John Drake's Memoir, Stories From The Big Apple And Beyond, Is A Masterpiece Of Storytelling About Trekking The Globe In The '70s And '80s

Drake's fluid and uncontrived style of writing, always with a sense of humor and wit, isn’t nostalgia for nostalgia’s sake; it’s a vivid reminder that life’s richest moments often happen when we step, boldly, beyond the map.

John Drake is a painter, a poet, and a hopeless romantic - and a restless soul who has roamed the far corners of the earth, gathering tales as rich and varied as the landscapes he’s traversed. While anyone who came of age in the 1970s or 80s could fill a night with stories, Drake’s recollections shimmer with a rare intensity, standing apart in their color, candor, and sheer unpredictability.

For decades, Drake lived at the intersection of art and adventure. His memoirs are not just chronicles of personal history—they are exuberant journeys through the golden years of rock and roll, brimming with raucous escapades and unforgettable characters. From the bustling streets of 1960s London to the charged energy of America in 2001, his work invites readers to step into a world both intimate and expansive. His first memoir, 'The Laughing Man' offers the opening act, while 'Stories From The Big Apple and Beyond' picks up the rhythm in 1976, carrying readers through the next chapter of a life lived without hesitation.

The stories take us from the Bi-Centennial of 1976 in New York up till the tragic event of 9/11. Drake captures the nitty - gritty feel of the “Big Apple” of the “downtown life”- remnants of Bob Dylan’s days and left over’s from the Beat Generation, which has now disappeared forever. Working in the film business for this period in time, Drake’s book gives us a look into the world of film. Starting as an electrician he works later as a gaffer, then a cinematographer and eventually finds himself directing commercials for a living. As in his other book, his wanderlust takes the reader back to India, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Bali and many other places - some for work and other times for the sheer adventure of travel, still trying to keep the freewheeling, fun - loving abandonment of the sixties and seventies alive.The photographs and poems all help to capture the feel of over two and a half decades of the seventies and eighties when the world seemed a saner and more hospitable place to live.

"People ask me why I decided to write a book and like a lot of authors, I say the book wrote itself," Drake stated. "For me it was a time for reflection and introspection as time was getting on and I was not getting any younger, so I decided that I already had a book written from diaries and logs, words that I had scribbled down in notebooks over the years from my travels and experiences. I had a box of notebooks, so one day I decided that I should gather all these pieces of prose and poetry and harvest them into a book. In that respect all I had to do was to assemble the pieces into a coherent story, a story about my life. It became a history book of my life which we call a memoir, an appreciation of life itself."

Readers and reviewers have praised Stories From The Big Apple. One said, "A fascinating read in which the author John Drake takes us from the mundane normality of suburban Britain to the ridiculous, dizzy days of 70’s and 80’s New York and beyond. Starting out as a junior in the movie business and progressing to Cinematographer, the author leads us through the thrills and spills of those times with yarns overflowing with his personal flavour of charm and wit. His loves, travels and irony (interspersed with poignant poetry), left me yearning for those times once again. Hard to believe so much could be crammed into a single lifetime! It made me ponder just how hollow our lives have become and what great adventures pass us by. John, certainly took life by the horns and went for it."

John Drake is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below or by email at artfuldrake51@gmail.com. Stories From The Big Apple is available in e-book and print formats at Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Stories-Big-Apple-John-Drake-ebook/dp/B09JTQJVGT/ref=sr_1_1?. More information is available at his website at http://www.johndrakegallery.com.

About John Drake:

John Drake was born in London in the 1950s. He started his career in a photographic darkroom and went on to become a photographer in London. After much traveling throughout Europe and India he found himself in New York, after taking a freighter from England to Jamaica (these adventures can be found in his first memoir called THE LAUGHING MAN).

After settling in Manhattan (The Big Apple) he began a new career in the film business, and after a few years was working as a Director of Photography on feature films and commercials. In 1987 John moved to California where he worked as a director/cameraman for various companies in the United States and Europe.

Around 1998 he found a new love in painting, and after a couple of gallery openings of his work now has over 600 paintings to his name. In the same year he had a photo exhibit of his still photographs on Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles.

In 1999 John moved to Vancouver to continue working in film, but still keeps a place in Santa Monica. In 2004, he went to India to shoot a Bollywood film called 'My Faraway Bride'.

He still continues his nomadic gypsy lifestyle and lives in Mexico for half of the year, coming and going between Mexico, California and Vancouver.

In 2016, he compiled this memoir, “Stories From The Big Apple And Beyond” from writings and diaries from his life in Manhattan and Woodstock during the Seventies and Eighties and also stories of his adventures traveling once again through India and South-East Asia. The story ends on 9/11 when there, in New York for a job, John witnesses the attack on the World Trade Towers.

Contact:

John Drake
artfuldrake51@gmail.com
http://www.johndrakegallery.com 

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Book Marketing Announcements: The Authors Show® Lineup For The Week Of September 8, 2025

The Authors Show® serves as a resource for authors and allows members to engage in promotion and publicity for marketing purposes. The site offers professionally produced radio interviews that are broadcast worldwide.

Don McCauley has announced The Authors Show® broadcast schedule for the week of September 8, 2025. The new show schedule is available at The Authors Show® site.

For those who hope to sell books on the Internet, the challenge can be daunting. It can be confusing difficult, time consuming and expensive. The Authors Show® helps authors overcome these challenges by providing opportunities for greater visibility.

The Authors Show® shows offer professionally produced radio interviews that are broadcast worldwide.

The Authors Show® lineup for the week of September 8, 2025

Sep 8  
Channel 1     Douglas Norman (USA) 
Channel 2     Peter Ticktin (USA) 
Channel 3     Marty Martin (USA) 
Channel 4     Richard H Ballo (USA) 
Channel 5     Penny Orloff (USA) 
Channel 6     Thomas Fargnoli (USA) 
Channel 7     Wytisha Williams (USA) 

Sep 9  
Channel 1     Victoria Gail Oltarsh (USA) 
Channel 2     Cynthia A. King (USA) 
Channel 3     Ken Becker (USA) 
Channel 4     Jan Banaszek (USA) 
Channel 5     Elaine Cougler (Canada) 
Channel 6     Jody Sharpe (USA) 
Channel 7     Elizabeth A. Carter, PhD (USA) 

Sep 10  
Channel 1     Heidi Siefkas (USA) 
Channel 2     Barbara Holstein (USA) 
Channel 3     Steve Bassett (USA) 
Channel 4     Steve Bassett (USA) 
Channel 5     Valerie Doherty (USA) 
Channel 6     Linda Maria Frank (USA) 
Channel 7     Grace Blair (USA) 

Sep 11  
Channel 1     Anthea Theresa Piscarik (USA) 
Channel 2     Philippa Rees (United Kingdom) 
Channel 3     Saverio Monachino (USA) 
Channel 4     Penny Peyser (USA) 
Channel 5     Erin Tunney (USA) 
Channel 6     Katherine MK Mitchell (USA) 
Channel 7     S.G. Blaise (USA) 

Sep 12 - Sep 14  
Channel 1     Andre Mckelvin  (USA) 
Channel 2     Mike F Elliott (USA) 
Channel 3     Steve Bassett (USA) 
Channel 4     James D Paulk (USA) 
Channel 5     Phyllis Strupp (USA) 
Channel 6     Jody Sharpe (USA) 
Channel 7     Joni Marie Iraci (USA) 

Profile:

The Authors Show® is a professional interview podcast created in 2005 that offers participants multiple benefits that authors who are serious about marketing their work need to consider, especially inasmuch as these benefits have long lasting effects. The Authors Show broadcasts interviews on multiple channels, each featuring one individual author for a full 24hrs Monday through Thursday, and 3-day weekends, Friday through Sunday. 

Contact:

Don McCauley
The Authors Show®
https://theauthorsshow.com 

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Award Winning Author Bobbie Bennett Announces No Charge Giveaway Of Her Latest Book, Widowhood, The Next Chapter: I'm Still Here - Now What?

The e-book version of her candid memoir will be available at no charge September 8 through September 9, 2025.

Many books on widowhood focus on the depths of pain, loss, and regret, exploring the emotional turmoil that follows losing a loved one. Bobbie Bennett takes a different approach. In her latest book, she infuses the subject with humor, heart, and hard-earned wisdom that goes beyond the ordinary. Bennett's unique perspective provides readers a fresh and uplifting view on a challenging life experience, proving that even in the face of profound loss, there is room for laughter, love, and personal growth. The e-book version of 'Widowhood: The Next Chapter' will be available at no charge September 8 and September 9, 2025, at Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Widowhood-Next-Chapter-Still-Here/dp/B0FLVTB7FM.

The personal narrative begins in the dark world of organized crime, where the author’s first husband brings a sense of danger into their lives. Dinner guests are asked to check their firearms at the door. She then stepped into an unexpected relationship with a younger man whose charm proved timeless, even if his ID was still getting doublechecked.

Through three marriages, two funerals, and one divorce, she discovers that love comes in the most unexpected forms, including a methodical engineer who fell head-over-heels for a free-spirited former go-go dancer.

This raw, candid memoir transforms heartbreak into hope, offering both laughter and practical wisdom for anyone rebuilding after loss. But make no mistake, these aren’t your typical fresh starts. Bobbie has rebooted her life from places most people wouldn’t dare enter, making her perspective not just credible, but hard-earned. More than a love story, it’s a survival guide for life’s most unpredictable chapters. She believes if you can’t be a good example, you might as well be a colorful one. Her stories offer humor, heart, and the kind of wisdom you only earn the hard way.

