Jan 28

22 Questions and 22 Answers from Author Marie Jem

marie jem22 questions with one of the most exciting authors of today. Marie Jem has burst onto the scene with her first book “Pursuit For Lucidity.” Marie is a writer you will be hearing a lot from in the future. For those of you who have read “Pursuit,” I need explain no more. For those who haven’t, you need to read this one. Just believe me–you need this!

1. If you could work with any author who would it be?

A)  Danielle Steel.  I love the way Danielle writes and describes surroundings and makes you feel what her characters are feeling.

2. Who is your favourite author, and is your writing style similar to theirs?  

A) The late V.C. Andrews is my favourite author.  If my writing style were similar to hers, I would be one AMAZING writer.  I love the way she draws you into her characters’ minds and emotions.

3. What’s your favorite part of a book?  

A) My favourite part of a book is that moment when you are not expecting to discover a secret and all of a sudden it’s in your face and you cannot believe it.

4. When naming your characters, do you give any thought to the actual meaning?  

A) I just imagine what I think the character should look like and pick a name that I think fits their appearance in my imagination.

5. How have your personal experiences affected your writing?

A) Personal experiences such as jobs, school, and everyday living over the years have given me many creative ideas.  I believe the people I have encountered throughout my life makes it easy for me to create all the different personalities of my characters.

6. What genre of books do you personally like to read? Do you limit yourself to only the genre that you write yourself?

A)  I do not limit myself to a certain genre.  I have interest in many different genres.  Although I write romance, I very much enjoy a good suspenseful thriller, which is something I’m currently reading.

7. Were you always good at writing?

A) I wasn’t the best writer in school, but I managed to do well with essays, as they came easy for me.  I never had to sit in front of a blank sheet of paper, trying to come up with a story.

8. How do you get started with writing a story and how do you start developing the story? How do you get inspired for it?

A) Thoughts flow into my brain, and I put them together in my head over time.  I change the plot around many times, adding and deleting characters, changing their personalities, etc.  Before I know it, I have a very long story.

9. What advice would you give to people who “run out of creativity” when writing?

A) Take a long walk along the beach or the park.  Sometimes, just walking and not trying to create anything seems to automatically plant information in my head.  I don’t think there is such a thing – to run out of creativity.  I believe it is all in timing.

10. What is the most important lack in your life?

A) Time.  I honestly wish there were more than twenty-four hours in a day.  I want to fit in so much in one day, that I wish only an hour or two more per day would make my life so much easier.

11. Why a fiction book? What caused you to decide to write fiction?

A) It’s more fun to make things up.  I love to make up my characters – their names, ages, where they reside, and what they do for a living.  I love the fact that I can make them as beautiful, rich, powerful, and as smart as I want.  I love to create places that only exist in my book.

12. You are in Walmart looking at books—you see your new book on the shelf—what do you think?

A) Faint. Then when I regain consciousness, I would take pictures and post them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and everywhere else because I wouldn’t believe my eyes.

13. You are on a plane and someone asks if you are Marie Jem and raves about your new book—how do you handle it?  

A) I would be extremely thankful and ask them what they loved most about it.  I would feel so honoured to be recognized like that.

14. You have the #1 bestseller in America—what would be your first thought?

A) Tears.  More tears, until there are no tears remaining.  Tears of joy, that is.  Then when the tears of joy have completely dried out my eyes, I will thank all those who helped me get there.

15. Are you at ease when interviewing? Do you find interviews generally exciting or boring?

A) Interviews can be as exciting as you want to make them.  I’m a social person and enjoy talking with other people, especially about things I love.

16. Are you a woman with strong convictions, and do those convictions shine through when you write a novel?

A) Yes.  My characters express that about me, and there is an obvious difference about what is good and what is evil in my stories.

17. What puts you off when reading a book? Bad grammar? Awful editing? Slow stories?

A) I can get past anything, but reading a book that is too predictable or doesn’t go anywhere puts me off.  I like to be surprised and unable to see what’s coming.  I have to feel what the character is feeling.

18. Is paradise self-made or can it be found? Is writing your paradise?

A) I believe paradise is self-made, and writing is definitely my paradise.  It’s a place I can go to if I want to escape, and a place I can share with my readers when the time is right.

19. You’re out on a date with a guy and he tells you that he hates reading—does that end the date or do you just consider that to be his loss?

A) I MARRIED THAT GUY! LOL! Let me just say, opposites really DO attract.  It’s a wonderful balance, though – he never wants to borrow my Kindle or any of my books.  I read and narrate to him after I’m done with a book.  I enjoy talking about what I read, and he enjoys hearing the stories.  It works both ways.

20. You enter “The Twilight Zone” and find yourself in a world without books or reading. Is your first reaction to explore this new place or to leave in disgust at the illiteracy of this new world?

A) What a sad place that would be.  I wouldn’t leave in disgust just yet.  I would explore and see if I could find a way to introduce literacy to that sad new world.

21. Why do you think reading has become such a rarity in the U.S.A? Do you blame video games and modern pop music for its decline?

A) I cannot blame any of those things because I grew up playing video games.  It never stopped me from reading, though.  I always made time for a book I enjoyed. When children see their parents reading, they will follow.

22. Do you agree that writers have to be salesmen in the Indie world?

A) Definitely.  Although all I want to do is write, write, write, and automatically have everything else taken care of for me, it doesn’t work that way in the Indie world.  I don’t think it works that way in the publishing world either.  It’s hard work all around.  It takes a lot of effort and word of mouth to get the book moving.

