What do you do with your spare time? I blog, and blog, and blog. But, that's because I have so much to say and so many exciting things to share. For example, on http://onlinepromotionmadeeasy.blogspot.com I demonstrate to authors how to promote a book online.
If you like to read, http://writersinthesky.blogspot.com is the blog that delivers components of our 25- to 28-page newsletter in increments so people don't choke trying to read it all at once.
http://yvonneperry.blogspot.com is my main blog for business. It caters to writers, authors, and readers.
I created this blog http://deathdyingafterlife.blogspot.com to showcase my book More Than Meets the Eye. You got a PDF copy of this book when you subscribed to WITS Newsletter, but the print version is available on Amazon. I also have several in my office in case if you want a signed copy. Things get pretty fun on this blog—that is if you enjoy talking about death, dying, and spirit communication.
http://right2recover.blogspot.com is for the book I published in 2007 on stem cell research.
This http://thesidseries.blogspot.com is the blog I use to feature my children's book The Sid Series ~ A Collection of Holistic Stories for Children.
When I get bored and want to entertain myself, or if I have to say something ridiculous or vulgar about my former life, I post it here: http://emailepisodes.blogspot.com. My ex doesn't and shouldn't know about this blog.
The So What Am I? blog is http://sowhatami.blogspot.com for the series of books I am writing with my friend, Angela Grett. We are working on a book about military families and we have information about bipolar disorder.
Wheel Fix It http://wheelfixit.blogspot.com is my son's blog. I help him write or find articles to promote his mobile auto service in Nashville. He's becoming such a great marketer, I'm not having to do much on this one except smile and beam as his adoring mother.
We Are One http://weareoneinspirit.blogspot.com is a blog on spirituality. I turned the reins to this blog over to my beloved partner Randall Hawk, but he seems to have flown the coop and rarely posts on the site.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Breakaway: How I Survived Abuse by Nadia Sahari
Nadia Sahari was born in Beirut, Lebanon. She came to America at the age of two. Nadia is the eldest of eight children: five sisters and two brothers. She speaks fluent Lebanese. She has been an entrepreneur most of her life to help in the support of her two children. At times she worked three jobs a day, keeping a hectic pace which eventually led to a breakdown. But Ms. Sahari stood up again and continued the fight to make her dreams come true. She never gave up.
Ms. Sahari has also been a guest panelist on the Oprah show. Oprah has requested a copy of Ms. Sahari's memoir. Currently, she is training, auditioning, and working on commercials and film. Recently she has been cast as Charlotte's Aunt in the movie Bandslam, showing in 2009, and as a Reporter in the movie Conflict of Interest, which will be showing in theaters in 2010. She is thrilled about both of these roles.
Nadia's memoir Breakaway: How I Survived Abuse was revised and released in September 2009 and is available in most bookstores and Amazon.com, Borders.com and Barnesandnoble.com. It is a must read for women and young girls everywhere. Breakaway lifts the veil on her struggle for freedom from abuse. Until her twenties, she was a victim of many abuses, including molestation, repeated beatings, rape, kidnapping, illegal abortion, and several attempts on her life. Miraculously, she survived. Through it all, she clung to her dream to be an actress. She never gave up. Today, she is finally living her dream after years of healing and forgiveness. She is free at last!
Breakaway is the breathtaking and courageous story of one woman's survival of molestation, rape, repeated beatings, domestic violence, and other attempts on her life.
• Nadia reveals hope, courage and inspiration!• A true story of personal freedom
• Highly revealing memoir - dramatic details of more than 18 years of abuse.
In “Breakaway: How I Survived Abuse” the author Nadia Sahari tells us the story of her life. Unfortunately, many of the events that she experienced in her early years were heart wrenching because they involved sexual and physical abuse. She bares her soul to us as she describes horrific events that she experienced.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Listen to Discussion of Theofatalism on Podcast Today
Writers in the Sky author's assistant Sarah Moore is joined by writer Lewis Tagliaferre today to discuss his book Voices of Sedona: A Spiritual Path to Serenity and Contentment. Tagliaferre was introduced to the channeled spirit of Sedona M. Schnebly during a business trip to the beautiful town in Arizona that carries her name and, over several visits, Sedona put him in contact with five spiritual teachers. The result of this education is the new theology of Theofatalism, which uses its guiding principles to allow people to "feel good inside no matter what is happening outside."
During the discussion, Lewis will share his own life circumstances that made him ready to accept the teachings he was given, what readers can expect when they open Voices of Sedona, and how he has developed the five principles of Theofatalism into a comprehensive course of study.
Click here to listen... to the entire interview.
Please visit the Amazon website to purchase Voices of Sedona.
To learn more about Theofatalism and read a series of essays that have been given to Lewis Tagliaferre by Sedona, please visit the author's website.
During the discussion, Lewis will share his own life circumstances that made him ready to accept the teachings he was given, what readers can expect when they open Voices of Sedona, and how he has developed the five principles of Theofatalism into a comprehensive course of study.
Click here to listen... to the entire interview.
Please visit the Amazon website to purchase Voices of Sedona.
To learn more about Theofatalism and read a series of essays that have been given to Lewis Tagliaferre by Sedona, please visit the author's website.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Tips to Improve Your Writing
Mignon Fogarty’s Grammar Girl podcast is a five-minute program produced weekly and accessed at http://quickanddirtytips.com/. Like the name of her business, Mignon gives quick and dirty tips for remembering the proper way to state things that many people commonly get wrong when writing. For example, do you know when to use accept or except?
Then or than?
Their, they’re, or there?
Two, too, or to?
Spell check programs will not catch these mistakes because after all, these words are spelled correctly; they are just used incorrectly. Listening to the podcast will teach you new things and remind you of things you already knew, but if you are thinking you may forget what you heard, you can get Grammar Girl’s book and use it as a reference. Another quick reference guide is Karen Reddick’s book Grammar Done Right. I keep it within reach whenever I am working.
I hope these tips help you get your message across concisely, clearly, and effectively. If you need help with writing or editing, please call (615) 415-9861. Get more information about my writing services at http://writersinthesky.com/writing-services.html
Then or than?
Their, they’re, or there?
Two, too, or to?
Spell check programs will not catch these mistakes because after all, these words are spelled correctly; they are just used incorrectly. Listening to the podcast will teach you new things and remind you of things you already knew, but if you are thinking you may forget what you heard, you can get Grammar Girl’s book and use it as a reference. Another quick reference guide is Karen Reddick’s book Grammar Done Right. I keep it within reach whenever I am working.
I hope these tips help you get your message across concisely, clearly, and effectively. If you need help with writing or editing, please call (615) 415-9861. Get more information about my writing services at http://writersinthesky.com/writing-services.html
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Literary Award for Best Creative Writing Goes to Author Michael R Dyet
Best Creative Writing of the Year Award given by Writers in the Sky Creative Writing Services to author Michael Robert Dyet as part of Reader Views Literary Awards 2009.
NASHVILLE, TN MARCH 2010— On March 12, eighteen sponsors—including Writers in the Sky Creative Writing Services (WITS)—delivered prizes to the finalists in Reader Views Literary Awards 2009. Published by Idiomatic, UNTIL THE DEEP WATER STILLS An Internet-enhanced Novel (ISBN 9780981199504) by Michael Robert Dyet won Writers in the Sky’s $100 cash prize for the Best Creative Writing of the Year. The book was also the Canada East Regional Winner.
Each year, Reader Views sponsors a contest for self-published and small press books in the English language targeted for the North American market. The best books entered are selected by a panel of reviewers, and final judging is determined by a jury of judges. Winners are awarded prizes in dozens of categories. See http://www.readerviews.com/Awards2009Winners.html for a list of all winners in this year’s competition.
Fresh out of a divorce and much wiser about the ways of the world, Mr. Dyet decided it was time to return to his passion for writing and indulge his lifelong desire to write a novel. Looking for a hook to make his novel stand out from the crowd, he came upon the idea to fuse a traditional print novel with an optional, online companion featuring text, imagery, and audio recordings. Each chapter in the print novel has a corresponding entry on the companion Web site (see www.mdyetmetaphor.com/blog) where readers can choose to expand their experience of the novel. The Web site offers secondary plot lines not found in the print novel.
“Congratulations to Michael Robert Dyet, the 2009 recipient of our award, on his excellent work. We wish him much success in his writing career,” says WITS owner Yvonne Perry. “His unique development of characters definitely fit the criteria for our award: that the book have original, imaginative, and creative use of words that create vivid mental pictures of scenes and characters.” Ms. Perry’s Nashville-based team provides editing, ghostwriting, and proofreading (http://writersinthesky.com/).
“I am honored and most appreciative to be a double award winner in the Reader Views Literary Awards. The awards give invaluable exposure and credibility to self-published authors and small press publications. They bring to light the fact that there are many quality books available outside of the catalogues of the large, commercial publishing houses,” says Author Michael Robert Dyet. “I applaud Reader Views for supporting and recognizing emerging authors.”
Dyet is a member of the Canadian Authors Association and the Writers & Editors Network. He graduated summa cum laude from York University Creative Writing degree program. The novelist is known as The Metaphor Guy and claims he is a closet philosopher and chronicler of life’s mysteries–all through the lens of metaphor (http://www.mdyetmetaphor.com/).
“UNTIL THE DEEP WATER STILLS by Michael Robert Dyet was a fascinating read; readers can relate to the characters, their issues, and demands,” says Carol Hoyer, PhD, reviewer for Reader Views. “All of us have secrets we keep hidden from others, as do the characters in this book.”
Reader Views Literary Awards is an annual event. Authors interested in entering the 2010 contest may download a registration form at http://www.readerviews.com/submissions.html.
###
Contact: Yvonne Perry
Company name: Writers in the Sky Creative Writing Services
Phone number: 615-415-9861
Contact by e-mail: http://writersinthesky.com/contact.php
NASHVILLE, TN MARCH 2010— On March 12, eighteen sponsors—including Writers in the Sky Creative Writing Services (WITS)—delivered prizes to the finalists in Reader Views Literary Awards 2009. Published by Idiomatic, UNTIL THE DEEP WATER STILLS An Internet-enhanced Novel (ISBN 9780981199504) by Michael Robert Dyet won Writers in the Sky’s $100 cash prize for the Best Creative Writing of the Year. The book was also the Canada East Regional Winner.
Each year, Reader Views sponsors a contest for self-published and small press books in the English language targeted for the North American market. The best books entered are selected by a panel of reviewers, and final judging is determined by a jury of judges. Winners are awarded prizes in dozens of categories. See http://www.readerviews.com/Awards2009Winners.html for a list of all winners in this year’s competition.