"I wrote this book because I believe that life's most devastating losses can transform into powerful new beginnings, and starting over isn't just surviving; it's where your best chapter begins," Bennett stated. "Readers will discover how to collect meaningful experiences rather than dwelling on regrets, find laughter even when everything seems to go wrong, and navigate the practical realities of rebuilding with both wisdom and humor. This book offers hope and guidance for anyone ready to embrace the truth that widowhood, while challenging, can be the start of an unexpectedly fulfilling new adventure.”

Bobbie Bennett is available for media interviews and can be reached at bobbie@bobbiebennett.com. 'Widowhood, The Next Chapter: I'm Still Here, Now What?' is available on Amazon in softcover and e-book at https://www.amazon.com/Widowhood-Next-Chapter-Still-Here/dp/B0FLVTB7FM. More information is available at her website at https://bobbiebennett.com.

About Bobbie Bennett:

Born in 1946 in Chicago, Bobbie's formative years were shaped by the rural landscape of West Union, Illinois, where she and her younger brother were raised by their grandparents following their parents' divorce. This humble upbringing instilled in her a deep sense of resilience and a keen appreciation for the simple pleasures of life.

In her teenage years, Bobbie returned to Chicago. Her passion for dancing led her to become a GoGo dancer, a role that allowed her to express her creativity and talent. By 1971, she had moved to Scottsdale, Arizona, with her first husband, marking the beginning of a series of life experiences that would shape her into a resilient and colorful individual. Over the years, she has navigated through three marriages, two deaths, and one divorce, each experience contributing to her philosophy of perseverance and humor.

Bobbie's diverse talents and interests have led her to various endeavors, including writing, acting, and comedy. She is the editor of the monthly newsletter for Beaver Valley Estates, a position that earned her national recognition from the National Federation of Press Women in 2024. Her performances in community theater and appearances in local television commercials have showcased her versatility and charm. However, her most cherished role is that of a grandmother, where she creates memorable "Grandma's Day" outings for each grandchild, capturing these moments in annual yearbooks. Through her journey, Bobbie has mastered the art of transforming everyday moments into unforgettable stories, living by her philosophy of collecting experiences over regrets and finding humor in life's challenges.

Contact:

Bobbie Bennett
bobbie@bobbiebennett.com
https://bobbiebennett.com 

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Will The US Survive Donald Trump's Weaponized Economy Asks Elizabeth Graham, Bestselling Author Of From Democracy To Democrazy

Kirkus Professional Book Reviewers said: "Graham's new book is an intriguing and informative ‘must read’ from a woman who is probably the best-informed American on the terrifying realities concerning Vladimir Putin's motivations and his control over Trump. It is a warning to all Americans." 

Bestselling author Elizabeth Graham believes Donald Trump, the Russion invasion and a weaponized world economy creates a tipping point for democracy in the US. Her book, 'From Democracy To Democrazy: A Warning To All Americans' presents startling information regarding Putin's attempt to destroy American democracy from within. The eBook version will be available at no charge September 8 and 9 at Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/stores/Elizabeth-Graham/author/B0CMY189NT?.

Graham had a Top-Secret Security Clearance while a senior in high school, and immediately upon graduation began working undercover with the CIA. She later joined the SAIC's Foreign Systems Research Center (FSRC) for 12 years. Eight of these years were spent studying Russia and Russian, and she managed the largest Russian-language military, technical and intelligence data base/library in the U.S. She began to travel to the Soviet Union and then became one of the very few Americans to move to the USSR. She lived under Communism in the Soviet Union, then Russia, and Central Asia long enough to become bi-cultural - she became Russian. Her first-hand knowledge and understanding of life in a communist or dictatorship country is shared with Americans in her book and in her Substack by the same name (egraham.substack.com). In a recent Substack post she wrote in part:

Our citizens have allowed a man to lead our country who touts that he is a master of the ‘art of the deal.’ He even published a book by this name. But like all that Donald Trump touches: his businesses, his hotels, his casinos, his nonprofit(s), his marriages, and now our country – destruction and chaos follow.

His list of crimes is matched only by his list of failed businesses. His illegal and brutal attacks on women and girls have embarrassed his families, ended several marriages, led to a conviction of sexual abuse, and more importantly also probably led to his entrapment by Russian KGB/FSB.

Trump’s entrapment by the Russian KGB/FSB has been confirmed by General Oleg Kalugin who was the senior manager of the KGB operations in the United States for decades. (Craig Unger, “American Kompromat”).

Trump has filed six bankruptcies, which crippled his lavish lifestyle. Western men who abnormally lust for women, cannot control their finances, think highly of themselves - narcissistic, conceited, and arrogant, and are willing to betray their country for money are the ideal target for Russian “kompromat.” Over decades, the Russians provided Trump with funds to pay his bills and in all probability women to satisfy his lechery– but there was a catch. I can only speculate at the amount of critical, sensitive, and classified information Trump has fed to Russians to keep the lights on at Mar-a-Lago and with no regard for the safety of our country. This is treason in any language.

Trump in his narcissistic, self-focused world, does not understand that his acquiescent and subservient relationship with Putin is transparent. He has managed to close investigations and wiggle around this issue, but it has become increasingly obvious and visible.

Cassidy Hutchinson said that “Trump was terrified of being poisoned.” (The Hill, Oct. 5, 2023) Poison is a commonly used lethal weapon for KGB/FSB, known world over. Their poison factory has been in continuous operation since Stalin (1921) and the Cheka – the predecessor to the KGB. This statement of fear expressed by Trump, is also a statement of guilt.

Trump is not equipped to negotiate deals with other countries – especially China, who out-witted him concerning his outlandish tariffs imposed on trade.

“When Washington announced a “framework deal” with China in June, it marked a silent shifting of gears in the global political economy” (Foreign Affairs, Sept/Oct. 2025) – an issue that Trump previously but pathetically believed he controlled. China’s ace in the hole was their monopoly of precious metals and the magnets made from such metals. They are essential for airplane turbine engines, and for a host of other high technologies. “This was not the beginning of U.S. President Trump’s imagined epoch of ‘liberation’ under unilateral American greatness or a return to the Biden administration’s dream of managed great-power rivalry.” (Ibid)

Instead, “it was the true opening of the age of weaponized interdependence, in which the United States is discovering what it is like to have others do unto it as it has eagerly done unto others” (Ibid) – especially with Trump at the helm. ‘This new era will be shaped by weapons of economic and technological coercion – sanctions, supply chain attacks, and export measures that repurpose the many points of control in the infrastructure that underpins the interdependent global economy.” (Ibid) There is no room in this new international and interdependent economy for bullies – the sandbox is already full of other nations who play fairly. A concept that Trump cannot even fathom.

The sanctions placed on Russia by the United States and other European countries failed, and in fact it created other supply sources while gaining new business partners and allies for Russia. They now supply inexpensive gas and oil to Central Asia countries. In return these countries give Russia needed consumer goods - bought abroad but transversed through Central Asia. Imported cars intended for Russia now travel via Kyrghizstan for example. And according to Andrei Illarionov, a former economic advisor to Putin, the “world could sanction Russia, oligarchs, and 145 million Russians for decades, and this would not change the solidary decision-making process of Vladimir Putin.” (From Democracy to Democrazy)

“Making the United States capable of holding its own in the age of weaponized interdependence will require more than just halting the rapid, unscheduled disassembly of the bureaucratic structures that constrain seat-of-the pants policy making and self-dealing” (Ibid) found in the Trump administration. “Europe is hampered by structural weaknesses, but the United States difficulties largely result from our own choices” (Ibid) – our nation chose a man for the Presidency who is a convicted criminal - a fraud and a felon, a man who attacks women in department store dressing rooms, has filed six bankruptcies and was saved from a seventh by Russian intervention. He sold his soul and our country to the Russians decades ago.

These facts cannot be denied. Since Trump has closed the Department of Education, over time the level of deductive reasoning and higher levels of cogitate, rational, and analytical thinking will diminish in the United States. Perhaps within ten years, most Americans will reason on the same grade-school level as Donald Trump, or those who can afford it will send their children to European schools.

'‘After decades of slowly building the complex machinery of economic warfare, the United States – due to Trump - is ripping it apart” (Ibid) along with all other essential institutional divisions. “In Trump’s self-focused and narcissistic view, all institutional restraints on his power are illegitimate. And any policy what-so-ever is centered on Trump himself. As personalism replaces intelligent bureaucratic decision-making, short-term profit or self-gratification takes priority over long-term national interest and progress.” (Ibid) The United States of America becomes a pariah in a world rapidly and aggressively growing while we digress.

Putin chose the right individual to destroy the United States, our democracy, and our lives – but the enormously sad fact is that the Trumpers and the MAGA followers are blind to Trump’s lack of understanding of the global interdependent economy and the world dynamics of 2025. He cannot “make a deal for tariffs or any other business” since he cannot see beyond his own wallet. A failure to grasp this global reality will and has already put American security, progress, and prosperity at risk.

The full text of the piece is available at https://substack.com/@elizabethgraham.