Get your copy of “Pursuit For Lucidity” today!

 

Jan 26

Settle in for Takeoff – Arrivals and Departures with Author Diane Stratton

Diane Stratton is a great author with a great story. Whenever I get onto a plane–I always take a book with me. Now, I usually don’t just take any book with me– it has to be something I know will keep my attention! What’s this I hear? Diane Stratton has a book proven to keep people hooked on planes. Say no more… Let’s take off!

diane strattonHow do you get started with writing a story, i.e., how do you start developing the story, how do you get inspired for it?

I first developed the concept of Arrivals and Departures on my jumpseat while working as a flight attendant on a “red-eye” flight from San Francisco to Chicago. The cabin was dark, passengers asleep, and it hit me what an incredible life I was leading–pretty cool for a middle-aged woman from a small town in the Midwest to be traveling to so many places on a regular basis–and the thought came to me that my story might make an interesting book. I took a tablet out of my flight bag and began to make some notes. That was nearly ten years ago.

I also sing and listen to music from the 60s and 70s. Many of these songs inspired the development of the story and characters, and are included in the unique playlist at the end of the book.

Why a fiction book? What caused you to decide to write fiction?

The freedom! I love reading good fiction, and I thought it would be a lot of fun to create my own plots and characters.

You are on a plane and someone asks if you are Diane Stratton and raves about your new book—how do you handle it?

I’d give them a real big smile and thank them for their kind words—and then we might enter into a nice chat about flying and love and second chances.

How have your personal experiences affected your writing?

My book is not an autobiography, but I did draw on many personal experiences and observations blended with fictionalized ones to create the storyline.

Who is your favorite author and is your writing style similar to theirs?

I have two favorite authors: Jackie Collins and Jennifer Weiner. These authors create smart, interesting female characters, engaging storylines, clever dialogue, sexy couples…and all with just the right mix of humor and drama to keep the reader totally engaged. When I became serious about writing my novel, I tried not to read much fiction during the process as I did not want to copy anyone.  I do hope I have captured the above qualities, though, in Arrivals and Departures.

What puts you off when reading a book? Bad grammar? Awful editing? Slow stories?

All of the above. Although I am a self-published Indie author, I have many talented friends who reviewed much of the book and saved it from these pitfalls.

You’re out on a date with a guy and he tells you that he hates reading—does that end the date or do you just consider that to be his loss?

This would not bode well for a happy, long-term relationship with me. If he hates reading, he would likely have a difficult time understanding and supporting my passion for writing.  If I were smart, I would make that first date the last.

Do you agree that writers have to be salesmen in the Indie world?

Of course we do! It’s amazing that we can now by-pass the traditional publishing routes by self-publishing, then draw on our creativity once again to network and find opportunities to get our books out there.  Thanks to you, Nick, for the opportunity to do just that with this interview!

arrivals and departures

 Pick up Arrivals and Departures by Diane Stratton today on Amazon!

 

Jan 25

A Rising Writing Star: An Interview with M.L. Newman

M.L Newman is one of the rising stars of the book world. Her first book “Glimmer of Hope” was well-received, and fans are anticipating her second release. What really makes a writer run? I wanted to pose questions during this interview that would really allow us to look inside the mind of a writer who really knows her craft. Hold onto your seats… This is a goodie!

glimmer of hope

 

Good morning, M.L. I want to start this interview by asking you one question. Why is writing important to you?

I enjoy writing because I get to share my stories with others. It’s important to me because my stories, while fiction, can bring hope, love and joy to others. So many stories I’ve read have touched me and brightened my day. I’d love to do that for my readers.

I was thinking earlier that many of your readers will be wishing they could write like you. How many times have you read a book and wished you’d written it?

I haven’t actually read a book that I wished I’d written, but I’ve read books that I wished I lived in.

As a writer, I guess you get to create any world you want to live in– that must be a pretty amazing feeling. How many story ideas have you got at the minute?

I have plotted out about 40+ storylines, and I’m hoping that at least 39 of them are published. There are many different storylines and series that I have planned where the final decision on book numbers is more about where the story goes than how many I can publish.

So, let me ask you this: What really makes a good story?

Personally, I believe what makes a good story are the decisions that are made within the story.  Anyone can fall in love or fight it, but the difficult choices that have to be made bring me closer to the characters. If I find a connection with a character, I’ve been sucked in.

How many times do you rewrite a sentence to get it just right?

I don’t usually rewrite my sentences. Sometimes I tweak them to make sure it makes sense, but usually the first time it sticks. I spend the majority of the time on detailing than rewriting.

Here’s a curveball for you… Is there anything you wouldn’t like to write about?

When I write a story, it’s because it has been called from my soul. I don’t have a choice but to write what comes out of me. I don’t specifically have anything against writing other stories; they just have to wait their turn.

How many times did you considered becoming a writer before you became a writer?

I never considered becoming a writer. I just started writing about a story that interested me, and I was encouraged to publish it.

You have a brand new short story coming out soon. Your first novel, “Glimmer of Hope,” was an excellent read, and I know many people are looking forward to this new one. What will it be about?

My newest book is a short story in the Romance genre. This is actually a personal favorite of mine. Blowing The Whistle is about a unique student, Ally Fields, who does her best to keep up her grades and prefers to not have a social life. And it seems to work out quite well for her until a challengingly persistent Trevor barges in.  It causes quite a few skeletons to peek out of the closet…

Covers are the in-thing right now. I know many writers are really paying close attention to their covers at the moment. How did you come up with the cover for your new book?

