C.A. Milson's Blog, page 204
October 19, 2015
Book Tour – 10 Bits of Wisdom from the Shoe Shine Guy
About the Book
Title: 10 Bits of Wisdom from the Shoe Shine Guy
Author: John Early
Genre: Spiritual / Inspirational
John Early worked in the corporate world for over 25 years. From the outside looking in, it seemed as though he had it all: the beautiful family, the magnificent home, the nice cars and great vacations, the fabulous income with the big 401k. He had what most would consider the American Dream. This was John’s idea of a dream, and this dream was all about him. Then suddenly, in an instant, like the Apostle Paul on the road to Damascus, John had an encounter with God that transformed his life forever. John takes the reader through that transformation and the total impact it had on not only his life, but on the lives of those around him, especially those closest to him-his wife and children. He lays out the 10 key bits of wisdom that were instrumental in reconciling and rebuilding those broken relationships. His road on this journey is paved with: Knowing your purpose, Character, Attitude, Goals, Teamwork and Trust, Respect, Courage, Regrets, Reconciliation, and Grace. This book shows all of us, no matter our circumstances or how dark our days may seem, that God is brighter still. Let God start to transform your life.
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EXCERPT
It was a cold, crisp, sunny day in January—January 12th, 2008, to be exact. I was driving down the road on one of the main highways that run east and west, a few miles north of Detroit, I-696. I had just finished playing about three hours of handball in Clinton Township with some of my handball buddies. This had been my regular Saturday ritual for years. I would get up on Saturday morning and make the 35-mile-or-so journey out to the club where all the guys met, and we would play for hours.
I loved handball. Not just for the exercise, but for the camaraderie and the competition as well. The games could be grueling and fearsome. There were no easy games where we would just lob the ball back and forth for the fun of it. Every game was a battle to the end. We tried to annihilate our opponent and take no prisoners. It was so much fun!
After playing on that particular Saturday, I was spent. I sat around and talked to the guys for a while, about what I can’t remember (usually it was about who had the greatest shots of the day, which were very seldom any of mine), then I showered up, got into my car, and started the drive back home.
Being totally exhausted and relaxed can have a cathartic effect on a person. I was just heading east on this particular highway, I had the cruise-control on, and my thoughts were wandering… How good it felt to be so relaxed after such a hard workout. What a beautiful day it was outside—cold, crisp, a little sunshine. How great it felt to be alive, and then, BAM!!! I started bawling like a little baby. I wasn’t sure what was happening at first; all this emotion was welling up inside of me, and I wasn’t a real emotional kind of guy. And then I felt it and heard it. I felt God’s presence, the Holy Spirit, fill me up, and I heard myself saying out loud, “I am ready Lord, if you will have me.”
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Author Bio
John moved to Houston, Texas in 1980 at the age of 21. He worked in sales for a manufacturers rep firm selling oil equipment. Sales territory was most of South Texas, driving 4000-5000 miles per month. John had the opportunity to call on customers that were located in remote areas of South Texas as well as the corporate offices of some of the largest oil and gas companies in the world located Houston, Texas.
In 1986 he moved back to Michigan and went to work as a mortgage consultant for a small mortgage company, Tranex Financial and worked there for 13 years. Starting out as a mortgage consultant he moved into training then became an officer of the company and eventually bought the firm. In 1998, he merged Tranex into the Hantz Financial Group.
He worked with Hantz Financial as a Vice President and financial consultant until December of 2010 focusing on marketing and client relationships. His team assisted high net worth clients with their tax planning, estate planning, investment strategies and business owner concerns. Providing advice to clients who needed sophisticated financial planning. While at Hantz Financial the company grew from 100 employees to over 500 and John was able to help build one of the largest practices within the firm.
In April of 2011 he created The Shoe Shine Guys. A mobile shoe shine service that started with an idea, one truck and a handful of clients. He now has three vehicles, a full service cobbler store and hundreds of clients. His company continues to add new clients every month and receive calls at least once a quarter about expanding to other parts of the country.
John attended Saginaw Valley State University. He has been married to his beautiful wife, Janet, for more than 32 years and they have two grown children, a son in law, and a grandson.
A sports enthusiast, John was an avid handball player for over 20 years (new titanium knee and work have sidelined him for a while) and was the Canadian national doubles champion in 1999.
Links
AMAZON:
BARNES & NOBLE:
GOOGLEPLAY:
KOBO:
https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/10-bits-of-wisdom-from-the-shoe-shine-guy
IBOOKS:
OTHER INFO:
http://waldorfpublishing.com/john-early/
@shoeshineguys
@waldorfbooks
Filed under: Guest Authors Tagged: 10 Bits of Wisdom from the Shoe Shine Guy, @shoeshineguys, @waldorfbooks, Enchanted book promotions
Book Expo Australia – Wrapup
Although we were not able to get to the Book Expo in Sydney this last weekend, we did manage to get a selection of books on the display stand.
