Start With the Facts

This Blog Content Has Been Moved - Update Below

2009-01-24T21:39:00.001-05:00

This blog has been moved along with quite a few other blogs. The complete list of my promotional blogs and the links are listed below.

Update January 23, 2009 - I have made some major changes to the blogs I'm offering and I am updating this list to reflect those changes. These changes should make it easier to find information and give additional exposure to every one who submits information about their books and themselves.

ANY published author is welcome to submit these questions and answers to promote their books. To use any of these blogs - click on the link, click on "how to submit" in the top corner of the blog and follow the instructions. I ask that you send the questions and answers as an RTF file. It is also good to send a jpg file of your book cover - no PDF files for the cover art. When you complete the interview, send to nikki_leigh22939@yahoo.com with the interview title in the subject line and I will add you to the list for that blog.

I have divided the blog lists for fiction and non fiction books to make it easier to find the ones you need. I've added several new blogs lately - so if you've been here before - there are some new options.

Two quick updates -

The print edition of Book Promo 101 is complete and available. The print book is oversize 8" x 10" and the layout is gorgeous. The manuscript for Book Promo 201: Promote Online With Web 2.0 is with my publisher and will be available in early 2009 -- there will be updates posted. If you would like details about the contents of this book, visit http://www.nikkileigh.com/book_promo_201.htm

I offer a wide array of promotional services to authors. Feel free to take a look at the possibilities and contact me with questions. If you are interested in something that you don't see listed, let me know and we can talk. For a list of these services visit - www.nikkileigh.com/promo.htm

I offer a wide assortment of virtual book tour options and the current list is located at http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/04/virtual-blog-tour-options.html - there are a number of options and price ranges or we can talk about other options. I'm also planning to add more services in late winter and early spring 2009. If you would like to be added to my mailing list to get the latest updates, send me a message at nikki_leigh22939@yahoo.com

Promotional Blogs for Fiction Books

Share your furry writing companions - http://authorpromotion.blogspot.com
How to Submit - http://authorpromotion.blogspot.com/2009/01/how-to-submit-information-about-author.html

http://itsallinthesetting.blogspot.com/ - Details about story setting.
How to Submit – http://itsallinthesetting.blogspot.com/2007/07/its-all-about-setting.html

Animals in Your Book - http://fictionalcharactersindepth.blogspot.com/

How to Submit - http://fictionalcharactersindepth.blogspot.com/2008/05/how-to-submit-your-book.html

Villains in your book.- http://fictionalcharactersindepth.blogspot.com
How to Submit – http://fictionalcharactersindepth.blogspot.com/2007/07/how-to-submit_7729.html

Heroine in your book.- http://fictionalcharactersindepth.blogspot.com
How to Submit - http://fictionalcharactersindepth.blogspot.com/2007/07/how-to-submit_134.html

Hero in your book.- http://fictionalcharactersindepth.blogspot.com
How to Submit - http://fictionalcharactersindepth.blogspot.com/2007/07/how-to-submit.html

Best Friend - http://fictionalcharactersindepth.blogspot.com
How to Submit - http://fictionalcharactersindepth.blogspot.com/2007/07/how-to-submit_28.html

Share Book Details - http://authorpromotion.blogspot.com
How to Submit – http://authorpromotion.blogspot.com/2007/09/how-to-submit.html

http://frombookstomovies.blogspot.com/ - From Books to the Movies
If a movie was made about your book, which actors and actresses would play the main characters? This is your chance in case a movie of your book and it can be a lot of fun.
How to Submit – http://frombookstomovies.blogspot.com/2007/08/how-to-submit.html

Interview a Male Character - http://fictionalcharactersindepth.blogspot.com
How to Submit - http://fictionalcharactersindepth.blogspot.com/2007/11/how-to-submit_6392.html

Interview a Female Character - http://fictionalcharactersindepth.blogspot.com
How to Submit - http://fictionalcharactersindepth.blogspot.com/2007/11/how-to-submit_1859.htm

In Detail With Nikki Leigh - http://authorpromotion.blogspot.com
Give potential readers more information about you and your background.
How to Submit – http://authorpromotion.blogspot.com/2007/09/how-to-submit.html

http://currenteventsinbooks.blogspot.com/- Can you tie a topic or element from your book with current events? This is the place to submit them. Send them to me and I'll review them.
How to Submit - http://currenteventsinbooks.blogspot.com/2008/08/how-to-submit.html

Do you have interesting promotional ideas and suggestions that you would like to share with other authors? http://authorpromotion.blogspot.com

How to Submit - http://authorpromotion.blogspot.com/2008/08/how-to-submit-your-promotional.html

http://judgebookbycover.blogspot.com/ - Share your book cover.
How to Submit – http://judgebookbycover.blogspot.com/2007/07/judge-book-by-its-cover.html

http://startatbeginning.blogspot.com/ - Share your First Chapter
How to Submit – http://startatbeginning.blogspot.com/2007/07/how-to-submit.html

Promotional Blogs for Non-Fiction Books

Share Book Details - http://authorpromotion.blogspot.com
How to Submit – http://authorpromotion.blogspot.com/2007/09/how-to-submit.html

Share your furry writing companions - http://authorpromotion.blogspot.com
How to Submit - http://authorpromotion.blogspot.com/2009/01/how-to-submit-information-about-author.html

Animals in Your Book - http://fictionalcharactersindepth.blogspot.com/

How to Submit - http://fictionalcharactersindepth.blogspot.com/2008/05/how-to-submit-your-book.html

Before I Was Published - http://authorpromotion.blogspot.com
Tell us about what you did before you were published and especially include anything that relates to your books and your writing.
How to Submit - http://authorpromotion.blogspot.com/2008/02/tell-us-your-story.html

http://currenteventsinbooks.blogspot.com/- Can you tie a topic or element from your book with current events? This is the place to submit them. Send them to me and I'll review them.
How to Submit - http://currenteventsinbooks.blogspot.com/2008/08/how-to-submit.html
Do you have interesting promotional ideas and suggestions that you would like to share with other authors? http://authorpromotion.blogspot.com

How to Submit - http://authorpromotion.blogspot.com/2008/08/how-to-submit-your-promotional.html

http://judgebookbycover.blogspot.com/ - Share your book cover.
How to Submit – http://judgebookbycover.blogspot.com/2007/07/judge-book-by-its-cover.html

http://startatbeginning.blogspot.com/ - Share your First Chapter

How to Submit – http://startatbeginning.blogspot.com/2007/07/how-to-submit.html

I reserve the right to refuse to post any submissions, but so far I haven't needed to turn anyone away. I did edit a couple of first chapters to maintain a PG-13 rating for my visitors. That could be one of the reasons why some have such a long waiting list. All the blogs are listed on my Blogger profile which is located at - www.blogger.com/profile/00985309338453728557.

Nikki Leigh
Author of the Book Promo 101 Series
www.nikkileigh.com/book_promo_101.htm
Author Promotional Services - www.nikkileigh.com/promo.htm

The Last Stop: Lincoln & the “Mud Circuit” by Alan Bower

2009-01-24T17:54:00.000-05:00

Alan Bower

The Last Stop: Lincoln & the “Mud Circuit”

http:alanbower.com

1 - How did you get interested in the topic that’s featured in your book?

In March of 2006, I attended a meeting, in Taylorville, Illinois with its mayor, tourism council and president of the local historical society along with others interested in documenting Lincoln’s presence, activities and relationships in the city. This information would be used in promoting the city and its connection with Mr. Lincoln as part of the Looking for Lincoln project. “The Last Stop” was the result of that research project I agreed to undertake.

2 - Tell us a bit about your background. What have you done in the past that relates to your book and that topic?

I am directly descended from Joseph Durbin Sr., one of the first settlers who came to Christian County in 1829 and lived on Bear Creek, then part of Montgomery County. His brother, John “Stumpy” Durbin, arriving a year earlier is the great-great-great grandfather of Illinois Senator Richard Durbin. They both knew Lincoln for he represented members of their families in several cases. The two brothers are buried in the Durbin ancestral cemetery on Bear Creek in Christian County.

3 - What advice would you give to someone who is interested in your topic? The number of books available on Mr. Lincoln is said to number in excess of 15,000. I am sure the reader can find something that would interest them.

My reasons are the same as your original thoughts.

5 - Who is the ideal person to read your book? If each person that reads this was going to recommend your book to one person, what sort of person would they want to chose?

Anyone having a keen interest in the early years of Mr. Lincoln in the Illinois Assembly and his life on the Eight Judicial Circuit would find “The Last Stop” valuable in studying the types of cases he had including the extremely important relationships he established which would lead him to the White House.

6 - What do you think ignites a person’s creativity?

Passion…without it nothing happens.

7 - What have you found to be the biggest stumbling block for people who want to start writing?

They perhaps fail to realize that anyone can write or they think they don’t have the time.

8 - How would you suggest they can overcome that?

A great journey begins with one small step and the same can be said for writing. The prospect of writing book can be intimidating and daunting task but if broken down into its individual parts the process soon looses it’s sense of enormity.

9 - What do you find is the biggest motivator for people to succeed? Is it money, security, desire for fame or something else?

Motivation to succeed in anything we attempt comes from many sources and not always measurable in terms such as money or fame which can be fleeting.

10 - Is there anything else you would like to share with us?

Never be afraid to try something you have never done before….you might be greatly surprised at the results…the best hitters in baseball strike out 70% of the time.

Kindred Spirits by Marilyn Meredith

2008-12-28T19:16:00.001-05:00

1 - How did you get interested in the topic that’s featured in your book?

In Kindred Spirits, the latest in the Deputy Tempe Crabtree mystery series, Tempe visits Crescent City where she becomes friends with a murder victim’s sister and a good friend. Both these women are Tolowa.

I made a visit to Crescent City several years ago where I met a fascinating Tolowa woman who told me a lot about the Tolowa people’s history and their legends. I’d never heard of the Tolowa before. What I learned is the entire Tolowa nation was nearly wiped out through vicious attacks on the men, women and children. Though information about the Tolowa is not the main thrust of the story, much is added as flavor.

2 - Tell us a bit about your background. What have you done in the past that relates to your book and that topic?

Primarily, I am a writer. This is the eighth book in the series and my heroine, Tempe Crabtree, is a Yanduchi, part of the Tule River Indians. The more I’ve written about her, the more I’ve learned about the Native Americans who live on the Tule River Reservation near me–and I’ve renamed the Bear Creek Indian Reservation in my books.

As a writer, I’ve been invited to speak to the local college’s anthropology class and I’ve gone on a field trip with this class to places on the reservation that aren’t known to the general public. One thing I always remind everyone is, I borrow a lot from our local native people and the reservation, but primarily, I’m writing fiction.

I’ve done a lot of research about our local Indians and I have tremendous respect for their spirit and determination despite the hardships and prejudice they’ve been subjected to through the years. And I’m excited about their generosity to the community now that their casino and other businesses have become successful.

3 - What advise would you give to someone who is interested in your topic?

Anyone who writers about Native Americans needs to be respectful and do enough research to present an honest picture.

I belong to many groups and organizations. I am a member and serve on the board of the Public Safety Writers Association and have gained much knowledge about law enforcement and the people who have chosen this profession because of this membership. I have several fans of both my Deputy Tempe Crabtree series and my Rocky Bluff P.D. series in this group.

I am a member of four chapters of Sisters in Crime, my local San Joaquin chapter, Central Coast chapter, the L.A. chapter, and the Internet chapter–of which I’m the president. I’m also a member of Mystery Writers of America, Epic, and Writers of Kern. All of these organizations have listserves which offer a lot of ongoing helpful information. Of course there are all kinds of networking and promotional opportunities. I also attend various conventions and conferences sponsored by these groups. I’ve made life-long friends with members of all these organizations.

5 - Who is the ideal person to read your book? If each person that reads this was going to recommend your book to one person, what sort of person would they want to choose?

First, the ideal person to read Kindred Spirits should be someone who loves mysteries and especially mysteries with a Native American flavor. If someone is looking for a fast moving story with plenty of excitement, they should like my books.

6 - What do you think ignites a person’s creativity?

For an author, it could be almost anything. Meeting Junie Mattice and listening to her stories about the Tolowa people living in and around Crescent City certainly ignited my imagination and I wanted to find a way for Tempe to visit Crescent City and mingle with some Tolowa women with the same sort of dynamic personality as Junie’

7 - What have you found to be the biggest stumbling block for people who want to start writing?

Too many people I run into who want to write will tell you the whole story of what they want to write and have yet to put down a single word. Also, a person who wants to write needs to be a reader–reading the kind of books he or she wants to write.

8 - How would you suggest they can overcome that?

The reading part is easy, go to the library and check out the kind of books similar to what they want to write and read, read, read. Pay attention to how the story is constructed, what makes a chapter, how the dialogue moves the story along, how the writing is balanced between action, dialogue and narrative. Take notes. Go to a writers conference. Take notes. Start writing. Write, write, write. When you’re done, rewrite.

9 - What do you find is the biggest motivator for people to succeed? Is it money, security, desire for fame or something else?

I don’t know about others, but I do know if money was my primary motivator I would have given up long ago. My primary motivator is finding out what my heroine is going to do next. I have to write–I can’t imagine life without writing.

10 - Who is the “perfect” person to read your book?

Anyone who likes a good mystery and wants to be entertained.

11 - Is there anything else you would like to share with us?

I’d like to thank you for doing this, Nikki, for all of us authors. Marilyn http://fictionforyou.com

Purple Snowflake Marketing – How to Make Your Book Stand Out in a Crowd

2008-12-14T20:17:00.000-05:00

Purple Snowflake Marketing – How to Make Your Book Stand Out in a Crowd (2007; Dave & Lillian Brummet)

1 - How did you get interested in the topic that’s featured in your book?

Lillian: Actually, you might laugh at this, but we were so inundated with questions via email or through forums on marketing and managing a career in writing that we were often called "marketing gurus" and I’ve even been given the title of the “pink bunny” because our marketing endeavors just keep going, and going… J It was around this time that I was feeling like a good portion of my time was spent simply responding to the questions by others and realized that an e-book based on our personal marketing plan would be perfect for everyone involved.

2 - Tell us a bit about your background. What have you done in the past that relates to your book and that topic?

Lillian: The Purple Snowflake Marketing book is really a compilation of knowledge that Dave and I obtained through over 12 years of hands on experience as writers and business owners, tips we learned through writing courses, forums and conversations with others who write as a career. Dave and I have participated in numerous business courses which focused on organization, methodology and marketing. The e-book relays all of this information in a condensed format for the reader’s convenience.

3 - What advise would you give to someone who is interested in your topic?

Lillian: Few people realize the work that is involved in running a business. Those that do, know that you are putting in much more office time after the typical 8-hour day is over because of all the paper work, record keeping and book keeping duties. Having a career in writing is exactly the same - you are self-employed. So you must balance the office chores, marketing and communications with writing the next project. Sometimes this brings some conflict with others, we find they are assuming we have the time for this or that, when it is really quite the opposite. Or perhaps we have conflict with ourselves, because so many things around the home or family are allowed to take precedence. So I guess the best advice I could give anyone is to have self-discipline and create a balanced plan.

Lillian: Authors, poets and storytellers are online doing research, gathering resources, garnering contacts and selling their wares – and that is our focus group for Purple Snowflake Marketing. As such, our marketing plan includes ample use of networking sites and writer’s groups to reach new contacts in this field. Writer’s groups or resource sites (e-newsletters & e-zines) are great places to consider for advertising if you are trying to reach this group.

5 - Who is the ideal person to read your book? If each person that reads this was going to recommend your book to one person, what sort of person would they want to chose?

Lillian: Well, this book is really a reference guide for self-marketing authors who want to be noticed in a snowstorm of writers – like a purple snowflake in a snowstorm. With 19 chapters and more than 500 resources in the 21 Appendices, this e-book is a means for authors to design an effective marketing plan and utilize frugal promotional tools with the click of their mouse. Whether it is utilized by order of chapters or randomly at the reader’s discretion the book is a marketing plan in itself. In fact, Purple Snowflake Marketing provides reassurance to authors along with ample advice for avoiding pit-falls and setting a comfortable pace for marketing endeavors. Writers within most genres will find this inspiring book an essential component for marketing their book in a way that suits their unique situation.

6 - What do you think ignites a person’s creativity?

Lillian: When it comes to a marketing plan, creativity is the key to survival. Just how do you plan to sell that particular project? Why is it so special among the thousands, or perhaps hundreds, of books or articles within that genre? How can you reach the intended audience, grab their attention and hold it? That is where creativity comes in.

7 - What have you found to be the biggest stumbling block for people who want to start writing?

Lillian: Sadly there is a real misconception in the world of writing that the author is taken care of, and just relaxes once the book is written. In fact people feel writers have a leisure life – which is, of course, far from the truth. 80% of a writer’s life is spent dealing with various aspects of marketing their wares. While that number might seem shocking, it is very true. The rest of the time they have to balance record keeping and writing the next project and dealing with finding a publisher or magazine for that new piece and so on. Writers do not have a 9-5 schedule with weekends, mornings and evenings free. Like most people who are self-employed, they write or market whenever the gigs come and in-between all of this, they have to balance the rest of their life such as family, spouses, household duties and, let’s not forget, taking care of themselves too! Sometimes it feels like a never-ending balancing act and a lot of people just are not prepared for that when they delve into writing. The only thing I can offer in the way of advice for this is simply to do your research, find a balance and be disciplined enough to keep that balance.

8 - What do you find is the biggest motivator for people to succeed? Is it money, security, desire for fame or something else?

Lillian: I think for most people their motivation is money and security, honestly. But there are a growing number of writers who write because they really do believe in the message they are trying to relay to their readers. For us, that message is that the individual truly has value, that they can make a real and measurable positive impact on the planet and their communities, and that the past can be both embraced and released. Passion is the one thing that will sell you, and your book, to your audience.

9 - Who is the “perfect” person to read your book?

Lillian: Authors, poets, freelancers and storytellers who want to reduce the number of rejections they receive, who want to learn how to save money and get noticed in a positive way will certainly benefit from this book.

11 - Is there anything else you would like to share with us?

Lillian: Yes, definitely! Purple Snowflake Marketing is so well received that our publisher will be releasing a second edition in late 2008 with new information and a larger appendix section that offers an additional 200 marketing opportunities with a click of a mouse. Keep an eye on our blog or on the publishers site for more information (www.twilighttimesbooks.com) Also, I would love for your readers to visit Dave and I at: www.brummet.ca There people will find our free newsletter and blog, a long list of free resources for greening the office, the home and eco-crafts for families. They can also find more information about all the things my husband and I do, including our 3 non-fiction books and our 2 radio shows. I think your readers would be very interested in one of those radio shows in particular – Authors Read, because on this show offers authors, storytellers and poets a chance to read from their published work for 10-12 minutes. There is nothing like hearing a story told the way the writer intended it to be read… straight from the writer's lips is even better!

Gurutej Starts With the Facts

2008-11-16T20:09:00.002-05:00

1 - How did you get interested in this topic? Weaving my way into Yoga:

By Gurutej Kaur Khalsa

Yes, I finally made it to somewhere warm and I could feel my life warming up. I loved looking up at these mountains and breathing this dry air. Wow! We did it! My best friend, Ann and I actually talked our parents into letting us go to school out of state. I have no idea how since it cost more money and I was one of 6 kids soon three of us would be in college, no scholarships on the horizon. Here I was in Tucson Arizona far away from Missouri and here we were our first week being asked to dinner at some guy’s apartment. I can’t take credit for this. He was probably 5’2” and my friend Ann was my height 5’9” and outweighed him by 50lbs. Don’t get me wrong she was beautiful and really fun but could have definitely crushed him. We went to dinner cause we were in a new environment and knew no one, oh except this other boy/man she had a huge crush on, who was the reason she got me to come here to Tucson with her.

Yes, back to the dinner. Little non descript college apartment but this boy/man was having so much fun cooking that it was great to watch. I only cooked out of necessity. Well the food paid off, it was scrumptious. Then

He said, “I’m a vegetarian and this was a vegetarian dinner.” I said, “What does that mean?” He explained that it meant he didn’t use any meat products. I was overjoyed. I felt that I had been let in on a quantum secret. I had never liked meat and always had to have mine charred. Deliriously I asked, “You mean you don’t have to eat meat?” He laughed and I became a vegetarian on the spot. He figured with a conversion like that he would press onward. He took me to another room and showed me that he did yoga. He practiced with a book. I loved the concept of the yoga poses but doing it from a book just didn’t grab me the way the vegetarian thing had. So we put the word out for a class, a yoga class. Had anyone heard of one? No, but we were all on alert to the possibility.

