Book Marketing - An Interview With Jennifer Swanson

Book marketing is fast becoming a very specialized sub-set of Internet marketing. I recently had the opportunity to speak with Jennifer Swanson, author of the award winning Penny And Rio series. In this interview she gives us a glimpse of what it takes for authors to be successful in an Internet marketing environment

How many books have you written and tell us about them

I have written three children's books so far in the award-winning Penny and Rio series. These early reader chapter books are interactive and imaginative and provide exceptional learning opportunities for children. In Penny and Rio:The Mysterious Backyard Meeting, children are introduced to the dog detectives as they discover why a group of unlikely animals is determined to get into the house next door. The answer is unexpected and poignant in that it teaches children to take care of the animals they love. Penny and Rio: The Locked Doghouse Mystery finds the intrepid detectives on yet another case as they help a small mouse, named Squeaky, retrieve his precious belongings from a locked doghouse next door. Teamwork, friendship and yes, ingenious planning abound as they discover the ultimate treasure in anyone's life is family. Finally, in Penny and Rio: The Diamond Collar Adventure, Penny and Rio escape from the yard for the first time to help Hannah, the beautiful show dog, find her lost diamond collar.

What was your goal in writing these books?

My goal in writing these books is primarily to entertain children. I have always been an avid reader and if my books can keep children reading and make their imaginations soar, then I will be happy. The best part about being an author is to see children truly enjoying your books and their excitement to read more and even to possibly write a book themselves some day.

What have you found to be your greatest marketing challenge?

Getting exposure for my books. I had a very difficult time with the first book, mostly because I didn't have a great deal of knowledge about marketing. I think sometimes that when people don't know what to do, they just start throwing things out there, without a plan. Some works, some doesn't. But if you have a plan, I think that helps. I've learned a lot with the second two books and I believe my best and most coordinated effort has been with my last book, that was just released in July of 2010. The most I can say, is to perservere. Keep getting word out and, eventually, your book will catch on.

What is the key to successfully marketing books in today's environment?

I think you really need to find your target market. That can be difficult. You need to determine what is your best avenue to break in. Is it the bookstores? Is it the library market? Is it the internet? E-books? Bookstores are very tough to get into these days. They are losing customers to e-books so their shelf space is shrinking. If you are not with a major publisher, it is almost impossible to get your books displayed here. The library market is again, tough. Budgets are being cut, libraries are being closed. You really need to convice librarians that your book is worth buying with their limited funds. If you don't have a major review, then that is going to be difficult. As for the internet, the vast majority of book sales probably happen here. But the key is to find out where the best place is to find your target market. Is it through online book reviewers, such as Good Reads or Library Thing, or social networks like Twitter and Facebook, or should you focus on individual reviewers like Mommy bloggers? And E-books are becoming huge. While it is a must for small book publishers these days to turn their print books into e-books, where is the best place for them? Sometimes I think the decisions can be overwhelming.

What has been the most successful book marketing method you have used?

I have found success with a bunch of different ideas. First, I use press releases to get the word out about my books. Then I have targeted the Mommy Bloggers for reviews so that I can get to the audience that will read and buy my books. Finally, I have also created curriculum for my books so that they would be beneficial to homeschooling parents who are looking for ways to spice up their classes. They are also great for traditional schools whose teachers might be looking for new books to present to their classes.

What has been the least successful book marketing method you have used?

With my first book, I paid a large amount of money to an online marketing company to arrange a book blog tour. While they have had major success with some of their books/clients, I should have done more checking. The books they typically handle were adult books. The contacts they had did not translate well to a children's book blog tour. I did learn a lot, however, but I would recommend that if you choose to do a book blog tour, make sure the company knows how to handle the type of book you write. That is key.

Do you follow a formal marketing plan for your book?

As I mentioned above, I didn't have a specific plan for the first two books, but I did have a much more formal one for the third book. It was much easier to stick to budget with the plan in place. I highly recommend that everyone develop a plan. Oh, you can make changes to it, it doesn't have to be set in stone, but if you have a guideline of who you'll target and when, it makes things much easier.

Does the level of competition for the buyer's attention (on the Internet) concern you?

Yes, absolutely. I think the most difficult thing to do is to "break through" with your book these days. People are constantly being bombarded by ads for new books, movies, etc. How do small publishers compete with the deep pockets of the biggies? It's tough. It takes more time, determination and probably money if you want to get your name out there.

What are your feelings regarding ebooks and electronic book readers?

I see the need for them, especially as we become more eco-friendly, but the traditionalist in me rebels against this. I grew up reading printed books, I love them. My house is filled with them. I will have a hard time if they should ever go away. But I'm also a pragmatist, I realize that may happen someday. The ease and efficiency of carrying one small device with hundreds of books on it is just too strong to go away.

What do you see in the future for the small independent book store?

Hopefully, it will remain. But I quite honestly think it is difficult to tell right now. The big bookstores are struggling, too. So unless a community makes the effort and commitment to keep an independent book store around, I am not sure they will survive. This is a tragedy as far as I'm concerned.

At what point would you feel you would be able to say 'I've made it'?

This is a tough one. I am always pushing on to the next project. When I've completed a book, I start another one. I'm not sure if I'll ever stop. Unfortunately most of them are not published yet, but I keep trying. When have I "made it"? Maybe when I have about 10 published books under my belt? No, really, I"m not sure. If my books make children happy and can inspire them to write their own, then I'd be very satisfied.

