The 7 Graces of Marketing: how to heal humanity and the planet by changing the way we sell

Today I have the great pleasure of being the host on Day 11 of the Virtual Blog Tour of author Lynn Serafinn whose book The 7 Graces of Marketing: how to heal humanity and the planet by changing the way we sell launches on Amazon on Tuesday December 13, 2011.

Lynn Serafinn, MAED, CPCC is a certified, award-winning coach and teacher, marketer, social media expert, radio host, speaker and bestselling author. Her eclectic approach to marketing incorporates her vast professional experience in the music industry and the educational sector along with more than two decades of study and practice of the spirituality of India. In her work as a promotional manager she has produced a long list of bestselling mind-body-spirit authors. Passionate about re-establishing our connection with the Earth, she supports the work of the Transition Town network in her hometown of Bedford, England.

Yesterday, Lynn visited Gregory "Coach" Fernander at http://coachatgregory.blogspot.com , where they talked about the subject of responsibility in marketing & in life.

Today, I'd like to share with you a recent podcast interview I had with Lynn when she speaks about the 7 Graces of Marketing.    I hope you enjoy it.

-------

----------

I hope you enjoyed this interview with Lynn Serafinn and that you’ll check out her book The 7 Graces of Marketing: how to heal humanity and the planet by changing the way we sell at http://the7gracesofmarketing.com/book-launch/pages/pre-launch.html

Here's why:

The 7 Graces of Marketing Telesummit

A FREE 7-Part Online Happening!

December 6th-9th, 2011

Register at http://the7gracesofmarketing.com/free-telesummit

When you visit the page at the link above and request a "launch reminder", you will automatically receive a FREE pass to Lynn's 7-Part online happening “The 7 Graces of Marketing Telesummit” with an illustrious panel of 24 bestselling authors and world-renowned speakers and media experts on society, business and marketing coming together to discuss how we can bring ethics and values back our business and marketing practices, and restore balance to our health, our economy and our natural environment.

Here's the spectacular list of guests speakers for the event:

Dr. Joe Vitale * Greg S. Reid * Dr. Eric Pearl * Dan Hollings * Pamela Slim * Liz Goodgold * Allison Maslan * Suzanne Falter*Barnes * Tad Hargrave * Misa Hopkins * Richard S. Gallagher * Ward Vandorpe * Barbara Altemus * Andrea Conway * Renee Baribeau * Renee Duran * Michael Drew * Chris Arnold * Jeffrey Van Dyk * Tanya Paluso * Kate Osborne * Shelagh Jones * Paula Tarrant * Lynn Serafinn

You can listen to the telesummit online in the comfort of your own home, and even ask questions during the broadcast.

                                        

If you are reading this after Dec 9th, 2011 you can still access the playback for a limited time when you register at http://the7gracesofmarketing.com/free-telesummit

This telesummit is a completely free "no purchase necessary" gift from Lynn

FREE GIFTS

When you buy Lynn's book on Tuesday December 13, 2011, you can ALSO receive the MP3 download of all 10 hours of this historic telesummit, plus a complete library of beautiful personal development gifts from authors, speakers, coaches and other enlightened professionals from around the globe including one from me;

An audio book titled: Bliss in Divine Oneness

To claim your FREE pass to the 7 Graces of Marketing Telesummit

and read about the free gifts, go to:

http://the7gracesofmarketing.com/book-launch/pages/pre-launch.html

Thanks for reading! As usual, please feel free to share your comments and thoughts below. I love reading your feedback.

AND… be sure to follow Lynn tomorrow when the next stop on the Virtual Blog Tour is Tambra Harck, who will be interviewing Lynn on how can consumers help biz owners behave with more Grace? To visit that "stop" on the tour, go to http://theartofwellbeing.typepad.com/the_art_of_wellbeing/

Parenting Classes for The Next Generations

Many parents, grandparents, and teachers are guardians of intuitive children. Since these adults did not have a spiritually-advanced role model when they were children, many are perplexed when trying to deal with children of today, who openly exhibit spiritual gifts. There are 12 modules in this class—each one is less than ten minutes. Each module outlines an example in story format of how to deal with particular situations such as . . .

• What to do when your child sees ghosts or angels

• How to empower a child to discover his spiritual mission on Earth

• Negotiating with a child who doesn’t want to cooperate

• What to do when your family experiences the death of a pet

• Caring for the environment

• How to support a child who is afraid of storms

• How to teach a child to meditate and listen to inner guidance

• How to encourage a child who has the gift of healing

• Accepting and appreciating diversity

• Supporting a child when a new baby is on the way (also thoughts on miscarriage)

• Teaching a child to love and respect himself

• How to teach a child to be honest

The online modules are conducted via video courses. Learn more at http://live-spirit.com/parenting-classes.


Tweet

What are the 7 Graces of Marketing and Life?

