Monday, December 30, 2024

Free Ebooks Available In January 2025, From Bestselling Author Norman Brewer, Fictional Homegrown Terrorism In The Anti-Hero Rebellion Series


 As a reporter, Brewer covered Congress, the White House, and federal agencies, and pursued investigative projects that earned recognition, including from the National Press Club. He was also Director of Employee Communications at the U.S. Transportation Security Administration.

Political extremism jumps out from our headlines almost every day now, screaming for our attention, demanding our notice. While some of this is media bias certainly, a good deal of it is not. Thanks to the vigilance of the FBI and other government agencies, combined with the power of modern technology, we are able to prevent most acts of terrorism on American soil, sparing us from the tragic consequences that could otherwise be our reality. But what if?

The Anti-Hero Rebellion series by bestselling author Norman Brewer has received rave reviews from readers and reviewers alike. While works of fiction, the books feature story lines with a healthy dose of realism, stories that could be taken from our headlines tomorrow. Brewer recently announced the January 2024 giveaway dates for the e-books in the series.

The giveaway dates for Brewer's e-books in January 2025 are:

Killer Politics – January 2, 2025
Blending In - January 9, 2025
January 6, A Novel - January 16, 2025
Blending In - January 23, 2025
January 6, A Novel - January 30, 2025

All ebooks will be available for download at no charge on those dates at Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/stores/Norman-Brewer/author/B0756KLHZM?.

In 'Blending In', Book 1 in the series, readers meet Stickman and Maple, homegrown terrorists hell-bent on insurrection and bringing down the government.

They break the mold of homegrown terrorism being the domain of social misfits, extremists seeking martyrdom. Stickman and Maple are trained and disciplined. They hold down jobs. They blend in. They could be your next-door neighbors.

Except for being hell-bent on creating political polarization that upends government. Follow these anti-heroes as they launch terrorist attacks on soft targets – a press conference in DC, an iconic mall in the Heartland. Hundreds die. With civil unrest and democracy under siege, fear grips the nation. Other right-wing extremists join their horrific crusade.

Can they be stopped?

One Amazon reviewer said, "From the story's beginning to the very last few pages, Blending In takes readers into the twisted minds of two vicious homegrown terrorists as they violently destroy everything in their path. Award-wining reporter and editor Norman Brewer, who also worked for the Department of Homeland Security, writes tightly with both authority and bright detail. For fans of thriller novels, Blending In does not disappoint. Characters are well developed throughout the story, with non-stop action that is not only lively, but also frighteningly realistic. It's one of those books that can be easily imagined as someday becoming a movie."

Another stated, "Author Norman Brewer has taken an almost documentary-style approach to this novel, and it works on any number of levels. It's more than just another good read. It grabs you at the opening page, it holds your interest from chapter to chapter, and it's (sadly) driven by the events of the world we live in, which makes it relevant. You can see the journalist at work here, weaving the story together through multiple directions and various separate strands. All in all, he's come up with a punchy winner."

Book 2 in the series is 'Killer Politics - A Satirical Tale of Homegrown Terrorism'. In this book a Trump-like president inspires a white supremacist to launch attacks on innocents in a ruthless bid to incite civil war - and defend the "American way of life."

Hoss, the supremacist, teams up with a "Most Wanted" terrorist to attack a rock concert, contaminate the food supply, destroy a reservoir and flood homeowners living downstream. People die. Fear mounts. A rogue FBI agent is in hot pursuit.

Razor-edged satire, aimed at a so-called President Tower, is "keen and stinging," one reviewer said.

Book 3 in the series is 'January 6: A Novel.' In this political thriller, democracy comes under siege when the President’s rally morphs into a mob and storms the Capitol.

Right-wing extremists take the House Speaker hostage, force a horrific standoff and unleash terrorism nationwide. Assassinations, bombings in malls and terrorist attacks against other soft targets inflame civil unrest.

The President weighs declaring martial law to restore order – and justify refusing to leave office.

January 6 is an historical novel of partisan politics that raises the question: In some fashion, will we again face insurrection?

General Michael Hayden, retired four-star Air Force general and former director of the CIA and National Security Agency said, “January 6: A Novel underscores my worries that the assault on the Capitol could happen again, defiling our freedoms and threatening our democracy.”

In their review, Midwest Book Review stated, "Although a work of fiction, 'January 6: A Novel' provides genuine and vivid insider glimpses of what might come next in 2024 in real life. All kingdoms, empires, and nations throughout history have risen, flourished, and then fallen. America may not be an exception. Following a disputed election in 2020 and the possibility of an insurrectionist political candidate being once more defeated at the polls, the very real possibility of what is described in 'January 6: A Novel' makes it an unreservedly recommended addition to community and college/university library collections – and essential reading for those with interest in politics, terrorism, freedom, and the future of the United States of America."

Readers Favorite, in their review stated, "This domestic terrorism novel, January 6: A Novel by Norman Brewer, easily delivers one of the year's standout novels, brilliantly creating an alternative history with a chillingly plausible twist. Brewer’s writing is both polished and insightful, with great character development that is all the more impressive given the number of players presented. As a British reader who is ultra critical of political novels that scream about exceptionalism, Brewer was able to get me properly unsettled in a way that I haven't experienced since reading The Plot Against America by Philip Roth, or even the remarkable Sinclair Lewis’s It Can’t Happen Here. Brewer’s adept portrayal of "what could have been" forces readers to confront a nightmarish vision of how close the free world came to its downfall, proving the work to be both an entertaining and thought-provoking read. Very highly recommended."

Norman Brewer was recently featured on the cover of 'Great Writers You Should Be Reading' Magazine. He was interviewed on The Authors Show and his interview can be accessed at https://wnbnetworkwest.com/channel/1/?play=January%206%3A%20A%20Novel. He is available for media interviews and can be reached by email at bbyb1@outlook.com. All of the books in the Anti-Hero Rebellions series are available in paperback and ebook versions at Amazon and other book retailers.

About Norman Brewer:

Norman Brewer is an award-winning reporter and editor who worked for The Des Moines Register and Tribune and for Gannett News Service in Washington, D.C. As a reporter, he covered Congress, the White House, and federal agencies, and pursued investigative projects that earned recognition, including from the National Press Club. He was also Director of Employee Communications at the U.S. Transportation Security Administration.

His experience has given him a powerful perspective regarding the January 6, 2021 insurrection at the Capitol, domestic terrorism, and the political landscape. Exposure to terrorism issues helped shape 'January 6: A Novel' as well as two earlier novels, 'Blending In: A Tale of Homegrown Terrorism,' and 'Killer Politics: A Satirical Tale of Homegrown Terrorism.' 'Killer Politics' can be read as a stand-alone book or as a sequel to 'Blending In.'

