Seven Powerful Ways to Find New Readers for Your Blog

By Penny C. Sansevieri

It's one thing to have a blog, it's quite another to get readers. If you have a blog and have been blogging for a while you know what I mean. I was thrilled the first time someone commented on a blog post I made. A la Sally Field I wanted to jump off my chair and yell: “Yes, you like me, you really like me.”

It can be a lonely journey to start a blog but once you do, you'll find that blogging can bring great value to whatever you're promoting. Your book, message or product can be greatly enhanced by the platform you create online. Now, it's just a question of finding readers and (of course) keeping them. Here are a few tips to get you started.

1) Write good blog headings: stay away from mysterious, nebulous blog titles. No one will read

them and search engines can't spider them effectively. Be specific, tell what your blog is about in the title. Surprises aren't a good thing when it comes to blog titles.

2) Keep blogging - even if you don't think people are reading keep writing, eventually if you blog right readers will beat a path to your door.

3) Give away stuff: yes, it's ok to promote free stuff on your blog. Don't do it all the time but every now and again free stuff is a good thing!

4) Add your blog to your email signature line: this is a pretty simple way to gain exposure. Every time an email goes out you're promoting your blog, what could be easier!

5) Comment on other blogs: a great way to network with other bloggers is to comment on what they're doing/saying on their own blogs. Make cyber-friends, lots of them.

6) Invite people to guest blog or interview them: they'll promote the interview on their blog and this will help you get readers and expand your network. These interviews also make for great content.

7) Don't be afraid to state your opinion: your blog is your opportunity to get center stage with something that's important to you. State your opinion, you may be surprised at how many people agree with you.

There are, of course, dozens more ways to get readers to your blog and keep them there. These seven will get you started and keep the momentum going. Remember that while blogging may seem like a lonely way to promote yourself, blogs get picked up by search engines, and sometimes even media sites (like the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times) so the benefits to starting and keeping a blog are enormous. If you feel like no one's reading you might be surprised. One day you'll get a notice that someone liked a post enough to comment on it.

When that happens, you have my permission to be thrilled. Yes, they really like you.

Penny C. Sansevieri, CEO and founder of Author Marketing Experts, Inc., is a best-selling author and internationally recognized book marketing and media relations expert. Her company is one of the leaders in the publishing industry and has developed some of the most cutting-edge book marketing campaigns. She is the author of five books, including Book to Bestseller which has been called the “road map to publishing success”.

To learn more about her books or her promotional services, you can visit her Web site at http://www.amarketingexpert.com/. To subscribe to her free ezine, send a blank email to: subscribe@amarketingexpert.com

Copyright ©2008 Penny C. Sansevieri

Authors Access: 28 Success Secrets for Authors and Publishers

Authors Access proudly announces our first collaborative book: Authors Access: 28 Success Secrets for Authors and Publishers, Ed. by Irene Watson, Tyler Tichelaar, and Victor R. Volkman.

This book contains the distilled wisdom of two dozen guests to the Authors Access show in an easy-to-read, easy-to-understand reference. Organized into chapters that reflect the lifecycle of your book, Authors Access: 28 Success Secrets for Authors and Publishers lets you learn about best practices and avoid pitfalls in writing, editing, cover design, marketing, book reviews, online presence, genre and children's books and other key topics.

Yvonne Perry, multi-published author and owner of Writers in the Sky Creative Writing Services, contributed a chapter to the book about starting a freelance writing business.

Hollywood Bohemians Book Tour Schedule!

Between 1917 and 1941, Hollywood film studios, gossip columnists, and novelists featured an unprecedented number of homosexuals, cross-dressers, and adulterers in their depictions of the glamorous Hollywood lifestyle. During this era, actress Greta Garbo defined herself as the ultimate serial bachelorette, screenwriter Mercedes De Acosta wore mannish attire and began numerous lesbian relationships with Hollywood elite (including Greta Garbo herself), and countless homosexual designers brazenly picked up men in the hottest Hollywood nightclubs. These personalities, along with many others, played an important role in establishing Hollywood’s image as a place of sexual abandon, enhancing the movie capital’s mystique and selling Hollywood as a “must-see” destination.

Please join us on the following dates & sites to learn more about Hollywood Bohemians!

11/24 Pop Syndicate www.popsyndicate.com/books/story/book_addict_novelcast_features_brett_abrams

11/25 Bookzillion www.bookzillion.com

11/26 Bilerico Project www.bilerico.com

11/28 GoodReads www.goodreads.com/giveaway

12/1 You Tube www.youtube.com/watch?v=wiFO93fQlrE

12/12 Writers in the Sky www.yvonneperry.blogspot.com

4 Kundalini Yoga DVDs and Energy Seminars-Gurutej Kaur

Gurutej Kaur joins Writers in the Sky today as part of her virtual blog tour to promote her four Kundalini Yoga DVDs:

• Kundalini Yoga Awakening Intuition for Women
• Kundalini Yoga for Mental Clarity
• Kundalini Yoga for Balanced Chakras
• Kundalini Yoga for Mental Clarity

What can you say about a person who knew from a very early age that her destiny lay in leading others to greatness? Creative? Yes. Born leader? Yes, again. Free spirited thinker? Yes, yes, yes! She is also direct, funny, and full of mischief with bright blue eyes and a wicked smile!

Gurutej Kaur, (known simply as Gurutej), told her mother just that when she was six years old. For over 36 years, Gurutej has taught people how to connect to their higher consciousness through yoga, chanting, meditation and healing. Everyday she lives the meaning of her Sikh name, which translates as "the one who brings you from darkness into light at the speed of light."

In 1969 Gurutej met Yogi Bhajan. Bhajan is credited for having brought Kundalini Yoga here to the United States. As one of his original students, Gurutej emerged as a founding practitioner of Kundalini. Through his instruction and spiritual guidance, Gurutej is considered a foremost authority on Kundalini and internationally recognized as one of a handful of Kundalini Yoga Masters in the World.

YVONNE: Tell me something about yourself and your background.
GURUTEJ: I have written lots but this is about my Teaching background because these are DVD’s. I have been teaching for 40 years and loving it I did run a yogic community for 17 years across Canada and have taught everything from businesses, to 1st graders, to teens and women to couples to celebrities to classes of wonderful people around the world. I have courses in India, Ireland, and England in the first couple months of the New Year.

YVONNE: Give us the basics so we’ll know what it’s about.
GURUTEJ: DVDs Mental Clarity and can you guess what that is for. Strengthening the Immune System speaks for itself, awakening the intuition for women, very important with bonus material on food and special meditations for women. Chakra yoga, which teaches how to balance our energy, one center at a time or all together.

YVONNE: What inspired you to create these items?
GURUTEJ: DVDs and flip charts to get these teachings out there that will support people in these trying times. They are good for all times but now most people are seeing how anxiety affects everything. These can help bring you to a state of calm and give you back your hope in you and each other. This is important to our healing as individuals, our country and the world. We are all part of a connected whole and these help connect us to ourselves and be able to release and rejuvenate ourselves in ways that support and sustain us.

Flip charts are things you can do in 1-3 minutes that will change your energy and change your life. It is a totally cute flip chart that will sit on your desk or fit into your purse to be pulled out as our personal AAA when we start to break down or before we get there.

YVONNE: Is this your first product?
GURUTEJ: No I have four DVD’s

YVONNE: How long did it take to write this product? Any interesting tidbits about your writing method or how the book developed?