A sneak peek into author Lynn Serafinn's new paradigm

If you want to dive more deeply into the topic below, please join Lynn and 23 other guest speakers at "The 7 Graces of Marketing Telesummit" on December 6th-9th. Register FR*EE at http://the7gracesofmarketing.com/free-telesummit

My friend and colleague, Lynn Serafinn, has just published her new book The 7 Graces of Marketing: how to heal humanity and the planet by changing the way we sell. The ideas she presents in this 400+ page book are a call to action, not only to business owners and marketers, but to everyone one of us as a consumer. I'm very excited about her book, and about her new paradigm "The 7 Graces of Marketing". Today, I asked Lynn to give us a short overview of "The 7 Graces", and how they pertain not only to business and marketing, but also to life in general. This will be a whirlwind tour of these ideas (after all, the book is over 400 pages long), but I think you will get a taste for what they're about, and hopefully think of ways to apply them in your own business and life.

Listen to my interview with Lynn Serafinn: 

*  *  *  *  *

Lynn's sneak peek into the 7 Graces paradigm:

Grace #1: Connection

This is the "antidote" to the "Deadly Sin of Disconnection". Connection is at the foundation of everything in life—Connection to Self, Source, others, our businesses, and our audience—determine how effectively and authentically we communicate and conduct our lives. When business owners are disconnected from Self, their businesses cannot be genuine representations of who they are. And the problem is, as businesses get bigger and bigger, that Connection becomes increasingly difficult to maintain. When business owners are not connected to Source and others, it opens to door to exploitation of both natural resources and people. Connection is the first of the 7 Graces, because without it the other Graces cannot manifest.

Grace #2: Inspiration

This is the "antidote" to the "Deadly Sin of Persuasion". The literal meaning of the word "Inspiration" means "to breathe life into". As business owners, we have a choice to be "life giving" to our audience or "life robbing". Persuasion, wherein we will do anything and everything to make a sale/profit, is life robbing. As business owners, it is our responsibility to "feed" society, and thus ensure not only that our products and services are life-giving, but also that our communications (marketing) is life-giving. For marketing to be filled with the "Grace of Inspiration", it should never incite fear, anxiety or feelings of inadequacy.

Grace #3: Invitation

This is the "antidote" to the "Deadly Sin of Invasion". Nearly every form of marketing we see today is invasive. Our attention span is continually interrupted, whether it is through television/radio adverts, pop up messages, uninvited email adverts, cold-calling or billboards. As business owners and marketers, we need to bring back the "Grace of Invitation" into our communications. This means that when visitors come into our "space" (our website, our office/shop), we treat them like respected guests, offering them hospitality and generosity. Conversely, when we come into our customers' space (as when we send out emails), we must do so with courtesy and care, ensuring we never become the dreaded "houseguest from hell".

Grace #4: Directness

This is the "antidote" to the "Deadly Sin of Distraction". So much modern advertising depends upon Distraction to seize and maintain our attention. Nearly every advert you see will utilise random brand identity triggers and humour to get us to pay attention. What is wrong with this is that people end up buying products simply because they remember the advert, and not necessarily because they have been given direct, clear information about the product or service. Directness is simple: we marketers need to get back to "telling it like it is" instead of hyping up our businesses. The public need to be informed and empowered. The Grace of Directness allows that to happen.

Grace #5: Transparency

This is the "antidote" to the "Deadly Sin of Deception". Deception in marketing is rife, but is sometimes extremely subtle. In the book, I give many examples of how language and imagery are often used in a deceptive way in marketing, where technically (and legally) the message is "true", but the unconscious message we perceive is untrue. Transparency literally means "to shine light through". When we are Transparent in marketing and in life, we are not merely being honest, but we are also allowing the true intention behind our thoughts, words and deeds to be seen and heard clearly. When we walk in Transparency, both in business and in life, we are walking in the Essence of who we really are.

Grace #6: Abundance

This is the "antidote" to the "Deadly Sin of Scarcity". The chapter on Scarcity in the book is one of the biggest, because it's simply such a massive topic. Scarcity marketing is all around us, and it appears in so many forms, from limited-time offers to the various kinds of "obsolescence" used to incite us to buy beyond our needs or means. Abundance, on the other hand, is the fundamental belief that there is enough for all—when we are living in rhythm with the planet. It is our natural state of being. If we operate our business from the fundamental belief in lack or Scarcity, we will always bring Scarcity strategies into our marketing. The irony is that Scarcity begets Scarcity. In other words, if we operate from a Scarcity mentality, we are likely to create the very Scarcity we most fear because the end result will be overconsumption. Overconsumption is destroying both our economy and the ecological balance of our natural world. But if we operate from a fundamental belief in Abundance, we will not bring such fear and anxiety into our marketing, and overconsumption will be a thing of the past.

