirtual-tour-with-giveaway-construction-tales-by-leslie-jasper.html Bikers With Books Review: http://www.lorisreadingcorner.com/2013/11/guest-postvirtual-tour-with-giveaway-construction-tales-by-leslie-jasper.html Review with Brooke Blogs: http://brookeblogs.com/?p=6058 There will be more reviews t

Originally Posted: Saturday, November 16, 2013 Blog Posts for Virtual Book Tour November 17-20th Hello everyone, I am gearing up for my first online virtual book tour experience with  www.virtualbooktourcafe.com  this weekend from November 17-20th.  Here are the 3 blogs I have prepared in order to chat with potential readers.  Register on the Virtual Tour Cafe website for a chance to win and to chat with me about the book. I welcome questions and curiosity.  I work as a female electrician for the past 18 years in New York, US.  I have lots of funny jobsite stories and a unique perspective on work and life in general.  I hope to hear from readers online soon! Have a good day! Cheers! Leslie M. Jasper 10 Things Reader's Would Be Surprised To Know About You 1.         I grew up on the southern Oregon coast in a town called Coos Bay, Oregon.  I joined and entered the military two weeks after I graduated from high school. 2.         There is a plaque that is still up on

Originally Posted: Saturday, October 19, 2013 Construction Tales- Now an iBook in the Apple iTunes Store!! Hello everyone! I am proud to announce that my book, Construction Tales: Volume I: A Woman's Journey to Become an Electrician is now an iBook and can be downloaded in the Apple iTunes Store!! :) As of right now, it is only available in the United States.  There is a technical issue that is not allowing me to expand distribution globally.  However, I have put a trouble ticket in and working to make the book available worldwide as soon as possible.  I will announce when the book will be available outside the United States as soon as Apple gives me the green light!  I thank you all so much for reading my blog; very meaningful to me!  My first physical book tour stop is coming up on Monday October 21, 2013 in Saugerties, New York.  My previous blogs give a run down of my physical book signing locations!  Thanks again and have a fabulous day! Sincerely, Leslie M Jasper

Originally Posted: Wednesday, October 9, 2013 Social Media Links for the Book! :) Hello Everyone! I might as well put all my social media links in one location.  I am also going to attach links to the trade fairs that my book will be gracing between now and December.  My goal is to be in the Frankfort, Germany Book Trade Fair next year as well as the London Trade fair.  The best thing you can ever do is to reach out to your local library and request for them to order a book.  That way they may purchase the book and you can borrow it and enjoy my stories! :) The book can be found on Amazon or Barnes&Noble and is also available as an ebook!  My links can be first found at  www.lesliemjasper.com Facebook Profile: https://www.facebook.com/ConstructionTalesVolumeI?ref=hl Twitter Page: https://twitter.com/LeslieMJasper Instagram: http://instagram.com/#lesliemjasper Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/lesliemjasper/boards/ My blog (Yes...here! :) ) http://lesliemjasper.blogspo

Originally Posted: Saturday, September 21, 2013 Just Released for Kindle on Amazon!!!!! Hello everyone!! I am very excited to reveal that the Kindle ebook for my book was just released onto Amazon this morning!!!!  Now the book is available as an ebook for Kindle and Barnes & Noble's ebook Nook.  I am going to post another blog telling you about the library book tour dates and locations! Here is the link for the Kindle release!!  Thanks so much for reading my blog and have a wonderful day!! Sincerely, Leslie M. Jasper Kindle ebook link for Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Construction-Tales-Journey-Electrician-ebook/dp/B00FBJ9GVE/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1379773165&sr=1-1&keywords=construction+tales+volume+i Nook ebook for Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/construction-tales-leslie-m-jasper/1116373526?ean=2940148647799

Originally Posted: Thursday, September 19, 2013 Now Available as an eBook for Nook Through Barnes & Noble!!! Hello everyone! The book is now available live online as both a paperback and a Nook eBook on the  www.barnesandnoble.com   and a paperback on the Amazon.com (awaiting Kindle release) website.  Here is the Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/Construction-Tales-Womans-Journey-Electrician/dp/1467960160/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1376007635&sr=1-1&keywords=construction+tales%3A+volume+I eBook link: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/construction-tales-leslie-m-jasper/1116373526?ean=2940148647799 I am in the process of making it an iBook for iTunes and an audio version for Audible.com and Amazon.com.  Stay tuned....have a great day! Cheers! Leslie M. Jasper