I have an amazing graphic designer who knows just what I’m looking for even if I don’t know it myself. I told him the storyline, gave him the key words, the colour scheme I was thinking of and he created a fantastic cover that I can’t take my eyes off of.  We collaborate well together.

Many writers are interested in the promotional side of things more than the writing side of things. Do you enjoy writing or promoting books more?

I enjoy writing my books more because I get to take the rollercoaster ride with them. There have been so many tears that I’ve cried during scenes, so many laughs with playful banter and inside jokes that I’ve placed specifically for my inner circle to chuckle at with me. Promoting is very new to me and I haven’t found my comfort zone in it just yet.

What does it really take to finish a book?

It takes a lot of patience and focus. There are some scenes that are more fun than others but in the end, it all has to be good. I spend the majority of my time trying to stay focused on ‘what’s happening’ in the story because I get impatient and overly excited while writing.

Do you use storyboards to help you with your writing?

I write outlines to make sure that the story flows just the way I want. The details are added on the second round of outlining and those details easily can take a 10-page outline to a 21-page outline.

Do you know the end of a story when you start writing the story?

I have a rough idea of how I want the story to end, but I try not to plan it in detail until I know the characters better. It leaves a better ending and exciting anticipation for me.

What do you think is the most important thing for a writer to know?

Don’t give up on a story just because it doesn’t seem to be playing out the way you saw it in your mind. It could lead to an exciting and thrilling story that you had no clue you were even able to produce. I believe in being limitless because I have no idea what kind of amazing stories can come out until they decide to.

When do you feel most comfortable writing? Are you a morning or evening writer?

The best time to write is in the morning around 7-8 am, with my writing playlist playing in the background and the weather and traffic channel on mute showing on the TV. For some odd reason, this produces the most creativity out of me.  Another writing comfort is to write with Forensic Files, Cold Case Files or Inspector Lewis playing on the TV. It makes me pay extra special attention to details in my stories.

M. L. Newman’s Glimmer of Hope is available now; and her short story Blowing the Whistle will be out very soon!

Jan 21

Author Megan Elizabeth And Her Publishing Dream

Stack of Old Books

Megan Elizabeth is a writer you will be hearing a lot from in the future. Signed by “Satalyte Publishing” and set for her first release this year, you can be sure of one thing–her books are going to be read, and they are going to be loved. I think this interview proves that she is one of the most driven authors out there…. Watch out publishing world!

Q) If you could work with any author who would it be?

Do I have to choose one? LOL. If I had to pick one it would be Kresley Cole. I admire her imaginative story lines, creativity and how well her books flow. Honestly, I’d just like to have the opportunity to pick her brain, once I get over being star struck, that is.

Q) Who is your favorite author, and is your writing style similar to theirs?

Currently, I have two favourite writers: JR Ward (aka The Warden) and Kresley Cole. Though both of them are extremely talented, I think my writing style is more similar to Kresley Cole. She incorporates a ton off different aspects into her books much like myself.  She mixes all types of immortal factions as I mix immortal factions such as fallen angels and Greek gods.

Q) What’s your favorite part of a book?

My favourite part of a book is that moment when your mouth drops open and you’re like, “I can’t believe that happened.” You find yourself smiling over it while people around you look at you like you’re nuts; then getting excited to read more–like the moment when you realize a character is so much more then you originally thought or a plot twist you did not see coming.

Q) When naming your characters, do you give any thought to the actual meaning?

All of my characters are very personal to me. Their physical traits, mannerisms, and personalities are comprised of things I have experienced with other people. Many writers write what they know and are familiar with; I am no different. I write characters that I know and understand. When naming them, I take my time with it and make the connection I’m looking for. When speaking about them with other people, it’s like they are real to me.

Q) How have your personal experiences affected your writing?

Well, my personal life was what started my journey into the writing world. I’ve have quite a few interesting experiences, and those experiences have made for good cannon fodder, so to speak. Usually, real events inspire the fictional ones in my books. They give me ideas for new characters, new story lines and plot twists.

Q) What genre of books do you like to read? Do you limit yourself to only the genre that you write yourself?

I generally read paranormal; it’s where my love affair with reading began. I do try not to limit myself to one genre as reading many different genres can bring new aspects to your writing, but I’m always drawn back towards that original connection with paranormal. I find that when I read something else like contemporary, for example, I’m waiting for something to magically blow up or for the hero to reveal that he’s another species.

Q) Were you always good at writing?

No, not at all. When I was very young I was diagnosed as dyslexic. Many specialist and educators believed that I would never read properly, be able to write or attain a college degree.  It took several years and a multitude of special classes, tutors and frustrating nights to get me where I am today. It’s been a struggle, but here I am with a B.A., CEAS and a publishing contract. It just shows people that anything is possible.

Q) How do you get started with writing a story (as in, how do you start developing the story, how do you get inspired for it).

Usually an idea pops into my head for a story. I think of the main characters and develop them in my thoughts making them ‘real.’ The story unfolds like a movie, and I just write it down. It’s like the characters speak to me and all I do is tell their story. When I started writing “The League of the Fallen,” I knew it had to be a series and have eight characters that I could focus on–one character for each book. Each one is clear in my mind. I knew Matteaus’ book had to be first and Mika would follow; then the others stepped into line. When I get geared up to write them, I always listen to music and let the words flow. Many of my books have theme songs that I relate them to.    

Q) What advice would you give to people who “run out of creativity” when writing?

