Interview with Joanne Kraft

Joanne Kraft believes parenting our young ones is a great gift, but if we're not careful we can miss out on some of the most amazing life experiences ever. In her book, "Just Too Busy—Taking Your Family on a Radical Sabbatical", Joanne shares the story of how she unplugged from the world so she could plug back in with her family.


What was your path towards publication like?
I’ve always loved to write. I wrote my thoughts and dreams in journals for as long as I can remember. Being a published author was never a goal, but clearly it was something I felt was possible once I headed in that direction.

My first published paragraph happened almost by accident. I was surfing the web in my slippers late one night and saw that Today’s Christian Woman was asking for ways their readers had learned to slow down. I submitted something about our radical sabbatical, not even checking for punctuation, just hitting the “send” button on a midnight whim. I heard later from their editor that it would be published in their magazine. It was that tiny paragraph with my name beside it that fueled a desire to share our story.


What is your biggest obstacle when it comes to pitching yourself as an author and what steps have you taken to overcome that obstacle?
No one enjoys pitching themselves, no matter how life-changing they feel their work may be for their potential readers. I enjoy people, so I don’t get as nervous around them. I don’t memorize my pitch, I share my story. It is more relaxed for me to talk with publishers and editors in that way; respectful and relaxed.


How do you balance your life as an entrepreneur with your duties as a parent or spouse?
This is a great question. I’m still learning this one.

Being a new author, I love the writing part, but had no idea how time-consuming the marketing side of publication would be. Wow!

Thankfully, I have a fantastic husband who supports me. When my children were young and I wanted to write and sometimes resented drowning in a life of small things, he would tell me, “This is a season. You’re time is coming.”

My oldest is now off to college, my second child is a senior in high school, my third child is in junior high and our youngest is finishing grammar school this year which means there is finally more time for me to pursue a writing and speaking career. I’m so grateful I didn’t attempt this when my little ones were small. I would have missed out on so much with them.


What is your best advice for getting past writer's block?
I’ve discovered for me, exercise is a great idea-maker. When I’m outside taking a walk my mind is cleared of the jumble and stress of the day. As much as I despise exercising, I’m always amazed at the different ideas that come to me.



What was the best writing-related advice you ever received?
“Live your life and the writing will come.”

I was at a writing conference when author Karen O’Connor shared those words with the audience. I’ve taken this to heart. It’s easy to become self-absorbed and block out the world while I write my next great piece. The truth is, I don’t want to miss out on time with my family and the relationships I’m blessed to have in my life. When I’m living, truly living…the writing comes.


What do you feel is the single most detrimental thing an entrepreneur could do to destroy his/her career?
I’d have to say the biggest writing career-killer is to be selfish. I’ve discovered the most successful writers are those that encourage others, take time to teach what they know and help along other future writers.

My literary agent has other authors she represents. These people have helped put out the word about my book on their blogs/Facebook/Twitter, anything they can to help me succeed. I also belong to Inspire Writers and lead a critique group in my area. It is important to give back. I try very hard to do that.


Can you tell us a little bit about your latest book?
Just Too Busy—Taking Your Family on a Radical Sabbatical is the true story of our family’s overwhelming busyness and the twelve-month experiment that changed our lives. Written with transparency and much humor, it not only tells the story of our time-out from everything, it includes the blessed lessons we discovered along the way.


How did you come up with the idea for your book?
When I began publishing articles, my Inspire writer’s group encouraged me to write this story. They loved the concept and pushed me to help other families by sharing our story.


What was the most difficult aspect of writing this book?
Writing blog posts and articles seemed simple enough, but writing a whole book scared me.

I remember asking author and editor, James Watkins, “How do I do this?”

He answered, “Consider each chapter an article and work through it in bite-sized chunks.”

That helped me a lot.

My biggest hurdle was finding a place to write. I don’t have an office, so my girlfriend let me use her vacation home, located about thirty minutes from ours. It was perfect. I drove up there one day a week and wrote. This precious cabin in the woods became the labor and delivery room for “Just Too Busy”.


If you could choose just one thing for your book to accomplish, what would it be?
My prayer is for my book to inspire intentional parenting, and give families the courage to live a little radically.


What’s ahead for your writing?
Our family is driving cross country from California to Tennessee to attend the MOPS (moms of pre-schoolers) International conference. We will use the time in each stop/city for my book tour and I’ll be sharing my book at the conference.

Over 4,000 moms will be attending, my readership! I can’t wait.

My agent wants my next book proposal yesterday. So, busy working on “The Mean-Mom’s Guide to Raising Great Kids” It will be a nonfiction book with fun chapters like: Mean Moms Know Their Kids Facebook-Password and Use it, that will encourage parents to keep boundaries and instill responsibility in their children.

You can learn more about Joanne Kraft at http://JoanneKraft.com

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This post was sponsored by The Dabbling Mum.

For more articles geared towards authors and writers, check out DM's Writing Center.

Hint Water, the review

I am a huge fan of drinking water, and lots of it… I mean I CHOOSE water over other beverages when dining out, as long as the water tastes good. And I have two filtered water pitches at home that get filled 3 and 4 times a day.

So when I was approached by the representatives for Hint Water, to give the product a try, I jumped at the opportunity. After all, it has no sugar (not even artificial sweeteners), no artificial flavors, no preservatives, and zero calories… and it's supposed to taste like fruit.

When the product arrived I tried it warm, straight out of the box. It was okay but I had to wonder, "Will the fruit taste pop more once it's cold?"

So I refrigerated the product overnight, and tried the water the next day and what I discovered is that Hint water definitely tastes better cold. Still, I have to say that it was very difficult to actually taste the fruit flavors.

When you open the bottle of water, the fragrance of the fruit immediately jumps out at you, but when you drink the water, the flavor is so subtle that you almost miss it. Your taste buds know there is something there, but they're not quite sure what it is their tasting and I am not sure how I feel about that.

When I am drinking flavored water, I want to taste the flavor full on. It's one reason I like to squeeze a fresh lemon in my water when I am craving flavor.

And yet, I really have to applaud the company for attempting to create a product that gets our kids off soda and sugar-laden drinks and into drinking water!

One thing I know for sure is that I do not like the watermelon flavor at all. It tasted just like the time I picked a watermelon from our garden before it was actually ripe.

The Strawberry-Kiwi and Pomegranate-Tangerine were my favorite. In my opinion, they had the most fruit flavor.

If you don't like water, this may be a great alternative to high calorie, sugary drinks.

Hint Water is available in ten flavors:

• Watermelon,
• Blackberry,
• Pomegranate-Tangerine,
• Strawberry-Kiwi,
• Raspberry-Lime,
  
• Mango-Grapefruit,
• Lime,
• Pear,
  
• Honeydew-Hibiscus, and
• Cucumber.

Learn more about Hint Water at Drink Hint. You can order the water on Amazon.com. A 12 pack runs for just $22.

Disclosure: Reviewer was given a complimentary copy to review.

Interview with Self-Care Author, Sandy Bothmer

Sandy Bothmer spent 20 years as an elementary school teacher. Drawing from the techniques and exercises from her book Creating the Peaceable Classroom, she offers Peaceable Classroom and Peaceable Living workshops to school communities (teachers, students, and parents) and to non-school groups interested in self-care techniques for creating greater inner calm and vitality for more relaxed, heart-centered living.