This was the same semester that I was taking speech class and I needed to give a speech on something I didn’t know anything about but was interested in so I choose Yoga. At that time there were almost no books on yoga except ancient manuscripts in the library so that is where I planted myself. I gave the speech complete with poses including wrapping my legs behind my head which I didn’t think was the least bit unusual and had 12 people come up to me afterwards asking where they could do this yoga thing. I had to confess that I didn’t know but this was an expanded group to be on the look out for yoga. We all agreed to let each other know if we saw anything. This was in December now move to May and in runs a friend and says. “There’s yoga in the park wanna go?” We just jumped up and took off for the park. These were the days that nobody knew what yoga attire was nor mats you just did it and learned to bring a towel or blanket. That showed that you had been to class before. This is not important what was important is that we got really high. I really fell in love. No need to do drugs this was the real stuff, the breathing, the chanting, and the poses, all of it together. Our teacher chanted like an angel, I was transported on that piece of grass in a Tucson Arizona park I knew what yoga meant before I ever knew what the word meant. I had the experience. One class and I was hooked. My students now ask me “How often should I come.” I always laugh because we just knew the answer was every day at least once a day not how many times a week but a day. I was home. This was what I was being called to experience. The breath of fire oh my God was it great. I felt clear, happy, and high. Follow this with chanting and who wanted drugs when you had the real thing. I didn’t think of teaching then but my teacher, Yogi Bhajan had us teaching early. He would say, in those days, not now, “You have had three more classes then most of the people in the class so share what you know.” You want to learn something read it you want to know something write it you want to master something teach it so teach we did soon and it was a love affair. I got it and it got me.

2 - Tell us a bit about your background. What have you done in the past that relates to the topic? Check out my bio but been doing this for 40 years. A yogic community in Canada for 17 years, I have taught everyone from Celebs will send you some names if you want to businesses to children and teen. I have done women’s retreats for years and taught all over the world.

3 - What advice would you give to someone who is interested in your topic? What you get will be so much more than you bargained for.

4 - What do you see as the benefit to participating in groups and organizations that discuss this topic? My first thought would be networking opportunities and the chance for personal or business growth. What are your reasons? That would be it.

5 – What products do you offer would help a person who is interested in this topic? DVD’s Chakra Pillows to connect heal and relax and the great flip charts which you will be getting in the next couple weeks. These must go on tour as well that is where all these exercises come from.

6 - Who is the ideal person for these products? Women looking for more and all those that are connected to them. If each person that reads this was going to recommend these products to one person, what sort of person would they want to chose?

7 - What have you found to be the biggest stumbling block for people who want to learn more about this topic? It is difficult to come by if they find us then …. I want to eliminate that stress and give it to them easy.

8 - How would you suggest they can overcome that? Go to my web site and find the product right there.

9 - What do you find is the biggest motivator to learn more about this topic? The stress in peoples lives today makes what I have imperative unless you have just had a lobotomy.

10 - Who is the “perfect” person to delve into this information? Women of all ages because they are the ones making the changes necessary for the coming times

11 - Is there anything else you would like to share with us? Oh lots, but you will be getting it in many other forms. Blessings

For much more information about Gurutej, her Yoga DVDs and her work, visit her websites, www.gurutej.com and www.theenergygurus.com. Information about each of her DVDs is located here - http://www.gurutej.com/store_dvd_soon.html

You can learn much more about her tour and see the full schedule at http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/10/gurutej-presents-4-kundaini-yoga-dvds.html

Towards Understanding by Lillian Brummet

2008-10-16T21:25:00.001-04:00

Towards Understanding – a collection of 120 nonfiction poems (2005; Lillian Brummet)

1 - How did you get interested in the topic that’s featured in your book?
Lillian: Poetry was a healing tool for me that I used to crawl out of my own personal hell. You see, after growing up in an unstable, troubled and abusive home and never really experiencing the joy of a father, I found myself on my own when I was just under 14. I was angry, scared and determined to thrive despite it all. Poetry was key in the journey from just getting by to growing into myself, learning to move in with myself and reach some form of understanding about the past – but also about my value as an individual… the reason why I live and breathe today. So that is what Towards Understanding represents – I selected 120 poems and placed them in chronological order so readers can follow along on this journey.

2 - Tell us a bit about your background. What have you done in the past that relates to your book and that topic?
Lillian: Well, the pen and I have always had an intimate relationship. It was not necessarily taught to me by outside influences, although I did go to school like everyone else. It just seemed to be so natural to me, and I’ve always enjoyed it. Friends, who had read some of my poetry, began encouraging me to save it. So I did. Little scraps in shoeboxes under the bed. Then I began writing them out and storing them in photobooks, believe it or not… with little drawings that I had kept over the years. In the late ‘80’s, I became brave enough to enter a contest, and my writing career really began then – I suppose, though I didn’t start writing as a career until 1999.

3 - What advise would you give to someone who is interested in your topic?
Lillian: Write because your pen compels you to do so – not because you feel you should write about this or that. When your head pounds and words flow down the arm and into the pen… write, write, write. It does not matter if the item is ever published. You never know who you might influence long after you are gone because of something you wrote once. Family will have a better insight into the person you are because of the writings you do today. There are so many reasons to write, if not for your own sanity… then for the pure joy of it. Don’t worry about being educated in this or that – just do it.

4 - What do you see as the benefit to participating in groups and organizations? My first thought would be networking opportunities and the chance for personal and business growth. What are your reasons?
Lillian: The best place to reach readers now-a-days is on the Internet and this is where authors, storytellers and poets need to spend their time in both building name recognition, but also in interacting with potential readers and selling themselves first. As such, joining networking organizations is a great way to begin this journey, but it is only one step in many that writers will need to take. Too many writers find themselves chatting away in various networking sites and spending way too much time interacting online. Balance is the key.

5 - Who is the ideal person to read your book? If each person that reads this was going to recommend your book to one person, what sort of person would they want to chose?
Lillian: Towards Understanding was written to speak to those who struggle with self-identity and for the people who are trying to give them support they need to get through this stage in their life journey.

6 - What do you think ignites a person’s creativity?
Lillian: There is only one word that I can think of – Passion.

7 - What have you found to be the biggest stumbling block for people who want to start writing?
Lillian: The inner critic is the harshest barrier to overcome… that little voice that says your work is not good enough, that the story has been told before so how could anyone want to read your book?. This is the voice that says you’ll never have the courage to approach a publisher, the media, an agent, or whatever the fear is. Sometimes we write with absolutely no intention of publishing it and making it available to the public – and that is okay too. Lack of support can also be another barrier, but if we have enough passion, if we really crave this – no one’s nay-saying can keep the pen out of our hands. Others find time is their constraint; but even parents with full time jobs that have a passion for writing will set the alarm early to get their words on paper. There really is no barrier if the passion is there – except one, sometimes it is not the right time for us to do that project. We can embrace that, and make a note to come back to that project at a later date.

9 - What do you find is the biggest motivator for people to succeed? Is it money, security, desire for fame or something else?
Lillian: I think for most people their motivation is money and security, honestly. But there are a growing number of writers who write because they really do believe in the message they are trying to relay to their readers. For us, that message is that the individual truly has value, that they can make a real and measurable positive impact on the planet and their communities, and that the past can be both embraced and released.

10 - Who is the “perfect” person to read your book?
Lillian: People who want to really feel a real-life journey of survival, of breaking the chains of inner demons, finding value and purpose in life and growing towards understanding of their inner selves.

11 - Is there anything else you would like to share with us?
Lillian: I would love for your readers to visit me at: www.brummet.ca There people will find our free newsletter and blog, a long list of free resources for greening the office, the home and eco-crafts for families. They can also find more information about all the things my husband and I do, including our 3 non-fiction books and our 2 radio shows.

Start with the Facts About The Girl Who Fell

2008-08-24T20:17:00.001-04:00

How did you get interested in the topic that’s featured in your book?

Music is a big part of my life – I’ve played various instruments since childhood. Working with other musicians was a major inspiration. Loss of memory, along with other mental phenomena have interested me since I minored in psychology at college.

Tell us a bit about your background. What have you done in the past that relates to your book and that topic?

I’m glad to say I have no first-hand experience of memory loss! Aside from the musical influences, this is very much an imaginary tale and bears very little resemblance to my own life.

What advise would you give to someone who is interested in your topic?

Fantasy, music, mental chaos, mystery... if you like this sort of thing you could do a lot worse than read one of my books.

What do you see as the benefit to participating in groups and organizations? My first thought would be networking opportunities and the chance for personal and business growth. What are your reasons?

Most of my inspiration comes from people I meet. The various groups I am in have given me opportunities to connect with some truly amazing people.

Who is the ideal person to read your book? If each person that reads this was going to recommend your book to one person, what sort of person would they want to chose?

People who like fantasy but don’t want another epic adventure with an unpronounceable barbarian hero on a quest to find a magical sword and kill the ultimate evil. My fantasy work is NOT epic, it’s about strange and wonderful people encountering strange and wonderful things. And terrible things. Plots, mysteries, adventures and magic all on a very human scale.

What do you think ignites a person’s creativity?

For me, all of life is an interplay between what I experience and what I imagine. In Druidry, there’s a concept called ‘awen’ – a free flowing force of inspiration that you can just reach out and engage with.

What have you found to be the biggest stumbling block for people who want to start writing?

Having enough ideas. Plenty of people have ‘an idea for a book’. The trouble is, an idea will give you a short story. For a novel, you need dozens of good ideas that all mesh together into a coherent whole.

How would you suggest they can overcome that?

Either write short stories – which is a good way to develop your skills anyway, or wait, gather more ideas, do more research, plan more and then write.

What do you find is the biggest motivator for people to succeed? Is it money, security, desire for fame or something else?

I can’t speak for anyone else here, but for me its the desire to move and inspire others that keeps me writing.

Who is the “perfect” person to read your book?

My ideal reader for this one would be the lad who most inspired me, but he just doesn’t read all that much, sadly.

Shiva's Arms by Cheryl Snell

2008-07-13T20:56:00.000-04:00

1 - How did you get interested in the topic that’s featured in your book?

When I married my Indian husband, I became fascinated by the dynamics of the Indian “joint-family.” Since an ocean separated me from my new in-laws, I thought I’d explore the “what ifs” in fiction. So I pitted Alice, an American “unsuitable” bride, against Shiva, a traditional Indian mother-in-law and the namesake of a god.

2 - Tell us a bit about your background. What have you done in the past that relates to your book and that topic?

I come from a background of classical music and poetry. Each discipline feeds the other, and feed, in turn, the transition from image to scene that a novel demands. As far as subject matter goes, I was the child of immigrants, and the romance surrounding their struggles resonated with me, and gave me a frame of reference for my husband’s own emotional statelessness.

Although the set-up of Shiva’s Arms is drawn from my life—American girl finds Brahmin boy with seventeen opinionated relatives-- I am not Alice. She has my hair and my fashion sense, but her character is influenced by my fictional universe and the demands it makes on her. Even a true story is held hostage to memory and interpretation. When fictional truth wins over nostalgia, the story finds its own voice. I am not Alice, but I know her very well.

3 - What advise would you give to someone who is interested in your topic?

Read and listen. The Indian diaspora has given rise to many works of fiction that examine the question of divided loyalties. Lahiri, Desai, Divakaruni are all drawn to the stories of immigrant families thrashing in their domestic seas. It’s such a brave act, to move to a strange land. But here’s the thing-- when a person is part of two cultures, what part of the self goes, and what stays?

4 - What do you see as the benefit to participating in groups and organizations? My first thought would be networking opportunities and the chance for personal and business growth. What are your reasons?

There is a wonderful sense of community in a writer’s group, the chance to learn about the craft itself, the business of writing, and the chance to encourage growth in others. Online workshops have the extra advantage of semi-anonymity. It’s easier to tell the hard truths about someone’s writing if you don’t have cues in their expression or body language to influence your opinion.

5 - Who is the ideal person to read your book? If each person that reads this was going to recommend your book to one person, what sort of person would they want to chose?

Anyone interested in cultural cross-pollination; anyone who relishes musical language; anyone who ever had a mother-in-law.

6 - What do you think ignites a person’s creativity?

Reading widely and deeply, noticing details, developing empathy.

7 - What have you found to be the biggest stumbling block for people who want to start writing?

They try to carve out enough of the ideal chunk of time. There is no such thing.

8 - How would you suggest they can overcome that?

Try to write every day. Routine may seem uninspiring, but you want to be at your desk if inspiration happens to strike! Think about what you’re writing when you’re doing other things—plot the next scene while you’re doing dishes, etc. Stay connected to your project, in other words. Leave your physical writing in the middle of a sentence. It will help jumpstart the next session.

9 - What do you find is the biggest motivator for people to succeed? Is it money, security, desire for fame or something else?

Fantasies about money, security, fame don’t really help a person take the necessary one step after another to learn their craft, and build a success. I remember a sad story about a gifted new writer who submitted her first story to The New Yorker and was rejected. Her friends tried to shore her up by pointing out the many excellent lit journals in the world, but she said, “I had my heart set on The New Yorker,” and promptly quit writing.

10 - Who is the “perfect” person to read your book?

I’m hoping South Indians will enjoy the inside jokes and cultural references. The recipes in the companion booklet, too.

A reader who learns how to understand an “other” through this story would be just about perfect.

11 - Is there anything else you would like to share with us?
One reader asked me how I can write about the ‘other’. I can write about this community because I do not truly belong to it. Being a perpetual outsider, standing in the doorway, is a good place to eavesdrop. I’ll leave you with a bit of Mr. Faulkner’s wisdom: "I never know what I think about something until I read what I've written on it."

Start With the Facts for Todd Rhoad's New Book

2008-07-06T20:36:00.001-04:00

1 - How did you get interested in the topic that’s featured in your book?

When I saw my friends struggling to achieve their desired career success, no matter what they tried (e.g. hard work, advanced college degrees).

2 - Tell us a bit about your background. What have you done in the past that relates to your book and that topic?

Todd Rhoad’s expertise is drawn from twenty years of experience as an engineer struggling to climb the corporate ladder through government, private, public, profit and non-profit organizations. Thinking education alone would be sufficient to climb the ladder, Todd obtained both a Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering and Business Administration. He has worked in numerous industries from consumer products to high technology research and development while serving in roles from engineer to finally reaching the managerial ranks. He is currently a Managing Director at Bt Consulting in Austin, TX. With over 30 publications in journals, books and conferences, he is a frequent speaker and presenter at high schools, colleges and conferences.

3 - What advise would you give to someone who is interested in your topic?

It’s a constant battle against global forces now. Staying ahead of the career game requires a lot of work and networking.

I teach a team-based approach to career success. I truly believe greater things are accomplished by the many, not the few.

5 - Who is the ideal person to read your book? If each person that reads this was going to recommend your book to one person, what sort of person would they want to chose?
The ideal person is the young professional seeking to make his mark in the world. Not having been trained or educated on what the corporate world is really like or how the corporate landscape is changing, they’ll struggle to understand it. The book will teach them a great way to capture success without worrying about competition or the endless barrage of organizational restructuring.

6 - What do you think ignites a person’s creativity?

A simple idea. That’s exactly what was developed with the Blitz Approach. I saw a problem, came up with an idea that could resolve it and then took 3 years to prove it.

7 - What have you found to be the biggest stumbling block for people who want to start writing?

Knowing how.

8 - How would you suggest they can overcome that?

Just write. Get all your ideas down on paper. Then, get help make it read better. Learn from others.

9 - What do you find is the biggest motivator for people to succeed? Is it money, security, desire for fame or something else?

It’s not one thing. As a need gets filled, it becomes something else. As we grow and change, so does the brass ring.

10 - Who is the “perfect” person to read your book?

Anyone who wants more success in their career but can’t seem to get it.

11 - Is there anything else you would like to share with us?

The purpose behind publishing this book is to provide the many young professionals entering the business world a realistic view of how business is done and what they can expect to encounter. It will also help those individuals that display the skills and talents needed to progress up the ladder but somehow never seem to get the opportunity. The blitz method will hopefully convince readers they can put significant control of their career in their own hands despite the numerous forces that hold them back.

The approach presented will be from an insider’s point of view. The concepts are current and relevant to situations individuals will face in today’s business world. Typically strategies for career advancement are presented from academics or consultants. These authors typically work with individuals at the higher levels of the organization that are considerably removed from the trials and tribulations in climbing the ladder. This book presents the story from the soldier who just stepped off the field of battle when the echo of the bombs, the smell of the powder and the heat from the wounds are still fresh in his mind.

Start with the Facts About Mirella Patzer & Bloodstone Castle

2008-06-10T22:27:00.003-04:00

Mirella Patzer visits with us and we're going to dig into some of the details about her latest book Bloodstone Castle.

1. How did you get interested in the topic that’s featured in your book?

Because I’m first generation Italian Canadian, I’ve always been interested in my roots and in Italian folklore and superstitions. I am also passionate about history, especially the medieval era. I love to tell stories about strong historical women. So I put my passions together and came up with Bloodstone Castle.

2. Tell us a bit about your background. What have you done in the past that relates to your book and that topic?

I have travelled to Italy several times in my life and I am always fascinated with its many castles, easy accessibility to the sea, and warm climate. It is only natural that I wrote a story about some fictional characters in a land I love so much. I have done extensive research into the medieval times, specifically the 10^th century in order to write a family saga trilogy about Otto the Great and his family.

3. What advice would you give to someone who is interested in your topic?

If you have a strong interest or passion, then by all means you must pursue it. One can gain expertise in almost anything as long as you are willing to do the work and keep honing and practicing what you learn. In my case, I have extensively researched the 10^th century and honed my writing skills through the years. If you set your mind to it, you can achieve.

4. What do you see as the benefit to participating in groups and organizations?

I am a strong proponent of critique groups for authors. Friends and family are okay to share your books with, however, they are not experts or trained as writers. All authors are blind to their own work. So when you work with other authors and help each other perfect their manuscripts through line and content edits, you will produce a far superior product than an author who works in isolation. I run a very successful on-line critique group for historical fiction at:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Historical-Fiction-Writers-Critique-Group/

5. Who is the ideal person to read your book? If each person that reads this was going to recommend your book to one person, what sort of person would they want to chose?

I recommend my novel to both men and women who love a suspenseful tale told with a sprinkling of love and adventure which is a little on the dark side.

6. What do you think ignites a person’s creativity?

Creativity can arise from any source. It could come from people watching, or emotion, or a picture, or from one’s own life. When a small thought enters into your mind, don’t push it aside. Instead, examine the thought, expand upon it, let it take you where it wants to go. Then you can realize its full potential. And do not be afraid to push forward to make it real.

7. What have you found to be the biggest stumbling block for people who want to start writing?

The biggest stumbling block for aspiring writers is that they think about it but never actually sit down to do it. To write, one must write. Even if you think you can’t, only by writing will you achieve. So just do it!

Then you must immerse yourself in the writing world. Join authors groups on-line and in person. This is necessary to pull us out of our isolating work and learn about the industry and opportunities that exist.

8. How would you suggest they can overcome that?

Start small. If you write one page a day, you will have the first draft of a novel completed in less than a year. Then it will take several more months of self-editing to polish it. Think big, but take baby steps. That is the secret.

9. What do you find is the biggest motivator for people to succeed? Is it money, security, desire for fame or something else?

Money is most definitely a motivator but not a major one. I think it is the desire to succeed or the desire to be recognized and acknowledged as human beings that drives us.

10. Who is the “perfect” person to read your book?

I wrote my book for pure escape. For those who work hard every day or who have stress in their lives. My novel can sweep you away into another place and time and I hope it can help you forget your troubles for a few hours. I have sold my book to both men and women and both sexes seem to enjoy it.

11 - Is there anything else you would like to share with us?

I am currently working on another Italian Medieval romance entitled Orphan of the Olive Tree. Also, I’m working on the Ottonian family saga – the first book in the series will be called A Crimson Mantle. I hope to see them on the shelves in two years.

The Complete Tour Schedule – http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/05/mirella-patzer-virtual-book-tour.html

During the tour, we encourage people to visit each tour stop shown on the schedule. Each comment on any of the tour stops is an entry in the book giveaway. Several copies of Bloodstone Castle will be given away at the end of the month. One will be given to the “best” comment, one for the “most unique and relevant” question. In addition, the blog host where the winning comments were posted will also win a copy of the book. So, visit Mirella, learn more about Bloodstone Castle and post comments. Mirella looks forward to getting to know her readers.