Grace #7: Collaboration

This is the "antidote" to the "Deadly Sin of Competition". Many people have the false notion that competition is necessary to create healthy economies and stronger societies. But this is largely a myth and has no foundation in Nature whatsoever. While I believe in "free enterprise", this is not the same thing as Competition. In the book, I cite many studies that have proved how Competition diminishes creativity and innovation. When we conduct our businesses or our lives with a competitive mindset, we not only reduce our own performance, but we also reduce the support we receive from others. On the other hand, Collaboration always results in something greater than the sum of its parts. Every single marketing campaign I have produced is based upon Collaboration. The permaculture of the world is actually one giant, interdependent Collaboration. We've been brought up in a competitive world, but the more connected we become via technologies like social media, the more we see that Collaboration is the way we perform best.

*  *  *  *  *

I hope you enjoyed this overview of The 7 Graces of Marketing from author Lynn Serafinn. If you want to dive more deeply into this paradigm, I do invite you to join Lynn and 23 other world-class guest speakers at…

"The 7 Graces of Marketing Telesummit"

December 6th-9th, 2011

7 Dynamic Sessions with 24 Guest Speakers

Register FR*EE at

http://the7gracesofmarketing.com/free-telesummit

On this 7-part online event, Lynn and her guests will be exploring

the "7 Graces" and "7 Deadly Sins" in detail.

And then… do check out Lynn's book The 7 Graces of Marketing on December 13th. When you do, there are dozens of wonderful gifts for you, including the audio download of all 7 sessions from the telesummit, and many other goodies. Check out the gifts, and request a launch reminder so you don't forget to pick up your copy (in paperback or Kindle) at: http://the7gracesofmarketing.com/book-launch/pages/pre-launch.html

Tweet

Be a Guest on Writers in the Sky Podcast

Writers in the Sky Podcast is a weekly talk show about writing, publishing, and book marketing. Interviews with authors, publishers, and book industry experts. The latest news about books, publishing methods, and marketing techniques.

This blog and podcast is owned by Writers in the Sky Creative Writing Services.

To learn how to be a guest on Writers in the Sky Podcast see the guidelines at http://writersinthesky.com/writing-podcast.html#guidelines
 

Learning to Love Passive Construction

By Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of The Frugal Editor
 

Writers of fiction, and nonfiction for that matter, are told to avoid passive sentences for a variety of reasons. After all, they tend to tug on the forward momentum we are usually after. But passive construction can be used effectively, too. Like all love, we need to accept passives, try to utilize what they’re good at and, at the same time, recognize their flaws and make an effort not to let them into our lives.

A good editor may help you avoid passive constructions by suggesting changes that will make them active. Try doing it yourself with the three examples below.

1. "I was offended by the President's proclamation."

2. "Catherine was being watched."

3. "Catherine was being silly."

Here is your cheat sheet:

For the first example you would, of course, make it "The President's proclamation offended me."

For the second, you'll have to provide the intended subject. It might look like this: "The fuzz watched Catherine." (So, maybe you'd be more formal (-: and call them "coppers!" ).

The third example might throw you a curve. That's because it isn't a passive sentence. Here's the thing. We tend to assume a construction is passive when we see helper verbs and "ing" words. But these are not always passive indicators. That's one more thing for you to figure out in addition to deciding whether you want to avoid a passive construction anyway.

There are reasons to love the passive. I mean, language develops out of need (among other things). So we sometimes need the passive and when we do, and recognize why we do, we can grow to love it. Here are reasons you might want to intentionally use passive verbs:

1. You want to slow down the movement in a saga sent in the 19th century

2. You're using passive construction as part of a speech pattern used by a particular character.

3. You’re writing political copy and you want to avoid pointing a finger at, say, the FBI because you don’t want to get put on the dreaded US No-Fly list. So instead of saying “The FBI is watching Carolyn.” You say, “Carolyn is being watched.” No blame that way.

We need to know not only how to make verbs active and when to leave them alone, and, yep, when to use them to our advantage. That way we can learn to love them.

----- Carolyn Howard-Johnson's first novel, This Is the Place, won eight awards and uses the passive voice liberally because it is set in a slower time, a different culture. An instructor for UCLA Extension's world-renown Writers' Program, her book The Frugal Book Promoter: How to Do What Your Publisher Won't is recommended reading for her classes, and was named USA Book News' "Best Professional Book." It is also an Irwin Award winner. Her second book in the How To Do It Frugally series is The Frugal Editor: Put Your Best Book Forward to Avoid Humiliation and Ensure Success is also a USA Book News award-winner as well as the winner of the Reader View's Literary Award in the publishing category. She is the recipient of both the California Legislature's Woman of the Year in Arts and Entertainment Award. She is a popular speaker and actor. Her website is www.HowToDoItFrugally.com.
 

Tweet

10 Marketing Strategies for New Writers

In business, success hinges on a successful marketing campaign. This also applies to new writers who want to take their talent of writing and make a profitable business with it. To help new writers who may know nothing about marketing and business, here are 10 marketing strategies for new writers.

1. Make your site reflect your writing style

This is a unique marketing strategy for writers. When people search for writers, they often judge the content on their website. The potential clients are looking for a certain style that matches their vision. Therefore, always use your own style of writing when creating content to promote your business; do not simply rewrite other writer's content.