What advice would you give to other authors just entering the book marketing arena?

Learn all you can about marketing, while you are writing or publishing your book. Find a mentor if you don't know anything. One who is familiar with marketing your type of book. Be wary, and judicious in your spending. Don't just throw money at marketing willy-nilly, have a plan. And finally, hang in there. We're all in the same boat, but it's the ones that stay the course the end up where they want to be.

Jennifer Swanson is the award winning author of the Penny And Rio Series of childrens books. She recently received her Masters in Education. Jennifer is employed as a middle school science instructor for John Hopkins University’s Center for Talented Youth.

Jennifer is an active member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers. She regularly attends the Florida branch of SCBWI’s conferences in Orlando and Miami. She is also a member of the Florida Writer’s Association.

More information on the Penny And Rio Series is available at http://www.PennyAndRio.com .

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Book Marketing, The 'Authors Marketing Powerhouse', Announces The Authors Show Lineup For The Week Of September 27, 2010

Book Marketing, The Authors Marketing Powerhouse, serves as a community of authors and allows authors to upload author photos, bios, book covers, video and book trailers. It also offers discussion forums, segmented groups and events listings. Facebook and Twitter integration are available

[September 26, 2010 Wilmington NC] Don McCauley of the Free Publicity Focus Group and Danielle Hampson of eBroadcastMedia.com, founders of Book Marketing, announced today The Authors Show radio and TV weekly broadcast schedule.

Book Marketing, branded as 'The Authors Marketing Powerhouse', allows authors and publishers the opportunity to upload photos, bios, book covers, video and book trailers. The site also offers discussion forums, segmented special interest groups and allows for event listings. Each author can develop a personalized page. In addition the site allows for integration with Facebook and Twitter. The site is a joint collaboration, developed by Don McCauley of the Free Publicity Focus Group and Danielle Hampson, CEO of eBroadcastMedia.com.

"We believe this site offers a real opportunity for authors and publishers," stated Mr. McCauley, "as the site offers so many options, opportunities and possibilities. It can be treated as a place to create awareness of one's work while, at the same time, the site allows the author to network with like-minded individuals. The segmented groups allow for the exchange of book marketing ideas, while the discussion forums can serve as an educational resource for those who may have a need to increase their own knowledge in regards to creating marketing and publicity plans that produce real results. All of this can be integrated with social networking technologies. The site can serve as a centralized hub for book marketing activity, education and networking."

Group discussions include website design and search engine optimization, marketing and publicity, audio and video, writing fiction and writing non-fiction. There are segmented group discussion for children's authors and Christian authors. Forum discussions include book marketing strategies and website optimization strategies. Groups and discussions can be created by participants, subject to moderator approval. Help A Publisher Publish You (HAPPY), offered through eBroadcastMedia.com, is a weekly listing of publishers and agents sent to participants of the list service.

Appearances on The Authors Show, Internet radio and tv versions, are produced by Danielle Hampson of eBroadcastMedia.com. The shows offer professionally produced radio and TV interviews that are broadcast worldwide. This upcoming scheduled radio lineups include:

Seth David Chernoff, Stephanie Huffman, Bob Allyn, Jennifer Ott, Michele Pearl, Christine Hamer, Jeff Knott, Jenny Fisher, Dee Dee Wike, Kasey Carter, Angel Tucker, Jenny Blakey and Dana Perri.

The scheduled TV version lineup includes:

John Murphy

"Our goal with this site," said Ms. Hampson, "is to create a one stop resource that covers all the bases in regards to creating success for authors in an Internet marketing environment. The colloboration between us allows authors to take advantage of getting the word out through Book Marketing, while participating in networking resources, group discussions, publisher information listings, full service audio and video production, publicity and marketing resources and much more, all found at one centralized location. As the site grows and evolves, the value of this resource will only increase."

Profile:

Don McCauley is the facilitator of the Free Publicity Focus Group, a marketing and publicity firm. He also serves as the host of The Authors Show Radio. Danielle Hampson is the Executive Producer of The Authors Show radio group of programs, The Authors Show TV version and is the CEO of eBroadcastMedia.com.

More information is available by visiting the Book Marketing site at www.TheAuthorsMarketingPowerhouse.com. Questions about Book Marketing can be addressed to Don McCauley by email at don (at) FreePublicityGroup.com. Questions about The Authors Show, radio and tv versions can be addressed to Danielle Hampson at danielle (at) TheAuthorsShow.com..

Contact:

Don McCauley
Free Publicity Focus Group
don@freepublicitygroup.com

Danielle Hampson
TheAuthorsShow.com
danielle@TheAuthorsShow.com

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Author Ami Moore, The Chicago Dog Coach, Featured At National Hug Your Hound Day In Chicago

The National Institute of Canine Experts will host a celebration of National Hug Your Hound Day while showcasing the new book by The Chicago Dog Trainer, Ami Moore, 'The Alphatude Attitude' and the new DVD 'Urban Alphatude 1-2-3.' The celebration event will take place on Sunday, September 26th from 4pm-6pm in the West Loop of Chicago. All proceeds for the event will be donated to a local dog-charity

[September 20 Chicago IL] The Chicago Dog Coach, Ami Moore, CMT, CMVT, a leading expert in dog psychology, is famous for revealing the truth about the relationships between dogs and their owners. It may be time for Cesar Milan to move over, as the Chicago Dog Coach recently that hugging a dog can actually help heal your heart.