Originally Posted: Tuesday, September 17, 2013 Midwest Book Review From a Reader Check out a book review from a reader in the midwest! Jim Wagoner posted his review on my book's Facebook page: "Just finished reading "CONSTRUCTION TALES VOL. #1" by Leslie M. Jasper. Dealing with what a female faces when entering a male dominated profession. This book is well written and very informative. Filled with personal struggle, challenge, humor, and job related stories. A book that Im happy to have read and look foreward to vol #2. Do yourselves a favor and add this to your reading list. GREAT JOB, LESLIE" https://www.facebook.com/ConstructionTalesVolumeI?ref=hl

Originally Posted: Friday, March 29, 2013 Youtube Commercial for the Book I put together a short video of a recent construction site I was working on.  I give an overview of what it is like to work as a female within the construction industry.  Check out my book's commercial on Youtube.com: Construction Tales: Volume I: A Woman's Journey to Become an Electrician Video link: http://youtu.be/-MQAV8hQfr0

Originally Posted: Tuesday, January 8, 2013 The Purpose of the Book I am sure there are people who are curious as to the reason for my decision to write my first book.  I believe that my non-traditional occupation is unique and of interest to people.  Due to the unique nature of my work, there are not many woman telling the story.  Therefore, I must get the word out what it like to work with a sea of men all day.  I must say that this is the best part of working in construction; daily eye candy.  I also wanted to tell my story so others may understand what life is like for a woman construction worker.  My journey of becoming an electrician was a tight balance of maintaining my focus while constantly learning on my toes.  In order to gain any form of respect, I knew I must pay attention and learn everything possible and perform each task to my absolute best ability.  There is no doubt that my work holds my signature and is up for constant scrutiny if it is subpar in any natu

Originally Posted: Sunday, January 6, 2013 WORKING WITH A CHAUVENIST PIG (Chapter Clip) I will never forget my first day meeting Chester on a job in White Plains.  He shook my hand and commented on my ‘manly’ handshake.  Chester then explained, in a long, dragged out theatrical manner, to me that there were two things that just don’t happen.  There is no crying in baseball and there are no women in construction.  As soon as I heard this come out of his mouth, I thought to myself that this is going to be a very tough job to work on.  Imagine a guy who is very tall with a big basketball for a belly that he rubs often.  Chester has a giant head of curly salt and pepper hair with an overgrown mustache and a five o’clock shadow.  Chester usually wore a cheap netted baseball hat, worn out solid color t-shirts, ragged Dockers pleated knit pants, and moccasins.   He does look like an odd character when you first see him and definitely when he opens his mouth and talks to people. 

Originally Posted: Sunday, January 6, 2013 My First Taste of Construction Life (Brief Clip) My first jobsite I stepped foot onto was a remodeling construction project for a major health insurance company.  The company space was located in a high rise building in the heart of  downtown White Plains, New York.  My union called me up and directed me to report to work for my first electrical shop during the month of December, 1995.  I was a first year electrician’s apprentice and considered ‘green’ by my peers.  I was a young wife with a small one year old child when I had gotten the call for this jobsite.  Four months before, I enrolled myself in college to pursue an associate’s degree in business.  I had wanted to get a degree while pursuing my apprenticeship.   I would soon discover that my plate was to become very full.  I became immersed with work, college courses, apprenticeship school, my family, and my new house that needed attention.  The juggling of my new schedule le

On My Other Blog Originally Posted: Sunday, January 6, 2013 Back Cover Snapshot of the Book Strap on your work boots and put on your hard hat.  Let me take you on a sheetrock dusted journey to see what it is like to work within the construction industry.  The work is hard, the environment is unforgiving, and the jobsite can be either extremely hot or cold.  Almost 17 years ago, I stepped foot into a male-dominated work environment.  Despite the lack of a warm embrace, I pushed my way into this world to learn the trade.  I showed my many mentors that I wanted to be here and was ready to learn and work.  After some grit and sweat, I worked my way out of my apprenticeship to become a journeywoman electrician.  I earned a great working reputation within my trade and some aches and pains along the way.  I work with guys from all backgrounds and all walks of life; and a few females that share my goal to be called journeywomen.  Construction workers do not care that you do not