Fresh out of a divorce and much wiser about the ways of the world, Mr. Dyet decided it was time to return to his passion for writing and indulge his lifelong desire to write a novel. Looking for a hook to make his novel stand out from the crowd, he came upon the idea to fuse a traditional print novel with an optional, online companion featuring text, imagery, and audio recordings. Each chapter in the print novel has a corresponding entry on the companion Web site (see www.mdyetmetaphor.com/blog) where readers can choose to expand their experience of the novel. The Web site offers secondary plot lines not found in the print novel.
“Congratulations to Michael Robert Dyet, the 2009 recipient of our award, on his excellent work. We wish him much success in his writing career,” says WITS owner Yvonne Perry. “His unique development of characters definitely fit the criteria for our award: that the book have original, imaginative, and creative use of words that create vivid mental pictures of scenes and characters.” Ms. Perry’s Nashville-based team provides editing, ghostwriting, and proofreading (http://writersinthesky.com/).
“I am honored and most appreciative to be a double award winner in the Reader Views Literary Awards. The awards give invaluable exposure and credibility to self-published authors and small press publications. They bring to light the fact that there are many quality books available outside of the catalogues of the large, commercial publishing houses,” says Author Michael Robert Dyet. “I applaud Reader Views for supporting and recognizing emerging authors.”
Dyet is a member of the Canadian Authors Association and the Writers & Editors Network. He graduated summa cum laude from York University Creative Writing degree program. The novelist is known as The Metaphor Guy and claims he is a closet philosopher and chronicler of life’s mysteries–all through the lens of metaphor (http://www.mdyetmetaphor.com/).
“UNTIL THE DEEP WATER STILLS by Michael Robert Dyet was a fascinating read; readers can relate to the characters, their issues, and demands,” says Carol Hoyer, PhD, reviewer for Reader Views. “All of us have secrets we keep hidden from others, as do the characters in this book.”
Reader Views Literary Awards is an annual event. Authors interested in entering the 2010 contest may download a registration form at http://www.readerviews.com/submissions.html.
###
Contact: Yvonne Perry
Company name: Writers in the Sky Creative Writing Services
Phone number: 615-415-9861
Contact by e-mail: http://writersinthesky.com/contact.php
Monday, March 15, 2010
This Week's Podcast Will Feature a New Theology That Offers Inner Serenity
Please plan to join us this Friday as we welcome a writer who offers a new theology that allows us to "feel good on the inside no matter what happens on the outside." Lewis Tagliaferre will be sitting down with WITS author's assistant to discuss his book Voices of Sedona: A Spiritual Path to Serenity and Contentment.
Lewis was introduced to the spirit of Sedona M. Schnebly, who was married to the founder of the town that has her namesake, during a business trip to Arizona. She revealed five spiritual teachers to Lewis over a series of visits to the town, who then shared with him the five guiding principles of universal awareness that constitute the philosophy of Theofatalism. Lewis began this spiritual journey following the untimely loss of his wife to cancer and the education he received now allows the same healing to others.
In Voices of Sedona, Lewis explains the tenets of Theofatalism by using examples found in religion, philosophy, history, psychology, and current events. The pages are filled with a variety of topics with which readers can find a connection or opportunity for greater understanding.
Please visit the Amazon website to purchase Voices of Sedona.
Title of Document: Book Review
Book Title: Voices of Sedona: A Spiritual Path to Serenity and Contentment
Author: Lewis Tagliaferre
ISBN: 0-595-39367-5
Publisher: iUniverse
Genre and Target Market: self-help; theology; spirituality
Publication Date: 2006
Book Length in Pages: 317
Book Review by: Sarah Moore
When Lewis Tagliaferre approached me to write a review for his book Voices of Sedona: A Spiritual Path to Serenity and Contentment, I was automatically intrigued by the tagline for the publication. Tagliaferre offers the invitation to “Feel Good Inside No Matter What Happens Outside,” and that entreaty could not have arrived in my life at a better time. After talking with the author on the phone and learning more about his journey, I became even more convinced that his work was finding its way to me for a reason. Since our initial conversations, I have twice requested more time to complete my evaluation. This delay is not due to a lack of interest in the material. Instead, the five lessons and the amazing details that accompany each principle inspired extended reflection and a desire to read certain segments time and again.
In Voices of Sedona, Lewis Tagliaferre shares the five principles of Theofatalism®, a philosophy that was shared with him during various trips to the beautiful part of Arizona that we all have seen captured in photographs. During each visit, the author received teachings from guides who were channeled into his subconscious through the spirit of Sedona M. Schnebly, the wife of the town’s founder and its namesake. I know that Sedona has long been known for its spiritual offerings, but I will admit to some skepticism upon hearing about the author’s claimed method for developing the principles he shares in his book. Five spirit teachers came to you at the behest of a woman who passed away a half-century earlier? However, as the material unfolded and the meaning behind each principle was explained, I became more and more convinced that Lewis Tagliaferre has an important message to share.
Voices of Sedona is beautifully written in a style that is captivating in both its emotion and logic. Tagliaferre, who began this journey of spiritual exploration following the untimely death of his wife from cancer, is a talented writer who carefully uses language to share his story without it ever becoming cumbersome or without direction. And, he finds wonderful ways to integrate relevant information from the worlds of religion, current events, history, and other fields of study in a way that makes the material engaging to as wide of an audience as possible. From the life of Mike Tyson to the distribution of wealth in our country to the proverbs offered in Buddhism, Tagliaferre ties together so many distinct points of reference into a comprehensive philosophy that makes sense for everyone.
As the book reaches its conclusion, the author encourages his readers to join together and teach the five principles he shares with others. Voices of Sedona is a reference book that is meant to be reviewed, discussed, and hopefully marked up with notes and underlining. Combined with the ongoing essays that are published on his blog, http://www.sedonavoices.blog.com/, Tagliaferre has developed a comprehensive work of study for those who are ready to learn. Acknowledging the idea that we are right where we are meant to be and embracing the role we were given to play in the universe, just two of the concepts that are revealed in Voices of Sedona, has quickly become an important act of ongoing practice for me. I strongly believe that other readers will find the same significance to the text as I have and I look forward to seeing how the philosophy shared in Voices of Sedona multiplies in its effect as the book’s audience continues to grow.
Lewis was introduced to the spirit of Sedona M. Schnebly, who was married to the founder of the town that has her namesake, during a business trip to Arizona. She revealed five spiritual teachers to Lewis over a series of visits to the town, who then shared with him the five guiding principles of universal awareness that constitute the philosophy of Theofatalism. Lewis began this spiritual journey following the untimely loss of his wife to cancer and the education he received now allows the same healing to others.
In Voices of Sedona, Lewis explains the tenets of Theofatalism by using examples found in religion, philosophy, history, psychology, and current events. The pages are filled with a variety of topics with which readers can find a connection or opportunity for greater understanding.
Please visit the Amazon website to purchase Voices of Sedona.
Title of Document: Book Review
Book Title: Voices of Sedona: A Spiritual Path to Serenity and Contentment
Author: Lewis Tagliaferre
ISBN: 0-595-39367-5
Publisher: iUniverse
Genre and Target Market: self-help; theology; spirituality
Publication Date: 2006
Book Length in Pages: 317
Book Review by: Sarah Moore
When Lewis Tagliaferre approached me to write a review for his book Voices of Sedona: A Spiritual Path to Serenity and Contentment, I was automatically intrigued by the tagline for the publication. Tagliaferre offers the invitation to “Feel Good Inside No Matter What Happens Outside,” and that entreaty could not have arrived in my life at a better time. After talking with the author on the phone and learning more about his journey, I became even more convinced that his work was finding its way to me for a reason. Since our initial conversations, I have twice requested more time to complete my evaluation. This delay is not due to a lack of interest in the material. Instead, the five lessons and the amazing details that accompany each principle inspired extended reflection and a desire to read certain segments time and again.
In Voices of Sedona, Lewis Tagliaferre shares the five principles of Theofatalism®, a philosophy that was shared with him during various trips to the beautiful part of Arizona that we all have seen captured in photographs. During each visit, the author received teachings from guides who were channeled into his subconscious through the spirit of Sedona M. Schnebly, the wife of the town’s founder and its namesake. I know that Sedona has long been known for its spiritual offerings, but I will admit to some skepticism upon hearing about the author’s claimed method for developing the principles he shares in his book. Five spirit teachers came to you at the behest of a woman who passed away a half-century earlier? However, as the material unfolded and the meaning behind each principle was explained, I became more and more convinced that Lewis Tagliaferre has an important message to share.
Voices of Sedona is beautifully written in a style that is captivating in both its emotion and logic. Tagliaferre, who began this journey of spiritual exploration following the untimely death of his wife from cancer, is a talented writer who carefully uses language to share his story without it ever becoming cumbersome or without direction. And, he finds wonderful ways to integrate relevant information from the worlds of religion, current events, history, and other fields of study in a way that makes the material engaging to as wide of an audience as possible. From the life of Mike Tyson to the distribution of wealth in our country to the proverbs offered in Buddhism, Tagliaferre ties together so many distinct points of reference into a comprehensive philosophy that makes sense for everyone.
As the book reaches its conclusion, the author encourages his readers to join together and teach the five principles he shares with others. Voices of Sedona is a reference book that is meant to be reviewed, discussed, and hopefully marked up with notes and underlining. Combined with the ongoing essays that are published on his blog, http://www.sedonavoices.blog.com/, Tagliaferre has developed a comprehensive work of study for those who are ready to learn. Acknowledging the idea that we are right where we are meant to be and embracing the role we were given to play in the universe, just two of the concepts that are revealed in Voices of Sedona, has quickly become an important act of ongoing practice for me. I strongly believe that other readers will find the same significance to the text as I have and I look forward to seeing how the philosophy shared in Voices of Sedona multiplies in its effect as the book’s audience continues to grow.
Renee Bobb Show for Authors
I was a guest on the Renee Bobb Show last Tuesday night and thought you might like to hear how I started Writers in the Sky Creative Writing Services.
Click to listen . . .
The Renee Bobb Radio Show is designed to motivate, inspire and educate the listening audience by providing information and interviewing Authors who have successfully published their books. The primary goal of the show is assist aspiring authors and provide resources to help them write, market, and publish their manuscripts. We will highlight authors and business owners who have excelled in the publishing industry. These experts share their experience, secrets and the keys they used to achieve success. www.Reneebobb.com
Click to listen . . .