We heard the weekend went smashing well, so here’s hoping they can do one in Melbourne next year :)
Filed under: Events Tagged: Book expo, Book Expo Australia, book fair, trade show
October 18, 2015
Fantastical Kitchen Creations :)
So.. Out comes the chef in me with these creations… Enjoy :)
First up is my Strawberry, Blueberry and Banana Smoothie.
Next is homemade raisin bread
For the smoothie recipe, leave a comment
Filed under: Life.... Tagged: home cooking, homemade bread, Smoothie, Smoothie recipe
Book Tour – Animals Have Feelings, Too!
Title: Animals Have Feelings, Too!: Exploring Emotions From A to Z
Author: Karen Lee Stevens
Publisher: All for Animals
Pages: 32
Genre: Children’s Picture Book
Filled with humor and whimsical illustrations, this enchanting and educational A to Z guide takes young readers on a journey through the alphabet with a lovable Labrador retriever named Sandy, who shows kids that animals and people share many of the same feelings. From A is for Affectionate to Z is for Zonked, Animals Have Feelings, Too! helps children to understand and express their feelings and to treat animals with kindness and respect.
For More Information
Animals Have Feelings, Too!: Exploring Emotions From A to Z is available at Amazon.
Discuss this book at PUYB Virtual Book Club at Goodreads.
Book Excerpt:
Hi Kids,
My name is Sandy and I’m a yellow Labrador retriever. Most of the time, I’m a happy-go-lucky pup, but once in awhile, I feel lonely or grumpy, too. Just like you, I experience lots of different emotions (that’s a BIG word for feelings).
When I’m happy, I wag my tail and let out a soft ruff-ruff-ruff as if to say Let’s play! When I’m annoyed or frightened, I may grumble and growl, meaning Back off, buddy! Stay away!
My feline friend, Willow, likes to remind me that I’m not perfect, but I love her anyhow. And that’s why I’ve asked her to help me introduce you to my very favorite feeling words. I hope you’ll share them with your human family and, of course, your furry and feathered friends!
Love,
Sandy
About the Author
Karen Lee Stevens is the founder and president of All for Animals, a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a compassionate world for animals and children through humane education and literacy programs that nurture the human-animal bond.
Karen is also an author and a Certified Humane Educator who, for the past 14 years, has given presentations to thousands of elementary school children and has helped them learn how to treat animals with love and respect.
In February, 2013, Karen launched ARF! (Animals + Reading = Fun!), a unique literacy program that gives children from all walks of life an opportunity to improve their reading skills and inspire them to become life-long readers by reading aloud to specially trained therapy dogs.
Her latest children’s picture book is Animals Have Feelings, Too!: Exploring Emotions From A to Z.
For More Information
Visit Karen Lee Stevens’ website.
Connect with Karen on Facebook and Twitter.
Contact Karen.
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Byline: Karen is the Founder & President of All for Animals, a nonprofit organization in Santa Barbara, California. She is also the author of two books, including Animals Have Feelings, Too!, a children’s picture book that takes young readers on a journey through the alphabet with Sandy, a lovable Labrador retriever, who shows kids that animals and people share many of the same feelings. Learn more about Karen, her books and her organization at allforanimals.org.
Tell us about you…
My resume would tell you that I’m the founder and president of All for Animals, a nonprofit organization in Santa Barbara, California. It would also tell you that I’m a Certified Humane Education Specialist and the author of two books including Animals Have Feelings, Too!, a children’s picture book.
What my resume wouldn’t tell you is that I am someone who is equally comfortable speaking to an audience of 1,000 people as not speaking for days on end at a silent retreat. I’m energized by the music of Pit Bull and soothed by the sounds of Enigma. I’m someone who will usually remember your dog’s name before I remember your name and I have a long-standing tradition of watching the same five romcoms during the holidays (Sleepless in Seattle, You’ve Got Mail, Serendipity, The Holiday, and Return to Me).
What inspires you to get out of bed each day?
Well, my cat, Miss Bella, makes it easy to wake up each morning as she uses one of her paws to pull the covers off my head and then proceeds to kiss my ear until I start giggling… better than any alarm clock! As far as inspiration… the knowledge that I get to run own nonprofit organization and make a difference in the lives of animals and children… that’s what inspires me every single day.
If you could hang out with one famous person for one day, who would it be and why?