What was your path towards publication like?
My path towards publication was actually a surprise!

I received a letter from my original publisher, Zephyr Press in Tucson, AZ, mentioning that they had seen the brochure to Confratute, an educational conference on enrichment in learning held at the University of Connecticut in July each year that listed one of my classes Creating a Healthy Classroom Community and they wondered if I had ever considered making the workshop into a book…

I gave the idea some thought and called the Acquisitions Editor to discuss her question.

I mentioned that the techniques covered in the workshop were non-traditional: yoga, centering, breathing patterns, spirals and labyrinth to mention a few.

Her comment was, “It’s all in how you present it.” I agreed with her.

There was some back and forth and by April, I received word that they were going to offer me a contract, which I signed. The first book came out in 2003.

As is often the case in publishing, Creating the Peaceable Classroom had a few publishers along the way and is now in a new home, Hobblebush Books.

The editor and staff at Hobblebush are right on board with the content of the new, expanded and revised edition. It is richer and fuller offering more techniques and exercises, new charts/tools, and a Parent Connection and Special Ed Connection sections in most chapters. In its new form, it can be considered a resource for school and home for cultivating inner calm and vitality for more relaxed, heart-centered living.


What is your biggest obstacle when it comes to pitching yourself as an author and what steps have you taken to overcome that obstacle?
By nature, I am not a self-promoting person. With the publication of the new edition of my book, I am attempting to think outside the box as to where and whom to introduce my book. Fortunately, my publisher’s marketing person is helping me with that as well.

Perhaps even more important, is bringing to mind each day why I wrote this book in the first place. My mission is to help young and old learn that there are techniques they can learn to enjoy a happier, healthier, heart-centered life. Bringing this to mind helps me pitch my book more readily.


How do you balance your life as an entrepreneur with your duties as a parent or spouse?
Fortunately for me, I have a husband who is extremely supportive of my work and I of his. Our children are grown and on their own so I don’t have the everyday issues that some writers have with young children to care for 24/7.

I try to keep my work hours to what most consider the 9-5 p.m. workday, whether it be writing related or teaching related, though sometimes I get a second wind in the evening after dinner.

We look at our calendars to see what we each have going and see what our common “at home times” are. Also, we enjoy a breakfast out together most weeks which gives us an opportunity to have friendly discussion or talk about an issue that needs tending to without distractions of house related tasks to be done getting in the way. Sometimes, my husband comes with me to an event for support and as a logistics assistant, which gives us an opportunity while traveling to have uninterrupted communication time. Finding time


What is your best advice for getting past writer’s block?
Sometimes, I leave my work for a bit to give my mind a break and come back to it more refreshed. Most often I use a spiritual technique. I stop and call upon my ethereal helpers to give me the best words needed to get my writing moving again. This always works. It may take a few minutes of stillness, but it never fails. What is best is if I remember to ask for guidance in my writing before I start. When I do, the words flow effortlessly; they move through me with ease.


What was the best writing related advice you ever received?
“Keep at it.”

When my children were young, and I lived in a western suburb of Chicago, I was writing picture books for children. I would make a list of the publishing houses I wanted to send my manuscript to. At the top, was the publishing house I most wanted my book to be published with, and underneath, others I would be pleased to publish with as well. I would reach for the stars, but if I didn’t make it to that one, I had yet another star to begin to reach for immediately. Though I never published a picture book, I did begin to receive personalized rejection notes encouraging further stories.

Unfortunately, when I moved to the east coast, my picture book writing came to a halt due to personal issues and the lack of a support group like I had in the Chicago area.


Many years later, when “Peaceable Classroom” was homeless, I kept at the search for another publisher. In the end, a publisher right around the corner from me, whom I had earlier dismissed, was the star that I was able to reach.


What do think is the single most detrimental thing an entrepreneur could to destroy his/her career?
I think the most detrimental thing an entrepreneur can do to destroy his/her career is to stop believing in his/her work and its worthiness. There are always ups and downs.

The ups flow and bring one confidence in himself/herself and his/her work.

The downs often hide or blur one’s confidence and belief in himself/herself and his/her career.

At such times, one needs more than ever to believe in himself/herself and see the down time as bringing a gift, for it is there, if one only looks for it. Trusting that all is unfolding in the most perfect way helps to weather the times of uncertainty or turmoil. Belief in Self, Finding the Gift, and Trusting the Process are food for success.


Can you tell us a little bit about your latest book?
The first part of Creating the Peaceable Classroom offers techniques for creating a nurturing and supportive classroom environment for all who live and work there. I’ve expanded this part of the book by adding new charts and tools including an example of finding a feng shui solution to a classroom issue. It takes you step-by-step through the process of altering the issue so that balance returns to the classroom environment, which translates, into improved student interactions and behaviors.

The second part of the book addresses how the teacher and the other adults in the school-wide community can transform their state-of-being so that they can all do their best work. Exercises and techniques to help relax or energize the body and mind are offered. They include breath work, meditation, yoga, and qigong as well as others techniques to help you move through distractions that make it difficult for you to attend to the matters at hand. It is essential for the adults who work with children to know how to change their state-of-being because their state-of-being has a direct impact on the children in their care.

Eric Jensen, the author of numerous books on brain compatible education has said that, “The best teachers will know how to influence learners’ states and moods; and how to better manage their own feelings.” I believe this is true for all in the school community, which is why this book is so important.

The third part of Creating the Peaceable Classroom is full of techniques and exercises that will help students create an inner climate of clam and vitality so that they can be the best learners and young people they can be. Centering techniques including creative visualizations are offered as well as using breathing patterns, spirals, labyrinths, mandalas, and yoga to name just a few. If our children can learn how to adjust their state-of-being at a young age with the help of caring adults, they will enter adulthood more balanced and empowered than those who have come before them. This outcome will not only be good for them but for the world as well. Their world will be more heart-centered and at-east than our world is now.


What was the most difficult aspect of writing the book?
Cutting text was probably the most difficult thing for me.

In the new version, I was not given a specific page count and so I wrote, and wrote, and wrote… adding numerous beneficial techniques and exercises to the old text as well as enhancing some of the original sections. When I turned in the manuscript, I was told it was longer than expected, and that I needed to cut at least twenty pages.

Determining what to exclude was very difficult. It was a matter of carefully examining the techniques and determining which ones would be the most useful.

I also wanted to introduce the reader to the work of a couple of practitioners whose work I endorse and use frequently in my own work. As a result, I cut a few of the exercises from the original book and found places where I could tighten my writing. It wasn’t easy but thoughtful consideration and carful editing brought the page count down.


Did you have to do any special research for your book?
I did not have to do special research for my book. My research involved a search for existing research that supported the efficacy of some of the techniques I recommend in the book.


If you could choose just one thing for your book to accomplish, what would it be?
My hope is that those who read my book, young and old, will become empowered to take care of themselves. That they will learn that there is much that they can do on their own (Young children will initially need the assistance of their care takers.) to transform their states and moods for a happier, healthier, and more fulfilled life.


What’s ahead for your writing?
At the moment, I have a picture book in the works that speaks to some of the relaxation and rejuvenation techniques described in Creating the Peaceable Classroom. It’s about a little girl who answers her visiting grandmother’s question, “What have you been doing in school, Rosie?” Rosie has lots to share with (and teach) her grandmother about what happens in Ms. Smiles’ class!