The Renee Bobb Radio Show is designed to motivate, inspire and educate the listening audience by providing information and interviewing Authors who have successfully published their books. The primary goal of the show is assist aspiring authors and provide resources to help them write, market, and publish their manuscripts. We will highlight authors and business owners who have excelled in the publishing industry. These experts share their experience, secrets and the keys they used to achieve success. www.Reneebobb.com
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Order Your Book into the Library System
Did you know that if you or a friend go to a public library in the United States and ask for a book, they will buy it? So grab your library card, go to your local library, and ask your librarian to order your author friend's book. Have your friend order your book at his or her library and ta-da, you both get your books into the public library system. Do show your appreciation and check out the book once it arrives.
Here's a deal. If you will order either (or both!) of my books, More Than Meets the Eye, True Stories About Death, Dying, and Afterlife or The Sid Series ~ A Collection of Holistic Stories for Children, I will order your book. Just leave a comment below this post with your name, the title of your book, the publisher, and its ISBN. Here's my info:
Facts Sheet for More Than Meets the Eye, True Stories About Death, Dying, and Afterlife
ISBN: 0-9753870-6-5
Price $13.99 US
Publisher: Booksurge
Pub date: 2005
Pages: 166
Genre: Spirituality/Metaphysics
Facts Sheet for The Sid Series ~ A Collection of Holistic Stories for Children
ISBN: 978-0982572207
Price: $15.95
Publisher: Write On!
Pub date: 2009
Pages: 54
Genre: Children
What a fun way to network and read each others book for free!
Here's a deal. If you will order either (or both!) of my books, More Than Meets the Eye, True Stories About Death, Dying, and Afterlife or The Sid Series ~ A Collection of Holistic Stories for Children, I will order your book. Just leave a comment below this post with your name, the title of your book, the publisher, and its ISBN. Here's my info:
Facts Sheet for More Than Meets the Eye, True Stories About Death, Dying, and Afterlife
ISBN: 0-9753870-6-5
Price $13.99 US
Publisher: Booksurge
Pub date: 2005
Pages: 166
Genre: Spirituality/Metaphysics
Facts Sheet for The Sid Series ~ A Collection of Holistic Stories for Children
ISBN: 978-0982572207
Price: $15.95
Publisher: Write On!
Pub date: 2009
Pages: 54
Genre: Children
What a fun way to network and read each others book for free!
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Two Training Courses for Authors
If you missed the eighteen Leading Mind-Body-Spirit Publishing Professionals during the Grand Opening of Spirit Authors Feb 22nd-26th, CLICK to check it out now!
If you're just getting started, or can't seem to finish your mind-body-spirit book, check out Module 1 at Spirit Authors.
If you're just getting started, or can't seem to finish your mind-body-spirit book, check out Module 1 at Spirit Authors.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Podcast Interview Today Features Book That Offers Holistic Approach to End-of-Life Planning
Today on our WITS podcast series, we welcome Marilyn Geary and Jacqueline Janssen as they discuss their book LeaveLight: A Motivational Guide to Holistic End-of-Life Planning. In this new release, the co-authors have produced a resource that takes its readers through the steps necessary to determine the legacies they wish to create from their lives and to spell out the ways in which they want their families and loved ones to be cared for. The book not only provides the lists and forms necessary for the practical steps that must be taken when preparing for death, such as a will and funeral arrangements, but also offers exercises and questions of personal reflection that will remove the fear that our culture associates with death.
During the interview, Marilyn Geary and Jacqueline Janssen will discuss how they developed the concept for LeaveLight, why there is such a need for a resource that addresses all aspects of death, and how they hope readers will use their book.
Click here to listen... to the entire interview.
Please visit the Amazon website to purchase LeaveLight: A Motivational Guide to Holistic End-of-Life Planning.
During the interview, Marilyn Geary and Jacqueline Janssen will discuss how they developed the concept for LeaveLight, why there is such a need for a resource that addresses all aspects of death, and how they hope readers will use their book.
Click here to listen... to the entire interview.
Please visit the Amazon website to purchase LeaveLight: A Motivational Guide to Holistic End-of-Life Planning.
Calling for Submissions for April 2010 Ezine
It's time for me to start putting together the next fantastic and information-filled e-zine for April 2010. That means I need you to send me your articles, contest announcements, and brags to be included in the next issue. We have more than enough book reviews, but if I have room for them, I'll include them.
Read our guidelines for submittal here. Remember, the better your piece is written, the better attention and credibility it receives--and the less editing I have to do.
Read our guidelines for submittal here. Remember, the better your piece is written, the better attention and credibility it receives--and the less editing I have to do.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
History of St. Patrick's Day
The following is an article I (Yvonne Perry) wrote for the March issue of Jan Darpan Magazine.
Saint Patrick's Day is celebrated on March 17 across the world by both Irish and non-Irish people. Parades and lively music, beer drinking, wearing green, eating corned beef and cabbage, displaying shamrocks, and chasing leprechauns are part of the tradition.
St. Patrick's Day, also known as St. Paddy’s Day, is a national holiday and annual event that celebrates the patron saint of Ireland, Saint Patrick. While it is not an official holiday in Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, the United States, Argentina, and New Zealand, it is widely celebrated in these countries.
According to History.com, the origin of St. Patrick’s Day dates back to 5th century Britain when a 16-year-old boy named Maewyn Succat was kidnapped by a band of Irish pirates and sent to work as a shepherd slave for six years. He had a vision that directed him to escape slavery and return to Britain where he became a priest and changed his name to Patrick. He returned to Ireland in 432 A.D. with a mission to convert Irish Pagans to Christianity. There, he built schools and monasteries along the north and west coasts and was quite successful at winning converts by influencing the people in power. This upset the Celtic Druids. Patrick was arrested several times, but like a tricky leprechaun, he always escaped.
The leprechaun is an Irish fairy. According to legend, he resembles a small, old man dressed as a shoemaker with a cocked hat and leather apron. He is said to possess a hidden pot of gold and if caught, he can be forced to reveal the whereabouts of his treasure. But the leprechaun often tricks his captors and then vanishes along with all hopes of finding his treasure.
When Patrick died on March 17, 461 A.D., Irish Christians marked it as a holy day. The congregation refrained from working in order to attend church and celebrate the feast of St. Patrick. The feast day usually falls during the season of Lent, a 40-day period of fasting and repentance in preparation for Easter. Catholics typically abstain from their immoral habits during these six weeks, but St. Patrick’s day allows a one-day reprieve in which folks may drink ale. This became a popular way to celebrate on March 17 and the tradition continues today.
In 1840, there was a potato famine in Ireland. Millions of Irish families fled to Canada, Australia, and America. They brought their old customs with them and made a few new ones—one of which was the wearing of green on St. Patrick’s Day. A traditional meal in Ireland was boiled bacon and potatoes. In the U.S., the Irish used a cheap piece of meat, tenderized it with brine, and cooked it with cabbage—thus corned beef and cabbage became the meal commonly used to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in America.
The original color associated with St. Patrick was blue. Somewhere along the way, the holiday became associated with the wearing of the green, which is to celebrate the coming of spring and remind the Irish people of the green, lush hillsides of their homeland, the Emerald Isle.
It is said wearing green also brings good luck, especially on St. Paddy’s Day. In the U.S., there is a tradition of pinching people who forget to wear green on March 17.
In 1737, the first St. Patrick’s Day celebration in America occurred in Boston with a parade organized by the Charitable Irish Society. New York City’s annual parade down Fifth Avenue is now the largest and most famous St. Patrick’s Day parade.
Three is Ireland's magic number. The shamrock (three-leaved clover) originally represented the maiden, mother, and crone stages of the female deity in the Celtic tradition. It is believed that Patrick used the three-leaved clover to teach the concept of the trinity or three-in-one male deity (God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) to his Irish converts. Early 20th century greeting cards included a shamrock as a way of sending good luck to the recipient.
No matter where you live, the coming of spring is an event to be celebrated, and St. Patrick’s Day is a good reason to get together with friends and enjoy life. But, remember to wear green!
Saint Patrick's Day is celebrated on March 17 across the world by both Irish and non-Irish people. Parades and lively music, beer drinking, wearing green, eating corned beef and cabbage, displaying shamrocks, and chasing leprechauns are part of the tradition.
According to History.com, the origin of St. Patrick’s Day dates back to 5th century Britain when a 16-year-old boy named Maewyn Succat was kidnapped by a band of Irish pirates and sent to work as a shepherd slave for six years. He had a vision that directed him to escape slavery and return to Britain where he became a priest and changed his name to Patrick. He returned to Ireland in 432 A.D. with a mission to convert Irish Pagans to Christianity. There, he built schools and monasteries along the north and west coasts and was quite successful at winning converts by influencing the people in power. This upset the Celtic Druids. Patrick was arrested several times, but like a tricky leprechaun, he always escaped.
The leprechaun is an Irish fairy. According to legend, he resembles a small, old man dressed as a shoemaker with a cocked hat and leather apron. He is said to possess a hidden pot of gold and if caught, he can be forced to reveal the whereabouts of his treasure. But the leprechaun often tricks his captors and then vanishes along with all hopes of finding his treasure.
When Patrick died on March 17, 461 A.D., Irish Christians marked it as a holy day. The congregation refrained from working in order to attend church and celebrate the feast of St. Patrick. The feast day usually falls during the season of Lent, a 40-day period of fasting and repentance in preparation for Easter. Catholics typically abstain from their immoral habits during these six weeks, but St. Patrick’s day allows a one-day reprieve in which folks may drink ale. This became a popular way to celebrate on March 17 and the tradition continues today.
In 1840, there was a potato famine in Ireland. Millions of Irish families fled to Canada, Australia, and America. They brought their old customs with them and made a few new ones—one of which was the wearing of green on St. Patrick’s Day. A traditional meal in Ireland was boiled bacon and potatoes. In the U.S., the Irish used a cheap piece of meat, tenderized it with brine, and cooked it with cabbage—thus corned beef and cabbage became the meal commonly used to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in America.
The original color associated with St. Patrick was blue. Somewhere along the way, the holiday became associated with the wearing of the green, which is to celebrate the coming of spring and remind the Irish people of the green, lush hillsides of their homeland, the Emerald Isle.
It is said wearing green also brings good luck, especially on St. Paddy’s Day. In the U.S., there is a tradition of pinching people who forget to wear green on March 17.
In 1737, the first St. Patrick’s Day celebration in America occurred in Boston with a parade organized by the Charitable Irish Society. New York City’s annual parade down Fifth Avenue is now the largest and most famous St. Patrick’s Day parade.
Three is Ireland's magic number. The shamrock (three-leaved clover) originally represented the maiden, mother, and crone stages of the female deity in the Celtic tradition. It is believed that Patrick used the three-leaved clover to teach the concept of the trinity or three-in-one male deity (God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) to his Irish converts. Early 20th century greeting cards included a shamrock as a way of sending good luck to the recipient.
