Friday, March 29, 2013

Spotlight: Feathered by Tom Weston

About the Book:

     Whenever Alexandra Caroline O’Rourke, AKA Alex, met with trouble, she generally blamed her younger sister, Jackie. And Alex’s sudden engagement to marry a Viking prince, against her will, probably classified as trouble. If nothing else, a wedding held in 11th century Ireland would make it difficult to invite her friends from San Diego. Regardless of blame, Jackie was the only person who could help Alex, but Jackie was still in the 21st century. And Jackie had her own problems, which included uncooperative fairies and strange songs which only she could hear. But most of all, if Jackie could not find a way to make it rain, marauding Vikings would be the least of their worries, because this is Feathered: being a fairy tale and this is an Alex and Jackie Adventure.


Purchase your copy:
About the Author:

     Award winning writer and film-maker, Tom Weston, returns to the fantasy genre for his 3rd novel in the Alex and Jackie Adventure series, FEATHERED: BEING A FAIRY TALE. Originally from England, Tom now resides in Boston, Massachusetts. Before turning his hand to fiction, Tom had a successful career as the CEO of a consulting company, conference speaker and writer of industry articles and business books. But determining that the business world lacked a sense of humor, Tom decided to hand in his jacket and tie and instead turned to the world of literature. His novel, FIRST NIGHT, set in Boston during the New Year’s Eve festival, introduced the unlikely heroines, Alex and Jackie, and the ghost of a 17th century Puritan named Sarah Pemberton. FIRST NIGHT won an Honorable Mention in the Middle-Grade/Young Adult category, in the Writers Digest 17th Annual International Self-Published Book Awards. The sequel to FIRST NIGHT, called THE ELF OF LUXEMBOURG, was published in January, 2010. As with FIRST NIGHT, THE ELF OF LUXEMBOURG is also a supernatural mystery, with a blend of humor and history that has become Tom’s trademark. Following the publication of THE ELF OF LUXEMBOURG, Tom turned to the medium of film to produce and direct the award winning animated short, THERE BE MONSTERS!, based on one of his TALES FROM THE GREEN DRAGON TAVERN. Tom also wrote the critically acclaimed and award winning, Historical Fiction novel, FISSION, based on the true life story of scientist, Lise Meitner. Tom is now working on a new animated short called DANCING DAISY DAY.


Visit Tom Online:

And now for the GIVEAWAY!!! Fill out the Rafflecopter form below for your chance to win a $25 Amazon GC or Paypal Cash and an autographed copy of his book, FEATHERED!!! 
(Ends March 29, 2013)


Tour Schedule

Monday, March 4 – Laurie’s Thoughts and Reviews

Monday, March 4 – Maureen’s Musings

Monday, March 4 – Fantasy Pages

Tuesday, March 5 – Library Girl Reads

Tuesday, March 5 - Beyond the Books

Wednesday, March 6 – Alaskan Book Cafe

Wednesday, March 6 – Freda’s Voice

Wednesday, March 6 – Waiting on Sunday to Drown

Thursday, March 7 – My Book Addiction and More


Friday, March 8 – Lori’s Reading Corner

Friday, March 8 – Books Books and More Books

Monday, March 11 – Inside BJ’s Head

Tuesday, March 12 – Celtic Lady’s Reviews

Tuesday, March 12 – The Writer’s Life

Wednesday, March 13 – My Devotional Thoughts

Thursday, March 14 – Miki’s Hope

Thursday, March 14 – Literarily Speaking

Friday, March 15 – Confessions of a Reader

Monday, March 18 – Delphina Reads Too Much

Monday, March 18 – The Road to Here

Tuesday, March 19 – Hardcover Feedback

Tuesday, March 19 – As the Pages Turn

Wednesday, March 20 – Blooming with Books

Wednesday, March 20 – Literary R&R

Thursday, March 21 – The Busy Mom’s Daily

Thursday, March 21 – Bless Their Hearts Mom

Friday, March 22 – Mary’s Cup of Tea



Monday, March 25 – My Cozie Corner

Friday – March 29 – The Paperback Pursuer

Friday, March 29 - Get Your Book Noticed

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Guestpost: The Economics of Change by Mac Fallows


The Economics of Change
by Mac Fallows

     Some economic models just don’t work. Lots of products that make sense for the consumer are derailed by the associated costs- the cost of production, the cost of delivery, even the cost of building awareness- in which case, the product simply never gets made. But sometimes, when demand is sufficient, the broken economics can actually lead to a change in the way things are done.

     As it turns out, there was sufficient demand for books that didn't make economic sense for traditional publishers and agents to spark a change in the publishing industry, for example. New genres and art forms, not to mention new voices, have found ways around the upside down economics of the traditional publishing world to the reader. These days, more and more authors are shouldering the risk and reaping the rewards without the usual business partners. And perhaps even more importantly, they’re evolving their art form much more quickly than traditional publishing ever could- or even wanted to.