Graham also announced the upcoming release of a new book, 'Survival: Democracy's Struggle To Survive'. 'Survival' is unlike other political or American government books available today. It is a comparative assessment, an inspiration, and an intriguing collection of Substack messages from some of the best-known and best selling authors in the last decade covering the terrifying realities of today's political life, U.S. government, global challenges, and critical current affairs. It is an exhaustively explored and thoroughly investigated analysis of the deep, dark, clandestine linkage between Trump and Putin - a relationship which has plagued world politics and dismantled the United States government since 2015. Contributing authors include Craig Unger, Charlie Sykes, Steven Beschloss, David Adelman and Dr. Sanford Mayer. The book will be released later in 2025.

All of this information and much more is available in Graham's book, 'From Democracy To Democrazy: A Warning To All Americans', now available at Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/stores/Elizabeth-Graham/author/B0CMY189NT?. The bestselling eBook version will be available at no charge September 8 and 9, 2025 at Amazon. More information is available at her website at https://democrazy2020.org/.

About Elizabeth Graham:

Elizabeth Graham lives in a quiet rural city in northern Arizona. She had 4 children and has 3 grandchildren. Her oldest daughter died July 16, 2016 - three months before the U.S. 2016 election and while living/working in Japan. The Tokyo Police ruled her death a homicide by an unknown substance – possibly a poison - which is the signature lethal method used by Russians. There is more about her death in From Democracy to Democrazy.

Elizabeth was indoctrinated at a young age by her father who was a senior manager working undercover with the CIA. Her college days were in Los Angeles with the desire to become a high school teacher. However, she was destined to study Russia, Russian language, and live a life of Top-Secret clearances and undercover work. This led to senior nonprofit management positions and consulting jobs in strategic places like Moscow and St. Petersburg in Russia, all the former Soviet - Central Asian countries, and Ukraine, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and many other locations. In this process of living and working abroad, she became bi-cultural - American to Russian and back – only to find that her birth country was in the process of losing its democracy and becoming a dictatorship.

Contact:

Elizabeth Graham
https://democrazy2020.org
graham1elizabeth@aol.com 

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Bestselling Literary Fiction Ebook, Water Drumming In The Soul By Eric Madeen, Will Be Available At No Charge September 8 and 9, 2025

‘Water Drumming In The Soul’ has been called a "modern-day classic" that redefines traditional narratives.

Eric Madeen's bestselling literary fiction ebook,'Water Drumming In The Soul' will be available at no charge in e-book format September 8 through September 9, 2025 on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/stores/Eric-Madeen/author/B08VGRNJVW?.

Eric Madeen is an award-winning, bestselling author of six books. His writings have landed in executive suites of publications, from senior to junior worldwide. This bestselling novel, inspired by his travels in Africa, masterfully blends cultural immersion, personal growth, and a passionate love story, making it a compelling read from start to finish.

In steamy equatorial Africa, Peace Corps volunteer David Fields is on mission: to build a medical dispensary in a village where spells are cast on enemies and fear of a geek-shaman reigns. David seldom has his bearings – cultural or geographical – and must fight a cocktail of tropical maladies as well as social taboos as he throws himself into work. Until... he meets Assam. Captivated by her water drumming, her playing the stream as a drum, David is drawn to her early on and becomes the hunter captured by the game. And what a rollicking game of love it is - with a tension or excitement between them that never dissipates, … until the haunting end.

Like wunderkind best-seller Paul Theroux, Eric Madeen will always think of himself as a Peace Corps volunteer, one who, just after graduating from the University of Arizona, constructed in Francophone Gabon, Africa a primary school complex in an equatorial village surrounded by rainforest … where he got lost for three days while hunting monkeys for the cooking pot … and where notably he fell in love, giving his first novel, 'Water Drumming in the Soul' a vigorous fictional reality.

Readers and reviewers have expressed high praise for 'Water Drumming In The Soul'. Zaheer Baber; Professor of Sociology; University of Toronto, said, "Madeen's storytelling prowess shines through and resonates with authenticity. The characters, particularly Assam, are beautifully developed, challenging traditional stereotypes as in presenting a more nuanced and genuine portrayal of African culture.”

One Amazon reviewer said, "Water Drumming in the Soul not only tells a passionate love story, but it also delves into thought-provoking themes like culture, identity, and the power of human connection. It's a rollercoaster of emotions that'll have you laughing, crying, and everything in between. This isn't your typical love story! This novel is well-written and full of unexpected twists that keep you flipping those pages. Plus, the characters are so well-developed that you'll feel like you've known them forever. So, if you're ready for a wild and adventurous ride, grab a copy of this modern-day classic ASAP!"

Elizabeth Montano, author of The Eternal Dawn Trilogy, called it " a novel so beautifully and realistically written I found it on par with works by whom we consider masters … Hemingway definitely comes to mind."

Eric Madeen writes cross-genre, and is the author of a number of books:

Tokyo-ing! - This is an apt word for this bestselling trio of tales chiming with anyone even slightly interested in Asia’s most dynamic metropolis and its glazing of layers – be they cultural or taking-wing exuberant. Madeen does deep dives in three fascinating directions and voices, including the persona in first-person female. Then doesn’t let readers come up for air because they don’t want to -- until the delicious end.

Asian Trail Mix: True Tales From Borneo to Japan, a bestselling travelogue mixes it up on the Asian Trail in a voice that's by turns personal, passionate and ohhhh so very soulful. "So I get up at dawn and marvel at fog burning off into mist tumbling down like the finest mosquito netting of silk. The hills beyond the rivers' confluence, like shoulders of a woman undressing, the way the misty shroud lifts off feminine curves, higher and higher ... I tingle all over, feeling there on Borneo the dream tug of Joseph Conrad's fiction, notably Lord Jim." By turns literarily pathbreaking and intimate, this smorgasbord of travel essays scales down the sprawl of Asia by focusing on the unique and revelatory in gemmy prose. See up close and personal the razzmatazz of novice monks at play in northern Laos, the bonding with hustling pedicab drivers in Ho Chi Minh City, the rainforests blazed on gutsy treks across Borneo and Thailand's Elephant Island and novel things Japanese. Served up nice and spicy, Asian Trail Mix is slathered across 12 rocking-it essays plus a tall tale at its glorious ending, making for a baker's dozen of sumptuousness.

Tennis Clubbed, Snubbed and Rubbity-Dub Dubbed - In historically rich Yokohama, where Captain Perry and his Black Ships cracked open Japan, the wicked shiver of the tennis snub in the postmodern present pits David Adams against K: a puffed-up xenophobic tyrant who rules over the courts of a club that has as its anthem, ironically, the promotion of international friendship.

'Water Drumming In The Soul: A Novel Of Racy Love in the Heart of Africa' will be available at no charge in e-book format September 8 and 9, 2025 on Amazon.

Eric Madeen is available for media interviews and can be reached at ericsan@gol.com. All of his books are available at Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/stores/Eric-Madeen/author/B08VGRNJVW?. More information is available at his website at https://ericmadeen.com.

About Eric Madeen:

Eric Madeen is an associate professor of modern literature at Tokyo City University and an adjunct professor at Keio University. He's an award-winning author of six books, and his writing has been published widely -- in Time, Asia Week, The East, Daily Yomiuri, Tokyo Journal, Kyoto Journal, Metropolis, Mississippi Review, ANA's inflight magazine Wingspan, Peace Corps Worldwide, Japanophile, Yomimono, The Pretentious Idea, Tombstone Epitaph, several anthologies, academic journals, therein his seminal essay "Under Western and Eastern Eyes" jointly published by the Ministry of Education of the Western Federation, Russia, and the Joseph Conrad Foundation, USA, and so on.

Madeen has been featured in several radio interviews (9 in the USA and 1 in Japan) and various print media. He once made his living copywriting for then-world's largest ad agency Dentsu for clients as diverse as Mazda, Subaru, Canon, Konica, Nikko Hotels International and Sony.

He was a Peace Corps volunteer in Francophone Gabon, Africa, where he built a primary school complex in an equatorial village surrounded by rainforest, a mind-blowing experience which inspired his first book.

Contact:

Eric Madeen
https://ericmadeen.com
ericsan@gol.com 

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Big Ears Jack And Friends By Bestselling Earl Vincent de Berge Brings The Magic Of The Sonoran Desert To Life

'Big Ears Jack and Friends' is a collection of tall tales featuring extraordinary animals and plants from the Sonoran Desert of Baja California that can bring young people's love for nature to life.

Earl Vincent de Berge's 'Big Ears Jack and Friends' is a bestselling YA book that has received a 5-star review from Readers Favorite. It is one of those rare books that transport young readers into the heart of a world seldom seen by most, where they will enjoy learning about the extraordinary animals and plants found in the Sonoran Desert.

Earl's adventures in Baja California ignited a lifelong passion for the Sonoran Desert's unique plants and animals, fueling his inspiration to create this enchanting collection of tales for young readers.

The main character in these delightful stories is Big Ears Jack: a very big jackrabbit with huge ears -- and magical powers to use for good! Jack is the king of desert kindness, a good friend to all desert critters.

Among Jack’s friends readers will meet Nosey and Wag, mischievous coyote brothers; Blue Dasher, a racing dragonfly; the Kangaroo Rat Chorus; tree-lizard Boris; Giro the dust devil; Hawk Conchita and the red ants; Lady Treble Clef, a watchful cactus; Paulina, the puma poet; Diana the musical tarantula; Lady Chrona, a sea lion who dreams of flying; a scheming sea gull named Swindler; the beautiful bobcat Miss Mucha Purrs; Mr. Shellie the chatterbox tortoise; and Young Red Fox and his sweet love, the beautiful rabbit Adorna -- along with many others.

