Heather Dawn Robin's Blog, page 3

A Call For Help

On Sunday, I received an email from Mark Coker, the founder of Smashwords, with a subject headline that caught my eye. It read, “Help End the Book Embargo Against Cuba” and it included a request to visit the following link https://petitions.whitehouse.gov//petition/end-book-embargo-against-cuba and consider signing his petition.

I’m asking you to do the same.

Why? If you care about people being oppressed and mistreated, here is a small step you can take to help in a big way. It won’t cost you anything except the few minutes of your time to click on the link, read the short petition, and sign your name. On March 21 and 22, President Obama will be taking a trip to Cuba, and shortly thereafter, his administration will announce modifications to the embargo that will likely loosen some of its restrictions. We want to encourage President Obama to lift the embargo against books and educational materials.

Here are some of the points Mark Coker makes:

“Cuba has an adult literacy rate of nearly 100%, about 20 points higher than the US.”

“Cuban publishers have difficulty acquiring even the basic raw materials of bookmaking like paper and ink.”

“Cuban readers don’t have easy access to books published by American authors and publishers.”

“Books promote greater cross-cultural understanding, economic development and free expression.”

For those of you who’ve read my book, Imbroglio, you know that I touch on some of the horrible living conditions of the Cuban people as a direct result of their government’s political regime and the effects of the U.S. government’s embargo. Without delving too deeply into the country’s politics, I’ll share just a bit about those conditions for those of you who may be unaware.

With their state-controlled agriculture, the country struggles to feed itself, forcing the government to import approximately 70 percent of the island’s food which, of course, amounts to higher costs. The government employs a ration system for Cubans to receive a portion of food and commodities which they can purchase at their local bodega at subsidized prices. However, these rations are often out of stock or frequently delayed, and since the average Cuban salary amounts to around $20 a month, be the person a janitor or a doctor, many local residents aren’t able to afford the higher marketplace prices. Consequently, many go without, typically consuming one meal a day. The country operates with two different currencies, where many establishments accept one type and not the other, resulting in the broadening of the haves and have-nots, and there is so much more. For those interested in reading further, I have included links at the bottom of this blog.

What you may be asking is, with the much bigger problems the Cubans face, how will ending the book embargo help? History has shown that when people are enslaved, oppressed and otherwise mistreated, knowledge, wisdom and information have been the keys to effecting positive change. With political relations warming up between our two countries, we are primed to do just that.

Please take a moment to join me in the opportunity and then share this with others you know. 100,000 signatures are needed by April, 8, 2016, so time is of the essence!

For more information about Cuban and U.S. relations and their economy, visit:

A Brief History Of U.S.-Cuba Relations

Amid Reforms, Cubans Fret Over Food Rations Fate

Cuba Looks To U.S. Farmers For Help With Food Crisis

Reform On The Range: Cubans Heed The Call To Farm

Ration Book in Cuba

 

Penetrating the World

I have fantastic news that I’m overjoyed to share! After a string of disappointing attempts to get my paperback on Amazon through CreateSpace (from which I have taken hiatus) followed by a week of confusion about why my novel didn’t display with the correct formatting (for which I recently received an email from Amazon KDP that it was on their end) I can finally say I have gone global! My book is now on Amazon Kindle, available for immediate download worldwide to your phone, tablet, or computer.

On top of this, a reader just shared with me that she enjoyed my book so much that she would sleep with it in the bed. That way, when she awoke, she could continue reading. I’ve added this to my list of special comments, right next to the one where the reader admitted to reading my book on the toilet. That, my friends, says, “I can’t put it down.”

However, the comment that is most uplifting is about a sharp, 85 year-old avid reader who had given up her passion for reading due to an endless barrage of health problems. The woman––who hadn’t picked up a book in years––informed the friend who had purchased my novel for her that my book restored her desire to read and encouraged her to start “living” again. After calling the friend over so they could discuss the book, she closed the hours-long conversation with, “I loved it so much, I’m going to read it again.”

Yes. I’m still doing my happy dance.

God is so good.

Heather Dawn’s Book Corner with the Author of L.O.V.E.

 

So, I titled this broadcast everywhere else BUT the actual Periscope. Go figure.

Anyway, it’s still an insightful scope. Watch as we discuss what her new book, Ladies Operating Very Effectively, is all about.