Take a serious break and do not under any circumstance try to force the story. Pick up about five books and just read. Do not think about your writing at all and then it will come back. The more stress that is put on the situation the worse the block will get.

Q) What is the most important lack in your life?

Though I’ve had my fair share of bad romances, each bad experience has brought me to this point. Without some of the more difficult times I would not be as driven, strong or determined as I am now. But my life is definitely lacking the ‘happily ever after’ that many of my characters get. Every girl dreams of their own personal Prince Charming. I haven’t met mine yet. Hopefully, he comes with glasses, an affinity for reading and can make me laugh.   

Q) Why a fiction book? What caused you to decide to write fiction?

Because my mind lives in a world of pure imagination. The world of fiction is an extraordinary place–the possibilities are endless. I don’t think the decision to write fiction was a conscious one; it is the direction I’ve always been headed. Ever since I was a child I would always dream up new characters. I’ve found where I belong and the people I want as my friends in the world of fictional writers.

Q) You are in Walmart looking at books—you see your new book on the shelf—what do you think?

Holy s**t!! In all seriousness, it’d be very surreal for me to see my book on the shelves anywhere. It’s an exciting process to be in, and I’m just grateful to have anyone interested in reading it.

Q) You are on a plane and someone asks if you are Megan Elizabeth and raves about your new book—how do you handle it?

I’d thank them profusely, then ask them what their favourite characters or parts were. Find out which other authors they enjoy reading, and ask if they had any books they recommend I read. Offer to sign their book for them and ask that they keep in touch with me via e-mail, twitter or Facebook.

Q) You have the #1 bestseller in America—what would be your first thought?

I’d probably cry many, many tears of joy and be extremely grateful to all the people who supported me along the way. Then keep on writing. It’s what I love to do.

Q) Are you at ease when interviewing? Do you find interviews generally exciting or boring?

I’m a very talkative person and love to meet new people. So for me interviewing is fun and exciting. I feel very at ease, giddy even. I tend to giggle when people ask me questions about myself or my writing. The questions are thought provoking and at times things that you usually don’t think about on a day-to-day basis.

Q) Are you a woman with strong convictions, and do those convictions shine through when you write a novel?

Absolutely, I have a very strong moral compass, and when I write there are certain lines I believe I cannot and will not cross. I do put my characters through their trials and never make it easy because that is life; but my convictions shine through my writing When I believe something is wrong, I won’t make my Hero or Heroine do them. I might let my villain or antagonist cross that line, but eventually they’ll get what’s coming to them, one way or another. My black and white sense of justice demands it.

Q) What puts you off when reading a book? Bad grammar? Awful editing? Slow stories?

I love to read and devour books like it’s nobody’s business. But one thing that puts me off is a slow story with names that are hard to pronounce. If I have to stop my reading flow to figure out how to say a name or place in my head, it irritates me through the whole story and distracts from what is happening in the book.

Q) Is paradise self-made or can it be found? Is writing your paradise?

One person’s definition of paradise might be different than mine. That being said, to me paradise is self-made. Life is what you make it! Being able to write and share my stories that is one kind of paradise for me. One I would like to continue living in.

Q) You’re out on a date with a guy and he tells you that he hates reading. Does that end the date or do you just consider that to be his loss?

Honestly, for me I wouldn’t end the date then and there, but it would be a huge strike against him. In the end, it probably wouldn’t work out. I’d be talking about the voices in my head, and he’d think I was beyond weird. But I’d still try, you never know how things might work out.

Q) You enter “The Twilight Zone” and find yourself in a world without books or reading. Is your first reaction to explore this new place or to leave in disgust at the illiteracy of this new world?

It’d be the most miserable existence ever! I’d explore but then find a way out or attempt to change the world one book at a time. When I’m not writing, I’m teaching young students to read, so it’d be the ultimate challenge utilizing all my skills. Write a book and teach them all how to read it. 

Q) Why do you think reading has become such a rarity in the U.S.A? Do you blame video games and modern pop music for its decline?

No, I don’t blame video games or music for a decline in reading. When your first experiences with reading are not pleasant, why would you continue to do so when you’re not required by your teachers? Have you ever looked at the reading lists that they push on students in the USA? When I was finished with high school, I thought all books were depressing and had a horrible life lesson. It’s sad really that because our choices are so limited that many children miss out on the entertainment factor involved is a good story. People forget that reading of any kind is exercise for the brain, even if it’s just a great story. We should be giving our kids books that they will love and can’t get enough of. The life lessons will come when they face situations on a day to day basis. We don’t need to overwhelm them with stories about students who are bullied through the whole book then commit suicide. Why can’t the required reading include the Percy Jackson series, Harry Potter or even the Mortal Instruments? Who wouldn’t prefer music or video games over a book that’s depressing and filed with “life lessons.” Teach them to love reading, and the decline will stop. People who never experience what a truly great story has to offer are missing out on a whole other world, and it’s our own fault for not exposing them to it at an earlier age. I know I wish I had discovered that stories could be amazing at an earlier age. I’ve been playing catch up for quite some time now.

Q) Do you agree that writers have to be salesmen in the Indie world?

I think all writers have to be salesmen no matter if you’re an Indie writer or a traditionally published writer. If you want to be successful at something, then you have to work at it, just like in any other career. Though this is my first book and I am technically not considered an Indie writer because I have a publisher, to me no matter the circumstances you need to be a salesman. I hope to entice many people to buy “Sinner’s Craving” and in order to do so I’ll have to put my sales skills to the test. No one is going to do it for you, especially in the beginning.  