GURUTEJ: The first DVD was so easy I planned it showed up did the taping and others did all the rest. The other three I was intimately involved in the editing and adding of material and they each took incredible as it may seem 2 years each to complete. Yes it felt like that for me too but that’s how dedicated I felt to getting this information out to each of you. Joel Gotler said “These are the best yoga DVD’s I have ever seen.” He is a certified Iyengar Teacher though he is best known as an extraordinary literary agent getting 200 titles made into movies. He also said no one over 40 should do any other kind of yoga this just works. He decided to do the mental clarity one before a very challenging meeting and guess what the meeting went so smooth he was shocked, pleasantly so.

YVONNE: How did you publish your DVDs? Tell me about your publishing experience and what you learned from it. Please go into detail if you wish.
GURUTEJ: I took them to Sounds True and they became my champion. That is how they were distributed and will be again.

YVONNE: Where are your DVDs available? Do you have a Web site or blog where we can learn more about you or your DVDs?
GURUTEJ: All my DVD’s are available at http://www.gurutej.com/ under products. These are great healthy holiday gifts. The flip charts are for everyone; everyone will be helped by them. One very famous person said that his flip chart was his favorite gift he got at this conference. They are like your guardian angel ready to help you at all times.

YVONNE: As far as marketing, do you do more online publicity or print/radio/TV promotion? Tell me some ways you have promoted your book. Give examples and links to any sites you feel might help other authors.
GURUTEJ: I have relied much too heavily on a dysfunctional distributor. Now I am out there in the World Wide Web and I will give feedback when this is complete. Thank you for your help in getting these invaluable techniques into the head and hearts of the many.

YVONNE: Have you hired a publicist to help promote this book? If so, what was your experience like?
GURUTEJ: Just the lovely Nikki Leigh and her amazing band of people.

YVONNE: Any other comments or things you would like for us to know?
GURUTEJ: So much, where do you want me to start? My mission is for people to feel connected and whole. This is an offering to support that goal. Count on seeing and hearing more from me more and more. I will be doing conferences on these teachings so everyone can become their own Energy Guru.

YVONNE: Thank you for giving us the opportunity to get to know you and learn about your book. I wish you well. And I wish you well and send you Blessings

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

Writers in the Sky Podcast on Freelance Writing

This week Yvonne Perry shares her interview with Les Brown.

H. Les Brown, MA, CFCC grew up in an entrepreneurial family and has been an entrepreneur for most of his life. He is the author of The Frazzled Entrepreneur's Guide to Having It All. Les is a certified Franklin Covey coach and a certified Marshall Goldsmith Leadership Effectiveness coach. He has Masters Degrees in philosophy and theology from the University of Ottawa. His experience includes ten years in the ministry and over fifteen years in corporate management. His expertise as an innovator and change strategist has enabled him to develop a program that allows his clients to effect deep and lasting change in their personal and professional lives.

On The Frazzled Entrepreneur Program: The Author as Entrepreneur, Les and Yvonne talked about how spirituality and business go hand in hand. He asked her, "What led you to get into theology and how have you incorporated that education with your career?"

Turning a theology degree into a livelihood is a real challenge, but it can be done. Yvonne shares how it happened for her as she began exploring new paths and different types of belief systems and came to find the American Institute of Holistic Theology (AIHT) where she obtained her Bachelor of Science in Metaphysics. During that time she began setting goals to leave her corporate job and move into a new career as a self-employed business owner. It has worked out well for her to follow her inner guidance in blending family, relationships, belief systems, and career.

Click here to listen to the interview...

"It is possible to use your intuition to blend business and spirituality. Following inner guidance is as natural as breathing, and I'm doing it without any religion telling me how, when, or where!" says Perry.

And, she is not the only one. Les mentioned that his Frazzled Entrepreneur program has gone through several series. The series of shows he did before The Author as Entrepreneur was about spirituality in the streets and how people bring their own spirituality into the workplace and into their entrepreneurial careers. His new show is about providing support and guidance for men and women in or approaching the midlife transition. He has a new community called Midlife Mastery you can join at http://www.midlifemaster.org.

About Yvonne Perry

Yvonne Perry is a freelance writer, ghostwriter, and author who enjoys researching and writing about topics that inspire excellence and uplift the spirit. Her style of writing is lovingly controversial and challenges people’s belief systems in order to help them move past what she calls “Sunday School mentality.” She is a graduate of American Institute of Holistic Theology where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Metaphysics.She has earned Platinum Expert Author status for her articles on spirituality, death, afterlife, spirit communication, suicide, and politics published on ezinearticles.com.

Yvonne has personally co-written, edited, ghosted or formatted over twenty books for clients. That's in addition to the articles, bios, brochures, press releases, Web text and newsletters she has created. Under her own name, Perry has authored six children’s eBooks known as The Sid Series. The books build self-esteem and empower young ones to follow inner guidance and overcome fear.

In April 2005, Yvonne released More Than Meets the Eye: True Stories about Death, Dying and Afterlife, a book that address topics that many people are not comfortable talking about such as suicide, the near-death experience, end of life decisions, and euthanasia. The book is designed to help people release their fear of death, learn to communicate with those on the other side and comfort someone who is grieving the loss of a loved one. See http://writersinthesky.com. More than 600 hours of intensive research, interviews, phone calls, and email with dozens of researchers, doctors, political and religious figures have gone into her book Right to Recover: Winning the Political and Religious Wars over Stem Cell Research in America. Her latest e-book Book Marketing in the Digital Age, Online Promotion Made Easy teaches authors how to promote their books online.

Interview with Two Authors About Online Book Promotion

Today is November 20, and it's the day to join Carol Denbow and Yvonne Perry in a discussion about book marketing. Carol has posed some great questions and Yvonne has given some informative answers on A Book Inside Blog

Yvonne Perry is author and owner of Writers in the Sky Creative Writing Services.

In this interview, you will learn how Writers in the Sky Creative Writing Services helps authors with online book publicity. Discover why Yvonne decided to write her fabulous new e-book, Book Marketing in the Digital Age Online Promotion Made Easy
(www.OnlinePromotionMadeEasy.com) and what viewers will gain by reading it. Yvonne will also share what she thinks is the biggest mistake authors make when attempting to market their books. Plus, the questions our readers have asked will be answered.

Selling eBooks on Amazon

Authors who are interested in selling their own e-book on Amazon.com should read this article at http://www.articlealley.com/article_119211_50.html

WITS' Very Own Yvonne Perry is Featured on This Week's Podcast

For our weekly Writers in the Sky podcast interview on Friday, November 21, the questioning will be addressed to our very own Yvonne Perry. Yvonne was featured on the radio program hosted by H. Les Brown. She was invited to be a guest as part of his "The Frazzled Entrepreneur" series and we look forward to sharing that conversation with our readers here. As a writer and business owner, Yvonne certainly can relate to the idea of being frazzled from time to time. But, as she shares in this interview, there is great joy that comes with her profession.

Yvonne is a full-time writer, editor, author, public speaker, and owner of Writers in the Sky. She discusses the personal journey she experienced in developing her writing business and offers advice to others whose inner voice is compelling them to jump into the world of writing. Her personal experience with the writing and marketing process will provide practical applications for listeners.

Yvonne's new book is Book Marketing in the Digital Age, Online Promotion Made Easy. For more information, please visit the Web site established for the book's release.

A Discussion About Book Marketing

Join Carol Denbow and Yvonne Perry in a discussion about book marketing.

On November 20, A Book Inside Blog will host an interview with Yvonne Perry, author and creator of Writers in the Sky. Mark your calendars; this will be extremely informative and fun!

In this interview, you will learn how Writers in the Sky Creative Writing Services helps authors with online book publicity. Discover why Yvonne decided to write her fabulous new e-book, Book Marketing in the Digital Age Online Promotion Made Easy
(www.OnlinePromotionMadeEasy.com) and what viewers will gain by reading it. Yvonne will also share what she thinks is the biggest mistake authors make when attempting to market their books.