Brewer lives in Portland, Ore.

Contact:

Norman Brewer
bbyb1@outlook.com
https://www.amazon.com/stores/Norman-Brewer/author/B0756KLHZM?

Leia Mais…

Sunday, December 29, 2024

Book Marketing Announcements: The Authors Show® Lineup For The Week Of December 30, 2024


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 of the Free Publicity Focus Group and Danielle Hampson, Executive Producer of The Authors Show®, have announced The Authors Show® broadcast schedule for the week of December 30, 2024. 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 schedule for the week of December 30, 2024

Dec 30  
Channel 1     Eleanor Lawrie (Canada)
Channel 2     Nancy Hicks Marshall (USA)
Channel 3     James Vogelzang (USA)
Channel 4     Thomas Mark Johnston (United Kingdom)
Channel 5     Valerie Doherty (USA)
Channel 6     Thomas Fargnoli (USA)
Channel 7     Pam Ostrowski (USA)

Dec 31  
Channel 1     Randy Rolfe (USA)
Channel 2     Jody Sharpe (USA)
Channel 3     Elisabeth Haggblade (USA)
Channel 4     Michael Jai Grant (USA)
Channel 5     Fish Nealman (USA)
Channel 6     Alphonsus Obayuwana, MD, PhD, CPC (USA)
Channel 7     Phillip Vega (USA)

Jan 1  
Channel 1     Donna Louis (USA)
Channel 2     Richard Trayler (USA)
Channel 3     Craig Snyder (USA)
Channel 4     Jeffrey Marshall (USA)
Channel 5     Nancine Meyer (USA)
Channel 6     Donna Louis (USA)
Channel 7     Bill Yarborough (USA)

Jan 2  
Channel 1     Tom Strelich (USA)
Channel 2     Ricardo Jose Gonzalez-Rothi (USA)
Channel 3     Jody Sharpe (USA)
Channel 4     Elsie McKenney (USA)
Channel 5     TF Burke (USA)
Channel 6     Rosanne D'Ausilio, Ph.D (USA)
Channel 7     S.G. Blaise (USA)

Jan 3 - Jan 5  
Channel 1     Victoria Gail Oltarsh (USA)
Channel 2     Mike F Elliott (USA)
Channel 3     Nicholas Anderson (United Kingdom)
Channel 4     Carol Cooke AM PLY (Australia)
Channel 5     Fish Nealman (USA)
Channel 6     Matt Armstrong (Australia)
Channel 7     Pam Ostrowski (USA)
 
Profile:

Don McCauley is a marketing strategist and is the facilitator of the Free Publicity Focus Group, a marketing and publicity firm. He also serves as the host of The Authors Show®.  Danielle Hampson is the Executive Producer of The Authors Show®.

Contact:

Don McCauley
Free Publicity Focus Group
don@freepublicitygroup.com

Danielle Hampson
The Authors Show
danielle@theauthorsshow.com

Leia Mais…

Top Motivational Speaker And Bestselling Author Rocky Romanella Offers A Universal Blueprint For Business Success In 2025


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.

Since the beginning, business leaders have been on a quest to create a formula that will guarantee success. That formula remains elusive to this day.

Some prioritize value. Others focus on customer satisfaction. Efficient operations, exceeding expections, innovation, profitability, sustainability - the list goes on and on. We might want to consider a wider view and look beyond all of these to create a simpler, all-encompassing formula for success. Top motivational speaker and bestselling author Rocky Romanella addressed this in a recent article published in his newsletter titled, 'Time + Effort + Enthusiasm = Results: The Blueprint For Success In 2025' In that article he wrote in part:

I have been truly fortunate throughout my career to have had the opportunity to work with, learn from, and mentor some incredible people. During my training sessions or Q&A after a Keynote, I often will get asked about these economic times, today’s job market, or simply for advice, encouragement, and suggestions.

As I think through my career and the many people I have encountered, they come from all walks of life, but they do have some traits, skills, and beliefs that make them more similar than dissimilar.

Like you, I am a lifelong learner who has been shaped and influenced by some outstanding people at all levels. So, let’s look at these traits, attributes, and skills and together we can build a skills inventory that you may want to use as you perform your SWOT analysis on yourself, preparing for a great 2025.

It starts with Values. It is what you do when no one is watching that counts. Integrity can often be used to describe this activity, but I would like to take it further: it is the integrity of your word as well as your actions. The integrity of our actions is something we can grasp and relate to. But what do I mean by integrity of your word? Simply put, you make a commitment to follow up on something, respond to a request, commit to an action, and you do!

The two fundamental ingredients of a successful person are hard work and enthusiasm. There is no substitute for Hard Work. The equation successful people use is...

Time + Effort + Enthusiasm = Results.

Enthusiasm is what fuels your drive and keeps the engine revving. Without Enthusiasm, your equation is time and hard work, and although these are two important ingredients to success, always remember hard work without enthusiasm is just that… HARD WORK. Hard work by itself gets old without enthusiasm. Another way to look at it is "Make it Fun, Make it Happen but Make it Happen."

I believe we should all ask ourselves some key questions and answer them with a critical eye and with honesty of purpose.

*How can I add value in this current position and going forward?

*Do I have a process mind with a strategic vision and the ability to tactically execute the strategy?

*Can I develop a strategy, build a business plan, and execute that plan?

*Can I provide clear communication and walk the talk?

*Can I coach my teams to learn to take better control of their day and balance multiple priorities, measuring and following-up for continuous improvement?

*Do I accept the responsibility for my P&L and my results?

Finally, can I effectively assess:

Who am I?
What do I stand for, and
What will I never compromise?

Once you have answered these questions, you have set your Ethics and Integrity compass. It becomes your enduring purpose and your brand. You will exhibit uncompromising integrity and commitment to your values, principles, and to your organization, along with business conduct policies. You will build trust, and it instills self-confidence in yourself through mutual respect and ongoing communication with the people in your care and the organization.