     Musical stories are just one example of a genre that traditional publishers have been unable to seriously consider, given the economics, and would likely never develop on their own. Publishers have long since acknowledged that interest for a musical book by J.K Rowling and Adele, for example, would no doubt be sky high; however, on the whole, the risk attached to such a book would outweigh the potential rewards. Traditional publishers don’t know anything about music, and there are a lot more costs involved in producing a musical book than there are producing the regular kind. Add to the mix that we’re talking about a market that is completely unproven and you end up with a genre that will never see the light of day… unless artists themselves develop it.

     Fortunately for the reading public, that’s exactly what’s happening in this case- and many others. Where this takes us is anybody’s guess but one thing is for sure: readers are going to play more of a role than ever before in the evolution of the book industry.

And that’s a good thing.

About the Author:

      Reclusive writer and composer Mac Fallows first began pitching the idea of a musical book for teens and adults to music and book publishers in the late eighties. But without the technology to support his vision, he didn’t get far.

      So instead, he set out to travel the world in search of new challenges . . . and stories. He went on to write and produce over 100 songs in a dozen languages in places including Dakar, Mumbai, Prague, and Santiago for singers including Youssou N’dour, Shankar Mahadevan, Pape and Cheikh, and Kavita Krishnamoorthy.

Wondertown is the first true musical story he’s published. It includes a full-length fantasy novel, 12 related songs and 17 illustrations.

Visit his website at www.wonderlandproject.com.

About the Book:

     Wondertown is a full-length fantasy novel from Mac Fallows that includes twelve original songs-each one an extension of the story sung by the characters themselves- and seventeen illustrations from acclaimed illustrator, Emrah Elmasli.

     The story centres around Neil Abbott, an undersized, introverted eleven-year old boy with the ability to tell about people by touching their possessions. He doesn’t fit in either at home or at school and rarely speaks to anyone, with the exception of his grandmother, who has a secret talent of her own.

     One day, after a particularly difficult week, Neil asks his grandmother if she thinks he’s normal, and she responds by telling him the remarkable story of an unlikely hero, who long ago crossed the five parts of the world to free his only friend from a demon lord. Filled with hidden meaning, vivid images, and songs that bring the characters to life, Wondertown is an unforgettable journey to a place inside each of us few of us dare to go.


Guestpost: Janet Thompson on Dear God, He's Home!


Dear God, He’s Home!
by Janet Thompson

     “After Ken’s layoff, I’d wake up in the night trembling with fear and sneak out of bed to sit by the fireplace with my Bible. I’d read and read until finally peace came . . . and it always did . . . at least enough for that night.” –Deborah

THE WIFE OF A STAY-AT-HOME man is going to talk to God—a lot!

      Maybe she’ll write a cathartic letter in her journal: Dear God,. . . . Another wife might begin her pleading or thankful prayers with “Dear God,”. . . . Still other wives in times of desperation or frustration cry out, “Dear God, HE’S HOME!”

     The various times my husband has been a “stay-at-home man,” I regularly expressed each of those “Dear Gods,” as do the wives who submitted stories for my book Dear God, He’s Home! A Woman’s Guide to Her Stay-at-Home Man. So if you have a stay-at-home man and he’s driving you crazy, don’t feel guilty if you haven’t always been joyous about this new closeness in your marriage relationship. And don’t feel alone. When I sent out a request for stories of women with a husband home due to retirement, illness, disability, out of work, home office, the military . . . whatever reason…the stories flowed into my inbox and my ears.

     With unemployment at an all-time high, baby boomers reaching retirement age by the droves, military pulling out of many areas and returning home, businesses down-sizing or setting up virtual offices in homes, chances are pretty good you either are or know a woman with a stay-at-home man.

     Myriad emotions and reactions erupt from both spouses when an otherwise out-of-the-home-every-day husband is suddenly home all day—every day. Many wives have their own label for this occurrence. In Honey, I’m Home for Good!,Mary Ann Cook calls it spouse-in-the-house syndrome. Then there’s retired-husband syndrome or military reintegration syndrome.

     Every couple’s response to their unique syndrome evolves from how they’ve dealt with previous transitions in their relationship. Couples who stumbled and fumbled without finding workable resolutions in the past, will probably stumble and fumble through this new situation too. However, couples who have successfully developed and implemented coping techniques may be better equipped to adjust to a full time “stay-at-home man.” Even so, unexpected issues can blindside both spouses.

Game Changer

     There’s no age qualifier for a husband suddenly being home 24/7. Sometimes it comes as a shock like a layoff or illness and other times it’s the natural progression of expected retirement or return from deployment. Whatever the reason, even when we know it’s coming, the reality of a hubby being home full-time is disarming. A woman recently wrote me:

     My dad has just announced that he’ll be retiring the end of March, so I’m excited to read your book and send it along to my mom afterwards. We didn’t handle his retirement from the Marine Corps so well 20 years ago. I was just laughing about it with him on the phone today, but he has better laid plans to transition out this time around.

     Planning is essential, if you have that luxury. Each time my husband has been home, it’s always been a surprise and no time to plan. It hit us both hard and we struggled through adapting to the transitions and changes we each experienced.