Here is the replay on Katch. Heather Dawn’s Book Corner with the Author of L.O.V.E. : Dianne Shorté

 

Heather Dawn’s Book Corner: Imbroglio Ch. 2

 

Another Periscope, this time caught on Katch. The thought-provoking narrative of Imbroglio continues… as does the non-intuitive technological issues we experience with the app!

What are Shannon and Carlos really up to? See if you have a clue in Heather Dawn’s Book Corner: Imbroglio Ch. 2.

Heather Dawn’s Book Corner: Imbroglio Ch. 1

A comedic snippet of my very first Periscope. Heather Dawn’s Book Corner: Imbroglio Ch. 1.

The irony? It was the definition of an imbroglio: a complicated situation.

And here I was thinking, “It couldn’t be rocket science…”

Take a look.

http://heatherdawnmedia.com/wp-content/uploads/Medium-TinPLand.m4v

Baby Step Encouragement

Have you begun your new year? I have. It started with reflection and was swiftly followed by appreciation for where I was last year and how far God has brought me to date. This time last year, I wasn’t a published author. I had no concept of how to acquire ISBN numbers or even how to get my book printed. I had never built a website, didn’t have a Twitter or Instagram account and hardly knew how to use Facebook. Social media marketing? What was that?

Not to say that I’ve arrived. I still haven’t completely grasped online marketing, but I’m not letting it stop me. Everyday, I’m gaining a new tip or trying something different because technology is constantly evolving, and the greatest achievement in this is how much I’ve learned to value my baby steps.

Case in point: Last year, Periscope quickly became the new social media craze. People began venturing from their familiar Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts and started diving into this new trend of live video streaming. It’s perfect for those who love talking, love to be on camera, or love showcasing what is happening around them. I, on the other hand, am none of the aforementioned and consequently had no intention of getting on Periscope.

However, the Lord dropped a brilliant idea on me to start something called, Heather Dawn’s Book Corner, where I would have a live book excerpt reading and discussion. Of course, the kick-off topic would be––drum roll, please––my new novel, Imbroglio. (Well, whadya expect?)

Anyway, I quelled my inhibitions, stepped out of my comfort zone, and set sail on the concept. I scheduled it, even arranged to have two guests with me for commentary. When the day arrived to go live, I had the process mapped out logically. Although I had never done a single scope, I knew it wasn’t going to be rocket science.

Oh, how swiftly the ship began springing leaks. Things weren’t working the same way for me as I’d seen with others. It was actually quite comical. See the set up for yourself.

http://heatherdawnmedia.com/wp-content/uploads/Medium-TinPLand.m4v



Hey, I got 67 live views!

I could’ve shied away then but I didn’t. I tried Periscoping again, and the second one was… better. I even discovered another new app for that app called Katch, making it possible to view a replay of my growth here.

So what happened to Heather Dawn’s Book Corner? When’s my next periscope reading? I get asked these questions a lot, and yes, it seems I’ve fallen off the wagon a touch, but please understand I’m trying to learn another new social craze, Snap Chat, right now.

In all seriousness, I say to that person with a vision, dream or goal who has yet to take the first steps toward making them a reality, as well as to the person who has launched and stalled, “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin…” (Zech. 4:10)

If I can step into many realms of the unknown on wobbly legs, so can you.

Thankfully, I’ve seen a dream come to fruition. I’m selling books and getting rave reviews from my readers who are thanking me for entertainment that is refreshing and unexpected. Through the bumps, bruises, and sidebars along the way toward making it happen, I’ve grown, and the best part of my journey is the relationships I’ve developed all over the world that have blessed my heart tremendously.

So I ask again, have you begun your 2016?

Gotta run. I have a date with CreateSpace.

It’s Done!

The first chapter of Imbroglio’s audio book teaser is finished! Finally.

After thirteen straight hours of editing what I thought would only take me two or three to do, I confess that I stopped being able to count the time or see the monitor anymore. By the end of the following day, I gave up trying to keep track altogether and simply prayed for my eyes to hold on while my creativity flowed a little bit longer. Then I needed a little bit longer than that.