You can learn more about Sandy Bothmer at www.peaceablepathways.com

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This post was sponsored by The Dabbling Mum.

For more articles geared towards authors and writers, check out DM's Writing Center.

Long Time Coming, the review

This is a guest post by Dawn Colclasure. Dawn is a freelance writer and contributing writer for the SIGNews newspaper. She is also the author of Burning The Midnight Oil and can be reached at http://dmcwriter.tripod.com/

Book Title:
Long Time Coming

Book Author:
Vanessa Miller

The Review:
Kenisha Smalls has had a hard life. Abandoned by her father and raped by a stepfather at the age of 9, she is a single mother of 3 by the time she is 23 years old. Diagnosed with cancer, Kenisha tries to be optimistic that she will survive, even as she struggles with the possibility that her cancer might kill her. Meanwhile, Deidre Morris, the principal at the school Kenisha’s children attend, is unable to have children because of being diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). She and her husband, Johnson, yearn for children. But after seven years of nothing, Deidre starts to struggle with her faith and cower under the lie she has told her husband.

Long Time Coming by Vanessa Miller is a story of how two very different women cross paths and end up forming the bond of a lifetime. One woman yearns to be a mother, the other woman is a mother. One woman was diagnosed with a nonfatal condition, the other is given a death sentence. Yet even as these two women are so different with different histories and different parents, they share one thing in common: A strong love for Kenisha’s children.

Reading this novel was such a joy. Despite the hardships Kenisha faced in her past, she is determined to give her children the stable, loving and safe home she could not have as a child. Even as she must deal with siblings and other people who are less-than-honest and screwing up their own lives, she keeps her head up and her feet on the ground to be the kind of mother she could not remember having. Kenisha’s character was really inspiring and I had to chuckle over her occasional jokes or sarcastic comments. And while others reacted with shock whenever Kenisha spoke her mind or told it like it is, I could appreciate how she could see what was really going on, how others tried to play her or lay a guilt trip on her. She’s the kind of character who stood up and cried, “Enough!”

Deidre was a hard character to like at first. She seemed so depressed and obsessed over being barren that she failed to enjoy what she already had. She couldn’t appreciate life or the people around her. Granted, after seven years of unsuccessful attempts to get pregnant, it may be something that could break a woman down. But it took me a while to warm up to her.

Overall, this story was inspiring and enjoyable. It’s one of those stories that makes you stop and think about just how precious life is, because it can be gone in the link of an eye. It also reminds us of how we should cherish the important things and people in our lives, because they are all we have in the end.

The most important lesson I learned from this story is that it’s important to be patient with God. Even if He doesn’t answer our prayers right away, it doesn’t mean He won’t answer them at all. And even if prayers are not answered, it doesn’t mean God has abandoned us. It only means He has something else for us in mind. God is still in the picture whether or not we see Him or want to acknowledge Him. Have patience, have faith, and everything will fall into place in the end.

Order Long Time Coming on Amazon.com for just $11.24

Disclosure: Reviewer was given a complimentary copy to review.

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This post was sponsored by The Dabbling Mum.

For more articles geared towards busy parents, check out The Dabbling Mum eMagazine.

Interview with Eden Rosen

Eden Rosen is a freelance author, public speaker, health care/customer service advocate, and a photographer. Eden is the author of numerous articles on employer/employee relations, customer service, healthcare/caregiver topics, and apartment management.

What was your path towards publication like?
I talked to my first publisher after reading a magazine which was given away. The publisher liked the article ("Ten Sure Ways to Lose or Keep a Good Hardworking Employee") and published it along with the letter which accompanied the article.


Aside from magazine articles and book contracts, how can someone earn money writing?
Speaking engagements to businesses and customers, could result in payments and book sales. In fact, I did a presentation on customer service to our local Chamber of Commerce which resulted in the testing of a company's customer service for payment and one of its services.


What is your best advice for getting past writer's block?
I actually start with one of the chapters first and then write the preface and introduction after I've written one or more chapters. I have notes from discussions with others and use those notes and scenarios to write the books. Other than that, I haven't really experienced writers block. I have a lot of ideas and thoughts for more books.


What was the best writing-related advice you ever received?
The best advice I received was never give up and don't be around negative people.

Can you tell us a little bit about your latest book?
How to Improve Service, Increase Profits, & Keep Customers Happy: A Guide for Giving and Getting Quality Customer Service is a guide for giving and getting quality customer service.

Some companies are so into their policies, they can't see the forest through the trees while customers are conditioned to accept negative service. That needs to change. Customer service is anything the customer perceives it to be. Companies need to realize that.


If you could choose just one thing for your book to accomplish, what would it be?
To improve customer service in businesses and for customers to stop accepting negative service so they can get the service to which they are entitled.


What’s ahead for your writing?
I have a lot more material for several customer service and employer/employee relations books.

You can learn more about Eden Rosen at http://members.tripod.com/eden_online/index.htm or by visiting her sales page at Xlibris.com


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This post was sponsored by The Dabbling Mum.

For more articles geared towards business owners, check out DM's Business Center.

Art Sale

Once in awhile, I like to share the art, or other products, I have for sale here on DM Speaks. I do my best not to pitch my products much, but they do help pay for the time I devote on this blog so without further ado...

I'm having an art sale over at my shop on etsy.

If you've been looking for something handcrafted, and original, now's the time to buy.

Again... to take advantage of lower prices on ORIGINAL art, go to http://www.alyiceedrich.etsy.com

The shipping reflects the true cost of mailing via the post office so I couldn't go lower on that, but I did lower the price on my pieces.

Artist Interview with Kaili Williams

Kaili Williams has always been intrigued with animals, often drawing her childhood dog. Five years ago, she began taking her talents seriously… inspiring others, and leaving them with a smile.

Read the full interview on The Dabbling Mum.

Interview with Ruth Thompson

Ruth Thompson, a pastor, is a frequent speaker at women’s conferences and revivals in the state of Mississippi. She started writing poetry when she was just eighteen years old. She even wrote a book, "I Cannot Tell A Lie" which sat unpublished for 18 years…that is, until today.

How did you get started writing professionally?
The publication of my children’s book launched my professional writing career. Up till then, my writing was very localized and unnoticed. To be completely honest, I never thought that I would ever be counted among the growing number of professional writers. In school, grammar, punctuation and all the essentials of creative writing, were my worst subjects. To be a published author has proven to be an awesome experience. When I wrote the occasional poem and the occasional song, it never crossed my mind that I would be where I am today.


What was the first market you queried and why did you choose that market?
The first market I queried was the children’s market, because I had already written a children’s book. I realized after the fact that I had gone about the process backwards. Apparently, you have an idea, query the publisher, then, if the idea is accepted, you write the book. I wrote the book, held on to it for 18 years, then queried the publisher.


What is your biggest obstacle when it comes to pitching yourself as a writer and what steps have you taken to overcome that obstacle?
My biggest obstacle to pitching myself is actually pitching myself.

What do I say? Is it going to sound like I’m stuck up or think too highly of myself? I’m not in to self-promotion. In fact, it’s my nature to stay in the background, stay quiet and hope no one notices. On the other hand, if I don’t pitch myself, no one knows about my books.


How do you balance your life as a writer with your duties as a parent or spouse?
Because most of my inspiration to write tends to come late at night and in the wee hours of the morning, there has never really been a problem with balance.