And the winner is… Oprah! I actually had the pleasure of meeting Oprah at her 60th birthday party in Santa Barbara and she was the most gracious (and, might I say, well-dressed) hostess! She came from such humble beginnings and she has made such a beautiful life for herself and for others, especially children. Plus, she has several dogs and any day spent in the company of a canine companion (or three) is a good day!
What’s the story behind your latest book?
How much time do you have?! I’ll attempt to give you the Cliff Notes version: The idea for a children’s book came from my desire to come up with something fun to do for my 50th birthday. I mulled over several ideas including throwing a party, taking a cruise and indulging in spa day (in that order).
While all these ideas sounded enticing, what actually happened was that I was struck by one of those AHA! moments, where a voice in my head said, “You need to write a children’s book. And, by the way, it should be called Animals Have Feelings, Too!” (Seriously, this really happened!) I’d never had such a surreal experience and, thankfully, I listened to my inner voice, because seven months later, my children’s book was “born.”
(Speaking of giving birth… I have a fun video I shot the day I received the proofs to my book… Check out the attached link.)
When did you realize you wanted to be a writer?
Since I was a youngster hanging out in a tree house my dad built in our avocado tree, I’ve enjoyed writing short stories. It wasn’t until my fifth grade teacher, Mr. Frye, read one of my stories aloud in class and told all the kids that I would grow up to be a writer, that I began thinking of myself as a writer.
Tell us about your main character:
Sandy is a “real” 10-year-old Labrador retriever, who belongs to my next door neighbors. Most people are more than a little surprised to learn that Sandy isn’t my own dog because they see us together so often. I always joke that Sandy is my “timeshare doggie,” which always elicits a lot of smiles. We have visited every elementary school and children’s organization in our community at least once and Sandy is always a HUGE hit with the children!
What are you working on next?
I’m working on expanding All for Animals, the nonprofit organization I founded 14 years ago. We have an extraordinary read-to-a-dog program called ARF! (Animals + Reading = Fun!), which inspires children to become better readers.
Do you have any special/extraordinary talents?
Hmmm… Does lifting my left arm over my head count as a special talent? I mention this because I spent the last 18 months suffering from a condition called Adhesive Capsulitis, which is a fancy name for “frozen shoulder.” With the help of a brilliant physical therapist and a newfound mindful meditation practice, I have been able to eliminate about 95% of the pain and regain my strength and range of motion.
Who are your favorite authors?
I’ve always been a fan of popular authors like John Grisham and Elizabeth Gilbert. Most recently, I’ve been reading several “channeled” metaphysical books such as the Seth Material by Jane Roberts and the Abraham books by Jerry and Esther Hicks.
What do you like to do with your free time?
Lucky for me that my work feels like play so you can most often find me writing, giving presentations at schools and libraries and getting together with my volunteers (both two- and four-legged!) for tea or lunch dates. In my truly “free time,” I enjoy reading (no surprise there!), catching up on reruns of Sex and the City (the main character is a writer, after all!), puttering in my garden or just chilling with my cat.
Tell us about your plans for upcoming books.
I’m in the research phase on a book about mindful meditation for children.
Where can people find you on the web?
Thank you for asking! You can find me on the web at allforanimals.org.
Any final thoughts?
Yes, it’s a phrase by that wise children’s book character, Dr. Seuss, and one I always use to end my presentations. It goes like this: “The more that you read, the more things you’ll know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”
Filed under: Guest Authors Tagged: @allforanimalsSB, allforanimals.org, Animals Have Feelings Too!: Exploring Emotions From A to Z, Book Excerpt, interview, Pump Up Your Book, PUYB, PUYB Virtual Book Club 
October 17, 2015
Author Signing – Post Results
Today I was so stoked to be doing a book signing. After all, it has been 5 years now since I did an event, so you can imagine how nervous and excited I was…
Brimbank Shopping Centre. The Shopping Centre that obviously had great foot traffic and a lot to offer.
Filed under: Events Tagged: author appearance, author signing, Book Signing
October 15, 2015
Book Tour – Not A Real War
Title: Not A Real War
Author: Paul Longley
Genre: Military / Historical / Biography
This book describes the experiences of the author whilst serving with the Australian Defence Force with the United Nations Mission to Somalia in 1993.
Author Bio
The author is a former Royal Australian Navy officer
Links
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Not-Real-War-Experiences-Soldiers-ebook/dp/B00UJEOTTA
Bookpal: http://bookpal.com.au/portfolio-items/not-a-real-war/
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/526320
Author Website: http://notarealwar.com/
EXCERPT
Rockets and Red Flares
Every day, from about 8am to about 4-5pm, most of the Somali population went about their business, going to markets and many hundreds of locals working for the UN in capacities such as drivers, cleaners and in various other jobs going about their business. At the port we employed hundreds more labourers loading and unloading the ships.
