Sunday, May 4, 2014

Review of The Business Anarchist's Guide to Peak Productivity and Time Management: Getting More Done In Less Time Than You Ever Thought Possible

The material presented in this book includes business oriented topics such as improving time management, but also has a more holistic approach by giving advice on ways to accomplish tasks with more energy and more creativity.
The author’s advice is very motivating, sincere, and down-to-earth. It is geared towards anyone who wishes to finally follow through with those truly genius and diverse ideas that may have taken a back seat. It is obvious that he has done a lot of research on methods to enhance one’s career through personal growth but also stresses the importance of making room for a personal life. Everything is presented in a logical and experienced manner and his instructions are clear and easy to understand.
The chapters are broken into subjects so that readers can quickly get to the information that most pertains to them. The suggestions for boosting productivity and at the same time increasing energy are what I found to be most helpful.
However, what I most like about this book is that it introduces many great habits to help remind oneself of what he / she is capable of and what steps they can take to better their body, their mind, and their relationships with others. It contains a list of ways to improve the efficiency of the “whole person” as well as the business mind with topics such as budget management.
I highly recommend this guide especially for those who would need a boost of motivation to better achieve their goals.

Saturday, March 22, 2014

Amazing Children's book 'A Pug Named Doug'






Today I am delighted to bring you an interview with author Yvonne Sidell







Puppy is as Puppy does! 
And a full day is just not enough time for A Pug Named Doug!
Seeing is believing in this colorfully illustrated book as young readers follow Doug along to witness first hand all the funny things a puppy can get into – both indoors and outdoors, mischievous Doug delightfully takes on the world (right down to naptime cuddles).


Ohhhhh silly Doug!  



What inspired you to write the A Pug Named Doug? 

My own puppy Maxx met Doug at a dog park and they became the best of friends.  The two of them experience every flower, bug and other park “amenity” that I just had to put their fun into words!

If you were to write in a different genre, what it would be?


Great question…I’m a total children’s book writer and at one time thought about intriguing novels, but it would probably end up being one for kids!
  
What has been your most rewarding and memorable experience as an author?

I must say it is reading to children in library groups or schools.  They are the greatest audience and it humbles me to watch their expressions (or hear laughter) when reading them my stories.

Every November thousands of writers take part in a month long challenge, write a novel in 30 days. In your opinion, how much time is needed to write a quality book?

Another great question.  For me, inspiration hits an
d I immediately jot down my thoughts before they evaporate.  For those authors who write novels, I am impressed with the time they take to write a quality book…again, maybe inspiration absorbs them and its written within that short timeframe.  I must defer to those wonderful novel authors to respond. 

Did you have favorite books/authors as a child?

Any Dr. Seuss book was my favorite.  I also enjoyed Clifford!


Are you exactly where you want to be in your writing endeavors?

Not yet…until the day I can no longer come up with a fun children’s story, that will be my time to know I am where I want to be. 

Where can this book be purchased?  

https://www.readpublishing.com/products/a-pug-named-doug   In the coming months, the book will be available on Amazon Kindle (and print).

Where can we find your latest achievements?


This is my first published book (I have another book titled The Fairy Twins which was self-published – it’s also available at Re.ad Publishing). If A Pug Named Doug grows, I will create a Facebook page.


Do you have current work in progress? 

Yes, but my publisher requires me to keep the title confidential until copyright certifications are completed.

Sunday, March 2, 2014

The Pelagius Game... A pleasure to read, a privilege to recommend!

Written by R. J. Jerome, ‘The Pelagius Game’ marks a powerful new chapter in the world of fantasy fiction. The series’ first volume, ‘Valstain’, introduces readers to a magical realm between Heaven and Earth. Offering such a vivid literary adventure, the series is poised to resonate with readers around the world.

Levittown, PA – For generations, fantasy has been a staple of the literary landscape. With fans crying out for new worlds to explore, Pennsylvania’s Russ Jerome is delighted to announce his new book with gusto.

‘The Pelagius Game’ uniquely fuses biblical mystery with all that is great about fantasy. ‘Valstain’ serves as the perfect introduction to the series as readers young and old are offered an opportunity to whisk off to a world unlike any they have ever read about before.