No matter where you live, the coming of spring is an event to be celebrated, and St. Patrick’s Day is a good reason to get together with friends and enjoy life. But, remember to wear green!
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Check Mates: A Collection of Fiction, Poetry, and Artwork about Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Today we welcome Vrinda Pendred to our writing blog. She is discussing her book Check Mates: A Collection of Fiction, Poetry and Artwork about Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder by People with OCD.
YVONNE: Tell me something about yourself and your background.
VRINDA: I originally grew up in Arizona, but moved to London in 1999. I now live in Hertfordshire, England with my husband and our son. I have been coming up with stories since I was three and writing them down since I was six. Being an author is all I’ve ever really wanted to do.
When I was 7 I was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome, and over the years I have learned I also have OCD, ADHD, Autism and Bipolar Disorder, which colour all I do. In 2008 I decided to establish Conditional Publications for fellow writers living with neurological conditions.
YVONNE: What is the title of your book? Give us the basic concept so we’ll know what it’s about.
VRINDA: It’s called Check Mates: A Collection of Fiction, Poetry and Artwork about Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, by People with OCD. It is the first ever collection of fiction and poetry written about OCD, by the people who know best. Split between ‘realism’ and stories of the ‘beyond’, there is a diverse range of styles and genres, and a mix of rage, frustration, tears, violence, pain, heartache, subversion, love, strength, metaphysics, philosophy, friendship, hope, and even a bit of humour.
YVONNE: What inspired you to write this book?
VRINDA: I wrote a story (included at the end of the book) titled “The Royal Bank of Scotland” and put it online to get readers. The majority response was that people just didn’t get it. I realized people just aren’t aware enough of the reality of things like OCD to get it. So I blogged about it on a social network called OCD Tribe and someone suggested putting together a collection of stories from people on the network. Two years later, the book is now formed of twenty contributors including myself.
There really aren’t enough books and websites out there preaching positivity regarding these types of conditions – nor is there enough that expresses how truly difficult it can be to live with one of them (let alone more than one, as many people do). Yet I have heard/read so many times that people with neurological disorders are usually highly creative people (indeed, many psychiatrists believe certain nervous disorders might even be a prerequisite to being so creative) – and that art/music/writing can be incredibly therapeutic.
Hopefully this book will knock away a few stereotypes.
YVONNE: Is this the first book you have written?
VRINDA: No. As I said, I’ve been writing all my life, and all the stories I made up as a child have now found their way into a bildungsroman (a coming-of-age kind of novel) I’m working on. I have completed one novel called ‘The Ladder’, which has just started doing the agency rounds, as I have decided for now to keep my personal writing career separate from the company business, for the sake of objectivity. I also have a few half-finished novels, at least 2 books’ worth of short stories and a notebook filled with ideas for future projects. But ‘Check Mates’ is my first publication.
YVONNE: How long did it take to write this book? Any interesting tidbits about your writing method or how the book developed?
VRINDA: This project took 2 years, although much of this was down to the number of people contributing to the project – it required a lot of organization. Of my 3 stories included in the book, 2 were already written prior to the conceptualization. Some other contributors also already had their submissions ready, so it was mostly a case of revisions and edits. Others, though, were just starting to try their hand at writing, or using their skill to talk about OCD for the first time, so this required much more time. I’m sorry to say we lost a couple of the original contributors, too, because they decided they weren’t ready to ‘go live’ to the world about their struggle – which is a shame because they were some very powerful stories. Perhaps there will be a ‘Check Mates 2’!
YVONNE: How did you publish your book? Tell me about your publishing experience and what you learned from it. Please go into detail if you wish.
VRINDA: Just before this project was conceived, I was reading a book about Tourette Syndrome called ‘Don’t Think about Monkeys’, published by Hope Press, who turned out to specialise in books about neurological disorders. I contacted them and received a prompt response informing me that it was a one-man company and he was retiring – but why didn’t I do it myself? he suggested. So, me being me, I thought, ‘Yeah, why not?’ and went for it. He recommended a book called ‘Aiming at Amazon’, which details the process of starting your own self-publishing company. Because I studied Creative Writing at university and had done a little work experience at Random House some years back, I understood enough of the process to take on the project.
Conditional Publications is printing/distributing via Lightning Source, which means the book is automatically listed on Amazon and I don’t have to pay for shipping when customers order the book. It’s definitely not the same as going to a self-publishing company, though, as you are required to do all the editing/proofreading/layout/design/artwork/ISBN, etc. yourself – so it really is just for people who want to go into the publishing business, rather than just authors.
It’s been an interesting experience learning the ropes for the first time, but it turned out to be a lot simpler than I expected – probably because, as I say, I had some background in the field anyway, so I didn’t go into it blind. I’ve already got the next Conditional Publications release underway now, with just one author this time, and I think second time around it’s going to be a pretty smooth process.
YVONNE: Where is your book(s) available? Do you have a Web site or blog where we can learn more about you or your book?
VRINDA: You can purchase the book from all Amazon sites. It is already listed for pre-order or e-mail alerts when the book is released (11 May 2010). For more information, check out http://www.conditionalpublications.com/ and be sure to subscribe to the blog feed for updates on the book, as well as useful information relating to neurological disorders, insider experiences and news from the neurological world. There’s also a dedicated social network for writers with nervous disorders: http://conditionalpublications.ning.com/, a Conditional Publications fan page to join on Facebook, and you can follow us on Twitter under NeuroBooks. And if you want to get in touch, talk about writing or you’re looking for some support, feel free to click the ‘Contact’ tab on the main company webpage and we’ll get you pointed in the right direction.
YVONNE: Tell me some ways you have promoted your book. Give examples and links to any sites you feel might help other authors.
VRINDA: I’ve been using Twitter quite a lot, and Twellow to look up search keys (such as ‘OCD’ and ‘Autism’) in people’s Twitter profiles, so I can find new people to follow. I’ve also approached other people in the OCD world for endorsements and support, gone to my local newspaper and am appearing on podcast interviews. All my promotional advice has come from Lynn Serafinn at http://www.spiritauthors.com/.
YVONNE: Any other comments or things you would like for us to know?
VRINDA: Part of the proceeds from the sale of ‘Check Mates’ will be donated to OCD charities in both the US and UK, so this really is for a good cause. Also, we’re currently running a competition to win a free copy of the book. Just log onto http://www.conditionalpublications.com/ and click the ‘Contact’ tab, then send us your fiction or non-fiction of no more than 3,000 words, about whatever neurological condition you have – it doesn’t have to be just about OCD. We’ll be choosing a favourite from each category, so 2 people are in with a chance of winning.
YVONNE: Thank you for giving us the opportunity to get to know you and learn about your book. I wish you much success with your book.
VRINDA: I originally grew up in Arizona, but moved to London in 1999. I now live in Hertfordshire, England with my husband and our son. I have been coming up with stories since I was three and writing them down since I was six. Being an author is all I’ve ever really wanted to do.
When I was 7 I was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome, and over the years I have learned I also have OCD, ADHD, Autism and Bipolar Disorder, which colour all I do. In 2008 I decided to establish Conditional Publications for fellow writers living with neurological conditions.
YVONNE: What is the title of your book? Give us the basic concept so we’ll know what it’s about.
VRINDA: It’s called Check Mates: A Collection of Fiction, Poetry and Artwork about Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, by People with OCD. It is the first ever collection of fiction and poetry written about OCD, by the people who know best. Split between ‘realism’ and stories of the ‘beyond’, there is a diverse range of styles and genres, and a mix of rage, frustration, tears, violence, pain, heartache, subversion, love, strength, metaphysics, philosophy, friendship, hope, and even a bit of humour.
YVONNE: What inspired you to write this book?
VRINDA: I wrote a story (included at the end of the book) titled “The Royal Bank of Scotland” and put it online to get readers. The majority response was that people just didn’t get it. I realized people just aren’t aware enough of the reality of things like OCD to get it. So I blogged about it on a social network called OCD Tribe and someone suggested putting together a collection of stories from people on the network. Two years later, the book is now formed of twenty contributors including myself.
There really aren’t enough books and websites out there preaching positivity regarding these types of conditions – nor is there enough that expresses how truly difficult it can be to live with one of them (let alone more than one, as many people do). Yet I have heard/read so many times that people with neurological disorders are usually highly creative people (indeed, many psychiatrists believe certain nervous disorders might even be a prerequisite to being so creative) – and that art/music/writing can be incredibly therapeutic.
Hopefully this book will knock away a few stereotypes.
YVONNE: Is this the first book you have written?
VRINDA: No. As I said, I’ve been writing all my life, and all the stories I made up as a child have now found their way into a bildungsroman (a coming-of-age kind of novel) I’m working on. I have completed one novel called ‘The Ladder’, which has just started doing the agency rounds, as I have decided for now to keep my personal writing career separate from the company business, for the sake of objectivity. I also have a few half-finished novels, at least 2 books’ worth of short stories and a notebook filled with ideas for future projects. But ‘Check Mates’ is my first publication.
YVONNE: How long did it take to write this book? Any interesting tidbits about your writing method or how the book developed?
VRINDA: This project took 2 years, although much of this was down to the number of people contributing to the project – it required a lot of organization. Of my 3 stories included in the book, 2 were already written prior to the conceptualization. Some other contributors also already had their submissions ready, so it was mostly a case of revisions and edits. Others, though, were just starting to try their hand at writing, or using their skill to talk about OCD for the first time, so this required much more time. I’m sorry to say we lost a couple of the original contributors, too, because they decided they weren’t ready to ‘go live’ to the world about their struggle – which is a shame because they were some very powerful stories. Perhaps there will be a ‘Check Mates 2’!
YVONNE: How did you publish your book? Tell me about your publishing experience and what you learned from it. Please go into detail if you wish.
VRINDA: Just before this project was conceived, I was reading a book about Tourette Syndrome called ‘Don’t Think about Monkeys’, published by Hope Press, who turned out to specialise in books about neurological disorders. I contacted them and received a prompt response informing me that it was a one-man company and he was retiring – but why didn’t I do it myself? he suggested. So, me being me, I thought, ‘Yeah, why not?’ and went for it. He recommended a book called ‘Aiming at Amazon’, which details the process of starting your own self-publishing company. Because I studied Creative Writing at university and had done a little work experience at Random House some years back, I understood enough of the process to take on the project.
Conditional Publications is printing/distributing via Lightning Source, which means the book is automatically listed on Amazon and I don’t have to pay for shipping when customers order the book. It’s definitely not the same as going to a self-publishing company, though, as you are required to do all the editing/proofreading/layout/design/artwork/ISBN, etc. yourself – so it really is just for people who want to go into the publishing business, rather than just authors.
