Whether you voted for Obama or not, he has become the President of the United States. As such, he'll affect our lives, our country and the world. So that the you and your youngsters can keep abreast of current happenings regarding the Presidency and the 44th President, I've compiled a few books and resources here.
Barack Obama, President for a New Era (Gateway Biographies) by Marlene Targ Brill
Barack Obama: Our 44th President by Beatrice Gormley
Barack Obama: Out of Many, One (Step Into Reading) by Shana Corey
Michelle Obama: Meet the First Lady by David Bergen Brophy
The U. S. Presidency (Our Government) by Muriel L. Dubois
The American Journey of Barack Obama by the Editors of Life Magazine
The Story of Abraham Lincoln by Patricia A. Pingry
Time Line Presidents
Presidents Learning Placemat
Presidents of the USA Floor Puzzle
Do you have any favorite books or resources that have informed you about the Obamas, the Presidency, and former Presidents?
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Monday, January 19, 2009
Authors - Use Obama Techniques in Your Promotions
Promotional Techniques in the Internet Age
More than any other presidential candidate, Barack Obama and his team appear to have utilized the wide reaching appeal of the Internet and the technique of branding to appeal to the masses and promote him as the best person to lead our country. Whether you agree or not with the results of the presidential election, you’ll have to admit that the Obama team used promotional methods that worked.
Can we as authors learn from this?
BRANDING – Finding a key word or buzz word that captured the attention and emotions of the public seemed important in the campaign. What did they settle on? Something very simple…. the word CHANGE.
This word has a different meaning for everyone. It can evoke images of change for the better or fear of change for the worst. Somehow the Obama team was able to construe images of changing one’s present situation for the better so that the majority followed blindly with images of something they considered “better” dancing in their heads.
As more and more people picked up on CHANGE, the campaign gained momentum for most Democrat candidates.
Can you find a buzz word that will appeal to your readers? It should be something simple…something that ties in with your book, your writing, and/or you. It should evoke appealing images and emotion in the minds of your readers (who will become your fans or followers).
However, be cautious that your buzz word doesn’t give the idea that you promise more than you can deliver.
USE OF THE INTERNET – In today’s world, it’s almost imperative that you utilize the Internet as much as you can. You saw this in the Obama campaign with web sites, blogs, and YouTube town meetings.
Web Site/Blog - Most authors have a web site and/or blog where they post information about their books and their lives. Blogs enable them to keep their readers informed on a day-to-day basis.
YouTube can help you with book trailers, talks, and demonstrations, even meetings with your readers. How did Obama utilize these online features to reach the public, whereas other candidates appeared still to be learning there was an Internet out there?
Do you have a Buzz Word?
More than any other presidential candidate, Barack Obama and his team appear to have utilized the wide reaching appeal of the Internet and the technique of branding to appeal to the masses and promote him as the best person to lead our country. Whether you agree or not with the results of the presidential election, you’ll have to admit that the Obama team used promotional methods that worked.
Can we as authors learn from this?
BRANDING – Finding a key word or buzz word that captured the attention and emotions of the public seemed important in the campaign. What did they settle on? Something very simple…. the word CHANGE.
This word has a different meaning for everyone. It can evoke images of change for the better or fear of change for the worst. Somehow the Obama team was able to construe images of changing one’s present situation for the better so that the majority followed blindly with images of something they considered “better” dancing in their heads.
As more and more people picked up on CHANGE, the campaign gained momentum for most Democrat candidates.
Can you find a buzz word that will appeal to your readers? It should be something simple…something that ties in with your book, your writing, and/or you. It should evoke appealing images and emotion in the minds of your readers (who will become your fans or followers).
However, be cautious that your buzz word doesn’t give the idea that you promise more than you can deliver.
USE OF THE INTERNET – In today’s world, it’s almost imperative that you utilize the Internet as much as you can. You saw this in the Obama campaign with web sites, blogs, and YouTube town meetings.
Web Site/Blog - Most authors have a web site and/or blog where they post information about their books and their lives. Blogs enable them to keep their readers informed on a day-to-day basis.
YouTube can help you with book trailers, talks, and demonstrations, even meetings with your readers. How did Obama utilize these online features to reach the public, whereas other candidates appeared still to be learning there was an Internet out there?
Do you have a Buzz Word?
Friday, January 16, 2009
Spin-Offs from Quilting Novels
In the quilting field, we begin to see novels with a quilting theme that evolve into pattern books and even cookbooks. This becomes just one way a writer can produce spin-offs from their books. One of these books is The Quiltmaker's Gift.
I'd read The Quiltmaker's Gift to children when I was subsitute teaching and mentioned it on my Quilting and Patchwork blog. A reader inquired where she might find fabric with the Quilter's Gift as a theme.
As I was researching her query (and I haven't found any fabric yet, but asked for other quilters' input), I discovered some books with quilt patterns that accompany the story book, called Quilts from the Quiltmaker's Gift and More Quilts from the Quiltmaker's Gift.
Another quilter read my post at Quilting and Patchwork today and said she checked out these quilt pattern books and discovered they are "must haves." She's going to get one as a gift for a friend, too.
I'd read The Quiltmaker's Gift to children when I was subsitute teaching and mentioned it on my Quilting and Patchwork blog. A reader inquired where she might find fabric with the Quilter's Gift as a theme.
As I was researching her query (and I haven't found any fabric yet, but asked for other quilters' input), I discovered some books with quilt patterns that accompany the story book, called Quilts from the Quiltmaker's Gift and More Quilts from the Quiltmaker's Gift.
Another quilter read my post at Quilting and Patchwork today and said she checked out these quilt pattern books and discovered they are "must haves." She's going to get one as a gift for a friend, too.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Carolyn Howard-Johnson Wonders, "What Has Happened to Literary Fiction?"
Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of This is the Place, The Frugal Book Promoter, and The Frugal Editor, ponders why so much sci-fi, fantasy and romance is published, but less and less literary fiction? I think you'll enjoy her ideas. At least they will get you thinking.
For me the real topic is this: Why is it that literary fiction seems to be losing readers? The only reason my literary novel This Is the Place sold well in 2001 (at least for a first novel) is that I am also a marketer and took lots of time nurturing the sales and thinking of angles that would appeal to large segments of readers (yes, like the romantic aspect, that it is based on a true story, etc)
Here are some reasons I think literary work is not being read, in no particular order:
* Literary fiction (including poetry) isn't being published, at least not in the numbers it was published in the past.
For me the real topic is this: Why is it that literary fiction seems to be losing readers? The only reason my literary novel This Is the Place sold well in 2001 (at least for a first novel) is that I am also a marketer and took lots of time nurturing the sales and thinking of angles that would appeal to large segments of readers (yes, like the romantic aspect, that it is based on a true story, etc)
Here are some reasons I think literary work is not being read, in no particular order:
* Literary fiction (including poetry) isn't being published, at least not in the numbers it was published in the past.
*Publishers are assigning their marketing dollars to their top authors and stars and very nearly ignoring their midlist people. In fact, they aren't building midlists in any genre as they once did which doesn't bode well for publishing in general as the big names age and retire.
*Our education system isn't encouraging critical thinking or reading.
*Our education system is failing to teach reading/vocabulary building, etc. at a level required by many literary novels. So must we dumb-down our literary writing?
*Evidenced by the way our culture votes for their leaders, it doesn't much value anything intellectual. No matter what your politics I think we writers might agree that Obama's critical thinking, speaking and writing skills might be an encouraging sign for the future.
Please don't forget to discuss the sorry state of poetry. I read recently that even poets aren't buying books or chapbooks of poetry. Sorry, I can't find the article in my files.
Carolyn's web site: How To Do It Frugally.
Thursday, January 08, 2009
Books I've Found for Tots through Teens
From time to time, I compile lists of books for young and YA readers. Here are some in categories I've been researching:
Bird Books: Stories, Information & Fun
World War II Books for Children & YA
Controversial Books
When you check out these lists, you'll also find the information about where they're available. Also, you may be able to find most of them in your local library.
Bird Books: Stories, Information & Fun
World War II Books for Children & YA
Controversial Books
When you check out these lists, you'll also find the information about where they're available. Also, you may be able to find most of them in your local library.
Thursday, January 01, 2009
Happy New Year's from Potpourri of Writing
May 2009 be a wonderful year for you.
It's cold (3 degrees F.) and windy here where I live.
But we're looking forward to a grand 2009 with writing goals coming true.
It's cold (3 degrees F.) and windy here where I live.
But we're looking forward to a grand 2009 with writing goals coming true.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Censorship of Books & Internet - Is This the Solution?
Censorship
Do you express concern when someone tries to tell you what books you and your children can and can't read? Are you concerned about what's out there on the Internet that your children might discover.
So should the Internet have more government control? Books and Internet provide information for children and adults. Should the government control what we read and see? Or is that the responsibility of the parents?
Aaron Brazell provided an interesting post at Technosailor, UK Plans to Keep Kids Safe on the Web, Ignores History, about this topic, sparked by a proposal by the British Cultural Secretary. The Secretary has more control of the Internet in mind and expresses the desire that the US, when Barack Obama becomes President, will join him.
At Technosailor, you'll find some "food for thought," so that you don't accept this idea blindly.
I've also posted at One Book Two Book, Government Control of Books and Internet - Do You Agree? and at Obama Alert, More Control of Our Children and Our Lives?
What do you think?
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Will Print Publications Disappear?
Eco-consciousness
Saving trees and deleting the energy intensive processes involved in turning trees into paper is termed as being "eco-friendly" or "eco-conscious." We're finding that more and more print publications are developing an online presense.
Some have an online edition as well as a print one. Others are discontinuing their print versions as they publish solely online.
My daughter found that her favorite quilting magazine has developed an online subscription which costs less than the print version. The publisher will be offering both, but one wonders for how long.
My husband received a notice from a magazine he subscribes to that starting with the February issue, it will only be available online. He can no longer receive a print issue. If he doesn't desire this, he can get a refund. However, he says, even though he prefers a print edition, he does need the magazine for the information it contains for keeping current in his business.
Which do you prefer? Have you found a way to download online magazines onto an electronic reader?
Saving trees and deleting the energy intensive processes involved in turning trees into paper is termed as being "eco-friendly" or "eco-conscious." We're finding that more and more print publications are developing an online presense.
Some have an online edition as well as a print one. Others are discontinuing their print versions as they publish solely online.
My daughter found that her favorite quilting magazine has developed an online subscription which costs less than the print version. The publisher will be offering both, but one wonders for how long.
My husband received a notice from a magazine he subscribes to that starting with the February issue, it will only be available online. He can no longer receive a print issue. If he doesn't desire this, he can get a refund. However, he says, even though he prefers a print edition, he does need the magazine for the information it contains for keeping current in his business.
Which do you prefer? Have you found a way to download online magazines onto an electronic reader?
Friday, December 19, 2008
My Fav b5 Blog Posts of the Week
Favorite Posts
Periodically b5 bloggers post their favorite posts of the week. I write three blogs at b5media, Alzheimer's Notes, Quilting and Patchwork, and One Book Two Book. (The latter I co-blog with Marcie Pickelsimer.)
Sometimes it's difficult to choose your very favorite for the week. However, here are the three for this week:
http://www.quiltingandpatchwork.com/...ilt-mysteries/ http://www.onebooktwobook.com/mary-e...storm-of-2008/http://www.alzheimersnotes.com/not-h...-nursing-home/
Monday, December 08, 2008
Children's & YA Books About World War II Adventures
Yesterday, Dec. 7, was Pearl Harbor Day, the anniversary of the attack that caused the United States to enter World War II. I was a child at that time and remember the scary time it was, even though there was no fighting in our country.
I often write down my memories for my daughter and grand children and share them with others, too.I also have found some children's books about young people's experiences and adventures during those times.
Here are some children's books about World War II that I've enjoyed and have in my collection:
Lily's Crossing by Patricia Reilly Giff
The Art of Keeping Cool by Janet Taylor Lisle
The Night Flyers by Elizabeth McDavid Jones (An American Girl History Mystery)
Shadows on the Sea by Joan Hiatt Harlow
A Boy at War by Harry Mazer (A novel of Pearl Harbor)
The Spy Who Came in from the Sea by Peggy Nolan
I often write down my memories for my daughter and grand children and share them with others, too.I also have found some children's books about young people's experiences and adventures during those times.
Here are some children's books about World War II that I've enjoyed and have in my collection:
Lily's Crossing by Patricia Reilly Giff
The Art of Keeping Cool by Janet Taylor Lisle
The Night Flyers by Elizabeth McDavid Jones (An American Girl History Mystery)
Shadows on the Sea by Joan Hiatt Harlow
A Boy at War by Harry Mazer (A novel of Pearl Harbor)
The Spy Who Came in from the Sea by Peggy Nolan
Thursday, December 04, 2008
Tea for 200 (not two..or you..or me) with JK Rowling
Tea Party
To celebrate the release of her latest book, The Tales of Beedle the Bard, famed author JK Rowling invited approximately 200 school children to enjoy tea with her. What an exciting experience!