Russell Vassallo Gives Us the Facts

2008-05-31T20:22:00.002-04:00

1. How did you get interested in the topic that's featured in your book?

A: As a child I was plagued with bronchial asthma. Each winter I spent months in bed, coughing, struggling to breathe. I didn't have much company but, when I was well enough, my dad would bring my Pomeranian, Palsy, up to see me

It was eight years before I actually got outside to play with friends. I lost so much time in school I was always inside either coughing or learning. The boys on my block weren't so nice when I tried to join in. Only stray animals seemed to offer me any comfort or friendship. I always had an intense love of animals so when I retired, we began adopting and rescuing animals. When I contracted colon cancer, my drive to be back with my animals fueled not only my will to live, but my animal stories as well.

My first book, Tears and Tales, is really about letting go. I had lost several animals by the time I knew about my colon cancer. Our dog, Nikki, died on the very morning I went in for emergency surgery. I just could not stop grieving for her. I had a lot of time to be depressed sitting in bed recovering. I guess it reminded me of my childhood. . If anyone reads The Cardinal, one of the stories in my first book, they'll understand that my animal friends helped me through a very bad period in my life. The story resonates because it seemed like a message from my animal friend that came from beyond the grave. Who says they aren't waiting?

2. Tell us a bit about your background. What have you done in the past that relates to your book and the topic?

A: I guess I've done a little bit of everything. By the time I was eleven, I was self-supporting selling firecrackers to the rich kids on the hill. I worked in a bakery for a number of years and spent twenty-five years practicing law. I think the urge to write was always with me, but I needed to earn a living. I did have pets, though, a wonderful Dobe named Saber and several of her offspring.

Throughout the years, I wrote short stories for many of my school friends who just couldn't get the hang of writing. As a lawyer, of course, I was always writing affidavits and briefs. I tried a writing course but learned that writing is one of the toughest professions to earn a living at so I pretty well stuck to law. None of this dealt with animals but there always seemed to be an animal in my life somewhere. I just cannot think of a time when I did not have an animal in my life. I'm comfortable around them. Still, I don't want to be labeled as a writer of animal stories. My stories use animals as metaphors, symbols of the ability to struggle against the tide and succeed.

3. What advice would you give to someone who is interested in your topic?

A: That's a tough question to answer. I don't have a particular topic. Tears and Tales was pretty much about the animals in my life, past and present. The Horse with the Golden Mane was animal related, but it dealt with people and relationships.

My third book, due out in July or August, is Streetwise: Mafia Memoirs and that is hardly an animal book, though some people quip it's about two-legged animals.

If I had to give someone advice on any topic, I'd say to write from the heart. Then, go back and write from the head. Put the two of them together and then learn how to market and sell your own work. This works for any topic. If you are writing about animals, talk to animal owners and pet lovers. The stories are endless. One of mine made it into the Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse Magazine.

4. What do you see as the benefit to participating in groups and organizations? My first thought would be networking opportunities and the chance for personal and business growth. What are your reasons?

A: My wife is the joiner. I am not. I see a benefit to networking and participating in group discussions, but I prefer to work alone. If I do good work, others, in or out of a group, will tell me that. I am not knocking working in groups. I think they are great for those who need support and encouragement. They're a good way to learn about upcoming events, new techniques, new markets, but I have this loner-attitude that I have to succeed on my own. Since I've been doing that from age eleven, it's something that has worked for me. Still, I enjoy helping others. I don't know how much marketing material I have sent out of here to help fledgling writers or those entering the marketing phase of writing.

The disadvantage to working with writer groups is that the wrong group can be very destructive to the creative process. Everyone wants to write something his or her own way. I had to fire my second editor because she insisted on rewriting my material. And she was a professional who should have known better.

Now I do use people with marketing experience to network my books on the Internet. My wife does a truly great job of promoting us online. I don't know how successful that is because it's practically impossible to trace a sale or an order to a particular internet source. We link with anyone we can, but because I am a true klutz at using the internet, my wife has a hands-off policy where I am concerned. By that, I mean she wants my hands off her computer. Well, I can't blame her. I single-handedly managed to violate some rule about bulk mailings and AOL cancelled our privilege. I was only trying to send eight people the same document. Somehow it expanded to eight hundred and sixty four.

My strongest point is talking. If I can gather a group of people around me, I'll sell books. We went on a seven day tour and in the first two stops we sold one-hundred nineteen books. The advantage, of course, is that I know where and how my books sold. Many authors simply sit and wait for people to look at their books. Virginia and I openly and politely solicit with objects that attract attention long enough for you to start talking.

“Do you know anyone who loves animals?” is my favorite person stopper.

5. Who is the ideal person to read your book? If each person that reads this was going to recommend your book to one person, what sort of person would they want to choose?

A: Tears and Tales has had a wide appeal to women and children. It's a book with a lot of emotion. Children love the animal part of the stories whereas women see the sensitivity of a man and wife struggling to stay a family. Because of that appeal it's won three awards.

The Horse with the Golden Mane is resonating well with adolescents, women and over-forty males. It's also won three awards. Anyone who loves adventure, romance or people will enjoy Horse. We recently went to a gun show in Louisville and sold a fair number of books and a goodly amount were to men.

6. What do you think ignites a person's creativity?

A: The ability to immerse yourself in a situation just as an actor immerses himself in a role. He or she is no longer the same person. They become the character. When I write about animals, I become that animal. I inherit its senses, sight, sound, smell. I experience the same emotions the animal experiences. One famous critic wrote of my work that only Jack London could see inside an animal well enough to write about it. Another judge in the same contest told me I had a fantastic ability to see inside an animal. Go figure what appeals to subjective judges.

What ignites it may simply be a random thought that builds into something. For example, when I wrote the final story in The Horse with the Golden Mane, what inspired it was my wife's habit of slipping out of bed so quietly it's almost ghost-like. That inspired me to write about a man who . . . well, I'm not going to tell you that. You'll have to buy the book and see what I did with that random thought.

7. What have you found to be the biggest stumbling block for people who want to start writing?

A: Lack of knowledge. They have to learn writing techniques, grammar and that kind of thing and then they have to learn about an industry that has been operating for thousands of years . . . without them. If you want to make money at writing become a person who promises much to the aspiring writer, but for God's sake, don't become a writer.

8. How would you suggest they overcome that?

A: Go to the experts. People like Dan Poynter, John Kremer. Learn what you are in for before you ever set a single word on paper. Monitor every ad that seems to have appeal. What are you really getting for your money? How can you judge the results? Then select the market you want to reach, the amount of budget you have to reach them, the resources at your disposal. There is a lot of advice out there, some good, some bad. Experience will teach you some of it, but caution can prevent mistakes.

If you think some big publisher is going to risk money on you as opposed to someone with a name, take up golf or billiards. Don't write!

9. What do you find is the biggest motivator for people to succeed? Is it money, security, desire for fame or something else?

A: I think it's the desire to be recognized. Just about the time I'm ready to give up writing, someone comes along and tells me what a wonderful writer I am; or how much they enjoyed my story, so-and-so. We all need praise. Some of us more than others. I don't think I could handle fame. And very few make money at writing so it's not money. No, I think people write because they simply cannot not write.

I'll be driving along and a thought strikes me. I've got to jot it down and get to my computer (non-internet) and start writing. After a hundred edits, I sit back and tell myself that it's good. Then, others tell me the same thing. It doesn't seem to matter then that it cost me money to actually sell my book. It's just not something I can put aside. I have to write, like it or not. And once you've published that book, you need for others to read it and only then are you satisfied.

10: Who is the “perfect” person to read your book?

A: There isn't any “perfect” person to read my books. They have wide and general appeal to all readers. If I had to pick one type of person, I'd say it would have to be someone who enjoys an emotional story and who can accept that not every story has a happy ending. It would also have to be someone who believes there is some kind of existence after death. So all my animals are still with me . . . in my books . . . in my thoughts . . . in my hopes that they are waiting for me just over the horizon.

11. Is there anything else you would like to share with us?

A: Yes. Whatever knowledge I have acquired in the three years since I wrote my first book, I'd share with anyone who takes the time to write and ask. Only one man's opinion, and it cost me nearly twenty thousand dollars to learn, but I'm willing to answer questions from anyone with a sincere interest in learning. And, I'm willing to learn from anyone who can teach me.

I'd also like to share some laughter because I thought I'd write a wonderful collection of inspiring short stories and some publisher would just snap them up.

Even I am still laughing at that one. Write because it pleases you to do something truly worthwhile. Write because you feel something for it. Write because you cry when you finish and you have nothing more to do with your character. Write mostly because it is “you.”

Russell A Vassallo

www.krazyduck.com

www.maneofgold.com

KRAZY DUCK PRODUCTIONS

Russell A. Vassallo, Author

Box 105, Danville, KY 40423

606-787-2571 fax 606-787-8207

www.krazyduck.com Russ@ krazyduck.co

SInbad's Last Voyage by Toni Sweeeney

2008-05-17T21:32:00.001-04:00

1 - How did you get interested in the topic that’s featured in your book?

I've always liked adventure stories and movies, as well as SF and fantasy.

2 - Tell us a bit about your background. What have you done in the past that relates to your book and that topic?

I've certainly never been to another planet, or had a husband arrested for being a spy or anything like what happens to Andi! The only things we have in common are our physical descriptions and the fact that we live in California. I was born in the South, lived there the first 30 years of my life, moved to Nebraska with my son in 1975, lived knee-deep in snow for 25 years, and then lit out for sunny Orange County. I have a major in Art, English, and Drama, and was a dancer for 13 years, as well as acting in college drama productions. I think those two facts helped me write my books.

3 - What advise would you give to someone who is interested in your topic?

Enjoy it!

Those things do help. Participating also gives one a chance to share ideas, and seek inspiration and assistance in writing, especially if when having problems with a chapter or subject matter.

5 - Who is the ideal person to read your book? If each person that reads this was going to recommend your book to one person, what sort of person would they want to chose?

I think anyone who likes science fiction--a Sci-Fi Channel devotee--with a little romance thrown in, will like this book.

6 - What do you think ignites a person’s creativity?

For me, it's seeing or hearing something that I can't get out of my head...a phrase, an idea. I have a rule--if I think about it, and it comes back into my mind three times, I know I have to write about it.

7 - What have you found to be the biggest stumbling block for people who want to start writing?

Thinking that after writing a novel--and editing it, and refining it, and proofing it--that they're just going to send it off and--wham!--it's going to be accepted somewhere immediately.

8 - How would you suggest they can overcome that?

Acknowledge that it may take numerous failures and numerous rejections before anything is accepted anywhere. What you consider your best work may not be the one to actually be published first. Someone you think is trivial and ridiculous may be what catches the publisher's fancy.

9 - What do you find is the biggest motivator for people to succeed? Is it money, security, desire for fame or something else?

For me, it was to earn approval. To have people see that I could accomplish something. I also wanted to share my stories because I thought other people would enjoy them, too. For others--I'd imagine it's either for fame or money, not necessarily in that order.

10 - Who is the “perfect” person to read your book?

Someone who likes a romantic adventure with fantasy elements.

Music and Meditation CD series by Dyan Garris

2008-05-14T13:00:00.000-04:00

Music and Meditation CDs by Dyan Garris

1 - How did you get interested in this topic?

The music and meditation series is for relaxation, Automatic Chakra Balance,™ help in sleeping, and vibrational attunement of mind, body, and spirit. It’s part of my larger body of work which basically is automatic energy shift. I’ve been playing the piano since I was four years old. I also am a violinist. My music was recently #1 on Music Choice’s Soundscapes cable TV channel and has been nominated for several New Age Reporter Lifestyle Awards. Everything in the body of work started with a guided meditation “A Healing Journey” in 1993. From there came my deck of angel cards, which are all scenes from the guided meditation. “A Healing Journey Guided Fantasy” is the last track on my first CD in the series.

2 - Tell us a bit about your background. What have you done in the past that relates to the topic.

I’m clairvoyant, clairaudient, and clairsentient. In addition, I’m also what is known as a voice recognition psychic and trance channel. This means that I can help clients via telephone, which is how I conducted my readings throughout my career. I retired from private readings to focus on building the spiritual toolbox that Spirit and I are almost finished building.

For many years I taught classes on how to balance the energy field and clear the chakras. As part of those classes, mediation was taught as well. Music was used in the classes as a way of clearing and balancing. Methods of integrating the mind, body, and spirit were implemented too. Integration is a necessary part of learning to manifest.

I write the Daily Channeled Message which posts on my website. There is a free spiritual forum there, with live chat and free psychic and online angel card readings, as well as a free spiritual advice column, “Dear Dyan.” My latest book Money and Manifesting teaches why the law of attraction and the power of positive thinking are not enough for effective manifesting, and exactly what to do about it. I also am the author of The Book of Daily Channeled Messages, Voice of the Angels Cookbook – Talk To Your Food! Intuitive Cooking and Fish Tale of Woe – Lost at Sea.

3 - What advice would you give to someone who is interested in your music and meditation series?

Even though the series gets progressively higher in vibration and in musical elements, I suggest that everyone start with whatever CD their intuition guides them to use. That’s why I purposefully did not number them. If one listens to their intuition they will know which CDs will benefit them the most.

Participating in groups and organizations is always helpful because you get the benefit of many points of view. Participation may keep you from staying stuck on your own perspective. It’s always good to learn and grow.

5 – What products do you offer would help a person who is interested in this topic?

In addition to offering the CD series as individual CDs, I also offer them together in the Meditation Basket. The basket comes with a lot of other helpful items, such as Reiki charged candles and a genuine Tibetan meditation crystal. I also offer the option of adding several other products to the basket. It’s a really good value.

6 - Who is the ideal person for these products? If each person that reads this was going to recommend these products to one person, what sort of person would they want to chose?

These products are ideal for anyone that loves music. They’re ideal for anyone who doesn’t know how to meditate, but they’re also a refreshing change of pace for the experienced student of meditation. They are really interesting journeys and the music and meditations are designed for automatic shift. I don’t believe anyone else is doing such a thing. All a person really has to do is listen. They are also integrative healing. I tried to take the perception of “work” out of it.

7 - What have you found to be the biggest stumbling block for people who want to learn more about this topic?

The biggest stumbling block is simply making a determination to change and shift. Meditation, change, growth, and transformation are often seen as “work.” It doesn’t have to be so.

8 - How would you suggest they can overcome that?

Try it for yourself and see what happens.

9 - What do you find is the biggest motivator to learn more about this topic?

The biggest motivation is that this works. If someone is really stuck and going around and around in their life, this will help. And it isn’t expensive and time consuming. And it helps people.

10 - Who is the “perfect” person to delve into this information?

Anyone who truly wants to move forward is the perfect person for this.

11 - Is there anything else you would like to share with us?

You can listen to free music samples and meditation samples on my website www.voiceoftheangels.com. I also have a downloadble MP3 store there. You can hear some songs in their entirety at www.myspace.com/voiceoftheangels. I offer a lot of free things on my site because I simply want to help people move forward and I get tired of so many things being all hype. When you’re ready, come begin your own “healing journey.”

SPECIAL NOTE

Each person who posts a comment on any or all of the blog tour spots will be entered in a random drawing for a copy of Dyan Garris’ CD – Release. In addition – the blog owner that hosted the winning commenter will also win a free copy of Release. Share your thoughts and comments with Dyan. She will check in throughout the day to answer questions. You’ll learn more and you have a chance to win a CD.

Dyan is offering a FREE teleclass for anyone who has read Money and Manifesting - if you haven't already read the book, visit Dyan's website to order a copy - www.voiceoftheangels.com. For full details about the class, visit this page http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/05/begin-your-personal-healing-journey.html

For more information about Dyan Garris and her virtual tour, check the schedule at http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/04/dyan-garris-may-schedule.html and http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/04/dyan-garris-may-blog-tour.html.

Her website is full of great details about all of the items within her “toolbox” and there are many special features. She provides the tools you need to have a full and happy life – http://www.voiceoftheangels.com/ and it’s not as hard to achieve as you think. Visit Dyan’s Amazon profile for links to many of her products - http://www.amazon.com/gp/pdp/profile/AYREZNHQDLRFM/

Intuitive Products by Dyan Garris

2008-05-12T21:00:00.002-04:00

Intuitive Cooking

Voice of the Angels Cookbook – Talk To Your Food! Intuitive Cooking by Dyan Garris

1 - How did you get interested in this topic?

The intuitive cookbook is one component of the spiritual toolbox I’ve been building. It’s an exercise in integrating mind, body, and spirit. Integration is a necessary step in manifesting.

2 - Tell us a bit about your background. What have you done in the past that relates to the topic?

I’m a spiritual counselor, clairvoyant, clairaudient, and clairsentient. In the toolbox are music and meditation CDs for relaxation, stress release, chakra balance, and help in sleeping, a deck of angel cards, a journal for use with the CDs, a journal for use with the angel cards, The Book of Daily Channeled Messages, and a mini book about entitlement. A free angel card reading is available at www.voiceoftheangels.com, as well as a free spiritual forum, free spiritual advice column, “Dear Dyan,” and free daily channeled message.

3 - What advice would you give to someone who is interested in your topic?

If you feel stuck and want to make some changes follow your intuition and it will lead you to exactly what you need to implement those changes.

I’m not sure that many people are discussing intuitive cooking yet. However, if we begin to look at food from a different perspective than we currently do, discussions could get very interesting. Just as our relationship with money has become distorted, so has our relationship with food. The energy of these things resides in the root chakra. The root chakra is where many people have blocks to being able to manifest.

5 – What products do you offer would help a person who is interested in this topic?

I have an entire toolbox of spiritual tools for anyone who is interested in learning to integrate mind, body, and spirit, and clearing energy blocks that prevent them from moving forward on the path.

6 - Who is the ideal person for these products? If each person that reads this was going to recommend these products to one person, what sort of person would they want to chose?

My products are for anyone who wants spiritual growth, positive change, and transformation. They are for anyone who feels stuck or lost. I’ve tried to make everything easy and enjoyable.

7 - What have you found to be the biggest stumbling block for people who want to learn more about this topic?

Fear is a huge stumbling block as well as ingrained belief systems and patterns that were learned in childhood.

8 - How would you suggest they can overcome that?

Anyone can overcome fear by simply being open to change and new perspectives. There is nothing to fear.

9 - What do you find is the biggest motivator to learn more about this topic?

The biggest motivator for anything is the willingness to change.

10 - Who is the “perfect” person to delve into this information?

Anyone who loves to cook and be creative is the perfect person for this information.

11 - Is there anything else you would like to share with us? Those questions are only slightly different from what I had and I'm going to add them as an alternative way to post for this blog :)

If we look at a completely messy room as a whole, it may seem to be a daunting task to straighten it up. However, if we clean one small area at a time, pretty soon we have the whole thing cleared up. Change and transformation do not have to be intimidating. Change can even be fun. Start small.

SPECIAL NOTE

Each person who posts a comment on any or all of the blog tour spots will be entered in a random
drawing for a copy of Dyan Garris’ CD – Release. In addition – the blog owner that hosted the winning commenter will also win a free copy of Release. Share your thoughts and comments with Dyan. She will check in throughout the day to answer questions. You’ll learn more and you have a chance to win a CD.

Do You Have a Product or Service You Want to Promote

2008-05-03T16:03:00.001-04:00

This blog can now be used to promote books or other items or services. Read on for information and contact me with any questions.

To submit information for a specific product, service or topic - use these questions. You can feel free to replace the words "this topic" with the name of your product or service. I need you to answer the questions below and send the answers to me. This works best if you copy the questions into a document, answer the questions, save as a RTF (rich text file) and email them to me at nikki_leigh22939@yahoo.com. Please list "Start With the Facts" in the signature line. You can also send a picture of the product if you would like me to include it with your post. I look forward to learning more about you.

Topic to Discuss - ___________________
1 - How did you get interested in this topic?
2 - Tell us a bit about your background. What have you done in the past that relates to the topic?
3 - What advise would you give to someone who is interested in yourtopic?
4 - What do you see as the benefit to participating in groups andorganizations that discuss this topic? My first thought would be networkingopportunities and the chance for personal or business growth. What areyour reasons?
5 – What products do you offer would help a person who is interested inthis topic?
6 - Who is the ideal person for these products? If each person thatreads this was going to recommend these products to one person, what sortof person would they want to chose?
7 - What have you found to be the biggest stumbling block for peoplewho want to learn more about this topic?
8 - How would you suggest they can overcome that?
9 - What do you find is the biggest motivator to learn more about thistopic?
10 - Who is the “perfect” person to delve into this information?
11 - Is there anything else you would like to share with us? Those questions are only slightly different from what I had and I'mgoing to add them as an alternative way to post for this blog :)

Unsung Patriot by Virginia Vassallo

2008-04-27T21:26:00.002-04:00

How did you get interested in the topic that's featured in your book?