It’s been an interesting experience learning the ropes for the first time, but it turned out to be a lot simpler than I expected – probably because, as I say, I had some background in the field anyway, so I didn’t go into it blind. I’ve already got the next Conditional Publications release underway now, with just one author this time, and I think second time around it’s going to be a pretty smooth process.
YVONNE: Where is your book(s) available? Do you have a Web site or blog where we can learn more about you or your book?
VRINDA: You can purchase the book from all Amazon sites. It is already listed for pre-order or e-mail alerts when the book is released (11 May 2010). For more information, check out http://www.conditionalpublications.com/ and be sure to subscribe to the blog feed for updates on the book, as well as useful information relating to neurological disorders, insider experiences and news from the neurological world. There’s also a dedicated social network for writers with nervous disorders: http://conditionalpublications.ning.com/, a Conditional Publications fan page to join on Facebook, and you can follow us on Twitter under NeuroBooks. And if you want to get in touch, talk about writing or you’re looking for some support, feel free to click the ‘Contact’ tab on the main company webpage and we’ll get you pointed in the right direction.
YVONNE: Tell me some ways you have promoted your book. Give examples and links to any sites you feel might help other authors.
VRINDA: I’ve been using Twitter quite a lot, and Twellow to look up search keys (such as ‘OCD’ and ‘Autism’) in people’s Twitter profiles, so I can find new people to follow. I’ve also approached other people in the OCD world for endorsements and support, gone to my local newspaper and am appearing on podcast interviews. All my promotional advice has come from Lynn Serafinn at http://www.spiritauthors.com/.
YVONNE: Any other comments or things you would like for us to know?
VRINDA: Part of the proceeds from the sale of ‘Check Mates’ will be donated to OCD charities in both the US and UK, so this really is for a good cause. Also, we’re currently running a competition to win a free copy of the book. Just log onto http://www.conditionalpublications.com/ and click the ‘Contact’ tab, then send us your fiction or non-fiction of no more than 3,000 words, about whatever neurological condition you have – it doesn’t have to be just about OCD. We’ll be choosing a favourite from each category, so 2 people are in with a chance of winning.
YVONNE: Thank you for giving us the opportunity to get to know you and learn about your book. I wish you much success with your book.
Tuesday, March 09, 2010
Has Your Blog Helped Your Business?
Most of the marketing for Writers in the Sky Creative Writing Services—my freelance writing business—is conducted online. About 80 percent of my customers find me through my online promotion efforts.
I have both a Web site and a blog for my business. My Web site shows all the writing and editing services we offer to our clients. My business blog, contains book reviews, author interviews, networking opportunities, announcements from subscribers, resources for writers and authors, and provides a place where people can share information.
The main reason I started my business blog was to have a place for people to listen to Writers in the Sky (WITS) Podcast—my weekly show about the craft and business of writing. I interview authors who want to promote their book and share their experience with writing, publishing and marketing their book. I have also interviewed publishers, publicists, book reviewers, editors, eBook companies, book cover designers, and other experts in the field. All those shows are archived on my blog.
All my online marketing efforts interface with one another. I mention my blog in my free electronic newsletter each month. I use the newsletter material as posts for my blog. This interaction draws people to the site and once they see how much valuable material the blog offers, they want to visit my Web site and sign up for the WITS newsletter. My blog helps people find me on social networks, I use social networking to lead folks to my blog or to read articles on this directory. I update my blogs daily, which increases a blog or Web site’s popularity with search engines. By providing fresh and helpful information daily, writers and authors have come to view this blog as a vital resource and they may sign up for the RSS feed.
Online marketing is truly like a web with many crossovers in promotion.
If you want to sell a product or service by using a blog or Web site, be sure to offer quality content, and don’t use hype to try and sell something. Instead, share information and make your product or service visible and easy for a customer to make a purchase. If the visitor wants what you are selling, they will purchase it without your having to get in their face.
Develop a networking relationship with your target market, and be willing to help them as they help you. That is what being online is all about. And, that is what our blog chain is for—networking
Yvonne Perry is a freelance writer and the owner of Writers in the Sky Creative Writing Services (WITS). She and her team of ghostwriters are ready to assist with writing and editing for books, Web text, bios, articles, and media releases. For more information about writing, networking, publishing, and book promotion, sign up for free email delivery of WITS newsletter by visiting http://writersinthesky.com/ . New subscribers receive a free e-book Tips for Freelance Writing.
I have both a Web site and a blog for my business. My Web site shows all the writing and editing services we offer to our clients. My business blog, contains book reviews, author interviews, networking opportunities, announcements from subscribers, resources for writers and authors, and provides a place where people can share information.
The main reason I started my business blog was to have a place for people to listen to Writers in the Sky (WITS) Podcast—my weekly show about the craft and business of writing. I interview authors who want to promote their book and share their experience with writing, publishing and marketing their book. I have also interviewed publishers, publicists, book reviewers, editors, eBook companies, book cover designers, and other experts in the field. All those shows are archived on my blog.
All my online marketing efforts interface with one another. I mention my blog in my free electronic newsletter each month. I use the newsletter material as posts for my blog. This interaction draws people to the site and once they see how much valuable material the blog offers, they want to visit my Web site and sign up for the WITS newsletter. My blog helps people find me on social networks, I use social networking to lead folks to my blog or to read articles on this directory. I update my blogs daily, which increases a blog or Web site’s popularity with search engines. By providing fresh and helpful information daily, writers and authors have come to view this blog as a vital resource and they may sign up for the RSS feed.
Online marketing is truly like a web with many crossovers in promotion.
If you want to sell a product or service by using a blog or Web site, be sure to offer quality content, and don’t use hype to try and sell something. Instead, share information and make your product or service visible and easy for a customer to make a purchase. If the visitor wants what you are selling, they will purchase it without your having to get in their face.
Develop a networking relationship with your target market, and be willing to help them as they help you. That is what being online is all about. And, that is what our blog chain is for—networking
Yvonne Perry is a freelance writer and the owner of Writers in the Sky Creative Writing Services (WITS). She and her team of ghostwriters are ready to assist with writing and editing for books, Web text, bios, articles, and media releases. For more information about writing, networking, publishing, and book promotion, sign up for free email delivery of WITS newsletter by visiting http://writersinthesky.com/ . New subscribers receive a free e-book Tips for Freelance Writing.
Monday, March 08, 2010
Authors of New Book that Focuses on Holistic End-of-Life Planning to Join Podcast
Please pla
n to listen to our podcast this Friday when we welcome Marilyn Geary and Jacqueline Janssen as they discuss their new book LeaveLight: A Motivational Guide to End-of-Life Planning. This guide addresses all of the practical issues that we must face as we consider our own mortality, such as the type of care desired in your last days, wills, and funeral arrangements. But, LeaveLight also asks its readers to focus on what kind of legacy they hope to leave and how their mind 
and spirit are coping with the eventual reality of death. LeaveLight is intended to be a resource both for those who want to plan for the issues surrounding their own death, as well as loved ones who are affected by this moment.
To learn more about LeaveLight and its authors, please visit the book's website.
Please visit the Amazon website to purchase LeaveLight.
Title of Document: Book Review
Book Title: LeaveLight: A Motivational Guide to Holistic End-of-Life Planning
Authors: Marilyn L. Geary & Jacqueline Janssen
ISBN Number: 978-0-9825378-1-7
Publisher: GingerAle Press
Genre and Target Market: mind, body & spirit
Publication Date: 2010
Book Length in Pages: 220
Reviewed by: Sarah Moore
I currently sit before my computer screen presented with the challenge of reviewing one of the most beautiful books I have had the pleasure of reading in quite some time that confronts an issue most of us would rather ignore—death. The reality is that every single one of us will reach a day when we no longer exist on this earth. Why are we so afraid to discuss an activity in which everyone must participate? Perhaps it is because we fear what happens to us after we end our time in this physical realm. Perhaps we fear that nothing happens at all. However, through their new release LeaveLight: A Motivational Guide to Holistic End-of-Life Planning, authors Marilyn L. Geary and Jacqueline Janssen approach the sensitive subject of dying with compassion and what amounts to a literary embrace. It did not take much time spent in the pages of the book to discover the happiness and peace that can come with accepting and even engaging the issues that arise when we reach the end of our lives.
LeaveLight is divided into sections that allow the reader to plan for every aspect of her death, from the distribution of the physical property to the decisions concerning relationships to the way in which she wants to be remembered. And, each step is introduced with an understanding of the difficult emotions that accompany the reality of these choices. Geary and Janssen always keep the focus on the human who is behind the power of attorney paperwork and the organ donations. The authors include exercises which require the reader to focus solely on herself, if only for fifteen or twenty minutes of the day, including a quiet moment to enjoy a visual that brings peace or allowing some time to reflect on the personal meaning that a specific chair has in her life. LeaveLight ends with more than seventy pages of resources for the reader, including helpful book and internet resources and forms that will help to organize all of the end-of-life details.
One of the target audiences for LeaveLight is people with aging parents, and I am a member of that demographic. For several years, I have been searching for the “right” way to broach some difficult subjects with my parents and my efforts were always ignored with a palpable sense of discomfort concerning the topic. I believe that LeaveLight may be the tool that I need to start these necessary conversations. With compassion clearly at the core of the book, my parents and I should be able to use its pages to break down the walls that have previously stalled a discussion of this inevitable journey.
While I understand this is not the intended purpose of the book, having recently experienced a painful divorce that left me the single parent of two small children, I also found applications within the text to my own life and the death of how I expected my family to develop. Who among us could not spend some more time discovering forgiveness and gratitude? These should be lifelong endeavors. I cannot say enough about LeaveLight and I sincerely hope that anyone who is searching for peace in the face of death—of themselves or a loved one—will purchase this book and start their planning today.
n to listen to our podcast this Friday when we welcome Marilyn Geary and Jacqueline Janssen as they discuss their new book LeaveLight: A Motivational Guide to End-of-Life Planning. This guide addresses all of the practical issues that we must face as we consider our own mortality, such as the type of care desired in your last days, wills, and funeral arrangements. But, LeaveLight also asks its readers to focus on what kind of legacy they hope to leave and how their mind 
and spirit are coping with the eventual reality of death. LeaveLight is intended to be a resource both for those who want to plan for the issues surrounding their own death, as well as loved ones who are affected by this moment.To learn more about LeaveLight and its authors, please visit the book's website.
Please visit the Amazon website to purchase LeaveLight.