 

Jan 20

“When It’s Hot” and Making You Hot: An Interview with Erotic Author Emma Lauren

Emma Lauren is the author, and “When It’s Love: An Illicit Contemporary Romance” is the book. Readers across the world are currently enjoying this hot read, and I am proud to announce that the new Emma Lauren book tour starts on this site. Have you ever wondered about the possibility of a warm, erotic read that could keep your bed hotter than your husband? Read on…. This book is for you!

Q) Why is “When It’s Love” hot, and what makes it so hot? 

A) I’m glad you’re calling it hot.  Thank you!  I think When It’s Love is hot because the sex is very real and raw.  And it starts off with a student’s crush on her professor.  From the first sentence, the reader is anticipating sex.  That anticipation builds in the reader and the expectation is like foreplay.

Q) How do you decide what is hot?

A) If writing it puts me in the mood, it’s usually a good sign.

Q) When writing a sex scene, what do you really think about?

A) When I’m writing a sex scene, I’m completely involved in the characters and the actions.  Revising a sex scene is a different story–that’s the time when I have to look at it critically, and ask questions like, is it even possible for him to reach her breasts from that position?

Q) Is it true that only a woman knows what a woman likes?

A) It’s partly true.  A guy can learn.  And there’s a lot to be learned from the male lead in When It’s Love.  He’s the ultimate lover. If more guys read When It’s Love, there will be some happy women out there.

Q) Is there any part of your main character that resembles you?

A) Well, definitely not physically.  I’m not a blonde with long legs, but I’ve got my thing going on!.  The main character has some emotional traits that come from my heart.  And her love of cats–that’s definitely me.

Q) When creating a “hot” male character, do you write what you would personally like to have in a sex partner?

A) Not necessarily.  I can imagine writing about a lot of sexual partners I wouldn’t like to have.  It’s more about the story and what the characters want.

Q) How steamy is too steamy? 

A) If it’s well-written, there’s no such thing.

Q) When did you first realize that you wanted to write an erotic book?

A) I didn’t know the book would turn out as erotic as it did.  I had a sexy romance story rolling around in my mind, I started writing it down, and the sex scenes just happened.  The characters led me into them.  The characters were very much alive and real in my mind, and the sex just happened (kind of like it does in real life).

Q) What is erotic to you and why?

A) My husband.  The combination of deep love and desire is very powerful.

Q) What is wrong with most of the erotic books you’ve read?

A) For me, it’s all about the quality of the writing.  No matter how hot a story is, if it’s not well-written, it’s not going to keep my attention, and I won’t find it a turn on. What are they missing?  I think a lot of erotic novels have poorly developed characters.  The focus is often on how many positions the author can get them into, rather than showing the reader who the characters are.

Q) How often do your characters “get it on” in your book?

A) I don’t want to give away the number of orgasms in the book.

Q) Can erotic books be crude, and does it matter if they are?

A) Of course they can be crude.  There’s an audience for crude; hence, the vast amount of hard core Internet porn.

Q) What is the biggest turn off for a girl? 

A) When a guy is insulting.

Q) Do you try to write in ways that appeal to as many women as possible?

A) I try to write well, and I hope that I have a wide appeal.

Q) Last question! Are bald men attractive? Ever?

A) Of course!  If he’s got a hot body and stubble on his cheeks, bald is irrelevant.

Get it whilst it’s hot! “When It’s Love: An Illicit Contemporary Romance” is available now!

Jan 20

Your Child’s Personal Success

Hi

 

Have you signed up for Successful Kids Revolution?

Join today at no cost and receive all the tools to help your child!

 

And yet, it could cost you years of childhood, teen and young adult turmoil if you decide not to sign up in this moment!

 

Successful Kids Revolution is happening now. Every Monday through Friday a top expert in personal development for kids, parenting, health and education is going to share the pathway to wellbeing and personal success for your child.

 

Join Natalie Ledwell and Rebecca Brown as they show us The Power of Affirmations and Visualizations for Kids, Karen Curry shares how to Master Your Emotional Energy and Amanda van der Gulik will explain Teaching Children About Money.

 

Also, Charlotte Reznick PhD will share The Power of Imagination, Norma T. Hollis will teach you about Nurturing Your Child’s Spirituality, and Patrick McMillan will show you the power of Reinventing Fatherhood to Becoming a Dad.

 

See the full line-up of experts here:

 

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P.S.  Share the love and forward this email to your friends, colleagues and family members – anyone who wants to help their kids! They will appreciate the invitation.

 

Jan 18

Your Kids Need This!

Hello

 

Are you and your children overwhelmed and stressed?

 

Most parents and kids are.

 

You may be bustling to and from after-school activities or arguing with your kids about behavior and homework. It’s common. And through all of your frustrations what you really want is to provide the best possible life for your child.

 

Wouldn’t it be great if you could know exactly what your child needs for their personal success?

 

If you answered YES . . . I’m excited to invite you to be a part of the first online global event of its kind that specifically focuses on how you can help your child’s individual needs —because each child is unique!

 

Starting January 20th, twenty–five of the world’s leading experts—myself included—on personal development for kids, parenting, health and education are coming together to help you ensure success for your child at home and in school.

 

The truth is, parents and kids are overwhelmed and it’s hard to know what the best decisions are for you and your child. That’s why this event is going to cover the hot topics of what you need to know to help your family the most!

 

It’s absolutely FREE . . . and it’s happening right here—on your computer.