My book, Unsung Patriot, is about my grandfather, Guy T. Viskniskki, and how he started The Stars and Stripes newspaper during World War I. The easy answer to how I got interested in the topic is that I can't remember a time in my life when I didn't know that my grandfather started the paper. Admittedly, for many years, I had no idea what the paper was. In fact, I remember asking my mom, “If Guydaddy started the paper, why don't we get it?” This was in the 1950s; there was no Internet and only the armed forces received The Stars and Stripes.

After my mom died and I found that I had inherited my grandfather's 437 page manuscript about his experiences trying to start the paper, I thought I should write up something for my grandchildren. It grew - because I had to know more and more. And finally it became a book.

Tell us a bit about your background. What have you done in the past that relates to your book and your topic?

Obviously, being the granddaughter of the man who started The Stars and Stripes and having information only the family had uniquely qualified me to write this book. On another level, I was a history major in college and then became an attorney so much of the writing that I had done has been on either historical topics or non-fiction, such as legal briefs. Since my topic is historical non-fiction combined with family information, I think I am a 'natural' to write Unsung Patriot.

What advise would you give to someone who is interested in your topic?

First of all, that person should read my book. Second, The Stars and Stripes Museum/Library in Bloomfield, Missouri, has exhibits covering the whole history of the newspaper and they also have a research library. Third, you can join the European-Pacific Stars and Stripes Association. Initially the group was composed of men and women who had worked for the paper during their time in the armed forces. However, they have recently expanded their membership to include people who are interested in The Stars and Stripes. The yearly dues are nominal and you get 4-6 issues of their newsletter a year plus they meet once a year in various locations. I am waiting for 2009 when they are meeting in Reno, NV, to go again.

Other than those suggestions there is no a tremendous amount of information out there about the newspaper during the First World War.

What do you see as the benefit of participating in groups and organizations? My first thought would be networking opportunities and the chance for personal and business growth. What are your reasons?

Certainly those are good reasons, Nikki, and they are some of the reasons I belong to various groups and organizations. Obviously belonging to the S&S Association is a plus for information about the paper today. I also belong to several genealogical groups because I have a real interest in tracing my family's origins and those of my husband. Some of those contacts have resulted in sales of my book - probably because of the similarity of interests among the participants. And, besides, some of them have monthly meetings nearby and it's fun to get together.

Who is the ideal person to read your book? If each person that reads this was going to recommend your book to one person, what sort of person would they want to choose?

Unsung Patriot would appeal to a person who is interested in history, a person who is interested in genealogy, a person interested in military history, a person interested in journalism and newspapers.

As one reader said, “Virginia, I finished reading your book about your grandfather and enjoyed it tremendously. I am so amazed at all your grandfather accomplished and love how he stood up to his military superiors to keep his promise to the regular soldiers. This book is such a memorable way to share his story and the accolades that he received during his lifetime.”

What do you think ignites a person's creativity?

First and foremost, I think a good imagination is necessary. Even when writing non-fiction, you have to be able to imagine or see how the book will flow together. This is especially true when you are gathering information from a variety of sources.

Believe it or not, for me walking in the woods and fields of our farm helps my creativity immensely. My mind is free-floating, looking at the world around me, wondering what my dogs are scenting, yet it seems I come back from a long walk refreshed and with new ideas. Yet I am not conscious of thinking about anything in particular.

What have you found to be the biggest stumbling block for people who want to start writing?

I think potential authors look to the end result - will someone publish this book? How do I get it published? Do I really want to have to do my own marketing?

It can be daunting and scary.

When I started writing Unsung Patriot, I started writing for my children and grandchildren so that they would know about my grandfather. I never thought I would actually write a book that would be sold at book fairs, in stores and on the Internet. That came much later. I believe I probably wouldn't have started writing if I had realized what I was really going to do with the end product. I had to work in to the idea of being a published author.

How would you suggest they can overcome that?

Write for your own enjoyment. Write for one other person - a spouse, a child, a grandchild. Don't think that what you write must be published. Think about just telling your story.

One of my neighbors is 80 something and tells wonderful stories about growing up in rural Kentucky. She has finally written down some of her memories and we are all elated. It brings this small part of the world to life - what it was really like to live here back in the Depression. And it's a very different that the story you hear of how the Depression affected city dwellers.

What do you find is the biggest motivator for people to succeed? Is it money, security, desire for fame or something else?

I think it varies from person to person. Some people want they approval of their readers. Others want to make lots of money from their books. Still others want to prove to themselves that they can do it.

For me, I think it's a combination. I wanted my family to know about my grandfather. Now that the book is out there, I would like to make at least enough money to pay for the cost of getting it published. And I am on my way to accomplishing that!

Who is the “perfect” person to read your book?

The “perfect” person would be anyone with an interest in, or a love, of history.

Is there anything else you would like to share with us?

Nikki, I think you have been very comprehensive. I would just like to invite your readers to visit my websites - www.krazyduck.com and www.unsungpatriot.com.

Virginia G. Vassallo

www.krazyduck.com

www.unsungpatriot.com

Start with Joyful Paws

2008-04-20T16:39:00.002-04:00

1 - How did you get interested in the topic that’s featured in your book?

I have always loved dogs. When my dachshund became paralyzed from a spinal injury and had to be fitted for a cart, I received much compassion from strangers as I would take her about in my little town. People were fascinated by the "little dog in tires" and wanted to know her story. So, that is why I decided to tell her story.

2 - Tell us a bit about your background. What have you done in the past that relates to your book and that topic?

I began writing about three years ago. At that time my chocolate lab, Cassie had been diagnosed with cancer. I was devastated. It really made me realize how short life really was. After much soul searching I decided to pursue my love of writing and write about animals. I landed a job working for our local paper and wrote a monthly column titled, "For the Love of Animals." I also joined a woman's writing circle to expand my writing further. As my confidence in my writing grew, I attended a Writer's Festival the following year. I was thinking of writing an adult non-fiction book based on my journey in life and the lessons I learned from my dogs. When I returned home from the festival I decided to write a children's book about Frankie. I believed her story could help spread a positive message.

3 - What advise would you give to someone who is interested in your topic?

My story is about my dachshund that becomes paralyzed from a ruptured disk. I would say research all your options. These dogs do not have to be put down prematurely and they can live quality lives even with a ruptured disk and paralysis.

Definitely to spread the message that dogs can lead a quality life in a wheelchair. Also sharing her message with children so they realize we all face challenges, but we can overcome our challenges or make positive choices to any challenge we are facing.

5 - Who is the ideal person to read your book? If each person that reads this was going to recommend your book to one person, what sort of person would they want to chose?

Every child, pet owner, grandparents.

6 - What do you think ignites a person’s creativity?

For me it was inspiration and also wanting to find more meaning for my life and leave a legacy

7 - What have you found to be the biggest stumbling block for people who want to start writing?

Time and confidence

8 - How would you suggest they can overcome that?

Start with 10 minutes of writing a day. Write about anything. Find a local writing group or on-line group to join for support.

9 - What do you find is the biggest motivator for people to succeed? Is it money, security, desire for fame or something else?

I think each person is different. As a writer, I think we just want to be heard. For me it is important to leave a legacy.

10 - Who is the “perfect” person to read your book?

A child

11 - Is there anything else you would like to share with us?

If you have a story tell, and we all do, go for it. Follow your heart and your heart will guide you.

Angels and Quilt Pieces…Our Journey with a Katrina Family

2008-04-13T17:16:00.003-04:00

Angels and Quilt Pieces…Our Journey with a Katrina Family

By: Stephanie Ehmen

1 - How did you get interested in the topic that's featured in your book?

When we volunteered at a shelter following Hurricane Katrina, we had no idea of the journey that lay ahead of us. Over the weeks and months we learned through our mistakes how to best help those in need.

2 - Tell us a bit about your background. What have you done in the past that relates to your book and that topic?

We had no background or preparation for this venture. We learned as we went, and this is why we felt that telling the story was so important.

3 - What advise would you give to someone who is interested in your topic?

For anyone who is interested in volunteering or charitable work, educating yourself ahead of time is imperative. It would have saved us a lot of headaches and heartaches. We hope that by sharing our story, it will inspire others to get involved helping those who need a “hand-up” and not a “hand-out”.

The conversations that come with networking groups always leads to further reflection and education. The support we have received has resulted in more “Angels” being added to our list! Networking groups and blogs give the reader an opportunity to follow the progress of the family and has resulted in a lot of interest and support of “our kids”.

5 - Who is the ideal person to read your book? If each person that reads this was going to recommend your book to one person, what sort of person would they want to chose?

Along with pastors and clergy, I have found my target audience to be primarily Christian women who are interested in volunteer or charity work. My readers have included counselors, therapists, teachers, principals, community support groups, church leaders and lay people. The comments that I have received from readers are overwhelmingly positive. Many of the comments are in regards to what we learned about Generational Poverty and how to relate to people who come from different backgrounds than ourselves. Throughout our journey we saw many people who wanted to help out in the right way, but ended up causing more hurt and trauma because they did not understand those they were trying to help.

6 - What do you think ignites a person's creativity?

In my case, it was a personal experience that I felt was important to share with others.

7 - What have you found to be the biggest stumbling block for people who want to start writing?

At times it is hard to know where to start and how to put the story into a cohesive format. As a first time author of a full length book, the search for a publisher was overwhelming, and it resulted in my utilization of self-publishing, a choice I have been happy with.

8 - How would you suggest they can overcome that?

I found my format quite by accident. As I wrote my first draft I felt that the story went on and on, and I was afraid that the reader would get bogged down in the day-to-day details. After letting a few friends read the draft, I discovered that this format worked well, as the reader was left wondering what would come next, just as we had lived it - not knowing what to expect next. Most every person who has read my book has told me that once they started reading they could not put it down. I can't think of a better compliment!

9 - What do you find is the biggest motivator for people to succeed? Is it money, security, desire for fame or something else?

After the hard work and time put into writing, editing, designing and finally receiving the finished product, money is certainly a big issue. But I think a passion for the subject matter is my biggest motivator.

10 - Who is the “perfect” person to read your book?

Anyone interested in reading a good heartwarming story.

Anyone interested in volunteer or charity work.

Anyone who loves kids.

11 - Is there anything else you would like to share with us?

I would like to share the following introduction, and invite you to read more at my website: www.eagleswingspublications.com

Come on a Journey with us . . .

September 2005, in the after-math of Hurricane Katrina, we had no idea that we were about to embark on an unexpected journey. Wanting to help in a hands-on way, we volunteered at a church sponsored shelter. Here we would meet Mr. & Mrs. Thornton from New Orleans and their seven precious children. By the end of our volunteer week, we had earned the trust of Mr. Thornton and the children had found a place of refuge in our arms. Our journey over the following months has changed our lives forever. As the days, weeks and months progressed, the Thornton's told us their extraordinary story in bits and pieces. We are telling our story through our own eyes, what we saw, heard and witnessed. Come on this journey with us and experience the joys and the heartaches, as we learned how to help others in need. It will make you laugh and cry; it will make you angry and warm your heart. Meet all the “Angels” who helped us out along the way by giving this family “pieces for their quilts”.

Thank you for the opportunity to share!

Stephanie Ehmen

Author of

“Angels and Quilt Pieces…Our Journey with a Katrina Family”

www.eagleswingspublications.com

ISBN: 1-4196-6990-7

233 pp - 6 x 9

Also available at www.amazon.com

Published by: BookSurge, LLC

Money and Manifesting by Dyan Garris

2008-03-31T20:17:00.008-04:00

1 - How did you get interested in the topic that’s featured in your book?

My topic is money and manifesting. I got interested in this topic because it was a natural segue from the rest of my body of work which is about spiritual growth and transformation and integration. Also, I am a clairvoyant counselor and I had a lot of clients that were having trouble with manifesting. They had read and tried to apply the principles in The Secret and were getting nowhere. I wanted to teach people how to really manifest. It doesn’t necessarily take a year. It doesn’t take endless DVD watching and seminar attending. Once you get it, everything just clicks and you’re on your way. That was my goal – to write something that would help people just get it automatically without all the hype and frustration.

2 - Tell us a bit about your background. What have you done in the past that relates to your book and that topic?

As I mentioned I am a clairvoyant counselor. I’ve built a toolbox of spiritual tools. Anyone can come in and pick up whatever tool they need to help them progress on their healing journey. There is something for everyone no matter what level they are at. At the base of the toolbox is a deck of spiritual divination cards – Voice of the Angels – A Healing Journey Spiritual Cards. In the middle is a series of music and meditation CDs for healing, Automatic Chakra Balance,™ and vibrational attunement of mind body and spirit. At the top of that is Money and Manifesting. And I have two more things that I’m working on now that will complete the toolbox.

3 - What advice would you give to someone who is interested in your topic?

My advice is to for people to begin to understand that sometimes they are what is in their own way. Limited thinking and limited belief systems get in the way of manifesting. One must open to infinite possibilities. There are no limitations unless you believe there are.

Being a part of groups and organizations gives one so many different viewpoints. This in itself is valuable because it helps you expand in many ways.

5 - Who is the ideal person to read your book? If each person that reads this was going to recommend your book to one person, what sort of person would they want to chose?

The ideal person to read my book is someone who feels very stuck and genuinely does not understand why. Also, the person who is maybe just on the brink of understanding, but isn’t quite there. This book will help them get to where they need to go to be able to create all they desire. If someone was going to recommend this book to someone, that person would be a friend that seems stuck and can’t seem to get out of the place they are in.

6 - What do you think ignites a person’s creativity?

Creativity is a combination of the integration of mind, body, and spirit. Most people maybe wouldn’t phrase it that way, but that’s what it is. When you’re focused and balanced, you’re opening a pathway for creativity to flow.

7 - What have you found to be the biggest stumbling block for people who want to start writing?

Focus. People have a lot of trouble quieting the chatter of the conscious mind and simply focusing on what they want to do, whether it be writing or anything else. It’s important to learn how to focus. You can’t really get anywhere efficiently if you’re taking detours down a bunch of side streets.

8 - How would you suggest they can overcome that?

Learn how to focus. That starts with learning how to breathe and focusing on breathing and quieting the mind. Has anyone ever heard, “Be still and know that I am God?” Nothing can get through the static of a bunch of white noise.

9 - What do you find is the biggest motivator for people to succeed? Is it money, security, desire for fame or something else?

It really depends on one’s definition of success. If someone really believes that money is the definition of success, they need to learn to work with the energy of money. As far as motivation, one should really study what their motivation is. In terms of money as a definition of success, sometimes that is exactly what is in the way of “success.” We’ve been taught that our self worth equates to these pieces of paper and that’s what’s really wrong here. Certainly we are worth more than pieces of paper. The motivation for success really needs to come from inside and not from the need for outside validation.

10 - Who is the “perfect” person to read your book?

The perfect person to read my book is anyone that really wants to know how to manifest, and anyone that really wants to know the real secrets, not just half the truth.

11 - Is there anything else you would like to share with us?

Yes. Manifesting isn’t difficult. It really isn’t a secret. And when you read the book you will suddenly know that and you will close the book with the knowledge and confidence to finally get to where you want to be. No hype. Just the truth.

For the complete tour schedule -
http://inspiredauthor.com/promotion/dyan-garris-april-tour-schedule

For much more information about Dyan Garris and Money and Manifesting, visit http://inspiredauthor.com/promotion/Dyan+Garris for complete tour details. To learn about the products Dyan offers, visit her website - www.voiceoftheangels.com. You can order your copy of Money and Manifesting from her website or from http://www.amazon.com/Money-Manifesting-Dyan-Garris/dp/0977614069

On the Wings of the Wind

2008-03-23T22:07:00.001-04:00

Book Title: On the Wings of the Wind: A Journey to Faith

Authors: Patricia Eytcheson Taylor and Chaplain James C. Taylor, Th.D.

Web site: http://onthewingsofthewind.com

1 - How did you get interested in the topic that's featured in your book? My life changed when I started listening to the Holy Spirit, and I feel called to share what I've learned and experienced with others.

2 - Tell us a bit about your background. What have you done in the past that relates to your book and that topic? The book is based on my personal spiritual journey, and my husband has been a clergyman for 40 years, including 28 years as a military chaplain.

3 - What advice would you give to someone who is interested in your topic? Learn to listen to the Holy Spirit and let Him guide your life.

5 - Who is the ideal person to read your book? If each person that reads this was going to recommend your book to one person, what sort of person would they want to choose? A Christian who seeks a closer walk with God, an individual searching for meaning in their life, or a military member/military family member

6 - What do you think ignites a person's creativity? The inspiration of the Holy Spirit

7 - What have you found to be the biggest stumbling block for people who want to start writing? People try to depend on their own ideas rather than the Lord.

8 - How would you suggest they can overcome that? Pray and seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

9 - What do you find is the biggest motivator for people to succeed? Is it money, security, desire for fame or something else? The desire to do God's will is most important to us. Some people are motivated for worldly reasons, but success with this book for us will be determined by the lives we touch rather than by the money we make.

10 - Who is the “perfect” person to read your book? A person who needs to know the Lord and experience the working of the Holy Spirit in their life

11 - Is there anything else you would like to share with us? God is always with us - all we have to do is open our hearts to Him. Without Christ, I would be nothing. Without him I am nothing, but with Him I can do all things, through Christ that strengthens me (Phil. 4:13)

Book Title: On the Wings of the Wind: A Journey to Faith

The Walking Man

2008-03-18T11:46:00.002-04:00

Walking Man: A Modern Missions Experience in Latin America

1 - How did you get interested in the topic that’s featured in your book?

I came to know the Lord as a young adult thanks to a generous family I met and since then it has been a passion for me. He has worked through me and has helped me accomplish so many things. I can no longer imagine my life without Him and letting others know about Jesus is one of my most important goals in life.

2 - Tell us a bit about your background. What have you done in the past that relates to your book and that topic?

I have worked in missions for over 30 years and there are so many experiences to tell. I dreaded the life of hard labor offset by nights of drunken stupor that my father modeled, I ran away from home after high school and lived a vagrant's life, surviving through delinquency, until through the generous support of a Christian family I came to know Christ. I left the jungle to study at a seminary in Lima, Peru and have worked as a pastor ever since.

3 - What advise would you give to someone who is interested in your topic?

I would tell them to be very patient and trust the Lord. There is no easy way to get things done in this field. It is hard to get through to people, it is hard to incentive others to work and it is hard to get things done even if the people are willing to accept Jesus and ready to do what it takes. But even if things don’t come easy it is the most rewarding job you can imagine. Knowing that you are making a difference in someone’s life is truly a miracle.

Knowing people and maintaining relationships is essential to spreading the word of God through the world. Getting things done requires of all the help that we can get and building those lasting relationships has helped me get through the most difficult times in my life. A missionary relies many times on the help that others can give at the time, and having people to go to when in difficulty is an amazing gift. Also, having many to celebrate the successes makes those glorious times even sweeter.

5 - Who is the ideal person to read your book? If each person that reads this was going to recommend your book to one person, what sort of person would they want to chose?

This book is ideal for people wanting to feel the presence of God in their lives. Also, it is a great tool for those looking for a sense of purpose and those wishing to get inspiration to act upon a goal. This book is a testimony and allows others to understand more of what it is to be a missionary and what it takes to be one. It is great for those considering making positive changes in their lives and for those who need a way to channel the positive actions they do.

6 - What do you think ignites a person’s creativity?

In my case, the Lord has inspired me to do the most amazing things in life. He is the light that shows me the right path and the one that has given me the tools to build the life that I have. His actions in my life have given me the inspiration to write about all the experiences I have been through.

7 - What have you found to be the biggest stumbling block for people who want to start writing?

I guess having enough time is the biggest stumbling block. For those of us that have full time pursuits and want to write as a sideline, it can be hard to convert those good intentions into printed words.

8 - How would you suggest they can overcome that?

The thing that has worked best for me is to block off a few hours on one day a week or one hour the same time each day – usually the early morning before the phone has started to ring – and just do it!

9 - What do you find is the biggest motivator for people to succeed? Is it money, security, desire for fame or something else?

People seem to be motivated for all the wrong reasons these days and that is why so many of them are unhappy with their lives. Jesus is my biggest motivation to get things done and that is why I am determined to let other people know about Christ.

10 - Who is the “perfect” person to read your book?

The perfect person to read this book would be both someone in deep need of a better reason to live and someone who already has the urge to let Jesus in his or her life. Someone who is lost could read this book and find that answer they so desperately are looking for, and someone who already feels the urge can find a better way to channel it through the experiences I tell.