Synopsis:

Through The Pelagius Game series, R.J. Jerome introduces the reader to Valstain, the magical realm between Heaven and Earth.
Valstain follows the life of Timothy Anderson as he reveals his haunted past to Father Michael Olshefski, the new headmaster of The Pelagius Order. The Order’s seminary is the training ground of a secret religious society whose job is to find and prepare gifted warriors to fight evil.
But someone on the inside has a different idea.
Now, Tim must expose the true wicked desires of the Order’s leaders to the kidnapped priest. He needs this man’s trust and permission to enter the Holy ground so he may once more venture into Valstain and claim his revenge on those who betrayed him. However, Tim knows mere words will not convince the priest—only tasting the memories locked inside his magical blood will.
It is said once a man has entered Valstain, and experienced the horror within, he is never the same again—that is exactly what the forces of evil are depending on. The Pelagius Game has begun, and the journey into Valstain is only the beginning.
Valstain is a must read for anyone interested in fantasy adventures with plenty of sword fights, vibrant characters, and intricate plot twists.
As the author explains, his book’s setting plays host to a diverse range of happenings and experiences.
Valstain is unique because it blends Earthly mysteries like secret religious societies and biblical events with a fantasy world where one can be seen battling giant spiders or the undead with magical weapons and super natural abilities, like strength, speed, ability to manipulate the weather or fire,” says Jerome.
Continuing, “I spend most of my free time researching religion. I once attended a class in Catholicism where I saw two priests whispering. This spawned the idea for ‘The Pelagius Game’ and I spent the next four years constructing narratives for four books.”
With much of writing based on diligently-researched fact, it comes as no surprise that the series’ title carries much significance to the real world.
“I remembered stumbling across Pelagianism, a theological theory named after the British monk, Pelagius. Pelagius practiced first to demonstrate the power and quality of human nature and to show what it is capable of achieving. With this in mind, I constructed the idea of a competition between God and Satan. Want to know more? Buy the book!” Jerome adds.

With such a powerful initial offering and many more volumes to come, interested readers are urged to purchase their copies of the series’ first book as soon as possible.


The Pelagius Game: Book 1 Valstain’, published by eTreasures Publishing, is available now


Barnes and Noble:   http://www.barnesandnoble.com 

Etreasures: http://bit.ly/1dDl45e 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18714289-valstain
  
For Printed Version:

Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/The-Pelaguis-Game-Valstain-Volume/dp/1937809609



About the Author:

R.J. Jerome grew up in historic Bristol, Pennsylvania, where his love of art, music, and fantasy novels was born.

After graduation, Russ left America for 6 months, and traveled to England. It was there that he saw the Gloucester Cathedral. The massive, gothic architecture fueled his interest in spirituality.

Usually religious art or stories inspire Russell's work, but on occasion, you will find him fumbling through a page of one of R.A. Salvatore's epic fantasy novels.

In 2000, Russ married his wife Jennifer, who gave birth to their son Russell in 2004 and their daughter Tessa in 2007. When not busy researching religions, you can find Russell drinking, rating, or talking about well-crafted beers and Absinthes.

Contact: Russ Jerome /  russjerome@comcast.net, or follow on Twitter @R_J_Jerome or http://rjjerome.com/
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18714289-valstain



Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Book review for A Collection of Thoughts & Too Much Time


This book contains an amazing breadth and depth of contemporary poetry that encompasses many different human experiences. I found that I had to read many passages over and over again to grasp their full meaning which is always a sign of a great poem.

Overall, it is a wide-ranging selection. It succeeds in its aim of being life affirming and relevant. This is poetry reminds the reader of eternal truths using modern language and deals with life in a contemporary setting. Organized by creative thoughts with titles as "Mirror", "Wealth and Poverty", "Life, Death & Existence" and “Unknown Love” it is very user friendly and can either be dipped into or read through from cover to cover. This book is definitely a brick packed dense with all that is valuable; thoughts on beauty, humanity, children, love, self-discovery, and unity. “A Collection Of Thoughts & Too Much Time” offers something for everyone!