For Better or For Worse but Not For Lunch


      The universal frustration expressed by wives of stay-at-home husbands: he’s invading “my space” and my work load is increasing while his is decreasing. The prospect of fixing lunch every day can push a wife over the top. John expresses the lament of many wives:

    When I retired from the Navy (and was a stay at home retiree) my wife (after a few weeks) said, “I promised for better or worse, but I didn’t promise lunch every day. Go out and get another job. So I did…

     Not every husband can go out and get another job, at least not right away. Instead of feeling resentful or overwhelmed, we wives need to put into perspective issues like lunch or helping with household duties and discuss with our husbands in the same way we would discuss a major decision or planning a trip—talk it out. Dear God, He’s Home! has discussion questions at the end of each chapter to get the talking started. In the Sanity Tools section, there’s also a Leader’s Guide to use the questions in support groups or book clubs.


Words of Wisdom from Wives with a Stay-at-Home Man


  • Make each day the best it can be. You don’t know how many days you’ll have left together. —Alice
  • Understand where your husband is at in his life and don’t make his retirement or at-home-experience miserable. —Alice
  • Don’t belittle or put down your husband—build him up. Find out his concerns and needs, don’t just focus on your own. —Alice
  • Communicate your needs honestly and lovingly. —Joan
  • When shopping together, pick a store that also has sporting, gardening, or electronic departments and let your husband browse or send him to find something. —Sue
  • What’s important to your spouse should also be important to you and what’s important to God should be important to both of you! —Janet (me)


My Stay-at-Home Man Shares


     My husband, Dave, selflessly understood that I would have to write vulnerably and honestly about our messes and our miracles. In the Epilogue of Dear God, He’s Home!, Dave offers this closing advice:

     So I leave you with these final words: Living with your spouse in stay-at-home man seasons of life, while different, is no more challenging than any other season of married life. You just have to constantly die to self as God teaches us, consider your spouse more important than yourself, and work as a team. I like the wise council I gleaned from Promise Keepers years ago and ultimately conveyed to my son, sons-in-law, and men’s small group studies—marriage isn't a 50/50 proposition as proposed by some, but 100/0. If you give 100% and expect zero in return, you’ll grow to love your spouse as Christ loved the church, and your marriage will thrive.

To read a snippet of Dear God, He’s Home! A Woman’s Guide to Her Stay-at-Home Man: http://tinyurl.com/dxb4whq

Buy the Book:

Available at all bookstores, online bookstores such as Amazon http://t.co/haUovX2X9r, and signed at Janet’s website store http://womantowomanmentoring.com/shop.

This article includes excerpts from Dear God, He’s Home! A Woman’s Guide to Her Stay-at-Home Man (New Hope Publishers)—the third book in the “Dear God,” series by author and speaker Janet Thompson. Janet is the founder of Woman to Woman Mentoring and the author of seventeen books, including: Dear God, They Say It’s Cancer, Dear God, Why Can’t I Have a Baby?, Praying for Your Prodigal Daughter, The Team That Jesus Built, and the Face-to-Face Bible study series. All of Janet’s books are available at bookstores, online bookstores, and signed by her athttp://womantowomanmentoring.com/shop.

About the Book:

A husband is now home 24/7 and the wife needs help ASAP!

      Regardless of the reason he’s home—out of work . . . retired . . . home office . . . returned from military deployment . . . disability or illness . . . whatever—wives of stay-at-home husbands share many of the same transitional and heart adjustments.

      Dear God, He’s Home! is a practical and raw look at issues couples go through
when a husband is suddenly home full time. Sharing openly from personal experience and through Scripture, Janet Thompson encourages wives to joyfully embrace their God-ordained marriages.

     The book also includes personal thought questions, discussion questions for couples, and a small-group or book club discussion guide.


Purchase Links:


About the Author:

     Janet Thompson, founder and director of About His Work Ministries, is the author of 17 books and the recognized author of the “Dear God” book series. Janet developed the Woman to Woman Mentoring Ministry at Saddleback Church, served as a lay minister for 12 years, and continues to share the blessings of mentoring through her Woman to Woman Mentoring resources, trainings, and speaking events.

     Janet and her stay-at-home husband, Dave, have four married children and love being Grammie and Grampa to 11 beautiful grandchildren. After living in California her entire live, Dave’s retirement led Janet and Dave to move to the rural mountains of Idaho. Janet invites you to visit her at:




Tour Schedule

Monday, March 18

Book reviewed at My Devotional Thought

Interviewed at Faith Deployed

Tuesday, March 19

Interviewed at Moving Toward Joy

Wednesday, March 20

Interviewed at Literal Exposure

Interviewed at Stephanie Shott

Thursday, March 21

Interviewed at Review From Here

Interviewed at Come Have Peace

Friday, March 22

Book reviewed at Melina’s Book Blog

Guest blogging at Pinkkudzu’s Weblog

Monday, March 25

Interviewed at Melina’s Book Blog

Interviewed at Heart Change

Tuesday, March 26

Interviewed at My Cozie Corner

Wednesday, March 27

Guest blogging at The Paperback Pursuer

Thursday, March 28

Guest blogging at The Story Behind the Book

Book reviewed at Mary Writes Right Now

Guest blogging at Kathy Howard

Guest blogging at A Martha Heart

Friday, March 29

First Chapter Reveal at Melina’s Book Blog

Interviewed at Pump Up Your Book

Interviewed at Positive Grace

Monday, April 1

Interviewed at American Chronicle

Tuesday, April 2

Guest blogging at Moving Toward Joy

Wednesday, April 3

Interviewed at The Writer’s Life

Thursday, April 4

Guest blogging at Between the Covers

Friday, April 5

Interviewed at Yahoo News

Monday, April 8

Interviewed at As the Pages Turn

Tuesday, April 9

Book reviewed at Godspotting

Wednesday, April 10

Interviewed at Digital Journal

Thursday, April 11

Book featured at Book Marketing Buzz

Friday, April 12

Guest blogging at Literarily Speaking

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Guestpost: A Killer Log House by Catherine Leggitt