Read more about this at my One Book Two Book blog. This book is a spin-off of sorts from the latest Harry Potter book, Deathly Hallows.
I wonder what they had for tea and refreshments. Possibly something with a Scottish influence since this was to take place in Edinburgh.
To celebrate the release of her latest book, The Tales of Beedle the Bard, famed author JK Rowling invited approximately 200 school children to enjoy tea with her. What an exciting experience!
Read more about this at my One Book Two Book blog. This book is a spin-off of sorts from the latest Harry Potter book, Deathly Hallows.
I wonder what they had for tea and refreshments. Possibly something with a Scottish influence since this was to take place in Edinburgh.
Giveaways? Here Are Some With Gifts for Youngsters
One Book Two Book Giveaways
If you're a fan of giveaways, you'll find a series of them at a blog I co-author, One Book Two Book, running from Dec. 2-7.
Check out the rules and leave comments at the following links. You can enter any or all of the giveaways. These will make great Christmas gifts for youngsters, too. Enjoy!
Book Swim Giveaway
Readeez DVD Giveaway
Baby Can Read Giveaway
Wii Pop Star Guitar Giveaway
Fly Me To The Moon Giveaway
Giveaway - Celebrity Arthur Book from Speakaboos
Giveaway - Countdown to Bedtime Soundbooks
Giiveaway - ECO Baby Organic Playdough
Baby Potential Teacher Onesie Giveaway
Natural Pod Giveaway
RideMakerz Giveaway
Happy Green Bee Giveaway
Mead Writing Fundamentals Giveaway
If you're a fan of giveaways, you'll find a series of them at a blog I co-author, One Book Two Book, running from Dec. 2-7.
Check out the rules and leave comments at the following links. You can enter any or all of the giveaways. These will make great Christmas gifts for youngsters, too. Enjoy!
Book Swim Giveaway
Readeez DVD Giveaway
Baby Can Read Giveaway
Wii Pop Star Guitar Giveaway
Fly Me To The Moon Giveaway
Giveaway - Celebrity Arthur Book from Speakaboos
Giveaway - Countdown to Bedtime Soundbooks
Giiveaway - ECO Baby Organic Playdough
Baby Potential Teacher Onesie Giveaway
Natural Pod Giveaway
RideMakerz Giveaway
Happy Green Bee Giveaway
Mead Writing Fundamentals Giveaway
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Happy Thanksgiving from Potpourri of Writing
Happy Thanksgiving
We've been busy this morning getting the turkey ready. Yes, we're having the traditional turkey. My hubby selected it so has been monitoring the preparations. After I made the stuffing ("like Mother used to make!"), I left the rest to him. The engineer in him cooks to precision.
My daughter has been preparing her special recipes to add to our menu. She made her daughter's request of "glop" for breakfast...a combination of bread cubes, eggs, sausage, cheese, and milk. Some of us like that, while others have something else. (We live in a multi-generational home with six family members, a dog, guinea pig, and rabbit.)
Perhaps you'd like to see my Thankful Poem, a project on my Quilting and Patchwork blog.
How about writing your own Thankful Poem this weekend? Or any time of year?
We've been busy this morning getting the turkey ready. Yes, we're having the traditional turkey. My hubby selected it so has been monitoring the preparations. After I made the stuffing ("like Mother used to make!"), I left the rest to him. The engineer in him cooks to precision.
My daughter has been preparing her special recipes to add to our menu. She made her daughter's request of "glop" for breakfast...a combination of bread cubes, eggs, sausage, cheese, and milk. Some of us like that, while others have something else. (We live in a multi-generational home with six family members, a dog, guinea pig, and rabbit.)
Perhaps you'd like to see my Thankful Poem, a project on my Quilting and Patchwork blog.
How about writing your own Thankful Poem this weekend? Or any time of year?
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Controversial Books...Is The Rainbow Fish One of These?
The Rainbow Fish
I've often wondered where readers, teachers, reviewers and literary "experts" find the hidden meanings in books, unless the author has made a statement to this effect. Of course, if you know the author's beliefs and lifestyle, some may show through in their books. But how can we be sure all the interpretations aren't simply someone's opinion or speculation?
Whenever we've written about The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister at One Book Two Book, we've received a number of comments, some of them mentioning what a controversial book this colorful picture book is. Apparently to many people, it has underlying social and socialistic meanings. Some agree and others are vividly opposed.
You may want to check out:
What Does The Rainbow Fish Mean? Is There an Underlying Meaning?
Rainbow Fish Makes a Comeback at Our House
All this makes me wonder if anyone reads hidden meanings into my books and stories. It might be interesting to find out!
I've often wondered where readers, teachers, reviewers and literary "experts" find the hidden meanings in books, unless the author has made a statement to this effect. Of course, if you know the author's beliefs and lifestyle, some may show through in their books. But how can we be sure all the interpretations aren't simply someone's opinion or speculation?
Whenever we've written about The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister at One Book Two Book, we've received a number of comments, some of them mentioning what a controversial book this colorful picture book is. Apparently to many people, it has underlying social and socialistic meanings. Some agree and others are vividly opposed.
You may want to check out:
What Does The Rainbow Fish Mean? Is There an Underlying Meaning?
Rainbow Fish Makes a Comeback at Our House
All this makes me wonder if anyone reads hidden meanings into my books and stories. It might be interesting to find out!
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Remembrances of Veterans Day, Past & Present
Veterans Day meant a great deal in my childhood. Two of my uncles served in the World Wars. My husband is a veteran, too, so for several years I was a military wife.
I've written about this day at several of my blogs and have included a post of Alicia Sparks:
One Book Two Book: Remembering Our Veterans on Veterans Day.
Alzheimer's Notes:Veterans Day Memories in Alzheimer's World
Quilting and Patchwork: Patriotic Quilts for Veterans Day
Alicia Sparks' Mental Health Notes: Help Veterans Obtain Mental Health Resouces
Do you have associations, past and present, with Veterans Day?
I've written about this day at several of my blogs and have included a post of Alicia Sparks:
One Book Two Book: Remembering Our Veterans on Veterans Day.
Alzheimer's Notes:Veterans Day Memories in Alzheimer's World
Quilting and Patchwork: Patriotic Quilts for Veterans Day
Alicia Sparks' Mental Health Notes: Help Veterans Obtain Mental Health Resouces
Do you have associations, past and present, with Veterans Day?
Saturday, November 08, 2008
Thanksgiving Books for Fun and Facts
Thanksgiving Books
If you're looking for Thanksgiving and harvest book ideas for your youngsters and yourself, check out my list and post at One Book Two Book.
Fun & Fact Books for Thanksgiving & Harvest Season
Favorite Thanksgiving Books
Do you have any to suggest?
If you're looking for Thanksgiving and harvest book ideas for your youngsters and yourself, check out my list and post at One Book Two Book.
Fun & Fact Books for Thanksgiving & Harvest Season
Favorite Thanksgiving Books
Do you have any to suggest?
Monday, October 13, 2008
October - A Time for Spider Month, Books & Activities
October seems to be "Spider Month," when people are searching the Internet for information about spiders. Perhaps it has to do with Halloween.
Marcie Pickelsimer, my co-blogger at One Book Two Book, has done a great deal of research on this topic as it applies to children's books and activities. You might enjoy visiting our blog, especially the following posts:
October is Spider Month
Spider Activities for Kids: Young & Old
Spiders!
10 Best Spider Books
Spiders, Spiders Everywhere
Enjoy! Then you might want to leave Marcie a message telling her how much you appreciate all the research she has done on this topic and the books and spider activities she's found.
(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen
Marcie Pickelsimer, my co-blogger at One Book Two Book, has done a great deal of research on this topic as it applies to children's books and activities. You might enjoy visiting our blog, especially the following posts:
October is Spider Month
Spider Activities for Kids: Young & Old
Spiders!
10 Best Spider Books
Spiders, Spiders Everywhere
Enjoy! Then you might want to leave Marcie a message telling her how much you appreciate all the research she has done on this topic and the books and spider activities she's found.
(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen
Writing Workshops for Tots Through Teens & Adults
I love encouraging young and beginning writers. So I'm often invited to schools and libraries to present writing workshops in various types of this art form....fiction, non-fiction, poetry. Since I've also illustrated some of my books, I'll include art in these presentations, too.
For more information about my writing workshops, check them out at my Children's Author Tales blog. (Contact information is there, too.)
For more information about my writing workshops, check them out at my Children's Author Tales blog. (Contact information is there, too.)
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
Discover Weekly Writing Tips at One Book Two Book
If you or your family entertain thoughts of writing...for pure fun, to write stories for school lessons, or to record your thoughts in journals, you might enjoy the series I've begun at One Book Two Book, Mary Emma's Writing Tips. Although the weekly tips, prompts and activities are slated for young writers, they will work for anyone.
These will appear at One Book Two Book each Sunday. I also will suggest books and web sites where you can find help and inspiration, too.
One of my joys is sharing my writing with others and encouraging them in theirs, whether they're children or adults.
Related Posts:
Mary Emma's Writing Tips for Young Writers
Mary Emma's Writing Activities for Young Writers
Mary Emma's Weekly Writing Tips -Scary Stories
(c)Mary Emma Allen
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Daily Giveaways at One Book Two Book beginning August 24
Giveaways at OneBookTwoBook.com
You’ll find them daily for several days (August 24 - Sept. 6) for the Back-to-School Blast. Some days there even two drawings!
Among the prizes are many items to get the youngsters ready for school from snacks, lunch boxes/kits, back packs, books, and other supplies.
Stay tuned and have a blast! Visit One Book Two Book often.
Get One Book, Two Book’s Feed!
You’ll find them daily for several days (August 24 - Sept. 6) for the Back-to-School Blast. Some days there even two drawings!
Among the prizes are many items to get the youngsters ready for school from snacks, lunch boxes/kits, back packs, books, and other supplies.
Stay tuned and have a blast! Visit One Book Two Book often.
Get One Book, Two Book’s Feed!
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
GIVEAWAY for HARRY POTTER PHENOMENON BOOK
At my Home Biz Notes blog, I'm offering a random drawing giveaway of Susan Gunelius's new book:
"To celebrate the U.S. release of Harry Potter, The Story of a Global Business Phenomenon by Susan Gunelius, we’re conducting a random drawing giveaway of a copy of the book. (See my interview of Susan at Home Biz Notes for more information about the book and why Susan wrote it.)"
Check out the giveaway, especially if you're a Harry Potter fan or are interested in phenomenal marketing strategies.
"To celebrate the U.S. release of Harry Potter, The Story of a Global Business Phenomenon by Susan Gunelius, we’re conducting a random drawing giveaway of a copy of the book. (See my interview of Susan at Home Biz Notes for more information about the book and why Susan wrote it.)"
Check out the giveaway, especially if you're a Harry Potter fan or are interested in phenomenal marketing strategies.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
One Book Two Book - Book Blog for Kids of All Ages
I'm having great fun co-blogging with Marcie Pickelsimer at the b5media blog, One Book Two Book which features books and information for kids of all ages. You might want to check it out. Even become a regular reader!
We feature: reviews, interviews, giveaways, theme weeks, book news, word of the week, book quotes, reading related activities, and much, much more.
Come join us!
(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen
We feature: reviews, interviews, giveaways, theme weeks, book news, word of the week, book quotes, reading related activities, and much, much more.
Come join us!
(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Check Out the Giveaways on Four of My Blogs
I'm running giveaways on 4 of my b5media blogs. How about checking them out? You may want to enter the random drawings.
http://www.onebooktwobook.com/monkey-trouble-book-giveaway-at-one-book-two-book/
http://www.quiltingandpatchwork.com/2008/07/28/bloggy-giveway-at-quilting-patchwork/
http://www.alzheimersnotes.com/a-glass-full-of-tears-giveaway-at-alzheimers-notes/
http://www.homebiznotes.com/a-drawinggiveaway-for-mary-emma-allens-anthology/
The giveaway at Quilting and Patchwork expires Aug. 1, 11:59 PM (Eastern). The expiration date on the others is Aug. 5, 11:59 PM (Eastern).
http://www.onebooktwobook.com/monkey-trouble-book-giveaway-at-one-book-two-book/
http://www.quiltingandpatchwork.com/2008/07/28/bloggy-giveway-at-quilting-patchwork/
http://www.alzheimersnotes.com/a-glass-full-of-tears-giveaway-at-alzheimers-notes/
http://www.homebiznotes.com/a-drawinggiveaway-for-mary-emma-allens-anthology/
The giveaway at Quilting and Patchwork expires Aug. 1, 11:59 PM (Eastern). The expiration date on the others is Aug. 5, 11:59 PM (Eastern).
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
Writing & Publishing Month at Home Biz Notes
Want to learn more about writing and publishing? Also working at it from home?