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 an official member of Forbes Business Council and a 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 Nut 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…

Sunday, December 22, 2024

Book Marketing Announcements: The Authors Show® Lineup For The Week Of December 23, 2024


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 of the Free Publicity Focus Group and Danielle Hampson, Executive Producer of The Authors Show®, have announced The Authors Show® broadcast schedule for the week of December 23, 2024. 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 schedule for the week of December 23, 2024

Dec 23  
Channel 1     Donna Louis (USA)
Channel 2     Mike F Elliott (USA)
Channel 3     Nicholas Anderson (United Kingdom)
Channel 4     Steve Bassett (USA)
Channel 5     TF Burke (USA)
Channel 6     Katherine MK Mitchell (USA)
Channel 7     Elizabeth A. Carter, PhD (USA)

Dec 24  
Channel 1     Norman Brewer (USA)
Channel 2     Cynthia A. King (USA)
Channel 3     Dante - (USA)
Channel 4     Carol Cooke AM PLY (Australia)
Channel 5     Joseph Ganci (USA)
Channel 6     Matt Armstrong (Australia)
Channel 7     Barbara R. Walker, Ph.D. (USA)

Dec 25  
Channel 1     Kitty May Gruchelska (United Kingdom)
Channel 2     Charles Harvey (USA)
Channel 3     Elaine Cougler (Canada)
Channel 4     Richard Trayler (USA)
Channel 5     Deborah Wynne (USA)
Channel 6     Linda Maria Frank (USA)
Channel 7     Wytisha Williams (USA)

Dec 26  
Channel 1     Larry Lockridge (USA)
Channel 2     Laura Moss White (USA)
Channel 3     L. D. Wenzel (Norway)
Channel 4     Dr. Kixx Goldman (USA)
Channel 5     Anne Wedgwood (United Kingdom)
Channel 6     Anthony J. Mohr (USA)
Channel 7     Alfred James Dansbury, Sr. (USA)

Dec 27 - Dec 29  
Channel 1     Victoria Gail Oltarsh (USA)
Channel 2     Terry M. Iverson (USA)
Channel 3     Sharman Apt Russell (USA)
Channel 4     John Mahaffey (USA)
Channel 5     Penny Orloff (USA)
Channel 6     Anthony J. Mohr (USA)
Channel 7     Grace Blair (USA)

Profile:

Don McCauley is a marketing strategist and is the facilitator of the Free Publicity Focus Group, a marketing and publicity firm. He also serves as the host of The Authors Show®.  Danielle Hampson is the Executive Producer of The Authors Show®.

Contact:

Don McCauley
Free Publicity Focus Group
don@freepublicitygroup.com

Danielle Hampson
The Authors Show
danielle@theauthorsshow.com

Leia Mais…

Saturday, December 21, 2024

Iconic Film, It's A Wonderful Life, Helped Inspire Bestselling Author Jody Sharpe's Mystic Bay Series Of Books Featuring Angels Who Live As Humans


As a former teacher of special needs children, Sharpe has direct experience regarding the effect bullying has on children. Her award-winning, bestselling books help readers find hope, inspiration and gratitude.

Why do some stories become classics? Out of the hundreds of thousands of stories available to us through books and movies, what is it that sets a minuscule percentage apart from all the rest, moving that story into a category defined by timeless appeal? Is it the compelling plot? The well-developed characters? The emotional resonance?

Bestselling author Jody Sharpe addressed this in an article posted on her site. In that piece, she said in part:

"Many remember the Christmas story where George Bailey is contemplating suicide by jumping off the town bridge into the river. His family business has been ruined, he thinks, by the antagonist, the wealthy and ruthless Mr. Potter. But all is about to change when George is about to jump into the water and unbeknownst to him, Clarence, his guardian angel is sent from heaven to help.

Clarence jumps in first crying for George to save him. George jumps in and saves Clarence. Clarence tells George he is his angel and shows him what life would have been like had George never been born. All the goodness George showed his family and neighbors would never have happened and Mr. Potter would run the town into the ground.

This classic in humanity helped inspire me to write my nine books. I believe in angels and I believe they are here for us all, sometimes seen and most times unseen. In this time of war in parts of the world and sorrow plaguing so many, I continue writing about love, forgiveness, redemption with angels at the helm."

The full text of the piece is available at http://jodysharpe.com/blog/.

Sharpe recently received an honorable mention in the 2024 National Federation of Press Women's Professional Communication contest at the national level for one of her novels, ‘Summer of Angels’. This is the fourth NFPW win for her. In 2023, ‘20 Moon Road, An Angel’s Tale’ took First Place nationally in the novella category. ‘Town Of Angels Christmas’ placed At Large, as did ‘Special Needs Children, The Angels On My Shoulder’.

She was also featured in the September issue of 'Great Writers You Should Be Reading Magazine.'

Books by Jody Sharpe include:

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.

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.

The Angel's Daughter - A secret lies in Mystic Bay, California, and only two people know it. First, there’s Hannah, a tender curly-headed half-angel. Then there’s her father, Gabe, an effervescent, teddy bear of a full-blooded angel. And it’s up to Hannah to keep the secret safe, but she’s made a colossal mistake telling her ex-boyfriend and writing professor, Sam Blakely. Now he's written a book exposing the secret to the world.

Town Of Angels - 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.

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
http://www.jodysharpe.com

Leia Mais…

Thursday, December 19, 2024

The Best Charities: Seeds for a Future Is A Catalyst For Change And Provides A Sustainable Solution to Food Insecurity And Malnutrition In Guatemala


Donations made before December 31 will be matched 100% and help provide a solution for breaking the cycles of poverty and malnutrition for children in Guatemala.

In the rural communities of Guatemala, families have faced the constant threat of food insecurity and severe health issues from chronic malnutrition for many generations. With almost 50% of children under 5 years of age suffering from chronic malnutrition, Guatemala is ranked one of the highest in the world for "stunting," malnutrition’s most visible symptom. Malnutrition also causes other lifelong impacts including diminished brain development, increased childhood mortality, and low adult earning power.

Some programs address malnutrition and food insecurity with hand-out strategies. Hand-out programs are very important in emergencies, but do not give people the tools to sustainably combat malnutrition and food insecurity themselves.

Seeds for a Future, one of the best charities focused on Guatemala, is a nonprofit making a real difference in the lives of these families. Their sustainable program has already impacted 19 communities across 10 states in Guatemala, providing a solution for breaking the cycles of poverty and malnutrition. Since its inception, over 5,200 families have completed the 12-month program. The commitment and hard work of these families has already improved the lives of more than 41,600 children and adults.

The program fosters a culture of learning, action and self-reliance. Through the creation and maintenance of home nutrition gardens, thousands of families now have year-round access to fresh, nutritious food, thereby reducing food insecurity and improving overall family health. The program also teaches participants how to raise small animals for protein, and plant native fruit, cacao, and timber trees, providing additional income opportunities and further breaking the cycle of poverty.

Another vital impact of the Seeds program is the empowerment of family members, especially women, and their increased confidence that they can build a better future for themselves, their family, and their community.

Seeds for a Future is not just a charity, but a catalyst for change. With your gift of support you can help empower families to create better lives for themselves and break free from the grip of malnutrition and poverty. Your donation, no matter the size, can make a real difference in the lives of these families and their kids.