A KILLER LOG HOUSE 
by Catherine Leggitt

     During the seven years Bob and I cared for my aging parents, our cabin in Lake Tahoe became a much-used retreat. Much as we loved my mother, the stresses and pressure of caring for an invalid piled on until we became so burdened we needed a break. At those times we escaped for a weekend to the tranquil mountain setting. The fall before my parents both passed away, going home after such a getaway, we took a detour onto Highway 20.

     The two-lane road wound through pristine forests, fertile meadows, and acres of luscious trees. Magnificent yellows, reds, purples, and shades of brown and green dotted the mountainsides. The views were spectacular. By the time we arrived in Nevada City and spotted a white-spired church amid the versicolor trees, we were sold on finding a house in the vicinity. We drove through the downtown areas of Nevada City and Grass Valley, hunting for a realty office but not finding one.

     We had just given up hope and were about to reenter the freeway, when I saw a realtor sign in a little strip mall. “There’s one!” Bob yanked the Jeep into a quick turn and we pulled into a parking space.

     Inside, two realtors were talking. The one with her back to us waved a copy of a listing as she talked. “They just reduced the price. It’s a fabulous log building on fourteen wooded acres. Amazing house. Don’t you have someone who’d be interested?”
 

     We were intrigued and asked if we could see the house. At first glimpse of the rambling residence cradled in the woods on the side of a hill, we knew we were home. The interior confirmed this knowledge. Grandma-Moses views from every window mesmerized us. The décor was a bit granny-stuck-in-the-80s for our taste—lace curtains and cow wallpaper in the kitchen—but décor is easy to change. The spacious rooms held endless possibilities. The house even had an apartment over the garage where Bob envisioned creating an art studio.

     As we were leaving, Bob casually mentioned to the owners that we weren’t ready to move in just yet, not having completed our commitment to care for my parents. Would the owners consider renting back to us until we were ready to move? The answer surprised me. They would be happy to oblige.

     All the rest of the way home, Bob concocted ways to buy that house and I tried to convince him of the impossibility. But somehow, he managed to get the purchase through and before another three months, we knew where we would move after we were no longer needed to care for my parents.


     A full two years later, we moved to Grass Valley. I set about redecorating and landscaping. The house became a showplace. Before long the loneliness of being away from my friends, children and grandchildren began to overtake me. Then menopause slammed in like a tsunami. I desperately need a distraction and found it at the keyboard. The delightful quirkiness of Nevada County residents provided copious fodder for characters and plots. The magnificent house and the incredible scenery outside became the perfect setting to hatch a murder mystery. If we had never found this wonderful house, perhaps I never would have written a book.

About the Book:

     Christine Sterling has developed a reputation for jumping to wild conclusions. With such an imagination, who is likely to take her seriously when she discovers a bruised and neglected neighbor named Lila Payne? Try as she might, she cannot interest anyone in Lila’s dire need for immediate rescue. Something about crying wolf once too often.But then Lila and Christine’s beloved dog Molly both disappear the same night.

     If no one will help her, she must find Lila and Molly herself. Heedless of possible consequences, Christine dives headfirst into a dark pool swirling with muddy secrets and misery. Her best friend throws her a lifesaver of prayer and soon she begins to sense God at work. But even with God’s help, can Lila and Molly be saved before it’s too late?


Purchase Link:



About the Author:

     Catherine Leggitt is an author and inspirational speaker. A native Californian born in the Bay Area, she raised two daughters, taught school, and cared for her aging parents in southern California before retiring to the north end of the state. Proud grandmother of six brilliant children, Catherine studies the Bible, reads, serves as a leader in Bible Study Fellowship, and sings in the church choir.

     Catherine wrote a trilogy called the Christine Sterling Mysteries, which include PAYNE & MISERY, THE DUNN DEAL, and PARRISH THE THOUGHT. The first book won 2nd place at the Orange County Christian Writers Conference in May, 2010. It was published by Ellechor Publishing in 2011. THE DUNN DEAL and PARRISH THE THOUGHT were published in 2012 by Ellechor Publishing. PARRISH THE THOUGHT made the quarterfinals in the 2011 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Contest.

     In addition, Catherine has completed a fourth novel with different characters called DYING TO BE NOTICED and coauthored a memoir for Sam Contino called STREET SMARTS.

