Award Winning Author Kevin Gerard To Appear At Premier Los Angeles Science Fiction Fantasy Convention LOSCON 39

Acclaimed author Kevin Gerard writes Hispanic books for young readers. He is the author of the Diego's Dragon Adventure series. Gerard’s award winning, unique fantasy dragon book series features a young Hispanic boy as the central character

Award winning author Kevin Gerard will be appearing at the premier Los Angeles science fiction fantasy convention LOSCON 39. He will be signing books, t-shirts and posters in the Dealer room at the convention on November 23, 24 and 25. Mr. Gerard will be featuring 'Dragons of the Dark Rift', the latest installment of his newest fantasy dragon series for young readers, 'Diego's Dragon'. He will also sign copies of all five 'Conor and the Crossworlds' novels. The first novel in the fantasy dragon series,‘Spirits Of The Sun’, recently won an award for best YA fiction at the 14th International Latino Book Awards in New York.

"I've heard about LOSCON for years," says Gerard. "An invitation to their dealer room is a real honor. I can't wait to sit amongst some of the best writers in the country, including Vernor Vinge, their guest of honor. He's a talented author and a very down to earth guy. I'm looking forward to an exciting weekend."

Kevin Gerard’s award winning books are unique in that the central character in the fantasy dragon series is a young Hispanic boy named Diego. The series is targeted to middle school and young adult readers.

In ‘Spirits Of The Sun’, young Diego Ramirez, an 11-year-old Hispanic youth, wins a writing contest. His prize is a statue of a handsome, glistening black dragon. After hearing the name Magnifico spoken aloud by family and friends, Diego awards it to his new dragon. If he only knew how fitting the name was, he might have known what lay ahead. Magnifico is the leader of the Sol Dragones, an assembly of dragons that live within the magical fires of the sun.  As Magnifico comes to life and grows to his mature size, he becomes quite mischievous, playing tricks on Diego to embarrass him. As he discovers his bloodline, however, Diego assumes greater control over his dragon and his destiny.

"Readers will enjoy these books," states Mr. Gerard, "because it is the first fantasy adventure epic series with a Hispanic boy hero. This is a story Hispanic children will love because the main character 'looks like them'."

‘Diego’s Dragon, Book Two: Dragons Of The Dark Rift’, expands the story, as Diego and his girlfriend, Racquel, and their dragons, Magnifico and Estrella, fight to see the true Mayan prophecy come to pass, a time of peace and renewal for all creatures. Vipero, Magnifico's enemy, wants the earth to be destroyed in a galactic upheaval, another interpretation of Mayan folklore. There are three more books in the planning stages, and each will focus on some aspect of Hispanic/Latino history, with fantasy adventure providing the background.

Kevin Gerard is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below or by email at kevin@cryingcougarpress.com. Autographed copies of both books will be available at the convention. Both 'Spirits Of The Sun' and 'Dragons Of The Dark Rift' are available at his website and from Amazon.com. More information is available at the website at http://www.DiegosDragon.com.

Profile:

Kevin Gerard lives in San Diego, California. Along with writing fantasy novels for young readers, he teaches statistics at Cal State San Marcos. When not writing or teaching, he enjoys walking the grounds at the San Diego Zoo and hitting the waves at Cardiff State Beach. When students ask him why he became a writer, he responds by telling them he wanted to do something spectacular with his life by making a contribution to the world.

Contact:

Kevin Gerard
www.DiegosDragon.com
kevin@cryingcougarpress.com

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Kimberly Davidson, Author Of ‘I'm Beautiful? Why Can't I See It?’ Believes Female Body Images In Media Influence Self-Image Held By Females

Author Kimberly Davidson offers advice to women regarding the perception of self-worth held by young females in ‘I'm Beautiful? Why Can't I See It?’. Now a new study demonstrates that the media influences the perception of ideal body weight held by young women and that this perception can result in eating disorders

In her book ‘I'm Beautiful? Why Can't I See It?’, Kimberly Davidson raises important questions about how women of all ages can be negatively impacted by images in the media. Recent studies support the idea that a woman’s self-worth can be influenced by a negative body image, resulting in a host of issues, including eating disorders.

“Studies continue to support that eating disorder symptomatology and a drop in self-image and self-worth in females is related to model images in fashion magazines. This latest research supports this. Viewing plus-sized models and images may indeed increase body image,” says Ms. Davidson.

Researchers from Durham University in the UK recently performed a study involving over 100 women. The women were shown images of slender women and models. Female participants who preferred thinner bodies continued to prefer this type when shown images of women and models with slender body types. This changed as they were shown images of women with a larger body shapes. The participants began to favor these larger body shapes. This would seem to suggest that the perception of ideal body weight can be greatly influenced by the images to which young people are exposed.