Check out the exciting features this month at my b5media blog, Home Biz Notes. My coblogger, Yvonne Russell, and I are interviewing writers, featuring self-publishing businesses, talking to tax experts. We're hosting authors, doing book reviews, and posting guest articles as well as mentioning our own experiences in the writing/publishing field.
*Tim Bete with 10 book promotion tips
*Susan Gunelius and her new book about the Harry Potter phenomenon.
*Anne Wayman, blogger and writer
*Lois Collins and the Spencer Family Books
*Janie Lancaster and running serials in newspapers
*Kathleen Walls and GAP
This is only a sampling of what Yvonne and I have planned.
Come join us!
(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen
Check out the exciting features this month at my b5media blog, Home Biz Notes. My coblogger, Yvonne Russell, and I are interviewing writers, featuring self-publishing businesses, talking to tax experts. We're hosting authors, doing book reviews, and posting guest articles as well as mentioning our own experiences in the writing/publishing field.
*Tim Bete with 10 book promotion tips
*Susan Gunelius and her new book about the Harry Potter phenomenon.
*Anne Wayman, blogger and writer
*Lois Collins and the Spencer Family Books
*Janie Lancaster and running serials in newspapers
*Kathleen Walls and GAP
This is only a sampling of what Yvonne and I have planned.
Come join us!
(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Debbie Yost Writes About What She Knows
"Write about what you know," has been the age-old advice for writers. Sometimes this works and sometimes writers choose a different path.
However, for daycare provider, blogger and writer, Debbie Yost, this advice is paving the way for her writing. Debbie appeared as a guest blogger on Home Biz Notes, a blog I co-author with Yvonne Russell at b5media. In a four-part series, Debbie provided information and suggestions for anyone who is considering a home daycare or currently is operating one.
Most of Debbie's suggestions also work well for owners of other businesses. Check out the post, In Home Daycare Business Series Roundup. Here you'lll find the links to all of Debbie's posts at Home Biz Notes.
What are you doing in your life that you can expand upon and write about...either for the print media or online? Make a list of "what you know" and see what will come from it.
I'd enjoy hearing how you make out.
(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen
However, for daycare provider, blogger and writer, Debbie Yost, this advice is paving the way for her writing. Debbie appeared as a guest blogger on Home Biz Notes, a blog I co-author with Yvonne Russell at b5media. In a four-part series, Debbie provided information and suggestions for anyone who is considering a home daycare or currently is operating one.
Most of Debbie's suggestions also work well for owners of other businesses. Check out the post, In Home Daycare Business Series Roundup. Here you'lll find the links to all of Debbie's posts at Home Biz Notes.
What are you doing in your life that you can expand upon and write about...either for the print media or online? Make a list of "what you know" and see what will come from it.
I'd enjoy hearing how you make out.
(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
Karin Abarbanel & Birthing the Elephant Visit Home Biz Notes
Karin Abarbanel stopped by my b5 media blog, Home Biz Notes, during her April author tour of the blogosphere. In my post, A “Birthing The Elephant” Strategy To Business Success, you'll learn about this unique and very helpful book for women entrepreneurs. However, much of the information has general application for men and women and their businesses.
Subtitled, The woman’s go-for-it! guide to overcoming the big challenges of launching a business, Birthing the Elephant, encourages women to design their destinies and gives stories from real people who have become successful in business. In fact Bobbi Brown, owner of Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, writes the foreword.
If you have questions for Karin, about her book and business, leave them in the comments section of my post at Home Biz Notes. Also, post a comment and become eligible to win a free copy of Birthing the Elephant at the end of her tour! One lucky winner will be announced on April 30!
(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
A Visit With Allison Bottke, Author of Setting Boundaries with Your Adult Children
Allison Bottke, author of Setting Boundaries with Your Adult Children, stops by Potpourri of Writing during her April Blog Tour. She's spreading the word about a topic she feels desperately needs to be addressed and leaves a message already striking a chord in hearts around the nation about adult children whose lives are out of control and who often come home to live.
MARY EMMA: Welcome, Allison, to Potpourri of Writing. Thank you for coming to share with us. Setting Boundaries with Your Adult Children comes out of your own personal experience with your son. Please tell us about that.
ALLISON: For years I really thought I was helping my son. I wanted him to have the things I never had growing up. I love my son, and I didn’t want him to hurt—but sometimes pain is a natural result of the choices we make. For a long time I didn’t understand the part I was playing in the ongoing drama that had become my son’s life—I didn’t understand that I didn’t have to live in constant chaos and crisis because of his choices. When I chose to stop the insanity and start living a life of hope and healing my life changed. It’s a feeling I want other struggling parents and grandparents to experience. I want other parents to know that change is possible when we choose to stop the destructive cycle of enabling. And we can stop it. I know, because I’ve done it.
MARY EMMA: Why do you think so many parents struggle with enabling their adult children?
ALLISON: We don’t understand the difference between helping and enabling, that one heals and the other hurts. We don’t realize that we handicap our adult children when we don’t allow them to experience the consequences of their actions.
MARY EMMA: How can we determine whether we are helping versus enabling our children?
ALLISON: Helping is doing something for someone that he is not capable of doing himself.
Enabling is doing for someone things that he could and should be doing himself.
An enabler is a person who recognizes that a negative circumstance is occurring on a regular basis and yet continues to enable the person with the problem to persist with his detrimental behaviors. Simply, enabling creates an atmosphere in which our adult children can comfortably continue their unacceptable behavior.
MARY EMMA: What are some of the most common ways that parents enable their children?
ALLISON: Being the Bank of Mom and Dad, or the Bank of Grandma and Grandpa. Loaning money that is never repaid, buying things they can’t afford and don’t really need. Continually coming to their rescue so they don’t feel the pain—the consequences—of their actions and choices. Accepting excuses that we know are excuses—and in some instances are downright lies. Blaming ourselves for their problems. We have given too much and expected too little.
MARY EMMA: What are some things that parents can do to break the cycle of enabling?
ALLISON: Follow the six steps to S.A.N.I.T.Y.: Stop blaming yourself and stop the flow of money. Stop continually rescuing your adult children from one mess after another. Assemble a support group of other parents in the same situation. Nip excuses in the bud. Implement rules and boundaries. Trust your instincts. Yield everything to God, because you’re not in control. These six things can start a parent on the road to S.A.N.I.T.Y. in an insane situation that is spinning out of control. However, a key issue in breaking the cycle of enabling is to understand whose problem it really is.
MARY EMMA: What does this book accomplish that other books on the topic do not?
ALLISON: Setting Boundaries with Your Adult Children will empower readers with a no holds barred six step S.A.N.I.T.Y. format, stating in black and white the parental behaviors that must STOP, along with identifying new habits to implement if change is to occur. Setting Boundaries with Your Adult Children will identify the false conceptions parents believe about themselves and their adult children and will counter each lie of captivity with the truth that setting boundaries is not only a good thing—but a vital part of hope and healing. True stories from other enabling parents and grandparents are woven throughout the chapters. Discussions with and observations from licensed psychologists and psychiatrists are also included.
MARY EMMA: Tell us about the S.A.N.I.T.Y. Support Group Network you founded. How can people get involved?
ALLISON: The “A” step in S.A.N.I.T.Y. is to ASSEMBLE a support group. This is a vital component in being able to look at our situations more objectively. We have developed a powerful Companion Study Guide that can be read individually or in a group setting. This Companion Study Guide contains all the information you need to conduct a S.A.N.I.T.Y. Support group in your neighborhood or community. Visit our web site here to find out more: http://www.sanitysupport.com/blogtourguests.htm.
MARY EMMA: Thank you, Allison, for visiting Potpourri of Writing during your blog tour. Is there anything you'd like to add?
ALLISON: I encourage your readers to tell me what they think about Setting Boundaries with Your Adult Children. I really do want to hear reader feedback. They can reach me at: SettingBoundaries@SanitySupport.com. Please be sure to visit our web site at http://www.sanitysupport.com/blogtourguests.htm where they will find additional resources for helping them on their road to S.A.N.I.T.Y. Remember to tell a friend in need and help save a life!
MARY EMMA: Welcome, Allison, to Potpourri of Writing. Thank you for coming to share with us. Setting Boundaries with Your Adult Children comes out of your own personal experience with your son. Please tell us about that.
ALLISON: For years I really thought I was helping my son. I wanted him to have the things I never had growing up. I love my son, and I didn’t want him to hurt—but sometimes pain is a natural result of the choices we make. For a long time I didn’t understand the part I was playing in the ongoing drama that had become my son’s life—I didn’t understand that I didn’t have to live in constant chaos and crisis because of his choices. When I chose to stop the insanity and start living a life of hope and healing my life changed. It’s a feeling I want other struggling parents and grandparents to experience. I want other parents to know that change is possible when we choose to stop the destructive cycle of enabling. And we can stop it. I know, because I’ve done it.
MARY EMMA: Why do you think so many parents struggle with enabling their adult children?
ALLISON: We don’t understand the difference between helping and enabling, that one heals and the other hurts. We don’t realize that we handicap our adult children when we don’t allow them to experience the consequences of their actions.
MARY EMMA: How can we determine whether we are helping versus enabling our children?
ALLISON: Helping is doing something for someone that he is not capable of doing himself.
Enabling is doing for someone things that he could and should be doing himself.
An enabler is a person who recognizes that a negative circumstance is occurring on a regular basis and yet continues to enable the person with the problem to persist with his detrimental behaviors. Simply, enabling creates an atmosphere in which our adult children can comfortably continue their unacceptable behavior.
MARY EMMA: What are some of the most common ways that parents enable their children?
ALLISON: Being the Bank of Mom and Dad, or the Bank of Grandma and Grandpa. Loaning money that is never repaid, buying things they can’t afford and don’t really need. Continually coming to their rescue so they don’t feel the pain—the consequences—of their actions and choices. Accepting excuses that we know are excuses—and in some instances are downright lies. Blaming ourselves for their problems. We have given too much and expected too little.
MARY EMMA: What are some things that parents can do to break the cycle of enabling?
ALLISON: Follow the six steps to S.A.N.I.T.Y.: Stop blaming yourself and stop the flow of money. Stop continually rescuing your adult children from one mess after another. Assemble a support group of other parents in the same situation. Nip excuses in the bud. Implement rules and boundaries. Trust your instincts. Yield everything to God, because you’re not in control. These six things can start a parent on the road to S.A.N.I.T.Y. in an insane situation that is spinning out of control. However, a key issue in breaking the cycle of enabling is to understand whose problem it really is.
MARY EMMA: What does this book accomplish that other books on the topic do not?
ALLISON: Setting Boundaries with Your Adult Children will empower readers with a no holds barred six step S.A.N.I.T.Y. format, stating in black and white the parental behaviors that must STOP, along with identifying new habits to implement if change is to occur. Setting Boundaries with Your Adult Children will identify the false conceptions parents believe about themselves and their adult children and will counter each lie of captivity with the truth that setting boundaries is not only a good thing—but a vital part of hope and healing. True stories from other enabling parents and grandparents are woven throughout the chapters. Discussions with and observations from licensed psychologists and psychiatrists are also included.
MARY EMMA: Tell us about the S.A.N.I.T.Y. Support Group Network you founded. How can people get involved?
ALLISON: The “A” step in S.A.N.I.T.Y. is to ASSEMBLE a support group. This is a vital component in being able to look at our situations more objectively. We have developed a powerful Companion Study Guide that can be read individually or in a group setting. This Companion Study Guide contains all the information you need to conduct a S.A.N.I.T.Y. Support group in your neighborhood or community. Visit our web site here to find out more: http://www.sanitysupport.com/blogtourguests.htm.
MARY EMMA: Thank you, Allison, for visiting Potpourri of Writing during your blog tour. Is there anything you'd like to add?
ALLISON: I encourage your readers to tell me what they think about Setting Boundaries with Your Adult Children. I really do want to hear reader feedback. They can reach me at: SettingBoundaries@SanitySupport.com. Please be sure to visit our web site at http://www.sanitysupport.com/blogtourguests.htm where they will find additional resources for helping them on their road to S.A.N.I.T.Y. Remember to tell a friend in need and help save a life!
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Fact or Fiction? How Can We Be Sure?
I found an interesting post, More Literary Hoaxes, on Heather Goldsmith's blog, A Creative Journal. She discusses some of the current literary hoaxes, whereby writers have tried to pass off fictionalized accounts as memoir or autobiography.
I left a comment at Heather's blog, but thought I'd include my thoughts here. Since I write a great deal of memoir in my "Country Kitchen" newspaper column, I began to wonder if my readers would think I made all this up. I attended a writers' group the other evening, and when the discussion turned to memoir as a genre, many were shaking their heads, wondering what to believe anymore.
We begin to wonder what's true and what isn't, don't we? Of course, when you write about your life, you may find you don't recall incidents exactly like others who experienced them with you. But these usually are minor things. If you fictionalize too much, you'll be caught up on it sometime.