Title of Document: Book Review
Book Title: LeaveLight: A Motivational Guide to Holistic End-of-Life Planning
Authors: Marilyn L. Geary & Jacqueline Janssen
ISBN Number: 978-0-9825378-1-7
Publisher: GingerAle Press
Genre and Target Market: mind, body & spirit
Publication Date: 2010
Book Length in Pages: 220
Reviewed by: Sarah Moore
I currently sit before my computer screen presented with the challenge of reviewing one of the most beautiful books I have had the pleasure of reading in quite some time that confronts an issue most of us would rather ignore—death. The reality is that every single one of us will reach a day when we no longer exist on this earth. Why are we so afraid to discuss an activity in which everyone must participate? Perhaps it is because we fear what happens to us after we end our time in this physical realm. Perhaps we fear that nothing happens at all. However, through their new release LeaveLight: A Motivational Guide to Holistic End-of-Life Planning, authors Marilyn L. Geary and Jacqueline Janssen approach the sensitive subject of dying with compassion and what amounts to a literary embrace. It did not take much time spent in the pages of the book to discover the happiness and peace that can come with accepting and even engaging the issues that arise when we reach the end of our lives.
LeaveLight is divided into sections that allow the reader to plan for every aspect of her death, from the distribution of the physical property to the decisions concerning relationships to the way in which she wants to be remembered. And, each step is introduced with an understanding of the difficult emotions that accompany the reality of these choices. Geary and Janssen always keep the focus on the human who is behind the power of attorney paperwork and the organ donations. The authors include exercises which require the reader to focus solely on herself, if only for fifteen or twenty minutes of the day, including a quiet moment to enjoy a visual that brings peace or allowing some time to reflect on the personal meaning that a specific chair has in her life. LeaveLight ends with more than seventy pages of resources for the reader, including helpful book and internet resources and forms that will help to organize all of the end-of-life details.
One of the target audiences for LeaveLight is people with aging parents, and I am a member of that demographic. For several years, I have been searching for the “right” way to broach some difficult subjects with my parents and my efforts were always ignored with a palpable sense of discomfort concerning the topic. I believe that LeaveLight may be the tool that I need to start these necessary conversations. With compassion clearly at the core of the book, my parents and I should be able to use its pages to break down the walls that have previously stalled a discussion of this inevitable journey.
While I understand this is not the intended purpose of the book, having recently experienced a painful divorce that left me the single parent of two small children, I also found applications within the text to my own life and the death of how I expected my family to develop. Who among us could not spend some more time discovering forgiveness and gratitude? These should be lifelong endeavors. I cannot say enough about LeaveLight and I sincerely hope that anyone who is searching for peace in the face of death—of themselves or a loved one—will purchase this book and start their planning today.
A Blog Chain for St. Patrick's Day!
Thanks to everyone who participated, our Valentine's Blog Chain was a huge success. We all had so much fun, we have decided to put together another one for St. Patrick’s Day. Would you like to join us for a round March 11 through 17?
In case you missed the last event, you may be wondering, "What is a Blog Chain?"
A blog chain involves about a dozen people who have a blog and want to participate in a fun group activity. Each participant visits the blog of every person on the chain within one week of being sent the list of URLs. When visiting each blog, participants read and comment on one post they find interesting. When you leave a comment on the other eleven blogs you will in turn receive eleven comments on your own blog. And, the search engines smile upon you because this kind of activity increases your blog's popularity and raises its ranks in search engines.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Who's Blogging?
Below is the line up for the friends, family, and clients on this month's blog chain. Be sure to visit each blog and leave a comment along with the URL to your own blog. Following these people on Twitter allows you to stay in contact with them after the blog chain is over.
Just like her book, Blast Off!, Allison Maslan's blog is about self-empowerment in body mind and spirit. Learn how to make the changes you want in business, career, relationships, and your body when you visit http://www.myblastoff.com/blog. Be sure to follow Allison on Twitter: @AllisonMaslan
After much debate about which of my blogs to feature in this blog chain, I've decided to introduce you to my book, More Than Meets the Eye. Learn about the process of death and dying, find green burial info, consider activity in the afterlife, and talk about spirit communication at http://deathdyingafterlife.blogspot.com/. You'll recognize my constant tweeting as @writersinthesky.
On Writer's Journey is a blog owned by Penny Lockwood Ehrenkranz. Visit her at http://pennylockwoodehrenkranz.blogspot.com/ to read author interviews, book reviews, and all things writing related. She is so generous that she reviewed two of my books and interviewed me twice! Penny is @pennyehrenkranz on Twitter.
Carolyn Howard-Johnson is a long-time networking friend of mine. She and I have done multiple joint venture projects like this blog chain. She has several blogs, but we have chosen http://warpeacetolerance.blogspot.com/ to honor our soldiers during this blog chain. Carolyn is on Twitter as @frugalbookpromo.
After 15 years of working in the industry as an ASE-certified automobile technician, my son, Robert McCurley, has started his own Nashville business, Wheel Fix It Mobile Vehicle Maintenance and Repair. His rates are much lower than the cost of taking a car to the shop; plus, he comes to your location! Find auto care tips and information about how to contact him for a local repair when you visit his blog at http://wheelfixit.blogspot.com/. Follow @WheelFixItNow on Twitter.
Tisha Morris is a new WITS client and I am thrilled to be helping her promote her new book, 27 Things to FengShui Your Home. Her blog http://www.mindbodyom.com/ has some great tips for declutter your life, home, and workspace. I've been cleaning like a fiend ever since I got hold of her book! She's on Twitter as @mindbodyom.
If you are looking for something to do outdoors or some new place to go for vacation, you'll love Loretta Leda's blog http://www.newoutdooradventures.blogspot.com. Follow her on Twitter: @FloridaSpaGirls.
Schall Adams is a new girlfriend and networking partner I found when working on Allison Maslan's Amazon book launch. Schall's blog http://www.mygirlfriendmentors.com/blog is all about women empowering women to live happy, successful, passionate lives! Schall is @SchallAdams on Twitter.
Another WITS client, networker, and dear friend has joined this blog chain. Janet Riehl and I were virtual friends for years before we met in person when she came to Nashville for a recording session with my son-in-law, Scott Kidd. When you visit her blog, http://www.riehlife.com, you may read about the audio book they created! You'll want to follow Janet on Twitter as @Riehlife.
http://bethtrissel.blogspot.com/ Historical and light paranormal romance author. Gardening with a focus on herbs, heirloom plants and old Southern recipes. Please follow Beth Tissel on Twitter: @BethTrissel.
Denise DeMaras is a women's health coach, artist, and writer whose medicine is change. She helps women process emotions, reduce stress, and increase creativity, to make changes or cope with them. She is a board-certified nutrition consultant, Chopra Certified Meditation Instructor, Chapman University Certified Art for Healing Instructor, Columbia University Certified Holistic Health Counselor. I love her fabulous blog at http://blog.denisedemaras.com/ ! Follow Denise on Twitter: @ddemaras.
http://folkheartpressblog.blogspot.com/ is about folklore and family stories, mythology and more. Follow Folkheart Press on Twitter: @Folkheartpress.
http://iwritesome.blogspot.com/ features the musings of Dennis S Martin: poet, playwright and novelist from Baltimore, Maryland. Follow Dennis on Twitter: @dsmartin49.
http://leedesign2.blogspot.com/ Tips on Mac computers and graphic design. Follow Jessica Galbraith on Twitter: @leedesign.
http://nancykellyallen.blogspot.com/ This blog is all about writing tips for writers and teachers of writing. Each week I will address one aspect of writing. Occasionally, I will post tips about no-fee contests and calls for submissions by publishers. Follow Nancy Kelly Allen on Twitter: @NancyKellyAllen.
The book publicist, Scott Lorenz, is president of Westwind Communications, a public republic relations and marketing firm with a special knack for working with authors and entrepreneurs to help them get all the publicity they deserve and more. Scott is a regular contributor to WITS Newsletter. http://thebookpublicist.blogspot.com/. Follow Scott on Twitter: @aBookPublicist.
Tom Vancel is a retired pharmacist and now does dentistry in third-world countries to help less-fortunate children. Read his blog about his adventures at http://tomvancel.blogspot.com/ .
Long-time WITS client Linda Ballou is about to introduce another book. Find out more about her first book, Wai-nani, High Chiefess of Hawaii-Her Epic Journey, when you visit her blog: http://wwwlindaballouauthor.blogspot.com/. Follow Linda on Twitter: @LindaBallou.
Happy networking, everyone. Let me know how it goes.
Yvonne Perry,
Writers in the Sky Creative Writing Services
http://writersinthesky.com
In case you missed the last event, you may be wondering, "What is a Blog Chain?"
A blog chain involves about a dozen people who have a blog and want to participate in a fun group activity. Each participant visits the blog of every person on the chain within one week of being sent the list of URLs. When visiting each blog, participants read and comment on one post they find interesting. When you leave a comment on the other eleven blogs you will in turn receive eleven comments on your own blog. And, the search engines smile upon you because this kind of activity increases your blog's popularity and raises its ranks in search engines.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Who's Blogging?
Below is the line up for the friends, family, and clients on this month's blog chain. Be sure to visit each blog and leave a comment along with the URL to your own blog. Following these people on Twitter allows you to stay in contact with them after the blog chain is over.
Just like her book, Blast Off!, Allison Maslan's blog is about self-empowerment in body mind and spirit. Learn how to make the changes you want in business, career, relationships, and your body when you visit http://www.myblastoff.com/blog. Be sure to follow Allison on Twitter: @AllisonMaslan
After much debate about which of my blogs to feature in this blog chain, I've decided to introduce you to my book, More Than Meets the Eye. Learn about the process of death and dying, find green burial info, consider activity in the afterlife, and talk about spirit communication at http://deathdyingafterlife.blogspot.com/. You'll recognize my constant tweeting as @writersinthesky.
On Writer's Journey is a blog owned by Penny Lockwood Ehrenkranz. Visit her at http://pennylockwoodehrenkranz.blogspot.com/ to read author interviews, book reviews, and all things writing related. She is so generous that she reviewed two of my books and interviewed me twice! Penny is @pennyehrenkranz on Twitter.
Carolyn Howard-Johnson is a long-time networking friend of mine. She and I have done multiple joint venture projects like this blog chain. She has several blogs, but we have chosen http://warpeacetolerance.blogspot.com/ to honor our soldiers during this blog chain. Carolyn is on Twitter as @frugalbookpromo.
After 15 years of working in the industry as an ASE-certified automobile technician, my son, Robert McCurley, has started his own Nashville business, Wheel Fix It Mobile Vehicle Maintenance and Repair. His rates are much lower than the cost of taking a car to the shop; plus, he comes to your location! Find auto care tips and information about how to contact him for a local repair when you visit his blog at http://wheelfixit.blogspot.com/. Follow @WheelFixItNow on Twitter.
Tisha Morris is a new WITS client and I am thrilled to be helping her promote her new book, 27 Things to FengShui Your Home. Her blog http://www.mindbodyom.com/ has some great tips for declutter your life, home, and workspace. I've been cleaning like a fiend ever since I got hold of her book! She's on Twitter as @mindbodyom.