Reviewer Essien Asian said, "The author presents educational information in detail while using the dialogue between the characters to stimulate young readers' imaginations. The mix of strategically placed pictures, an engaging narrative style, and thought-provoking subplots regarding these animals ensures that young readers will learn vital lessons in diplomacy and survival from 'Big Ears Jack and Friends' while enjoying a captivating adventure.

In his review on Amazon Mark Winheld stated, "If you're up for more fantasy fun, you'll be tempted by chapter titles like 'Sheriff Diamondback and the Egg-Thieving Coyotes,' or 'Dianna the Musical Tarantula,' or 'Swindler (a thieving seagull) and Big Umpo the Sea Lion,' or 'Lady Treble Clef and Dust Devils Rescue a Javelina Family,' and many more."

An AWA reviewer said, "One of the book’s greatest strengths is its world-building. De Berge weaves the flora and fauna of Baja California into the narrative, making the setting feel like a character itself. Talking cacti, dust devils playing tag, and wise desert tortoises enrich the stories, placing readers in an enchanting ecosystem where the line between reality and fantasy blurs.

"The themes of community, creativity, and environmental respect run throughout the collection. Young readers will enjoy the magical adventures and witty dialogue, while adults will appreciate the underlying messages about cooperation, individuality, and harmony with nature."

‘Big Ears Jack and Friends' is available in print and ebook form on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/stores/Earl-Vincent-de-Berge/author/B09R6M1G4Y?.

De Berge is also the author of a dramatic and exciting travel memoir, 'A Finger Of Land On An Old Man's Hand'. In this book, readers are immersed with four explorers in a transformative journey through Baja California in 1962 and 1964, inspired by 'The Forgotten Peninsula' by Joseph Wood Krutch. The book received a 5-star review from ReaderViews, and another reviewer called the book, ". . . a beautifully written, fabulous tale of an incredibly brave and daring journey."

Earl has published three collections of his poems, “Allegro to Life,” “Swans to Carry Me,” and “Wind in the Elephant Tree,” which touch on nature, human nature, love, desert silence, and life in Guatemala.

All of de Berge's books are available at Amazon and other online book retailers. More information, including an excerpt from the “Baja book” and a pdf of selected photos with insider details revealing Baja in the 1960s, is available at https://www.earldeberge.com.

About Earl Vincent de Berge:

Author Earl Vincent de Berge is an Arizona native, writer, photographer, and poet. With a master’s degree in political science from the University of Arizona, he founded Behavior Research Center, Inc., and created the respected and widely published Rocky Mountain Poll (RMP), of which he was Editor for 35 years. Earl’s photographs, logbooks, and essays reflecting on life experiences serve as foundations for his prose and poetry. He has recently published three collections of his poems, “Allegro to Life,” “Swans to Carry Me,” and “Wind in the Elephant Tree,” which touch on nature, human nature, love, desert silence, and life in Guatemala. He is currently assembling “The Man Who Ate His Dreams,” a biography of a rags-to-riches businessman, artist, and poet.

Earl and his wife Suzanne split their time between Arizona and Guatemala where they founded the nonprofit Seeds for a Future to help impoverished rural women improve their families’ access to adequate food and nutrition (www.seedsforafuture.org).

Contact:

Earl Vincent de Berge
https://www.earldeberge.com/
edb1326@hotmail.com 

Leia Mais…

Book Marketing Announcements: The Authors Show® Lineup For The Week Of September 1, 2025

The Authors Show® serves as a resource for authors and allows members to engage in promotion and publicity for marketing purposes. The site offers professionally produced radio interviews that are broadcast worldwide.

Don McCauley has announced The Authors Show® broadcast schedule for the week of September 1, 2025. The new show schedule is available at The Authors Show® site.

For those who hope to sell books on the Internet, the challenge can be daunting. It can be confusing difficult, time consuming and expensive. The Authors Show® helps authors overcome these challenges by providing opportunities for greater visibility.

The Authors Show® shows offer professionally produced radio interviews that are broadcast worldwide.

The Authors Show® lineup for the week of September 1, 2025

Sep 1  
Channel 1     Don Baldwin (Ireland) 
Channel 2     J.D. Mitschke (USA) 
Channel 3     Elisabeth Haggblade (USA) 
Channel 4     Jeff Richards (USA) 
Channel 5     A.L. Tayler (United Kingdom) 
Channel 6     Donna Louis (USA) 
Channel 7     Pam Ostrowski (USA) 

Sep 2  
Channel 1     Tom Strelich (USA) 
Channel 2     Rosalie Rayburn (USA) 
Channel 3     Lyla Yastion (USA) 
Channel 4     Lisa Skinner (USA) 
Channel 5     Shawn Lee (USA) 
Channel 6     Sue Tabashnik (USA) 
Channel 7     Bill Yarborough (USA) 

Sep 3  
Channel 1     Theresa M Janson (USA) 
Channel 2     Christine Tate (USA) 
Channel 3     Ila France Porcher (Canada) 
Channel 4     Keith Howard (USA) 
Channel 5     Deborah Wynne (USA) 
Channel 6     Anthony J. Mohr (USA) 
Channel 7     G. R. Boden (USA) 

Sep 4  
Channel 1     Doralyn Moore (Canada) 
Channel 2     Cathie Frank (USA) 
Channel 3     John Crippen (USA) 
Channel 4     Dr. Kixx Goldman (USA) 
Channel 5     Nancine Meyer (USA) 
Channel 6     Alphonsus Obayuwana, MD, PhD, CPC (USA) 
Channel 7     Alfred James Dansbury, Sr. (USA) 

Sep 5 - Sep 7  
Channel 1     Donna Louis (USA) 
Channel 2     Christine Tate (USA) 
Channel 3     Saverio Monachino (USA) 
Channel 4     Lauren Speeth (USA) 
Channel 5     Lisa Norman M.D. (USA) 
Channel 6     Donna Louis (USA) 
Channel 7     David Rich (USA) 

Profile:

The Authors Show® is a professional interview podcast created in 2005 that offers participants multiple benefits that authors who are serious about marketing their work need to consider, especially inasmuch as these benefits have long lasting effects. The Authors Show broadcasts interviews on multiple channels, each featuring one individual author for a full 24hrs Monday through Thursday, and 3-day weekends, Friday through Sunday. 

Contact:

Don McCauley
The Authors Show®
https://theauthorsshow.com 

Leia Mais…

Book Marketing Announcements: The Authors Show® Lineup For The Week Of August 25, 2025

The Authors Show® serves as a resource for authors and allows members to engage in promotion and publicity for marketing purposes. The site offers professionally produced radio interviews that are broadcast worldwide. 

Don McCauley has announced The Authors Show® broadcast schedule for the week of August 25, 2025. The new show schedule is available at The Authors Show® site.

For those who hope to sell books on the Internet, the challenge can be daunting. It can be confusing difficult, time consuming and expensive. The Authors Show® helps authors overcome these challenges by providing opportunities for greater visibility.

The Authors Show® shows offer professionally produced radio interviews that are broadcast worldwide.

The Authors Show® lineup for the week of August 25, 2025

Aug 25  
Channel 1     Andre Mckelvin  (USA) 
Channel 2     Philippa Rees (United Kingdom) 
Channel 3     James Vogelzang (USA) 
Channel 4     Lauren Speeth (USA) 
Channel 5     Valerie Doherty (USA) 
Channel 6     Katherine MK Mitchell (USA) 
Channel 7     David Rich (USA) 

Aug 26  
Channel 1     Donna Louis (USA) 
Channel 2     McClellan L Jeffrey (USA) 
Channel 3     Jody Sharpe (USA) 
Channel 4     Donna Louis (USA) 
Channel 5     Erin Tunney (USA) 
Channel 6     Phyllis Strupp (USA) 
Channel 7     Grace Blair (USA) 

Aug 27  
Channel 1     Eleanor Lawrie (Canada) 
Channel 2     B.D. Lawrence (USA) 
Channel 3     Nicholas Anderson (United Kingdom) 
Channel 4     Shelby Jean Wagner (USA) 
Channel 5     Joseph M Lenard (USA) 
Channel 6     Eric Madeen (Japan) 
Channel 7     S.G. Blaise (USA) 

Aug 28  
Channel 1     Norman Brewer (USA) 
Channel 2     Philippa Gamse (USA) 
Channel 3     Daniel L. Smith (USA) 
Channel 4     James D Paulk (USA) 
Channel 5     Lisa Norman M.D. (USA) 
Channel 6     Linda Maria Frank (USA) 
Channel 7     Joni Marie Iraci (USA) 

Aug 29 - Aug 31  
Channel 1     Nancy Hicks Marshall (USA) 
Channel 2     Nancy Hicks Marshall (USA) 
Channel 3     Carolyn Larkin Taylor, M.D. (USA) 
Channel 4     Jeffrey Marshall (USA) 
Channel 5     Rene Vecka (USA) 
Channel 6     Rosanne D'Ausilio, Ph.D (USA) 
Channel 7     Richard McMaster (USA) 

Profile:

The Authors Show® is a professional interview podcast created in 2005 that offers participants multiple benefits that authors who are serious about marketing their work need to consider, especially inasmuch as these benefits have long lasting effects. The Authors Show broadcasts interviews on multiple channels, each featuring one individual author for a full 24hrs Monday through Thursday, and 3-day weekends, Friday through Sunday. 