When I was taking a children's writing workshop, we had to write about an incident in our childhood. The instructor liked mine but gave suggestions for making it more exciting. Since those details were fabricated, I was uncomfortable about writing it this way. So he suggested I make it a fiction story, incorporating the fact with fabrication. This turned out very well and sold to several children's magazines and appeared in an anthology. (I retained the rights so I could sell reprint and anthology rights.) Fiction based upon fact can be fun to write, but it should be labeled as such.
What do you think?
(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen
I left a comment at Heather's blog, but thought I'd include my thoughts here. Since I write a great deal of memoir in my "Country Kitchen" newspaper column, I began to wonder if my readers would think I made all this up. I attended a writers' group the other evening, and when the discussion turned to memoir as a genre, many were shaking their heads, wondering what to believe anymore.
We begin to wonder what's true and what isn't, don't we? Of course, when you write about your life, you may find you don't recall incidents exactly like others who experienced them with you. But these usually are minor things. If you fictionalize too much, you'll be caught up on it sometime.
When I was taking a children's writing workshop, we had to write about an incident in our childhood. The instructor liked mine but gave suggestions for making it more exciting. Since those details were fabricated, I was uncomfortable about writing it this way. So he suggested I make it a fiction story, incorporating the fact with fabrication. This turned out very well and sold to several children's magazines and appeared in an anthology. (I retained the rights so I could sell reprint and anthology rights.) Fiction based upon fact can be fun to write, but it should be labeled as such.
What do you think?
(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Author Dyan Garris Tours Home Biz Notes
Author Dyan Garris stopped by Home Biz Notes today on her blog tour as she promotes her book, Money and Manifesting. She has a unique way of approaching the topic of making money.
"It is not enough to think positively, repeat affirmations, and attract positive energy. We must implement and integrate this learning into our daily lives. This is the real secret of manifesting money. It is the real secret of manifesting anything."
Learn more about Dyan's evolution as a businesswoman to author. She has an interesting story to tell and shares her ideas at Home Biz Notes and in her book.
"It is not enough to think positively, repeat affirmations, and attract positive energy. We must implement and integrate this learning into our daily lives. This is the real secret of manifesting money. It is the real secret of manifesting anything."
Learn more about Dyan's evolution as a businesswoman to author. She has an interesting story to tell and shares her ideas at Home Biz Notes and in her book.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Blog Writing - For Fun, For Profit, For Promotion, For a Cause
Blog writing has taken off in the past few years and is used for various reasons. I'll mention a few of the reasons bloggers blog. Some of them interrelate.
FUN - Some bloggers write purely for fun, using their blog as an online journal. They may base much of their blogging around a particular theme, as my daughter does with her fabric art at Meandering Threads.
PROFIT - Bloggers write for pay, some for blogging networks, as I do for b5media, others for companies that need someone to maintain their blogs that provide information for customers.
If you'd like to see what it's like to blog for a network, check out my blogs at b5media (Alzheimer's Notes, Quilting and Patchwork, and Home Biz Notes).
PROMOTION - Authors are using blogs to promote their books and workshops; crafters promote their products on their web sites; businesses call attention to themselves and their products/services. You might not have a "store" on your blog, but you provide interesting information that will lead customers to your online and offline places of business.
A CAUSE - Bloggers write about topics that fire them up whether political, environmental, health, business, religious, as well as presumed and real slights and injuries. The blogosphere has become a powerful tool for people to voice their opinions and get their views across. Sometimes the power is used negatively, as well as positively.
I enjoy blogging, whether my personal blogs here at Blogger or those at b5media, so much that I teach workshops and give talks about Blog Writing so others can learn about this, too.
(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen
FUN - Some bloggers write purely for fun, using their blog as an online journal. They may base much of their blogging around a particular theme, as my daughter does with her fabric art at Meandering Threads.
PROFIT - Bloggers write for pay, some for blogging networks, as I do for b5media, others for companies that need someone to maintain their blogs that provide information for customers.
If you'd like to see what it's like to blog for a network, check out my blogs at b5media (Alzheimer's Notes, Quilting and Patchwork, and Home Biz Notes).
PROMOTION - Authors are using blogs to promote their books and workshops; crafters promote their products on their web sites; businesses call attention to themselves and their products/services. You might not have a "store" on your blog, but you provide interesting information that will lead customers to your online and offline places of business.
A CAUSE - Bloggers write about topics that fire them up whether political, environmental, health, business, religious, as well as presumed and real slights and injuries. The blogosphere has become a powerful tool for people to voice their opinions and get their views across. Sometimes the power is used negatively, as well as positively.
I enjoy blogging, whether my personal blogs here at Blogger or those at b5media, so much that I teach workshops and give talks about Blog Writing so others can learn about this, too.
(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Highlighting Gary Maccagnone and St. John of the Midfield
As he tours the blogosphere this month to promote his book, St. John of the Midfield, Garasamo "Gary" Maccagnone stops off at Potpourri of Writing today. He also is the author of the children's book, The Suburban Dragon and the collection of short stores entitled, The Affliction of Dreams.
After pursuing a college baseball career, business and marketing careers, coaching youth soccer and writing, Gary has combined soccer and writing in St. John of the Midfield. The idea for this book came about after Gary met former Bulgarian national soccer player, Jordan Mitkov.
In a synopsis of the book, we learn this book is:
An almost mystical story of Bobo Stoikov, one of the world's greatest soccer players, who escaptes death in communist Bulgaria to find the American Dream. Due to severe injury during Bobo's escape, he is unable to play once he arrives in America.
Though he finds peace and happiness in simply coaching soccer to youth travel teams, his eccentric ways of teaching and his success lead to a hate-filled rivalry, and eventually, his death.
To read an excerpt, visit Pump Up Your Book Promotion Virtual Book Tours.
You can visit his website at http://www.garasamomaccagnone.com/.
Thomnpson also conducted an interview with Gary at The Writer's Life, February 15 posting.
May you have much success with your tour, Gary, and your book.
After pursuing a college baseball career, business and marketing careers, coaching youth soccer and writing, Gary has combined soccer and writing in St. John of the Midfield. The idea for this book came about after Gary met former Bulgarian national soccer player, Jordan Mitkov.
In a synopsis of the book, we learn this book is:
An almost mystical story of Bobo Stoikov, one of the world's greatest soccer players, who escaptes death in communist Bulgaria to find the American Dream. Due to severe injury during Bobo's escape, he is unable to play once he arrives in America.
Though he finds peace and happiness in simply coaching soccer to youth travel teams, his eccentric ways of teaching and his success lead to a hate-filled rivalry, and eventually, his death.
To read an excerpt, visit Pump Up Your Book Promotion Virtual Book Tours.
You can visit his website at http://www.garasamomaccagnone.com/.
Thomnpson also conducted an interview with Gary at The Writer's Life, February 15 posting.
May you have much success with your tour, Gary, and your book.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
HOW ABOUT ENTERING THE "ALL ABOUT ALZHEIMER'S CARNIVAL?"
The second the All About Alzheimer’s Carnivals is open for entries at Alzheimer's Notes, a blog I write with Liz Lewis at b5media. Here is a platform for you to write your thoughts and feelings about Alzheimer’s and caregiving.
Entering carnivals (collections of articles about particular topics hosted at one blog) proves to be very enjoyable, I’ve found. If you’ve never entered one, simply follow the directions by clicking on the link above.
I’ve also posted some suggestions for carnivals at my Home Biz Notes blog that I write with Yvonne Russell. You may like to take a look at these.
Tweak Your Topic for Carnivals
Home Biz Owners - Join the Carnival!
Participating in Showcases and Carnivals
Entering Your Home Business Post in a Showcase
Reading the numerous entries at a carnival also provides enjoyment. So if you don’t enter (and if you do), come over to Liz’s post at Alzheimer's Notes on January 19, when she’ll publish all the entries.
(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen
Entering carnivals (collections of articles about particular topics hosted at one blog) proves to be very enjoyable, I’ve found. If you’ve never entered one, simply follow the directions by clicking on the link above.
I’ve also posted some suggestions for carnivals at my Home Biz Notes blog that I write with Yvonne Russell. You may like to take a look at these.
Tweak Your Topic for Carnivals
Home Biz Owners - Join the Carnival!
Participating in Showcases and Carnivals
Entering Your Home Business Post in a Showcase
Reading the numerous entries at a carnival also provides enjoyment. So if you don’t enter (and if you do), come over to Liz’s post at Alzheimer's Notes on January 19, when she’ll publish all the entries.
(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen
Friday, December 28, 2007
Achieve Your Dreams - Judi Moreo's Virtual Book Tour '08
Repeat this passage: "Every step I take brings me closer to the realization of my dreams” until you understand its powerful message. (from Judi Moreo's You Are More Than Enough Achievement Journal)
Writing this Achieve Your Dreams post for Judi Moreo's Virtual Book Tour '08 seems to fall right in line with previous posts on my blogs the past week or so:
* Writing & Blogging Goals for 2008, here on Potpourri of Writing for The Blog Writing Project: 78 Blogging Goals for 2008, at Daily Blog Tips.
*Goals for my children's writing, Specific Children's Book Writing Goals for 2008, published on Tales of a Children's Author.
* I've also posted something on my Home Biz Notes blog,suggesting you Enjoy the Journey as you pursue your dreams.
So what are my dreams for the coming year?
*I still want my castle where I can write in the tower and have secret rooms to discover with the grandchildren.
*I want to do more speaking to Alzheimer's caregivers.
*Teaching workshops and sharing my stories with children comes in there, too.
How do we go about achieving our dreams?
*Focusing
*Doing instead of simply dreaming
*Believing (Repeating: "Every step I take brings me closer to the realization of my dreams.")
*Setting a plan of action
*Get input whenever we feel we're going off track.
Then: GO FOR IT!
Judi's Tour Page: http://www.virtualbooktoursforauthors.blogspot.com/
(c)2007 Mary Emma Allen
Writing this Achieve Your Dreams post for Judi Moreo's Virtual Book Tour '08 seems to fall right in line with previous posts on my blogs the past week or so:
* Writing & Blogging Goals for 2008, here on Potpourri of Writing for The Blog Writing Project: 78 Blogging Goals for 2008, at Daily Blog Tips.
*Goals for my children's writing, Specific Children's Book Writing Goals for 2008, published on Tales of a Children's Author.
* I've also posted something on my Home Biz Notes blog,suggesting you Enjoy the Journey as you pursue your dreams.
So what are my dreams for the coming year?
*I still want my castle where I can write in the tower and have secret rooms to discover with the grandchildren.
*I want to do more speaking to Alzheimer's caregivers.
*Teaching workshops and sharing my stories with children comes in there, too.
How do we go about achieving our dreams?
*Focusing
*Doing instead of simply dreaming
*Believing (Repeating: "Every step I take brings me closer to the realization of my dreams.")
*Setting a plan of action
*Get input whenever we feel we're going off track.
Then: GO FOR IT!
Judi's Tour Page: http://www.virtualbooktoursforauthors.blogspot.com/
(c)2007 Mary Emma Allen
Thursday, December 27, 2007
SHOWCASING AUTHOR HOLLY FRETWELL
As Holly Fretwell makes her virtual tour around the blogosphere this month for her book, The Sky's NOT Falling, Why It's OK to Chill About Global Warming, she's stopping at Potpourri of Writing.
Holly concern about global warming and the environment puts her in league with other writers and speakers in today's world. However, Holly has a "different" view from many who are getting their names in the news and making a "big splash" in the sea of world media. She uses a common sense, well researched approach in her book for youngsters (but of interest to adults, too), The Sky's NOT Falling.
Yes, there are environmental situations to be concerned about, but Holly encourages optimism about the future of our planet and the solutions we can find with human innovation and creativity, along with individual choice, not political agendas. She shows kids 8-12 (and adults, too) that "It's human ingenuity and adaptability...not mindless fear of change...that is most likely to guanantee the Earth a healthy future."
Holly doesn't just spout her facts and reasons without valid background. She's a professor of natural resources policy at Montana State University and mother of two, who has a well researched view about global warming and the hype...a view with which other scientists now are beginning to concur.
For additional information about Holly's book and the topic of global warming, Controversy Sells for Holly Fretwell, Author of The Sky's NOT Falling at Book Marketing Buzz.
For a review of Holly's book, read: Book Review- A Different View on Global Warming.
(Published by World Ahead Media, Los Angeles, CA.; ISBN #9780976726944. The book includes fun facts and reading for ages 8 and above.)
Holly concern about global warming and the environment puts her in league with other writers and speakers in today's world. However, Holly has a "different" view from many who are getting their names in the news and making a "big splash" in the sea of world media. She uses a common sense, well researched approach in her book for youngsters (but of interest to adults, too), The Sky's NOT Falling.