Seeds for the Future has received thousands of heart-felt testimonials from program participants:

“I’m very grateful for everything they have taught us, especially how to make sure our babies have the nutrition they need so that they grow healthy and strong.” - Marta Esther Sauceda Menchu

“Through the family gardens, they’ve helped eliminate anemia in my child and me, and in my mother as well, thanks to their home visits and making sure the garden keeps producing every day.” - Mayra Marleny Lacán Cotti

“Seeds for the Future has been a great help to my family and me. I have a daughter who is almost two years old, and she previously suffered from anemia. Thankfully she has recovered from this illness. I have monitored her condition closely and have given her greens and vegetables to help her recover.” - Rosa Elena Tista

If you make a charitable donation to Seeds for a Future today, your money will be doubled. A generous donor will match 100% of all charitable gifts made by December 31, 2024, up to a total of $50,000! Give today and be a part of this transformative movement. Together we can reach thousands more rural Guatemalan families and help them cultivate a brighter future for their communities.

Donations are accepted at the charity's website at https://seedsforafuture.org/. More information, including podcasts, videos, and a resource library are available at the site.

About Seeds for a Future:

Since 2009, Seeds for a Future, a US 501c3, has developed and implemented effective and sustainable long-term strategies for addressing health, nutrition, and economic challenges among low-income rural families in Guatemala.

Community-based Field Teams work directly at the household level to help each family build long-term solutions customized to their specific needs and interests. Seeds for a Future’s strategies are practical and low-cost. And the program’s flexibility and adaptability make it easy to replicate in other communities and environments.

Contact:

Suzanne de Berge, Co-Founder
https://seedsforafuture.org/
suzanne@seedsforafuture.org

Leia Mais…

Wednesday, December 18, 2024

New Young Adult Fantasy Book, Big Ears Jack And Friends, Now Available From Award Winning Author Earl Vincent de Berge


The book is a collection of tall tales featuring extraordinary animals and plants from the Sonoran desert of Baja California. It is a literary experience for young readers that can help ignite a passion for the natural world.

Animal books have always been important in the lives of kids. Books about animals have been favorites of children of any age, from newborns to teens. Most are both entertaining and educational. Seldom however do we find a book that features that special class of animals found in the Sonoran desert of Baja, California. That is the focus of Earl Vincent de Berge's latest story book about animals, 'Big Ears Jack and Friends', a book that would make a perfect gift for youngsters and for Moms whose children love to hear stories about coyotes, foxes, jackrabbits and other desert animals.

This new young adult fantasy book is an enchanting collection of 15 short fantasy stories celebrating the wild animals and plants that live in the hottest desert in the Americas, on the narrowest peninsula in the world, Baja California, Mexico.

The main character in these charming 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 lovely rabbit Adorna -- along with many others.

And just for fun, a short essay is included about how to enjoy a hike or walk in the desert in a safe and respectful way.

'Big Ears Jack And Friends' is now available in Kindle and softcover version at Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Ears-Jack-Friends-Earl-Berge-ebook/dp/B0DM6PR8HW?ref_=ast_author_dp. Add it to your Christmas shopping list today.

Earl Vincent de Berge is also the author of 'A Finger of Land on an Old Man’s Hand'. This coming of age memoir is more than just another adventure story; it’s a meditation on resilience, friendship, and the inescapable pull of self-discovery. Each challenge—be it physical or emotional—becomes a steppingstone in the explorers’ evolution, perhaps reminding readers of their own capacity for growth. It offers a compelling testament to the human spirit's capacity for transformation.

The Baja Peninsula serves as both a backdrop and a mirror. It immerses readers in four explorers' transformative journey through Baja California in 1962 and 1964, inspired by 'The Forgotten Peninsula' by Joseph Wood Krutch.

Photography enthusiasts will be thrilled to know the book offers a treasure trove of previously unreleased photographs of the area.

One reviewer called the book, ". . . a beautifully written, fabulous tale of an incredibly brave and daring journey." ReaderViews, in their 5-star review said, "A Finger of Land on an Old Man’s Hand by Earl Vincent de Berge is the stark, witty, and profound memoir of four college students testing their limits on the Baja Peninsula in the summer of 1962. One could think of this as the classic literary assignment, 'How I Spent My Summer Vacation.' Only to do so would be to grossly underestimate this narrative."

Earl’s adventures in Baja deepened his youthful fascination with the Sonoran Desert and its plants and animals, and inspired him to write a collection of charming stories for young readers. The main characters are Big Ears Jack – a huge magician jackrabbit – and other animals, birds and plants of the Sonoran Desert and its coastal regions. 'Big Ears Jack and Friends,' is now available on Amazon in both print and e-book formats and would be a unique and delightful addition to anyone’s Christmas stocking.

The book took Best In Category 2024, Nonfiction, from the Arizona Authors Association.

To date, Earl has also 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 book and a PDF of selected photos from 'A Finger Of Land On An Old Man's Hand', with insider details revealing Baja in the 1960s, is available at his website 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.

Earl has just published “Big Ears Jack and Friends,” a book of young reader stories in which the main characters are animals and birds of the Sonoran Desert and coastal regions of Baja and 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.

Contact:

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

Leia Mais…

Sunday, December 15, 2024

Book Marketing Announcements: The Authors Show® Lineup For The Week Of December 16, 2024


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 of the Free Publicity Focus Group and Danielle Hampson, Executive Producer of The Authors Show®, have announced The Authors Show® broadcast schedule for the week of December 16, 2024. 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 schedule for the week of December 16, 2024

Dec 16  
Channel 1     Randy Rolfe (USA)
Channel 2     Cherika Shields (USA)
Channel 3     Sharman Apt Russell (USA)
Channel 4     John Mahaffey (USA)
Channel 5     Fish Nealman (USA)
Channel 6     Alphonsus Obayuwana, MD, PhD, CPC (USA)
Channel 7     Bill Yarborough (USA)

Dec 17  
Channel 1     Donna Louis (USA)
Channel 2     Jody Sharpe (USA)
Channel 3     Craig Snyder (USA)
Channel 4     Jeffrey Marshall (USA)
Channel 5     Nancine Meyer (USA)
Channel 6     Donna Louis (USA)
Channel 7     S.G. Blaise (USA)

Dec 18  
Channel 1     Victoria Gail Oltarsh (USA)
Channel 2     Cherika Shields (USA)
Channel 3     Leah Rise (USA)
Channel 4     Elsie McKenney (USA)
Channel 5     Penny Orloff (USA)
Channel 6     Rosanne D'Ausilio, Ph.D (USA)
Channel 7     Grace Blair (USA)

Dec 19  
Channel 1     Tom Strelich (USA)
Channel 2     Richard Trayler (USA)
Channel 3     Martin Klubeck (USA)
Channel 4     Nick A. Masellis II  (USA)
Channel 5     A.L. Tayler (United Kingdom)
Channel 6     Linda Maria Frank (USA)
Channel 7     Laya Martinez (USA)

Dec 20 - Dec 22  
Channel 1     Deb Lewis  (USA)
Channel 2     Ricardo Jose Gonzalez-Rothi (USA)
Channel 3     Jody Sharpe (USA)
Channel 4     M.J. Polelle (USA)
Channel 5     Jake Kaminski (USA)
Channel 6     Eric Madeen (Japan)
Channel 7     Don A. Holbrook (USA)

Profile:

Don McCauley is a marketing strategist and is the facilitator of the Free Publicity Focus Group, a marketing and publicity firm. He also serves as the host of The Authors Show®.  Danielle Hampson is the Executive Producer of The Authors Show®.