Contact:

Don McCauley
The Authors Show®
https://theauthorsshow.com
 

Leia Mais…

Book Marketing Announcements: The Authors Show® Lineup For The Week Of August 18, 2025

The Authors Show® serves as a resource for authors and allows members to engage in promotion and publicity for marketing purposes. The site offers professionally produced radio interviews that are broadcast worldwide.

Don McCauley has announced The Authors Show® broadcast schedule for the week of August 18, 2025. The new show schedule is available at The Authors Show® site.

For those who hope to sell books on the Internet, the challenge can be daunting. It can be confusing difficult, time consuming and expensive. The Authors Show® helps authors overcome these challenges by providing opportunities for greater visibility.

The Authors Show® shows offer professionally produced radio interviews that are broadcast worldwide.

The Authors Show® lineup for the week of August 18, 2025

Aug 18  
Channel 1     Donna Louis (USA) 
Channel 2     Barbara Holstein (USA) 
Channel 3     John Crippen (USA) 
Channel 4     Dr. Kixx Goldman (USA) 
Channel 5     Rene Vecka (USA) 
Channel 6     Alphonsus Obayuwana, MD, PhD, CPC (USA) 
Channel 7     G. R. Boden (USA) 

Aug 19  
Channel 1     Douglas Norman (USA) 
Channel 2     Lynn B. Stone (USA) 
Channel 3     Saverio Monachino (USA) 
Channel 4     Jeffrey Marshall (USA) 
Channel 5     Nancine Meyer (USA) 
Channel 6     Jessica Mann (USA) 
Channel 7     Elizabeth A. Carter, PhD (USA) 

Aug 20  
Channel 1     Jan Banaszek (USA) 
Channel 2     Peter Ticktin (USA) 
Channel 3     Marty Martin (USA) 
Channel 4     Richard H Ballo (USA) 
Channel 5     Christopher Lee Jones  (USA) 
Channel 6     Thomas Fargnoli (USA) 
Channel 7     Alfred James Dansbury, Sr. (USA) 

Aug 21  
Channel 1     Anthony Chatman (USA) 
Channel 2     Mike F Elliott (USA) 
Channel 3     Glenn R Parris (USA) 
Channel 4     Steve Bassett (USA) 
Channel 5     Penny Orloff (USA) 
Channel 6     Jody Sharpe (USA) 
Channel 7     Wytisha Williams (USA) 

Aug 22 - Aug 24  
Channel 1     Heidi Siefkas (USA) 
Channel 2     Lisa Marie Shankles (USA) 
Channel 3     Bernadette Inclan (USA) 
Channel 4     Tomeko Brown (USA) 
Channel 5     Elaine Cougler (Canada) 
Channel 6     Linda Maria Frank (USA) 
Channel 7     Elizabeth A. Carter, PhD (USA) 

Profile:

The Authors Show® is a professional interview podcast created in 2005 that offers participants multiple benefits that authors who are serious about marketing their work need to consider, especially inasmuch as these benefits have long lasting effects. The Authors Show broadcasts interviews on multiple channels, each featuring one individual author for a full 24hrs Monday through Thursday, and 3-day weekends, Friday through Sunday. 

Contact:

Don McCauley
The Authors Show®
https://theauthorsshow.com

Leia Mais…

Are You Preparing And Anticipating The Changes In Global Commerce Asks Top Motivational Speaker And Bestselling Author Rocky Romanella

 Renowned as a keynote speaker, trainer, and Forbes Contributor, Romanella founded 3SIXTY Management Services, LLC. With 40+ years in leadership, he served as CEO and Director at UniTek Global Services after a 36-year UPS career.

Today, technological advancements and shifting consumer behaviors have made it possible for customers to browse and purchase products from anywhere at any time. Though this is not necessarily new, this landscape can change at lightning speed. It is vitally important that organizations keep their eyes on the puck, while simultaneously making correct projections about where that puck is going to be, both short-term and long-term.

As a top keynote speaker, Rocky Romanella spends a good deal of time speaking to groups of people, large and small, most of whom hope to take away actionable ideas regarding how to stay abreast of this ever-changing landscape. Romanella addressed some of the issues involved in a recent newsletter titled, "A Whole New World: Optimizing It Through E-Commerce." In that piece he wrote in part:

We have all been touched by the e-commerce wave, whether as a consumer or a business supplying goods and services. It is clear the internet allows small companies to look and feel like big companies, and large companies to feel like a small company with the way they portray their businesses on the web. This also provides you with an opportunity to support your marketing strategy and position your brand to support your organization’s strategy and mission, and build your brand identity around the world.

A few thought-provoking questions to start the critical analysis: Do you and your organization possess the leadership competencies of Strategic Perspective & Vision, developing a compelling vision and strategy for the organization and its units? Do you and your team understand both the short-term and long-term view of both the organization's and the overall industry's strengths, challenges, and opportunities?

In this newsletter, let’s discuss the following questions as you begin the global strategic journey:

Is e-commerce something for you to consider for your business?

What are some of the things you will need to consider?

The World Wide Web is global—are you?

Are you preparing for today and tomorrow’s new normal?

If we bring back manufacturing and markets open to countries worldwide that we have little to no business in, are you prepared to manage these needs?

Are you preparing to support the growth of the manufacturing boom in the U.S.?

How do your customers view you today?

Are you a preferred vendor, solutions provider, or a trusted advisor?

Let’s start from a historical perspective as a level set and move from there.

Significant Events Have Shaped the Future of Companies, Markets, and People

For example, in retail, the first disruption arrived in the form of department stores. Retailing was originally dominated by local merchants who provided value to their customers by keeping large inventories, extending credit, and offering personalized advice. The industry changed dramatically in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries as a result of the first retail disruption: the launch of department stores like Marshall Field and R.H. Macy, to name a few.

In manufacturing, for the first time, Henry Ford’s entire Highland Park, Michigan automobile factory was run on a continuously moving assembly line when the chassis—the automobile’s frame—was assembled using the revolutionary industrial technique. A motor and rope pulled the chassis past workers and parts on the factory floor, cutting the hours required to complete one “Model T” from 12-1/2 hours to six. Within a year, further assembly line improvements reduced the time required to 93 minutes. The staggering increase in productivity affected by Ford’s use of the moving assembly line allowed him to drastically reduce the cost of the Model T, thereby accomplishing his dream of making the car affordable to ordinary consumers.

Thirty years ago, listeners tuning into Morning Edition heard about a futuristic idea that could profoundly change their lives.

"Imagine being able to communicate at will with 10 million people all over the world," NPR's Neal Conan said. "Imagine having direct access to catalogs of hundreds of libraries as well as the most up-to-date news, business, and weather reports. Imagine being able to get medical advice or gardening advice immediately from any number of experts.

"This is not a dream," he continued. "It's internet."

Events Shape Companies, and Without Change, Your Current Company’s History and Success Do Not Guarantee Future Success

A key lesson for leaders is that a company’s current success does not guarantee future success.

There are many great American brands that have stood the test of time.

The key to longevity is:
a. Anticipating where the market is going,
b. Making tough decisions,
c. Effectively communicating when changes need to be made.

Leaders Anticipate
One of the key lessons I like to share with you is this… leaders anticipate. Leaders go to where the puck is going, not to where the puck has been.

The full text of the piece is available at Romanella's website at https://3sixtymanagementservices.com in the newsletters section.

Romanella's bestselling book on Balanced Leadership, Tighten The Lugs Nuts, took First Place in the Business genre in The Authors Show® 2024 Book Cover contest. Results of the contest can be viewed at https://wnbnetworkwest.com/index.php/book-cover-contest-2024-vote?page=1.

Rocky offers a number of resources on his website that offer powerful ideas for leaders at any level - business managers, educators or small group leaders:

FORBES CONTRIBUTIONS:

Rocky is a former official member of Forbes Business Council and a past contributor on many different topics. A full list of his Forbes articles is available at https://www.3sixtymanagementservices.com/forbes-business-council/.

PODCAST:

Rocky hosts The Leadership Library Podcast, now in its 8h season. New shows are posted every Tuesday and Thursday morning at https://tightenthelugnuts.com/.

All of us are leaders in some way - parents, educators, athletes, special interest groups large and small, sales teams - the list is endless. Regardless of the role we play, Romanella's concepts, developed under the heading of Balanced Leadership, can be applied to improve effectiveness, efficiency, and results.

Morning coffee is one of the joys of life for many of us. When you add your Cup of Joe to your visit to the Leadership Library podcast, your morning coffee will add an educational, entertaining dose of leadership octane to your day. Past show topics include:

The Feeling Of Trust That Comes From Hope (over 7.5 K views)
Soft Skills For Great Results (over 3.1K views)
Balanced Leadership
Goal Setting
Integrity
Leaving a Legacy
Personal Values
Performance of a Successful Team
Strategic Vision
Operational Excellence
Strategic Process
Are You A Job Skill Developer
Leadership Roles and Responsibilities
SWOT Analysis
Training and Development

with many more topics available and more on the upcoming schedule.

The podcast is now available at https://tightenthelugnuts.com or visit https://www.buzzsprout.com/1484407. The podcast is also available at Apple Podcasts. More on leadership, building a legacy and many other topics are also available at Romanella's website at https://3SixtyManagementServices.com.