Also, my children are grown and my husband is very supportive of my writing. He encourages me all the time.

For those that have small children and maybe a spouse that isn’t exactly supportive, it’s important to give them ample time. The children won’t always be small. Enjoy them while you can. They grow too fast for you to miss the best part of their lives. Spouses need us to be there for them too. If you put your writing before your spouse, you may find that writing is all you have left. Look for time to write. Maybe while he’s out doing yard work. If he has a hobby that he enjoys doing by himself, use that time. If you’re serious about writing, you can find time, without neglecting your family.


What is your best advice for getting past writer's block?
Different people have different ways of dealing with writer’s block. What I do is back away for a while, pray and just relax. I may play some music or just sit quietly with my eyes shut. Some people will go for a walk. Each writer has to find something that works for them.


What was the best writing-related advice you ever received?
Rewrite, rewrite, rewrite. But don’t overdo it. I find it’s very helpful to write the first draft, print it and ask myself if there’s more that needs to be said, or if I’ve said too much.


What do you feel is the single most detrimental thing a writer could do to destroy his/her career as a writer?
Over promoting yourself. Some people can be overbearing. If you’re always in someone’s face, they’re going to get tired of seeing you. Don’t be irritating. Put yourself in the other person’s shoes. If they were doing what you’re doing, would you want to listen to them? Would you want what they have to sell?


Can you tell us a little bit about your latest book?
I Cannot Tell a Lie tells the story about Jody. She breaks her mother’s special cookie jar, but she’s afraid to tell the truth. When she studies God’s commandment “Thou shalt not lie” during devotion time, she feels badly about lying, and another Bible story leaves her completed conflicted. Will she tell the truth or keep the lie quiet? Hmmm. It’s all in the book. Ages 4-8


If you could choose just one thing for your book to accomplish, what would it be?
There are many things that I would like for my book to accomplish, but the most important is to assist parents in teaching their children about the evils of lying. We live in a world where it seems lying is the norm. This book is for parents who still believe lying is wrong and want their children to choose the high road.


What’s ahead for your writing?
Maybe I will write a few guest articles for our local paper. I will continue to blog and of course social networking via Facebook. In addition to the two self-published Bible study e-books, I hope to write and publish more e-books.

You can learn more about Ruth Thompson on her blog, http://cannottellalie-sistert.blogspot.com

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This post was sponsored by The Dabbling Mum.

For more articles geared towards authors and writers, check out DM's Writing Center.

Disney's Prom, the review

Disney's Prom is all about… the PROM. Who is going, who is not going, how hard it is to find a date, getting up the courage to invite the girl of your dreams, and of course, the night of the prom. But there's just one problem… someone destroyed all the prom decorations and those on the prom committee just don't have the time to remake all the decorations.

Determined to save prom, Nova, the head of the prom committee begs the principal to help her. He, frustrated with another student's constant trouble making, gives Nova help in the form of rebel Jesse.

The two main characters are Nova and Jesse.

Nova is so focused that she doesn’t even know what fun is, let alone what she really wants out of life. Then there's Jesse… he's completely misunderstood and does everything in his power to keep the misunderstandings alive.

But as Nova and Jesse begin work on "saving" the Prom, their dislike for each other turns into admiration, and that admiration turns into a strong liking, and that liking turns into, well… a PROM NOT TO BE FORGOTTEN!

Then there are twelve other characters, all trying to balance life while making plans for the most important event of the year… Prom!

One guy gets talked into finding a date, at the last minute, by his step-sister… only it's so last minute that he can't find anybody.

Another guy has a hard time convincing one his closest friends that his prom date is a supermodel.

A jock, named Tyler, cheats on his long-time girlfriend with a sophomore named Simone finds himself without a girlfriend or a date for the prom.

Simone, trying to keep her relationship with Tyler a secret, strings along another sophomore who just so happens to find ditching his best friend okay as long as he "gets the girl".

A girl does everything in her power to ruin her boyfriend's Prom experience simply because she doesn't know how to tell him that she's been accepted to a college that could end their relationship forever.

It's all drama, all the time…





But it's good drama… despite all the relationship ups and downs, the storyline is light and airy, and uplifting.

If you enjoy films with subplots… if you enjoy characters that weave in and out of each other's lives yet remain true to themselves… if you like the idea of watching a kid from the wrong side of town get the girl, then you'll enjoy Prom.

You can order the Blu-ray/DVD combo, of Prom on Amazon, for just $22.99

Bonus Features Include:

“Last Chance Lloyd” Exclusive Short — Laugh out loud at all the creative and hilarious ways Lloyd (Nicholas Braun) asks girls to Prom in his heroic quest for the perfect date…actually, any date!

4 Deleted Scenes—With introductions by producer Justin Springer and director Joe Nussbaum.

7 Music Videos:

• Allstar Weekend—“Not Your Birthday”
  
• Neon Trees—“Your Surrender”
  
• Moon—“Time Stand”
  
• Nolan Sotillo—“We Could Be Anything” (English version)
  
• Nolan Sotillo—“Juntos Lo Haremos Bien” (Spanish version)
  
• Those Dancing Days—“I’ll Be Yours”
  
• Girl In A Coma—“Come On, Let’s Go”

MOVIE DOWNLOADS
Everything on the DVD, plus 3 Music Videos:

• Allstar Weekend—“Not Your Birthday”
  
• Neon Trees—“Your Surrender”
  
• Moon—“Time Stand”

Disclosure: The reviewer received a complimentary copy to review.

Interview with Kathryn J. Williams

After the loss of her father and job in 2008, Kathryn J. Williams was left feeling exhausted, both spiritually and physically. During this time of isolation, she found healing by tapping into her creativity and by reaching out to others through her artwork and inspirational words. This process of loss gifted her with a passion in an area she now calls, Life Healing Art. She created her business Lifetime Art Impressions, LLC to help others gain the same renewed balance she discovered through creativity after suffering tremendous hardship.

What was your path towards publication like?
I trudged out into the Internet world first to find a place where I could grow a following through a column that would fit my vision. Next, I wanted to expand my horizons so I ventured into the magazine market and reached out to WE Magazine, a magazine for woman, and their receptive editor gave me a shot; she published my article, Surviving A Sudden Life Hardship.

In 2009 I contracted Jude Wilson at Press Lorentz publishing in Ann Arbor, Michigan to help me self-publish my first book. I thought it would be beneficial to work with someone who could mentor me and offer guidance through the publishing process so I could learn some of the ins and outs but still be responsible, ultimately, for my content.


What is your biggest obstacle when it comes to pitching yourself as a writer and what steps have you taken to overcome that obstacle?
The subject I work with, coping through sorrow and hardship, covers a broad market. Hardship is felt by males and females and by all races without age restrictions. Because of this, I have a hard time narrowing down my target market; I want to reach everyone!

I’ve learned, this of course, doesn’t work so I’ve been able to break my efforts into segments such as women over 40, who seem to be very receptive to my message.


Aside from magazine articles and book contracts, how can someone earn money writing?
I first must say, if you are a beginner, you have to love writing because it is likely you’ll suffer from a starving artist salary early in your journey. You can earn literally pennies on the dollar for freelance work for on-line publications so I recommend you start by supplementing your income with your written work.


How do you balance your life as a writer with your duties as a parent or spouse?
My world blends quite well. I get a lot of my inspiration from my kids and boyfriend.