In other words, I had no idea when I would complete the project, but I’m so thankful for everyone who helped make it happen. Here’s a shout out to Reggie Gaskins for stepping in at the spur of the moment and pulling together the recording session when I didn’t have time. To the talent––Shauntay Tabb, Crystal Coney, Calvin Winbush, and Mr. Robinson––who brought their voices and equipment to essentially a cold reading and laid out the audio within an hour window, I throw roses at your feet.

Happy, happy, happy! One step in the process is done and in place to be gifted to everyone who signs up for my free monthly newsletter, so sign up today to hear a special treat. Now, on to the next phase of “will achieve” goals on my list that is scrolling across the floor. Won’t you pray my strength, please?

Stay tuned for the next chronicle of my journey. On this Christmas eve, may the blessings of a Merry Christmas be yours!

Behind the Scenes- The Writer's Imbroglio

An intricate and perplexing state of affairs. That is the definition of the title of my book, but the irony with its regard is that it is exactly what I went through while writing the story.

Imbroglio weaves the beginning tale of a woman traveling along an emotional, moral, spiritual, and political journey among a crowd of others in need of deliverance. I wrote as I was lead, not eschewing sinful aspects of the characters in the story, but taking the reader through their human choices and the consequences of those choices as it relates to God's design and moral standards. However, as I was trying to write the story the Lord was unfolding before me, the reality is I grappled with doing so.

I was conflicted about the concerns that certain Christians might have about the content. You know, the ones who may not see the vision God had given me or understand the book's purpose. I was concerned about inciting the reader to sin. I kept questioning, should I include the sinful elements of the world? What about showing the struggles with such? Should I tell this romantic suspense? Now, don't get me wrong. Imbroglio is not erotica, nor is it a gory war chronicle, but it does contain real life experiences, and even with the knowledge that no novel—regardless of the premise—will ever please everyone, I still shied away from wanting to tell the story.

It was truly an interpersonal battle, until the day the Lord reminded me that in His Word, inside the greatest love story ever created where the beauty of romance and sensuality is nestled within, are all sorts of sinful conditions––violence, immorality, and immense wickedness. So, I revisited such passages, paying close attention to the seemingly unnecessary mentions in scripture that for me incited the question of why God saw fit to include them, like Onan spilling his seed on the ground (Gen. 38:9), Rahab's mere mention as a prostitute (Josh 2:1), the story of the two prostitute sisters in Ezekiel 23, the Song of Solomon, and numerous accounts of rape and depravity. Admittedly, I'd reread those passages countless times, but the question remained until finally, I got it––the "why" of why He included it. I understood that the lucid descriptions of people's sin the Bible are there to show us, the readers, ourselves—what we look, behave, and desire to be like. I saw they were never to glorify the acts, but rather to show how far we are from righteousness and in need of his mercy.

God turned my focus back to intention. I then asked myself, "Is my intention to glorify those elements or to send a message?" In resounding fashion, my answer was the latter. It was then God confirmed for me what I had known all along: I cannot tell a complete story without the good and the bad, and the only way we as people change is if we can see ourselves. If I was going to stay true to who my target audience is—those who need or desire something different, meaningful and thought–provoking—then I would have to stay the course.

How good it felt to gain peace! I could finally move forward through the labor pains. The result is this book, with thoughtfully selected content and carefully chosen words.

Through my own imbroglio, Imbroglio was born. So, when you open the book and turn the pages, get ready.

Is It Possible?

Can your longing for tastefully written romance that has a greater purpose be satisfied?

Can you believe a story about love and war in an environment created by law makers and lawbreakers that doesn't drop f-bombs or other such typical language?

Could there be more to storytelling than plot regurgitation?

Is it possible to find all of this in one book?

Dare I say, it is?

Try Imbroglio and get involved. Visit http://www.heatherdawnmedia.com for a teaser.

I'm looking forward to your feedback!

An Unnecessary Expense

Here’s a true, short story that I’ve entitled, “An Unnecessary Expense,” but you may prefer “Take the Advice” or even “Inflation.” Any will work.

This morning, I stood over the kitchen sink pondering what to do about my newly discovered frozen garbage disposal.

This afternoon, I phoned my dad who told me to push a crowbar or something sturdy inside it to dislodge the blades. I replied, “No. I’ll just buy a new one.”

This evening, I went online to price the model I presently have. And now?

That crowbar has my disposal working just fine.

Dedicated to my frugally-minded brethren.