"The healing effects of dog ownership," stated Ms. Moore, "on both the individual and society are well documented. I would ask anyone who questions this to consider the following:"

• Petting a dog can reduce one's blood pressure.

• Walking a dog can help reduce obesity.

• Creating dog parks which are open 24 hours decreases crime in local neighborhoods

Ami Moore has created two signature drinks in honor of this holiday and the release of her book and DVD: the “Alphatini” and the “Alpharita”. More information on the Hug Your Hound Day event is available by calling 847-284-7760.

After attending three dog training schools Ami Moore started dog training in Chicago. She was awarded the Chicagoland Tails award for best dog trainer and has been honored by various charities for her work with rehabilitating aggressive dogs. Ms. Moore also created the famous Guerrilla Group Obedience classes, and the 'Fido Fat Camp' concept so that loving pet owners could holistically increase their dog's health and wellness with exercise, natural food and psychological rehabilitation techniques. Ami Moore offered one of the first Chicago dog yoga or Doga classes in the city of Chicago.

She developed a three-tiered dog training and dog behavior management system based upon Alphatude, Amiability and Activity to balance the mind and body of the Chicago urban dog and dog owner which is explained in detail in her book The Alphatude Attitude available on her website at www.chicagodogcoach.com.

Ami Moore's goal is to reeducate the owner, rehabilitate the dog and rejuvenate the relationship between the loving dog owner and their dog. She provides products and merchandise to assist the dog and dog owner in reclaiming harmony in their home. In Chicago, Ms. Moore is involved with animal charities and organizations that have the mission to restore balance to man and mutt in Chicago.

Ami Moore has been featured in numerous industry publications, magazines and newspapers across the country. She writes as the Chicago Dog Training Expert for Examiner.com. She is available for interview and speaking engagements. She can be reached by email at chicagodogcoach@gmail.com. More information is available at the company’s website. The Alphatude Attitude is available at the AuthorHouse website listed below. She has been interviewed by a number of radio programs including The Authors Show and most recently on BBC Radio. Reviews of the book are available at KnitsAndReads.com and at ForewordReviews.com.

Profile:

Ami Moore, BS, COTA, CMT, CMVT, is a Credentialed Teacher and Adult Education Specialist, a Court Appointed Expert Witness for Dog Aggression, a Canine Behaviorist, a Nationally Certified Occupational Therapist, a WANT Institute Certified Personal Relationship Coach, a Native American Medicine Woman and Energetic Healer and is the author of Alphatude Attitude.

Ms. Moore has studied the role of the dog in modern life on five continents and in many different cultures which has given her an unique perspective on dog human relationships. She is a graduate of three highly rated dog training schools. She is skilled in three dog training methods: traditional training, clicker training and dog-friendly positive reinforcement electric collar training techniques. She has titled dogs in sports that require off-leash precision and reliability and has trained Service Dogs for adults and children with a wide variety of disabilities. Ms. Moore is a member of Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), The Dog Writers Association of America (DWAA) and The National Institute of Canine Experts (NICE). Ms. Moore also writes as The Chicago Dog Training Expert at Examiner.com.

Contact:

The Chicago Dog Coach
Attn: A. Moore
910 W. Van Buren #242
Chicago IL 60606
888-364-4251
www.DogDoRight.com
chicagodogcoach@gmail.com

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Author Maralys Wills To Discuss 'Damn The Rejections: Full Speed Ahead' On The Authors Show Radio Through September 2011

Wills is the author of twelve published books, has been teaching novel writing for 25 years and was called by Sidney Sheldon 'a force to be reckoned with'

[September 8, 2010 Santa Ana, CA] Author Maralys Wills will be appearing on The Author Show through September 2011. Ms. Wills is the author of twelve published books and has garnered three national awards. She has been teaching novel-writing for 25 years and in 2000 was named 'Teacher Of The Year'. In this interview she discusses one of her latest books, Damn The Rejections: Full Speed Ahead, and talks about writing and publishing in general. The show airs at The Author Show website through September 2011.

"I wrote this book," stated Ms. Wills, "because it took me 14 years to sell my memoir, Higher Than Eagles." If only I'd had some advice and known what questions to ask (and what writing techniques were needed), the process would have been years shorter. Most of us can't give 14 years to writing and selling our life stories. My book offers practical tips to shorten the process and, while you're at it, make your writing alive and vivid. But you can also read the book as a story--about one author's struggle to get past rejection and find a dramatic life in the world of words."

A treasure trove of sage advice for the new writer packaged in easy to digest and fun to read anecdotes. Damn the Rejections, Full Speed Ahead offers real world suggestions for writing novels or non-fiction and turning them into not only saleable, but bestseller material. Maralys shares from her own experience in the dos and don’ts of getting published.

Sidney Sheldon, bestselling novelist said, "Maralys Wills, genre-hopper extraordinaire, will make you laugh and cry and laugh again in this gripping how-to handbook for writers everywhere. She is clearly a force to be reckoned with."