I work hard to be sure I am present when I'm with any of my loved ones but, at the same time, I’m intrigue by their perspectives of the world and by what inspires and motivates them and this curiosity gifts me with great inquiries and listening skills, compassion and love. As a freelance writer and artist, my schedule is flexible and this enables me to contribute where necessary and really enjoy my circle of friends and family. I’ve learned, through past efforts, that when you’re trying to embrace something that doesn’t align with your purpose, balance is impossible to achieve.

I reached a 6-figure salary in my executive level purchasing career but chasing the money instead of my heart’s desire (creative endeavors) only attracted chaos. I was unhealthy and in much turmoil. It wasn’t until I lost my job and sought comfort in my lifelong dream to become an artist and author that I found inner peace and grounding.


What is your best advice for getting past writer's block?
Step away from it and go free yourself with a cheap thrill of some sort! This will renew your spirit and inspire you to fill your canvas with just the right words! Cheap thrills might entail, checking something else off of your to do list, escaping to catch up with a friend for a great cup of your favorite coffee or tea, taking a drive and bellowing to your favorite song etc.


What was the best writing-related advice you ever received?
I love Oprah’s “Stay true to you” advice.

I believe each and every person is born gifted in a niche area and once you find this path (for me it is creativity, both words and images) serve to evolve and manifest your best work with purpose and intent to make the world a better place.


What do you feel is the single most detrimental thing a writer could do to destroy his/her career as a writer?
Plagiarism and poorly written work.


Can you tell us a little bit about your latest book?
The pages in, What Can I Say When Words Escape Me, being present in times of sorrow, capture and present the essence of my heart packaged as a soothing work of art.

It is an easy read, non-clinical, collection of inspirational writings. The book was inspired by pain I suffered (directly or indirectly through friends and family).

It can be purchased standard or special ordered with a wrap “in memory of your loved one” or as a gift offering personalized words of encouragement. It offers a bridge to healing and hope for individuals struggling with bereavement loss of any kind (job, marriage, abuse, health, suicide, hospice interface, loss of a pet and loss of loved ones). It is written to trigger emotions that help heal and ignite the passion for life again after hardship!


If you could choose just one thing for your book to accomplish, what would it be?
I believe that creativity is a spiritual gift from the soul and when this is tapped into, it is very therapeutic. I’m hopeful the readers of my book will find comfort through my words blended with nature photography and a touch of spirituality. The goal is to sooth their sorrow. Whether you create the piece or it speaks to your experience, this connection is life healing.


What’s ahead for your writing?
It is my goal to increase my presence in the magazine market, to publicize my message of Life Healing Art through television forums and to obtain a publisher who will contract my next book.

You can learn more about Kathryn J. Williams or order her book at http://lifetimeartimpression.com/prmyupbo.html.

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This post was sponsored by The Dabbling Mum.

For more articles geared towards authors and writers, check out DM's Writing Center.

Sarah’s Christmas Miracle, the review

This is a guest post by Dawn Colclasure. Dawn is a freelance writer and contributing writer for the SIGNews newspaper. She is also the author of Burning The Midnight Oil and can be reached at http://dmcwriter.tripod.com/

Book Title:
Sarah’s Christmas Miracle

Author:
Mary Ellis

The Review:
Sarah Beachy is a 19-year-old Amish woman with a promising life ahead of her. She has a job at a Bed & Breakfast she is happy with, a loving family and a man who loves her so much that he wishes to marry her. But before she can be baptized and join her church, which are steps she must take before marriage, Sarah feels something else must be done first. She must find her 24-year-old brother, Caleb, who left the Amish life five years ago to live among the English.

He not only shunned the Amish way but turned his back on God and his family, too, leaving his mother heartbroken. A sense of sadness and confusion in his family ensues because of his absence. Even as Sarah's beau, Adam, tries to understand her need to mend the rift Caleb created, he starts to doubt whether or not Sarah’s heart is in the right place. Can Sarah bring Caleb home in time for Christmas, and restore happiness in her family once again?

Sarah's Christmas Miracle by Mary Ellis is a story that reminded me of the Biblical tale of the prodigal son. In this case, Caleb is tempted from the Amish way of life – tempted by money, comfort and recklessness. Even as Caleb struggles with his guilt and shame over what he ultimately becomes in this story, he clings to this new life, hoping things will make a turn for the better.

Sarah is a kind, honest and goodhearted character in this story. I was pleased to see that she did not cave in to Adam's demands and that she was not afraid to speak her mind or stand firm over something she really wanted to do. Given how she sees the rift her bruder created with his parents and the strain her boss, Mrs. Pratt, goes through in celebrating holidays without her children in her home, it’s understandable how she changes the subject or avoids discussion every time Adam brings up marriage, motherhood and children. Sarah is not only scared of becoming a mother, but terrified that her own children will break her heart just as her mother’s was broken. She is just not ready to make such a commitment, and her determination to settle things with Caleb seems to her as just the right thing to ease her anxieties.

Meanwhile, Adam questions Sarah’s commitment, and even her love, during this phase of indecisiveness. Things got pretty irritating as he kept hovering over Sarah with “Marriage! Children!” coming out of his mouth at practically every scene he was with her in. But I stuck with this story because I wanted to find out what happens with Caleb. In the end, I was pleased to see a positive change with Adam, as well.

Sarah's Christmas Miracle may be an Amish story, but it is definitely one which any family can enjoy during the winter holiday. It’s a story of love, faith, redemption and forgiveness that brought tears of joy to my eyes at the end.

The most important lesson I gained from reading this story is that, when it comes to family, there is such a thing as forgiveness and redemption. The bond between family can be strong enough to withstand the worst of deeds. Anyone can be lead astray. Anyone can fall victim to temptation and be too ashamed to make things right again. But with a family’s love and forgiveness, it is possible to get back on the right path.

Order Sarah's Christmas Miracle today!

Disclosure: The reviewer received a complimentary copy of this book to review.

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This post was sponsored by The Dabbling Mum.

For more articles geared towards busy parents, check out The Dabbling Mum eMagazine.

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The Fox and The Hound, the review

I still cannot believe that it's been 30 years since the first The Fox and The Hound aired... but it has. And how do I know? Well... Disney just released it's "30th Anniversary Edition".

What that means is that you'll get both The Fox and The Hound and The Fox and The Hound II on Blu-Ray and DVD!

If you've been reluctant to buy the set in the past, or still own the VHS version, now's the time to upgrade as you get a 3 disc combo for just $24.99 on Amazon.com

If, however, you already own the DVD version and simply want to upgrade to the Blu-Ray, you may want to hold off a bit. There's not much happening on the Blu-Ray to warrant an upgrade at this time. And the worst part is they've chosen really cheap packaging; which means both DVDs stack on top of each other on one side of the case, while the Blu-Ray is on the other side of the case.




On the Blu-Ray you get both feature films plus an all-new feature about unlikely friends in the animal kingdom.

On the first DVD you'll get:

• The Fox and the Hound
• "Best of Friends" Sing-A-Long
  
• The Making of The Fox and the Hound
  

On the second DVD, you'll get:

• The Fox and the Hound II
• "You Know I Will" Music Video
  
• The Making of the Music
  

That being said, I have to tell you that I love the plot of both of these films and on those merits alone, I'd say buy the set!

For my complete review of The Fox and The Hound, Click here.