2. Create an eBook

Create a free downloadable eBook that potential clients can read. The main goal of your eBook should be to provide writing samples and help your clients understand your full abilities. You may write short fiction stories, or you may write in-depth technical articles. It mostly depends on the type of clients you wish to attract.

3. Use agency sites

Starting out, not many people are going to know you are a talented writer. You should greatly consider joining an agency site that acts as a middle man, connecting writers with clients. Once you build a client list, focus on your own site, and ask your clients to promote you to their friends who need writers.

4. Create a full bio

Before people do business with other people, they want to know with whom they are doing business. Create a full bio on your website; make sure you include pictures, location, contact information, reviews and other important information.

5. Create business cards

Do not limit yourself to the Internet. There are plenty of brick and mortar business owners than can use the help of a writer. Many writers construct public relations articles to help their client's image. You should give everyone you meet a business card, and let them know what type of writer you are and how you can help them achieve their goals.

6. Promote yourself on social media sites

Social media marketing is unarguably one of the best marketing methods. Every social media site has pros and cons, so be sure to create an account on each major site, such as Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and even YouTube. Experiment to see how each site can benefit your business.

7. Use articles

Write and place articles on high-quality article directories. High-quality article directories are usually directories that do not compensate their contributors in any way; this cuts down on the amount of low-quality or spam articles. Make sure you link back to your site in the articles you submit.

8. Network

Do not be afraid to meet new people. You never know who will come along and greatly help your business succeed. By constantly meeting new people, you can exponentially increase your customer base. Your business depends on the relationships you make with people.

9. Post ads

Take advantage of free ad sites, such as Craigslist. You may even want to post ads in the local paper. Many people still search classified ads to find services.

10. Create a Google business listing

If you want to take your writing to the next level, create a free business listing on Google. Make sure to include important information that can help your listing reach the top result for your industry in your area. People who search for freelance writers in your area can come across your business listing and contact you for your services.

Take advantage of these 10 marketing strategies, and eventually, you will grow your business and won't need to do so much marketing.

Bill Smith is a contributing writer at http://privatestudentloan.org/

Reprinted from "The Book Marketing Expert newsletter," a free ezine offering book promotion and publicity tips and techniques. http://www.amarketingexpert.com/

Calling for Submissions for WITS December Newsletter!

Writers in the Sky Newsletter is now accepting contributions of material from our readers. To share a book review, announcement, or article about writing, editing, or book marketing please email Katie@writersinthesky.com. Our next issue is due to send next week so please get these in as soon as possible.

Tweet

My Top 10 Book Apps for Kids and Adults

by Scott Lorenz

Westwind Communications
Book Marketing

Many books now have apps that work on iPhones or iPads and on the Android platform. Consumers can now buy the printed book, the app alone or both. Authors can capitalize on this trend by creating apps for their books or pushing their publisher to create one for them.  Some apps have incredible features such as 3D effects, interactive storytelling, and more. Creating an app for your book may give you a competitive advantage as well. I’ve found some book apps for both kids and adults that you’ll want to check out. Here’s my top ten:

• Weird but True is an app developed by the creators of National Geographic that will keep you entertained for hours.  Packed with interesting facts that will allow you to impress your friends and colleagues with newly acquired knowledge of the natural world. 
• 3D Classic Literature Collectionlets readers enjoy their favorite American classic stories in a 3-dimensional context.  Complete with high quality animation and audio, this interactive app is sure to bring your favorite stories to life to let you experience them in a way you never imagined.
• Fahrenheit 451brings Ray Bradbury’s sci-fi story off the page and into reality with narration, puzzles, auto-bookmarking, and book references to help you find your next favorite read.  Enjoy this timeless classic all over again like never before. 
• Pocket Cocktailsserves as a complete archive of all your favorite drink recipes.  Entertain your friends, or just make yourself the ideal martini on your night off.  Complete with how-to photos and festive holiday drink recipes, you’ll be the life of any party this season.
• Jack and the Beanstalkis the perfect app to keep your kids entertained whenever you need a minute to yourself.  Filled with interactive games, activities, artwork, and read-along text, it’s the ideal children’s app with an educational twist.  Unlike other book apps, every page has a different surprise that will keep kids engaged and involved, all at a price that won’t break the bank. 
• Wizard of Oz 3D, The Experienceputs a new spin on the timeless classic of Dorothy’s adventure.  Enjoy L. Frank Baum’s novel in an engaging 3D interactive experience.  With pop-up animation, rediscover the story and share it with friends, family, and children.  Bring an old classic to life and enjoy it all over again.  
• Green Eggs and Hamprovides children with picture/word association and other features designed to promote early literacy.  Winner of the 2011 Parents’ Choice Award, its an interactive approach to learning hidden beneath a Dr. Seuss Classic.
• Comics is a free app that lets comic fans keep up with their favorite strips from Marvel, DC, The Walking Dead, and many more.  Kill some free time in between errands or make an evening out of it while watching your favorite superhero movies. 
• Nancy Drew: Shadow Ranch Litelets users follow their favorite teen detective on her latest investigation.  Choose your own path through the story and solve puzzles to help Nancy crack her latest crime.  Track your progress and backtrack when you receive new clues to get on the right path!
• Our Choice is an interactive app that covers the pressing issue of global warming.  As viewed by Al Gore, Our Choice takes you through various charts, articles, diagrams, and other forms of media to help users grasp the seriousness of the environmental issue.  Stay informed with everything going on and find ways to lessen your environmental impact. Check out the tour by Al Gore here:  http://weare1inspirit.us2.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=97bb89afa3f89961b16f8b31f&id=d8c7357506&e=b79bf1729e