Visitors are more than welcome and encouraged to post comments and questions for Yvonne and/or regarding this interview by using the comment link below.

Let Tom Swift Inform Your Writing

By Carolyn Howard-Johnson

Ever heard of Tom Swifties? Maybe you're too young to be familiar with the classic Tom Swift adventures for boys. Or maybe you're a girl who never read a Tom Swift book nor cares to.

Tom Swifties are one-line jokes lampooning the style of Victor Appleton, the author of the original Tom Swift books. People started making jokes about his overuse of adverbs and the unnecessary taglines he wrote into his dialogue. Like the Polish jokes, they were so much fun that a whole series of them became available for the pun-loving. The author of these classics, of course, laughed all the way to the bank. But that's a lesson for one of my marketing seminars, not this article on writing.

Tom Swifties are something from America's literary past. This is now. I haven't dared to go to the new books in the series but I assume that this outdated writing has been eliminated from them. You'll want to minimize tags and adverbs in your writing, too!

An example from one of the Swift books will suffice to let you know what to watch for. (Thank you to Roy Peter Clark for the following example:)

“Look!” suddenly exclaimed Ned. “There's the agent now!...I'm going to speak to him!' impulsively declared Ned.”

Even authors who swear that adverbs are always very, very good things to use and are reluctant to give up their clever taglines can see how, well . . . .awful this is. In fact, I have to reassure people the quotation is real! Some of the writing that comes to the desks of agents and editors looks almost as bad. Here's how you can make sure yours doesn't:

1. Use taglines only when one is necessary for the reader to know who is speaking.

2. Almost always choose “he said” or “she said” over anything too cute, exuberant or wordy like “declared” and “exclaimed.”

3. Cut the “ly” words ruthlessly, not only in dialogue tags but everywhere. You will find specific techniques for strengthening your writing in the process of eliminating adverbs in The Frugal Editor: Put Your Best Book Forward to Avoid Humiliation and Ensure Success. This book will also give you some computer tricks for making these edits easy.

You don't have to know the reasons or the techniques for making the “ly” and tagline edits easy, of course. You can follow Nike's advice and ”Just do it!” But learning all you can about turning adverbs to your advantage is never a bad thing.

For more help with editing and all things related (like grammar, spelling, formatting) go to http://www.thefrugaleditor.blogspot.com/ or refer to your copy of The Frugal Editor: Put Your Best Book Forward to Avoid Humiliation and Ensure Success. It is available at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0978515870//

Carolyn Howard-Johnson, award-winning author of The Frugal Book Promoter: How to Do What Your Publisher Won't and The Frugal Editor: Put Your Best Book Forward to Avoid Humiliation and Ensure Success. Both books are winners of USA Book News “Best Professional Book” award the first in the HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers holds Book Publicists of Southern California's coveted Irwin Award. The Frugal Editor is also the winner of Reader Views Literary Awards and New Generation Indie Book Award for Marketing. Carolyn is also the author of “The Great First Impression Book Proposal: Everything You Need To Know To Sell Your Book in 20 Minutes or Less,” one of Amazon's famous 49 cent Shorts. Learn more at www.HowToDoItFrugally.com.

Post Your Book Marketing Questions for Yvonne to Answer

Join Carol Denbow and Yvonne Perry in a discussion About Book Marketing on November 20, A Book Inside Blog will host an interview with Yvonne Perry, author and creator of Writers in the Sky! Mark your calendars; this will be extremely informative and fun!

In this interview, you will learn how Writers in the Sky Creative Writing Services helps authors with online book publicity. Discover why Yvonne decided to write her fabulous new e-book, Book Marketing in the Digital Age Online Promotion Made Easy (www.OnlinePromotionMadeEasy.com) and what viewers will gain by reading it. Yvonne will also share what she thinks is the biggest mistake authors make when attempting to market their books.

Visitors are more than welcome and encouraged to post comments and questions by using the comment link below for Yvonne and Carol to answer in this discussion.

Twin-engine Airplanes, an Art Dealer and a Few Ghosts

My guest on Writers in the Sky Podcast has become a dear friend of mine through the editing of his book Bader Field. I truly enjoyed working with Carl David on his story about his father who was a twin-engine airplane pilot and an art dealer in the 1970s.

Click here to listen to part 1...

When I first started the developmental and copy edit for this book, I knew I held a jewel in my hands. I had come upon a skilled writer with a superb story of movie-like quality. It has the drama of human emotion stirred by true events that bring lovable characters to life. Plus, there are interesting historical facts intertwined throughout the telling. Add some mysterious and ghostly happenings to those components and you have a great book—Bader Field.

I was not familiar with the art world that is common and everyday life for the David family, but I learned things in this book that caused me to better appreciate all art forms around me—even the art of life itself. I also learned quite a bit about flying twin-engine airplanes, which is a huge love the author shared with his dad. The book is named after the airfield that launched Carl and his dad to the skies where they enjoyed hundreds of flight hours reveling in their distinctive father-son bond.

To learn more about the family art business, see www.artnet.com/ddavid.html and www.askart.com/DDavid. To join a community to discuss art, go to www.artdealer.ning.com

Even though the book follows a chronological time line, each chapter has an embedded memory or flashback that lands us in the middle of an exciting, tragic, or educational event. Whether a childhood winter moment as the David boys take their dad for the sled ride of his life; or the account of how a famous piece of art was acquired; or the bygone days of the Depression Era when Sam and Flora first met—this book details a heartfelt journey that demonstrates the healing that comes from letting go of the past and living only for what is before us in this moment.

Click here to listen to part 2...

Carl has a great knack for storytelling and a gift for showing us what is in his heart. Bader Field allows a reader to see the inside impact that the self-inflicted death of a loved one has on an entire family and how much spiritual strength it takes to move past such devastation.

We may never meet the David family in person, but after reading Bader Field, I promise you will feel as if you have known them all your life. You may even feel like part of the family and be tempted to refer to Sam David as “Pop.” He or Bruce might even visit you in spirit!

Purchase this book at NightengalePress.com

Connect with Carl on facebook

Find Carl on Twitter

Read Carl's articles about art and airplanes on Author's Den

One Minute Coach, Change Your Life One Minute at a Time

The One Minute Coach gives readers the tools to create more abundance, joy, success, and happiness for themselves through easy to understand processes and routines. The book not only inspires the reader, it also provides evidence that no matter where you have been or where you are, your future is based on your decisions, actions and beliefs.

From 17-year-old drifter to highly creative entrepreneur, Masha has delivered workshops, seminars, written articles and books, and provided personal training and coaching in the field of success and the skill of learning since 1998.

Today Writers in the Sky welcomes Masha Malka to our writing blog. She is discussing her book The One Minute Coach.

YVONNE: Tell me something about yourself and your writing background.

Masha: I am a Russian/American currently living in Spain. My background is in Elementary Education and I have a training certificate in Accelerated Learning Techniques as well as Transformational Thinking. I have a graduate certificate in Teaching and Training Online and Instructional Design for Online Learning.

So my writing background is mainly for training material and The One Minute Coach book is written using Accelerated Learning Techniques which makes even the most complicated information easy to read and assimilate.

YVONNE: What is the title of your book? Give us the basic story line so we’ll know what it’s about.

Masha: The One Minute Coach: change your life one minute at a time book is a compilation of inspirational one-minute messages all followed by application/action steps and engaging images. The book is designed for busy people who understand the importance of learning and growing but just can’t find the time to read.

Although this book can be read from the beginning to the end, it can also be used as a reference guide. For example, what many people say works best for them is to wake up and just open the book on any page. It takes one minute to read, get motivated and start the day in a positive way.