Cover of the Year - Asking for Your Vote

2008-02-21T11:22:00.000-05:00

I just scanned the covers for Cover of the Year on Erin Aislinn's website and saw a lot of familiar covers - many were on my Judge A Book By its Cover blog last year :)

I invite you to visit http://www.erinaislinn.com/BookCoveroftheYear2007.htm and I hope that you will vote for Lady Lightkeeper which is one of my covers and it is listed as the winning cover for September.

If you prefer the easier route - feel free to email webmail@erinaislinn .com and put "VOTE for Lady Lightkeeper" in the subject line. I appreciate every vote :)

Nikki

Book Promo 101 - NOW AVAILABLE
www.nikkileigh. com/book_ promo_101. htm
"Coastal Suspense with a Touch of Romance"
Would you like information about the newest
blog tour option? Ask me for details and visit
www.inspiredauthor.com/promotion

Nimrod Rising - A Novel By Steven Clark Bradley

2008-02-17T17:22:00.003-05:00

1 - How did you get interested in the topic that's featured in your book? I returned back to the United States to live here after having lived abroad for over 17 years. My country had changed so much and the values had disappeared to a great extent. One night, back in 1995, I remember so well, I sat down and started writing and out of the consuming need to research and describe where the source of the heart-felt change I saw came Nimrod Rising. It represents 12 years of wonderfully difficult work. It is a work of fiction based on truth. No one knows what the terms, 666 or antichrist really mean. We can only put together what seems historically and biblically logical. Nimrod Rising is not a Christian novel, but does declare its premise to be based on what I believe to be truth in the Bible. It is scary, not so much for its content as because it is predicted to come to pass. All the background about Nimrod is true and factual as well as the scenarios of war and the prelude to war. I think it will speak to believers and non-believers alike.

2 - Tell us a bit about your background. What have you done in the past that relates to your book and that topic? - I currently live in Los Angeles but am a former resident and South Bend. I was involved in a big political movement there and was the 1999 mayoral candidate. Needless to say, I lost. I have lived or been to 34 countries. The include Pakistan, Iraq and Turkey and many countries throughout Europe. The story of Nimrod rising takes place in many cultures, all of which I am very familiar with in terms of culture and language. I was able to put the images in very lively terms having visited or lived in the places described. Also, Nimrod Rising is a real look at the religion of Islam. I have spent my whole adult life working with Muslims. That gives me a real knowledge of the faith of over one billion people. I have a master's degree in liberal studies from Indiana University and I speak French and Turkish. I also have been an assistant to a prosecutor, a university instructor in several countries and a freelance journalist. These areas of expertise, along with my political background gave me an easy understanding of the world around me. I have also authored two other novels, Probable Cause and Stillborn! also published by PublishAmerica.

3 - What advice would you give to someone who is interested in your topic? - I think the most important thing for readers to be as they read Nimrod Rising is open-minded. They need to try to get beyond the physical world we see every day and try to accept that there is more out there than just us. I don't want people to consider Nimrod Rising as just another scary story. It is far more than that. Nimrod Rising is a book about the history of life and the origin of evil. The reader needs to pose the questions such as the following: Who are we? Where did we come from? What was here before us? Where are we going? Are there answers to the question why the world faces its condition today? Nimrod Rising offers “possible” answers to those questions. It will awake the imagination and the cause self perception as they read.

4 - What do you see as the benefit to participating in groups and organizations? My first thought would be networking opportunities and the chance for personal and business growth. What are your reasons? - I want people to know that there is a novel out there like none they have ever read before. That is not a cliché either. I believe they will find Nimrod Rising very unique and thrilling as well as challenging to their long-held beliefs. Groups such as you represent are great ways of allowing those who participate to see that life is greater than they ever believed and that they are more than accident on this tiny planet but vital living reasons to have hope and faith in a day lacking both.

5 - Who is the ideal person to read your book? If each person that reads this was going to recommend your book to one person, what sort of person would they want to chose? - I think anyone who feels that they want to know more about why they are here and who love history and whose imagination needs stimulus and challenge will love this book. Also, readers who have suffered things for which they may have no answer could find a few very helpful explanations about the things we cannot explain. I myself am one of those. I think it is important that young adults read Nimrod Rising. Today our kids are taught things about sexuality and acceptance of things once held as wrong. Those taught in such an atmosphere need to see what may be the motivations of those who teach as right that which was once held as completely wrong. It will cause you to pose those questions that we would never pose to ourselves without such challenge.

6 - What do you think ignites a person's creativity? - I have always said that writing fiction is the closest thing to the divine that humans do. We take a world that does not exist, fill it with characters who have never been, develop scenarios and plots which have never been conceived of before, draw conclusions that are profound and make them speak to those who have never imagined the stories before. I want to try to answer the questions that we think of but are afraid, for many perceived reasons, to ask. That is the greatest way to germinate the creativity of the world around us. There are no stupid questions and no answers should be considered too asinine to approach. If I can stir up the imagination and the heart and souls of those who read my works, I will have participated in taking the tragedy out of human and replaced it with unlimited courage and creativity. That is my passion and my devotion to my writing and to my readers.

7 - What have you found to be the biggest stumbling block for people who want to start writing? - I have written seven novels and have published three of them so far. Each time I start a new novel, I have those flutters in my stomach that remind of the massive task ahead. The time, the effort, the hours that consume us can be a monster that looms behind out eyes as well as a lack of self confidence can tell us and make us believe we cannot do it. Perhaps we have started a project before that we got into and the burdens of life and the responsibilities to family and friends seemed to crowd it all out. I have suffered those feelings more in the area of book promotion than in the actual writing. They try to have the same affects on me though. Yet, after having written one novel, and finally convincing myself that it is as it should be, I have now understood that writing is an effort of starting the work and then following it as it takes over and guides my fingers. Perhaps only a writer will understand what I am going to say, but I always have the most spiritual and amazing phenomenon come over me when I write a new story. It seems that the story really begins to write itself. Some friends I have bounced ideas off of before have often asked me how a new story is going. I inevitably respond, “I don't know, the story hasn't told me yet. It sounds crazy, but is perfectly logical to me. Also, we have to make ourselves believe that in writing, we are never late. Of course, some writers are under contract, but even in such situations, writers need to feel the words they arte writing. So those times when the words are still making their way to us, it is not time wasted. If emerging writers can make themselves believe that, then they will overcome the feelings of failure. The only failure anyway is not trying at all.

8 - How would you suggest they can overcome that? - Every time I have finished a novel, I have had to take time to refill the batteries. I do that by reading other author's works and unfortunately, critiquing them to death. Other writers will always get you going again. They are all different and all have very great abilities that are different than our own. Yet, I still believe the best defeat of defeat itself is by placing pen to paper and just start writing. Once the story begins to breath, so will you. Ride the idea, follow it and take stock of it and be willing to alter certain ideas and plots and above all, just have fun! It is a lot of fun to read what we have written for the day. Sometimes I laugh at my stupid mistakes and fix them and end up making them better than ever. I consider every character in all my novels to be my children, the good, the bad and the worse, none of them are ugly. :) They are all alive and need fed and dressed and I have to spend time with them. Does that sound wacky? Perhaps, but it works for me. Lastly, I think there is nothing quite like seeing a work on which you have spend a massive amount of time and toil finally bound and in book form lying in the palm of your hand! Once a writer has accomplished that for the first time, it will motivate them to feel the same thing as often as they can. Those are just a few personal and practical ways I keep writing even when I feel I cannot.

9 - Who is the “perfect” person to read your book? - The person who would most suited to read my book is someone who loves life and country and who concern about the direction of their lives and the nation they love. I write stories that touch subjects that may be difficult to talk about openly and for which people desperately are seeking answers. If a reader wants to read a novel that entertain and inform them at the same time, Nimrod Rising is a great novel for them! It will shake the foundation of their lives but will give them a firm foundation on which to build their imagination and keep them turning the page.

10 - Is there anything else you would like to share with us? - I know that Nimrod Rising will both stimulate and propel readers into a world that no one wants to live in. That will serve in challenging each reader to possibly do more to ensure that our children and grandchildren always have a safe and secure world in which to grow. Nimrod Rising is just such a book. I believe you will love it!

For much more information about Steven Bradley Clark and Nimrod Rising - visit http://www.inspiredauthor.com/promotion/steven-clark-bradley-author-nimrod-rising

Nimrod Rising - A Novel By Steven Clark Bradley

2008-02-10T22:01:00.000-05:00

For much more information about Nimrod Rising and Steven Clark Bradley - feel free to visit his book tour home page - http://www.inspiredauthor.com/promotion/steven-clark-bradley-author-nimrod-rising

Genesis: The Untold Story

2008-01-06T20:47:00.001-05:00

Start With The Facts

Genesis: The Untold Story

By: Dr. Lisa Aiken and Dr. Ira Michaels

Price: $24.95

ISBN: 0-9779629-1-1

Cloth Bound, 6x9,

265 pages, includes chapter summaries

Published by: Rossi Publications

1 - How did you get interested in the topic that's featured in your book?

Like many Jews, I read the Five Books of Moses when I was young. When I grew older, the stories about a talking snake in the Garden of Eden, Noah and the Flood, the Tower of Babel, and the like no longer made a lot of sense to me. By the time I was in graduate school, I realized that I had a grade school education in Judaism, and I wanted to be as informed about Judaism as I was about psychology and other secular topics. There were no good books in English that reconciled reality with the stories in the Torah, and which explained how these stories spoke to us as modern people.

The stories in the book of Genesis seem especially simplistic or enigmatic. Why does Genesis say that God created the world in 6 days, when science shows that it took billions of years? Can we believe Genesis' account of Creation in light of evolutionary theory? Was there ever a couple named Adam and Eve, from whom all people descended? How do thinking people understand a Garden of Eden with a tree of life, another tree of knowledge of good and evil, and a talking snake? How do we know if Abraham really existed? If he did, what kind of a world did he live in? Did anyone write about him besides the Jews? Most importantly, can a rational person really believe that a Divine Author wrote Genesis and the other Five Books of Moses?

Many people simply dismiss Biblical stories as outdated or ridiculous. I believed that there must be great beauty and wisdom in them, and I tried to uncover it by learning from teachers who had studied ancient commentaries and understood how to explain them.

I believe that if Torah is the Owner's Manual for every Jew, it had to make sense and be relevant and accessible to people who were not scholars. Most Jews can't understand the original Torah, because it was written in ancient Hebrew, and in a kind of shorthand. Its Author did this so that we would have to rely on spiritual mentors who had studied traditional commentaries who could explain what the Five Books of Moses really mean. They would also guide the person who studies Torah to put it into practice in their daily lives.

Judaism teaches that understanding the Five Books of Moses is critically important to our spiritual development. If so, I wanted to understand these books better myself, and be able to share that knowledge with others.

Around 25 years ago, I started listening to audiotapes of lectures given by rabbis whom I had never met. They explained the Torah (Five Books of Moses) in such amazing ways that it made me want to learn more and more. Their explanations of these stories were so wise, so insightful, and so relevant, I wrote down their ideas so that I could share them with others.

In time, I convinced my husband to listen to these tapes as well. He was so moved and excited by what he heard that he took over writing down the ideas instead of me.

Over the next 14 years, I reworked the original notes. My husband and I each added our own understanding and insights about the various topics brought to light in the Genesis stories, based on our research and knowledge of many fields. These included biology, physics, archaeology, history, psychology and modern life. The result was a book that integrated the wisdom of Genesis with modern knowledge. Every chapter also tells us how we can apply the moral and spiritual insights of each story to our daily lives.

2 - Tell us a bit about your background. What have you done in the past that relates to your book and that topic?

I am a psychologist, Israeli tour guide, author of 8 Judaica books, and am an international speaker on topics of Jewish interest. My husband has a Ph.D. in physical chemistry, is a medical doctor, and studies Torah, Talmud and their commentaries. We have traveled the world and have studied many fields, including art, music, history, political science, literature, languages, world religions, and biology—to name a few. Together, we blended our knowledge in these many areas to draw out insights from the stories of Genesis, and suggest how readers can apply those ideas to our spiritual growth.

3 - What advice would you give to someone who is interested in your topic?

The best way to become informed about the Torah is to study it with a guide that knows how to understand its deeper meanings. Today, people can study Torah in online classes, download audio lectures or MP3s, attend local Judaism classes, or study more intensively in a yeshiva or women's seminary.

After reading my book, people can also contact me on my blog if they want to ask questions, or seek further information about resources. [ADAM, PUT THE BLOG INFO HERE]

4 -Who is the ideal person to read your book?

Someone who wants to gain a deeper understanding of the book of Genesis. Someone who is interested in putting aside simplistic ideas that they might have learned in Sunday School or even in university, or who wants to gain deeper insights even though they are knowledgeable about traditional commentaries.

Judaism teaches that God gave the Torah to the Jewish people, and Christians also accept the Five Books of Moses as divine. God is able to speak to every person--children and adults, intellectuals as well as people who learn with their hearts. Readers of our book could include observant or non-observant Jews, totally secular people, and non-Jews. They would all be curious and want to expand their knowledge about how God's Book is eternal, and still speaks to us today. Readers will be able to see how science, archaeology, history, and the like inform our understanding of Genesis, and how Genesis deepens our understanding of ourselves, the world and its Creator.

5. If each person who reads this was going to recommend your book to one person, what sort of person would they want to chose?

Someone who likes intellectual stimulation and who wants a deeper relationship with God, who seeks moral or ethical guidance, or who is interested in spiritual growth.

6 - What have you found to be the biggest stumbling block for people who want to start writing?

They either don't believe that they can do it, or they aren't willing to invest the hard work that is required to write and rewrite a number of times before they write well enough to get published. Many people don't want to make the effort if they aren't sure that they will succeed. The thought of failing keeps many people from trying.

7. How would you suggest they can overcome that?

Read and practice the exercises in The Artist's Way. (My sister gave me The Artist's Way a few years ago, and I started to read it. I never finished because I was too busy writing.)

Find a mentor who will encourage and help you. Work with a therapist or coach who can help you believe that you can do it.

My first book was never published. I wrote a novel, and sent two chapters to an English professor who taught how to write novels. He read the chapters and told me that it was a terrible book, but that it would make a great expose if I would rewrite it. I never rewrote the book, but he taught me a valuable lesson. I can't write fiction, and I don't waste my energy trying. I try to concentrate my efforts on writing a broad spectrum of Jewish non-fiction works.

8 - What do you find is the biggest motivator for people to succeed? Is it money, security, desire for fame or something else?

People define success in many different ways. Some people are motivated by money, others by a desire for admiration or acclaim. Western society defines success by how visible someone is, how much money they have (as in "how much is he worth?"), how many degrees they have, and so on.

Many people who define success based on their emotional wants are motivated by material comfort, getting physical pleasure, and/or getting validated by others.

Many women are motivated by a desire for popularity, acceptance and/or nurturing in personal relationships.

Truly religious people are motivated to do what they believe is God's will for them. They tend to define success far more by what they give than by what they get.

Many people, whether they are overtly religious or not, feel that success is fulfilling their potentials. They are motivated by finding meaning. They feel that they have talents or resources that they need to express or share with others.

9.- Who is the "perfect" person to read your book?

Someone who appreciates an easy-to-read book that provides a deeper understanding of the world and our role in it, that gives guidance about to how to live a meaningful life, and who seeks the divine wisdom in the stories of Genesis.

Blog Tours - What Would You Like to Know

2007-12-05T21:40:00.001-05:00

I'm doing a tele-seminar next week about blog tours and I would love input from you all.

There are many things to discuss about blog tours and I worked out some initial questions to get people thinking - they are:

Discover Ways to Promote Your Book on a Virtual Blog Tour to Gain Greater Visibility and Sales

What are the benefits of doing a blog tour?

Should you promote your book in a blog tour?

Should fiction and non fiction books be promoted differently in a blog tour?

Should you organize your own blog tour?

Why hire a publicist to organize your tour?

If you hire a publicist, will you still need to work on the tour?

Can you use a blog tour to promote anything besides books?

Is there a new option in book blog tours?

But, now I need to create a couple of handouts and I'd love your input. Is there any specific info about blog tours that any of you think would be most helpful? Some folks here have done tours, some have hosted touring authors and I bet some of you have thought about doing a tour. So, since many of the people here are authors, I figured it would be a great place to pose the question. What information would you suggest I offer in handouts? Thank you all for your thoughts. There will be plenty of blog tour info coming very soon .

Nikki Leigh

PS - The answer to the last question is - most definitely. Stay tuned for much more information about that option - SOON. Or, contact me to be added to the mailing list - nikki_leigh22939@yahoo.com with Mailing List in the subject line.

Katy's Cookbook by Colin Harvey

2007-11-30T11:42:00.000-05:00

1 - How did you get interested in the topic that’s featured in your book?

Well, my publisher asked each of the Swimming Kangaroo authors for a recipe for a charity cookbook, and I went flicking through (my wife) Katy’s book of recipes that she’s written up and copied out over the years, often adapting to taste. I couldn’t read her writing, so decided to type it up then realized I had enough for several books.

At the same time, I had started to cook as my day-job wound down, and realized that I could cook if I had a recipe to follow.

From there it was a short conversation with my publisher. When I asked whether she would like to publish a cook-book, she agreed straight away.

2 - Tell us a bit about your background. What have you done in the past that relates to your book and that topic?

My wife finds it difficult to believe, but I actually cooked before I met her. But the results were often erratic and hard to classify! Add to it that I tended to use whatever was in the fridge, and she could end up with chilli con sardines, or pizza trifle.

3 - What advise would you give to someone who is interested in your topic?

It’s like everything else - practice, practice, practice. The chefs that you see on TV have been cooking the equivalent of ten or even twenty several meals a day for years on end. I found after even a month that I was getting more confident, and therefore better able to salvage a ‘crisis’ when it occurred.

I would echo that; group participation means fresh ideas and possibilities.

5 - Who is the ideal person to read your book? If each person that reads this was going to recommend your book to one person, what sort of person would they want to chose?

The ideal person would be people leaving home or living on their own for the first time, like students or freshly separated people with no cooking experience. There are a few complicated recipes for the more advanced cooks, but most of them are as simple as possible, for culinary dummies like me!

6 - What do you think ignites a person’s creativity?

I find the greatest stimulus is outside input; going to new places, trying a new recipe, meeting someone for the first time.

7 - What have you found to be the biggest stumbling block for people who want to start writing?

Those people themselves. No-one else can make you or free you to write. The world doesn’t owe you. If you want to write, get on with it.

8 - How would you suggest they can overcome that?

Write every day. I keep saying this, and I’ll keep saying it. It will take time, and you may not yet be ready, but one of the lessons to learn is patience, and another is persistence. But none of that matters if you don’t write.

9 - What do you find is the biggest motivator for people to succeed? Is it money, security, desire for fame or something else?

The writers who succeed are the ones who want it the most, who if they don’t write every day, start to feel twitchy, who can’t think of anything else they want to be. Who, if they have a career, believe that it’s all just research for writing. It doesn’t just apply to writing look at the tycoons, they’re all people who have no life apart from making money.

10 - Who is the ‘perfect’ person to read your book?

People who believe that they can’t cook, but want to try to learn.

11 - Is there anything else you would like to share with us?

Only that you can order it from the Swimming Kangaroo website at http://www.swimmingkangaroo.com

Woman Submit

2007-11-25T23:10:00.000-05:00

1 - How did you get interested in the topic that's featured in your book? I was beaten into it.

2 - Tell us a bit about your background. What have you done in the past that relates to your book and that topic? The title of the book is, Woman Submit! Christians & Domestic Violence. I experienced domestic violence and abuse for a period of nine years over the course of two marriages. The most violent of the two marriages was the last in which my former husband was an associate pastor of our church.

3 - What advice would you give to someone who is interested in your topic? It would really depend on why they were interested. Someone could be interested because they are experiencing abuse or domestic violence. Or they could be interested because someone they know and love is experiencing domestic violence. The book is written and contains advice for both groups.

4 - What do you see as the benefit to participating in groups and organizations? My first thought would be networking opportunities and the chance for personal and business growth. What are your reasons? I have started The Dorcas Network, which is an organization committed to working with [primarily] Christian individuals and ministries desiring to reach out in more compassionate, effective, and biblical ways to the battered/abused women within their spheres of influence. We can certainly accomplish more together than alone.

5 - Who is the ideal person to read your book? Women experiencing domestic violence or abuse and those they are most likely to turn to for help. If each person that reads this was going to recommend your book to one person, what sort of person would they want to chose? Women experiencing domestic violence or abuse or those they are most likely to turn to for help--including pastors and other spiritual leaders.