Books have made a comeback in the world of entertainment with revelations such as audio versions, 3D supplements, and smartphone apps.  Let me know your thoughts on these apps and others you find. 

Ever thought about developing an app for your book?  It won’t be long until it’ll be common place. If you jump on the bandwagon now you’ll still early in the game.
###

Book publicist Scott Lorenz is President of Westwind Communications, a public relations and marketing firm that has a special knack for working with authors to help them get all the publicity they deserve and more. Lorenz works with bestselling authors and self-published authors promoting all types of books, whether it's their first book or their 15th book. He's handled publicity for books by CEOs, Navy SEALS, Homemakers, Fitness Gurus, Doctors, Lawyers and Adventurers. His clients have been featured by Good Morning America, FOX & Friends, CNN, ABC Nightly News, The New York Times, Nightline, TIME, PBS, Los Angeles Times, USA Today, Washington Post, Family Circle, Woman's World, & Howard Stern to name a few. Learn more about Westwind Communications’ book marketingapproach at www.book-marketing-expert.com  or contact Lorenz at scottlorenz@westwindcos.comor by phone at 734-667-2090. Follow Lorenz on Twitter @aBookPublicist. For iPhone app marketing check out: http://www.iphoneapppublicity.com

Tweet

Why Wait? The Baby Boomers' Guide to Preparing Emotionally, Financially and Legally for a Parent’s Death

Today I have the great pleasure of being the host on Day 10 of the Virtual Blog Tour of author Carolyn A. Brent whose book Why Wait? The Baby Boomers' Guide to Preparing Emotionally, Financially and Legally for a Parent’s Death launches on Amazon on Tuesday November 15, 2011.

Author Carolyn A. Brent, M.B.A. is a former clinical educational manager in the pharmaceutical industry. She is an avid activist and advocate working with the U.S. Congress for the purpose of creating change to protect seniors and veterans from financial and medical abuse. She has appeared on many local and national TV and radio shows, and is a sought-after keynote speaker.

Yesterday, Carolyn visited Joyce Joneschiet at http://aginginplaceoptions.com/2011/11/how-to-protect-your-parents-and-make-caregiving-a-family-affair , where they talked about Carolyn writing the book and couple on smoothing certain emotional conversations.

Today, I'd like to share with you a recent podcast interview I had with Carolyn. I hope you enjoy it.

I hope you enjoyed this interview with Carolyn A. Brent and that you’ll check out her book Why Wait? The Baby Boomers' Guide to Preparing Emotionally, Financially and Legally for a Parent’s Death at http://www.babyboomersguide.org/book-launch/pre-launch.html

Here Are Two Reasons Why:

FREE 3-DAY PASS

When you visit the page at the link above and request a "launch reminder", you will automatically receive a FREE pass to Carolyn's 3-day "Why Wait? Telesummit", with a panel leading experts preparing emotionally, financially and legally for the death of a parent.  You can listen to the telesummit online in the comfort of your own home, and even ask questions during the broadcast.

This telesummit is a completely free "no purchase necessary" gift from Carolyn

To register, go to

http://www.babyboomersguide.org/book-launch/telesummit.html

FREE GIFTS

When you buy Carolyn's book on Tuesday November 15, 2011, you can ALSO receive a complete library of beautiful personal development gifts from authors, speakers, coaches and other enlightened professionals from around the globe including one from me:

MP3 audio book of More Than Meets the Eye ~

True Stories about Death, Dying, and Afterlife

To claim your 3-Day Pass and read about the free gifts, go to: http://www.babyboomersguide.org/book-launch/pre-launch.html

Thanks for reading! As usual, please feel free to share your comments and thoughts below. I love reading your feedback.