 

It’s called Successful Kids Revolution and its being hosted by Julie Kleinhans, Youth Empowerment and Education Expert.

 

Join Successful Kids Revolution Now!

 

Why do you want to join this event today?

 

These 25 experts are top when it comes to children and teens. We’ve come together to share with you a ton of information and techniques that you can immediately start using at home, and teachers can use in the classroom!

 

Starting January 20th you’ll learn firsthand from experts like Christy Whitman, Larry and Oksana Ostrovsky, Dr. Margaret Paul, Shelly Lefkoe, Natalie Ledwell, Tori Hartman, Karen Curry, Izzy Kalman, Mike Domitrz, Sherry Gaba, Anat Baniel, Brad Yates, John Seeley and more.

 

Never before has such a dynamic team gathered in one place to help you discover how to create the habits to support and inspire your child’s personal best – and most importantly – your child’s happiness and wellbeing.

 

Join Christy Whitman as she shares how to Create Abundance for You and Your Kids, Dr. Margaret Paul on Teaching Kids Self Love, and Shelly Lefkoe will show you the power of Overcoming Limiting Beliefs so Your Kids can Thrive.

 

Also, Izzy Kalman will empower you to Rise Above Bullying, Mike Domitrz will lead you through Talking to Teens about Dating and Intimacy, and Sherry Gaba will show you how to Prevent and Overcome Addiction in Teens.

 

Anat Baniel will discuss Growth and Possibilities for the ADD/ADHD Child, Brad Yates walks us through how to use EFT for Parents and Kids, and John Seeley will address Getting Kids Unstuck.

 

You’ll finally have a plan for your family!

 

This Global Online Event WILL Support and Empower You!

 

  • Help kids de-stress from overwhelm, school and overcome any fear
  • Teach children about money – so they don’t rely on you to be their piggy bank
  • Inspire imagination to help kids with sleeping, self-esteem and fighting with their siblings
  • Receive the tools to deal with radical change, pain, death, divorce, trauma and recovery
  • Learn the law of attraction for kids
  • Use EFT to make better choices and achieve greater results
  • Overcome behavioral problems like bullying and tantrums
  • Gain the knowledge to effectively communicate your needs and teach it to your kids
  • Know how to talk about sex with your children
  • Nurture your child’s spirituality
  • Understand your child’s bonding style and how it affects their future
  • And much, much more!

 

Claim YOUR access now!

 

Remember, Successful Kids Revolution is brought to you at no charge and all from the comfort of your own computer—anywhere in the world. Success for Your Family Begins Now!

 

Plus when you register today, you will receive a free Bonus package with added gifts from our faculty worth over $1,000!

 

Join the movement now!

 

Nick

 

P.S.  Share the love and forward this email to your friends, colleagues and family members – anyone who wants to help their kids! They will appreciate the invitation.

 

P.P.S.  Remember the bonuses I mentioned will not be available once the revolution begins on 1/20, so be sure to sign up now!

 

Jan 18

Boyd Lemon Squeezes Emotional Juices Into A Fiction Book

Boyd Lemon is an author you may or may not have heard of. Boyd has written several bestsellers and his latest one is called “A Long Way To Contentment.” Lemon has also just broken a record– he is the first author to give away a current bestseller for $0.99 simply because he wants people to read and enjoy his books. For writers like Boyd Lemon it is more important for people to enjoy and read than it is for him to make money. Enjoy this interview with a man who has some great ideas…

1. If you could work with any author who would it be?

I would love to work with Rosanne Dingli, an Australian author of mystery novels. Unlike most mystery writers, her novels are far from the usual whodunit stories. They provide interesting characters with depth and personality, some ordinary and some extraordinary, a mix of people one would find in the real world. Her books are meticulously researched so that in reading her mysteries the reader is not only on the edge with suspense, but learns fascinating facts and stories about art and history. I selfishly would like to work with her so that I can learn how she does it. Besides all that, she is an honest, forthcoming,  genuinely nice person, characteristics not common in talented artists.

2. Who is your favourite author and is your writing style similar to theirs?

It is impossible for me to pick a favorite author, Nick. I love so many. But if you insist that I pick one, it would be Marylynn Robinson, author of “Housekeeping,” “Home” and others. Her style is deeply philosophical, allegorical, descriptive and full of fascinating characters and detail. No, her style is not at all like mine. For whatever reason, none of my favorite authors write like I do, and I must keep reminding myself that I have my own style, and I can’t copy someone else’s no matter how much I would like to.

3. What’s your favorite part of a book?

The middle. I’m never sure about the beginning, and I’m always sad to have it end. If I don’t care for the book, I never read to the end. I can usually tell in the first 50 pages or so if I like the book, and if I don’t, I stop reading and don’t finish it. I read a lot, and I don’t finish half the books I start. If I finished it, I liked it. Therefore, I don’t write many critical reviews, since I don’t feel it is fair to review a book that I didn’t finish.

4. When naming your characters, do you give any thought to the actual meaning?

I haven’t done that yet, but I resolve to do it in the future. I think it would be an interesting exercise and might be interesting to the reader. I’m still learning this writing craft, and I hope I never stop learning.

5. How have your personal experiences affected your writing?

More than anything else. How could an author’s personal experiences not affect his writing? How I view the world is molded by my experiences, and my writing reflects how I view the world. Even if a writer creates purely fictional characters, the writer’s experience affects what that character does and says, even if what he does is contrary to what the writer would do under the circumstances of the story. Further, I think most writers, though not all, create characters that have some characteristics of people they know. I do.