Some of the chapters in the book include:

• The secrets of people who are successful
• Freedom to be who you are
• Why do we suffer
• How to get what you want
• What it takes to be a great leader
• Time management and decision making tools
• The best source of wealth
• The most important job you do
• The secret to a great life

And more (52 chapters all together)

YVONNE: What inspired you to write this book?

Masha: I noticed that during seminars and workshops people get really inspired and motivated to implement new ideas and make changes in their lives; unfortunately, most people do not follow through at the end as the day-to-day tasks take over.

I decided to change that for my clients and started writing short one-minute messages to remind them of what they learned and the steps they can take every day to implement that new knowledge.

Eventually those emails turned into The One Minute Coach newsletter and then were compiled into the book with the same name.

YVONNE: Is this the first book you have written?

Masha: I have previously written an e-book called “Discover Your Inborn Genius” based on the skill of learning how to learn.

YVONNE: How long did it take to write this book? Any interesting tidbits about your writing method or how the book developed?

Masha: As I mentioned before, the book is a compilation of my newsletters. It took me 2 days to put it together as I have already been writing newsletters for two years by then.

YVONNE: How did you publish your book? Tell me about your publishing experience and what you learned from it.

Masha: After I decided on the outline and put the chapters in order, I had no idea what to do next! So I went to the Mega Book Marketing University put together by Mark Victor Hansen every year.

At the event I learned that your book is your business and that the best way to get publisher’s or agent’s attention is to give them the book that is ready (self-published). Also, ideally, the author needs to have a speaking platform and show that he or she is capable to market and sell the book on their own (especially true for unknown writers).

So I went home and learned everything there is to know about self-publishing. Published my book myself and six months later was asked by Morgan James Publishers in New York if I want them to publish my book. I agreed as I liked their entrepreneurial approach and the freedom I get as an author.

YVONNE: Did you work with an agent? If so, how did you find the agent? Was it beneficial to you?

Masha: No, I didn’t need an agent because I went strait with the publisher. I met them at the National Publicity Summit in New York.

YVONNE: Where is your book available? Do you have a Web site or blog where we can learn more about you or your book?

Masha: Sure! My website is www.mashamalka.com
The book is on Amazon.com as well as all the major stores and small stores. And if it is not in a particular store, it can be ordered (it will only take a couple of days to get it into the store).

YVONNE: As far as marketing, do you do more online publicity or print/radio/TV promotion? Tell me some ways you have promoted your book. Give examples and links to any sites you feel might help other authors.

Masha: I do a lot of radio as I have the freedom to do it from anywhere in the world. Online publicity is also a major part of my marketing. I am in the midst of the Amazon.com online promotion that is going amazingly well! Although I do most of the marketing myself, for this particular promotion I hired someone else – someone who is very experienced and produces excellent results every time! Her name is Kathleen Gage and you can find out more about her here www.kathleengage.com

YVONNE: Have you hired a publicist to help promote this book? If so, what was your experience like?

Masha: Part of the appeal of Morgan James Publishing for me was that they have a publicist I can work with. So far there has not been enough time to see if it has been effective or not.

YVONNE: Any other comment you would like to share?

Masha: No matter how big your dream is and how overwhelming the task might seem, just do it one word, one phone call, one decision and one action at a time. Remember, if you can dream it, you can have it!

YVONNE: Thank you for giving us the opportunity to get to know you and learn about your book. I wish you well in your journey as an author.

Masha: I too wish you continuous success in the wonderful work that you are doing! Thank you for doing the interview with me and thank you to everyone who took the time to read it. Hope it was helpful!

Get 91 bonus gifts when you purchase Masha's book at http://mashamalka.com/bookpromotion/

Stop Tolerating, Start Creating- What Are You Tolerating That's Silently Destroying Your Creativity

By Creativity Coach Dan Goodwin

One of the most incredible traits of human beings is being able to adapt when circumstances change.

Now most of the time this is a wonderful capability. Other times though, it means we become so used to tolerating certain situations that on the surface it feels like we're ignoring them.

Underneath though, they are damaging us daily, with a constant drip, drip effect that drastically undermines our confidence and ability to create.

Here's a physical example to illustrate the point.

A friend of mine, we'll call her Eve, injured her left shoulder lifting something too heavy. She thought she'd just rest it for a few days and hoped it would get better on its own.

A few days became a few weeks, and Eve's shoulder did appear to be a little less painful. “Hey, at least I've still got another working shoulder!” she joked with friends.

Three months on though, Eve decided the pain was too much. So she visited a chiropractor. To her amazement, after the chiropractor had examined Eve, she told her there was actually more damage to her OTHER shoulder, where she'd been compensating and protecting the one she hurt by using the other shoulder more.

The chiropractor also found that Eve's whole posture was out of alignment as she been leaning more to one side, again to try to protect the injured shoulder. A niggling pain in her left knee - that Eve had thought was completely unrelated - was also caused by the overcompensation for the injured shoulder.

Luckily Eve sought help in time, and both of her shoulders and her knee are now fully healed once more. By tolerating the pain for so long, Eve could have done herself permanent damage, in both shoulders, her back, her knee and ultimately her ability to physically function in the same way as before.

Will you be as fortunate though? What pain have you been tolerating in your creative life? What niggling negativities have been slowly chipping away at your creative confidence and your ability to create freely?

What kind of beliefs about your creativity have you gotten used to and accepted as “normal” even though they make you feel anxious, inadequate and fearful about creating?

We began by talking about how adaptable people are in difficult circumstances, and what a powerful trait that is to help us survive and thrive.

Think very carefully about what you've adapted to - the people, the habits, the situations, the inner thoughts - that all have an adverse effect on your creativity.

But you've just learned to tolerate them, forgetting there's an alternative, forgetting that you always have a choice. Until now.

Choose creativity, and choose to take care of yourself.

Identify the biggest negative tolerance in your life, the one thing that holds you back from being as creative as you can be more than anything else. Then take the first step to reducing the impact it has in your life, the first step to removing it entirely.

Stop tolerating, start creating. The first step begins today, it's a great time for you to take it.

Ready to be more creative? Then sign up to “Create Create!” - Creativity Coach Dan Goodwin's free twice monthly ezine - today, and get your free copy of the “Explode Your Creativity!” Action Workbook. Just head over to http://www.coachcreative.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dan_Goodwin

Why a Podcast About Writing?

I started Writers in the Sky Podcast, not as a marketing tool, but because of my desire to teach and to help other writers find their way to success. I am frequently asked questions about online marketing and publishing and a podcast is a way for me to distribute this type of information.

There are times when I want to stop the podcast because it takes so much time to produce and promote a quality show, but whenever I start thinking of bringing it to a close, someone will tell me how much they enjoy the show and how helpful it is to them. It keeps me going!

Do you enjoy the podcasts? Do you get any benefit from them? Do you have any suggestions on how we might improve them?

Please add your comments or feedback below this post.

Thank you!

Airplanes, Suicide, and an Art-dealing Family

This week on Writers in the Sky Podcast, Yvonne Perry will be interviewing the author of Bader Field, Carl David. he is also an art dealer, writer, musician, photographer, Sim pilot, auto enthusiast, and a healer!

Born in Philadelphia, Carl David is the third descendant of a four-generation art dealer family specializing in American and European nineteenth- and twentieth-century paintings, watercolors, and drawings. To learn more about the family art business, see www.artnet.com/ddavid.html and www.askart.com/DDavid. To join a community to discuss art, go to www.artdealer.ning.com

Carl earned a Bachelor of Arts with a degree in business in 1970 from Oglethorpe College in Atlanta, Georgia. Bader Field is his second published book. He is also the author of Collecting and Care of Fine Art published by Crown Publishers (1981). His article “Martha Walter” appeared in the May 1978 issue of American Art Review.