Thursday, January 9, 2014

Review of Light Your Fire: The Ayurveda Diet for Weight Loss

This is definitely an informative, inspiring, and straight to the point book. After reading it I felt more confident and motivated about starting my weight loss journey.

What I liked the most about this encouraging read was that it demonstrated some great weight loss strategies as well as direction towards self-discovery and healthier living. It is provides simple, upbeat, practical, common sense, and realistic approaches blended with enthusiasm and energy. Light Your Fire: The Ayurveda Diet for Weight Loss puts a lot of emphasis on health and helps to create a long term plan that is achievable. It also includes detailed information and pointers for short term goals and milestones; it is packed with helpful tips and real-world examples on how to achieve an effective roadmap and is very well written. I highly recommend it.

Saturday, January 4, 2014

Review of Remnants of the Damned (Abyssal Sanctuary)

Abyssal Sanctuary is definitely one of the most unique books I have read. It has a very unpredictable plot with quirky but relatable characters. The best thing about it is that there are enough twists and turns to keep one wondering what is going to come bursting onto the scene. In fact it is easy to become addicted to this book as your whole body will tense like a coiled spring. At any moment I was ready to snap if I was interrupted or had to set the book down for any reason. It's as if I was rendered unable to do anything else but get to the next page.

There is no doubt that I will be looking for more books from this author. His exquisite writing style paired with inventive storytelling takes readers on a journey they would have never expected. I highly recommend this book, and look forward to a sequel.

Friday, October 18, 2013

Interview with the author of The Trashcan Opera Society, Marc McVey

People can be the biggest inspiration for writers, especially those who at first appear to have nothing, but in reality are more content than others. Book the Trashcan Opera Society is great example of that.

It is my pleasure to welcome today author Marc McVey to my blog.












What inspired you to write the Trashcan Opera Society?

I love opera, but I am not an expert, just a fan.  I worked for several years in both Los Angeles and San Francisco and you can regularly see a mix of people living on the streets.  I started thinking about how people end up living on the streets and this led me to thinking about how they love.  We all want love at some stage in our lives.  My book is just one fable, if you like, about a small exchange of lives, told in the style of an opera.   

 If you were to write in a different genre, what it would be?

Great question.  I suppose I would like a go at long stream of consciousness/ observational writing like Henry Miller or Mario Vargos Llosa.   

What has been your most rewarding and memorable experience as an author?

Having a few people tell me that they think about my characters months after they read the book.  A few even told me they were “mad” but in a good way.

Every November thousands of writers take part in a month long challenge, write a novel in 30 days. In your opinion, how much time is needed to write a quality book?

The 30 day challenge has always fascinated me.  I like the discipline that this challenge requires, but I confess I lack it in myself.  The writers I admire all say that it the end, it comes down to getting your butt in the seat and writing.  I think if I tried this, I might improve my speed, but then again, why?  I enjoy the process of writing, even if I am very slow.

You favorite book/author?

Victor Hugo – Les Miserables.  This book never stops giving to me.

Can readers in Europe purchase your book?

Yes – it is an e book that can be purchased through all the international sites on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Do you have current work in progress?

Yes.  I have two projects underway. Hope to have the first one finished by the end of the year.


Readers can find Marc's latest achievements here:



Here is a sneak peek at the Trashcan Opera Society:


Jordan walked away from the practice of law and has slowly slipped away from his prior life. He now lives on the streets. He has learned to survive using a variety of schemes to make or steal money. He lives part of the time in a homeless shelter and other times with Hannah.

Jordan developed a love of opera during his time in law school. Despite his homelessness, he buys annual season tickets to the opera, much to the amusement of his friends. These tickets allow him to sit with the wealthiest opera fans in the city.

Hannah reveals a great secret to Jordan and asks him for his promise to fulfill a special wish. Together, Hannah and Jordan form a team to try to survive Los Angeles. This is their opera.




Thank you so much for allowing us into your world, Marc. It's been my extreme pleasure to host you today. I wish you success in your writing.