      When called upon to share her story, Catherine’s main themes come from Christine’s struggles in her books, which also happen to be some of the things Catherine struggles with. Thus, since PAYNE & MISERY addresses complaining, the first message, titled Always Choose Joy, centers on how to be thankful and choose joy instead of misery. The spiritual theme of THE DUNN DEAL exposes with the nature of truth. Merely having faith is not enough. What we believe matters. Catherine named the second talk, Always Choose Truth. In PARRISH THE THOUGHT, Christine learns to love unlovable people, so Catherine calls the third message, Always Choose Love.



Tour Schedule:

Thursday, March 7

Guest blogging at Literarily Speaking

Monday, March 11

Interviewed at Review From Here

Wednesday, March 13

Guest blogging at The Story Behind the Book

Thursday, March 14

Book reviewed at Geo Librarian

Friday, March 15

Interviewed at Free Ebooks Daily

Tuesday, March 19

Interviewed at Pump Up Your Book

Wednesday, March 21

Interviewed at Literal Exposure

Thursday, March 22

Interviewed at Yahoo News

Monday, March 25

Interviewed at Digital Journal

Tuesday, March 26

Guest blogging at The Paperback Pursuer

Wednesday, March 27

Interviewed at Vic’s Media Room

Thursday, March 28

Guest blogging at Vic’s Media Room

Book reviewed at A Year of Jubilee Reviews

Friday, March 29

Book reviewed at Vic’s Media Room

Guestpost: Catherine Leggitt on Payne & Misery

 Catherine Leggitt on Payne & Misery

I always wanted to write a book.

     I know, everyone says that. It’s probably a pretty universally held desire. Somewhere hidden in the secret recesses of our cerebral cortex, many of us believe a manuscript waits to be discovered. I don’t remember ever thinking otherwise.

     But it wasn't until my parents passed away and my husband moved me to his dream house on fourteen wooded acres in Grass Valley California that the real opportunity to write presented itself. Our new home was a magical place with a Grandma Moses view out my kitchen windows. Most of the time I loved it there. On the downside, it was more than half a state away from my children, grandchildren and friends. And then, menopause hit like a tsunami.

     That was my state of mind in the middle of our second summer in our dream house—2005. I had already redecorated the kitchen and landscaped the yard. I was miserable and badly in need of another diversion. One day I stood in my beautiful office and stared out the window praying, certain that God was never going to hear me again.

     My eyes lit on the gray house down the hill, a house where we had seen lights but never any people. I sat at my computer and started typing. Words began to flow out. After the first paragraph, I knew I was writing a mystery.

     It was marvelous therapy, and kept my mind well occupied, but I never knew where it was going. I poured all my complaining and misery into that story. Sometimes, the main character (who oddly enough happened to be just like me) would impulsively do something she shouldn’t. Horrified, I’d delete that scene and say, “She can’t break into someone’s house.” Or whatever she had done. But she’d insist. “I must. How am I going to find what I need to find if I don’t?” So I’d rewrite the scene. I really got into the story, discussing possibilities with my in-laws whenever we visited. They encouraged me to continue. My mother-in-law asked me to write her into the story. Her name, Zora Jane, seemed perfect for the protagonist’s best friend and mentor.

     Throughout the initial writing phase, real life intruded in many ways. For example, my husband burned a pile of oak leaves and garden debris in a blaze that lasted for days. Watching the fire, I knew that had to go in the story.

     One day after I’d completed the first draft—called “Cornerstone House” in those days—I mentioned to my friend at Bible study that I had written a book but didn’t know what to do with it. She suggested taking it to the Mount Hermon Christian Writers conference. That proved to be one of the best pieces of advice I ever received because at Mount Hermon, the desire for excellence was born.

     Payne & Misery, as it is now named, had to be rewritten seven times during a ten-year period before it got whittled down to the kind of story that could get published. In its present state, it may not be perfect, but it has come a long way from its miserable beginnings.

About the Book:

     Christine Sterling has developed a reputation for jumping to wild conclusions. With such an imagination, who is likely to take her seriously when she discovers a bruised and neglected neighbor named Lila Payne? Try as she might, she cannot interest anyone in Lila’s dire need for immediate rescue. Something about crying wolf once too often.But then Lila and Christine’s beloved dog Molly both disappear the same night.

     If no one will help her, she must find Lila and Molly herself. Heedless of possible consequences, Christine dives headfirst into a dark pool swirling with muddy secrets and misery. Her best friend throws her a lifesaver of prayer and soon she begins to sense God at work. But even with God’s help, can Lila and Molly be saved before it’s too late?


Purchase Link:

About the Author:

     Catherine Leggitt is an author and inspirational speaker. A native Californian born in the Bay Area, she raised two daughters, taught school, and cared for her aging parents in southern California before retiring to the north end of the state. Proud grandmother of six brilliant children, Catherine studies the Bible, reads, serves as a leader in Bible Study Fellowship, and sings in the church choir.

     Catherine wrote a trilogy called the Christine Sterling Mysteries, which include PAYNE & MISERY, THE DUNN DEAL, and PARRISH THE THOUGHT. The first book won 2nd place at the Orange County Christian Writers Conference in May, 2010. It was published by Ellechor Publishing in 2011. THE DUNN DEAL and PARRISH THE THOUGHT were published in 2012 by Ellechor Publishing. PARRISH THE THOUGHT made the quarterfinals in the 2011 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Contest.