For my complete review of The Fox and the Hound II, Click here.

Disclosure: I was given a complimentary copy of this set to review.

Interview with Rodney Mack

Rodney Mack works full-time to support his family while pursuing his dream of becoming an accomplished writer on the side. One day, while watching Jimmy and Charlie, his cats, an idea came alive and he was immediately immersed in a story that would not only entertain children, but hopefully change lives… and "The Adventures of Jimmy and Charlie" was born.

What was your path towards publication like?
At first I found publishers who were willing, for a price (and it seemed a large price to me), to print my book and then ship me thousands of copies to be stored by me.

I was told by one to be sure to store them in a dry place. I had visited his office and taken copies of some stories for him to read. He thumbed through them and told me $6,000.00 for 2,000 books. I said "no thanks" and didn't go back.

I eventually found Tate Publishing, e-mailed a few stories and waited. Finally I was accepted and they sent a contract. That was in September. I asked if it would be out by Christmas. (At least they didn't laugh while we were on the phone.) I was told it would be about a 12 months. It was 13 months until the release date.

The waiting was the worst part. Editing, sending pictures, approving illustrations, waiting some more. All that time I was jazzed about the book. After a year it's difficult to stay excited when no one else knows that there is a book.


What is your biggest obstacle when it comes to pitching yourself as an author and what steps have you taken to overcome that obstacle?
Just getting someone to read it and then talk about it.

I've mailed copies to national radio shows and so far nothing. I have hand delivered copies to local radio people and finally one guy said that he and his wife liked it and good luck, but no offer to be on his show.

At a book signing, I met a lady who appears on local television and she said that she would do a show if I had a reading at the library. After talking to four different people at the library, I was told "No".

And that's just a sample.


How do you balance your life as an entrepreneur with your duties as a parent or spouse?
So far the book has taken a back seat to my job. I still have a regular job that pays well and has good benefits. When I'm home, it's late or the weekend and difficult to contact the people that could help me get word out about my book so I fit in, in my spare time.


What is your best advice for getting past writer's block?
So far, I haven't had any. These stories are things that really happened so all I have to do is put it on paper. I simply tried to imagine what the world and humans would be like for small kittens.

We felt that Jimmy and Charlie were given to us for a reason and because of that I felt that God inspired me. When I sat down to write, the story just seemed to flow. Of course, I had changes and editing, but the basic story was easy.


Can you tell us a little bit about your latest book?
Jimmy and Charlie are left on a farm and found by two humans. The humans become their new Mommy and Daddy. The kittens get into trouble and then things work out and they always learn a lesson at the end of the story.

I want the reader to forget that Jimmy and Charlie are kittens; they could be little kids. You can't see our faces in any of the pictures and my picture is not on the back. I didn't even use my real name. These stories are about Jimmy and Charlie, not me.


What was the most difficult aspect of writing this book?
The hardest part was keeping the stories short, so kids wouldn't be bored or lose interest.

When I was young, we didn't have things to do inside. We were always outside playing unless it was raining. Now kids have other options, so if they read, I want the story to grab them so they will want to know what happens next.


If you could choose just one thing for your book to accomplish, what would it be?
That kids would learn from Jimmy and Charlie's mistakes and obey their parents.


What’s ahead for your writing?
I have already started more stories. I have written what will be the final chapter. I woke up one morning about 5 a.m. from a dream. It was very clear what the end would be.


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This post was sponsored by The Dabbling Mum.

For more articles geared towards authors and writers, check out DM's Writing Center.

The Help, the movie review

I've never read the book. I never even heard of the book until I began seeing commercials and clips for "The Help". And to be honest, I originally had no intention of watching the film.

Ever since I was a little girl, I've had trouble watching anything that shows any kind of injustice against the human race; especially racism of any kind. It tears at my heartstrings, it causes me to feel anger towards historical figures who should've known better than to treat a human being in such a manner, and it feels me with such sorrow… how could anyone give so little thought to the life of another human being?

I grew up in the projects. I was one of the few white people living amongst many different races. I saw racism up close and personal. Heck, I was even picked on and treated poorly for simply being white by some folks and there were times I heard a lot of ugly talk about white people, then the kids would turn to me and say, "Oh, but not you. You don't count." I was even bused to a nicer school, where the parents were initially freaked out that us lowly, children would contaminate their children's education.

But I didn't grow up in the south.

I didn't experience the ugliness associated with "putting someone in their place" simply because of the color of their skin. I never had a maid, or a cook, or a seamstress… unless you count my mother, of course. And I don't know what it's like to hold so much contempt and hatred for someone simply based upon the color of their skin, or their nationality, or their beliefs.

For you see, even though I had some negative experiences growing up in the projects, I also had some good experiences. There were men and women whom I called "auntie" and "uncle" and they were more like family to me than any of my blood relationships. They loved me, they taught me, they looked out for me, and they reminded me that people are people regardless of where they come from, or what they look like, or what color their skin is, or even what they believe… and people deserve to be treated with respect.

So, yes, I had no intentions of watching another film that would pit one race against another, that regardless of historical truth or fallacy would stir up hatred…

But the more Disney sent clips about the film, the more intrigued I was to see it and I'm glad I did.

I can't speak for the book, but the film was amazing.






There was such a delicate balance between showing the hatred and injustices that were going on during the 1950s and 1960s and showing a softer, gentler side to the story… where not all white people were evil, vindictive, and mean, and not all black people were filled with all-consuming hatred over the injustices they were served day in and day out.

It reminded us that it's wrong to treat people poorly simply because they look different, are less educated, or don't make as much money as you. And it's wrong to think that because you've been treated poorly by a group of people, in a specific race, that everyone in that race is the same way.

And it taught us that you can rise above your circumstances, that you can work within the system to fight back and regain some of the dignity you've lost, and most importantly, with the right support system, you can get through anything.

The film isn't about historical accuracy… it isn't about telling every pivotal moment the maids went through just to survive their days. It's about exposing racism for the ugliness that it is, it's about finding the inner strength to do what's right when you know what's right can get you hurt, and it's about learning to trust someone the world says you shouldn't trust.






It's about friendship, it's about love, it's about strength of character, it's about courage, and it's about having the openness to see the good in people, and the willingness to grow as a person. Finally, it's about hope; finding hope, giving hope, and living with hope.

Throughout the film, I laughed, I cried, I gasped, and I laughed some more.

It was such a roller coaster of emotions that I left the film with a slight migraine, but I also left empowered. It reminded me that the circumstances of my life do not make me who I am... they do not define me.

I seriously cannot say enough about the film. The actresses gave five-star performances, the plot was engaging and entertaining and well-written, the costumes fit the era, and the cinematography was perfect.

"You is good. You is smart. You is important." Now that's a mantra worth repeating…

Order The Help on DVD and Blu-Ray from Amazon.com today!

Disclosure: I purchased a ticket to see this film in the theatres before reviewing it.

Artist Interview with Laura Gendall

Laura Gendall began drawing at a really young age, but it wasn't until high school that she thought she had a chance of making it a serious career. She has been selling art for five years, and just recently decided to incorporate online sales into her business plan.

Read the full interview on The Dabbling Mum.