BOOK:

Rocky's book about leadership, 'Tighten The Lug Nuts: The Principles Of Balanced Leadership' recently achieved number 1 bestseller status in both Business Management and Business Leadership.

In 'Tighten the Lug Nuts', Romanella uses his forty-plus years of experience at UPS, and his CEO and Director roles, to explore the ways a true leader can lead any organization and its people to new levels of success.

If you read only one business book this year, this is the book you should read.

Rocky's approach to leadership is unique and highly effective. He believes that great leaders challenge their people not to stop at the first right answer. 'Tighten The Lug Nuts' is a book about leadership that help readers move past that first right answer. It is full of detailed examples that are organized in an educational and entertaining way to form a framework of real-world concepts. The deceptively simple concepts, with powerful “How To Messages“ can be utilized by anyone who holds a leadership position - even parents, educators, and others. Whether you are a seasoned professional or a first-time manager, 'Tighten The Lug Nuts' is not only motivational, but also a call to action for those who have yet to make a mark in their field.

The book can also help position an organization for hyper growth coming out of the pandemic, Key concepts detailed in the book will prepare leaders and their teams to hit the ground running as they rapidly refocus and rebuild. 'Tighten The Lug Nuts' is loaded from cover to cover with practical information that can help leaders become more effective, more productive, and more successful. It is not just another "book about leadership."

'Tighten The Lug Nuts' is available at online book retailers. More information is available at his website at https://3sixtymanagementservices.com and at https://tightenthelugnuts.com.

Rocky Romanella has built an entire library of cutting-edge resources, available at his website, to help position ourselves to come out of the pandemic stronger, leaner, faster and to get a jump-start on the Rapid Rebuild process. Those resources include:

LIVE AND VIRTUAL KEYNOTES AND TRAINING - SUPPORT FOR WEEKLY MEETINGS AND CALLS

Rocky has been doing virtual conferences and training sessions with a keen eye on POST COVID and the Rapid Rebuild of our businesses. He can build a program, live or virtual, for any organization. Topics can include any or all of the 23 Leadership Competencies, concepts from the book, Tighten The Lug Nuts: The Principles Of Balanced Leadership, or any topic that might be appropriate.

THE LIST - 23 LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES

Every item on the list will play a vital role during the Rapid Rebuild of our economy, our businesses and our lives. Any or all of them will be appropriate for virtual meetings, talks or presentations.

PODCASTS LIBRARY

Over 108 podcasts that take a deep dive into Leadership topics. These can be searched by topic, show name or Leadership Competency.

VIDEO LIBRARY

The video library includes training videos, Balanced Leadership videos, Keynote Speaking videos, Tighten The Lug Nuts videos, interviews videos, Coach's Corner videos and much more.

More on leadership skills, virtual keynotes, training sessions, virtual meetings and conferencing calls, training workshops, strategy sessions and general information on the relaunch of the economy is available at Romanella’s website.

MEETING CALLS

As a special incentive for those who are ready for a Rapid Rebuild, Rocky will be offering meeting calls at no charge for those who purchase 20 or more copies of his 5-star rated book on leadership, 'Tighten The Lug Nuts'. Contact Rocky for details at rockyromanella@gmail.com, and or 610-322-0720 to schedule your session.

With over 4 decades of “boots on the ground” leadership experience, Rocky Romanella is one of the best keynote motivational speakers in the country and internationally. He has spoken in large and small venues all over the US including cities such as Atlanta, San Diego, Las Vegas, Phoenix, NYC, Dallas, Chicago, Miami, Houston, LA, Charlotte, and many others. Internationally, he has presented keynotes in Toronto, Mexico City, Milan, London, and Krakow. He is known for creating excitement through his energy, passion, and knowledge, while employing his talents and experience to motivate, inspire and entertain audiences, regardless of size.

Romanella has garnered praise for his ability to connect to a wide range of audiences with his storytelling ability and innate charisma. Richard Snowden, President of Raven House International said, "An engaging speaker and facilitator, Rocky leads business executives to break-through results through break-through thinking." Conrad Swanson, Sr. VP Agency Development of Arpin Van Lines Inc. stated, "Rocky inspired many to look inward and improve the way they operate their businesses and lead their team members."

A winner of the UPS Chairman’s Award for Excellence, Romanella has created a legacy of motivating teams to achieve their best. He pulls in audiences with real life stories from an illustrious career spanning nearly 40 years at one of the most recognized and admired brands in the world. Rocky brings leadership expertise in supply chain, logistics and transportation, retail, sales and operational excellence strategy, telecommunications engineering/construction management and installation. Having led many company sales efforts, rapidly building brands, restructuring events, and developing a culture needed to integrate past acquisitions, he inspires audiences to create a unified company with one vision.

Rocky Romanella is available for keynote speaking engagements and media interviews. He can be contacted using the information below or by email at rockyromanella@gmail.com. Full information on 3SIXTY Management Services, more information on keynote speaking and 'Tighten The Lug Nuts' is available at the company website at https://3sixtymanagementservices.com.

About Rocky Romanella:

Rocky is the Founder and CEO of 3SIXTY Management Services, LLC, a management consulting firm specializing in Executive Speaking, Leadership Development and Consulting Services. He also serves on the board of Goodman Networks, a leading provider of end-to- end network infrastructure, field and professional services to the wireless telecommunications and satellite television industries.

Rocky is an experienced CEO who led one of the largest rebranding initiatives in franchising history – The UPS Store, revolutionizing the $9 billion retail shipping and business services market.

While leading The UPS Store, the network increased retail unit, same-store sales by 5.8%, outpacing the National Retail Federation results of 4.6% during a recession.

Rocky steered UPS’s entry into the health care industry and created the mantra, “It’s a patient, not a package.®”

He also led the integration of more than 20 acquisitions to improve financial performance, capabilities, and global network footprint.

Through his executive roles and leadership advisory services, Rocky delivers results by developing and implementing his Balanced Leadership Model across enterprise operations. This includes a laser focus on customer needs, employee empowerment and the demands of shareholders.

Rocky has the rare ability to see a clear vision of the changing business landscape, the passion to develop strategies, tactics, and metrics to drive desired results.

Contact:

Rocky Romanella
https://3sixtymanagementservices.com
rockyromanella@gmail.com 

Leia Mais…

Bestselling Author Jody Sharpe Announces National Level NFPW Award For The Dog Who Came For Christmas, Encourages Kindness Versus Bullying

Sharpe was a 1st Place Winner of the 2023 National Association of Press Women's Communications Contest Award for Fiction For Adult Readers - Novellas, and the 2024 National Association of Press Womens's Communications Contest For Fiction - Novellas.

Jody Sharpe has announced a new National level award from the National Federation Of Press Women for her latest book, 'The Dog Who Came For Christmas'. In this book, meteorologist and psychic, Gayle Force Knight, proves to be a force to be reckoned with once more. While Gayle was sleeping, an angel sent her a vision of a future event. With her intuition, Gayle wonders, will she really meet the dog in her dream and save another one? With the help of her intuitive husband, Alex Knight, and friends, Gayle sets on a course to rescue many more. But with surprising twists and turns of intrigue, both Gayle and Alex find there are always angels at the helm as they ride on their coattails.

Most of Sharpe's book feature angels and a strong anti-bullying message. In a recent article posted on her site titled 'Kindness vs Bully', she wrote in part:

"You know who the bully hurts? Our children, the most vulnerable in our society.  Many lives of children are suffering because of the bullying in the schoolyards, the bullies in the neighborhood and as they see it play out in the media. Recently, I purchased a t-shirt that is for kids and adults. It says Everyone Is Welcome Here.

In my seven Mystic Bay Series of novellas, and memoir, Special Needs Children The Angels on My Shoulder, bullying is always one of the main themes. Why?Because bullying has to be taken to task in our society.  Teaching  about bullying begins at home and in school. Teaching kindness and how to be kind is our great opportunity to change the world.

Every one of us may have been bullied in our young lives or as adults and there is such a  need to teach the children how to overcome being bullied and how bullying hurts. We can teach kids to walk away, tell parents or adults like their teacher, bus driver or family member if somebody has bullied them. Talk to your kids about bullying.

An important lesson for our kids is to explain to them how kindness helps us grow into loving adults and how helping others helps ourselves grow up to be kind. Being kind can spread love around the world. It is more powerful than hate.

I’ve written books that have won awards, I think mainly because of the themes of love, forgiveness, redemption and thwarting bullies.   In my next Mystic Bay novella  due to be released in 2026, bullying will once more be a theme. I love to write and the angels inspire me to realize my potential to get themes of love and hope out into the world. It is my belief that any one can change if they want to."

The full text of the piece can be found at her website at https://jodysharpe.com/blog.

Other books by Jody Sharpe include:

To Catch an Angel - Jody is also the author of 'To Catch an Angel', written in memory of her late husband Steve. In 'To Catch an Angel', miracles happen in Mystic Bay, California, the town with the psychic and angel vibe. Angels are calling. Psychic Maggie Malone returns home to find she's swept up in the miracle of it all. She can't imagine why her mother left or who her father might be. But these questions pale in comparison to the wonder of the angels. Maggie meets writer, Noah Greenstreet. They realize they've met before, but where? Maggie and Noah embark on a journey to find our world is all awash with angels.