     In addition, Catherine has completed a fourth novel with different characters called DYING TO BE NOTICED and coauthored a memoir for Sam Contino called STREET SMARTS.

      When called upon to share her story, Catherine’s main themes come from Christine’s struggles in her books, which also happen to be some of the things Catherine struggles with. Thus, since PAYNE & MISERY addresses complaining, the first message, titled Always Choose Joy, centers on how to be thankful and choose joy instead of misery. The spiritual theme of THE DUNN DEAL exposes with the nature of truth. Merely having faith is not enough. What we believe matters. Catherine named the second talk, Always Choose Truth. In PARRISH THE THOUGHT, Christine learns to love unlovable people, so Catherine calls the third message, Always Choose Love.



Tour Schedule:

Thursday, March 7

Guest blogging at Literarily Speaking

Monday, March 11

Interviewed at Review From Here

Wednesday, March 13

Guest blogging at The Story Behind the Book

Thursday, March 14

Book reviewed at Geo Librarian

Friday, March 15

Interviewed at Free Ebooks Daily

Tuesday, March 19

Interviewed at Pump Up Your Book

Wednesday, March 21

Interviewed at Literal Exposure

Thursday, March 22

Interviewed at Yahoo News

Monday, March 25

Interviewed at Digital Journal

Tuesday, March 26

Guest blogging at The Paperback Pursuer

Wednesday, March 27

Interviewed at Vic’s Media Room

Thursday, March 28

Guest blogging at Vic’s Media Room

Book reviewed at A Year of Jubilee Reviews

Friday, March 29

Book reviewed at Vic’s Media Room

Monday, March 25, 2013

Guestpost: The Five Steps for Financial Fitness by James Berman

The Five Steps for Financial Fitness
By James Berman

Getting your finances into shape can appear daunting. Breaking it down into categories can help simplify the process. There are five main categories that everyone should tackle:

1) Tax Planning
Speak to your accountant now about tax planning. With the expiration of the payroll tax holiday and other "fiscal cliff" induced changes, don't wait until April to make sure 2013 withholding and estimated taxes have been properly adjusted.
2) Pension Plans
If you don't yet have some type of tax-advantaged pension plan [IRA, Roth IRA, SEP, 401(k), etc], ask your accountant about eligibility. Be sure to fund your existing pension to the maximum allowable amount every year. If you have an IRA, Roth IRA, or SEP, be sure to keep your contributions up to date. Be aware that Required Mandatory Distributions (RMD's) from retirement plans and annuities must begin by April 1 after the year you turn 70.5. If you have reached this age, be sure you're taking the RMD on time. There are punishing penalties for non-compliance.
3) Estate Planning
It's imperative to have an up-to-date estate plan. Consult a trusts and estates lawyer. Your lawyer should draw up a will, and consider a living will/health care proxy and a durable power of attorney. The lawyer should review your estate for potential trust and life insurance strategies and should update the estate plan after major life events, such as marriages, divorces, births, etc. Finally, your lawyer should thoroughly examine your beneficiary designations on all pension plans. This final item is very important because beneficiary designations on pensions supersede a will and must be coordinated with your general estate plan.
4) Insurance
Review your insurance coverage. Make sure that you have adequate health, prescription drug, auto, life, disability, umbrella liability, professional liability, long-term care, homeowners/renters, and flood insurance. You may have some of this coverage through work, but don't assume so. Call your benefits specialist to find out the details. Conversely, be sure that you are not over-insured. Contact Social Security three months before you turn 65 to enroll in Medicare and to inquire about your benefit options. Consider buying supplemental insurance to cover the gaps in Medicare coverage, such as those offered through AARP.
5) Identity Theft Protection
Identity theft is at epidemic proportions. Protect yourself against this potential nightmare. The most basic prevention technique is to review your credit reports at least once a year here, being sure to note any suspicious new accounts or activity. There are also services that will alert you to new credit activity on your reports such as lifelock.com.
This article is intended to provide general information and should not be considered legal, tax or financial advice. It's always a good idea to consult a legal, tax or financial advisor for specific information on how certain laws apply to you and about your individual financial situation.


An earlier version of this article was published on The Huffington Post.

About the Author:

     James Berman is the president and founder of JBGlobal.com LLC, an SEC-registered investment advisory firm specializing in asset management for high-net-worth individuals and trusts. With over 16 years of experience managing client portfolios, Mr. Berman is a specialist in value investing and asset allocation. As the president of JBGlobal LLC, the general partner of the JBGlobal Fund LP, Mr. Berman manages a global equities fund that invests in the United States, Europe, and Asia.

     Mr. Berman is a faculty member in the Finance Department of NYU (SCPS Division), where he teaches corporate finance. He also serves as subadvisor to Eitan Ventures LLC, a venture capital fund based in New York.

     Mr. Berman has appeared on CNBC, the Fox News Channel, the Cavuto Show, and the Fox Business Channel and is frequently published and quoted in a variety of publications, including the Wall Street Journal, Barrons, Fortune, Bloomberg, and CNN Money. As a regular blogger for the Huffington Post, he covers financial topics ranging from hedge funds to the economy. He writes a monthly interactive investment letter, the Berman Value Folio, a Forbes/Trefis publication.