Contact:

Don McCauley
Free Publicity Focus Group
don@freepublicitygroup.com

Danielle Hampson
The Authors Show
danielle@theauthorsshow.com


Leia Mais…

Saturday, December 14, 2024

New Release Of Children's Book Series, ‘The Shelby F Squirrel Series’, Teaches Love, Learning And How To Grow Into A Responsible Adult

The highly praised 3 book set by author Eleanor Lawrie uses an entertaining cast of animal characters to engage children in stories filled with adventure, love and laughter.

Children's books can play a major role in shaping the minds and values of young readers. By incorporating life lessons into their storylines, they can help children develop important values that they will need to become responsible adults.

The SHELBY F. SQUIRREL Series is comprised of three books:

BOOK ONE: The Complete Adventures of SHELBY F. SQUIRREL and Friends: (ages 4 to 10)

Shelby is a young Flying Squirrel who lives with his mother and his twin sister, Darby. This delightful series of adventures includes necessary lessons for skills the young ones will need as adults, and endless fun and excitement as Shelby explores the world around him.

Shelby hiccups and stutters when he is upset or nervous, trouble finds him much too easily, and growing up is not what he wants to do. The forest provides him with many good friends, but when their beloved meadow is changed forever they all move to the woods beside a farm, where Shelby meets and learns about farm animals, a whole new experience.

BOOK TWO: The Great FOREST CAPER: A Shelby F. Squirrel Adventure: (ages 8 to 11)

Shelby F. Squirrel and his friends suddenly face mortal danger, and may lose everything! This fast-moving adventure includes Marvin F. Mouse, Molly and Polly Raccoon, the Wise Old Owl, Rosie Robin, and farm animals: Charlie the Horse, Sultan Rooster, and Billy Goat, all part of the close-knit group introduced in 'The Complete Adventures of SHELBY F. SQUIRREL and Friends'. Combining the strength and wisdom of the whole community leads to a meticulously mounted counteroffensive, their only hope against heavy odds.

BOOK THREE: Where is Virginia?: Another Shelby F. Squirrel Adventure: (ages 9 to 12)

Virginia, a young flying squirrel with white fur, moves with her family to The Flying Squirrel Sanctuary to escape bullying. Her desperate parents call for help when she disappears, and Shelby and his friends organize a search party. They thankfully accept the help of Nikita, a dog who uses her tracking skills to pick up Virginia's captor's scent on the road. The animals are able to locate a building in town where they find Virginia has befriended a baby raccoon named Bandit, and perfected an escape plan. Meanwhile, Nikita's owner, Bryan, drives them to the building. Virginia triggers an alarm during her escape, but she and Bandit manage to get away just as the fire trucks arrive. The story has a happy ending, with new flying squirrel babies, family reunions, a Canine Lacrosse tournament, and the announcement that no more animals will be captured.

“Shelby F. Squirrel was 'born' when a back door at my condo building was left open a little too long....I always thought that some animal would get in and create havoc; amazingly I have no idea why that animal became a flying squirrel,” Lawrie stated. “My goal is to put The SHELBY F. SQUIRREL Series in the hands of readers of all ages, but I must admit that a personal dream is for the Series to be part of school reading. I promise to donate a percentage to a charity that promotes world literacy. I only want SHELBY to be loved for who he is as a baby and who he becomes as an adult. The life lessons are there to be picked up without expanding on them, but simply as part of each rollicking adventure.”

Readers and reviewers have praised the books in the series. One Amazon reviewer said of BOOK ONE, "Though broken up into small nuggets that are perfect for bedtime reading, this collection reminds me of tales by Thornton W. Burgess and Beatrix Potter." Another stated, "I must commend the author on her work. Shelby F. Squirrel is a wonderful creation, who deserves to be enjoyed by kids and grown-ups around the world. An easy 5 stars from me!"

Accompanying videos can be found on Youtube at http://www.youtube.com/@eleanorlawrie375.

Eleanor Lawrie is available for media interviews and can be contacted by email at eleanorlawrie1@gmail.com. All The SHELBY F. SQUIRREL Series books are available on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B00VD26BNO. More information is available on Eleanor's website at https://flutesandflyingsquirrels.com.

About Eleanor Lawrie:

Eleanor Lawrie was born in Toronto, studied Commercial Art at Northern Secondary School and worked for a few years as a catalogue layout artist. Drawing and watercolour painting were busy pastimes for many years. Her love of music began at age 7 with piano lessons, and flute became a passion in high school, which led to her career as a professional musician. She was also in demand for several years as a music copyist for the Canadian Music Centre and CBC.

Eventually, symphony jobs (Hamilton Philharmonic and Niagara Symphony), chamber music, and private teaching became her full-time occupation. After retiring, she joined a writers group and soon brought her first SHELBY story to share. The group's enthusiastic response encouraged her to carry on, and SHELBY subsequently led her into everything that followed.

Contact:

Eleanor Lawrie
https://flutesandflyingsquirrels.com
eleanorlawrie1@gmail.com

Leia Mais…

The Holiday Season In An Assisted Living Facility: Personal Reflections From Bestselling Author Frances Fuller


Best-selling author Frances Fuller offers an insider's view of assisted living and a unique outlook on aging, based on her own experience. Her insights are penetrating and deal with issues that many seniors and their families are concerned about.

Best-selling author Frances Fuller offers an insider's view of assisted living and a unique outlook on aging, based on her own experience. Her insights are penetrating and deal with issues that many seniors and their families are concerned about.

For most of us, the holiday season is a time of coming together to celebrate, often marked by the decoration of our homes and the gathering of family. However, for people who have chosen to live in assisted living facilities, the holiday experience can be vastly different. But how? Award-winning author Frances Fuller addressed this in a recent blog post titled, "Christmas Always Happens". In that post, she wrote in part:

My phone just rang. The front desk was calling to say I have a package, so I ran down (not quite literally possible at 95) to get it. Then I knew from the size and the weight: it was the fruitcake I always get from my sister.

In this elder community from which I write, it is Christmas on every hall: the nursing ward, memory care, assisted care, independent living, the dining room.

Decorated trees everywhere

Poinsettias in every pot

Sounds of Christmas music in the lobby

Manger scenes

“Christmas crafts” on activity schedules

Two choirs, male and female, warming up to sing for us

Happy people everywhere.