AND… be sure to follow Carolyn tomorrow when the next stop on the Virtual Blog Tour is Shelagh Jones, who will be podcast interviewing Carolyn on her show.  To visit that "stop" on the tour, go to http://SpiritualMarketing-Blog.com/books-by-spiritus-members/carolyn-a-brent-why-wait/  

Tweet

Book with a View November 2011

Title: Kathy’s Good News
Author: Dr. Wilson Awasu
Pages: 109
ISBN: 978-1-4327-6934-5
Genre: religion, Christian education, children
Published: Outskirts Press, 2011
Reviewer:  Sarah Moore of WITS

When people are offering advice to writers or politicians or even stand-up comedians, the sentiment to “talk about what you know” is often mentioned.  What a person chooses to share is usually at its most powerful when it comes from a place of truth and experience.  This is why, as a historian by former trade and now by hobby, I love to comb through primary sources.  Reading the raw and personal correspondence between two people, the emotion, hopes, and concerns of that one moment captured in time can have a lasting effect on the consumer.  When the central topic is religion and those related questions of eternal consequence, the ability of a text to grip you is even more heightened.  Such is the case in Kathy’s Good News, the new release by Dr. Wilson Awasu.

Kathy’s Good News is a compilation of email exchanges that took place between Dr. Awasu and a twelve-year-old girl who heard him speak about his faith.  She confides to Dr. Awasu that although she was raised in a Christian home, she never felt an intensely personal relationship with God.  It seemed to be more of a mechanical process than a real connection.  From this honest confession comes a written dialogue in which Dr. Awasu challenges Kathy with questions that force her to think deeply and reach her own conclusions.

The power of this book is not in an elegantly crafted phrase or vivid descriptions of background scenery. Instead, we get to witness the spiritual evolution of one girl as assisted by a mentor who does not want to feed her answers that she must accept blindly, but allows her to make her own discoveries.  To me, I couldn’t help but think of the concept of the Socratic Method as applied to theology.  In fact, I often found myself pausing to answer the same questions that were being put in front of young Kathy.  Do I want a clear understanding of promise and faith while removing the confusion that my own church experience has given me? How do I go about bridging the gap between head knowledge and heart knowledge?

With this publication, Dr. Wilson Awasu shares a couple of important messages.  First, one’s faith is a personal experience that should have a sense of relationship at its core.  Why would we want any less of an intimate connection with a grand Creator?  And second, Awasu encourages us to look at our own values and beliefs through the lens of a child.  What if we had a filter of innocence instead of the cynicism and heartache that usually finds its way into our hearts by adulthood?  What would we see differently?

Kathy’s Good News is an engaging read because we get a peek into the process of struggle and revelation that most of us work through at some point in our lives.  And, it reveals the author as a kind and thoughtful teacher who values the individual growth of those who come to him for counsel.  Check it out, and perhaps you will be compelled to ask some challenging questions yourself.

Title:  The Disturbing Effect of Moonlight
Author:  Mia Zabriskie
Pages: Kindle
ASIN:   B005FXHOE2
Genre: thriller, suspense, fantasy
Publisher:  Mia Zabriskie Books (August 3, 2011)
Available on Amazon.com
Reviewer:  Dana Micheli of WITS

This book should come with a warning: DO NOT BEGIN READING UNLESS YOU HAVE TIME TO FINISH IT.  

In the vast sea of suspense novels, Mia Zabriskie’s The Disturbing Effect of Moonlight is a jewel that one feels proud to have discovered... And in this world of instant gratification, it has a real, old-fashioned twist that we so rarely see.  You REALLY won’t know where this is all leading until you have nearly reached the end.  

Like every place struck by tragedy, Los Angeles is a city divided into the Before and After.  It has never quite been the same since that day in 1994 when the Northridge earthquake tore through streets, buildings, and lives.    

Like every person marked by tragedy, 32-year-old Natalie Ryder’s life is also divided by an enormous chasm. On the one side:  her happy childhood with her loving father, Jonathan and sister, Gabby; on the other is the emptiness she has felt since their sudden, unexplained disappearances nearly two decades before.  Since then, her life has been filled with both unbearable pain and incredible blessings, but there has always been the gaping hole where her family used to be. 

Now an “earthquake scientist” living in Seattle, Natalie would like to think that she has escaped both L.A. and her agonizing past.  But when she learns that her father’s remains have finally been found, she returns to California. Cold Case detectives believe that Jonathan’s ties to the Armenian mob led to his murder, but Natalie refuses to accept it. Armed only with old police files and the materials found in her father’s backpack, she begins her own investigation.  Every clue she follows seems to lead down another rabbit hole, but the one she is about plunge into is more terrifying than even she can conceive of. 

With each turn of the page, Zabriskie’s masterful use of words brings forth a burst of Technicolor.  Her descriptions of Los Angeles—both the upscale and the underbelly--are so vivid that you can alternately feel the sand of the beach between your toes and the despair of homeless, forgotten youths. 

So call out of work; cancel your dentist appointment, and settle in for a great read. The end will have you craving more, but the good news is, Zabriskie is working on a sequel.