Ms. Wills' interview will be available through September 2011 at The Authors Show website at www.TheAuthorsShow.com. More information regarding Ms. Wills and her books are available at her websites at DamnTheRejections.com, HigherThanEagles.com, LifeStoriesBooks.com, ClownsandElephants.com and at Maralys.com. Ms. Wills is available for media interview and can be contacted using the information below or by email at maralys@cox.net.

"My advice to artists," Ms. Wills continued, "is simple: When you have a vision, stick to it . . . never allow others to dim it down. As a writer, dismiss your rejections as a temporary barrier and see yourself on the other side. . . as published! Unless a rejection offers useful advice (occasionally they do), your attitude should be, What do they know?"

Damn The Rejections: Full Speed Ahead is available at most national book retailers, online book outlets and anywhere books are sold.

Damn The Rejections: Full Speed Ahead
The Bumpy Road To Getting Published
Stephens Press
ISBN 978-1-932173-925

Profile:

Maralys Wills’ twelve published books span several genres and publishers. Her fiction works include four romance novels published by Harlequin and Silhouette, and a techno-thriller about airplane sabotage. The N.Y. Times called SCATTERPATH “exciting, down-to-the-wire stuff . . . her cockpit sequences all but put the reader at the controls.”

Among her non-fictions is MANBIRDS: HANG GLIDERS & HANG GLIDING (Prentice-Hall), a party game book (Price/ Stern/Sloan), and her family story about hang gliding champions, HIGHER THAN EAGLES (Longstreet Press). Sadly, the Wills family lost two sons to the sport, and Wills’ account of those years--initially exhilarating, then tragic--earned her high marks in Publisher’s Weekly and Kirkus. HIGHER THAN EAGLES garnered five movie options, including from Disney.

Wills’ book on addiction, SAVE MY SON, is the result of years of trauma with an addicted son. Research in four states proved that other locales do offer real solutions.

Her recent, light-hearted memoir, A CIRCUS WITHOUT ELEPHANTS, earned a national award from Writer’s Digest. In 2008, Stephens Press published the sequel, A CLOWN IN THE TRUNK, (an Indie award winner), and in 2009, her writing book, DAMN THE REJECTIONS, FULL SPEED AHEAD, which won two national awards.

Wills is the mother of six children--five boys and a girl. Her husband is a lawyer. She studied at Stanford and UCLA, earning a B.A. and a teaching credential. She once helped her sons run a hang gliding manufacturing business, but after the family tragedies she went home to write books.

For the past 22 years, Wills has taught college novel-writing, and in 2000 was voted “Teacher of the Year.” In addition to frequent speaking engagements, she has given numerous writing seminars---at UCLA, UC Riverside, UCI, Orange Coast College, Cerritos College, and at writers’ conferences across the country. She is a past president of the Orange County Chapter of Romance Writers of America.

Contact:

Maralys Wills
1811 Beverly Glen Dr.,
Santa Ana, Calif., 92705.
714-544-0344
www.DamnTheRejections.com
maralys@cox.net

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Book Marketing, The Authors Marketing Powerhouse, Announces Writing Contest For Authors

Book Marketing is making the writing contest available to all authors including self published authors. Writers and authors will have an opportunity to take home book trailers, a marketing strategy analysis, 100 books printed at no charge and much more

Book Marketing, The Authors Marketing Powerhouse, is sponsoring the "Why I Write" challenge for new members. The challenge offers a prize package worth over $1300 and includes an array of services from some top providers.

Each participant is invited to enter the challenge by submitting a 300 word essay entitled "Why I Write". The winner will be chosen by drawing. The author of the winning entry will receive:

* An up to 2 minutes in length book trailer, produced by eBroadcastMedia.com. ($490 value)

* A Marketing and Publicity Strategy analysis provided by the Free Publicity Focus Group and a multimedia release package for a book or event chosen by the winner. ($389 value)

* 100 BOOKS, printed at no charge by AA Printing, the authority for book printing and self-publishing for over 30 years ($400 value)

* A copy of Dan Poynter's 'Writing, Producing and Promoting Your Book In The 21st Century' DVD set, offered by AA Printing ($50 value)

* An interview on The Authors Show to be broadcast on the main show page for a 3-day weekend and archived for 30 days.

* A written transcript of that interview, featured on Book Marketing - The Authors Marketing Powerhouse for 30 days.

* The 2 minute book trailer will be featured on Book Marketing: The Authors Marketing Powerhouse for 30 days.

* A hardcover edition of 'Damn The Rejections, Full Speed Ahead: The Bumpy Road To Getting Published' by Maralys Wills. A college novel-writing teacher for 22 years, Maralys has published twelve books and offers a treasure trove of sage advice in easy-to-digest and fun-to-read anecdotes ($24.95 value).

* A softcover version of '50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading', produced by The Authors Show, featuring 50 writers who are making their mark in the world of publishing today. ($24 value)

* A copy of “The Trilogy of Networking” book 1, “Networking: Why Do It?” by Danielle Hampson, Executive Producer of The Authors Show, and “Live Every Day Motivated, Successful and Happy”. Like any other business owner, authors must network. In her book, Danielle covers all the reasons why networking remains one of the best marketing tools (value $32).

* In addition, all new members will receive a copy of 'The Top 8 Tragic Marketing Mistakes Authors Make', ebook version.