Along with his interest and career as an art dealer, Carl has serious involvement in both music and photography. He does all of the gallery photography work and has photographic images hosted on Webshots.com and istockphoto.com. He has written several ballads. His first “My Love For You” was professionally mastered, arranged, and produced by Dave Appell of Decca Records and Cameo-Parkway Records.

For many years, Carl David has had a serious interest in and has been a proponent of all aspects of healing. He has woven spirituality and energy work into his daily life. As a firm believer in “paying it forward,” he knows that karmic debts must be paid, and is very cognizant of keeping a clear conscious and doing the right thing. Life has thrown him some nasty turns, but instead of being bitter and resentful, he has tried to learn from each experience and shift his focus toward something positive.

Book Synopsis

Bader Field (ISBN: 1933449-66-7) embodies the emotional story of a son's loving relationship with his father—a legendary art dealer whose life is suddenly taken by a massive coronary at the young age of fifty-eight years. His death plunges the twenty-four-year-old man onto the front lines of the family art business, which he had entered a mere three years prior. Battling with his own grief while trying to help his adoring but fragile mother survive, David forges forward with all of the elemental tools his father imparted to him. His journey proves a difficult one, not having yet recovered from the horrific loss of his brother to suicide just eight years earlier when he was found dead on the fourth floor of the Rittenhouse Square townhouse, which was home to the prestigious David David Gallery. His self-imposed obligation is to successfully take the family art business to the next generation and to give his own children every bit of love, kindness, and wisdom bestowed upon him by the unique man whom they will never know other than the mark he left on everyone who knew him.

Bader Field adds significant insight into the mysterious workings and dealings of the art world. David speaks from experience of having been immersed in it all of his life and having lived it from the inside out. There will be a tremendous crossover interest in this book as it combines the elements of an American family, its goodness and its tragedy interfaced with the multifaceted aspects of the art business and flying small airplanes. Bader Field in Atlantic City was the oldest airfield in the country. With little sophistication, its two asphalt runways juggled single and twin engine aircraft and exuded a character and charm that created memories to last a lifetime. That is where this saga begins and where it ends as life comes full circle.

Learn more about the first U.S. airport here...

Children who have had loving relationships with their fathers will identify with the David's father-son relationship, and those who have not been as fortunate may learn to be better parents. The book will also speak to those who are contemplating suicide, and perhaps help the depressed person realize that no man is an island—when one takes his own life, he also takes pieces of all the others who care about him. Families who have lost a loved one through such a tragedy will relate to the endless pain inflicted on the family survivors in this story.

Purchase Bader Field now...

Use Social Media As a Marketing Tool

I encourage authors and writers to take advantage of everything available on the Internet to market their books and businesses. I enjoy interacting online through social networking. Here are a few examples:

I use social networking sites such as Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Squiddo, and MySpace

I bookmark my posts for news services

I post media releases online at least once per month

I use keyword article marketing to increase my online presence and bring traffic to my sites

I publish free a monthly newsletter and accept speaking engagements in person and online

I have a video on YouTube and on my business Web site and blog

I offer RSS feed syndication to listeners of my podcast and readers of my five blogs.

Pulling Back the Curtain on New York Times Book Reviews

By Scott Lorenz
President of Westwind Communications

At a recent Harvard University speech, New York Times Book Review Editor Barry Gewen revealed unknown details about The New York Times Book Review’s “inner workings.” Authors wanting to get the scoop on the process will find insight into the minds of the reviewers at The Gray Lady. These inside secrets from that speech and gleaned from other sources may give authors a better idea if their book ever has a chance at making the cut.

As a book publicist, I talk to authors and clients every day and most have two ultimate goals:

Get on Oprah and get reviewed by The New York Times Book Review. As one of the most influential and widely read book review publications in the industry, a write-up in the New York Times usually results in a strong sales surge and other media outlets writing about the book as well.

In the New York Times article, “Secret Workings of ‘Times’ Book Review Exposed!,” Gewen discussed who takes part in the review, how books are ultimately chosen, and how unglamorous the job really is in the Times building.

Gewen says The Book Review does not print the names of its editors except when they write articles. Furthermore, he stated that there are only about 17 people on the Review roster including support staff.

First named is Editor Sam Tanenhaus who came to the Times with intentions of creating “fireworks,” but found that with all of the “disgruntled authors, agents, editors and publishers who call to complain about coverage,” reality can be wearing. “There is no bitchier industry than publishing,” Gewen said.

In addition, preview editors – Alida Becker, Rachel Donadio, Dwight Garner, Barry Gewen,
Jennifer Schuessler, and one other editor - are responsible for “choosing books, finding reviewers, and editing.”

There is also Deputy Editor Robert Harris and Senior Editor Dwight Garner, as well as copy-editors, an art director, a children’s editor and a clerk on the team.

The process of deciding what gets reviewed and what doesn’t is quite demanding work. “It begins with the clerk who goes through the pile of 750 to 1000 advance manuscripts that the office receives each week,” says Gewen. However, don’t expect your self-help book, reference guide or travel manual to get any attention in the initial review by the clerk. Those books are “tossed.”

Then, the rest of the manuscripts are taken to Tanenhaus’s office where the senior editor and deputy editor divide them up and get rid of more.

This leaves the six preview editors with about 25 books to look through. Keep in mind this winnowing process has just cut upwards of 750 or more books! Gewen said he spends at least a half hour on each book and chooses four or five, then rejects the others. Reasons most often cited for exclusion, “too narrow for us” or “workmanlike.”

In an interview with Tanenhaus by Michael Orbach of “Knight News, “If a writer is not bringing something new to the conversation or is not very well-established with a following, long-awaited book, or has really superb narrative or analytical skills, there's a good chance the book won't get reviewed.”

In another article that tries to depict the workings of The New York Times Book Review, “The

Book Review: Who Critiques Whom- and Why?” by Times Editor Byron Calame, Tanenhaus continued to say that books often get rejected because they “lack originality” or are “packaged assemblages of smaller pieces.”

And for those of you authors who want your first novels to be reviewed, Tanenhaus said, “It has to be strikingly good.”

Competition amongst similar books plays a role too. Often authors and even publishers are unaware of another book on the same topic being published at the same time. So the New York
Times may decide which one is plowing new ground and is the better of the bunch. It may only review that one book and ignore the others.

Of his job Gewen said, “One has to have a hard heart at the Book Review.”

Finally, after the preview editors choose their book selections, they meet again to discuss possible reviewers, all of whom have their own ideas of who to consider. Once they’ve made their picks from lists compiled from “scanning magazines and other publications” and talking to editors and friends, editors go to their own offices and start trying to reach people.

Overall, Calame said in his article, “Much of the judgment about the books falls into the realm of opinion - and beyond the public editor's mandate.” As for the process, he believes that the Times editors “genuinely care about general readers and the literary world, and want their choices to have credibility.”

Though choosing books to be featured in the Book Review is a time-consuming, important task, according to Gewen, the Review is isolated from the rest of the building and its influences.

Gewen said “The Sunday Magazine lives in an office down the hall” and “pays the salary of all the rest of us.” Furthermore, he said, “There is a real class division here.” The Review editors are not in the luxurious offices as the rest of the magazine staff, but they pride themselves in believing they are “smarter” than the rest.

The New York Times Sunday newspaper circulation is 1.5 million. A 1/5 page size ad in the Book
Review (1 Column X 10.87 inches) will cost a whopping $8,830 for small presses. If you’re a major publisher it’ll cost even more! Check out the rate sheet at: http://www.nytimes.whsites.net/mediakit/pdfs/newspaper/rates/2008/RateCard_Books08_EW6.pdf

The Bottom Line: If you’re an author with expectations of having your book reviewed by the New York Times Book Review there is hope. Just don’t send them a self-help book, a travel manual or self published book. And if you’re a first time novelist, save the postage and send a resume instead since it might first help to get a job at the Times. It’s proven that Times staffers have a nice edge in the review process… not that I could blame them.