Yes, there are environmental situations to be concerned about, but Holly encourages optimism about the future of our planet and the solutions we can find with human innovation and creativity, along with individual choice, not political agendas. She shows kids 8-12 (and adults, too) that "It's human ingenuity and adaptability...not mindless fear of change...that is most likely to guanantee the Earth a healthy future."
Holly doesn't just spout her facts and reasons without valid background. She's a professor of natural resources policy at Montana State University and mother of two, who has a well researched view about global warming and the hype...a view with which other scientists now are beginning to concur.
For additional information about Holly's book and the topic of global warming, Controversy Sells for Holly Fretwell, Author of The Sky's NOT Falling at Book Marketing Buzz.
For a review of Holly's book, read: Book Review- A Different View on Global Warming.
(Published by World Ahead Media, Los Angeles, CA.; ISBN #9780976726944. The book includes fun facts and reading for ages 8 and above.)
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
MY AUTHOR PROGRAMS & WORKSHOPS FOR CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE
I teach a variety of writing workshops and author presentations for youngsters and adults.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: I adapt my programs to the age group and requests of the teachers. These range from reading and discussing my stories, illustrating stories, conducting writing workshops, and helping teachers develop lessons.
I also share the research and writing process of my works in progress:
Papa Goes To War, inspired by my ancestors during the Civil War
Uncle "Buffalo Bill" Mathewson - a picture book about my great great Uncle William Mathewson who operated trading posts on the Santa Fe Trail
Danger In The Mountains - a mystery set in the West
Sarah Jane's Daring Deed, a picture book about a pioneer girl.
(These often tie in with Social Studies classes)
Journalism and/or Writing on the Internet draw upon my experience as a professional journalist/newspaper columnist and blogger for a network
Poetry workshops also are popular.
AUDIENCE LEVELS - Pre-K, Elementary, Middle School. High School and Adult Education
TRAVEL - Yes - anywhere in the United States, with client paying travel costs and accommodations, unless I'm in that area for other business.
PUBLISHED WORKS:
Tales of Adventure & Discovery, a children's anthology which I also illustrated (An accompanying coloring book is also available.)
The Magic of Patchwork, a book about quiltmaking and its history with projects for young people and beginners
When We Become the Parent to Our Parents, the story of my mother's journey through Alzheimer'
More than 200 stories in children's magazines
Writing in Maine, New Hampshire & Vermont, a resource book for writers (out of print)
FEES: $100/1 HR; $200/1/2 day; $300/day, plus mileage beyond 50 miles from Plymouth, NH and accommodations if an overnight stay is involved.
CONTACT INFORMATION: me.allen@juno.com
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: I adapt my programs to the age group and requests of the teachers. These range from reading and discussing my stories, illustrating stories, conducting writing workshops, and helping teachers develop lessons.
I also share the research and writing process of my works in progress:
Papa Goes To War, inspired by my ancestors during the Civil War
Uncle "Buffalo Bill" Mathewson - a picture book about my great great Uncle William Mathewson who operated trading posts on the Santa Fe Trail
Danger In The Mountains - a mystery set in the West
Sarah Jane's Daring Deed, a picture book about a pioneer girl.
(These often tie in with Social Studies classes)
Journalism and/or Writing on the Internet draw upon my experience as a professional journalist/newspaper columnist and blogger for a network
Poetry workshops also are popular.
AUDIENCE LEVELS - Pre-K, Elementary, Middle School. High School and Adult Education
TRAVEL - Yes - anywhere in the United States, with client paying travel costs and accommodations, unless I'm in that area for other business.
PUBLISHED WORKS:
Tales of Adventure & Discovery, a children's anthology which I also illustrated (An accompanying coloring book is also available.)
The Magic of Patchwork, a book about quiltmaking and its history with projects for young people and beginners
When We Become the Parent to Our Parents, the story of my mother's journey through Alzheimer'
More than 200 stories in children's magazines
Writing in Maine, New Hampshire & Vermont, a resource book for writers (out of print)
FEES: $100/1 HR; $200/1/2 day; $300/day, plus mileage beyond 50 miles from Plymouth, NH and accommodations if an overnight stay is involved.
CONTACT INFORMATION: me.allen@juno.com
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Specific Writing Goals for 2008
Maybe if I write them down in my blog, I'll be more accountable.
I have one friend who is always asking me, "Have you finished your Uncle Buffalo Bill book yet? What about the children's picture book?"
I continually tell her, with a sheepish grin, "I'm working on them."
Sooooo......
1. Finish the book about my Uncle Buffalo Bill Mathewson, the original Buffalo Bill in the West.
2. Finish my Sarah Jane's Daring Deed picture book.
3. Finish the rough draft to Papa Goes to War, a Civil War era middle reader book based on my ancestors.
4. Develop the activities for these books and place them on my web sites.
5. Draft some of my other writing projects, but concentrate on them minimally until I have the above finished.
I have one friend who is always asking me, "Have you finished your Uncle Buffalo Bill book yet? What about the children's picture book?"
I continually tell her, with a sheepish grin, "I'm working on them."
Sooooo......
1. Finish the book about my Uncle Buffalo Bill Mathewson, the original Buffalo Bill in the West.
2. Finish my Sarah Jane's Daring Deed picture book.
3. Finish the rough draft to Papa Goes to War, a Civil War era middle reader book based on my ancestors.
4. Develop the activities for these books and place them on my web sites.
5. Draft some of my other writing projects, but concentrate on them minimally until I have the above finished.
Writing & Blogging Goals for 2008
As we approach 2008, many of us will think about goals, but how many will seriously write them down and then follow through with a strategy to make them work.
The Group Writing Project: 2008 Blogging Goals at Daily Blog Tips has me energized.
1. Develop this blog (Mary Emma's Potpourri of Writing) into a popular one with at least 40,000 readers per month.
2. Host at least one author on tour here per month.
3. Post at least 6 times per week. (It's been hit and miss for the most part.)
4. Develop here and on my other writing blogs strategies for letting people know about my writing workshops, online classes, and talks for groups.
5. Find a way to earn a monthly income from this blog. (So far that hasn't been part of my strategy as I've written here at Potpourri for fun, but not for profit.)
6. Teach 6 classes on blog writing this year, starting with writers' conferences and publicists' workshops.
7. Reach an average of 10 comments per post.
8. Join and become active on one online community
9. Learn about RSS
10. Become knowledgeable about the "techie" stuff that creates ratings. (Can you believe I've been blogging but don't know much about these?!)
(My blogs at b5media you may find of interest: Quilting and Patchwork, Home Biz Notes, and Alzheimer's Notes.)
The Group Writing Project: 2008 Blogging Goals at Daily Blog Tips has me energized.
1. Develop this blog (Mary Emma's Potpourri of Writing) into a popular one with at least 40,000 readers per month.
2. Host at least one author on tour here per month.
3. Post at least 6 times per week. (It's been hit and miss for the most part.)
4. Develop here and on my other writing blogs strategies for letting people know about my writing workshops, online classes, and talks for groups.
5. Find a way to earn a monthly income from this blog. (So far that hasn't been part of my strategy as I've written here at Potpourri for fun, but not for profit.)
6. Teach 6 classes on blog writing this year, starting with writers' conferences and publicists' workshops.
7. Reach an average of 10 comments per post.
8. Join and become active on one online community
9. Learn about RSS
10. Become knowledgeable about the "techie" stuff that creates ratings. (Can you believe I've been blogging but don't know much about these?!)
(My blogs at b5media you may find of interest: Quilting and Patchwork, Home Biz Notes, and Alzheimer's Notes.)
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
BOOK REVIEW - A DIFFERENT VIEW ON GLOBAL WARMING
With all the scary information out there about global warming, it's refreshing to read a book by a natural resources policy expert that presents a different view, one complete with common sense and factual information.
The Sky's NOT Falling (Why It's OK to Chill About Global Warming) is an alternative for young people and adults to the fear-inducing books published today. Author Holly Fretwell, a mother of two and professor of natural resources policy, provides a balanced look at environmental issues and global warming scare tactics. She presents these in an easy to read and understand format for ages 8 and above.
Yes, there are environmental situations to be concerned about, but Ms. Fretwell encourages optimism about the future of our planet and the solutions we can find with human innovation and creativity, along with individual choice, not political agendas.
Ms. Fretwell debunks some of the "facts" running rampant about the environment and global warming in today's world. For instance, you've probably seen the picture of the polar bear and cub, supposedly adrift on a piece of ice because of global warming. Actually the picture was taken as a general interest one a scientific expedition. The photographer called attention to it as a polar bear and her cub on an ice sculpture. Nothing was noted about global warming nor the bears being stranded. Yet the photo was taken out of context and used for propaganda purposes.
You'll certainly want to take a look at the facts in this book about global warming and see what's really going on in a world beset by global warming scare. Check out the truth before deciding "the sky is falling."
(Published by World Ahead Media, Los Angeles, CA.; ISBN #9780976726944. The book includes fun facts and reading for ages 8 and above.)
The Sky's NOT Falling (Why It's OK to Chill About Global Warming) is an alternative for young people and adults to the fear-inducing books published today. Author Holly Fretwell, a mother of two and professor of natural resources policy, provides a balanced look at environmental issues and global warming scare tactics. She presents these in an easy to read and understand format for ages 8 and above.
Yes, there are environmental situations to be concerned about, but Ms. Fretwell encourages optimism about the future of our planet and the solutions we can find with human innovation and creativity, along with individual choice, not political agendas.
Ms. Fretwell debunks some of the "facts" running rampant about the environment and global warming in today's world. For instance, you've probably seen the picture of the polar bear and cub, supposedly adrift on a piece of ice because of global warming. Actually the picture was taken as a general interest one a scientific expedition. The photographer called attention to it as a polar bear and her cub on an ice sculpture. Nothing was noted about global warming nor the bears being stranded. Yet the photo was taken out of context and used for propaganda purposes.
You'll certainly want to take a look at the facts in this book about global warming and see what's really going on in a world beset by global warming scare. Check out the truth before deciding "the sky is falling."
(Published by World Ahead Media, Los Angeles, CA.; ISBN #9780976726944. The book includes fun facts and reading for ages 8 and above.)
Saturday, December 08, 2007
STORIES THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE
When you're writing, do you hope your stories will make a difference?
*Brighten someone's day
*Give them encouragement
*Let them know someone else has faced a particular challenge
*Make them laugh
*Entertained them
*Made them think about themselves and their lives
*Made them reminisce
*Help solve a problem
*Help change the world
Why do you write? These are some things to consider.
I hope my writing will make a difference, for the better in someone's life...somewhere.
*Brighten someone's day
*Give them encouragement
*Let them know someone else has faced a particular challenge
*Make them laugh
*Entertained them
*Made them think about themselves and their lives
*Made them reminisce
*Help solve a problem
*Help change the world
Why do you write? These are some things to consider.
I hope my writing will make a difference, for the better in someone's life...somewhere.
Saturday, December 01, 2007
THE TRADITION OF BEDTIME STORIES
Bedtime stories have been a tradition for at least three generations in my family. I recall my mom reading to my sister, brothers and me...Heidi, Robert Louis Stevenson's A Child's Garden of Verses poetry, and Robinson Crusoe come to mind.
My husband and I took turns reading to our daughter. He often didn't at bedtime, but while I was preparing supper. "Daddy, you skipped that part!" I'd hear her exclaim when Jim tried to get through a book more quickly.
My daughter and son-in-law, both avid readers, started reading to their children while they were infants. Reading and children go hand in hand in our household...we all still bury ourselves in a book whenever we can in spite of today's electronic world.
Stories in the Kitchen
Although most of the bedtime story reading of my youth occurred in the evening in one of our bedrooms (there were four of us children) as we sprawled on the bed. However, on cold winter evenings, Mother gathered us in front of the wood burning cookstove in the kitchen (a favorite family congregating place) and read stories. While she read, we might munch on cookies and milk or cocoa.
Reading evolves into cooking, as children learn to ponder over recipes and mix up family meals. I recall making my first cake before I fully learned to read. Mother was ill and I decided, with the help of my younger siblings, I would make a cake for supper, along with fried potatoes and eggs.
At six years old, I couldn't decipher everything in the recipe book, so decided to dispense with it and put together the ingredients I'd seen Mother use. I recall my sister and brothers around me as we stirred the batter together, then poured it into layer cake pans.
Since the wood stove oven was the only one we had, it was only natural to bake the cake there. We must have stoked the stove and read the gauge on the front of the oven door adequately. At any rate, the cake turned out fine....except it was fairly flat.
Mother, when she saw it at supper, praised our efforts, as did Father and the hired man. It was only in later years that Mother told me she concluded I'd left out the baking powder.
(c)2007 Mary Emma Allen
(I enjoy researching and writing about holiday and family memories along with teaching workshops in Family History Writing. I conduct these online as well as in person at workshops.)