An unusual number of visitors, family and friends who love us and have driven a few hours to see us at Christmas

An unusual number of absent residents, people who are spending the holiday elsewhere with sons and daughters

Packages arriving, cards in mailboxes

Bus tours to see the Christmas lights

Holiday movies in the community room

And little surprises: small gift-wrapped boxes of chocolates, bowls of peppermint canes

All this and chances to give to others. A collection to buy gifts for people less fortunate than ourselves, and another for the people who clean and cook and guard the doors. And a tree with names of people in the nursing department, people we could cheer up with a gift.

This is Christmas in one of the best places an old woman can be.

The full text of the piece can be read at https://www.inborrowedhouseslebanon.com/christmas-always-happens/

In 'Helping Yourself Grow Old, Things I Said To Myself When I Was Almost Ninety', Frances provides readers with a closeup view of what it means to age well.

Unable to find a guidebook for aging, Fuller decided that she must figure out for herself how to live wisely through the puzzles and possibilities of aging, and while she learned she wrote. The result is thirty-eight personal essays, most of them resolves, promises she is making to herself and her family. In them she deals with such issues as grief, loneliness, physical limitations, fears, duties, and with the significance of her own life story. Guided always by her Christian faith, she tries to make sense of her own past and to understand her responsibility to younger generations. In the process she shares her daily life, enriched with memories from her fascinating experiences. Her stories and her voice---fresh, honest, irresistible---keep the reader eager for more. Her questions are universal. Her answers create a map through the challenging terrain of old age.

Frances Fuller's book is unique among the many books on aging, because it is personal, while most such books are written from an academic point of view. Most are penned by sociologists, doctors, gerontologists, even the CEO of AARP, and one by a Catholic nun, Joan Chittister. Chittister's book, 'The Gift of Years' is beautifully written, focusing on spiritual values and finding meaning in life. Chittister admits in the preface that she was only 70, which is the front edge of aging, and her book is somewhat abstract.

Atul Gawande’s book, 'On Being Mortal', relates medicine and old age, It enjoys high Amazon rankings, in the category of “the sociology of aging.” It contains a great deal of valuable scientific information and shows understanding of the physical and emotional needs of the elderly.

Frances Fuller’s book, 'Helping Yourself Grow Old, Things I Said To Myself When I Was Almost Ninety', is an up-close and very personal encounter with aging. It is an uncontrived and firsthand look at her own daily experiences: wrestling with physical limitations, grief, loneliness, fears, and the decisions she has made about how to cope with these and keep becoming a better person. She faces regrets and the need to forgive herself and others and is determined to live in a way that blesses her children and grandchildren.

Frances deals with many common, universal but sometimes private issues in an open, conversational tone. Her confessions and decisions invite self-searching and discussion. She tries to make sense of her own past and to understand her responsibility to younger generations. In the process she shares her daily life, enriched with memories from her fascinating experiences. Her stories and her voice — fresh, honest, irresistible — keep the reader eager for more. The end result is a book that helps create a detailed map through the challenging terrain of old age.

The result of this intimate narrative is that readers laugh, cry and identify with her mistakes and problems. Reviewers have called the book, “unique,” “honest,” “witty,” “poignant,” “challenging” and “life-changing.”

For these reasons it is a book unlike any other book on aging you will ever read. The book can serve as a primer on what lies in store for all of us, from someone who is working through many of these issues. While the book is a perfect fit for book clubs, there are many other individuals and groups who could benefit from the information and ideas in the book:

Those approaching retirement
People who are currently retired
Children of aging parents
Those who have lost a spouse
Retirement community discussion groups
Counselors
Educators
Life coaches
Church groups (men and women)

and a host of others. For group discussions, Fuller has made a set of discussion questions available at her website at http://www.FrancesFullerAuthor.com.

Readers have lavished praise on the new book. One Amazon review stated, "I find myself thinking,'I need to read this again and take notes!' It’s full of wisdom, humor, and grace. I also have committed to rereading it annually - it’s that important!" Another said, "There is valuable life experience in this book. Helping Yourself Grow Old is truly is a book for all ages, and one not to be missed." Another stated, "Beautifully written book telling timeless truths, for both the old and the young. Highly recommend this book for anyone who loves to laugh, cry, and learn wisdom from someone who has lived so much life."

Frances' prior work, 'In Borrowed Houses', has taken three industry awards and has achieved Bestseller status. Frances Fuller was the Grand Prize winner in the 2015 '50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading' Book Awards. It received the bronze medal for memoir in the Illumination Book Awards in 2014. Northern California Publishers and Authors annually gives awards for literature produced by residents of the area. In 2015 'In Borrowed Houses' received two prizes: Best Non-fiction and Best Cover.

Critics have also praised ‘In Borrowed Houses.’ A judge in the 22nd Annual Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Awards called 'In Borrowed Houses' “ . . a well written book full of compassion . . . a captivating story . . . ”. Another reviewer described the book as “Wise, honest, sensitive, funny, heart-wrenching . . .”. Colin Chapman, lecturer in Islamic Studies at the Near East School of Theology in Beirut said, “ . . . western Christians and Middle Eastern Christians need to read this story…full of remarkable perceptiveness and genuine hope.”

Frances has shared stories about her life in an interview with Women Over 70, and a recording is available on their Facebook page.

Frances Fuller is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below or by email at frances0516@att.net. The full text of her latest article is available at her website. Fuller's book is available at Amazon and other book retailers. A free ebook sample from 'In Borrowed Houses' is available at http://www.payhip.com/francesfuller. Frances Fuller also blogs on other issues relating to the Middle East on her website at http://www.inborrowedhouseslebanon.com.

About Frances Fuller:

Frances Fuller spent thirty years in the violent Middle East and for twenty-four of those years was the director of a Christian publishing program with offices in Lebanon. While leading the development of spiritual books in the Arabic language, she survived long years of civil war and invasions.