Interview with Life Coach, Paula Renaye

Paula Renaye is a professional life coach, motivational speaker, regression hypnosis practitioner and award-winning author in both fiction and nonfiction. She has been a consultant for 18 years and has been a featured speaker at conferences and events across the country. She also writes novels under the name Paula Boyd, with Dead Man Falls winning the 2001 WILLA Literary Award for Best Original Paperback.


How did you get started in your line of work?
The hard way, of course! Like a lot of people, I went through some tough times—most self-inflicted. Having "been there," I wanted to help other people get out of "there."

I had been on the personal development track since about 1990, listening to audio programs by Jack Canfield, Tony Robbins, Ed Foreman and such. My interests evolved as I went along, of course, and I branched out into many different areas, including work by Brian Weiss, PhD, Caroline Myss, PhD and others. It's worth noting, however, that one of my favorite books to recommend to people now is Getting the Love You Want by Harville Hendrix, PhD. A friend of mine gave me that book after if first came out—obviously she saw what I couldn't—and I handily rejected it as being "okay" but didn't really apply to me and my situation. Yes, I still laugh about that one too!

The same friend also tried to get me to go with her to some healing and trainer classes and I laughed her off on that as well—not my thing, thank you very much. But when I found myself separated, but still in denial that I was getting a divorce whether I wanted it or not, I kept running into to people who were doing those very things. And, long story short, I studied, trained and wound up certified in a variety of different areas, including life coaching.


What would your biography say?
If a biographer were writing about my life to this point, I think it would go something like this: "It took her long enough to get here!" The autobiography might go something like this:

We can't ever know how different choices would have turned out—what experiences the road not taken might have held. But I'm reasonably sure that things would have gone a bit smoother if I hadn't been compelled to repeatedly shoot myself in the foot at every turn. For starters, walking away from a promising journalism career in order to stay married at the ripe old age of 18 was probably not the best plan. I know why I did it—now—but to anyone who was watching me at the time, it was, to be kind, just plain dumb. Seriously, I was the youngest paid editor on the university newspaper staff ever and co-editor of the university yearbook and, well, my new husband didn't like it. So, I did what all the women in my family did, which was basically whatever it took to stay married—the ultimate goal.

I gave up writing. I gave up having a career from doing what I loved because it was uncomfortable for my new husband. And too, it gave me an excuse to not have to risk failing. If I quit, I could blame him—and I did for a very long time—and never have to take responsibility for my own choices. Naturally, I talk about this in the book—brutally and frankly—to give others the courage to do the same.

I stayed stuck in that blame, denial and delusion loop for about 10 years or so until I was slapped with reality by the sudden death of my dad. Now, sure, you'd think that grief would trigger journaling, but no, that wasn't what happened. I simply started hearing songs in my head—words and music. So, I started writing them down (actually had a couple of good ones that were performed by some local groups-ha!).

I joined a writers group and discovered that most of the people were writing novels. It sounded like fun, and since I was a voracious reader, I figured I could do it too. And I did. The first was a 400-page western historical. I had great fun with that and it won a contest right out of the gate. I wrote several more, but the first that made it into print was a mystery novel.

I had sworn that I would never write anything in first person. So, yes, of course, that book couldn't be written any other way. And I loved doing it. I was having a ball! That first novel was featured in Redbook, among many other publications and the second book in the series and won a literary award—judged by librarians, no less. I'm really proud of all that because those are no small feats for a self-published author.

For the last few years, I'd been seeing coaching clients in the evenings and on weekends, but hadn't been able to make the transition to full time. However, when my day job that paid the bills suddenly ended, I knew I was getting a very clear message—it was time. Not only did I know what I wanted to do—I knew what I had to do.

I started going through all the old stuff that I'd written through the years and the ideas were sound so I started laying them out and shuffling things around. As I did, all the pieces came together and the book basically wrote itself.

So, yes, I may have taken the long and winding road to get here, but I couldn't have written this particular book if I'd taken the easy way. I couldn't have learned these lessons because I wouldn't have needed them. I had to go "there" so I could be "here"—so I could help people who are also "there" and need a roadmap to "here."

And the great thing is that I'm happier than I have ever been in my life! Can't wait to see what amazing things are going to happen next!


What was your path towards publication like?
In my case, the path to publication was already set in stone from the time I decided to write the book. As a publisher as well as an author, I never considered querying other publishers for many reasons, not the least of which was that I wanted to get the information out immediately.

Through the years, I've talked to a lot of people who say they are writers but who don't really understand what all is involved in the writing and publishing process—and don't think they need to. I still can't help but cringe when I hear people say they've written a book and want to publish it themselves. Yes, I realize that is seriously hypocritical since I publish my own books, but I am also a publisher and have read many manuscripts—I also judged writing contests for many years. Most people don't have realistic views of their own work.

The point is, publishing is a business, and you have to be able to look at your work as a product—not your baby or the holder of your self-esteem. It isn't easy. I've had books in print since 1999, and while I don't claim to be bulletproof, I am definitely better at it than I was when I started. There's always more to learn, of course!





What is your biggest obstacle when it comes to pitching yourself as an author and what steps have you taken to overcome that obstacle?
I am not confused on the fact that everybody and her dog has written a self-help book these days. And for a while, I wallowed in self doubt, wondering how I was going to say anything different than anyone else. Who'd care what I had to say when the likes of Wayne Dyer, Tony Robbins, Jack Canfield, Mike Dooley, The Secret and a hundred others had already enthralled and inspired millions?

Well, after I sat myself down and gave myself a stern talking to—and used my own techniques to home in on my fears and limited thinking—I realized that what I have to share is worthwhile. It says things in ways that no other books do—my way.

In fact, several of the wonderful authors who gave me cover quotes said basically the same things after reading it. They said they'd seen a need for such a book for a long time—that what we needed right now, in these challenging times, was a simple and direct, cut-to-the-chase guide that people could use to get off the hamster wheel of confusion and pain and make positive changes quickly.

To quote myself: "Until we become focused on possibilities instead of limitations, we will stay stuck." And that was exactly what I was doing—keeping myself stuck in fear and limited thinking because I didn't have clinical letters before or after my name. But after my little chat with myself, I realized that it was exactly that "limitation" that gave me an edge. I wasn't hampered by technicalities and theories that might lure me into over-thinking a situation; I just stayed focused on what worked. I was willing to say things that others weren't. I was willing to be harsh and speak truth even when it was uncomfortable.

So, actually, my biggest obstacles—my fears and limited thinking—actually became my greatest allies because overcoming those are what my book is all about. And obviously, I still get ample opportunities to work with them!


How do you balance your life as an entrepreneur with your duties as a parent or spouse?
I'm working on that! With the self-inflicted schedule I've put myself on lately, there isn't much personal time available. I knew that when I made the choices I did. And, when I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed, my own words—the subtitle of the book, puts me back on track: What are you willing to do to get what you really want?

I am at the point now, however, where things are leveling out a bit, although I am writing this before the book tour actually starts so I may be delusional myself!

I do wear many different hats, of course—author, publisher, accountant, website developer, blogger, etc. The way I've found that works best for me with that is to do things in blocks. I typically write for as long as I am effective then I take a break and do other jobs for blocks of times. That seems to help me balance and be effective on all sides of things—well, as effective as I can be at this point!


What is your best advice for getting past writer's block?
Oh, wow, this is a great question, but it is so personal! We all have different ways of dealing with it—and those are different on different days and situations. So, I'll share a few things that work for me, depending on how the stars are aligned and I am holding my mouth—or whatever folksy spin you want to put on it!