6. What genre of books do you like to read? Do you limit yourself to only the genre that you write yourself?

I write mostly memoir and literary fiction. Probably more than 50% of what I read is memoir and fiction. However, the rest is outside of those genres. I read quite a bit of historical fiction. I read some fantasy, a little romance, a little erotic and quite a bit of non-fiction, including how-to and political. I found Bill Clinton’s autobiography fascinating.

7. Were you always good at writing?

I think so, but I never wrote fiction until about eight years ago. I did well in composition classes in school and I always preferred essay tests, rather than objective tests, such as multiple choice or true and false. I received a lot of complements from clients and colleagues about my professional writing, and many of my articles were accepted for publication in legal journals during my legal career. Having said that, I have learned an enormous amount about writing in recent years from mentors, teachers, other writers and from reading good literature. I like to think that my writing has improved significantly.

8. How do you get started with writing a story (as in, how do you start developing the story, how do you get inspired for it)

I have never been stuck for ideas. In every day life basic story lines just pop into my head, or once in a while someone else tells me a story, and I change it around in my head and start writing. For example, I wrote a short story about a German soldier who returns to France where he was stationed during World War Two to make amends to a young girl he accidentally shot during the war. I got the idea from a story a man told me when I visited the island of Groix off the Brittany coast. I changed and enhanced the story in my head and then sat down and wrote it in a single sitting. I did some minor edits, and that was it. That was one that came easily. I struggle and agonize over most of my stories before they are finished.

9. What advice would you give to people who “run out of creativity” when writing?

Do writing practice. Sit down and start writing on any topic that comes to mind, or Google “writing prompts” and pick one to write about. You may never use anything you write, but, in my experience, eventually, you will get an idea that does result in a story or book.

10. What is the most important lack in your life?

A human companion/partner. Writing is a solitary endeavor, and it would be nice to have someone available whenever I wanted to interact with another human being. Unfortunately, even with a partner, it can’t always work out the way you what it to.

11. Why a fiction book? You are well known as a “non-fiction” writer—what caused you to decide to write fiction?

I have always wanted to write a novel. My first efforts at narrative writing were short fiction, but when I expressed the desire to write a novel six years ago, my writing mentor told me I wasn’t ready to write a novel and suggested memoir. I took her advice and learned a lot by writing three memoirs. My mentor was right. I needed the experience of writing book length narrative non-fiction before I was ready to write a novel. You have to get comfortable with the water before you can swim.

12. You are in Walmart looking at books—you see your new book on the shelf—what do you think?

I would be shocked, but pleased that more people would be exposed to my work. Writing is in part a means of communicating with people. I write, not to make money, but to tell my stories to people. It is a need I have, and I think in some ways a basic human need. We are hardwired to love to hear and tell stories.

13. You are on a plane, and someone asks if you are Boyd Lemon and raves about your new book—how do you handle it?

I have had that happen at a gathering, but not on a plane. I don’t think I would respond any differently on a plane. I simply would thank them, and tell them that the most rewarding thing to me about putting my writing out there is for people to learn or get something from it, and I feel very rewarded that you [the person who has complemented my writing] got something out of it. I would thank them profusely for telling me what they felt about my writing. And for the rest of the trip I would glow.

14. You have the #1 bestseller in America—what would be your first thought?

I don’t believe it. Then I would feel blessed beyond words. After that, I would be petrified that I could never top that. Elizabeth Gilbert expressed it well after having sold ten million copies of “Eat, Pray, Love. She said she was scared to death because she had to write; that is what she does. What else could she do? But how could she top “Eat, Pray, Love?” I hope she has come to terms with her fear.

15. Are you at ease when interviewing? Do you find interviews generally exciting or boring?

I find them very interesting, and I am at ease. Maybe I just like to talk about myself. I don’t know, and I am not offended by or unable to answer any question, unless it is a rude personal attack.

16. Are you a man with strong convictions and do those convictions shine through when you write a novel?

I have some strong personal convictions, but, at the same time, I realize that we as human beings don’t know much. In fact, I believe that what we sense as reality is not real. We don’t know the answers to the important questions, but what we sense is all we have to go on. So I feel humble about my existence in this world.

17. What puts you off when reading a book? Bad grammar? Awful editing? Slow stories?

All of those things, although if well written, I am sometimes not put off by slow stories. I love “Ana Karenina,” for example, and nothing happens in that book for the first 50 pages.

18. Is paradise self-made or can it be found? Is writing your paradise?

First, I don’t believe in paradise for humans. No human life is paradise. Life is hard. To the extent that we can create a little bit of paradise or paradise that comes and goes, we must create it. It is self-made. We cannot find it. Nobody else can give it to us. Nobody can make us happy. We can make ourselves relatively happy by how we use our minds. Nothing external can bring us paradise or make us happy. It is all within. I have known homeless people who are happier than someone who appears to have everything. We can create our own bit of paradise by lower expectations of others and ourselves, being grateful for what we have, noticing the beauty in the world and giving what we can to improve the lives of others. In the end, we must accept that there is no paradise on earth. I wouldn’t say that writing is my paradise, but it is my passion and my gift.

19. You’re out on a date with a woman and she tells you that she hates reading—does that end the date or do you just consider that to be her loss?

Neither. I would not judge her or try not to, and I would look for something else about her to connect with.

20. You enter “The Twilight Zone” and find yourself in a world without books or reading. Is your first reaction to explore this new place or to leave in disgust at the illiteracy of this new world?