     Mr. Berman received a BA (magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa) from Harvard University and a JD from Harvard Law School.


About the Book:

     Written for aspiring investors of all ages, Lessons from the Lemonade Stand explains everything you need to know in the context of that most classic of all American businesses: the corner lemonade stand.

     Rooted in the fundamental truth that “common sense is the best investment tool,” the book slices important concepts into simple sections, sweetening them with folksy, easy-to-read language. The trials and tribulations of lemonade stand owner Lucinda highlight every concept from interest rates to retirement accounts to leverage. Learn investment basics as you follow Lucinda Lemonade Inc. along its sweet (and sometimes sour) journey as a start-up, from the squeeze of the first lemon to its initial private equity deal and its eventual foray into tech, all in the tidy town of Lemonville.

     Entertaining and fun, Lessons from the Lemonade Stand supplies readers with the ingredients they need to become savvy investors.

Purchase Link:

Friday, March 22, 2013

Review # 289: Women Will Save the World by Caroline A. Shearer

Description: (from Amazon)
     Leading women across the nation celebrate the feminine nature through stories of collaboration, creativity, intuition, nurturing, strength, trailblazing, and wisdom in "Women Will Save the World." Inspired by a quote from the Dalai Lama, bestselling author and Absolute Love Publishing Founder Caroline A. Shearer brings these inherent feminine qualities to the forefront, inviting a discussion of the impact women have on humanity and initiating the question:
Will Women Save the World?

      At the Vancouver Peace Summit in September 2009, the Dalai Lama announced, "The world will be saved by the Western woman." Shearer was struck by this statement and immediately felt drawn to explore the subject. She joins essays from modern-day Olympians, Billboard-topping musicians, visionary media professionals, artists, authors, and more with profiles of historical women, such as Mother Teresa, Harriet Tubman, and the founder of Junior League, each who saved the world in their own ways.

Featuring:

  • Dozens of essays from leading women across the nation
  • Profiles of historical women who saved the world through the feminine qualities of collaboration, creativity, intuition, nurturing, strength, trailblazing, and wisdom
  • Affirmations to help strengthen these inherent feminine qualities
  • Little-known historical timeline with examples of how women have saved the world in myriad ways; and
  • Ways to celebrate your femininity.
     Women whose essays appear in the book include Kathleen Aston, Mary Ellen Ciganovich, Jenny Craig, Leslie Davenport, Rochelle Forrest, Sally Franz, Terry Grahl, Sarah Hackley, Elizabeth Harper, Michelle Hastie, Catrice Jackson, Kiva Leatherman, Sue Lee, Carmel Maguire, Katie McCorkle, Shannon Miller, Shirley W. Mitchell, Kate Neligan, Gayle Newhouse, Kathryn Peters-Brinkley, Dea Shandera, Becky Sheetz-Runkle, Lorelei Shellist, Beverly Solomon, Dr. June Stinchfield, Alicia Vargo, Donna Visocky, Tené Williams, and Amethyst Wyldfyre.

Review:

     In honor of Women's History Month, I decided to read a collection of essays that were by women, about women, and for women. The idea behind Caroline A. Shearer's Women Will Save the World immediately intrigued my feminine side. This unique and thought-provoking essay-driven anthology was easy-to-read, packed with womanly wisdom, and highly motivational. The short sections were perfect for reading on-the-go and could be read in any order; I read a section or two each morning, contemplating and discussing what I had learned throughout my day. The research was evident and I enjoyed reading the thoughts of both historical and modern women alike. I thought that most of the essays were well-written, inspirational, and uplifting, however I found that a small percentage of stories fell flat, lacking depth. I would have loved if some of the sections had been longer, allowing for more detail, especially the Historical Profiles. I enjoyed learning about the women who have truly changed the ways of the modern world - Louisa May Alcott, Mother Teresa, Florence Nightingale, Harriet Tubman, Nellie Bly, Anne Frank, Eleanor Roosevelt, and even Jenny Craig. I recognized the historical figures, but I really did not know much about the contributions of modern women. It is amazing that just a few wise words can inspire such a beautiful and meaningful collaboration. The Dalai Lama's words, "The world will be saved by the Western woman.", definitely hit a chord within me and with women across the nation. It is indeed a wonderful time to be a women, and I rejoice in the fact that the women who have gone before me paved the way, and made my dreams more than just a possibility. Every woman should know their gender-history because our pasts make us stronger. Highly recommended!