Sometimes, I just sit and write anything, even stream of consciousness journaling. Sometimes I start out writing about why I can't write and what I would write about if I could write. Sometimes that will lead me right back to where I need to be.

Other times, I meditate, contemplate or just get quiet and go within—whatever you want to call it. That can clear out the conscious clutter away so ideas come up.

I always keep pen and paper nearby, especially for evening and morning times because I tend to get a lot of insights then—also the shower, don't ask me why. But I am in the habit of jotting down ideas—no matter when or where they come to me—and that gives me a jumping off place to start writing.

Doing something different just for you—get outside and go for a walk, sit by a creek—all kinds of things can work as long as you are using them as a needed break and not just justified distractions to avoid doing what you need to do. I actually have a chapter in the book that is titled: Things to do when you don't know what to do. Any of those suggestions, including "having a pity party," can help clear things out and get you back on track.



What was the best writing-related advice you ever received?
Write what you know.

Okay, that approach might possibly have been so appealing to me when writing fiction because I was lazy—I wrote an entire 400-page historical fiction novel without doing research (and when I did do the research, I didn't really have to change much because it was eerily accurate…but that's another story).

Anyway, when I wrote my first books, I used general things that were familiar to me for one reason or another—either personalities or settings, because it was much easier for me (and faster—do you sense a personal theme here?) and my writing flowed better.

The same advice held true on the nonfiction side with this book. I didn’t write about what textbooks said would work, or what I'd heard had worked for someone else or what I thought might work, I wrote about what has worked—and does still work—for me

One tiny little caveat here—just because I know it (and I wrote it) doesn't mean that I still don’t have to be reminded to use it!


What do you feel is the single most detrimental thing an entrepreneur could do to destroy his/her career?
Oh, wow, this is one I do not want to know the answer to! But actually, besides lying and misleading people, I would say that not understanding the business you're getting into is a big one.

I've heard so many people say they are writing a book, and I can tell that they have this mystical vision of what it means to be an author and are seeing their story (generally a novel) magically becoming a bestseller and making them millions of dollars. Yet, they don't have a plan for making that happen—or even understand why or how it could, would or should.

Some people do have fairy tale experiences—some are "discovered" and make it big overnight—but most don't. And, quite frankly, a lot of what is published today shouldn't be.

Print on Demand (POD) and ebooks have changed publishing forever. It's a two-edged sword, of course.

On the good side, it gives authors who couldn't get their foot in the door with traditional publishers a venue for their work. On the bad side, it gives authors who…oh, wait, it's the same side because the only gatekeeper for determining quality and reader appeal is the author.

Now, I use—and love—both POD and ebooks because they are easy and effective—and consequently I'm almost out of the shipping and receiving business.

Still, the point is to know why you're getting into the business, how the business works and making sound business decisions accordingly. Without that, there is no career.


Can you tell us a little bit about your latest book?
Well, I think almost every paragraph here already has! But here's an official version:

In this fast-track course of self-discovery and self-empowerment, The Hardline Self Help Handbook challenges readers to find out "what they are willing to do to get what they really want."

Using a straightforward no-holds-barred approach, Hardline gets in the trenches and shows how we cause ourselves unnecessary conflict, confusion and pain—and how we can stop. Often funny, sometimes sad, and always revealing, the brutally frank firsthand stories help readers connect with similar situations in their own lives, see opportunities for making different choices and find the courage to make them. By taking the "KISS" approach to self help, Hardline cuts to the chase and gives readers simple, practical techniques for self-understanding and life transformation.


How did you come up with the idea for your book?
Well, I usually joke that this is the book that I needed myself—needed to be whacked in the head with about a thousand times. And, also, it was a tough love approach that finally snapped me out of my fog, and I wanted to give others the opportunity for a hard-hitting wake-up call that could save them a lot of time and grief. I wanted Hardline to be a one-stop shop for getting to the bottom line of why you're unhappy—and fixing it—so other motivating and inspiring works such as The Secret could actually work.


What was the most difficult aspect of writing this book?
Besides the title—oh, that took a while!—the most difficult part of writing Hardline was laying out the steps in a way that would lead the reader through the muck to get to their own conclusions.

On one early draft, I had one reader make a comment that made me think it was coming across as my "therapy," and I certainly didn't want that since I'd already been done that with my fiction novels—and in a funny way!

So, the difficulty was balance.

I needed to tell enough personal tales so that people could relate and be able to see their own chinks in the armor—and be willing to work on them. I had to be firm and fearless—say the tough stuff—but I also didn't want to wallow, make it appear that I was blaming others for my choices or, even worse, come off sound condescending. I hope I accomplished that, and when I do hop on my soapbox, it is clear that I am really always talking to me—as I hope you'll talk to you—so you can see what you need to see and do what you need to do.


Did you have to do any special research for your book?
Well, on the one hand you could say that I did no research at all for the book. On the other, you could say I spent over twenty years at it!

I've read, studied, listened to and watched many personal development programs. I worked with what I was capable of at the time then looked for another to get me to the next step. I think that's what we all do to one degree or another. And it's okay, we need those steps.

Although I didn't have a label for it, I'd used the principles of The Law of Attraction talked about in The Secret and other works with great success in some areas of my life. But in the areas where I desperately wanted things to be different, I just couldn't manifest my way out of a paper bag.

So, what I tried to do in Hardline was give people a "secret before The Secret." This book is sort of a prerequisite, a short course that not only gives clarity to immediate situations and issues, but also changes the way we look at problems and solutions.


If you could choose just one thing for your book to accomplish, what would it be?
This is an easy one!

It is my greatest desire for The Hardline Self Help Handbook: What Are You Willing to Do to Get What You Really Want? to be a tool that people use to get out of pain and bring joy and happiness to their lives—and therefore to the lives of everyone around them. Each person that gets out of confusion and starts living his or her joy, brings joy to all of us!

Okay, it may sound a bit hokey, but it really is true!

Just as someone can walk into a room and bring a black cloud of gloom with them that we all feel, well, it works the same way with positive energy. And when we get our own internal black clouds cleared out, at the very least we're not spreading the gloom and doom, and most likely, we're happy and spreading joy. And the great part is that for each person who get out of the negative stuff, the people around them have to as well—or go somewhere else. Because once we get to the good side, it feels so good that we won't punish ourselves by being around the bad anymore.

It's a long answer, but it really is only one thing—to help people find their joy and spread it!


What’s ahead for your writing?
Many things! I write constantly—just look how much I wrote here! Give me a question and I'll ramble for days!

Actually, this book is the first in a series, much like the Chicken Soup for the Soul line, so my next books that I'm working on are: Hardline Self Help for Writers and Hardline Self Help for Relationships. Other authors are writing other titles in the series as well.

On the fiction side, I'll be finishing up Killer Moves, which is the fourth book in the series. Maybe I'll have Lucille (she's in her 70s, well-armed and from Texas, enough said) get crossways with a self-help author in town for a workshop that Lucille somehow gets roped into attending. Hmmm, that could go really badly…and I could have a lot of fun with it!

You can learn more about Paula Renaye at www.hardlineselfhelp.com

Don't forget to check out Paula's book. You can order it on Amazon.com for just $19.95.


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This post was sponsored by The Dabbling Mum.

For more articles geared towards authors and writers, check out DM's Writing Center.