Town Of Angels - it's angel vs. Bully in the town of Mystic Bay, California, where a well-kept secret lies. Angels live as humans there. After angels appeared to three children, all was blissful in the town full of psychics, and ordinary folk. But as brute, Klaus Waxman, comes to town, angel Ken Leighton, a storeowner, must carefully guide his flock of humans not to give in to the bully's efforts.As Klaus opens a store mocking the resident angel sightings, angel Ken guides psychic Justine Greer, and her family to thwart his efforts. And with the help of the indomitable oldest psychic in town, Madam Norma, the bully meets his match through the soft voices and intuitive minds of his neighbors.

Town Of Angels Christmas - The bully never wins. A secret lies in Mystic Bay California. Angels live as humans there. Angel Ken, a storeowner, fears the secret will be revealed when vet, Jordana Hart, a woman with special healing abilities moves to town.

Years before Angel Ken materialized as an old man, changing the course of her life. Will Jordana recognize Angel Ken as the man from her past as they work together on a rescue mission to bring twenty-two horses to Mystic Bay before Christmas, will they see what lies before them, a Christmas story only the angels could write.

Special Needs Children, The Angels On My Shoulder is a memoir based on her twenty-five years teaching children with special needs. The book placed second in the National Federation Of Press Women's At-Large Communication contest. The book is as entertaining as it is illuminating. It's a love story about the special students and others who over the years graced her life with just that, their grace.

With hearts of angels and challenges to face, the children took Sharpe along their journeys and inspired her own life's journey of self-discovery. When sorrow came, their kindness helped her through. The synchronicity of events from high school to retirement changed her life for the better, turning her face toward heaven.

Midwest Book Review stated, "Sharpe's ability to see the good in circumstances and people identifies the 'special' in 'special needs' as she delineates her journey through the education system and those teaching and social encounters which changed her perspective and life."

"Teachers (especially those working with special needs kids) will find this spiritual and social reflection easily accessible. It's presented in vignettes which offer small, digestible bites of insight into a world where angels and kindness are present in more than one form."

Special Needs Children followed her recently released children's book about angels, When The Angel Sent Butterflies. The new book helps children understand that love from their parents and others surrounds them. Love conquers fear, and believing that angels are near can help sweep any childhood fear away. This concept is presented in the book when Angel Ken sends Jones and Kate butterflies. The book, appropriate for ages 2 to 7, is now available at Amazon and Ingram.

One of her latest books, Summer Of Angels, is a mystery novel. Meteorologist and psychic, Gayle Force proves a force to be reckoned with as she moves back to her beloved Mystic Bay, California. While sleeping, an angel sent her a vision in a dream of a future event. Gayle realizes she must use her intuition to save an old man from drowning. But who is this old man?

With the help of intuitive attorney, Alex Knight, she finds they are caught in the middle of a future crime. But can Gayle and Alex solve the case and save the old man before it’s too late? With surprising twists and turns of intrigue and love, Gayle and Alex find there are angels at the helm as they help prove the bully never wins.

The Dog Who Came For Christmas: Meteorologist and psychic, Gayle Force Knight, proves to be a force to be reckoned with once more. While Gayle was sleeping, an angel sent her a vision of a future event. With her intuition, Gayle wonders, will she really meet the dog in her dream and save another one?

With the help of her intuitive husband, Alex Knight, and friends, Gayle sets on a course to rescue many more. But with surprising twists and turns of intrigue, both Gayle and Alex find there are always angels at the helm as they ride on their coattails.

In addition, on the "Tuesdays With The Angels" section of her site, Sharpe presents stories of real-life encounters with angels. The stories are available at Sharpe's website at http://www.jodysharpe.com.

Sharpe hopes to create a collection of angel stories that involve sightings of angels, interaction with angels, miraculous angel encounters, and other types of accounts or stories. Everyone is welcome to submit angel stories. All submissions will be considered, but inclusion is not guaranteed. Stories may be submitted at http://bit.ly/2FV8amd.

Sharpe's YouTube channel brings all of this together, offering segments on all of these topics. One topic of special interest is bullying, specifically as it relates to special needs children.

In addition to the National Federation of Press Women’s award, Jody was chosen as a winner in the annual "50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading" Book Awards. She was chosen from a field of hundreds of authors through a public voting process.

Jody also announced recently that two new screen treatments of her books are now available: The Angel's Daughter and Town Of Angels Christmas.

Jody Sharpe is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below or by email at sharpejody76@gmail.com. Angel stories can be submitted at http://bit.ly/2FV8amd. All of her books are available at online book retailers. New quotes will be added every Tuesday to the "Tuesdays With The Angels" section of her blog, which can be found at her website at http://www.JodySharpe.com.

Profile:

Jody Sharpe had a rewarding career as a Special Education teacher. Writing about angels became healing after losing her daughter and then her husband. The valuable lessons she learned about moving forward and loving life in the now have set her on a mission to tell the stories with love, humor and spiritual awakening. The fictitious town of Mystic Bay has given her an avenue to put characters and themes together hopefully enlightening the reader towards contemplation of the precious life and memories we are given.

Contact:

Jody Sharpe
sharpejody76@gmail.com
https://www.jodysharpe.com

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Bestselling Author Richard McMaster's Thriller Novel, The Attic, Will Be Available At No Charge In Ebook Form August 19 And 20, 2025

McMaster creates a rich tapestry of human emotion and intrigue in a masterfully crafted novel for fans of character-driven psychological thrillers.

Bestselling author Richard McMaster has announced that the ebook version of his novel, ‘The Attic’, will be available at no charge August 19 through August 19, 2024, at Amazon. The Attic was ranked #1 in Contemporary Fiction and #6 in Psychological Thriller.

A principal character in 'The Attic', Sybie, was fashioned after a real high school classmate of the author who suffered from a rare genetic disorder. Some students called her Tic Toc because of the way she walked with her brace. Years later they meet again, and she is a changed woman. They marry, but tragedy strikes before they can even enjoy a honeymoon. When Byron faces assault charges and a lawsuit, he flees to Chicago to assume a fake identity and new image. He takes a low-level computer support job with an international investment banking company where he discovers the CEO has embezzled over 26 million dollars.

Fans of thriller novels love the excitement and suspense that can keep them on the edge of their seats. This type of novel requires readers to pay close attention to details and piece together clues, adding to the anxiety and tension, making them memorable experiences. If these elements are combined with well-developed characters with complex motivations and backstories, all the better. In 'The Attic,' bestselling author Richard McMaster brings all of these together to create a psychological thriller that fans will find irresistible.

When Byron Kelly becomes a whistleblower on the run from the FBI, he hides in the attic of a dying old man, Henry Steel. Byron cares for the old man and learns he is estranged from his daughter over the death of her mother, his wife, because of family secrets he has kept from her.

'The Attic' will be available at no charge in ebook form August 19 and 20 at Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/stores/Richard-McMaster/author/B01LDIJ2QU?.

One reviewer said, "You wrote a novel about a man with a past so messy, he literally hides in a stranger’s attic while trying to do the right thing. It’s emotional. Unconventional. Thoughtful. There’s rare disease rep, ethical drama, and a wildly underrated whistleblower story wrapped in quiet literary suspense."

In a story about Richard McMaster, printed by The Hudson Weekly, Dennis Keller said, "There have been multiple authors that have made a significant contribution to the world of literacy. In the current era, we have come across several first-time authors with the gift of writing. Richard McMaster is an accomplished author whose works have been praised for their depth, complexity, and emotional resonance."

Keller continued with "Richard McMaster never falls into the trap of presenting his characters as simplistic archetypes or caricatures, instead allowing them to emerge as fully-formed individuals with their unique voices and perspectives.

"In addition to his skillful characterization, he is also a master of plot and pacing. The structure of his novels keep readers engaged and invested in the story while also allowing for moments of quiet reflection and contemplation. The author’s writing is often described as 'page-turning' or 'gripping,' but it is also imbued with a sense of thoughtfulness and depth that elevates his work beyond mere genre fiction."

Other books by Richard McMaster include his bestselling historical fiction novel, 'Aaron's War', which details the struggles of a Jewish soldier's experience in WWII. It explores coming-of-age, antisemitism, forbidden marriage, PTSD, and substance abuse, resulting in a powerful story that takes the reader's breath away with its dramatic tale of love, bravery, and sacrifice.

Aaron Vanko, an innocent Iowa farm boy, faces the ultimate test that countless veterans have grappled with throughout history: the harrowing decision to take another's life in the name of duty.

But just as Aaron prepares to embark on this mission, a stunning revelation threatens to upend his entire world: he learns of his Jewish heritage, a discovery that shatters his sense of identity and his relationship with the love of his life.

Despite his fears, Aaron moves ahead, fueled by an unwavering sense of duty and patriotism. But now, he must wage war on two fronts - battling the enemy outside who seek to eradicate the Jewish race, and the inner with ethical dilemma that rages within his own soul.

Aaron is taken on an unforgettable journey of self-discovery, courage, and sacrifice, as he confronts the darkest corners of human nature and emerges forever changed.

Readers and reviewers have praised 'Aaron's War'. USA Today bestselling author Holly Roberts called Aarons War, "A coming of age story that grips your soul and takes you on a thought-provoking journey." Tom Porter, author of All I Need To Know About Business I Learned From A Duck stated, "An engaging, informative and thought-provoking tale of survival, love and faith. Make room for Richard McMaster on your list of up-and-coming authors." Lynn M. Safris said, “The descriptions and details given throughout this author's writing draw the reader into each page, making Aaron's journey feel like their own. I believe this book would appeal to a wide audience of readers. I truly enjoyed reading Aaron's War and I highly recommend this book."