Or take the advice of Garner: When asked in another “Knight News” interview by Orbach, “What’s the way to get your book reviewed?” Garner said, “Write a good one. Really.”

One More Thing: Book reviews in newspapers are dying. The Los Angeles Times published its last standalone Book Review July 27, 2008. Newspapers around the US are cutting in-house book reviewers and running syndicated reviews. Why? First they can save money and as for the pressure to save money, it’s all about a shrinking news-hole caused by advertisers shifting dollars to the internet and TV. Furthermore, conglomerates who own media outlets try to squeak the last dollar out of everything. And, finally it’s the same thing plaguing the book industry in general, sadly, a decline in the number of readers.

Scott Lorenz is President of Westwind Communications, a public relations and marketing firm with a special knack for working with individuals and entrepreneurs to help them get all the publicity they deserve and more. Lorenz has handled public relations and marketing for numerous authors, doctors, lawyers, inventors and entrepreneurs. As a book marketing expert Lorenz is called upon by top execs and bestselling authors to promote their books. Learn more about Westwind Communications’ book marketing approach at http://www.book-marketing-expert.com or contact Lorenz at scottlorenz@westwindcos.com or by phone at 734-667-2090.

Sources:
New York Times Article
Circulation report
Knight News- Garner
Knight News- Tanenhaus
Byron Calame’s article

Special Podcast on Book Marketing

Marlive is the owner of The Grits dot com Literary Services. She and I have networked online for more than a year in which we have enjoyed a mutual benefit from working together.

Today I will share an interview that Marlive Harris and I did for her show On the Air With The Grits dot com. In our interview, we discuss my new eBook and talk about online book marketing.

Many authors do not realize that they are the ones responsible for marketing their books. Those who have discovered that their books are not selling without being marketed have many questions about how to do it. Join Marlive and me as we share our insight and answer these and other questions:

• What kinds of information are found in my new eBook Book Marketing in the Digital Age?
• Is online marketing better than traditional marketing?
• What is the advantage of publishing an eBook over a printed book?
• What does an author need to promote a book online?
• What is the most effective book marketing tool on the Internet?
• How does marketing fiction differ from nonfiction?
• If someone follows this eBook, how long (on average) does it take to see some results?
• How do authors get visitors to their Web sites?

Click here to listen to the interview...

Be sure to check out The Grits' Online Reading Club and Virtual Book Tours at http://www.thegrits.com/radio/

Network with Us November 2008!

Cherie Burbach has started a new service to help those looking for reviews of their poetry books. If you're looking for a review of your book that can be posted online, visit Bonjour Poetry Reviews at http://bonjourpoetryreviews.homestead.com/.

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November is National Novel Writing Month. NaNoWriMo is a fun approach to novel writing. Participants begin writing November 1 with a goal to write a 175-page (50,000-word) novel by midnight, November 30. Learn how you can participate at http://www.nanowrimo.org/

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The Dream Quest One Poetry & Writing Contest is open to anyone who loves expressing innermost thoughts and feelings into the beautiful art of poetry or to write a short story that is worth telling everyone! And to all who have the ability to dream. Write a poem or short story for a chance to win cash prizes. All works must be original. http://www.dreamquestone.com

Guidelines: Write a poem, thirty lines or fewer on any subject, style, or form, typed or neatly hand printed. And/or write a short story, five pages maximum length, on any subject or theme, creative writing fiction or non-fiction (including essay compositions, diary, journal entries and screenwriting). Also, must be typed or neatly hand printed. Multiple poetry and short story entries are accepted.
Postmark deadline: December 31, 2008: All winners will be announced on January 31, 2009 Prizes: Writing Contest First Prize is $500. Second Prize: $250. Third Prize: $100.

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Don't suffer with book proposals. You can be a pro with an investment of only 20 minutes and 49 cents with Carolyn Howard-Johnson’s Great First Impression Book Proposal Short on Amazon.com.

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Join Carol Denbow and Yvonne Perry in a discussion About Book Marketing. On November 20, A Book Inside Blog will host an interview with Yvonne Perry, author and creator of Writers in the Sky! Mark your calendars; this will be extremely informative and fun!

In this blog interview, you will learn how Writers in the Sky Creative Writing Services helps authors with online book publicity. Discover why Yvonne decided to write her fabulous new e-book, Book Marketing in the Digital Age Online Promotion Made Easy and what viewers gain by reading it. Yvonne will also share what she thinks is the biggest mistake authors make when attempting to market their books.

Visit A Book Inside at http://abookinside.blogspot.com/ Also visit our new writer’s forum for help with your writing, publishing, and book marketing! Go to http://abookinsideforum.ning.com
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In this day and age more and more people are downloading their information to go. One of the best ways for a podcast or radio show to sound great is by hiring a professional voice-over artist to do the intros and outros. In addition to commercials, many voice-over artists also earn their living reading audio books. Check out Donna Hooper’s Voice-Over Demo as an example at http://donnahooper.voice123.com.
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Promo 101 Virtual Blog Tours for November 2008

Conor and the Crossworlds by Kevin Gerard (November 3 through November 30)
http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/10/virtual-book-tour-conor-and-crossworlds.html. Surviving an Altered World, two everyday high school students find themselves caught in a race to save an altered world after Conor ignores his mentors' warnings and divulges secrets about his past.

Mark Tewart - How to be a Sales Superstar (November 3 through December 31) http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/10/how-to-be-sales-superstar-by-mark.html. Mark Tewart offers very sound advice to improve our life skills, people skills, marketing skills and sales skills. This is much more than the typical "sales book".

Gurutej - Kundalini Yoga and the Mental Clarity Tour (November 17 - December 12) http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/10/gurutej-presents-4-kundaini-yoga-dvds.html. Gurutej calls this the "Mental Clarity Tour". Do you want to learn more about Stress Reduction, Anxiety Relief, Yoga, Health, Healing, Energy, Meditation, Sleep, Success? Dyan Garris -

Automatic Chakra Balance DVD and Manifesting Therapy (November 17 - December 12) http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/10/dyan-garris-introduces-her-chakra.html. Part of the Spiritual Toolbox™ for relaxation, spiritual transformation, Automatic Chakra Balance™ help in sleeping and vibrational attunement of mind, body, and spirit by Dyan Garris.

C J Scarlet - The Kindness Cure (November 17 - December 12) http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/10/cj-scarlet-is-starting-kiss-revolution.html. CJ will tour cyber space to bring legions of people into this project who are asked to do one kind thing each week for the next year. You can help anyone who needs a helping hand.

Tony "Tony Nap" Napoli - My Father, My Don (November 17 - November 30) http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/10/my-father-my-don-by-tony-tony-nap.html.

Tony "Tony Nap" Napoli shares his story as the son one of the most powerful and respected organized crime leaders of the modern era. Genovese Family Capo, James "Jimmy Nap" Napoli-a mob kingpin who ruled over the largest gambling empire in America for almost 40 years.

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ALL THINGS THAT MATTER PRESS seeks to publish those books that help the author share with the world. We all have something to say, and this is a press that wants to hear your voice.

While our focus will be on spiritual, self-growth, personal transformation, and books with a strong message, we understand that self expression occurs in poetry, collections of short stories, science fiction, thrillers and even novels with a bit of romance. If it is good, we will take a look.

We are not actively seeking children and young adult books but if it WOWs us, we will consider this genre.