SUBMISSION

To submit an entry, first sign in at www.TheAuthorsMarketingPowerhouse.com.

A link to the entry form will be sent to the email address provided by the new member.

Submit the entry using the form. The top entry will be chosen by random drawing. The contest ends December 24, 2010. The winner will be notified by email on December 30, 2010.

For more information or for specific questions visit Book Marketing - The Authors Marketing Powerhouse at www.TheAuthorsMarketingPowerhouse.com or email Don McCauley directly at don@freepublicitygroup.com.

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Jennifer Swanson Offers No Charge Curriculum Guide To Teachers And Homeschoolers For Award Winning Penny And Rio Series

Jennifer Swanson’s award winning Penny and Rio early chapter book series features interactive books that lead to exceptional learning. Swanson recently released the third book in the series, Penny And Rio: The Diamond Collar Adventure. For this release she teamed up with Ripple Reader, The Pawsitive Life, The Homeschool Handbook and DogFriendlyCompanies.com to offer a children's contest. No-charge curriculum guides are also available to teachers and home schoolers.

Date, 2010, Jacksonville FL] The Penny And Rio series of books feature interactive childrens books that lead to exceptional learning. Penny and Rio: The Diamond Collar Adventure, the third book in the series, was released in July 2010. Jennifer Swanson, author of the award winning series, has teamed up with Ripple Reader, The Pawsitive Life, The Homeschool Handbook and DogFriendlyCompanies.com to sponsor a contest for children. She is also offering a no-charge curriculum guide to teachers and homeschoolers.

The contest began on August 1st and will run through September 30, 2010. Children are invited to create their own bejeweled dog collar and to submit either a hand-drawing or a photograph of their creation.

Entries will be judged in three categories:
1) Most creative
2) Most colorful
3) Most beautiful

Three $50 giftcards to Barnes and Noble.com will be given to first place winner. Additional prizes to be given by drawing include:

1 of 20 free e-books of the Penny and Rio series from Ripple Reader (www.RippleReader.com)

One $20 giftcard to www.alldogsbigandsmall.com

Two complete autographed sets of the Penny and Rio 3-book series

Three autographed copies of Penny and Rio: The Diamond Collar Adventure

Winning drawings will be published in The Homeschool Handbook (www.thehomeschoolhandbook.com), The Pawstive Life (www.thepawsitivelife.com) and on www.dogfriendlycompanies.com

"Finding interactive, fun ways to teach children about reading and writing," Ms. Swanson stated, "can be very difficult. With the curriculum I've designed around the Penny and Rio books, kids will learn vocabulary, plot and character development, predicting, and even make text-to-text connections all while enjoying the antics of my dynamic canine detectives. I am thrilled to be able to provide these tools to teachers and homeschoolers as a way to spice up their curriculum"

Penny And Rio: The Diamond Collar Mystery was released July 25th by Mirror Publishing. The book is available on Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble.com and at the authors website at www.PennyAndRio.com. The first two books in the series were recently released in Thailand. Penny and Rio: The Mysterious Backyard Meeting and Penny and Rio: The Locked Doghouse Mystery have been translated to Thai for marketing and distribution to the children of Thailand. The series is also being distributed in France by Mariposa Press.

Ms. Swanson’s books have won numerous industry awards. Both of her previous books, Penny and Rio: The Mysterious Backyard Meeting, and Penny and Rio: The Locked Doghouse Mystery, have won a Mom’s Choice Silver Awards for Juvenile Fiction – Early Reader. The Mom’s Choice Awards esteemed panel of judges includes educators, media and other experts as well as parents, children, librarians, performing artists, producers, medical and business professionals, authors, scientists and others. They have both been awarded The Dove Foundation’s Family-Approved Seal.

The series has received rave reviews from both teachers and homeschoolers. Jennifer Timm, a mom who homeschools, recently stated "As a home-schooling mom of five children, I’m always looking for new and fun curriculum that will excite my kids. Since one of my kids is dyslexic, I have struggled to find any books that will spark her interest enough to read from start to finish; without giving up in frustration! I FINALLY found it with “Penny and Rio: The Mysterious Backyard Meeting”. ...Using the curriculum Jennifer provided, we spent an entire week going over different themes of the book, role-playing and coming up with new adventures for Penny and Rio to go on. It also included writing assignments and a readers quiz at the end. My dyslexic daughter had so much fun during our 'Penny and Rio Week', I now have a child who loves to read. I highly recommend it to any home-schooling family."

For more information about the third release visit www.PennyAndRio.com. For information about the contest and to enter, please visit www.pennyandrio.com/contest Teachers and homeschoolers can download the curriculum at the website at www.pennyandrio.com/homeschoolers.

Ms. Swanson is available for interview and can be reached using the information below or by email at PennyAndRio@yahoo.com. More information is available at her website at www.PennyAndRio.com. Her books are available Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, IndiePendent Books and at her website.

Profile:

Jennifer Swanson has been writing since the age of 5. A 1990 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Jennifer pursued her other love of science and became a prep school chemistry teacher. Her Navy career took her to Norfolk, VA where she was stationed with her husband, Jon.

Her life changed forever when they adopted Penny, their first dog. Penny was a wonderful addition to their family and less than a year later, they adopted Rio, her best pal. Jennifer kept writing during the next several years as she raised three children, supported her naval officer husband and taught both part and full time.