6 - What do you think ignites a person's creativity? I believe we write best when we write honestly about what we feel strongly about. As for myself, I cannot even stay interested in writing about anything I am not passionate about. And if I cannot stay interested in what I am writing, how can I expect anyone else to stay interested in reading what I write?

7 - What have you found to be the biggest stumbling block for people who want to start writing? Not having anything to say of course.

8 - How would you suggest they can overcome that? Find out what it is they feel strongly--even passionately--about, and write about that.

9 - What do you find is the biggest motivator for people to succeed? Is it money, security, desire for fame or something else? Different things motivate different people. Money and success have never been able to motivate me for very long periods of time (although like most people, I wouldn't mind having some). I committed my life to Jesus Christ many years ago, and I have found that anything he is not the center of, very quickly loses its appeal. But the things I allow His Spirit to lead me into, are the things that have endured.

10 - Who is the “perfect” person to read your book? Any woman (or man) experiencing domestic violence or abuse and those they would most likely turn to for help. And since it is estimated that one out of four women experience abuse or domestic violence (some say one out of two!), that would make the target audience for my book just about everyone.

11 - Is there anything else you would like to share with us? Yes. I would like to pass along a message that I heard for the very first time from a mother whose precious daughter lost her life due to domestic violence, “Domestic Violence IS your business!” www.WomanSubmit.com

Laundry Tales

2007-11-25T23:06:00.001-05:00

1. How did you get interested in the topic?

It came from a post about laundry by one of the Celebrate Moms team members. This post on the message board received about 3 pages of responses from our moms. We knew then it is a topic of interest.

2. Our background...What have we done in the past that relates to our book and that topic?

The whole Celebrate Moms website points to the book's message of "Lighten your Load". Our tagline for Celebrate Moms is "The Mother Load Gets Lighter Here".

3. What advice would we give to someone who is interested in our topic?

We can learn from anything in life, even the mundane things like laundry.

4. What do we see as the benefit to participating in groups and organizations other than networking and personal /business growth?

Groups and organizations help us learn from one another and offer a support system.

5. Who is the ideal person to read our book?

The ideal audience for Laundry Tales to Lighten Your Load is made up of mothers ages 20-50. These ladies are the primary overseers of the household laundering chores, seeking acknowledgement and companionship in a lowly job. They are either currently Christians looking to grow closer to God in a unique way or seekers in the midst of child related struggles and open to learning more about God.

6. What do we think ignites a person's creativity?

Finding and pursuing their passion ignites creativity.

7. What have we found to be the biggest stumbling block for people to start writing?

Procrastination and lack of knowledge of how the industry works.

8. How would we suggest they can overcome that?

A quote that helps Melissa, our co-founder, is "Do what you don't want to do, so you can be what you want to be." Keep that in mind. Don't approach life, dreams etc, based on feelings. Just do it even if you don't want to do it.

9. What do we find is the biggest motivator for people to succeed? Is it money, security, desire for fame or something else?

We feel like all three of the ones listed are big motivators but we pray we would rise above it and Celebrate Moms motivation would be to please God.

10.Who is the "perfect" person to read our book?

Laundry is never done—moms struggling to keep up with this humdrum chore will find Laundry Tales to Lighten Your Load especially encouraging and uplifting. They need help in ways they can relate to. The length of each story delivers a shot in the arm that will help moms get through yet another load.

Laundry is a lonely, boring and often thankless job—moms looking for acknowledgement, a feeling of camaraderie, and a greater sense of self-worth will finish reading Laundry Tales to Lighten Your Load feeling like they have just sat and had coffee with a trusted friend. One that understands her struggles and has inspired her to embrace all the dirt life has to offer.

11. Is there anything else we would like to share with the audience?

Laundry Tales to Lighten Your Load is a lighthearted look at the things we have learned from doing the laundry. We encourage you to pick up a copy, get a cup of coffeee and enjoy some of the stories and insights we share.

Sandra B. Stanford
Bible Teacher/Speaker/Author
WWW.Sandrastanford.com
WWW.Celebratemoms.org
Team Member
"The Mother Load Gets Lighter Here"
Visit my blog: blog.sandrastanford.com
Go to Sandra's website and order Celebrate moms
new book "Laundry Tales" !

Don't Call Me Rosie - Kathleen Thomas

2007-11-17T23:30:00.000-05:00

Don't Call Me Rosie, The Women who Welded the LSTs and the Men who Sailed on Them

Author: Kathleen Thomas

1 - How did you get interested in the topic that's featured in your book?

When I was young, I knew that my mother and two aunts were welders in the shipyard during World War II because my mother would occasionally talk about it. I had no idea that the ships they worked on were LSTs nor did I even know what an LST was. I was very proud that she did this non-traditional job.

In 1999, Les Parker, a former crew member of LST 743, somehow found out about my mother and two aunts and asked them to attend the LST 743 reunion banquet being held in Pittsburgh. My mother was so pleased to attend this banquet and receive recognition from the LST 743 crew.

After listening to her talk about the reunion, I decided that I wanted to write a book about the women welders. Finally, in October 2001 on a visit to Pittsburgh, I interviewed my mother and two aunts.

2 - Tell us a bit about your background. What have you done in the past that relates to your book and that topic?

I am a civil engineer and majority owner of a consulting civil engineering firm, Thomas/Wright, Inc. Nothing in my background really relates to the topic except that I am interested in history. When I was younger, I rarely read current events because I felt that when the event would be reviewed in the future as history, we would learn more about what was actually going on.

I believe there is a view that Civil Engineering and writing are mutually exclusive skills. However, one needs to be at least a good technical writer to be successful as an engineering consultant. I have strong organizational and listening skills. These were invaluable in writing a book such as “Don't Call Me Rosie”.

3 - What advise would you give to someone who is interested in your topic?

Since the “greatest generation” is dying at a significant pace, the first thing I would advise is to talk to anyone you know in this generation about their experiences during World War II.

LST 325 is located in Evansville, IL and the website is http://www.lstmemorial.org

There is a discussion group on that website that one can join.

I also have a Bibliography at the end of my book and would recommend reading the books I used for my research.

4 - What do you see as the benefit to participating in groups and organizations? My first thought would be networking opportunities and the chance for personal and business growth. What are your reasons?

Networking opportunities and the ability to learn from others with similar interests. Most of my involvement in organizations has been on the professional side but sometimes I find a group that I enjoy because its members are fun to be with and are interesting.

5 - Who is the ideal person to read your book? If each person that reads this was going to recommend your book to one person, what sort of person would they want to chose?

An individual interested in World War II history and the involvement and interrelationship of both women's and men's role during that time period.

6 - What do you think ignites a person's creativity?

I really don't know the answer to this question. However, I would recommend a balanced lifestyle in which one is happy with what they are doing in life. If one isn't happy, then I think they need to take steps to change it.

7 - What have you found to be the biggest stumbling block for people who want to start writing?

I feel that some people are overwhelmed by the thought of producing a book in its entirety instead of recognizing that books are written one chapter at a time.

8 - How would you suggest they can overcome that?

First, produce an outline of the book. If one gets stuck on a chapter, skip it and go to the next chapter. You can always come back to the chapter you are stuck on but if you don't continue on, the book may never be completed.

When I was writing my book, I would realize I might need another oral history to include in it for a particular chapter. While I was trying to locate that individual, I could still continue on with another chapter in which I had all the information and research completed.

9 - What do you find is the biggest motivator for people to succeed? Is it money, security, desire for fame or something else?

I think it is different for each person. A secure and comfortable lifestyle is important to me. However, I think my genetics and family upbringing have made me a motivated person in general. I would not object to fame (i.e. author on the bestsellers list) but I feel it is a double edged sword that can intrude on one's lifestyle.

10 - Who is the “perfect” person to read your book?

The son or daughter of parents who lived during World War II.

I also feel that high school students would benefit from reading it since the oral histories would have more meaning to them then learning a bunch of dates about events without really comprehending the significance of those events.

11 - Is there anything else you would like to share with us?

I know that your blog is time consuming to produce and appreciate the opportunity you are giving authors to be a part of it. Thank you.

Your Guide to Marketing in the Christian Marketplace

2007-11-04T21:57:00.000-05:00

1 - How did you get interested in the topic that's featured in your book?

My husband and I published a set of board book for infants and toddlers and then set about the task of marketing these books in the Christian Marketplace. Out of this experience, Christian Small Publishers Association (CSPA) was born. CSPA's mission is to assist publishers in marketing their books to the Christian marketplace. As the director of CSPA, it became clear to me that a marketing guidebook was needed for emerging Christian authors and publishers.

2 - Tell us a bit about your background. What have you done in the past that relates to your book and that topic?

As mentioned in the first question, I am the director of Christian Small Publishers Association (www.christianpublishers.net). The purpose of this organization is to represent, strengthen, and promote small publishers in the Christian marketplace. CSPA was started in 2004 and I have spent the last 4 years providing information and assistance to new and emerging publishers in marketing in the Christian marketplace. The resources in the book are an accumulation of 4+ years of research.

3 - What advice would you give to someone who is interested in your topic?

Read my book, Your Guide to Marketing Books in the Christian Marketplace.

4 - What do you see as the benefit to participating in groups and organizations? My first thought would be networking opportunities and the chance for personal and business growth. What are your reasons?

If you visit my book's website (www.marketingchristianbooks.com), you will find an excerpt of the first chapter of the book. In this chapter, I list four benefits of participating in an organization. These include: respect in your industry, cutting-edge information, saving money, and doors of opportunity as a result of networking.

5 - Who is the ideal person to read your book? If each person that reads this was going to recommend your book to one person, what sort of person would they want to chose?

My book is for any author of a Christian book that he/she is trying to promote and for anyone who is publishing materials for the Christian marketplace.

6 - What do you think ignites a person's creativity?

Creativity is such an individual process. What ignites one person's creativity does nothing for another. Each individual needs to find where their spark comes from. Mine flows from my passions.

7 - What have you found to be the biggest stumbling block for people who want to start writing?

I have found that many people desiring to write feel that they need all the material before they can begin. Another words, they think they have to sit down and write a whole book. Writing starts with just a few words.

8 - How would you suggest they can overcome that?

Start with just writing your thoughts; even in outline form. Consider beginning with an article, poem, or short story. There are literally hundreds of places on the web where you can post an article or essay for free.

9 - What do you find is the biggest motivator for people to succeed? Is it money, security, desire for fame or something else?

I believe that desire is generally the biggest factor in success. You have to want something enough to work hard to obtain it. Drive goes hand-in-hand with desire. Desire fuels the drive. The drive is what gets the work done to make success happen. It's what causes people to keep at something when rewards are not immediate.

10 - Who is the “perfect” person to read your book?

Your Guide to Marketing Books in the Christian Marketplace is for any author of a Christian book or any person who is or is interested in publishing a Christian book.

Its My Crisis and I'll Cry If I Need To - Yocheved Golani

2007-10-21T16:00:00.000-04:00

1 - How did you get interested in the topic that’s featured in your book? Friends were fascinaed that I did not have a nervous breakdown when I learned that I needed life-saving surgery or while I recovered from it.

2 - Tell us a bit about your background. What have you done in the past that relates to your book and that topic? I'm a professional writer. I used to be a Health Information Management professional. That means that I analyzed medical records in psychiatric and medical institutions for legal, research/statistical, insurance and other purposes. I wrote articles for career-related publications, found out I was good at it, and left my high-pressure career to become a freelance writer. Eventually I began performing writing services for various clients and I wrote two published novels. My HIM career gave me the know-how to face my medical emergency with some useful insight for my medical needs and for preparing my newest and non-fiction book, It's MY Crisis! And I'll Cry if I Need To.

3 - What advise would you give to someone who is interested in your topic? Be a dedicated fact-checker. Non-fiction is non-nonsense work. Your credibility as a writer depends on your fact-checking and accuracy. And be a captivating writer. KNow what makes a reader turn the page for more input. Develop writing skills that hold reader interest.

4 - What do you see as the benefit to participating in groups and organizations? My first thought would be networking opportunities and the chance for personal and business growth. What are your reasons? The standout benefit is the networkng opportunity. Next comes the chance to learn from people in those groups and organizations. Feedback is an indispensable tool for preparing a book people want to read. I find that my friends can't always be impartial: they're afraid to hurt my feelings. But career professionals are neutral, focused on meeting a particular goal. I'm confident of getting valuable, candid remarks from them. The personal growth that can result from interacting with people from various walks of life is wonderful at building a writer's appreciation for humanity and differnt points of view. Such interaction also increases your social insight and sophistication.

5 - Who is the ideal person to read your book? If each person that reads this was going to recommend your book to one person, what sort of person would they want to chose? The ideal readers of It's MY Crisis! And I'll Cry if I Need To are someone who wants to help a loved one through a medical crisis. That loved one can be family, friend or colleague. The other ideal reader is the person experiencing the medical crisis or challenge.

6 - What do you think ignites a person’s creativity? A cause. Writing is a laborious task. There's a joke that says "Wwriting a book is a career option for the leisure class." Such people have enough money to spend time off from a paying job in order to write a book. A creative person feels a need to express themselves in some way: print, painting, sculpture, writng, music, you name it. That fire in the belly is what enables people with insufficient income to reach their creative goals.

7 - What have you found to be the biggest stumbling block for people who want to start writing? Not knowing how to start! People stare at a blank piece of paper or a blank screen and they panic. The solution, for me at least, is to use a sense of humor. I long ago broke my writer's freeze by writing about the white rabbit running through a snowstorm. I made one version funny, the other a news article. It banished my sense of panic about writing forever. Whenever I seem to be blocked as a writer, I write something off the wall, or read something very funny to get my mind recharged. Sometimes I write really, really bad first, second and third drafts. Anne Lamott has a more graphic name for them, and I find her take on rough drafts very comforting.

8 - How would you suggest they can overcome that? Experiment in order to find what works for you. There is more than one way to become a professional writer. Some people need to prepare outlines, others use grocery lists of ideas and story development. Other people use software suited to their writing purpose. I like to use a Hot Pen technique: writing until I must put my pen down of get off the keyboard. Then I assess what's worth using, what has to be trashed. I refine my text until I'm ready to let go of it. Attend free writer's workshops or start one. Then again, JK Rowling made a fortune by writing on scraps of paper at the start of her writng career. It worked for her. Go with your own flow. And use stress busting strategies that don't bother the neighbors. One more thing: you have to be willing to let go of your work once you've done enough with it. If you keep tweaking the text too long, you're not going to get it published. Every writer looks back at some of their published work and knows they could have done this or that to make it "better." But extreme perfectionism doesn't belong in the writing profession. It belongs in your "issues resolved" department.

9 - What do you find is the biggest motivator for people to succeed? Is it money, security, desire for fame or something else? It depends on the person. I want to help people with my book. And I want to make money at what I do. Writing is my line of work. I can't afford to volunteer my book preparation time. I communicate with several writers who moan and groan about how much money they invested in getting their books published. I keep telling people that I wrote my books in order to make money, not to lose it. Fame is an alluring factor for some writers. Getting name recognition in the wide world can boost a career with additional clients, speaking engagements, new career developments and personal satisfaction. Fame also sells your book! As for security, that's for best-selling authors and syndicated writers. They expect steady income as a direct result of their endeavors. The rest of us pray for the income from our writing efforts.

10 - Who is the “perfect” person to read your book? What a great question! I had to reflect on it a while to give you an intelligent answer. The perfect person to read It's MY Crisis! And I'll Cry if I Need To is someone who will tell other people to buy it. They'll do that because the book helped them or someone they know in specific ways, or they understand how it can help other people facing a medical crisis.

11 - Is there anything else you would like to share with us? Yes. Make off-the-cuff elevator speeches about your book. It's a technique I accidentally figured out when I described my developing book to acquaintances. I heard myself telling people what the book was for, who'd need it, the issues it could solve and the problems it would prevent. Then they'd ask me open-ended questions or make suggestions about the book. I then realized that other angles could definitely be addressed within my developing book. Suddenly, my rough draft took on fresh, new life. I better understood my purpose for writing It's MY Crisis! And I'll Cry if I Need To. So I suggest that you keep telling willing listeners what you book is about, why you're writing it and who'd want to read it. You'll refine your writing goals that way, find your purpose for writing, and forge ahead with progress. You will be absolutely sure of your sense of purpose in writing.

--
Yocheved Golani
Self Help Coach
Make the Changes You Need in Your Life.
http://itsmycrisisandillcryifineedto.blogspot.com/

Lifetips 101 Entrepreneur Tips by Susan Payton

2007-10-14T16:33:00.000-04:00

1 - How did you get interested in the topic that’s featured in your book?
My book is for entrepreneurs. I’ve always been one, and as I make mistakes and see what works, I want to help others in their success.

2 - Tell us a bit about your background. What have you done in the past that relates to your book and that topic?
I have had several entrepreneurial endeavors: I sold athletic shoes on eBay, designed gift baskets, and now run Egg Marketing & Public Relations.

3 - What advise would you give to someone who is interested in your topic?
Research. Read as much as you can about running a business. Thousands of people have gone before you (and many failed), so learn from what they have already done.

4 - What do you see as the benefit to participating in groups and organizations? My first thought would be networking opportunities and the chance for personal and business growth. What are your reasons?
Networking is a major part of my marketing company’s growth. It’s about developing relationships, not getting sales. You instantly create a support group by regularly attending networking events, and when the need arises for your product, you’re the first one on their mind. Also, when you need something, you’re more likely to seek it within that group.

5 - Who is the ideal person to read your book? If each person that reads this was going to recommend your book to one person, what sort of person would they want to chose?Someone just starting out as an entrepreneur would be the ideal person to read this book. A good referral would be someone who wants to start a business but doesn’t really know what it will entail. It’s an eye opener that I believe every entrepreneur should be aware of before they invest money.

6 - What do you think ignites a person’s creativity?
Doing what you love ignites creativity. When you’re stifled and hate what you do, you can never be creative.

7 - What have you found to be the biggest stumbling block for people who want to start writing?
Being afraid to begin. If you build it up into something big, it can seem daunting to put down that first word. But once you do, the rest just flows.

8 - How would you suggest they can overcome that?
Start writing at the beginning of the day so you don’t dread it and create the snowball effect.

9 - What do you find is the biggest motivator for people to succeed? Is it money, security, desire for fame or something else?Motivation is different for different people. A colleague just told me about a book that lists physical, mental, monetary and spiritual types of motivation. For me, it’s knowing I’ve done my best, and in all honesty, money is high on the list too!

10 - Who is the “perfect” person to read your book?
A new or seasoned entrepreneur.

11 - Is there anything else you would like to share with us?
If you have questions after reading my book, I am more than happy to answer them. Just send me an email!

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1602750149/?tag=eggmarpubrel-20

smpayton@eggmarketingpr.com

Only Moments by Nick Oliva

2007-10-01T22:34:00.000-04:00

1 - How did you get interested in the topic thatâ€™s featured in your book?
A few of my favorite writers are Dalton Trumbo, Herman Hesse, Ken Kesey, and Kurt Vonnegut. With a past heritage like that my writing just naturally falls into life-lesson scenarios. I enjoy writing meaningful prose with a message, not that I am the all-knowing being in the universe, but I have enough scars to show, and I think that my experiences are common to most. I think people are looking for a way to understand the chaos that surrounds them and I love bringing order to chaos.

2 - Tell us a bit about your background. What have you done in the past that relates to your book and that topic?
Having a degree in music and being a musician gave me a ability to write in melodic rhythm and that was most fun, combining the two different arts.

3 - What advice would you give to someone who is interested in your topic?
I would say if they are interested they can begin to understand the incredible life-force within them. To tap that energy, is to begin to be on the road for really tasting and drinking of the essence of existence. One does not need to immerse oneself in mysticism or combative religions to understand the gift of soul given to each one of us. One only has to live that life to the fullest without concern of others draining their energies or having self-doubt. As the book warns "they believed without question, without doubt," to embrace any absolute is to tread dangerously into mindless ritual without understanding where it all came from historically and of restrictive human structure, to corral the senses to submission instead of celebrating them.

4 - What do you see as the benefit to participating in groups and organizations? My first thought would be networking opportunities and the chance for personal and business growth. What are your reasons?
That is the business side, and most writers don't have the time to nourish those contacts and still be able to have time for their art. That is the most difficult part of being a "success." The internet is well-placed for such groups because the physical presence is not necessary. One has to define what 'success" means to them. A hometown welcoming, a presence on Amazon.com, a review by the NY Times, a well-received book, etc. No one usually makes huge sums of money selling books these days unless they are a celebrity or a murderer or both.