If you are looking for something to do outdoors or some new place to go for vacation, you'll love Loretta Leda's blog http://www.newoutdooradventures.blogspot.com. Follow her on Twitter: @FloridaSpaGirls.
Schall Adams is a new girlfriend and networking partner I found when working on Allison Maslan's Amazon book launch. Schall's blog http://www.mygirlfriendmentors.com/blog is all about women empowering women to live happy, successful, passionate lives! Schall is @SchallAdams on Twitter.
Another WITS client, networker, and dear friend has joined this blog chain. Janet Riehl and I were virtual friends for years before we met in person when she came to Nashville for a recording session with my son-in-law, Scott Kidd. When you visit her blog, http://www.riehlife.com, you may read about the audio book they created! You'll want to follow Janet on Twitter as @Riehlife.
http://bethtrissel.blogspot.com/ Historical and light paranormal romance author. Gardening with a focus on herbs, heirloom plants and old Southern recipes. Please follow Beth Tissel on Twitter: @BethTrissel.
Denise DeMaras is a women's health coach, artist, and writer whose medicine is change. She helps women process emotions, reduce stress, and increase creativity, to make changes or cope with them. She is a board-certified nutrition consultant, Chopra Certified Meditation Instructor, Chapman University Certified Art for Healing Instructor, Columbia University Certified Holistic Health Counselor. I love her fabulous blog at http://blog.denisedemaras.com/ ! Follow Denise on Twitter: @ddemaras.
http://folkheartpressblog.blogspot.com/ is about folklore and family stories, mythology and more. Follow Folkheart Press on Twitter: @Folkheartpress.
http://iwritesome.blogspot.com/ features the musings of Dennis S Martin: poet, playwright and novelist from Baltimore, Maryland. Follow Dennis on Twitter: @dsmartin49.
http://leedesign2.blogspot.com/ Tips on Mac computers and graphic design. Follow Jessica Galbraith on Twitter: @leedesign.
http://nancykellyallen.blogspot.com/ This blog is all about writing tips for writers and teachers of writing. Each week I will address one aspect of writing. Occasionally, I will post tips about no-fee contests and calls for submissions by publishers. Follow Nancy Kelly Allen on Twitter: @NancyKellyAllen.
The book publicist, Scott Lorenz, is president of Westwind Communications, a public republic relations and marketing firm with a special knack for working with authors and entrepreneurs to help them get all the publicity they deserve and more. Scott is a regular contributor to WITS Newsletter. http://thebookpublicist.blogspot.com/. Follow Scott on Twitter: @aBookPublicist.
Tom Vancel is a retired pharmacist and now does dentistry in third-world countries to help less-fortunate children. Read his blog about his adventures at http://tomvancel.blogspot.com/ .
Long-time WITS client Linda Ballou is about to introduce another book. Find out more about her first book, Wai-nani, High Chiefess of Hawaii-Her Epic Journey, when you visit her blog: http://wwwlindaballouauthor.blogspot.com/. Follow Linda on Twitter: @LindaBallou.
Happy networking, everyone. Let me know how it goes.
Yvonne Perry,
Writers in the Sky Creative Writing Services
http://writersinthesky.com
Sunday, March 07, 2010
Podcast Guests for March 2010
Here's the line up for the guests who will be appearing on Writers in the Sky Podcast in March.
March 5
Author Jennifer Chase will be returning to the WITS podcast for a second time to discuss her new novel Dead Game. Jennifer has an educational background in forensics and criminal psychology which she brings to her writing. This book once again features Emily Stone, but the crimes now revolve around the world of online role play and internet chat rooms. Stone and her partner, Rick Lopez, try to track down a serial killer who has been terrorizing followers of a certain online networking group, but they end up becoming targets themselves. Chase will be discussing why she decided to focus on the online community as her chosen environment, what she learned about the writing and marketing process that she was able to apply the second-time around, and what the future holds for Emily Stone. Please visit the Amazon website to purchase Dead Game
March 12
Marilyn Geary and Jacqueline Jannsen sit down to discuss their book LeaveLight: A Motivational Guide to Holistic End-of-Life Planning. LeaveLight is designed for those who are facing death, or who are planning to assist a loved one through the dying process. The book encourages its readers to think about their legacies in terms of the values and memories they wish to pass along. While providing all of the necessary checklists and forms, LeaveLight also offers the opportunity to reflect and focus on their own spirituality. The authors will be sharing how their own backgrounds led them to write this book, how they see its content being used, and why death is such a difficult subject to address in our culture.
March 19
WITS author’s assistant Sarah Moore will be joined by author Lewis Tagliaferre to discuss his book Voices of Sedona. Tagliaferre lost his wife to cancer several years ago and went searching for a way to cope with his grief. During a business trip to Sedona, the spirit of Sedona Schnebly introduced herself and, over the course of subsequent visits, put him in touch with other spiritual teachers. Through these channeled teaching episodes, Tagliaferre learned the five universal principles that now comprise the philosophy known as Theofatalism. During the conversation, Tagliaferre will be discussing how these teaching sessions occurred, what we all can learn from Theofatalism, and how he continues to receive messages from Sedona. Please visit the Amazon website to purchase Voices of Sedona.
March 26
In a recorded teleconference, Stephanie Gunning and Yvonne Perry discuss what is involved in writing a good book proposal to be considered by an agent or publisher. Stephanie Gunning is a bestselling author, editor, and publishing consultant with over 25 years of experience in the book business. Her Get a Book Deal Coaching Program is a powerful proven system that she strategically developed from her background as a senior acquisitions editor at Bantam-Doubleday-Dell and editor at HarperCollins Publishers, and her subsequent career helping create, place, and market books for dozens of non-fiction writers, including New York Times and national bestselling authors Gregg Braden, Arielle Ford, Ruby Payne, and Hale Dwoskin, among others.
March 5
Author Jennifer Chase will be returning to the WITS podcast for a second time to discuss her new novel Dead Game. Jennifer has an educational background in forensics and criminal psychology which she brings to her writing. This book once again features Emily Stone, but the crimes now revolve around the world of online role play and internet chat rooms. Stone and her partner, Rick Lopez, try to track down a serial killer who has been terrorizing followers of a certain online networking group, but they end up becoming targets themselves. Chase will be discussing why she decided to focus on the online community as her chosen environment, what she learned about the writing and marketing process that she was able to apply the second-time around, and what the future holds for Emily Stone. Please visit the Amazon website to purchase Dead Game
March 12
Marilyn Geary and Jacqueline Jannsen sit down to discuss their book LeaveLight: A Motivational Guide to Holistic End-of-Life Planning. LeaveLight is designed for those who are facing death, or who are planning to assist a loved one through the dying process. The book encourages its readers to think about their legacies in terms of the values and memories they wish to pass along. While providing all of the necessary checklists and forms, LeaveLight also offers the opportunity to reflect and focus on their own spirituality. The authors will be sharing how their own backgrounds led them to write this book, how they see its content being used, and why death is such a difficult subject to address in our culture.
March 19
WITS author’s assistant Sarah Moore will be joined by author Lewis Tagliaferre to discuss his book Voices of Sedona. Tagliaferre lost his wife to cancer several years ago and went searching for a way to cope with his grief. During a business trip to Sedona, the spirit of Sedona Schnebly introduced herself and, over the course of subsequent visits, put him in touch with other spiritual teachers. Through these channeled teaching episodes, Tagliaferre learned the five universal principles that now comprise the philosophy known as Theofatalism. During the conversation, Tagliaferre will be discussing how these teaching sessions occurred, what we all can learn from Theofatalism, and how he continues to receive messages from Sedona. Please visit the Amazon website to purchase Voices of Sedona.
March 26
In a recorded teleconference, Stephanie Gunning and Yvonne Perry discuss what is involved in writing a good book proposal to be considered by an agent or publisher. Stephanie Gunning is a bestselling author, editor, and publishing consultant with over 25 years of experience in the book business. Her Get a Book Deal Coaching Program is a powerful proven system that she strategically developed from her background as a senior acquisitions editor at Bantam-Doubleday-Dell and editor at HarperCollins Publishers, and her subsequent career helping create, place, and market books for dozens of non-fiction writers, including New York Times and national bestselling authors Gregg Braden, Arielle Ford, Ruby Payne, and Hale Dwoskin, among others.
Friday, March 05, 2010
Jennifer Chase Returns Today to Discuss Her Latest Release
Writers in the Sky is pleased to welcome back author Jennifer Chase today for her second interview with our podcast series. She is discussing her new book Dead Game
with WITS author's assistant Sarah Moore.
In this second novel to feature main character Emily Stone, Chase tells the story of a serial killer who stalks his prey over the internet. All of his victims are participants in an interactive computer crime game, so he decides to integrate himself into this world. He also satisfies his thirst for violence by establishing an online social network with others who are interested in the twisted acts of serial killers. When one of the murders hits close to home for Emily Stone, she begins her own aggressive investigation. Will she be able to hunt down this serial killer before he comes after her?
During the conversation, Jennifer Chase will be sharing why she chose to focus on the influence of technology and the virtual world in so many areas of our life, how the writing and publishing experience has been different for her the second time around, and what readers can expect next from Emily Stone.
Click here to listen... to the entire interview.
Please visit the Amazon website to purchase Dead Game or Jennifer Chase's first novel, Compulsion.
with WITS author's assistant Sarah Moore.In this second novel to feature main character Emily Stone, Chase tells the story of a serial killer who stalks his prey over the internet. All of his victims are participants in an interactive computer crime game, so he decides to integrate himself into this world. He also satisfies his thirst for violence by establishing an online social network with others who are interested in the twisted acts of serial killers. When one of the murders hits close to home for Emily Stone, she begins her own aggressive investigation. Will she be able to hunt down this serial killer before he comes after her?
During the conversation, Jennifer Chase will be sharing why she chose to focus on the influence of technology and the virtual world in so many areas of our life, how the writing and publishing experience has been different for her the second time around, and what readers can expect next from Emily Stone.
Click here to listen... to the entire interview.
Please visit the Amazon website to purchase Dead Game or Jennifer Chase's first novel, Compulsion.
Tuesday, March 02, 2010
Speaking for the Downriver Town Hall Lecture Series
By Pierette Domenica Simpson
On February 10, I received a call from my agent asking if I could fill in for Anne Thompson of NBC News. The event was to take place the next day, but thousands of flights had already been canceled due to the snowstorm and Anne could not travel from New York.