Today Ms. Swanson continues to work on the Penny and Rio series and recently received her Masters in Education. Jennifer is employed as a middle school science instructor for John Hopkins University’s Center for Talented Youth.

Jennifer is an active member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers. She regularly attends the Florida branch of SCBWI’s conferences in Orlando and Miami. She is also a member of the Florida Writer’s Association.

Contact:

Jennifer Swanson
13780 Harbor Creek Place
Jacksonville, FL 32224
Phone (904) 992-6955
Web: www.PennyAndRio.com
Email: PennyAndRio@yahoo.com

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Sherrie Palm Reveals Pelvic Organ Prolapse Symptoms Often Misdiagnosed As Other Serious Female Health Problems

Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) is a ‘silent epidemic’. It can masquerade as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), incontinence, constipation and a host of other female health conditions. In addition, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Muscular Dystrophy (MD) and diabetes can be contributing factor to Pelvic Organ Prolapse. Information regarding Pelvic Organ Prolapse is now available at no charge to the public through the POP Awareness Campaign

[Mukwonago WI September 8 2010] Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) is a condition that can masquerade as many other conditions. POP is frequently misdiagnosed as irritable bowel, incontinence, constipation and a host of other conditions.In addition, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Muscular Dystrophy (MD) and diabetes can be contributing factor to Pelvic Organ Prolapse. Many women suffer needlessly from Pelvic Organ Prolapse due to the fact that they are simply too embarrassed to discuss their symptoms with doctors and other health care providers. Sherrie Palm, a grassroots women’s pelvic floor health advocate and author of Pelvic Organ Prolapse: The Silent Epidemic, intends to spread a message of hope to those who suffer needlessly from POP through the POP Awareness Campaign.

The PC muscle (pelvic floor) supports organs/tissues in the female pelvic cavity. As it weakens or sustains damage, the organs shift and can cause 5 different types of POP. Women can have more than one type and there are 4 levels of severity. Millions of women worldwide suffer with this and 300,000 surgeries are performed annually in US alone, yet most women have never heard of it until they are diagnosed. Half of all women over 50 have at least one of the 5 types of POP, however the condition also affects women in their 20’s, 30’s, and 40’s.

“Pelvic Organ Prolapse, stated Sherrie Palm, founder of the Association For Pelvic Organ Prolapse Support, “is not an American women’s health issue; it is a global women’s health issue. APOPS provides support, guidance, and education for women in all stages of POP. We hope to change the awareness curve so that all women become familiar with the symptoms of POP at a much younger age. This will increase detection of Pelvic Organ Prolapse and women who recognize the signs can seek earlier, less aggressive treatment.”

Pelvic Organ Prolapse facts:

* Millions of women worldwide suffer with POP. 300,000 surgeries are performed annually in US alone, yet most women have never heard of it until they are diagnosed.

* Half of all women over 50 have at least 1 of the 5 types of POP but the condition can affect any woman of childbearing age.

* Vaginal childbirth is the leading cause, followed by menopause and numerous other common causes.

* Though the condition has been around for thousands of years, women often suffer in silence with embarrassing symptoms, as they are not aware the condition exists.

* POP impacts women physically, emotionally, sexually, socially, and financially.

The Association For Pelvic Organ Prolapse Support (APOPS) is the first live, local support network initiated for women with Pelvic Organ Prolapse. Women can now connect with other women in locations around the world to compare notes on symptoms they are experiencing and treatment options. APOPS is currently seeking local support group leaders. Interested parties may contact Ms. Palm using the contact information below. A detailed, no charge download detailing the symptoms of POP is available at Ms. Palm’s website at www.SherriePalm.com.

“Awareness of pelvic organ prolapse,” continued Ms. Palm, “can only occur when we share what we know with others. Women keep their symptoms to themselves because of embarrassment; once the causes and symptoms of POP become common knowledge, they will feel more comfortable approaching their physicians when they experience indicators of POP. Knowledge is power. It is my hope that as we continue to do what women do best-network, guide, and provide support for each other-POP will soon become common knowledge.”

Contact:

Association For Pelvic Organ Prolapse Support (APOPS)
Sherrie Palm - Founder
8225 State Rd. 83
Mukwonago, WI 53149
262-441-0488
www.sherriepalm.com
sjpalm@wi.rr.com

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Renowned Author And Historian Stan Klos To Appear At 'March On Washington DC 2010'

Author, historian, professor, essayist, and 1994 Contract With America US Senate Nominee Stan Klos will address the 'March On Washington DC 2010' crowd on September 9, 2010. The subject of his address will be '13 Ways To Restore US Prosperity'

On September 9, 2010, Stan Klos will take the stage at the 'March On Washington DC 2010' event. The subject of his address will include '13 Historic Ways To Restore US Prosperity'.

It is a fact that most Americans believe the USA is experiencing tough times unlike any suffered in recent history. A high percentage of Americans feel that recovery may not be possible. Eminent historian and 1994 Senate Nominee Stan Klos holds a different point of view and a more optimistic perspective. He will offer his views at the historic 'March On Washington DC 2010' event to be held September 9 through September 12 in Washington DC. Klos does not offer mere opinions. In his latest book 'Economic Home Runs: Effective US Historic Solutions To Current American Challenges', he offers 13 very specific ways to restore US prosperity.