Contact:

Frances Fuller
frances0516@att.net
http://www.francesfullerauthor.com

Leia Mais…

Sunday, December 8, 2024

Book Marketing Announcements: The Authors Show® Lineup For The Week Of December 9, 2024


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 of the Free Publicity Focus Group and Danielle Hampson, Executive Producer of The Authors Show®, have announced The Authors Show® broadcast schedule for the week of December 9, 2024. 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 schedule for the week of December 9, 2024

Dec 9  
Channel 1     Deb Lewis  (USA)
Channel 2     Charles Harvey (USA)
Channel 3     L. D. Wenzel (Norway)
Channel 4     Carol Cooke AM PLY (Australia)
Channel 5     Joseph Ganci (USA)
Channel 6     Eric Madeen (Japan)
Channel 7     Wytisha Williams (USA)

Dec 10  
Channel 1     Kitty May Gruchelska (United Kingdom)
Channel 2     Laura Moss White (USA)
Channel 3     James Vogelzang (USA)
Channel 4     Richard Trayler (USA)
Channel 5     Jake Kaminski (USA)
Channel 6     Matt Armstrong (Australia)
Channel 7     Alfred James Dansbury, Sr. (USA)

Dec 11  
Channel 1     Larry Lockridge (USA)
Channel 2     Steven T Smith (USA)
Channel 3     Frank Fiore (USA)
Channel 4     Dr. Kixx Goldman (USA)
Channel 5     Deborah Wynne (USA)
Channel 6     Linda Maria Frank (USA)
Channel 7     Pam Ostrowski (USA)

Dec 12  
Channel 1     Michael Shandler (USA)
Channel 2     Terry M. Iverson (USA)
Channel 3     Jody Sharpe (USA)
Channel 4     Thomas Mark Johnston (United Kingdom)
Channel 5     Anne Wedgwood (United Kingdom)
Channel 6     Anthony J. Mohr (USA)
Channel 7     Lorraine Russell (USA)

Dec 13 - Dec 15  
Channel 1     Eleanor Lawrie (Canada)
Channel 2     Nancy Hicks Marshall (USA)
Channel 3     Martin Klubeck (USA)
Channel 4     Michael Jai Grant (USA)
Channel 5     Valerie Doherty (USA)
Channel 6     Thomas Fargnoli (USA)
Channel 7     Phillip Vega (USA)

Profile:

Don McCauley is a marketing strategist and is the facilitator of the Free Publicity Focus Group, a marketing and publicity firm. He also serves as the host of The Authors Show®.  Danielle Hampson is the Executive Producer of The Authors Show®.

Contact:

Don McCauley
Free Publicity Focus Group
don@freepublicitygroup.com

Danielle Hampson
The Authors Show
danielle@theauthorsshow.com

Leia Mais…

Saturday, December 7, 2024

You Can Create Your Own Blueprint For Healing Your Trauma By Listening To Your Intuitive Inner Voice Says Bestselling Author Dr. Kixx Goldman


The ebook version of 'Speak from Your Heart and Be Heard' will be available at no charge at Amazon December 11 -12, 2024

Dr. Kixx Goldman has announced that her bestselling inspirational ebook, 'Speak From Your Heart And Be Heard - Stories Of Courage And Healing', will be available at no charge at Amazon December 11 and 12, 2024 at https://www.amazon.com/stores/Dr.-Kixx-Goldman/author/B07XCZ9SXS?.

Trauma is a word that can encompass a wide range of experiences, from major life-altering events to seemingly small incidents. Regardless of the form, these events hold great significance for the individuals who suffer. The impact of trauma on mental, emotional, and physical well-being can be profound and far-reaching. So,we must ask, "How can we best heal the trauma in our own lives?”

Intuition is a powerful ally that can help us make informed decisions, solve problems, and navigate challenging situations. While the exact processes behind intuition are not yet fully understood, research suggests that it is related to the our ability to process information unconsciously, drawing on experiences and patterns to make connections and perhaps predictions. What is equally important is that intuition allows individuals to tap into their own emotions and values, helping them to make decisions that align with their personal goals and priorities.

In her bestselling ebook, 'Speak From Your Heart And Be Heard - Stories Of Courage And Healing', Dr. Kixx takes readers on a journey that is an illuminating exploration into intuition, resilience, and emotional honesty. Through a collection of eight realistic but fictional stories, she begins to show us key strategies for navigating life's challenges with courage and authenticity. Every one of the stories serves as a compelling testament to the transformative power of honoring one's own inner voice. The key word here is "own". Every form of trauma is unique to the individual, and thus requires a one-of-a-kind approach. The author has a talent that allows her to help guide readers to discover their own paths, without resorting to preaching or promising.

From the struggles of devoted fathers and resilient teachers to the courageous defiance of therapists and survivors, the characters in "Speak from Your Heart" exemplify the resilience of the human spirit and will. Through these stories, readers are reminded of the inherent strength that lies within each of us, inspiring us to heal and reclaim our power. "Speak from Your Heart" is not just a book—it's a beacon of hope and healing, offering readers real insight for navigating life with grace and resilience.

The eight engaging fictional stories in this collection are personal, drawn from experiences in Dr. Kixx's life and the lives of her clients. The characters are tested by everyday traumas...

• A devoted father and his daughter find hope in rewriting their past.
• With remarkable grit, a teacher escapes a surprise attack.
• To heal his childhood wounds, a man must conquer his fears.
• A therapist defies the establishment to protect her clients.
• As she confronts the church, a therapist regains her standing.
• A woman learns the risks of not speaking out.
• By sharing her story and bonding with peers, a woman overcomes her trauma.

As the characters in these stories find the courage to triumph over their challenges, they heal and grow.

Inspired by real life people, characters show readers how to find the courage to transform difficult and traumatic life experiences, speak their truth and reclaim their power.

'Speak From Your Heart and Be Heard: Stories Of Courage And Healing' has received rave reviews from readers and reviewers. Leslie S. Greenberg, PhD, distinguished Research Professor Emeritus, Dept. of Psychology, York University said, " In each story, the characters' resilience is illustrated by how they transform difficult life stories into constructive final narratives. They find the courage to triumph over challenges to heal and they grow. The message of the book: speaking one's truth makes for desired change and healing."

In her review, Liz Moulden said, "The short stories from Speak from Your Heart and Be Heard have given me a second chance and a voice, the voice I never had. What's exciting about this book is each main character in these short stories experienced some kind of abuse/ trauma but each finds their inner voice. With help, they're able to heal. Anyone who has ever experienced abuse or trauma as I have will be able to see snapshots of themselves in these stories."

In addition, Dr. Goldman offers a treasure trove of related information on her blog. Her articles span topics from diversity to human relations, psychology, single parenting, immigration and children, marriage and family and much more. The blog can be found at her website.

Dr. Kixx Goldman is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below or by email at drkixxgoldman@gmail.com. 'Speak from Your Heart and Be Heard' is available at Amazon and other book retailers. More information is available on her website at https://www.drkixxgoldman.com.

About Dr. Kixx Goldman:

Dr. Kixx Goldman is an author, a psychologist, and a coach. Kixx grew up in post-war Seattle. Before following the call of the desert and moving to Arizona, Kixx married a Canadian, lived in Vancouver, and raised three children. During those years, she acted in the local theater. She played the vindictive Abigail in Arthur Miller’s Crucible. It was her most memorable role and a catalyst in her life.