'I'm Beautiful? Why Can't I See It?' is an effective, step-by-step 13-week healing devotional study for anyone struggling with unhealthy patterns of eating and body image issues, including eating disorders (compulsive overeating, bulimia, and/or anorexia). Emotional (or disordered) eating is very serious, and God has specific processes for setting people free. 'I'm Beautiful? Why Can't I See It?' can be used as a personal resource or in groups and is 12-step compatible. The book can help readers rebuild their identity as they learn to see themselves as God does: beloved, beautiful, and significant.

“From a pastoral counselor's perspective” continued Ms. Davidson, “I believe readers struggling with unhealthy patterns of eating and body image issues, including eating disorders (compulsive overeating, bulimia, and/or anorexia) will find ‘I’m Beautiful? Why Can’t I See It?’ an important resource. I know firsthand how significant spirituality may be in recovery from disordered eating and negative body image.” Kimberly attributes her spirituality to defeating her battle with bulimia and negative body image. She brings a clear message of hope and restoration in her book.

Kimberly Davidson is available for media interviews and speaking engagements and can be reached using the information below or by email at kim@kim-davidson.com. More information is available at her website. ‘I’m Beautiful? Why Can’t I See It?' is available at Amazon and other online book retailers.

About Kimberly Davidson:

Kimberly Davidson received a MA from Western Seminary, is a board certified biblical counselor and spiritual development coach. She has ministered to women for over ten years, from the walls of prison to youth centers, inspiring them to empower God to meet their emotional and spiritual needs. Kimberly is also a Her Journey leader with ARMS (Abuse Recovery Ministry Services) and a Guest Instructor at Western Seminary on the subject of Eating Disorders and Body Image.

Kimberly is the author of five books and a contributor to five books, and has penned numerous articles. Born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Kimberly has lived in Iowa, New York (Long Island), London, suburbia Chicago, and Los Angeles.

Contact:

Kimberly Davidson
http://www.olivebranchoutreach.com
kim@kim-davidson.com

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Dr. Larry Manley, Author Of 'Filling My Life With Joy', Announces Mission For Victims Of Hurricane Sandy

Dr. Manley is the Senior Pastor of House Of Destiny International Ministries and the author of 'Filling My Life With Joy'. During the months of November and December he will be putting together missions for several important causes and will appear at a book signing in Greenville, SC

Dr. Larry Manley has announced several events for House Of Destiny International Ministries. One of those events involves providing aid to victims of Hurricane Sandy.

House of Destiny International Ministries will be putting together a mission of tractor trailer loads of food, supplies, and finances to assist the devastated people in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. Deadline for donations is November 23rd, 2012. In addition, Dr. Manley will also be putting together a mission of tractor trailer loads of food, supplies, and finances to assist the impoverished people in Myra, Kentucky.  Deadline for donations is December 9th, 2012.

Dr. Manley states, "With over 5,000 coal miners recently laid off in Kentucky and a 1,000 mile wide super storm named Sandy hitting the upper northeastern coast, House of Destiny Ministries is in need of your assistance in order to truck in food and supplies to these ravaged and torn families."

On November 20 Dr. Manley will appear at the Celebrity Author Book Signing event hosted by Lucas Financial Services, Inc. at Montebello Estates Clubhouse, 209 Siena Drive, Greenville, SC 29609 from 6:00pm-8:30pm. He will be signing copies of his latest work, 'Filling My Life With Joy'.

'Fillling My Life With Joy' differs from other motivating books, inspirational books and religious books. He teaches readers how to nourish their souls with what he calls the three 'essential ingredients', and asks them to then stand back and watch it grow. In this inspirational book, Dr. Manley shares three powerful concepts that, if embraced, can bring peace, joy and success to anyone's life, regardless of circumstance:

1. Something that's right for us to do
2. Somethign that's right for us to love
3. Something that's right for us to hope for

"My revelation," Dr. Manley continued, "compelled me to share these three things that can bring joy to anyone’s life. These facets are something that’s right for us to do, love and hope for. As ‘gardeners of our soul’, these powerful forces can cause our lives to bloom once again."

While primarily a Christian's book, 'Filling My Life With Joy' provides rock solid, true-to-life, specific guidance to anyone who might be experiencing life challenges, regardless of the severity or perceived hopelessness of those challenges. Dr. Manley's new work describes his own 35-year journey through addiction, homelessness, jail and eventual redemption through sheer determination, perseverance and faith. His story has been called a real life version of 'The Pursuit Of Happiness'.