Rating: On the Run (4.5/5)

*** I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Guestpost: Lifetime of Achievement - 7 Goal Setting Strategies that Work by Jordan Maylea Ramirez

Pursue Your Dreams Wholeheartedly 
by Jordan Maylea Ramirez 

These are just a few thoughts based on some things I have witnessed lately:
  • A goal or dream worth having will not be without its obstacles. Refuse to be stopped by them. Go under them, over them, around them or knock them down — but whatever you do, REFUSE to remain stuck behind them. 
  • Sometimes success requires a big push to get you going. I’ve been taught that this push can be referred to as priming the pump… it takes extraordinary effort in the beginning, but once the water is flowing and you are enjoying the results of your hard work, it is well worth it. 
  • Become dogged in your pursuit of success. Oftentimes success will require you to get creative. Focus on the WHAT and let your subconscious mind go to work on the HOW. If you know in your mind that the WHAT is inevitable, the HOW will work itself out nearly every time. 
  • Seek the help of others through research and advisement. Rome was not built in a day, nor was it built by a single individual. Seek the help of those who are more wise than you — form a mastermind group and work off of the strengths of each individual. While one person alone may not possess all of the skills and resources necessary for your success, you can almost always possess them in a group. 
  • Finally, refuse to be discouraged. When you are forced to use creativity to conquer obstacles, remain positive and focused on your goal. Success happens in the mind before it happens in reality. When you know that you know that you know that success is inevitable for you, obstacles will not discourage you. If you feel you are being brought down by obstacles, strengthen your belief.

About the Book:

     There are too many people going through life content with mediocrity. People going to jobs they hate, to buy things they don’t need to impress people they don’t like. People who are dreading Monday, looking forward to hump day and praying for Friday; and let’s not even talk about those two weeks of paid vacation… those are gold!

     How long have we been this way? Is this really what life is all about? I don’t believe we were created to be content with a mediocre lifestyle we never wanted in the first place. What happened to being a rock star, an astronaut, or an actor? What happened to the hopes and dreams we each had as children? Perhaps, over time, our dreams have changed… but our propensity for dreaming is still inside us.

     Lifetime of Achievement outlines seven goal-setting strategies to help get you from where you are to where you want to be. In its chapters you will find knowledge from some of the worlds most popular personal development masterpieces, taken down to a level that is easy to read and simple to understand.

     Learn the steps to discovering who you truly are, creating goals in perfect alignment with that discovery and implementing an action plan that, when followed, has been proven to produce results. Learn how to conquer fear, to activate the powers of the human mind and discover two of the most important factors shared by virtually every successful individual throughout history.

     This book takes proven strategies and puts them into an easy-to-read, easy-to-implement format that can be read in as little as a few hours. Discover the steps, put them to work, and become prepared for a Lifetime of Achievement!


About the Author:

      Jordan lives with her husband Robert in Lubbock, Texas with their 3 dogs and two horses. Because both her parents have always been self-employed, she had an entrepreneurial spirit from an early age and began her first business at the age of 17. It was at that time that she first became fascinated with the subject of personal development and the impact a personal education can have on a person’s life. She grew up riding horses and competing in Dressage shows all across Texas and New Mexico. The sport continues to be one of the primary passions in her life and if she is not working or spending time with her family you can usually find her at the barn. Jordan has two younger siblings, Clayton and Paige, whom she is very close to, and she greatly enjoys spending time with her family. She and Robert enjoy entertaining friends at their home (especially during football season – Go Red Raiders!) and they love to travel the world and experience new countries and cultures together. Her latest book is Lifetime of Achievement.


Book Trailer


Tour Schedule


Monday, March 4 – Book Trailer of the Week at Pump Up Your Book

Tuesday, March 5 – First Chapter Reveal at My Life. one Story at a Time

Wednesday, March 6 – Interview at Examiner

Thursday, March 7 – Guest Blogging at The Story Behind the Book

Monday, March 11 – Book Spotlight at Between the Covers

Wednesday, March 13 – Book Review at Teena in Toronto

Thursday, March 14 – Guest Blogging at Lori’s Reading Corner

Friday, March 15 – First Chapter Reveal at Parenting 2.0

Monday, March 18 – Book Spotlight at Literarily Speaking

Tuesday, March 19 – Guest Blogging at The Paperback Pursuer

Wednesday, March 20 – Book Spotlight at Beyond the Books

Thursday, March 21 – Book Review at Luxury Reading

Friday, March 22 – Guest Blogging at Motherhoot

Monday, March 25 – Interview at Blogcritics

Friday, March 29 - Interview at My Devotional Thoughts

Monday, April 1 – Interview at Books Books the Magical Fruit

Tuesday, April 2 – Book Trailer Feature at If Books Could Talk

Wednesday, April 3 – Interview at Literarily Speaking

Friday, April 5 - Interview at Book Reviews & More by Kathy

Monday, April 8 – Interview at Book Marketing Buzz

Tuesday, April 9 – Interview LIVE on Blog Talk Radio’s A Book and a Chat

Wednesday, April 10 – First Chapter Reveal at My Cozie Corner

Thursday, April 11 – Guest Blogging at The Writer’s Life

Friday, April 12 – Guest Blogging at As the Pages Turn

Monday, April 15 – Interview at Between the Covers

Tuesday, April 16 – Book Spotlight at My Book Addiction and More

Wednesday, April 17 – Interview at Beyond the Books

Thursday, April 18 – First Chapter Review at The Book Connection

Friday, April 19 – Book Spotlight at American Chronicle

Thursday, April 25 – Book Spotlight at The Self-Taught Cook

Friday, April 26 – Book Review at The True Book Addict