This was one of those moments that I had to be strong and not dwell on what ifs—even if I had never spoken to a crowd of 600 people before! I answered affirmatively, saying I was glad to be available and to help out The Downriver Town Hall Lecture Series (Southgate, Michigan). They have a long-standing reputation for doing a great job by pulling in well-known speakers. I figured, even if I didn’t live up to Ms. Thompson’s standards, they would still appreciate me for doing them a favor.
Pulling up to the Crystal Gardens Banquet Center was a surreal experience: my name was flashing on the huge neon sign in a hot pink on Fort Road. I almost put my brakes on! Then, as I was carting in boxes of books into the lobby, a lovely elderly lady said, “I know this is going to be a great program! I remember when the Andrea Doria sank.” She didn’t know it, but she broke the ice for me. I realized that I wasn’t going to get a chilly reception because I wasn’t Anne Thompson.
I’ve always admired Ms. Thompson; I also know she’s a survivor like me—just different battles: 9/11 and breast cancer. Of the latter, she explains:
“Chemo also took all the cancer. My hair, as you can see has come back, and my desire to report is as strong as ever.”
That’s what I call a steadfast professional! I had big shoes to fill, but I was going to take my first step.
Mary Jarosz, event planner extraordinaire, introduced me and my topic: A Nostalgic Journey: The Andrea Doria’s Last Crossing. She explained it was based on my book, Alive on the Andrea Doria! The Greatest Sea Rescue in History. For an hour, I gave it my all. The audience of 600 did not seem so impersonal after all, as they warmly clapped at the end. Their gracious comments at the book signing table provided me the feedback I was hoping for:
“You are the best speaker I’ve ever heard! ---You look like Sophia Loren! ---You enthralled me! --- What a story! --- Can you come and speak to my group?”
These words were music to my ears. After lunch, the audience of 400 had many good questions. I could tell that they had followed every word I had said during the lecture. (37 years of teaching gives me that skill!)
That evening I watched Ms. Thompson report on Bill Clinton’s medical condition outside of a New York hospital. Fate had placed us where we were both meant to be.
Pierette Domenica Simpson
http://www.pierettesimpson.com/
On February 10, I received a call from my agent asking if I could fill in for Anne Thompson of NBC News. The event was to take place the next day, but thousands of flights had already been canceled due to the snowstorm and Anne could not travel from New York.
This was one of those moments that I had to be strong and not dwell on what ifs—even if I had never spoken to a crowd of 600 people before! I answered affirmatively, saying I was glad to be available and to help out The Downriver Town Hall Lecture Series (Southgate, Michigan). They have a long-standing reputation for doing a great job by pulling in well-known speakers. I figured, even if I didn’t live up to Ms. Thompson’s standards, they would still appreciate me for doing them a favor.
Pulling up to the Crystal Gardens Banquet Center was a surreal experience: my name was flashing on the huge neon sign in a hot pink on Fort Road. I almost put my brakes on! Then, as I was carting in boxes of books into the lobby, a lovely elderly lady said, “I know this is going to be a great program! I remember when the Andrea Doria sank.” She didn’t know it, but she broke the ice for me. I realized that I wasn’t going to get a chilly reception because I wasn’t Anne Thompson.
I’ve always admired Ms. Thompson; I also know she’s a survivor like me—just different battles: 9/11 and breast cancer. Of the latter, she explains:
“Chemo also took all the cancer. My hair, as you can see has come back, and my desire to report is as strong as ever.”
That’s what I call a steadfast professional! I had big shoes to fill, but I was going to take my first step.
Mary Jarosz, event planner extraordinaire, introduced me and my topic: A Nostalgic Journey: The Andrea Doria’s Last Crossing. She explained it was based on my book, Alive on the Andrea Doria! The Greatest Sea Rescue in History. For an hour, I gave it my all. The audience of 600 did not seem so impersonal after all, as they warmly clapped at the end. Their gracious comments at the book signing table provided me the feedback I was hoping for:
“You are the best speaker I’ve ever heard! ---You look like Sophia Loren! ---You enthralled me! --- What a story! --- Can you come and speak to my group?”
These words were music to my ears. After lunch, the audience of 400 had many good questions. I could tell that they had followed every word I had said during the lecture. (37 years of teaching gives me that skill!)
That evening I watched Ms. Thompson report on Bill Clinton’s medical condition outside of a New York hospital. Fate had placed us where we were both meant to be.
Pierette Domenica Simpson
http://www.pierettesimpson.com/
Monday, March 01, 2010
Author Jennifer Chase Makes a Return Visit to Podcast This Week
We always love when our favorite authors return to share a new work with our listeners! Be sure to join us this Friday when the WITS podcast series welcomes back Jennifer Chase as she discusses her book Dead Game. This thriller is the second novel to feature Emily Stone, a woman who works on her own to track down the most dangerous criminals in our society. Unlike Chase's first novel, Compulsion, Dead Game enters the world of online social networks and Emily Stone must stop a serial killer who uses these internet communities to find his victims.
Jennifer Chase brings a background in criminology and forensic psychology to her work and considers herself an ongoing student of this ever-changing field. Her two published books are Compulsion and Dead Game.
Title of Document: Book Review
Book Title: Dead Game
Author: Jennifer Chase
ISBN Number: 978-1-4327-5128-9
Publisher: OutskirtsPress.com
Genre and Target Market: thriller; fiction; criminal psychology
Publication Date: 2010
Book Length in Pages: 370
Reviewed by: Sarah Moore
As someone who is involved in the world of writing and publishing for a living, I am presented with dozens of books every month by authors whose names I did not know before their work was placed on my desk. In most instances, I enjoy the writer’s individual expression of talent and appreciate the great deal of time and effort that was required to share a story. While I am always pleased at having a new book to add to my collection, the relationship with the author normally does not extend much after my completion of the review. Occasionally, however, I am introduced to an author whose work I am compelled to share with friends and fellow book lovers. These exciting moments of discovery create one of best instances of personal satisfaction that I experience in my line of work. Jennifer Chase is one of those authors for whom I want to offer praises and publicity. With the release of her second novel, Dead Game, Chase has only solidified my opinion.
Dead Game brings the readers to the next episode in the life of Emily Stone, a protagonist who was introduced to all of us in Chase’s first book, Compulsion. Stone is a stealth vigilante who tracks down the rapists, murderers, and pedophiles that live among us and then anonymously collects the evidence needed to bring these criminals to justice. In Dead Game, Emily learns about a serial killer who also likes to work behind the protection of anonymity, but for very different reasons.
Author Jennifer Chase has decided to feature the world of online social networking for her new release, and the plot here does not involve rekindling a romance with a high school boyfriend through Facebook or sharing opinions about controversial political decisions on a MySpace blog. Instead, Chase creates a virtual world in which serial killers are able to connect and share their disturbing obsession with the torture and murder of others. One man in particular enters the radar of Emily Stone and her boyfriend and fellow investigator, Rick Lopez, when his penchant for violence reaches Lopez’s mentor. What unfolds over the next 370 pages, in both the virtual and physical worlds, will keep readers guessing and anxiously turning the pages to allow the story to unfold.
As she did with Compulsion, Jennifer Chase has created with Dead Game a novel that literally took my breath away on multiple occasions. She does a masterful job of revealing just enough details to keep you invested in the plot and characters without ever showing her hand too quickly. In several instances, I made assumptions concerning who was behind the savage kidnapping and murders of unsuspecting men and women only to have my instincts betrayed by a new piece of absolving evidence.
With her sophomore effort, author Jennifer Chase proves that she has real staying power in the world of thriller and mystery writing. Whether or not you have already met Emily Stone through Chase’s first novel, you will be able to become fully engrossed in the storyline of Dead Game. With a plotline that develops through the perspective of several characters to the authentic psychology of serial killers that Chase is able to provide from her own educational background to a heroine who is relatable in both her courage and her flaws, Dead Game is a novel that is not to be missed.
Jennifer Chase brings a background in criminology and forensic psychology to her work and considers herself an ongoing student of this ever-changing field. Her two published books are Compulsion and Dead Game.
Title of Document: Book Review
Book Title: Dead Game
Author: Jennifer Chase
ISBN Number: 978-1-4327-5128-9
Publisher: OutskirtsPress.com
Genre and Target Market: thriller; fiction; criminal psychology
Publication Date: 2010
Book Length in Pages: 370
Reviewed by: Sarah Moore
As someone who is involved in the world of writing and publishing for a living, I am presented with dozens of books every month by authors whose names I did not know before their work was placed on my desk. In most instances, I enjoy the writer’s individual expression of talent and appreciate the great deal of time and effort that was required to share a story. While I am always pleased at having a new book to add to my collection, the relationship with the author normally does not extend much after my completion of the review. Occasionally, however, I am introduced to an author whose work I am compelled to share with friends and fellow book lovers. These exciting moments of discovery create one of best instances of personal satisfaction that I experience in my line of work. Jennifer Chase is one of those authors for whom I want to offer praises and publicity. With the release of her second novel, Dead Game, Chase has only solidified my opinion.
Dead Game brings the readers to the next episode in the life of Emily Stone, a protagonist who was introduced to all of us in Chase’s first book, Compulsion. Stone is a stealth vigilante who tracks down the rapists, murderers, and pedophiles that live among us and then anonymously collects the evidence needed to bring these criminals to justice. In Dead Game, Emily learns about a serial killer who also likes to work behind the protection of anonymity, but for very different reasons.
Author Jennifer Chase has decided to feature the world of online social networking for her new release, and the plot here does not involve rekindling a romance with a high school boyfriend through Facebook or sharing opinions about controversial political decisions on a MySpace blog. Instead, Chase creates a virtual world in which serial killers are able to connect and share their disturbing obsession with the torture and murder of others. One man in particular enters the radar of Emily Stone and her boyfriend and fellow investigator, Rick Lopez, when his penchant for violence reaches Lopez’s mentor. What unfolds over the next 370 pages, in both the virtual and physical worlds, will keep readers guessing and anxiously turning the pages to allow the story to unfold.
As she did with Compulsion, Jennifer Chase has created with Dead Game a novel that literally took my breath away on multiple occasions. She does a masterful job of revealing just enough details to keep you invested in the plot and characters without ever showing her hand too quickly. In several instances, I made assumptions concerning who was behind the savage kidnapping and murders of unsuspecting men and women only to have my instincts betrayed by a new piece of absolving evidence.
With her sophomore effort, author Jennifer Chase proves that she has real staying power in the world of thriller and mystery writing. Whether or not you have already met Emily Stone through Chase’s first novel, you will be able to become fully engrossed in the storyline of Dead Game. With a plotline that develops through the perspective of several characters to the authentic psychology of serial killers that Chase is able to provide from her own educational background to a heroine who is relatable in both her courage and her flaws, Dead Game is a novel that is not to be missed.
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