As the popular movie 'The Pursuit Of Happyness' gave thousands of people hope, Dr. Manley offers not only encouragement and motivation but also specific methods for achieving one’s goals. Above all, he provides proof that anyone can overcome the challenges faced by following the guidance in 'Filling My Life With Joy/A Guide To The Better You'. Victims of Hurricane Sandy have significant challenges to overcome and Dr. Manley's goal is to provide assistance and support in whatever ways possible.

Donation for both missions can be made at the House Of Destiny website. Dr. Manley is available for interviews and can be reached using the information below or by email at drlmanley@gmail.com. 'Filling My Life with Joy/A Guide to the Better You', is available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble and WestBow Press. More information on both his new release and his ministry is available at his website.

Profile:

Dr. Manley is the Executive Director & Senior Pastor of the House of Destiny International Ministries. He is a Christian counselor, teacher, minister, an inspirational public speaker. Other Christian books include 'Majestic One' and 'Jungle Within'.

Dr. Manley served in the U.S. Navy and was Honorably Discharged in 1971. He was awarded the National Defense Award Medal for his military service. He is a Graduate of the Leadership Development Institute of Spartanburg, SC, and holds a Doctorate of Divinity at Progressive Life Church. He is a graduate of South Carolina Baptist Convention New Works Seminar, and is a graduate of The Granoff School of Music.

Contact:

Dr. Larry Manley
http://www.thehouseofdestiny.org
drlmanley@gmail.com

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Ess-Jee Rautenbach, Author Of ‘How To Stand For Your Marriage’ Chosen As Finalist For '50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading'

Rautenbach was chosen from a field of hundreds of authors who appeared on The Authors Show Radio in 2012. In his interview he discusses what it means to 'stand for your marriage' in a world where divorce is often encouraged and accepted

Ess-Jee Rautenbach, author of ‘How To Stand For Your Marriage: Giving Hope To A Broken Generation’, has been chosen as a finalist for '50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading'. Winners will appear in this years edition of the book. Rautenbach was chosen as the result of his appearance on The Authors Show Radio.

Many people go through divorce or marriage separation in society today. Marriages have become disposable and. when faced with marital difficulties and adversity, some just cut their losses and move on. This results in many people carrying guilt, shame and brokenness.

"I began working with troubled marriages," stated Mr. Rautenbach, "in 2009. I believe God led me to start a ministry for people going through hurt in their marriages to give them the same hope the Lord gave me when no one else could help. In the darkest hour of my life, the separation of my own marriage, I turned to God and He gave me hope and promise. 'Covenant marriage restoration' is now my passion. I have seen marriage after marriage after marriage restored and renewed through the simple principles outlined in the oldest book known to mankind - the Bible."

Divorce rates today are staggering. However divorce is not just a killer of marriages; it can be a killer of families and the cause of the decline of family values in our society. Ess-Jee Rautenbach believes this does not have to be and encourages readers to stand firm in marriage; to never give in or over.

A recent reviewer stated, "Ess-Jee Rautenbach stands firm on God’s purpose and offers hope for floundering marriages. All marriages go through rocky periods. However, that does not mean we are released from our vows, responsibilities or commitments. Divorce does not hurt only the husband and wife but their children, grandchildren, parents, siblings, and friends. Rautenbach reminds us that we have a great authority to turn to when our marriage falls apart . . . "

"Never give up on your marriage," Rautenbach continued, "even if your marriage seems hopeless and dead. There is always hope for you and your marriage. God can breathe back life into your marriage. God heals hurting marriages. I personally have witnessed many marriages where couples were reconciled, restored and their dead marriages were resurrected after they had divorced. Even new love was ignited in their hearts for one another through the mighty hand of God. God is not a respecter of person, so what He did for these couples, He can do for you. In this book, readers can find the beginnings of new hope for any marriage."

Ess-Jee Rautenbach is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below or by email at essjee@standforyourmarriage.org. ‘‘How To Stand For Your Marriage: Giving Hope To A Broken Generation’ is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and other outlets. The book has been rated 'family-friendly' by the Dove Foundation. More information is available at Rautenbach's website.

About Ess-Jee Rautenbach:

South African Ess-jee Rautenbach began working with troubled marriages in 2009 after his own marriage hit troubled waters. Since then, "covenant marriage restoration" has become his passion. He has seen marriage after marriage after marriage RESTORED and RENEWED through the simple principles outlined in the oldest book known to mankind, the Bible. In the authors first ground-breaking Christian book, 'How To Stand For Your Marriage', readers can find the beginnings of new hope for troubled marriages.