"Today," Klos stated, "with the federal debt soaring, off shore oil exploration in doubt, real estate foreclosures at an all time high and Europe slipping on Greece, the United States is facing dire economic and governmental challenges. Many Americans doubt America can recover and believe the United States is in a state of rapid decline. I disagree and offer 13 Historic Ways to Restore US prosperity. The Santayana quotation that "those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it" implies that we can learn from the past to avoid errors. This book has taken the positive step of looking to the road map of American history for guidance in choosing the right path to economic and political prosperity."

In a recent press release, a spokesman for the Washington DC event organizers stated: “With the November 2nd elections just 7 weeks from the September 2010 event, the timing could not be better. Once again Americans from every corner of the nation will unite on Capitol Hill for a nonpartisan march and rally. This year there will be no doubt this is a “We the People, For the People, By the People” event. Not one dime will be accepted from corporate sponsors, PAC’s, political parties or political organizations. All of our board members have a complete understanding that they will not receive any remuneration for their services.”

"The equally well known quotation," Klos continued, "from Ecclesiastes 'What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun' applies to our current economic troubles. Our American forefathers faced unimaginably greater difficulties then we do today. Their struggles, successes, and the solutions achieved over the last 200-years provide us with 20/20 foresight; if only we look in the rear view mirror."

"The citizens are not at a loss on what to do; they just lost their voice in the House of Representatives to enact common sense solutions to end special interest government. The States are not at a loss on what to do; they just lost their voice in the U.S. Senate to free themselves of unfunded federal mandates and burdensome federal laws that challenge the sovereignty they were bequeathed under the 10th Amendment. This book is a must read for anyone concerned about the direction of the United States and is looking for solutions to restore American Prosperity."

The 2010 Event will take place from the 9th - 12th of September. The “official” web site for the event is located at www.MarchOnDC.org. Mr. Klos’ presentation with be at 3:00pm, September 9, 2010, Omni Shoreham Hotel, Washington, DC. Stan Klos is available for media interview and can be reached using the information below or by email at stan@stanklos.com. Autographed first edition copies of 'Economic Home Runs: Effective US Historic Solutions To Current American Challenges' are available at www.EconomicHomeRuns.com .

Contact:

Stan Klos
ROI.us Corporation
Suite 301
2710 Alternate 19
Palm Harbor, Fl 34683
727 771-1776
www.EconomicHomeRuns.com
stan@stanklos.com

Profile:

Stanley L. Klos is a historian, adjunct professor, author, entrepreneur, and former Italian Basketball Association player. He was the WV U.S. Senate Republican Nominee in 1994 challenging Robert C. Byrd signing the “Contract with America.”

Stan’s education includes a BA in American Studies & Zoology, MA in Rhetorical Theory & Historic Public Address and a Ph. D Candidacy in Communications and Marketing. He attended, respectively, St. Peter’s College, Idaho State University and The Pennsylvania State University. In 1983, upon the discovery of 18th Century Philadelphia shipping records in his attic, Stan began to acquire historic documents. Since then, he has authored numerous publications while assembling ephemera collections that have headlined a plethora of universities, national historic sites, libraries, and museums special exhibits. His most recent exhibit, Forgotten Founders: Historic Documents and Medallions of Freedom, was featured at the 2008 RNC Convention’s Civic Fest. Stan has keynoted numerous special events including the Franklin D. Roosevelt American Heritage Center Museum’s grand opening and the 2003 re-entombment of First Lady Martha & President Samuel Huntington. His founding U.S. History work has appeared in hundreds of print and digital publications including U.S. News & World Report 2006 cover story, “Washington? Get In Line" & the Discovery Channel’s “Unsolved History: Plots To Kill Lincoln.” He has authored three books, President Who? Forgotten Founders , The Rise of the U.S. Presidency and the Forgotten Capitols & HappyBirthdaysUSA.

Stan is an avid real estate historic preservationist who has re-developed 32 historically significant properties ranging from Vaudeville theaters to Revolutionary War Taverns in four states. He is a co-founder of various historic pursuits including the James Monroe Birthplace Commission and Dinosaur Safaris, Inc., in Shell, Wyoming which unearthed five articulated dinosaurs from the Jurassic period.

In 1999 Stan established an innovative internet education company, Virtualology.com which enjoys over 500,000 pages views a day. As a real estate entrepreneur he acquired RE/MAX of Pennsylvania NW. He managed a marketing mix that increased yearly commission revenue from $240K to $36 million in 12 years. Stan participated, as a Regional Owner, in the executive mastermind that expanded RE/MAX into the world’s largest real estate entity. He is the President of the ROI.us Corporation

Stan was an Italian Basketball Association player for Amaro Harrys competing out of Bologna. He was the Captain of a U.S. Basketball Team, which competed in a 1978 European International Tournament. Stan has served on diverse boards including the WV Independent Colleges & Universities, Pittsburgh YMCA Family Camp, and the Mercy Center of NJ. Stan is the father of eight children residing in Palm Harbor, Florida.