Tweet

Award-Winning Children’s Author Dawn Menge to Release New Queen Vernita Book

Dawn Menge has dedicated her life to teaching, both as an educator and mother to her own children. For the past several years, that commitment has included a third career as the award-winning children’s author of the Queen Vernita series. These books instill in children, not only a love of learning, but a way to embrace the differences in themselves and others.
The world of Queen Vernita of Oceaneer is one of exciting adventures; each centered around the twelve months of the year, and with its own opportunity to learn about different types of people, places, and even universes. In the first book, Queen Vernita’s Visitors, a different fascinating friend visits Vernita each month. In Queen Vernita Visits the Blue Ice Mountains, Vernita does the travelling, embarking on a twelve-month journey around the world. Queen Vernita Meets Sir Heathy Bean the Astronomer introduces kids to our solar system. The fourth installment in the series, Queen Vernita Visits the Islands of Enchantment, is set for release at the end of October. It will take readers on another delightful journey, one in which they will learn about different types as sea life, as well as several words in Hawaiian and Japanese. But perhaps the most important aspect of Menge’s work is her inclusion of characters who face special challenges, such as blindness, cerebral palsy, and Down’s Syndrome.

In creating her characters, Menge draws from her own experiences with friends and family; and indeed, writing has become a family affair. Queen Vernita Meets Sir Heathy Bean was co-authored by Dawn’s brother, Heath Rhoades. Heath, who is pursuing a PhD in Information Technology at Capella University, will soon release his own book. This soon-to-be titled graphic novel tells the story of Boson, a disenfranchised government scientist who must save the world from the flesh-rotting effects of a science experiment gone wrong.

Most people might find being both an educator and author a lot to handle, but Dawn Menge is not most people. A veteran educator, she works with severely handicapped students for the San Bernardino Superintendant of Schools. She is also currently working toward her PhD in Curriculum and instruction at Capella University.

Menge’s books have won several awards, including the Evvy Award (2009 & 2010) and the Scooter Award 2010 A+ rating. Her work has also received honorable mention from Reviewers Choice, Readers Choice. Queen Vernita Meets Sir Heathy Bean is a Best Book Award Finalist.

To learn more about her work, visit http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/dawn.menge1

Dana Micheli is a freelance writer, editor, proofreader and journalist. She has written and edited works of fiction and nonfiction, including novels (ghostwritten), news articles, resumes, business plans, and restaurant reviews. She also researched and wrote the legal and housing sections of New York: The Complete Resident’s Guide (Explorer Publishing). Dana has a B.A. in English from Southern Connecticut University and a Juris Doctor from New York Law School. She lives in New York City.

Tweet

Editor's Corner November 2011

Last week was Halloween and I hope everyone had a “howling” good time and didn’t eat too much candy! To celebrate this season, I teamed up with Dr. Caron Goode and house inspector Ranoli to create an MP3: “Spirit Clearing Techniques.” This teaching audio offers some very practical information to assist those who may be seeing, hearing, or sensing an unwanted spirit visitor. The first 10 people to purchase this MP3 get four bonus gifts including a signed copy of Caron’s book, Kids Who See Ghosts. More info . . .

As a panelist on a telesummit to celebrate the energy of 11:11:11, I invite you to get on board with heart activation to help you embrace and integrate the accelerated energies now available to us. The first session in this 4-part telesummit starts today so if you haven’t registered, go to http://weare1inspirit.us2.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=97bb89afa3f89961b16f8b31f&id=70d6466825&e=b79bf1729e. 

Everyone helped me so much with deciding the title of my 2011 book, Whose Stuff Is This? Finding Freedom from the Thoughts, Emotions, and Energy of Those Around, that I’ve decided to ask you all for feedback on my next book. The tentative title is Shifting into Purer Consciousness ~ How to Embrace and Integrate Multidimensional Frequencies. What do you think a book with this title might offer? Would you be intrigued enough to click a link to learn more? http://weare1inspirit.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=97bb89afa3f89961b16f8b31f&id=759d4253cb&e=b79bf1729e

I’ve also been busy creating gifts for those on my Christmas list. I’ve been posting photos and videos about the crafts on my new blog, Crafters in the Sky. Take a look at the list of things I’ve made. You might get some inexpensive creative ideas for gift giving.

Yvonne Perry,
Owner of Writers in the Sky Creative Writing Services
http://weare1inspirit.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=97bb89afa3f89961b16f8b31f&id=ac815b0302&e=b79bf1729e
Facebook
LinkedIn
Twitter