Due to the lack of mechanised container handling equipment, it was like watching a harbour scene from the days of sail. But as long as we had a crane and about twenty people per container, we could unload, if sometimes quite hazardously, in regards to workplace safety.
The Australians worked well in amongst the local people due to our open and positive approach. Sometimes I would see a fully armed US Army person trying to communicate with the locals or the ‘boys’. The problem was, when you were carrying an M16 assault rifle, you weren’t looking too friendly and communicative.
We on the other hand often carried nothing more dangerous, than a Swiss Army knife in my pocket, in my case anyway, so on most days that meant that we all got on pretty well.
I remember one incident however, on a ship we were working on, when I couldn’t find my US Army colleague, a young female Army captain, I’ll call her Flower. I feared for her safety and ultimately went and got my team and we armed ourselves. We returned to the ship in question to do a search, suspecting foul play by the Somalis.
Erroneously as it was, because the ship’s captain, who could be described as a big fat greasy pig of a man, had apparently tried to detain her in his cabin while she fended off his approaches. So in I come to save the day, I actually levelled my weapon in his general vicinity, ironic as it was the first time I’d ever got the weapon up on aim. The captain learned a lesson in manners and Flower was rescued unharmed.
Filed under: Guest Authors Tagged: Enchanted book promotions, Not A Real War, Paul Longley
Book Signing – Max Davine
Max Davine, author of the new novel, Dino Hunt, will be signing copies of his novel this coming Saturday, October 17th.
Where: OzAuthors Stand at Brimbank Shopping Center, Deer Park (Right near Target)
When: 1PM til 3PM
Filed under: Events Tagged: author book signing, Brimbank Shopping Center, Dino Hunt, Max Davine, OzAuthors
Book Signing – C.A.Milson – Horror Author
C.A.Milson. Author of the horror series, The Chosen, will be signing copies of his novel, Rise Of The Darkness this coming Saturday, October 17th.
Where: OzAuthors Stand at Brimbank Shopping Center, Deer Park (Right near Target)
When: 11AM til 1PM
Filed under: Events Tagged: #C.A.Milson, book event, Book Signing, horror author, OzAuthors
October 14, 2015
Book Tour – Little Boy Gan From Passion-Filled Everland
Title: Little Boy Gan From Passion-Filled Everland
Author: Lisa McDonald
Publisher: Lisa McDonald
Pages: 36
Genre: Children’s Picture Book
McDonald’s first book, LITTLE BOY GAN FROM PASSION-FILLED EVERLAND, tells the story of ten-year-old Gan. Gan is humble and wise with a loving spirit that he shares with the animals he meets in the magical forest where the story takes place. The curious animals watch Gan and observe his kindness and humility. Soon they seek the boy out to learn the secret of his happiness. The old soul gives his new friends advice on humility, passion, compassion, and paying it forward. The impact Gan has on the animals is life changing. The lessons they learn lead to expressions of gratitude for their individual gifts and embolden them to share their passions with the world.
For More Information
• Little Boy Gan From Passion-Filled Everland is available at Amazon.
Title: Reimburse the Universe
Author: Lisa McDonald
Publisher: Lisa McDonald
Pages: 36
Genre: Children’s Picture Book
In REIMBURSE THE UNIVERSE, a diverse cast of characters continue the theme of people sharing their best selves with the world. The message of this book focuses on giving back to the universe by honoring and respecting ourselves and others and understanding that all human beings are part of a collective whole. Each page in the book offers examples of how individuals can give back to the collective out of appreciation for the many gifts that the universe has provided all of us.
For More Information
• Reimburse the Universe is available at Amazon.
About the Author
Lisa McDonald is an author and radio host. Her children’s books, LITTLE BOY GAN FROM PASSION-FILLED EVERLAND and REIMBURSE THE UNIVERSE, take readers, young and old, on journeys with diverse characters that teach lessons of acceptance, understanding, and sharing. Lisa’s radio program, Carpe Diem, promotes personal empowerment and showcases world-renowned authors, speakers, and musicians.
Writing has been a long-time passion for Lisa. “I have been writing since the age of five. I always wrote poetry, short stories, anthologies, essays. My maternal grandmother foresaw me being a writer/author from a very young age and encouraged me to pursue it. As a result of reinventing myself due to a change in personal/familial circumstances, it became clear to me that writing was not meant to be a hobby but rather my vocation.”