Kixx earned graduate degrees in education and counseling psychology. In her private practice, she helped couples untangle fight cycles and recreate emotional intimacy. She also worked with individuals and families, and taught workshops on personal empowerment and conflict resolution. As a consultant in public schools, she helped students overcome learning problems and develop social skills.

Contact:


Dr. Kixx Goldman
https://www.drkixxgoldman.com
drkixxgoldman@gmail.com

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Friday, December 6, 2024

TBI And Coma Survival: New Bestselling Literary Fiction Ebook, Little Bit Of Faith, Available At No Charge December 9 And December 10, 2024


Saverio Monachino amalgamates an odd collection of authors like John Irving, Tom Robbins, and Louise Penny into one, and the servings he presents come complete with a side order of comedy. Saverio believes adding a bit of humor helps wash down the truth while he discusses how open to interpretation the human condition can be.

Bestselling author Saverio Monachino has announced that 'Little Bit Of Faith', a fictionalized novel based on his coma experience, will be available at no charge in ebook form December 9 through December 10 at Amazon.

What do people experience while in the comatose state? The accounts vary, ranging from no awareness or dream-like experiences, while others say they have vivid, detailed memories of events that occurred while they were in a coma. Saverio Monachino, a survivor of traumatic brain injury, awakened from a coma and wrote 'Little Bit Of Faith, a bestselling, award-winning work of fiction that is unlike anything written about this experience.

Anyone who handles a patient load knows how difficult some can be. Dr. Selwood (a neuropsychologist) had a real doozy of a case assigned to her, Dr. Arthur McAiden. When McAiden first began his outpatient stint at the Kessler Institute he had trouble stringing cognitive sentences together. Selwood suggested he write his thoughts down, and so he did. At first, he wrote of the accident itself, which had her wondering how he knew what he did. Then his story moved on and intertwined his recovery process with what she believed to be a work of fiction. If he was trying to have fun at her expense, she did not know. Either way, it didn't matter, but, when he moved on and began describing his take on the triune others have used to describe his faith, she wanted to file this away in the circular trash can beside her desk. Then one of his characters came to life and paid her a visit. While her patient had struggled to re-enter the three-dimensional space those living on earth call home, Dr. Selwood, in turn, now struggled to accept the continuum of life Arthur had presented to her.

The ebook version of 'Little Bit Of Faith' will be available at no charge December 9 through December 10 at Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/stores/Saverio-J.-Monachino/author/B002BMEFXS.

George Point, in a review in the Bucks County Herald said, " . . . And there is more, much more to ponder in “Little Bit of Faith,” as Monachino leads us through Arthur McAiden’s comatose, fevered inner life, weaving tales of an international bio-terrorist plot, a plot to wrest control of his biotech company, and a plot to topple another Arthur — a medieval Arthur — as well as Chaucer’s “The Miller’s Tale.” The full review is available at https://comicfictionnoir.blogspot.com/2024/10/george-points-book-review-of-little-bit.html

Improbable as it may seem, Monachino’s gentle wit and informed narrative style are the glue that hold this metaphysical melange together. If you’re game to take a deep dive into the nature of consciousness, of bosons and other subatomic particles and the search for the ultimate intelligence, with a side trip into the Arthurian legend, 'Little Bit of Faith' may just be your cup of mead."

Monachino is also the author of the bestselling novel 'By Any Means'. In this spellbinding comic murder mystery, Monachino weaves a compelling narrative that immerses readers in a world of intrigue, humor, and suspense.

Leaking top secret information to the Press happens all the time. Just ask those holding government offices in Washington D.C. Up north in Montreal Inspector Gervais has experienced a perfected form of this art.

It all started on a typical summer night with Giorgio sitting on the roof reciting poetry, dressed from head to toe in leather and watching a man in the alley commit murder … with a hard salami. His life literally falls into the hands of the good Inspector and that’s when the fun begins.

“What,” Inspector Gervais wants to know, “do an overweight grocer, batman, tax attorneys, a dysfunctional Italian family, city politics and an esoteric secret society that may or may not be the remnants of the Knights Templar have in common?” Not much, but this is all he has to go on as he races to solve a gruesome murder ‘By Any Means’. Montréal in the summertime can be fun, murder can be funnier.

Readers and reviews alike have praised ‘By Any Means’. One Amazon reviewer said, "By Any Means is a fast paced, intriguing read. It immediately thrusts you into an unusual murder setting, which both grabs your interest to continue and introduces you to the witty writing style of the author. The book unfolds into a collage of family and other relationships, informative diversions into interesting areas of learning, and a front row seat to figuring out 'who dunnit’. I enjoyed the many interesting characters along with the wit and humor. I look forward to more from Saverio."

Another stated, "Funny? Yes, and the comedy is truly both deep and subtle. A mystery? Indeed, a murder mystery but those pages seem to cover the deeper mystery investigated by the author. It is obvious that BY ANY MEANS has gone to great lengths to open up more important questions than a who killed whom, as one begins to see the outlay of dysfunctional family dynamics, its development and picturesque guides to finding the right way to reconnect. After all, what in the world is more important, being the head of a super-secret organization that is hundreds, if not thousands of years old, or finding a mate who will hold your hand and bring a smile to your face. If that isn't enough of a psychological thriller then the author layers another common paradigm for the unrepentant on top; why is politics so much more important than truth."

Saverio was recently interviewed on "Let's Talk" on WDVR Radio in Sergeantsville, NJ. The interview is available at his website at https://comicfictionnoir.com/about/.

Saverio has also been interviewed by Theresa O’Brian. The interview and book review of ‘Little Bit of Faith’ is available at the Bethlehem Press website.

Saverio Monachino is available for media interviews and can be reached by email at r1234f56r@yahoo.com. More information is available on his website at https://comicfictionnoir.com.

"A Little Bit of Faith" and "By Any Means" are available on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/stores/Saverio-J.-Monachino/author/B002BMEFXS.

About Saverio Monachino:

Saverio Monachino has worked in the Bio-Pharmaceutical arena in various regions of the U.S. and Canada (and dragged his family along with him). He had discovered compounds that advanced into clinical trials while managing large R&D teams. Things happen, life changes, comas come and when lucky, they go, and now, as a TBI survivor, he has had to, as the saying goes, ‘move the cheese’. Now, he lives, writes, and has fun.

One book he co-authored, "Frenchtown New Jersey: History Along the River," during his free time while helping run a bookstore in Frenchtown NJ. During his recovery process, he also organized a radio theatre troop which performed both on air and on stage and, more recently, became a founding member of a very distinguished philosopher’s guild where old men can pontificate on any topic they wish while asking the proverbial question ‘is anyone listening to me?’. Of course, first and foremost, writing about the experiences within his head while comatose is what drives his works of fiction

Contact:

Saverio Monachino
https://comicfictionnoir.com
r1234f56r@yahoo.com

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