5 - Who is the ideal person to read your book? If each person that reads this was going to recommend your book to one person, what sort of person would they want to chose?
There is no ideal person. I would hope that the book has enough there to satisfy the curious of all ages. It would really help a person in their twenties and thirties that haven't lived enough time to understand that nothing really matters and that time eventually is the only thing we really have and that doesn't last very long, so embrace life and live it now.

6 - What do you think ignites a personâ€™s creativity?
Passion. Passion that takes over when one want to tell a story, paint a picture, write a song, perform a concert, etc. Without it you have an empty shell.

7 - What have you found to be the biggest stumbling block for people who want to start writing?
Everyone thinks that they will make millions of dollars telling their story. Forget money, do it for yourself and you will be way ahead of the game. The fact that you can finish a novel or book means more than anything else. You done more than 99% of those who have started off they way you did - But you finished it!

8 - How would you suggest they can overcome that?
Lower your expectations and learn to take criticism that will help you be a better communicator of what it is that you write. Keeping writing and you will get better and better.

9 - What do you find is the biggest motivator for people to succeed? Is it money, security, desire for fame or something else?
It really depends on the person. My personal motivation is to leave a legacy. To know that I have made a difference in a few people's lives. That is all I can ask.

10 - Who is the â€œperfectâ€ person to read your book?
As the book is about imperfection, the more confused and imperfect the person, the better.

11 - Is there anything else you would like to share with us?
As a new writer, try not to get bogged down with pretty words and tangential plots. If it doesn't drive the plot-get rid of it! Read when your are reading-write when you are writing. To do both is to possibly allow the subconscious to write in the fashion that you are currently reading and you really want your own voice to shine, not someone else's.

Scott Zema - Three Steps to Investment Success

2007-09-26T20:48:00.000-04:00

1 - How did you get interested in the topic that’s featured in your book?

It's really an compilation of the knowledge that I have received throughout my academic and professional career.

2 - Tell us a bit about your background. What have you done in the past that relates to your book and that topic?

I have lived and breathed art, antiques and collectibles for the past 40 years as a dealer, appraiser, and academic. Currently I am a full-time professional appraiser, trained and certified by the International Society of Appraisers. I am based in the Pacific Northwest but have a national clientelle; my clients include the University of Washington, the Seattle Art Museum, local municipalities, corporations, numerous other institutions, and many private investors.

3 - What advice would you give to someone who is interested in your topic?

Know what it is you are buying before you buy it, if you care where your money goes.

4 - What do you see as the benefit to participating in groups and organizations? My first thought would be networking opportunities and the chance for personal and business growth. What are your reasons?

Yes, those reasons are fine, but my primary interest is to keep up with the most current state of professional knowledge and practice.

5 - Who is the ideal person to read your book? If each person that reads this was going to recommend your book to one person, what sort of person would they want to chose?

The target audience is the generally educated and intelligent reader who has an interest in valuable properties to begin with, but who has literally no guidance beyond 'Buy what you like!' to insure that his economic sense is consonant with his tastes in these properties. IT IS NOT meant to convert Mr. Average Investor with NO interest in art and antiques to the investment cause, because this type of person doesn't really have the knack for making the best investment choices in these properties. Incidently, this problem in the past has impeded clear understanding of the investment potential of these properties, because the analysis is conducted by investment experts who have no knowledge of or interest in these properties to begin with, a major handicap in presenting any argument for investing in valuable objects.

Both experienced investors and beginners--the book is actually tailored to beginners--can find much of use in the book.

6 - What do you think ignites a person’s creativity?

From necessity to serendipitous inspiration, and everything in between.

7 - What have you found to be the biggest stumbling block for people who want to start writing?

Deciding on what to do and carrying the project to completion.

8 - How would you suggest they can overcome that?

Focus, focus, focus.

9 - What do you find is the biggest motivator for people to succeed? Is it money, security, desire for fame or something else?

Probably a desire for respectability at some level, both from other people and from oneself.

10 - Who is the “perfect” person to read your book?

The target audience is the generally educated and intelligent reader who has an interest in valuable properties to begin with, but who has literally no guidance beyond 'Buy what you like!' to insure that his economic sense is consonant with his tastes in these properties.

Post a comment for Scott on Thursday September 27th and be entered for a chance to win a copy of his book.

The Permission Seeker’s Guide the Legal Jungle by Joy Butler

2007-09-18T12:05:00.000-04:00

Posting for Joy R. Butler, Author of The Permission Seeker’s Guide Through the Legal Jungle: Clearing Copyrights, Trademarks and Other Rights for Entertainment and Media Productions

1 - How did you get interested in the topic that’s featured in your book?First, let me explain the topic. The book is a resource on copyright, licensing, and related legal issues. Specifically, it explains to media producers how to use quotes, music, pictures, and other protected materials in their productions – without running afoul of the law. The process is called “clearing rights” and entails verifying that your media production contains no material that violates the rights of another person or that violates any relevant laws.

As an entertainment and intellectual property law attorney, I regularly help clients clear rights in their media productions. I use the term media production broadly to encompass film, television programs, newspapers, posters, CDs, websites, computer games, photographs, advertisements, and a host of other media through which people communicate.

2 - Tell us a bit about your background. What have you done in the past that relates to your book and that topic?For the past fourteen years, I have been an attorney focusing on entertainment, intellectual property, and business law. Many say there is an artist inside every entertainment attorney. I am no exception. Since elementary school, I have found creative outlets through music, dance, and creative writing.

In my practice, I work with clients developing projects in music, publishing, film, television and new media. Recent projects include representing independent producers of television programming; negotiating literary agency agreements and script sales on behalf of writers; and advising producers on potential liability for copyright, right of publicity, and defamation claims.

3 - What advise would you give to someone who is interested in your topic?Rights clearance is not always straight-forward and can be frustrating. The good news is that media producers have the power to exercise control over the process and minimize their trouble and costs by allowing plenty of time for rights clearance and by remaining flexible throughout the process.

4 - What do you see as the benefit to participating in groups and organizations? My first thought would be networking opportunities and the chance for personal and business growth. What are your reasons?I participate in attorney groups such as the New York State Bar Media Law Committee as well as media-specific groups such as Women in Film and Video and the Women’s National Book Association. The groups offer me a means to stay current on industry trends and to meet people who share my interests.

5 - Who is the ideal person to read your book? If each person that reads this was going to recommend your book to one person, what sort of person would they want to chose?My book is designed to assist media producers facing rights clearance questions. Throughout the book, there are practical guidelines and tips for the permissible and affordable incorporation of other people’s material into a media production. A fifty-page appendix includes sample licensing fees, useful organizations, and model license and permission forms.

6 - What do you think ignites a person’s creativity?Creativity comes from natural talent combined with a desire and/or need to express oneself.

7 - What have you found to be the biggest stumbling block for people who want to start writing?
The biggest stumbling block is not to become intimidated by the enormity of the task.

8 - How would you suggest they can overcome that?I suggest that aspiring writers break each writing project into manageable tasks. When I began writing The Permission Seeker’s Guide Through the Legal Jungle, I did not sit down in front of a blank computer screen and say to myself “I am now going to research and write a 408-page book.” That would have been overwhelming. Instead, I began with an outline and approached each section of the book separately.

9 - What do you find is the biggest motivator for people to succeed? Is it money, security, desire for fame or something else?You have named three of the motivations at the top of the list. Ultimately, the motivating factor depends upon the individual person.

10 - Who is the “perfect” person to read your book?The “perfect” person is anyone who produces, acquires, distributes, or otherwise works with media productions. The book summarizes relevant laws including copyright, trademark, privacy, and defamation and uses numerous illustrative examples from real-life cases. Each chapter is broken up into smaller sections. The reader can use it encyclopedia style for a quick answer to an immediate question. Alternatively, producers can read it cover to cover for a more complete overview of the rights clearance landscape.

11 - Is there anything else you would like to share with us?
Don’t drive with your eyes closed!
Failing to clear rights is a gamble for media producers. I analogize the risk of ignoring rights clearance to the risk of driving a car with your eyes closed. If you drive your car with your eyes closed for twenty seconds, you might get through the experience without damaging any property or injuring yourself. But what if you drive with your eyes closed on a regular basis. You make entire road trips this way. Sooner or later, you are going to crash. It is the same scenario for rights clearance. If you produce on a regular basis and you ignore rights issues, there will eventually be consequences.

Readers can find additional information about The Permission Seeker’s Guide the Legal Jungle: Clearing Copyrights, Trademarks and Other Rights for Entertainment and Media Productions at www.GuideThroughtheLegalJungle.com. For more information about Joy Butler’s law firm practice, visit www.JoyButler.com.

MORE DETAILS: Authored by Joy R. Butler, Published by Sashay Communications, ISBN: 978-0-9672940-1-8, 408 pages, paperback, trim size 5.5 x 8.5, $19.95. Available at bookstores and from the publisher via the website www.GuideThroughtheLegalJungle.com or via toll-free order at 877-995-8645.

Age of Speed - Vince Poscente

2007-09-18T11:44:00.000-04:00

1 - How did you get interested in the topic that’s featured in your book?
A: “Oddly enough the obsession with speed started at 21 when a Palm Reader in Singapore told me I would die at 40. As silly as it sounds now, I had a sense of urgency.”

“This launched me into trying sky diving (with a failed main chute on my second jump) and sports like luge (“70 miles per hour in a tight rubber suit pulling four G’s lying flat on your back… Does it get any better than that?”) In a way I felt invincible.”

2 - Tell us a bit about your background. What have you done in the past that relates to your book and that topic?

“It was the sport of speed skiing that took my fascination with speed to a whole new level. Sure, you get up to 60 miles per hour in three seconds and up to 125 miles per hour in eight seconds. The problem was I was a clarinet player in the high school band. I didn’t have any ski race experience at age 26. But four short years later I was vying for gold in the 1992 Olympic Winter Games. Recreational skier to Olympics in four years is fast.”

“I learned how to accelerate outcomes. How to use speed to your advantage. Now I travel around world sharing strategies around harnessing speed to corporations and conferences.”

3 - What advise would you give to someone who is interested in your topic?

We each need a plan for putting speed to work for us rather than driving us crazy?

“The most important first step is to change how we approach our work, family and leisure life. In the past we went to work, then went home. Every weekend we would have leisure time. Those days aren’t gone but there is more of a blur between the areas of work, home and leisure. This blur is being facilitated by more demands in our 24/7 always on, hyperconnected world. Guilt follows close behind when you are sitting with your child and your boss sends you a text message on your PDA.”

“The answer is a shift in how we approach all the areas of our lives. Being clear on our values, what we value most and then connecting all that commitments we have in more of a fluid, Aikido like fashion. We simply need to embrace, not resist, the oncoming force of speed and use it to our advantage.”

4 - What do you see as the benefit to participating in groups and organizations? My first thought would be networking opportunities and the chance for personal and business growth. What are your reasons?

I often say that if you are not in an industry, you are not in the business. Being a part of your industry association, locally, regionally and/or nationally is an important part of learning and contributing.

By products of being involved are friendships and networking opportunities. Author and consultant Joe Charbonneau said, “The more you give, give, give. The more you get, get, get.”

5 - Who is the ideal person to read your book? If each person that reads this was going to recommend your book to one person, what sort of person would they want to chose?

I’d have to say from my experience at Book Expo in New York this summer it is women buying for men. It was amazing to see how many women stopped at the booth, picked up The Age of Speed and said, “Oh, my husband/boyfriend/brother/son has to read this.”

6 - What do you think ignites a person’s creativity?

Emotion. I believe that if we have an emotional connection to something creativity springs forth. Passion is another word for it. Being passionate on a subject reveals all sorts of creativity.

7 - What have you found to be the biggest stumbling block for people who want to start writing?

Fear. Fear of it being correct, lucid, innovative, funny, informative, etc. Get past the fear by just writing anything.

There’s very little about a blinking cursor that is encouraging. Just start writing and see what you come up with. The Age of Speed is my fourth book. You’d think I’d be getting good at it by now. I wrote three versions of the book before the fourth version started to look right.

8 - How would you suggest they can overcome that?

Take the part of the topic you are most passionate about. The part you have the greatest emotional connection to and write on that. Build around this part (which is now much like a chapter) and see what else you come up with.

Research always takes me to places I find interesting. Research consistently sparks ideas.

9 - What do you find is the biggest motivator for people to succeed? Is it money, security, desire for fame or something else?

I think the greatest motivator is none of these things. Enriching someone else’s life is a powerful motivator. Making them think differently, feel better about themselves, learning something, making them laugh. THAT is motivating.

10 - Who is the “perfect” person to read your book?

Zeppelins and Bottle Rockets. Some Jets. Not Balloons. Let me explain:

There are four profiles in The Age of Speed. Two will succeed. Two will ultimately fail. Let’s talk about the two failure profiles first.

The first profile is the Zeppelin. Zeppelins neither embrace speed or harness it. In fact they flat out ignore speed at their own peril. People who are in business or busy lives that completely have their head in the sand with technology or tools that could make their lives easier would be an example of a Zeppelin.

The second profile is the Bottle Rocket. Bottle rockets embrace speed but don’t harness it. They charge ahead leaving a wake of Post-it Notes and to-do lists behind them but eventually blow up.

Now for the success profiles.

There is the Jet. A Jet embraces and harnesses speed. A Jet is agile, aerodynamic and aligned. With chaos going on all around us, a Jet is a person who can be agile and flexible at high speed. A Jet reduces the number of decisions needing to be made and can shift mid course. Aerodynamics is about reducing drag. Jets remove the clutter that slows them down when they need to do more, with less and fast. Finally, being aligned is key. Trying to be who you are not, being off purpose is flat out slow.

Balloons. Balloons don’t seek speed and don’t need to. Some people in the age of speed can get away with this approach. But most of us can’t or won’t.

An example of a Balloon would be Lennard Zinn, owner of Zinn Cycles. Formerly a maker of custom bicycles on a growth pattern destined for a bulging bottom line the founder Zinn realized he wasn’t happy. He started his company because he loved being able to ride his bike to work and home again. Zinn went back to his original ways. He makes bikes at his own pace and floats along, happy with the decision to check out of the age of speed.

11 - Is there anything else you would like to share with us?

The Age of Speed is not a time management book, and I am not a time management consultant. What I am about is using every possible advantage available to us (technology included) to accelerate those things that slow us down so that we can have time to do the things that we want to savor and enjoy.

Right to Recover by Yvonne Perry

2007-09-10T22:31:00.000-04:00

Today, Yvonne Perry will share some background for her fascinating and very educational book about stem cell research. Does the subject confuse you? Then you need to read her book. Its hard to make an educated decision about such an important topic without the starting with the facts...

1 - How did you get interested in the topic that's featured in your book?
There are two people who influenced me to write RIGHT TO RECOVER Winning the Political and Religious Wars over Stem Cell Research in America.

I met Reverend Dan Bloodworth in 2005 and immediately became intrigued by his enthusiasm regarding stem cell research. Dan's All-American athlete son, Brian, suffered a spinal cord injury when he was hit by lightning in 1987. Motivated by his desire to find a treatment that would allow his son to communicate and become mobile again, Dan has devoted 16 years of his life to learn everything he could about stem cell research and share that information with anyone willing to listen.

While working with Michael Davis on his book, FROM TRAGEDY TO TRIUMPH: A Personal Story about Living with Quadriplegia, I became keenly aware of, and very interested in, the healing potential that blastocyst (also known as embryonic) stem cell research offers victims of spinal cord injury, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's, cancer, renal failure, paralysis, heart disease, and many other illnesses.

2 - Tell us a bit about your background. What have you done in the past that relates to your book and that topic?
I enjoy doing research on just about any topic. I'm an encyclopedia junkie! I've written more than a dozen books and over 100 articles so writing is my background. I operate a freelance writing and editing services from my home. When the topic of stem cell research kept coming up for me, I naturally started researching. The next thing I knew I had gathered enough information to write a book, so I found a publisher, pitched my idea to her and started the manuscript.

3 - What advice would you give to someone who is interested in your topic? By all means, read my book, but also do some research on your own. Talk to the people in this field, and interview those who are doing the work.

4 - What do you see as the benefit to participating in groups and organizations? My first thought would be networking opportunities and the chance for personal and business growth. What are your reasons?
The benefits of being involved in groups are tremendous. Networking is a big part of my day. I am affiliated with about a six online groups for writing and marketing. We learn a lot from one another. We share information, give one another encouragement and helpful feedback. Not a day goes by that I don't correspond with someone in one of these groups. If I know someone who needs a service another person offers, I am going to refer them to someone in my network. It's a win-win for everyone involved. Some of my best friends are online acquaintances that I have never met in person.

5 - Who is the ideal person to read your book? If each person that reads this was going to recommend your book to one person, what sort of person would they want to chose? Someone who is on the fence regarding blastocystic (embryonic) stem cell research would be able to create their own informed opinion about the research after reading my book.

6 - What do you think ignites a person's creativity? I think we all have a muse or creative spirit inside us. The creativity can come any time or any place, like in the middle of the night. Then, there are times when I have to write something by a certain date and the inspiration is not there and I'm not really interested in doing the project. That when I have to make the effort and start a project anyway, and trust that the inspiration will follow. It usually does.

7 - What have you found to be the biggest stumbling block for people who want to start writing? Procrastination and low self-esteem are the two biggest reasons people do not follow their hearts. If you do not have confidence that you are a good writer, you may not even try. But, trying is part of the process even if you are not good at it. You can always take writing courses. The more we write, the more we improve our writing skills. The more we improve, the more confidence we gain.

8 - How would you suggest they can overcome that? Writing for the fun of writing is the best remedy. When you can write without fear of being judged or feeling like your writing isn't good enough, you will find it a healing process. Enjoy each step you take no matter where you are on the journey.

9 - What do you find is the biggest motivator for people to succeed? Is it money, security, desire for fame or something else? That's different for each person. Some are motivated by money and fame. My definition of success is balance. If I enjoy what I do and make enough money to live comfortably, I am successful.

10 - Who is the “perfect” person to read your book? A person who can appreciate the amount of research time and effort that went into it! I would love to have each member of Congress read my book.

11 - Is there anything else you would like to share with us? I want to thank you for allowing me to be on your blog. You are doing a great job and I've enjoyed sharing with you.

Affordable Paradise -

2007-09-03T18:19:00.000-04:00

Affordable Paradise, ISBN: 0971853, Skip Thomsen

1 - How did you get interested in the topic that's featured in your book?
I live in Hawaii, and for many years, my wife and I have been fielding certain questions from just about every contact we made on the Mainland. Most start out with, "I'm sooo jealous, but I could never afford to live in Hawaii." So we would go into our little speech about how it isn't that all expensive to live in Hawaii, and that we're living here on less than we spent on the Mainland. "No way," they'd exclaim, and then there began all the questions: What about jobs? Schools? Day-to-day living expenses? Medical care? Bringing pets? And on and on . . .

So one day, my wife suggested that since I am a writer and have a small publishing company, why not write a book that answers all of these continual questions? Good idea!

I wrote the First Edition of "Affordable Paradise" and no sooner had it hit the bookstores when Hawaii experienced one of the biggest real estate price increases ever. I soon started getting reviews about the obsolete values quoted in the book. The Second Edition timing was a repeat of the first, as the price increases were still going on. People were moving here in droves, buying up everything in sight.

The Third Edition was written just before the peak and came off the press right after, so those values are still pretty much in line with reality.

Such are the problems of writing a book that contains time-sensitive info! With each edition, I revised some info and added a lot more, mostly in response to reader's inquiries and suggestions. I'm actually considering avoiding actual real estate values entirely in the Fourth Edition, just to give it a bit longer shelf life! There is a lot of info in the book that has nothing to do with real estate, and that's what should be carrying the book anyway. Much of the new material is also in response to the rapidly changing demographic here on the Big Island, and how that was - and is - altering our beloved lifestyle.

2 - Tell us a bit about your background. What have you done in the past that relates to your book and that topic?
I've lived in Hawaii for 14 years and managed to do it within a budget that was no more than I would have needed where I lived in Oregon, and certainly a lot less than where my wife (of ten years) lived in California. Certainly one can spend millions to live in Hawaii, and many do. But the point of my book was originally that it isn't necessary, and why all the hype about how expensive it is to live here doesn't apply if you are really looking for an affordable lifestyle. I've lived all my adult life by creating my own reality, earning my own keep without the benefit of a "job," and doing well at it. That's how to thrive in Hawaii, and I like to share what I've learned in all these years so that others can move forward without stepping (falling?) into all the same holes I've had to. The focus of the new edition will be leaning heavily toward the concept of "living aloha," and how this is essential if we are to keep Hawaii the place that's attracting all of these people to begin with.