Tweet

WITS Announcements November 2011

The first 10 people to purchase the MP3, “Spirit Clearing Techniques,” get four bonus gifts. More info . . .
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Celebrate the energy of 11:11:11 with a heart activation to help you embrace and integrate the accelerated energies now available to us http://weare1inspirit.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=97bb89afa3f89961b16f8b31f&id=ba24f83bdc&e=b79bf1729e. 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Check out the e-books designed especially to help authors promote their books online. http://weare1inspirit.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=97bb89afa3f89961b16f8b31f&id=da04c68edc&e=b79bf1729e.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Each story in The Sid Series ~ A Collection of Holistic Stories for Children focuses on life skills such as environmental awareness, helping others, being true to one’s self, overcoming fear, and following inner guidance. http://weare1inspirit.us2.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=97bb89afa3f89961b16f8b31f&id=0be5aab712&e=b79bf1729e
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Whose Stuff Is This? Finding Freedom from the Thoughts, Feelings, and Energy of Those Around Youis a guidebook for empathic people who have been unknowingly carrying energetic burdens that belong to someone else. See all purchasing options at http://weare1inspirit.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=97bb89afa3f89961b16f8b31f&id=dd82ccfcfa&e=b79bf1729e.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Read the first chapter for free and then decide if you want to download the 3-hour-long mp3 audio book of More Than Meets the Eye ~ True Stories about Death, Dying, and Afterlife for only $7.00 http://weare1inspirit.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=97bb89afa3f89961b16f8b31f&id=415f8dec33&e=b79bf1729e
~~~~~~~~~~~~~

An Invitation:

Check out the Remembrance Trilogy Blog and come to a Twitter Party and Facebook Event.

Do you remember that childhood fantasy of toys coming alive and jumping out of the box to play at night when children are sleeping? What’s happening on my blog in November will remind you of that.

The second novel in the Trilogy of Remembrance, The Fate of Pryde will be published at the beginning of December 2011.

To celebrate the launch, I’m handing my blog http://remembrancetrilogy.com/blog over to my protagonist, Alexander Wainwright, Britain’s finest landscape painter, where he will tell short stories and give his version of events from The Drawing Lesson and The Fate of Pryde.

I’m sure some other characters, such as Rinaldo and Jonathan Pryde, will show up too. With these characters coming to life and jumping on their own soap-boxes—who knows where it will lead? It’s a party, so everyone can join in with their comments and questions.

During November, there’ll be readings from the novels, video and photos and maybe music. Unfortunately, current technology does not permit me to serve you a glass of champagne but if it did, of course, I would. The characters will be in charge on the blog and at the parties.

November will be the lead-up to the Twitter Party and Facebook Event, the dates for which I’ll announce very soon. There will be great prizes, such as a new Kindle—preloaded with my five novels—three from The Osgoode Trilogy and two from the Trilogy of Remembrance.

Alexander is already holding forth on my blog and so, you need to listen up!  To follow the fun throughout November just click here. http://remembrancetrilogy.com/feed/rss/  and you won’t miss a thing.

Right now, you can watch two videos—one for The Drawing Lesson and the other for The Fate of Pryde.

The Drawing Lesson.

http://youtu.be/8_GMjxHZfxg

The Fate of Pryde

http://youtu.be/C7q-i3XCmpA

Thanks everyone. See you soon!

Mary Martin
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~



Tweet

Podcast Schedules for November 2011

We Are One in Spirit Podcast

We Are One in Spirit Podcast allows for people of all walks of life to discuss their spiritual journey and life-transforming experiences that remind us that we are all ONE IN SPIRIT. Uplifting, enlightening, and insightful topics include healing, empathy, intuition, spiritual/psychic gifts, metaphysics, soul development, afterlife, spirit communication, and more. The metaphysical shows are archived at http://weare1inspirit.us2.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=97bb89afa3f89961b16f8b31f&id=3189706b4f&e=b79bf1729e. You will also find us on iTunes.

On November 10, Carolyn Brent, will be sharing uplifting spiritual insight in a discussion about her new book, Why Wait? The Baby Boomers' Guide to Preparing Emotionally, Financially & Legally for a Parent's Death.  In this book, author and public speaker, Carolyn A. Brent, provides a comprehensive handbook for family caregivers, highlighting the crucial conversations siblings and their aging parents must have. She draws upon her own heartbreaking family experiences, plus exhaustive research on the subject, outlining a step-by-step process that can spare caregivers and their families the stress of conflict at a time of grieving and loss, but also an opportunity to mend fences and renew the connection and communication they once enjoyed with each other.

November 17:  Author Susann Taylor Shier will be discussing her new book, Soul Reunion - The Return Home from Separation. Reunion with the Divine is our purpose; embodiment of that purpose is our fulfillment.  Through your experience with Soul Reunion, The Return Home from Separation, you will come to know how to bring the gift of union with Spirit to your wounds of separation.  You will magnify your embodiment of Spirit's wealth and make it the blueprint for your life.

WITS Podcast

Writers in the Sky Podcast is a Nashville-based talk show about writing, publishing, and book marketing. An educational tool for people who want to learn more about the craft and business of writing, this show offers interviews with authors and writers, as well as the latest news about books currently on the market. You will also learn about publishing methods and marketing techniques as we interview publishers and publicists. Listen to archived shows via RSS Feed. Download WITS Podcast on iTunesfor your iPod or iPad.

On November 11, Sijuan King, niece of Don King, will talk about her new novel, Millennium Slave Part I. New York executive Charles Allen Hart has it all--the corner office, the high-powered job, and the Central Park address. When he boards the company yacht for a Caribbean cruise in 2003, he has no idea that he is sailing into a nightmare. This gripping novel tells the story of Charles' fight for freedom from those who have made him a "Millennium Slave." Part historical fiction, part modern day thriller, Sijuan's book is all excellent.    

Tweet