Another of his books, 'Voyage Of Life,' is an exploration of overcoming obstacles that leaves readers deeply moved and inspired. It is a must-read for anyone seeking an inspirational journey through the lens of the "Baby Boomer" generation. A captivating love story, 'Voyage Of Life' captures the essence of the coming-of-age 60's with a twist, as the story is told as Thomas Cole’s Voyage of Life paintings are portrayed by the women woman Sean Buchanan loves; childhood, youth, manhood, and old age. The paintings are a metaphor for Sean’s life—the verdant landscape and calm waters of childhood turn turbulent in youth, and then early in manhood, the rocky shores of manhood open to a promising sky of old age when he believes that his one true love left him for another man.

The breathtaking story also unfolds mysteries around losing a father, mother, wife, son, and friends and Sean’s perseverance in life and, in the end, reuniting with his first love.

McMaster considers Voyage Of Life to be one of his signature works. Readers and reviewers agree.

One reader’s review stated, “While reading, you will smile, you will hesitate thinking, oh no, and you will cry, but there is a surprise toward the end. This is one of the best romantic books I have read.”

He is also the author of 'A Love Divided By Time', described as "one part The Notebook, one part suspenseful psychopath story, and one part Somewhere in Time." In that book, Forrest and Allie believed they found love in a previous life and being born again was a game of hide-and-seek to find each other in plain sight, seeking their better halves, united and whole. When tragedy strikes, Forrest makes a pact to find her killer, raise their daughter and find peace by joining her in the ever after.

Richard McMaster is available for media interviews and can be reached at Lifevoyages@gmail.com. More information is available at his website at https://richard-mcmaster.com/. All of his books are available at Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/stores/Richard-McMaster/author/B01LDIJ2QU?.

About Richard McMaster:

Bestselling author Richard McMaster is the author of best seller Aaron’s War, the 2018 Arizona Authors’ Association fiction runner-up book of the year, Voyage of Life, The Other Half, The Attic, and Love Divided by Time.

Before embarking on a writing career, he was a healthcare executive, heading up three different start-up companies, one ranked fifth largest of its kind in the United States. A native Iowan he was blessed to have lived twenty years in beautiful Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and now in Arizona. He actively participates in writing and book clubs: The Authors Guild, Phoenix Book Club, the oldest in Phoenix since 1926, Arizona Authors Association, and Arizona Traditions Writing Club, a local club he co-founded and has served as a writing contest judge. He is also a volunteer citizen patrol officer supporting the Surprise Police Department.

Contact:

Richard McMaster
https://richard-mcmaster.com
Lifevoyages@gmail.com

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Bestselling Author Eric Madeen Announces No Charge Download Of Ebook Version Of Massage World, Available at Amazon August 19 And August 20, 2025

Madeen is a recently retired professor of modern literature at Tokyo City University and an adjunct professor at Keio University. He writes cross-genre and has penned a number of Amazon bestsellers.

Bestselling author Eric Madeen has announced his latest novel, 'Massage World', will be available at no charge in ebook form at no charge August 19 and 20 at https://www.amazon.com/stores/Eric-Madeen/author/B08VGRNJVW?.

Whose world is it anyway?

'Massage World' is a multicultural thriller that dives deep into both sides of the massage industry, and throughout you'll marvel at the unravelling of both sides. From the get-go you'll be struck with the force of that ambiguity, each side repelling each other like magnets thus making for a read with conflict galore, exceeding reader expectation and thus creating narrative drive ..., a kind of drive that's hell on wheels throughout and at times laugh out loud hilarious.

More specifically, as the global demand for massage therapy skyrockets, from luxurious spas to discreet outcalls, one ambitious therapist, Ingrid Swanson, dares to open Massage World, a grand health spa, defying the local underworld kingpin.

Enter Jack Cobb, a ruthless massage parlor lord determined to seize control of Ingrid's business through a series of illicit "massage wars," aided by a crooked undercover vice cop soliciting "extras." The chaos escalates as a media frenzy erupts following a dramatic police raid, sparking neighborhood protests and the crackle of soooo much more.

A fearless female biker gang figures in the ending, riding their rice rocket Yamahas and Hondas up the grandiose stairs of Massage World then roaring up another floor ... then the hellacious chase and ... and ...

HOW you'll be smitten with this Dionysian nightmare, clashing as it does with those on both sides of the tracks, be they crystally (holistic) or oily in a read you'll find zesty and informative as in what goes down or doesn't in the sliding signifier of Massage World, draped ... or the heck with the drape.

'Massage World' has received rave reviews from readers:

“It combines gritty realism, lurid sensationalism, and darker-than-black comedy to conjure up a phantasmagoric vision of a world in pain … So earthquaking powerful and fresh it is, I've never read anything quite like it, not even close.” — Larry McCaffery, author notably of Some Other Frequency: Interviews with Innovative American Authors and former Professor of English and Comparative Literature at SDSU.

“It’s a sizzler of a thriller bursting with eccentric energy.” — William Luvaas, winner of a Huffington Post Book of the Year award.

“Very cinematic with a canny and calculated construction. A really high-octane potboiler. Motion and emotion. Exotica and erotica from SoCal to Japan and back. Conflict galore. Kinkiness with and without aromatic oils. Who could ask for more?” — Harold Jaffe, Professor Emeritus of Creative Writing and Literature at San Diego State University and former Editor of Fiction International.

The ebook version of ‘Massage World’ will be available August 19 and 20 at Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/stores/Eric-Madeen/author/B08VGRNJVW?

Other books:

Eric Madeen's bestselling book, ‘Asian Trail Mix: True Tales from Borneo to Japan,’ scales down the sprawl of Asia by focusing on the unique and revelatory in gemmy prose. See up close and personal the razzmatazz of novice monks at play in northern Laos, the bonding with hustling pedicab drivers in Ho Chi Minh City, the rainforests blazed on gutsy treks across Borneo and Thailand's Elephant Island and novel things Japanese. Served up nice and spicy, Asian Trail Mix is slathered across 12 rocking-it essays plus a tall tale at its glorious ending, making for a baker's dozen of sumptuousness.

In a review for 'Asian Trail Mix', one reader said, "The writing is lush and emotive. It contains images and turns of phrase that will stay with you." Another said, "'Mr. Madeen has a knack for taking one into the depths of a country and introducing the reader to fascinating customs and interesting characters. Five stars!"

Another stated, "The author focuses on subjects of local interest at each of the intervening destinations, or vignettes. An American based in Japan, he has a writer’s eye for details and is quite adept at capturing the local sights, sounds, weather, atmosphere, and such of each place as well as conveying his personal impressions as an experienced traveler with a literary background and sensibility, to the reader."

'Water Drumming In The Soul' - a fiery tale set in steamy equatorial Africa, Peace Corps volunteer David Fields, is on mission: to build a medical dispensary in a village where spells are cast on enemies and fear of a geek-shaman reigns. David seldom has his bearings – cultural or geographical – and must fight a cocktail of tropical maladies as well as social taboos as he throws himself into work. Until... he meets Assam. Captivated by her water drumming, her playing the stream as a drum, David is drawn to her early on and becomes the hunter captured by the game. And what a rollicking game of love it is - with a tension or excitement between them that never dissipates, … until the haunting end.

‘Tokyo-ing!’ - This is an apt word for this trio of tales chiming with anyone even slightly interested in Asia’s most dynamic metropolis and its glazing of layers – be they cultural or taking-wing exuberant. Madeen does deep dives in three fascinating directions and voices, including the persona in first-person female. Then doesn’t let readers come up for air because they don’t want to -- until the delicious end.

‘Tennis Clubbed, Snubbed and Rubbity-Dub Dubbed’ - In historically rich Yokohama, where Captain Perry and his Black Ships cracked open Japan, the wicked shiver of the tennis snub in the postmodern present pits David Adams against K: a puffed-up xenophobic tyrant who rules over the courts of a club that has as its anthem, ironically, the promotion of international friendship.

Eric Madeen is available for media interviews and can be reached at ericsan@gol.com. All of his books are available at Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/stores/Eric-Madeen/author/B08VGRNJVW?. More information is available at his website at https://ericmadeen.com/.

About Eric Madeen:

Eric Madeen is a recently retired associate professor of modern literature at Tokyo City University and an adjunct professor at Keio University. He's an award-winning author of six books. His writing has been published widely -- in Time, Asia Week, The East, Daily Yomiuri, Tokyo Journal, Kyoto Journal, Metropolis, Mississippi Review, ANA's inflight magazine Wingspan, Peace Corps Worldwide, Japanophile, Yomimono, The Pretentious Idea, Tombstone Epitaph, several anthologies, academic journals, therein his seminal essay "Under Western and Eastern Eyes" jointly published by the Ministry of Education of the Western Federation, Russia, and the Joseph Conrad Foundation, USA, and so on.

Madeen has been featured in several radio interviews (9 in the USA and 1 in Japan) and various print media. He once made his living copywriting for what was then the world's largest ad agency Dentsu, for clients as diverse as Mazda, Subaru, Canon, Konica, Nikko Hotels International and Sony.

He was a Peace Corps volunteer in Francophone Gabon, Africa, where he built a primary school complex in an equatorial village surrounded by rainforest, a mind-blowing experience which inspired his first book.

Contact:

Eric Madeen
https://ericmadeen.com
ericsan@gol.com

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