My husband and I took turns reading to our daughter. He often didn't at bedtime, but while I was preparing supper. "Daddy, you skipped that part!" I'd hear her exclaim when Jim tried to get through a book more quickly.
My daughter and son-in-law, both avid readers, started reading to their children while they were infants. Reading and children go hand in hand in our household...we all still bury ourselves in a book whenever we can in spite of today's electronic world.
Stories in the Kitchen
Although most of the bedtime story reading of my youth occurred in the evening in one of our bedrooms (there were four of us children) as we sprawled on the bed. However, on cold winter evenings, Mother gathered us in front of the wood burning cookstove in the kitchen (a favorite family congregating place) and read stories. While she read, we might munch on cookies and milk or cocoa.
Reading evolves into cooking, as children learn to ponder over recipes and mix up family meals. I recall making my first cake before I fully learned to read. Mother was ill and I decided, with the help of my younger siblings, I would make a cake for supper, along with fried potatoes and eggs.
At six years old, I couldn't decipher everything in the recipe book, so decided to dispense with it and put together the ingredients I'd seen Mother use. I recall my sister and brothers around me as we stirred the batter together, then poured it into layer cake pans.
Since the wood stove oven was the only one we had, it was only natural to bake the cake there. We must have stoked the stove and read the gauge on the front of the oven door adequately. At any rate, the cake turned out fine....except it was fairly flat.
Mother, when she saw it at supper, praised our efforts, as did Father and the hired man. It was only in later years that Mother told me she concluded I'd left out the baking powder.
(c)2007 Mary Emma Allen
(I enjoy researching and writing about holiday and family memories along with teaching workshops in Family History Writing. I conduct these online as well as in person at workshops.)
Sunday, November 04, 2007
WHET YOUR APPETITE WITH "NOVEL" FOODS
Often we snack while reading, but we also can whet our appetites with mention of the foods we find in books we're devouring. Sometimes there are complete recipes. In other cases, we'll find brief a description of a regional food that entices us to search for the recipe. Also, some of these food references may bring memories and recipes to mind.
For instance, I'm reading a mystery book set in eastern Maine. During the course of a discussion in the heroine's kitchen, her friend begins peeling apples and proceeds to make an apple cake which she serves with vanilla ice cream.
As I read, I began to get hungry for Nobby Apple Cake. a recipe I often make in autumn. The author casually mentioned other regional recipes during the course of the book.
Some books, like the mysteries by Diane Mott Davidson, naturally include food, as well as the actual recipes. Since Ms. Davidson's books became popular, you find more of this type.
Foods in Children's Books
Children's books also contain recipes that give the flavor of the area or era. While substitute teaching the other day, I read a chapter from "The Witch of Blackbird Pond" by Elizabeth George Speare.
Kit found living with her cousins in Puritan Connecticut very different from life in Barbados. Learning to cook was just one of her many challenges. When making Corn Pudding for the family's breakfast, she became impatient. Instead of slowly spooning the cornmeal into the boiling water, Kit finally dumped in the whole cup. A gelatinous mess resulted which the family silently ate.
I mentioned to the students that Corn Pudding or Cornmeal Mush was a standby when I was growing up. Sometimes we had it for breakfast, alternating between oatmeal and cream of wheat. Mother also prepared this dish for Sunday supper instead of serving a full meal after the large dinner.
I liked it when Mother had some lumps in the mush. She was frustrated because it wasn't completely smooth. However, she didn't have the mess that Kit did!
Foods Add Authenticity
Referring to foods the characters are eating, adds authenticity to the story background. This doesn't have to be a detailed description, just mention of grabbing an oatmeal cookie filled with raisins, stirring up someone's favorite chocolate cake, making apple pancakes for breakfast. You'll often receive a sense of region and season this way, too.
Because of my culinary interests (I write a weekly cooking column for newspapers), I sometimes jot down the food and recipes mentioned in books, so keep a note pad beside me.
On the blog for my story, "Sarah Jane's Daring Deed," (http://sarahjane-pioneergirl.blogspot.com/ ), I plan to add actual recipes my readers can try. Because this is a pioneer story, I can see a recipe for Cornmeal Mush.
APPLE FRITTERS - a recipe from my childhood. This also might be a Sarah Jane recipe (although I didn't grow up in Sarah Jane's era!).
Beat 2 eggs. Mix and sift 2 1/2 cups flour, 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon sugar. Add 1 cup milk, 1/2 cup cream, 1 cup peeled, chopped apples and eggs to the dry ingredients; stir. Drop onto hot greased griddle and cook as you would pancakes.
(c)2007 Mary Emma Allen
For instance, I'm reading a mystery book set in eastern Maine. During the course of a discussion in the heroine's kitchen, her friend begins peeling apples and proceeds to make an apple cake which she serves with vanilla ice cream.
As I read, I began to get hungry for Nobby Apple Cake. a recipe I often make in autumn. The author casually mentioned other regional recipes during the course of the book.
Some books, like the mysteries by Diane Mott Davidson, naturally include food, as well as the actual recipes. Since Ms. Davidson's books became popular, you find more of this type.
Foods in Children's Books
Children's books also contain recipes that give the flavor of the area or era. While substitute teaching the other day, I read a chapter from "The Witch of Blackbird Pond" by Elizabeth George Speare.
Kit found living with her cousins in Puritan Connecticut very different from life in Barbados. Learning to cook was just one of her many challenges. When making Corn Pudding for the family's breakfast, she became impatient. Instead of slowly spooning the cornmeal into the boiling water, Kit finally dumped in the whole cup. A gelatinous mess resulted which the family silently ate.
I mentioned to the students that Corn Pudding or Cornmeal Mush was a standby when I was growing up. Sometimes we had it for breakfast, alternating between oatmeal and cream of wheat. Mother also prepared this dish for Sunday supper instead of serving a full meal after the large dinner.
I liked it when Mother had some lumps in the mush. She was frustrated because it wasn't completely smooth. However, she didn't have the mess that Kit did!
Foods Add Authenticity
Referring to foods the characters are eating, adds authenticity to the story background. This doesn't have to be a detailed description, just mention of grabbing an oatmeal cookie filled with raisins, stirring up someone's favorite chocolate cake, making apple pancakes for breakfast. You'll often receive a sense of region and season this way, too.
Because of my culinary interests (I write a weekly cooking column for newspapers), I sometimes jot down the food and recipes mentioned in books, so keep a note pad beside me.
On the blog for my story, "Sarah Jane's Daring Deed," (http://sarahjane-pioneergirl.blogspot.com/ ), I plan to add actual recipes my readers can try. Because this is a pioneer story, I can see a recipe for Cornmeal Mush.
APPLE FRITTERS - a recipe from my childhood. This also might be a Sarah Jane recipe (although I didn't grow up in Sarah Jane's era!).
Beat 2 eggs. Mix and sift 2 1/2 cups flour, 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon sugar. Add 1 cup milk, 1/2 cup cream, 1 cup peeled, chopped apples and eggs to the dry ingredients; stir. Drop onto hot greased griddle and cook as you would pancakes.
(c)2007 Mary Emma Allen
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
NICOLA BEAUMONT & LADY SOMERSET ON TOUR
Nicola Beaumont is showcased today at Potpourri of Writing. Her latest book, The Resurrection of Lady Somerset, gives you mystery and romance in a English regency era setting. The author, with an English mother and American father, has spent much of her life in Britain, but currently lives in the United States.
During October, Nicola has been touring the blogosphere on her first virtual book tour with Pump Up Your Book Promotion Virtual Book Tours. At the book tour blog, you'll find a synopsis and sample chapter of The Resurrection of Lady Somerset, that lady with a mysterious past. This novel has been receiving rave reviews.
To learn more about Nicola and her many talents, visit her web site, iNicola. She shares with you how she had two releases on the same day in September and a short story in July. Nicola also has a CD out, Prayer of the Heart.
Also keep up to date with Nicola's world at her blog.
During October, Nicola has been touring the blogosphere on her first virtual book tour with Pump Up Your Book Promotion Virtual Book Tours. At the book tour blog, you'll find a synopsis and sample chapter of The Resurrection of Lady Somerset, that lady with a mysterious past. This novel has been receiving rave reviews.
To learn more about Nicola and her many talents, visit her web site, iNicola. She shares with you how she had two releases on the same day in September and a short story in July. Nicola also has a CD out, Prayer of the Heart.
Also keep up to date with Nicola's world at her blog.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
SHOBHAN BANTWAL SHOWCASED AT POTPOURRI OF WRITING
Shobhan Bantwal, author of The Dowry Bride, takes a virtual tour of the blogosphere this month and stops by Potpourri of Writing. She was born and raised in India and came to the United States as a young bride, the result of an arranged marriage. Her mainstream women's fiction book, The Dowry Bride, was published by Kensington last month.
To read a synopsis and excerpt of The Dowry Bride, visit Pump Up Your Bok Promotioon Virtual Book Tours. Learn about Megha, as she realizes that her dowry isn't enough and her life is in danger.
Read more about Shobhan, her life and her writing at her web site.
I found Shobhan's photo gallery of interest, particularly those about a traditional Indian wedding.
Shobhan also relates how she came to write The Dowry Bride about the subject of dowry deaths. Through this book we learn about a culture of another country, yet are entertained at the same time.
To read a synopsis and excerpt of The Dowry Bride, visit Pump Up Your Bok Promotioon Virtual Book Tours. Learn about Megha, as she realizes that her dowry isn't enough and her life is in danger.
Read more about Shobhan, her life and her writing at her web site.
I found Shobhan's photo gallery of interest, particularly those about a traditional Indian wedding.
Shobhan also relates how she came to write The Dowry Bride about the subject of dowry deaths. Through this book we learn about a culture of another country, yet are entertained at the same time.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
STEVEN REILLY ON TOUR THIS MONTH
Steven M. Reilly tours the blogosphere this month with his book, The Fat Lady Never Sings: How a High School Football Team Found Redemption on the Baseball Diamond and is featured at Potpourri of Writing today.
Intriguing title isn't it? And Steve has written an intriguing story about this high school football team. Read a synopsis and excerpt at Pump Up Your Book Promotion. He's a baseball coach and practicing attorney who actually coached the team in this book.
Described as a sports memoir, The Fat Lady Never Sings relates the true story about the 1992 Red Raider baseball team of Derby, Connecticut. Steve was assistant coach at the time.
For more information, visit Steve's web site . Also take the poll and express your opinion regarding who should play Ben Bartone in the movie version of the book.
(A great book for the young sports enthusiasts in your life... and for adults as well.)
Intriguing title isn't it? And Steve has written an intriguing story about this high school football team. Read a synopsis and excerpt at Pump Up Your Book Promotion. He's a baseball coach and practicing attorney who actually coached the team in this book.
Described as a sports memoir, The Fat Lady Never Sings relates the true story about the 1992 Red Raider baseball team of Derby, Connecticut. Steve was assistant coach at the time.
For more information, visit Steve's web site . Also take the poll and express your opinion regarding who should play Ben Bartone in the movie version of the book.
(A great book for the young sports enthusiasts in your life... and for adults as well.)
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
CAROL O'DELL WRITES ABOUT CARING FOR HER MOTHER
Carol O'Dell, author of Mothering Mother, visited my b5media blog, Alzheimer's Notes, recently to discuss her book and share why she decided to write it. This is a humorous and heartbreaking memoir about Carol's caring for her mother. Carol faced situations that many of us have in caring for a family member afflicted with Alzheimer's.
If you'd like to read an excerpt, visit Carol's web site.
You'll find my interview of Carol at Alzheimer's Notes, where she stopped during her virtual blog tour.
If you'd like to read an excerpt, visit Carol's web site.
You'll find my interview of Carol at Alzheimer's Notes, where she stopped during her virtual blog tour.
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
DIANE WOLFE ON TOUR
Author Diane Wolfe tours the web during the month of October, promoting another of her Circle of Friends books. This one is Mike: The Circle of Friends, Book IV.
To read a chapter, visit First Chapters.
You'll find a synopsis and excerpt at Pump Up Your Book Promotion.
Diane writes for young adults and her Circle of Friends series which "focuses on pursuit of dreams and the overcoming of obstacles." Her books are meant to inspire as well as entertain as this Circle of Friends face obstacles and learn how to overcome the challenges of life.
Also visit Diane's web site and learn about her circle of young friends and fans, her tour schedule (she tours in person as well as around the blogosphere), a podcast, and her books.
At Diane's Circle of Friends blog, you'll receive daily updates.
Check out Diane, her life and her books...get set to be inspired!
To read a chapter, visit First Chapters.
You'll find a synopsis and excerpt at Pump Up Your Book Promotion.
Diane writes for young adults and her Circle of Friends series which "focuses on pursuit of dreams and the overcoming of obstacles." Her books are meant to inspire as well as entertain as this Circle of Friends face obstacles and learn how to overcome the challenges of life.
Also visit Diane's web site and learn about her circle of young friends and fans, her tour schedule (she tours in person as well as around the blogosphere), a podcast, and her books.