We are new, and we understand that new authors have an increasingly difficult time in wading through the morass of agents, publishers, query letters, and marketing. ALL THINGS THAT MATTER PRESS may well be the place where you get your first book in print. We all have to start somewhere. We plan on growing, and hope you will consider growing with us. Initially, your book will be published as a trade paperback and eBook. Books will be available at Amazon.com and the eBooks through MOBIPOCKET (and their many affiliates) as well as on this and your own site. We are currently working on broader distribution and we will post updates as they occur.

Please take a little time and read the pages of this site. Look at our contract, view the submission requirements, check out who we are, and read where we are now, and where we hope to go. In the age of the Internet, small presses and independent authors have greater opportunities to have their works available to millions. Work with us and we will work with you. The bottom line, if we love it, we will print it!! http://allthingsthatmatterpress.com
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Write Better... Get Published A Cappela Publishing http://www.acappela.com Want to receive our free monthly newsletter for writers? Join at: A Cappela Publishing - http://www.acappela.com/ (Sign up at bottom of opening page).
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Allbooks Reviews provides professional book reviews and author promotion at very reasonable fees. We also offer editing, advertising, publishing referral and guest speaking services. Listed in 101 Best Websites for Writers. Allbooks Reviews will review POD as well as traditional. http://www.allbookreviews.com
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Frankie, the Walk ‘N Roll Dog has been one busy rolling dog this fall! Her book was chosen as the winner in the National Best Book Awards from USA Book News in the Children’s Picture Book Non-Fiction soft cover category.

Frankie has also been nominated in the companion category for Wisconsin’s Pet Hall of Fame (www.wvma.org). This recognition is for work she has done in her community and bringing a positive face to animals with disabilities. It is also in recognition for helping children realize they can choose to face challenges with a positive attitude.

Frankie’s story also debuted as a feature story in the new national magazine Doxie Digest (www.doxiedigest.com) which premiered on October 23rd.

Barbara Techel is the author of Frankie, the Walk ‘N Roll Dog. It is a true, inspirational story about a dachshund whose life started out just like any other dog walking on all four paws until a spinal injury leaves her paralyzed. Frankie is custom fit for a wheelchair and learns to keep on rolling. Her zest for life will have you cheering and she will give you hope that all things are possible. Frankie will leave an everlasting and loving paw print on your heart. A book for all ages to teach overcoming challenges and also compassion for the physically challenged.
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November 15 is I Love To Write Day

People of all ages will celebrate I Love To Write Day on November 15. Founded in 2002 by Delaware author John Riddle, I Love To Write Day is now celebrated in over 20,000 schools all across the United States. Bookstores, libraries, community centers and everyday people also join in the fun.

"My goal for I Love To Write Day is to have people of all ages spend time writing,” says John Riddle, Founder. “They can write a poem, a love letter, a greeting card, an essay, a short story, start a novel, finish a novel…the possibilities are endless. But I want people to take the time to put their thoughts down on paper. They will be amazed at the results. Writing can be fun, but also challenging. People need to be challenged, and writing is but one of many creative ways to express yourself. I am very excited because I Love To Write Day activities are already being planned all across the United States. For many people, that will be the beginning of their writing career. I Love To Write Day has the potential to launch the career of the next John Grisham, Mary Higgins Clark, Stephen King or Toni Morrison."

Many Governors from across the United States are recognizing the importance of writing, and are encouraging their residents to celebrate I Love To Write Day on November 15. In fact, Governors from the following states have "officially proclaimed" November 15 I Love To Write Day: Delaware, Maryland, Kentucky, Louisiana, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Florida, Michigan and Texas.

"Everyone can get involved in I Love To Write Day,” says Riddle. “Just visit the Website, I Love To Write Day at www.ilovetowriteday.org and you will find suggestions and ideas on how to hold special I Love To Write Day activities in your community. There is a registration page, and I am encouraging everyone to sign up so that we can count how many people get involved in I Love To Write Day. People are also encouraged to spread the word about I Love To Write Day in their local communities."
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Bonita Rose recently self-published her first work, A Life Unrehearsed {My Life In Pictures} Volume 1 at Blurb.com. If you're a lover of quality photography, this collection is for you! It's filled with not just glorious images, but with true inspiration on every page. Preview and order your copy in time for the Holidays!

Bonita is currently writing her first mainstream media memoir. Bonita's memoir will be a book full of stark reality and much personal reflection.

Bonita Rose, a woman nearing the defining age of fifty, inspires others daily on her blog, A Life Unrehearsed. The writer of countless daily musings, she inspires, creates, and meditates daily.

Those around her know she is a woman full of life, a woman who believes in happy endings, a woman who believes in the magic of kindness and the power of the written word. She is a friend, daughter, wife, and a mother to her two gorgeous girls, Sara and Bethany. Her many interests include memory-keeping, photography, writing old-fashioned cards and letters, and when she can, singing loudly to her favorite songs when she’s all alone. She lives with her husband, Greg and their dog, Angel, in Fargo, North Dakota. Bonita’s memoir will be a book full of stark reality and much personal reflection.

Currently, Bonita is working feverishly on her manuscript and her goal is to be finished writing the manuscript by Christmas 2008. Her next writing goal is to tackle her query letter and book outline/proposal to have ready to send to specific literary agents in the Spring of 2009.

Email Bonita at bonnieangel1797@gmail.com
Blog URL: www.alifeunrehearsed2.blogspot.com
Ning Network: www.alifeunrehearsed.ning.com

Read below for a short description of her up and coming memoir:

A LIFE UNREHEARSED, One Woman's Story, Finding Strength
Have you lived an unrehearsed life?

A life unrehearsed. We all live our lives without a script in our hands. We live as on a stage for the first time, struggling to know the lines, to understand the plot line. We never know what is to come. Inside these pages by daily blogger, Bonita Rose – you'll read what it feels like to be human. To laugh. To cry. True, we all lead very different lives. We all walk very different paths.
Yet as fellow human beings walking this planet, we all tend to feel the same breadths of emotion, the same stings of pain, the same floods of joy.

Although very different, we are all – very much the same. We look at Bonita Rose, we read her words, and we see ourselves. Have you ever – in your own life -

• felt like the black sheep or ever felt you were unwanted as a child?
• come close to your own mortal demise?
• been mentally and emotionally abused by your earthly father or been misunderstood time and time again?
• been physically and emotionally abused by a past lover?
• had to survive through one, two, or three abortions?
• been driven to live a promiscuous life?
• struggled with your own forgiveness of yourself or with your personal faith in God?
• felt controlled in any of your past relationships?
• been alienated (having no emotional connection) or been forcibly separated from - your own children? Ever had to fight to be once again, a positive role model – in your children's lives?
• been publicly disowned by a parent?
• had to say goodbye to friendships that were once so very special?
• questioned your own happiness or had to start over?

Bonita Rose – a genuine survivor has. May these pages cause you to pause, to feel thankful, to feel stronger than you ever have before. With a lifetime of experiences and some personal reflection, Bonita Rose knows intimately what it takes to be a strong survivor. If you yearn to feel empowered, or simply yearn for a good read, A Life Unrehearsed is the book for you. Read her story and be moved.

Attention WITS Newsletter Subscribers!!

Our November issue of Writers in the Sky Newsletter is now available.

Writers in the Sky's New Website

Have you seen WITS Creative Writing Services’ new Web site? There is an Author Publicity page for helping authors promote their books, a page with an explanation of the three types of editing, a list of our current projects and the books we have worked on, a list of our clients, submittal guidelines for our Writing Newsletter, and an entire page of author and writer resources!

Take a look at the Writing Services page to see what we have to offer businesses. You can meet the WITS team, learn about our mentoring program, and see writing samples of what we can do to help you take your writing to the next level.