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Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein Offers Tips On How Grandparents Can Connect With Grandchildren

Dr. Holstein is a positive psychologist, educator and author of fiction books for teens and tweens. She believes teens and tweens can learn valuable life skills from grandparents in spite of an ever widening generational gap. Time comes at a premium to today's overworked and frazzled parent. Daycare is not the answer. It is instead the grandparent who has the time to take a lead role in the grandchild's social development

Parents today are literally overwhelmed. Who has the time to focus on a child's emotional and developmental needs? Oftentimes it is not the parent. Most parents are frazzled, living on the edge of exhaustion and deep into multi-tasking. Parents are of course responsible for all the basics that a child needs. They provide the housing, the trips to the pediatrician, the late night soothing after a bad dream, the trips to the mall for school clothing, and most of the daily needs that children have, such as getting a ride to school, and sitting at the table for dinner.

But who has the time for the magical moment with a child? Who has the time to really listen to what she is saying and even write it down, next to a digital picture of the moment when it was said? Probably not the child's mom or dad. And who has the time to help her develop the social and intellectual skills she really will need to be a good citizen?

Most likely it will be the grandparent. If grandparents realize how important they are they can take the time to step up to the plate. It is a grandparent who can have the magical moments with a grandchild; to find those flowers to press and start the rock collection and sit in the window seat chatting about how it was to grow up long ago. And in grabbing those magical moments a grandparent does something else. The grandparent will be doing a great service to the next generation. The grandparent will be helping them grow in three basic ways that no one else in the world may have the time or patience to attend to. Here they are:

1.Grandparents can help grandchildren develop curiosity. Nothing stirs the mind to be curious than someone else so fascinated by a subject that you just have to learn more. Grandparents have the time to be fascinated and to pass that feeling along. For example, just learning how to grow tomatoes in a barrel can be interesting and exciting for both grandparent and grandchild. Or perhaps a neighbor speaks in sign language and it is grandma who decides both she is grandchild will learn to also speak that way. The determination of the grandparent can rub off on a grandchild. The grandchild will then see the world as a multi-faceted marvelous place that grandma has helped her notice!

2. As grandparents we can help our grandchildren develop their intellects. Whether you live around the corner or thousands of miles away, you can send your grandchild books, interesting articles, puzzles, games, etc. And you can make sure that when you are with her you teach her lots of stuff. You can discuss the news, find countries on the globe, play word and number games, read plays aloud. All is good for developing the mind and expanding the mind so that your grandchild will think beyond her direct environment.

3. As grandparents we can help grandchildren develop social skills. You have the time to teach manners; perhaps how to set a table or how to open a door for grown-ups. You can take her out to eat, even if it is at the local diner. And you can teach her how to read a menu, eat with intention and enjoyment, make good conversation as she eats, etc. You can teach her how to ballroom dance, or maybe square dance. You can take her to meet your friends or to do good needs. She can help you at the local food canteen or socialize with your friends.

What is the result? The grandchild may grow up to be a fine, caring, knowledgeable person with a desire to help others and be able to socialize with people of all ages.

Dr. Barbara speaks regularly on radio programs around the country, and appears on television in New York and New Jersey. Her inspiring audio shows and podcasts can be found on the web, along with hundreds of her articles and stories. She has been a contributor to Heart and Soul, Cosmopolitan Magazine, Redbook, Simple Pleasures, The Wall Street Journal, Time on line, and Family Circle Magazine. She was quoted in an article entitled 'What A Big Mistake Can Teach You' in the September issue of Cosmopolitan Magazine. She can be reached using the information below or by email at drbarbara@enchantedself.com

Profile:

Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein, Positive Psychologist and Happiness Coach, is the creator of The Enchanted Self ®, a positive psychology method for increasing happiness. Dr. Holstein has been a school psychologist for over 25 years. She is in private practice in Long Branch, New Jersey with her husband, Dr. Russell M. Holstein.

Her pathfinder book ‘The Enchanted Self, A Positive Therapy’ was published in 1997 by Harwood Academic Publishers and is now in its second printing through Brunner-Routledge. Her second book ‘Recipes for Enchantment, The Secret Ingredient is YOU!’ has received rave reviews as a wonderful inspirational story book. ‘DELIGHT’, Dr. Holstein’s third book is available in two versions, paperback and a CD-rom that includes music, art, and Dr. Holstein’s voice.

Her book, ‘The Truth, (I’m a girl, I’m Smart and I Know Everything)’ is a first in positive psychology. It is a fiction book for girls, tweens and teens. Written by an 11 year old girl as a diary, Dr. Barbara has embedded within the story positive truths and concepts geared to help girls develop self-esteem and resiliency.

Her second book in The Truth Series is Secrets: You Tell Me Yours and I’ll Tell You Mine…maybe!’ The girl is now 13. She handles many adolescent issues, including a crush, moving, a death in the family, feeling fat and problems with girlfriends. Kids and grandparents have a book they can share and use as a sounding board for needed communication between the generations. This book can make a wonderful holiday gift from grandparent to grandchild to begin to open those lines of communication. Purchasers of Secrets will receive a DVD of one of Dr. Holstein's teleclasses or the audio edition of Recipes for Enchantment, at no charge. Simply write to her at drbarbara@enchantedself.com with proof of purchase and a mailing address. All books are available at the author’s websites below, online booksellers and stores nationwide.

Contact:

Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein
170 Morris Ave.,
Long Branch, New Jersey 07740
732-571-1200
www.enchantedself.com
www.thetruthforgirls.com
drbarbara@enchantedself.com

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