At Diane's Circle of Friends blog, you'll receive daily updates.
Check out Diane, her life and her books...get set to be inspired!
Monday, September 24, 2007
Scott Zema's Blog Tour Stops at Potpourri of Writing
Scott Zema, author of Three Steps to Investment Success, Buying the Right Art, Antiques, and Collectibles, stops at Potpourri of Writing during his September blog tour. He has written a book to help you learn "how to guarantee a profit on your acquisitions."
Scott is an appraiser who can give you tips to investment success. You'll find a synopsis and chapter excerpt of his book, at Pump Up Your Book Promotion Virtual Tours: THREE STEPS TO INVESTMENT SUCCESS.
If you want to learn more about purchasing art, antiques and collectibles that will be a good investment, check out Scott's book.
Scott is an appraiser who can give you tips to investment success. You'll find a synopsis and chapter excerpt of his book, at Pump Up Your Book Promotion Virtual Tours: THREE STEPS TO INVESTMENT SUCCESS.
If you want to learn more about purchasing art, antiques and collectibles that will be a good investment, check out Scott's book.
Monday, September 17, 2007
NIKKI LEIGH VISITS POTPOURRI OF WRITING
Today Nikki Leigh visits Potpourri of Writing to discuss her latest book, Lady Lightkeeper. She gives us many ideas on how she gets her ideas and writes her book. I found this almost like a mini workshop.
MEA: One of the questions I'm frequently asked as an author, "Where did you get the idea for your book?" This always interests me, too. So I'll ask you, "How did the idea for Lady Lightkeeper come about?"
NIKKI: Lady Lightkeeper is the second book in the historic Misty Cove Chronicles. It’s the continuation of Lizbeth Sullivan Kinsey’s story. But, each book can be read individually. The first book, Widow’s Walk, started with a story idea I got from a picture that hangs in my living room. That picture gave me the idea of starting the story on the widow’s walk and it gave me a rough idea for a time period. Originally, this was going to be one book, but the story grew and grew as I was brainstorming ideas.
The main brainstorming happened on a trip from Virginia to Florida for my brother’s wedding. We actually were brainstorming so well, that I missed a turn and we went about 40 miles too far before getting back on track. Then two of us brainstormed by the hotel pool one evening. There was just so much more of Lizbeth’s story that I wanted to tell – and it’s not over.
MEA: Some writers plan their books with a rigid outline. Others say the characters sort of take over and "write" the book. Which applies to your writing? Or do you have another style?
NIKKI: I start with an outline – this is especially useful with a series where I want to tie things and people together. This also helps me to plan twists and turns in the story. However, I have no problem letting the characters take over and tell their parts of the story. I feel you can use an outline and still be flexible when new ideas hit.
I wrote the first book without an outline and it took a long time. However, the outlined books were put on paper much quicker and flowed so much better. I also do a lot of character creation to have a clear picture of them, their background and where they came from before I start to write. I really think this gives the characters and the story more dimension.
MEA: Do you have a favorite character? How did he/she evolve?
NIKKI: I really like Lizbeth. She’s been through a lot in these stories and I think her growth as a person, a mother and a wife is shown in the books. She started out as an independent young woman (not the most popular behavior in a fishing village in the 1840’s). But, she grows in a variety of ways through the stories. I throw a lot of problems at her, but she manages to get through everything.
MEA: Did you ever get bogged down with Lady Lightkeeper or your other writing and find it difficult to keep it going? If so, how did you resolve it?
NIKKI: I plan thoroughly enough that this isn’t a common problem. I’ve had to cut some of the things I planned to include when other ideas took their place. Usually, I have far more ideas than I can include, but I’ve learned to par them down to make the ideas useable. I planned to end Lady Lightkeeper at a much different place, but the end I used seems to make sense to me. But, I did include an epilogue to create some additional interest in the next book.
MEA: What would you like readers to take away from Lady Lightkeeper?
NIKKI: I think the resilient power of friendship is an underlying story in Lady Lightkeeper. I would love to have a friend like Sara and I’m not sure Lizbeth would’ve gotten through all the trials without Sara by her side. One reviewer even mentioned that the book is like reading a diary that was written by two women. The other thing I want people to get is the idea of a second chance for love.
MEA: Lady Lightkeeper is part of a series. Did these books start out as a series or simply evolve as you were writing the first book or finished it?
NIKKI: The story started out as one book, but the idea grew and grew and will now be at least 3 books and 1 short story. I’m introducing a couple of interesting new characters in the third book and they may need a book of their own in the future. Although I prefer the story from the beginning to the end, readers can read the books individually. Each book stands on its own.
MEA: Is there anything else you'd like to share with us about Lady Lightkeeper or your writing?
NIKKI: Other comments from reviewers that I really like are about the lighthouse and lifesaving details in the books. I hope people will enjoy the story, but they will also learn about the Lighthouse Service and the Lifesaving Service. There is a shipwreck and a rescue in Lady Lightkeeper and the equipment is authentic and the rescue is as I picture it after learning about the situation and the things the characters had available to help the stranded sailors. It took me a while to get this chapter right, but I felt it was important to help people understand what was involved in a rescue in the 1850’s.
A final note, I love to hear from readers. Feel free to contact me with questions or comments.
Web site: www.nikkileigh.com
Blog: www.muzesmusings.blogspot.com
Email: nikki_leigh22939@yahoo.com
Other books you'd like to mention:
Books released as Nikki Leigh
Stormy View – limited copies available from me
Widow’s Walk – Misty Cove Chronicles Book One
Lady Lightkeeper – Misty Cove Chronicles Book Two
Lilah and the Locket – Cape Hatteras Series – 1954
Book Promo 101 – Basics of Book Promotion (October 2007)
Journeys of a Lifetime – Readers Station Anthology (October 2007)
Book Promo 101 – Writer’s Resource Ebook (October 2007)
Stormy Shores – Contemporary Misty Cove Novel (November 2007)
Books Released as Shri Henkel365
Foolish Mistakes Smart Managers Make Every Day
How to
Open a Financially Successful Pizza & Sub Restaurant
Successful Meetings: How to Plan, Prepare and Execute Top-Notch Business Meetings
Non Commercial Food Service Manager’s Handbook
MEA: One of the questions I'm frequently asked as an author, "Where did you get the idea for your book?" This always interests me, too. So I'll ask you, "How did the idea for Lady Lightkeeper come about?"
NIKKI: Lady Lightkeeper is the second book in the historic Misty Cove Chronicles. It’s the continuation of Lizbeth Sullivan Kinsey’s story. But, each book can be read individually. The first book, Widow’s Walk, started with a story idea I got from a picture that hangs in my living room. That picture gave me the idea of starting the story on the widow’s walk and it gave me a rough idea for a time period. Originally, this was going to be one book, but the story grew and grew as I was brainstorming ideas.
The main brainstorming happened on a trip from Virginia to Florida for my brother’s wedding. We actually were brainstorming so well, that I missed a turn and we went about 40 miles too far before getting back on track. Then two of us brainstormed by the hotel pool one evening. There was just so much more of Lizbeth’s story that I wanted to tell – and it’s not over.
MEA: Some writers plan their books with a rigid outline. Others say the characters sort of take over and "write" the book. Which applies to your writing? Or do you have another style?
NIKKI: I start with an outline – this is especially useful with a series where I want to tie things and people together. This also helps me to plan twists and turns in the story. However, I have no problem letting the characters take over and tell their parts of the story. I feel you can use an outline and still be flexible when new ideas hit.
I wrote the first book without an outline and it took a long time. However, the outlined books were put on paper much quicker and flowed so much better. I also do a lot of character creation to have a clear picture of them, their background and where they came from before I start to write. I really think this gives the characters and the story more dimension.
MEA: Do you have a favorite character? How did he/she evolve?
NIKKI: I really like Lizbeth. She’s been through a lot in these stories and I think her growth as a person, a mother and a wife is shown in the books. She started out as an independent young woman (not the most popular behavior in a fishing village in the 1840’s). But, she grows in a variety of ways through the stories. I throw a lot of problems at her, but she manages to get through everything.
MEA: Did you ever get bogged down with Lady Lightkeeper or your other writing and find it difficult to keep it going? If so, how did you resolve it?
NIKKI: I plan thoroughly enough that this isn’t a common problem. I’ve had to cut some of the things I planned to include when other ideas took their place. Usually, I have far more ideas than I can include, but I’ve learned to par them down to make the ideas useable. I planned to end Lady Lightkeeper at a much different place, but the end I used seems to make sense to me. But, I did include an epilogue to create some additional interest in the next book.
MEA: What would you like readers to take away from Lady Lightkeeper?
NIKKI: I think the resilient power of friendship is an underlying story in Lady Lightkeeper. I would love to have a friend like Sara and I’m not sure Lizbeth would’ve gotten through all the trials without Sara by her side. One reviewer even mentioned that the book is like reading a diary that was written by two women. The other thing I want people to get is the idea of a second chance for love.
MEA: Lady Lightkeeper is part of a series. Did these books start out as a series or simply evolve as you were writing the first book or finished it?
NIKKI: The story started out as one book, but the idea grew and grew and will now be at least 3 books and 1 short story. I’m introducing a couple of interesting new characters in the third book and they may need a book of their own in the future. Although I prefer the story from the beginning to the end, readers can read the books individually. Each book stands on its own.
MEA: Is there anything else you'd like to share with us about Lady Lightkeeper or your writing?
NIKKI: Other comments from reviewers that I really like are about the lighthouse and lifesaving details in the books. I hope people will enjoy the story, but they will also learn about the Lighthouse Service and the Lifesaving Service. There is a shipwreck and a rescue in Lady Lightkeeper and the equipment is authentic and the rescue is as I picture it after learning about the situation and the things the characters had available to help the stranded sailors. It took me a while to get this chapter right, but I felt it was important to help people understand what was involved in a rescue in the 1850’s.
A final note, I love to hear from readers. Feel free to contact me with questions or comments.
Web site: www.nikkileigh.com
Blog: www.muzesmusings.blogspot.com
Email: nikki_leigh22939@yahoo.com
Other books you'd like to mention:
Books released as Nikki Leigh
Stormy View – limited copies available from me
Widow’s Walk – Misty Cove Chronicles Book One
Lady Lightkeeper – Misty Cove Chronicles Book Two
Lilah and the Locket – Cape Hatteras Series – 1954
Book Promo 101 – Basics of Book Promotion (October 2007)
Journeys of a Lifetime – Readers Station Anthology (October 2007)
Book Promo 101 – Writer’s Resource Ebook (October 2007)
Stormy Shores – Contemporary Misty Cove Novel (November 2007)
Books Released as Shri Henkel365
Foolish Mistakes Smart Managers Make Every Day
How to
Open a Financially Successful Pizza & Sub Restaurant
Successful Meetings: How to Plan, Prepare and Execute Top-Notch Business Meetings
Non Commercial Food Service Manager’s Handbook
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
DWAYNE GERALD ANDERSON VISITS POTPOURRI OF WRITING
Welcome to Potpourri of Writing, Dwayne. We're pleased to have you as a guest today as you stop by on your virtual blog tour.
Dwayne Gerald Anderson is a Canadian author. His most recent book, Partially Human, is a young adult science fiction story about a teenager who discovers he's not totally human. This is the third book Dwayne's had published...a great accomplishment for a young man of 24.
Dwayne also was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome when he was 16. However, he's an inspiration for others, like my grandson, who have this condition. From Dwayne they can learn they have the capability for great accomplishments.
To read a synopsis and excerpt from Partially Human, visit Pump Up Your Book Promotion.
MEA: Frequently readers ask me how I get the ideas for my stories. It seems to be a rather universal question. So I'll ask you to tell us how you came up with the idea for Partially Human.
DWAYNE: The book was based on my own personal experiences with being diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome at age 16. Like me, the protagonist is discriminated against and mocked by many because of his "difference", though he ultimately is able to overcome it, move on with his life, and make an impact on society.
MEA: Often authors say the characters seem to take over and determine the direction of the story. Others keep to a strict outline and don't let the characters vary from that. What happens between you and your characters?
DWAYNE: I would say it's a bit of both. The actions of the characters do move the story along as well as following the outline I've written for the book.
MEA: Do you "get stuck" when writing your books or do you find they flow right along?
DWAYNE: Often, I think hard of ways the characters solve their problems, the dialogue they speak, or what happens in the story.
MEA: Do you put some of your own experiences in your books?
DWAYNE: My experiences with life have been the inspiration for my books. My experience with Asperger Syndrome inspired Partially Human.
MEA: What do you hope your readers learn, or take away with them, when they read Partially Human?
DWAYNE: I hope to teach others that people need to be accepted for who they are and not rejected for being different.
MEA: Do you have anything else you'd like to share with us about you, your life and your writing?