Contact:

Ess-Jee Rautenbach
essjee@standforyourmarriage.org
http://www.how2stand4marriage.org
Po Box 2981
South Africa
Paarl
7620

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Wearable Law Of Attraction, Mandala Designs And Other Holiday Gifts Now Available From Hope Bradford

The new unique and inspiring gifts include apparel, journals, drink ware, home accessories and wall decor inscribed with Goddess Kuan Yin's inspiring affirmations and sayings

 Author, designer and artist Hope Bradford has just completed her new line of wearable Law of Attraction and Goddess Kuan Yin Mandala clothing and other gifts. These designs are specifically crafted to help serve as reminders of the power that is within us all to create our most beneficial reality. They feature her original artwork and quotes from her books 'Oracle of Compassion: the Living Word of Kuan Yin' and 'Beneficial Law of Attraction: the Manifestation Teachings'.

These books chronicle psychic Lena Lees' conversation with Kuan Yin, the Chinese Goddess of Compassion and Mercy who shows us the powerful dynamics of the universe and how we can personally access them. Her compassionate nature often compared to Christ, Buddha and Mother Mary. Kuan Yin emphasizes the power of beliefs to attract your 'most divine life imaginable'. Her legend reaches far and wide, She has many names and forms. Known as Kannon in Japan, Avalokitesvara in India, Quan Am in Vietnam and Bodhisattva Chenresi in Tibet, Kuan Yin's modern spiritual teachings point to personal responsibility, and her 'Love and Forgiveness Principle' and positive affirmations as the way.

Indeed, Buddha said: "All that we are, is the result of what we have thought: it is founded on our thoughts, it is made up of our thoughts. If a man speaks or acts with a pure thought, happiness follows him, like a shadow that never leaves him". And Jesus of Nazareth said "Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods?" as well as "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly…Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you."
 
Kuan Yin's primary messages were that we do indeed create/attract reality, we are eternal beings, we are here to learn Her 'Love and Forgiveness Principle' and to appreciate, indeed 'marvel' at the wondrous creations surrounding us. Through Her teachings, She points the way to our 'path of liberation'; the spiritual journey and universal laws that will ultimately lead to enlightenment.

Saying, "You create your whole world from your thoughts...Say, believe and be open to receiving", “Let the magic happen. It is always there. Abundance and love are always there", "There is only eternity, knowledge and bliss" and "the universe will bring what you want", Kuan Yin enumerates not only Her immutable wisdom on oneness, the law of attraction, compassion and the eternal soul but also Her prophecies for the future of humankind. This powerful goddess can be a part of your life, as well. Saying, "Sit with me in divine faith and believe in me and I will be there," Kuan Yin assures "I know that nothing can harm you!"

The full line of unique and inspiring gifts, including apparel, journals, drink ware, home accessories and wall decor inscribed with Goddess Kuan Yin's inspiring affirmations and sayings, is available from: http://www.cafepress.com/LawofAttractionApparelGifts - wearable Law of Attraction affirmations and gifts and http://www.cafepress.com/KuanYinMantrasMandalasandArt - Kuan Yin mantras, mandalas and art.

Profile:

Hope Bradford is a Certified Hypnotherapist and is the author of seven books detailing the teaching of Kuan Yin. Titles include ‘Beneficial Law Of Attraction: The Manifestation Teachings’, ‘The Living Word Of Kuan Yin: The Teachings And Prophecies Of The Goddess Of Compassion and Mercy’, ‘Oracle Of Compassion: The Living Word Of Kuan Yin’, ‘The Gods Have Spoken Prophecy 2012 And Beyond: The 2012 Ascension-Compassion Vigils’, ‘Kuan Yin: The Universe Will Bring What You Want – The Science Of Miracles;, ‘Kuan Yin: 200 Timeless Truths’ and ‘You Are Eternal: Kuan Yin’s Universal Truths’. More information on all of her works is available at Amazon at http://tinyurl.com/23g98ea

Ms Bradford has studied ancient and contemporary wisdom and philosophy and has acquired extensive expertise in Transpersonal Hypnosis and teaching the law of attraction. In spite of this, she could never have imagined the singular psychic event that would transform her life when, in the winter of 2004, a hypnosis client, Lena Lees, spontaneously channeled the Eastern deity of Compassion, Kuan Yin.

Contact:

Hope Bradford
kuanyinspirit@hotmail.com
http://www.cafepress.com/LawofAttractionApparelGifts

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