3 - What advice would you give to someone who is interested in your topic?
Read my book, of course! Plan your move. Learn all you can learn. Moving to Hawaii from the Mainland is not like moving from one Mainland state to another. It is way more like moving to a foreign country with foreign culture and foreign lifestyles.

4 - What do you see as the benefit to participating in groups and organizations? My first thought would be networking opportunities and the chance for personal and business growth. What are your reasons?
What you pointed out, and again, the opportunity to learn from the experiences, good or bad of others. Also, there's a lot of power in numbers, and groups can get things done that would be insurmountable for individuals. Groups have clout.
I don't know what I'd do without Greenleaf Book Group, for example. Without them (or a similar organization), I would not have my small-publisher relationship with Ingram, and that would cost me a lot of sales.

5 - Who is the ideal person to read your book? If each person that reads this was going to recommend your book to one person, what sort of person would they want to chose?
Anyone interested in moving to or living in Hawaii. Anyone already living here and feeling they can't afford to stay. The book has had reviews that pointed out it is also of value to those seeking an affordable vacation in Hawaii. It is especially useful to folks who aren't sure of how well they will be able to deal with such a different culture. Matter of fact, there's a whole chapter devoted to reasons why one might not want to live in Hawaii.

6 - What do you think ignites a person's creativity?Passion, passion, and did I say passion?

7 - What have you found to be the biggest stumbling block for people who want to start writing?
Starting to write, oddly enough. What I recommend to folks who tell me that have something to say and are having trouble getting started, is this: Just start writing down anything that comes to mind. Don't ever fret about a "proper start" to a book, or even an article. Once you get a few thoughts down (hopefully into a word processor), they'll expand almost automatically. Reread what you have written. Edit it. Flesh it out. Each topic you put down will inspire others, until finally you'll have enough (often way too much!) for what you want to end up with.

Once you have all your thoughts down, create a folder for each topic. Then read what you have again, carefully, and proceed to cut-and-paste each piece of it into the right folder until there's nothing left that is not categorized.

Now you get to go into each folder and sort out those thoughts. Make them flow. Start out with a "hook," a line that makes the reader want to read the rest of the paragraph. Each paragraph should start with an interesting sentence and then the rest of the paragraph elaborates on that sentence. At this point, you can start to cut-and-paste each subject into your first-draft manuscript and create chapters. It's so important to have it all flow.

Hey, I was only supposed to offer a suggestion on getting started. But the deal is, it's this kind of structure that works for many writers to get them going and more importantly, keep them going. Lots of great writing has been abandoned just because the writer got so far lost in an unstructured manuscript. It's easy to get overwhelmed. Quite frankly, I have to really admire the writers who could put together a beautifully flowing, cohesive novel - and do it with a typewriter! How did they do that?!

8 - How would you suggest they can overcome that?See above!

9 - What do you find is the biggest motivator for people to succeed? Is it money, security, desire for fame or something else?
My favorite saying is, "What we truly value, we do." That kind of invalidates all the excuses in the world for not doing what we say we'd really like to do. If we really, truly liked doing it, we would have a passion for doing it, and we would be doing it. It comes back to passion. It always does.

Money? Right. For most of us, I'm afraid writing is a labor of love. I feel blessed because I'm actually making a profit from my writing. Even when that happens, it's good to have another source of income. Remember, I said most of us. There are, of course, exceptions.

10 - Who is the "perfect" person to read your book?

This may sound really strange, but to date, the most rewarding emails I receive from readers are those from people who tell me they were fully ready to sell everything and move to Hawaii, and after reading my book they changed their minds. We see the heartbreak (and sometimes financial disaster) of people who move here without knowing what they will be encountering. That's the real reason for "Affordable Paradise." The affordable part finds the audience I'm after and then I share with them what it will really be like living in Paradise. Hawaii is truly Paradise to some, but it is clearly not to everyone.

11 - Is there anything else you would like to share with us?
Just that I'm glad to have this new forum in which to hopefully be able to network with others of similar interests and concerns. I wish I had had something like this when I started back in 1980. What I wouldn't have given for a mentor!

So mahalo and aloha!

Judi Moreo and Kim Baccelia - Virtual Tour Stops

2007-08-21T22:49:00.001-04:00

Promotional Interview with Judi Moreo

This is the first author promotional interview that I've posted on my Self Promotion blog on the Inspired Author site. This is the first interview in a series that I'm doing with Kathleen Gage. She is posting some on her blog and I'll be posting all of the interviews on my site. To read about Judi Moreo's promotion - visit http://inspiredauthor.com/v3/promotional-interview-judi-moreo-0

~ and ~

Kim Baccellia - Young Adult Author - Earrings of Ixtumea

Join Nikki Leigh and Muze as they interview young adult author Kim Baccelia about her book - Earrings of Ixtumea.

This is the opening question of the interview -

Nikki & Muze – I was reading the synopsis for your book and was intrigued by the inner struggle that your character faces. It’s also interesting that she is confronted by the same cultural problems in the fantasy world. Can you give us some information about how you came up with this idea and what sort of problems she deals with in the story?

Kim –As a bilingual teacher in the later ‘80’s and early ‘90’s, I saw a lot with my second language students. I taught in a LA county school district, close to East LA. I also was researching my own family history at this time. I was bothered how each year my students would draw themselves blond, blue-eyed, and fair skinned. Click here to learn more about Kim and Earrings of Iztumeahttp://muzesmusings.blogspot.com/

Nikki Leigh – Fiction Author – www.nikkileigh.com
Book Promo 101 – www.nikkileigh.com/book_promo_101.htm
“Coastal Suspense with a Touch of Romance”

Health Secrets of the Stone Age by Philip J. Goscienski, M.D.

2007-08-19T19:49:00.001-04:00

1 - How did you get interested in the topic that’s featured in your book?

During more than 3 decades of caring for children in my medical practice I saw my patients and their parents getting more obese and out of shape. Because of my long interest in anthropology I found a book that explained what was happening. In The Paleolithic Prescription, Drs. Eaton, Shostak and Connor explain that our body chemistry is a couple of million years old but it doesn't match our lifestyle of little physical activity and foods that are not well suited to humans. Exploring this idea led me to prepare a popular seminar, Health Secrets of the Stone Age. I put it together in a book in order to make the information more widely available.

2 - Tell us a bit about your background. What have you done in the past that relates to your book and that topic?

A butterfly display started it all. Like most kids in the 1940s my friends and I spent our summers riding our bikes around town. One day we found the newly-opened natural history museum that had just assembled a huge collection of butterflies. The museum's summer vacation classes opened up the world of biology that eventually led me to a medical degree and a career as a pediatric infectious diseases specialist. Anthropology is a fascinating sideline interest that generates ideas for my newspaper column, a couple of dozen magazine articles and the book.

3 - What advise would you give to someone who is interested in your topic?

Living a long, healthy life with all your senses intact and a brain that works well is a target that almost everyone can reach. Attaining that goal is simple, but not easy: get an hour's worth of physical activity almost every day, including walking and resistance exercise (weight machines, dumbbells); avoid most processed foods because of their high content of salt, sugar and saturated fat; eat lots of fruits and vegetables and less baked goods; include fish in your diet 3 or 4 times a week; take a quality multivitamin/multimineral supplement every day. These are pretty simple steps but they have a huge impact on reducing heart disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis and dementia.

4 - What do you see as the benefit to participating in groups and organizations? My first thought would be networking opportunities and the chance for personal and business growth. What are your reasons?

Nature designed humans to interact with each other in groups since the Old Stone Age – where networking began. Belonging to a close-knit group is good for our mental and physical health. Writers need to share ideas. Whether talking out loud or writing about some concept, it helps to crystallize that thought in our own mind even if the person that we share it with doesn't add to it.

5 - Who is the ideal person to read your book? If each person that reads this was going to recommend your book to one person, what sort of person would they want to chose?

The longest chapter in the book, In the house of tomorrow: start with the children, begins with a few lines from The Prophet, by Kahlil Gibran. Persons at any age will benefit from the concepts presented in Health Secrets of the Stone Age but if I had to pick a target audience it would be young adults, especially parents. The six leading causes of death in the United States are conditions that begin in early childhood, and even before birth. Changing the lifestyle habits of senior citizens won't do much to alleviate the financial healthcare crisis but if we can get today's young children to maintain normal weight and to avoid frankly dangerous foods we could almost eliminate conditions such as coronary artery disease and stroke. In 35 years of practice I never saw a child with type 2 diabetes. In today's children's medical centers so-called "adult-onset" diabetes makes up almost half the cases and that percentage will increase dramatically by mid-century. Today's kids also face a huge risk of osteoporosis for two reasons: they exercise too little and fail to get enough calcium and other bone-building nutrients during the critical window
during which 99 percent of bone mass is formed.

6 - What do you think ignites a person’s creativity?

Everyone is creative. Creativity is a combination of motivation and education. The toolbox of the mind has unlimited capacity and the more facts and ideas that we can pack into it the more resources we'll have when a person or an event gives us a reason to start using those tools. My motivation was the observation that obesity among children quadrupled between the time I finished my pediatric training and the time I retired from practice. It sparked my interest in speaking and writing about it but it was the accumulation of decades of storing up facts about scores of topics in biology and anthropology that allowed the spark to get a fire going.

7 - What have you found to be the biggest stumbling block for people who want to start writing?

Fear of failure and underestimation of one's ability to learn writing skills keep a mountain of great ideas from getting published. When I learned that the work of some of the world's most famous writers from Pearl Buck to John Grisham was rejected by dozens of publishers before appearing in print, fear of failure was no longer an issue. I keep a file folder labeled "Rejections" but it also contains letters of appreciation from readers and publishers to help me keep things in perspective. My advice to novice writers is to write and to read; write and rewrite and rewrite some more, and read as much as you can about writing.

8 - How would you suggest they can overcome that?

When you read about writers and writing you'll find that those skills are learned, even though some folks are born with the capacity to pick them up more quickly than others are. When I presented the first draft of a medical journal article to my mentor he made the corrections in red. My carefully crafted piece looked like someone had bled all over it. I learned from those embarrassing mistakes. After that paper was published it was referred to numerous times in the medical literature.

9 - What do you find is the biggest motivator for people to succeed? Is it money, security, desire for fame or something else?

Money is a great motivator for some careers but whether in writing or medicine, that's not where the joy comes from. Especially for writers of non-fiction it's probably the satisfaction of knowing that what you wrote made a difference in someone's life, that something of value exists on the planet because of you.

10 - Who is the “perfect” person to read your book?

The perfect person to read my book is the one who thinks that he or she is at risk of an illness that seems to be familial – "Diabetes is in my genes" – or who realizes that each of us does control our health but needs direction. Heredity is not destiny.

Thank you.

Robin Jay - Art of the Business Lunch

2007-08-14T22:11:00.000-04:00

1 - How did you get interested in the topic that’s featured in your book? I sold advertising (TV, RADIO & PRINT) for 18 years. Because of the nature of my work, I usually had a business lunch booked three or four days a week. Put that together with breakfasts, mixers and networking events and it wasn’t long before I was booked weeks in advance.

When it came time to write my first book, I decided to write about that. I wanted to help other people by sharing what I know about building high-level business relationships by introducing a social aspect – usually lunch – into the relationship.

2 - Tell us a bit about your background. What have you done in the past that relates to your book and that topic? I sold advertising for 18 years. During that time, I learned a lot of tricks and techniques that I knew would be helpful to other business professionals. I had been on more than 3,000 client lunches and I saw my sales increase by more than 2,000%! My clients started calling me “The Queen of the Business Lunch.”

3 - What advice would you give to someone who is interested in your topic? I am a professional speaker. I enjoy speaking to all types and sizes of groups and helping others to discover “The Art of the Business Lunch”! With preparation, people can learn how to build solid, long-lasting relationships. Relationships are, by nature, sequential. There is nothing more sequential than a meal. Learning how to be prepared to socialize with clients is knowledge that will help anyone in any business. There is a lot of infor ma tion in my book on how to conduct a successful business lunch, as well as what anyone should know about a job interview business lunch, networking luncheons and events and even basic business etiquette.

4 - What do you see as the benefit to participating in groups and organizations? My first thought would be networking opportunities and the chance for personal and business growth. What are your reasons?

We become valuable for WHO we know. The more people in your network, the more successful you will be. No one succeeds all by themselves. And it’s a wonderful experience to meet and share with like-minded individuals.

5 - Who is the ideal person to read your book? If each person that reads this was going to recommend your book to one person, what sort of person would they want to chose? Anyone in sales or who has a relationship-based business. My book offers nuts-and-bolts methods for creating successful, long-lasting business relationships.

6 - What do you think ignites a person’s creativity? I believe it’s finding one’s passion. We can try ma ny things to get our creativity going…but we ned to find that one thing that ma kes time fly for us. When we become so engrossed in what we are doing, we have found our bliss. If you can earn a living doing that thing, then you are engaged in the ulti ma te creative endeavor.

7 - What have you found to be the biggest stumbling block for people who want to start writing? As Yoda said, “There is no try; you do or you do not.” My brother Barry used to quote Star Wars logic to me whenever applicable. This phrase is brilliant. If someone wants to write, (or start writing, as you put it), then they need to start writing! They ma y decide to take a class if they are unsure about how to begin. They can write a page a day – or three pages a week. They need to learn to set goals and then meet them. The book is not going to write itself. The hardest part for me was writing while I was still working a 60+ hour week. I needed to be at my desk writing by Sunday at 12PM. It was a challenge, but it was the only way I was going to get my book written. Once you are able to write professionally, it actually gets easier.

8 - How would you suggest they can overcome that? For this, I will quote NIKE: “Just do it.” Designate a time each day to write. Get in the habit of writing.

9 - What do you find is the biggest motivator for people to succeed? Is it money, security, desire for fame or something else? We each have different hot buttons. For some, it’s obviously ego. For others, it’s the need to say something. If you’re writing for money, keep your day job and just write checks! That’s the fastest way to write for money!

10 - Who is the “perfect” person to read your book? Anyone in sales or who has a relationship-based business. Also, anyone who ma y be looking to change jobs. The chapter on the job interview business lunch is packed with helpful tips.

11 - Is there anything else you would like to share with us? If you’ve ever suffered through an awkward lunch or networking event the information in my book can help you. It’s universal. We all have challenges with social situations. I share easy, tangible ways to become more effective in business and in life.

You can visit her website at http://www.robinjay.com/ and her blog at www.robinjay.com/blog.

Judi Moreo Author of You Are More Than Enough

2007-08-07T22:00:00.000-04:00

We're happy to have Judi Moreo with us today. Judi has done some very interesting things and she is working to help people reach their full potential. Do you realize that You Are More Than Enough? Read on and you could find out more about yourself and what you can accomplish.

1 - How did you get interested in the topic that’s featured in your book?

As long as I can remember, I have had an interest in Self Improvement and Personal Development. I have three older sisters and they were always into looking good and doing the right thing, so I believe it just wore off on me.

2 - Tell us a bit about your background. What have you done in the past that relates to your book and that topic?

I am a motivational speaker and trainer. I have been teaching Communication, Image, and Creative thinking for many, many, many years. I have spoken at women’s conferences in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, China, Thailand, Australia, Namibia, Botswana, South Africa, and England. Around the world, women have told me that they feel they should be more, do more, achieve more than they already have and it doesn’t seem to matter how accomplished they are, they still have this feeling of “less than”. So I decided to share with women what I know about believing in yourself and finding your own purpose, passion, and power. In addition, I owned the largest and most successful modeling school and agency in Las Vegas for 17 years.

3 - What advise would you give to someone who is interested in your topic?

The first thing I advise them to do is read ”You Are More Than Enough”. It gives them step-by-step action plans to turn their life into the life they want.

Networking opportunities, of course. Plus if you get involved and become a Board Member or take on a committee, you get to practice all your skills of interpersonal communication, delegation, organizing, making decisions. You get to hear speakers that may have some knowledge that you want to learn. And you have an opportunity to give back to your community and to other people. That’s very rewarding.

5 - Who is the ideal person to read your book?

Women who want to be more, have more, do more. Women who need to feel better about themselves. If each person that reads this was going to recommend your book to one person, what sort of person would they want to chose? Someone who wants or needs more self confidence.

I’m surprised out how many men have bought the book, and then bought copies for everyone they know. One man bought 26 copies.

6 - What do you think ignites a person’s creativity?

Observation and quiet time.

7 - What have you found to be the biggest stumbling block for people who want to start writing?

They don’t know where to begin and some think they must do it all at one time.

8 - How would you suggest they can overcome that?

First off….just start. Write something every day and write in your spare time and wherever you are. I am a motivational speaker, so I travel a lot. I use my waiting time in airports for writing. I write on the plane, in hotel rooms, in restaurants. Carry a notebook with you and make a note of your observations……interesting things..humorous things…people’s interactions….describe what the people look like in detail

9 - What do you find is the biggest motivator for people to succeed? Is it money, security, desire for fame or something else?

Everyone has their own motivator. For many it is recognition…

maybe not fame….but being recognized as important to the people who matter to them.

10 - Who is the “perfect” person to read your book?

I believe everyone can benefit from my book….Parents, women reentering the workplace, people who want to improve their communication skills and their relationships. It really is a personal development course. It’s not a book that you have to read straight through. You can pick it up, choose a chapter that pertains to your life right now, and read the rest of it at another time.

11 - Is there anything else you would like to share with us?

It is my goal to get 100,000 women to read this book this year. I wrote this from my knowledge and my heart. I know it will improve your life in many ways if you read it and apply what you read. You really are “more than enough” to have, do, and be what you want.

http://www.judimoreo.com/

Judi's newest book, "You Are More Than Enough: Every Woman's Guide to Purpose, Passion, and Power" is available in bookstores everywhere. ISBN #1-932173-72-2 or by calling Charlotte at (702) 896-2228.

HOW TO SUBMIT

2007-07-28T20:03:00.001-04:00

I recently made a change to this blog and it can be used to promote books or a product or service. The questions for the product or service are listed near the bottom.

If you would like to see information about your book featured on this blog, I need you to answer the questions below and send the answers to me. This works best if you copy the questions into a document, answer the questions, save as a RTF (rich text file) and email them to me at nikki_leigh22939@yahoo.com. Please list "Start With the Facts" in the signature line. You can also send a copy of your cover art if you would like me to include it with your post. I look forward to learning more about you and your book.

1 - How did you get interested in the topic that’s featured in your book?
2 - Tell us a bit about your background. What have you done in the past that relates to your book and that topic?
3 - What advise would you give to someone who is interested in your topic?
4 - What do you see as the benefit to participating in groups and organizations? My first thought would be networking opportunities and the chance for personal and business growth. What are your reasons?
5 - Who is the ideal person to read your book? If each person that reads this was going to recommend your book to one person, what sort of person would they want to chose?
6 - What do you think ignites a person’s creativity?
7 - What have you found to be the biggest stumbling block for people who want to start writing?
8 - How would you suggest they can overcome that?
9 - What do you find is the biggest motivator for people to succeed? Is it money, security, desire for fame or something else?
10 - Who is the “perfect” person to read your book?
11 - Is there anything else you would like to share with us?

To submit information for a specific product, service or topic - use these questions. You can feel free to replace the words "this topic" with the name of your product or service. I need you to answer the questions below and send the answers to me. This works best if you copy the questions into a document, answer the questions, save as a RTF (rich text file) and email them to me at nikki_leigh22939@yahoo.com. Please list "Start With the Facts" in the signature line. You can also send a picture of the product if you would like me to include it with your post. I look forward to learning more about you.

Topic to Discuss - ___________________
1 - How did you get interested in this topic?
2 - Tell us a bit about your background. What have you done in the past that relates to the topic?
3 - What advise would you give to someone who is interested in yourtopic?
4 - What do you see as the benefit to participating in groups andorganizations that discuss this topic? My first thought would be networkingopportunities and the chance for personal or business growth. What areyour reasons?
5 – What products do you offer would help a person who is interested inthis topic?
6 - Who is the ideal person for these products? If each person thatreads this was going to recommend these products to one person, what sortof person would they want to chose?
7 - What have you found to be the biggest stumbling block for peoplewho want to learn more about this topic?
8 - How would you suggest they can overcome that?
9 - What do you find is the biggest motivator to learn more about thistopic?
10 - Who is the “perfect” person to delve into this information?
11 - Is there anything else you would like to share with us? Those questions are only slightly different from what I had and I'mgoing to add them as an alternative way to post for this blog :)