DWAYNE: I have more works planned, such as a sequel to my first two books, a medieval fantasy, two romances, and another general fiction.
Thank you, Dwayne, for visiting Potpourri of Writing today. I hope your tour will be very successful and great fun. You're an amazing young writer we need to keep our eyes on. There is much others can learn from you and your perseverence, as you share through this interview and your books.
To learn more about Dwayne and his writing world, visit his blog and web site.
Dwayne's blog: http://partiallyhuman.blogspot.com/
Dwayne's web site: http://www.geocities.com/andersondwayne/dwaynegand.html
Dwayne Gerald Anderson is a Canadian author. His most recent book, Partially Human, is a young adult science fiction story about a teenager who discovers he's not totally human. This is the third book Dwayne's had published...a great accomplishment for a young man of 24.
Dwayne also was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome when he was 16. However, he's an inspiration for others, like my grandson, who have this condition. From Dwayne they can learn they have the capability for great accomplishments.
To read a synopsis and excerpt from Partially Human, visit Pump Up Your Book Promotion.
MEA: Frequently readers ask me how I get the ideas for my stories. It seems to be a rather universal question. So I'll ask you to tell us how you came up with the idea for Partially Human.
DWAYNE: The book was based on my own personal experiences with being diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome at age 16. Like me, the protagonist is discriminated against and mocked by many because of his "difference", though he ultimately is able to overcome it, move on with his life, and make an impact on society.
MEA: Often authors say the characters seem to take over and determine the direction of the story. Others keep to a strict outline and don't let the characters vary from that. What happens between you and your characters?
DWAYNE: I would say it's a bit of both. The actions of the characters do move the story along as well as following the outline I've written for the book.
MEA: Do you "get stuck" when writing your books or do you find they flow right along?
DWAYNE: Often, I think hard of ways the characters solve their problems, the dialogue they speak, or what happens in the story.
MEA: Do you put some of your own experiences in your books?
DWAYNE: My experiences with life have been the inspiration for my books. My experience with Asperger Syndrome inspired Partially Human.
MEA: What do you hope your readers learn, or take away with them, when they read Partially Human?
DWAYNE: I hope to teach others that people need to be accepted for who they are and not rejected for being different.
MEA: Do you have anything else you'd like to share with us about you, your life and your writing?
DWAYNE: I have more works planned, such as a sequel to my first two books, a medieval fantasy, two romances, and another general fiction.
Thank you, Dwayne, for visiting Potpourri of Writing today. I hope your tour will be very successful and great fun. You're an amazing young writer we need to keep our eyes on. There is much others can learn from you and your perseverence, as you share through this interview and your books.
To learn more about Dwayne and his writing world, visit his blog and web site.
Dwayne's blog: http://partiallyhuman.blogspot.com/
Dwayne's web site: http://www.geocities.com/andersondwayne/dwaynegand.html
Sunday, September 09, 2007
My Virtual Blog Tour Tips Guest Post on Grow Your Writing Business
Yvonne Russell, of Grow Your Writing Business, asked me to write a guest post about virtual blog tour tips for the touring authors. It appears as Virtual Blog Tours - The Latest Innovation for Promoting Your Writing.
Apparently I hit upon some key points for authors and writers to consider when they're touring the blogosphere, for Scot Herrick, of Ten Keyboards, who also writes about virtual blog tours, mentioned my guest post at Great Tips for Virtual Book Tours. He says, "This is a great article [mine at Grow Your Writing Business] for how technology can help a writer market their work."
Next I'll research how authors and others who are making these tours can publicize them. You can do all the touring you want, but if no one knows about it or doesn't visit those blogs where you're interviewed, it doesn't do much good.
Apparently I hit upon some key points for authors and writers to consider when they're touring the blogosphere, for Scot Herrick, of Ten Keyboards, who also writes about virtual blog tours, mentioned my guest post at Great Tips for Virtual Book Tours. He says, "This is a great article [mine at Grow Your Writing Business] for how technology can help a writer market their work."
Next I'll research how authors and others who are making these tours can publicize them. You can do all the touring you want, but if no one knows about it or doesn't visit those blogs where you're interviewed, it doesn't do much good.
Saturday, September 08, 2007
Brenda Marks' Online Reception and Drawing
What an intersting twist on the virtual blog tour. Those I've been hosting have been authors who go on month long tours.
However, I came across Brenda Marks' idea for an online reception and drawing to coincide with her show opening. Those who couldn't attend could leave a comment on her blog and have their name tossed into the hat for a drawing for one of her prints.
So, no matter what type of art you're involved in, you can enjoy virtual tours, virtual visits, virtual grand openings. Authors also can use this idea with a drawing for a copy of one of their books.
(Incidentally, I learned about Brenda's online reception and drawing at Alyson Stanfield's Art Biz Blog. http://www.artbizblog.com/2007/09/artists-virtual.html )
However, I came across Brenda Marks' idea for an online reception and drawing to coincide with her show opening. Those who couldn't attend could leave a comment on her blog and have their name tossed into the hat for a drawing for one of her prints.
So, no matter what type of art you're involved in, you can enjoy virtual tours, virtual visits, virtual grand openings. Authors also can use this idea with a drawing for a copy of one of their books.
(Incidentally, I learned about Brenda's online reception and drawing at Alyson Stanfield's Art Biz Blog. http://www.artbizblog.com/2007/09/artists-virtual.html )
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
Do You Want to Start a Writing Related Business?
Are you thinking of starting a business related to to your writing, but don't know where to begin? Did you start one recently, but find you could use advice?
Perhaps you want to expand your writing into speaking and teaching workshops, either in the writing field or a niche relating to your book topic. For instance, I've written about my mom's journey through Alzheimer's and my caregiving experiences. After When We Become the Parent to Our Parents was published, I began giving talks to caregiver groups, at nursing homes, in libraries, to senior citizen groups. Then I was asked to teach workshops whereby others could write about similar experiences. You can expand into these directions, too.
Perhaps you want to develop a publishing business? Or you want to teach cooking classes to further expand upon your recipe book. There are so many directions you can go with writing as a springboard.
So.....check out the Jump Start Your Business Contest at the b5media Business Channel and Home Biz Notes.
You'll find more details here......
Perhaps you want to expand your writing into speaking and teaching workshops, either in the writing field or a niche relating to your book topic. For instance, I've written about my mom's journey through Alzheimer's and my caregiving experiences. After When We Become the Parent to Our Parents was published, I began giving talks to caregiver groups, at nursing homes, in libraries, to senior citizen groups. Then I was asked to teach workshops whereby others could write about similar experiences. You can expand into these directions, too.
Perhaps you want to develop a publishing business? Or you want to teach cooking classes to further expand upon your recipe book. There are so many directions you can go with writing as a springboard.
So.....check out the Jump Start Your Business Contest at the b5media Business Channel and Home Biz Notes.
You'll find more details here......
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
MOTIVATIONAL AUTHOR JUDI MORENO VISITS POTPOURRI OF WRITING
Judi Moreo, a leading authority in areas of communication and motivation, visits us today at Potpourri of Writing to talk about her new book, You Are More Than Enough: Every Woman's Guide to Purpose, Passion, and Power. (See a synopsis and sample chapter )
An international business leader and entrepreneur, Judi has assisted corporations and taught workshops around the world. Teaching people to have confidence in themselves and succeed has been one of Judi's aims.
MEA: It's great to have you here today, Judi, to share with visitors at Potpourri some of your views and your reasons for writing your book.
JUDI: Thank you. It’s a pleasure to be here.
MEA: I've found one of the first questions readers ask me is, "Why did you write this book? How did you come up with the idea?" So I'll do the same with you and ask why you decided to write this book.
JUDI: When I traveled around the world speaking to audiences of 50 to 3000 people, approximately 75% of the audience answered “Yes” to the questions, “Did you think you would be more successful by now?” and “Do you want something, but don’t know what it is?”
This book helps people decide what they want to achieve in order to accomplish that “something more” they know is their destiny. It will help you determine what you can change in order to live a more fulfilling life...a life of purpose, passion, and power.
I have shared tools and techniques with the readers ....things I used which immensely helped in my journey to becoming the person I knew I could be. It was my goal in writing this book and sharing my personal stories to make my readers lives a bit easier, more successful, and a great deal more satisfying. If it changes even one life for the better, it will have been worth the writing.
MEA: Your title calls this book Every Woman's Guide. So is the book solely for women, mainly for women, or can be used by men or women?
JUDI: There is only one chapter that would not apply to men as well. That’s the chapter on Wardrobe. It’s amazing to me how many men are buying and reading the book. In fact, we are in the process of doing the audio book now and the audio producer said to me the other day, “This is really good stuff. I wish I had known all this 20 years ago. I’d be much more successful now.” That surprised me because I didn’t realize that he listened to the words as much as paying attention to the mechanics of the recording.
MEA: I know there isn't a single answer for gaining confidence or achieving success. However, is there a key factor that will help women, something they can keep in mind when they face challenges? (And which they can learn more about in your book.)
JUDI: The title of the book is what I want them to keep in mind. You Are More Than Enough just as you are. You have what it takes inside of you to do what you want to do, go where you want to go, be who you want to be. Step out of your comfort zone. Step into the fear and go for it. You will never know what you can do, be or have, unless you try.
MEA: What have you had to overcome or learn to enable you to teach women the strategies for success?
JUDI: Fear. Fear of the unknown. Fear of ridicule and rejection. Fear of failure. I moved to South Africa by myself, knowing no one really. I had met a few people, but I didn’t know them and I made myself step into the fear and survive. It gives one confidence to do something like that.
MEA: What do you hope readers will take away when they read You Are More Than Enough?
JUDI: I hope readers will gain the confidence to turn their ideas, dreams, and hopes into action.
MEA: Is there anything else you'd like to share with Potpourri readers?
JUDI: Yes. Just this. If I can do it…certainly you can too!
MEA: Thank you, Judi, for visiting and sharing information about You Are More Than Enough and your life.
JUDI: Thank you. It has been my pleasure.
Judi's web site for more information about her and her books: http://judimoreo.com
An international business leader and entrepreneur, Judi has assisted corporations and taught workshops around the world. Teaching people to have confidence in themselves and succeed has been one of Judi's aims.
MEA: It's great to have you here today, Judi, to share with visitors at Potpourri some of your views and your reasons for writing your book.
JUDI: Thank you. It’s a pleasure to be here.
MEA: I've found one of the first questions readers ask me is, "Why did you write this book? How did you come up with the idea?" So I'll do the same with you and ask why you decided to write this book.
JUDI: When I traveled around the world speaking to audiences of 50 to 3000 people, approximately 75% of the audience answered “Yes” to the questions, “Did you think you would be more successful by now?” and “Do you want something, but don’t know what it is?”
This book helps people decide what they want to achieve in order to accomplish that “something more” they know is their destiny. It will help you determine what you can change in order to live a more fulfilling life...a life of purpose, passion, and power.
I have shared tools and techniques with the readers ....things I used which immensely helped in my journey to becoming the person I knew I could be. It was my goal in writing this book and sharing my personal stories to make my readers lives a bit easier, more successful, and a great deal more satisfying. If it changes even one life for the better, it will have been worth the writing.
MEA: Your title calls this book Every Woman's Guide. So is the book solely for women, mainly for women, or can be used by men or women?
JUDI: There is only one chapter that would not apply to men as well. That’s the chapter on Wardrobe. It’s amazing to me how many men are buying and reading the book. In fact, we are in the process of doing the audio book now and the audio producer said to me the other day, “This is really good stuff. I wish I had known all this 20 years ago. I’d be much more successful now.” That surprised me because I didn’t realize that he listened to the words as much as paying attention to the mechanics of the recording.
MEA: I know there isn't a single answer for gaining confidence or achieving success. However, is there a key factor that will help women, something they can keep in mind when they face challenges? (And which they can learn more about in your book.)
JUDI: The title of the book is what I want them to keep in mind. You Are More Than Enough just as you are. You have what it takes inside of you to do what you want to do, go where you want to go, be who you want to be. Step out of your comfort zone. Step into the fear and go for it. You will never know what you can do, be or have, unless you try.
MEA: What have you had to overcome or learn to enable you to teach women the strategies for success?
JUDI: Fear. Fear of the unknown. Fear of ridicule and rejection. Fear of failure. I moved to South Africa by myself, knowing no one really. I had met a few people, but I didn’t know them and I made myself step into the fear and survive. It gives one confidence to do something like that.
MEA: What do you hope readers will take away when they read You Are More Than Enough?
JUDI: I hope readers will gain the confidence to turn their ideas, dreams, and hopes into action.
MEA: Is there anything else you'd like to share with Potpourri readers?
JUDI: Yes. Just this. If I can do it…certainly you can too!
MEA: Thank you, Judi, for visiting and sharing information about You Are More Than Enough and your life.
JUDI: Thank you. It has been my pleasure.
Judi's web site for more information about her and her books: http://judimoreo.com
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