Coming Soon!! Six Week Mentoring Program in 2009!

Beginning in 2009, Writers in the Sky (WITS) will offer a 6-week mentoring program designed to bring new writers into the freelance writing business. I will teach a specific writing technique during a one-hour teleclass each week. I will give an assignment that will be turned in and graded to provide help in specific areas of need.

During these weekly sessions, participants will build a real-world portfolio while learning the craft and business of freelance writing. Because of the time commitment this course requires, I am only able to open the class to a limited number of students. If you are interested in being part of this beginner level course, please contact Yvonne Perry through the WITS Web site http://www.writersinthesky.com/contact.php

The Sun Singer

Today we welcome Malcolm R. Campbell to our writing blog. He is discussing his novel The Sun Singer.

YVONNE: Tell me something about yourself and your writing background.
MALCOLM: Yvonne, I’ve probably spent more hours working as a technical writer than anything else except for fiction. I’ve documented a fair number of computer programs in addition to those my wife and I created via our own company. I’ve also worked as a grant writer, college journalism instructor and a corporate communications director. Right now, I’m seeking a publisher for second novel while working as a contributing writer for a regional magazine here in Georgia.

YVONNE: I was born and raised in Georgia. It's a great state with a lot of amenities. What is the title of your book? Give us the basic story line so we’ll know what it’s about.
MALCOLM: The novel, a new age fantasy, is called The Sun Singer. My protagonist Robert Adams becomes psychic after stepping into the energy field around a bronze statue of a god. At first, this is wonderful. It’s moment of fame, for his friends call “the soothsayer of West Wood Street,” a guy who has dreams that come true. Unfortunately, he sees his best friend’s sister run over and killed in the street and, though he tries to warn her, he gets there just in time to see the accident happen as a rerun of his dream. Now he becomes unglued and sees his talent as a curse. The trouble is, when he hikes into the shining mountains to finish a mysterious task his avatar grandfather left undone, Robert needs his abilities to tell friend from foe, survive battles in a world of swords, arrows, and magic, accomplish his mission, and figure out how to get home. While in this alternate universe, Robert learns that time isn’t what it seems and neither is he.


YVONNE: This sounds like a very interesting book. I’m intrigued. What inspired you to write this book?
MALCOLM: Fate and/or synchronicity. My grandparents took me to see Allerton Park in Monticello, Illinois. Among the other statuary placed throughout the formal gardens is a bronze statue of Apollo called the Sun Singer. It did, in fact, seem to have an energy force around it. We left the park that night during a thunder storm and the flashing lightning seemed to make the statues come to life in such a threatening way that I had nightmares about all of them except the Sun Singer for years. Ultimately, the experience kept nagging at me until I used it as the basis for my new age novel. Seriously, I seem to have channeled the book one way or another for it was more of a happening than a planned work of fiction even though it came out as a very intricate and mysterious puzzle for both readers and characters.

YVONNE: I see your experiences are somewhat mystical and you were following your inner guidance in writing the book. I appreciate that. Is this the first book you have written?
MALCOLM: It’s the first one I’ve published. I wrote an earlier novel that got lost in a sock drawer or was stolen by librarians to keep it from showing up on their shelves. Now I’m seeking a publisher for a related novel called Garden of Heaven. Several years after The Sun Singer, I wrote a book of political parody called Worst of Jock Stewart. Yep, that’s a pseudonym since I didn’t want to spoil any chances of a political career by satirizing everyone under my own name!


YVONNE: How long did it take to write this book? Any interesting tidbits about your writing method or how the book developed?
MALCOLM: Gee, Yvonne, you really know how to embarrass a guy with a question like this. I worked on it off and on for 20 years. I wrote the first version in 1981 and found an agent to represent me. Then, providence stepped in, though I though it was evil spirits at the time. My agent had a small firm, so when one of her authors’ books took off into the stratosphere, I got dropped because she didn’t have time for all of us. I got ticked off and threw the book in a box, and there it sat until my company downsized my division out of existence in 2001. At my wife’s suggestion—to stop me from wandering around the house with nothing to do—I got the novel out again, rewrote it so that it turned into a very different book, published it in 2004 and was surprised when it became a named fiction finalist in Foreword Magazine’s book of the year awards.


YVONNE: Congratulations on that special honor! How did you publish your book? Tell me about your publishing experience and what you learned from it.
MALCOLM: Traditional publishers in 1981 and 2001 said they didn’t know how to market literary fiction with a teenaged protagonist to both adults and teens. I was told to make Robert at least ten years older. I said “forget it” and so did the mainstream publishers. So, I sent it to iUniverse where I had a very good experience from their editing to their creation of a high-energy cover. Between 1981 and 2001, I learned to have more faith in my work.


YVONNE: Did you work with an agent? If so, how did you find the agent? Was it beneficial to you?
MALCOLM: In the 1980s, I found an agent by stealing samples out of Writer’s Digest and slapping them together into a query letter. In 2001, I more or less skipped the agent step, though I thought about going back to the original agent and asking, “Are you ready yet?” (This kind of thinking usually gets me into trouble.)


YVONNE: That’s definitely a good way of learning: follow the examples of experts! Where is your book available? Do you have a Web site or blog where we can learn more about you or your book?
MALCOLM: The Sun Singer is available online through Amazon, Barnes & Noble and other booksellers. The book can also be tracked down via my author’s website at http://www.malcolmrcampbell.com and at my Sun Singer’s Travels weblog at http://sunsinger.blogspot.com/

YVONNE: As far as marketing, do you do more online publicity or print/radio/TV promotion? Tell me some ways you have promoted your book. Give examples and links to any sites you feel might help other authors.
MALCOLM: Almost everything’s been done online via Google ads, banners and banner exchanges, and related blog references including the one in my profile on Amazon. Circle of Seven Productions made a great trailer earlier this year which appeared around the net and can now be seen at my freelancer’s website. I ran a print ad in the local newspaper prior to the book’s launch which, unfortunately, coincided with the remnants of Hurricane Ivan coming through town. (Surprisingly, 16 crazy people showed up anyway.) Later, I participated in a Foreword Magazine co-op in the New York Review of Books after the 2004 award winners and finalists were announced.

One of the best ideas, which wasn’t mine, came at a now-defunct blogging community where we had a club that discussed—via posts and comments—various books. Mine was one of them. This, of course, doesn’t work until enough people either have, or go out and buy, copies of the book so they can discuss overall impressions, plot, themes, characters, settings, etc. I’ve subsequently seen this done elsewhere, the angle being that folks can discuss an author’s book with the author taking part.


YVONNE: Have you hired a publicist to help promote this book? If so, what was your experience like?
MALCOLM: No. I always worried that the cost of the publicity would exceed the book sales it generated. However, that ended up happening a lot anyway, so when the next book comes out, I’m not doing a roll-your-own on marketing plan.


YVONNE: From my experience, online book marketing is much more effective and less costly than traditional print publicity. Any other comment you would like to share?
MALCOLM: The Sun Singer illustrates for me the value of writing what you know. People tell me the settings seem so real to them. While I changed most of the place names to keep from spoiling the fantasy approach with known locations, Robert Adams’ boyhood home is my grandparents’ former house on Wood Street in Decatur, Illinois. The mountain settings fit hand-in-glove with the trails, mountains, and lakes of Glacier National Park, Montana, where I worked as a seasonal college student employee at one of the historic hotels. The detail, I think, makes the fantasy more believable, a technique we can all use through heavy research and/or with locations we know well.


YVONNE: I love novels that have a historical component or a setting that makes the book seem more believable. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to get to know you and learn about your book. I wish you well in your journey as an author.