Explore. I love reading and writing, but there is so much beauty in the world, more than enough to fill a lifetime. And, by the way, some of the most interesting people are illiterate.

21. Why do you think reading has become such a rarity in the U.S.A? Do you blame video games and modern pop music for its decline?

I don’t blame anything. We in the United States have a plethora of riches with which to entertain and educate us. Reading is only one, and not all people take to it. If we had fewer choices to take up our time, more people would read more. But would a world with fewer choices be better? Not necessarily.

22. Do you agree that writers have to be salesmen in the Indie world?

If they want to sell their writing, yes. But that is true of any endeavor in which you want other people involved. Unless we are hermits, we are always selling ourselves to some extent, and some are better at it than others. I am not so good at it.

 

 

Click here to get your copy of “A Long Way To Contentment!”

Jan 14

My Evening With Martin Luther King By Author Boyd Lemon

As we approach the birthday of Martin Luther King– I wanted to post something to acknowledge that he along with Paul Robeson did so much for African- American relations. I was talking to Boyd Lemon who had witnessed a King speech in person and this blog article was born. 

 

Ever since Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday became a national holiday in 1983, I have remembered, if only for a moment, sitting in a folding chair in the Valley Missionary Baptist Church in Reseda, California in 1966 in rapture as Reverend King, in person, began the evening’s speech with the words, “I have a dream.” He delivered his famous speech to a few hundred gathered in the church that night. We knew he would speak, but we had no idea he would make that speech.

He first made the speech on August 28, 1963 on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial before 250,000 civil rights supporters during the March on Washington.

For some reason, perhaps because I moved to Georgia recently, this year, with his birthday coming soon, that night in 1966 entered my consciousness and wouldn’t leave, so I must write about it.

Reverend King began the speech with a reference to the Emancipation Proclamation, which freed millions of slaves in 1863 and observed that “…one hundred years later, the Negro still is not free.” The speech was ranked the top American speech of the 20th Century in a 1999 poll of scholars of public address. With some irony I note that Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address is generally considered the top speech of the 19th Century. In most versions of the speech he repeated the phrase,“I have a dream…” eight times.

By 1966 when I heard Reverend King deliver the speech, the country’s turmoil over the civil rights of African Americans continued and would get worse, much worse. We have come along way since then, but Reverend King’s dream has not yet been fully realized.

I have heard many great speeches, both in person and via electronic media in my 73 years, including John Kennedy’s inaugural address. No words, written or oral, ever affected me the way Reverend King’s speech did. His words were inspiring, and his passion was truly contagious. Of course, I went to the Valley Missionary Baptist Church that night already sympathetic to the civil rights cause, or I wouldn’t have gone there. What the speech made me realize was that recognizing civil rights of African Americans was not just fair and desirable, but necessary for America to survive. It had already taken far too long. And it reverberated in my consciousness beyond African Americans, for all groups of  Americans who were not recognized as equal to white males, including women. I believe that the speech had a similar affect on many Americans who heard it. We realized that it was simply impossible to continue treating African Americans or anyone as less than human, and such treatment was still the reality in 1963 and 1966. Equality for all Americans was the biggest issue of the 20th Century and continues to be the biggest issue in the 21st Century.

As for me, I shook the great man’s hand, which was a thrill that has lasted a lifetime, but it was the speech that inspired me to march for civil rights in my youth and to lend my support to this day to political candidates who support civil rights, not just for African Americans, but for people of all colors, national origin, faiths, ages, genders and sexual preferences. Though we have made great progress in the last fifty years, to paraphrase Robert Frost, we have miles to go before we sleep.

Boyd Lemon is a well respected writer with several books in print. His new book “A Long Way To Contentment” will be released later this week.

 

“A Long Way To Contentment”
There’s a new kind of hero in town––Brad, multifaceted, talented, flawed, lonely and powerful.
Brad, the family man who sits for hours with his comatose sister in a San Francisco hospital.
Brad, damaged and abandoned by his mother, ignored by his father.
Brad, still waiting for the best seller his agent believes he deserves.
Brad, the man who drives away his disappointment, pain and horror with the cocaine he desires so much.
Brad, the prisoner of Myanmar.
Welcome to Brad’s world.

In Boyd Lemon’s epic, contemporary new novel, “A Long Way To Contentment,” we see a different side of Lemon, a side that we have waited so long to see. Where will Boyd take Brad?

Jan 12

“A Glimmer of Hope”– The New Bestseller From M.L Newman!

Glimmer of Hope is a fun and exciting romance/thriller from new author M.L. Newman. Becki is torn between her boyfriend with whom she sees her future and his career which would take them away from her gratifying work and the life she has built thus far. Enter Eric—the quiet, reclusive and frequently broody writer. Is Eric’s draw too strong for her to resist? And will the secrets from his past endanger her otherwise secure existence? Pick up the book to find out!

I am usually quite picky about the books I read. “Glimmer of Hope” is a book that I would read again and again and again. The dialogue is strong, the characterisation is there and flows effortlessly, and most of all I actually feel something for the characters. In short—this is a top notch romance/ thriller with some great twists and turns.

As for the writer, what can I say… I want to see what she comes up with next. It’s a helluva job trying to wait for a book you are dying to read. Time please roll on quickly so I can read the next M.L Newman novel!

A quality first book of a planned trilogy. Romantic, sexy, scary in parts, and will leave you guessing!

Get your copy of “Glimmer of Hope” today!