Lisa’s third and fourth books, PLANET POME-GRANITE and KISMET TALES FROM HAPPY TRAILS, are forthcoming in late 2015 and early 2016.
For More Information
Visit Lisa McDonald’s website.
Connect with Lisa on Facebook and Twitter.
The Inception of my Journey
Having been born into an extremely creative family – my Dad a former professional musician whom was part of the UK British Invasion; having played with the greats before the greats became known as the greats; toping the charts with his own material, as well as my Mum who sang; recording 45 records with my Dad as well as often writing her own poetry, and short stories – some of which were read aloud on local radio and published in local newspapers, in addition to being an ambidextrous painter, I was already, I believe, pre-disposed and wired to follow on a similar path.
Since the age of 5, I was always seen with a book in my lap; a pen in my hand – creating my own short stories, writing my own poems, which only continued to evolve as I matured. However, as many adults do, we shelve our true passions, and replace them with what society deems to be a more practical or viable way in which to garner an income and rise in the ranks of vocational success.
My writing was in fact placed on the backburner for many a year, while I climbed the ranks in senior management within the social services sector – crisis management, specifically. After 25 years in the field, minus a six year hiatus to assume the role and privilege as a full-on single Mum to my two children – separated by eighteen months between them, I found myself in the throes of having to undergo an entire reinvention process, as a result of changes to my marital status.
Prior to my youngest beginning full-time kindergarten, I allowed myself an eleventh month window in which to get myself extremely clear on how to proceed with the rest of my life in going forward, and in a way which would continually allow me to be accessible to them. I decided to become entrepreneurial – the creative energies kicked into high gear, and as a result, I seamlessly and effortlessly, pumped out four children’s books – two currently published; the third almost ready for print, and the fourth soon to undergo the illustrative process.
Within the span of a year, and in addition to writing four children’s books, I secured illustrators, a distribution company for shipping my books, a publishing company, my own weekly radio show, and wonderful training opportunities which have afforded me the gift of NY Times Bestselling Authors, who had asked me co-author a chapter for their upcoming, collaborative, transformational book, scheduled to come out in 2016. Their second transformational book; newly released, has already established bestseller acclaim on Amazon. Most recently, I was asked by one of my former radio guests, a three time Grammy Award Singer/Songwriter, if I would become his marketing manager, to which I eagerly agreed to.
The clearer I have become, the more yummy my journey, and the more aligned I have become with like-minded, synergistic, creative souls, which has led to phenomenal partnerships, and collaborations. Everything I endeavour to do, is truly a labour of love. I am choosing to honour myself, while most importantly, I have secured myself the right contingency plan in order to always remain present, accessible, and available to my two beautiful children – who are ‘my’ everything.
I will remain eternally grateful for every single person who has played a pivotal role in my journey. As fiercely independent and driven as I am, I have come to realize and fully embrace, the old adage which states, “It takes a Village.” I am very proud to be a part of the human connection. Thank you, Universe ~
Filed under: Guest Authors Tagged: @lisamcd_author, Lisa McDonald, Little Boy Gan From Passion-Filled Everland, Pump Up Your Book, PUYB, Reimburse the Universe
October 13, 2015
Cover Reveal – The Phoenix Project
It’s here! Dark, gritty psychological thriller The Phoenix Project undergoes a makeover in the brand new Booktrope edition. Completely re-edited and re-designed, don’t miss this stunning cover by the talented Amalia Chitulescu.
The book will be available to buy soon from a wide range of digital and paperback distributors.
Author: D.M. Cain
Title: The Phoenix Project
Genre: Psychological thriller/Dark thriller/Dystopian
Book Content: Occasional adult language, graphic violence, and mild sexual content.
Original Cover Design from the first edition:
Synopsis:
How can you fight to the death, when you’ve given up on life?
A thought provoking and compelling dystopian world that will change the way you view justice…
A man fights for life—and redemption—in D. M. Cain’s riveting re-released novel, The Phoenix Project.
Britain has descended into chaos as violence and terrorist attacks seethe across this once-peaceful country. Outraged by the steady stream of lawlessness, citizens demand a harsher penal system, and the Phoenix Project is born.
In prisons across the country, inmates fight to the death in a weekly bloodbath while the nation cheers them on.
Raven Kennedy, a prisoner who has never forgiven himself for his unspeakable crime, struggles against his own guilt and self-loathing. But even as the real war wages on within himself, Raven is forced to battle some of the prison’s most ruthless killing machines. Can he survive long enough to unravel the anger and regret that shackle him—and one day find the forgiveness he seeks?
‘The Phoenix Project by D.M. Cain is a superbly written debut, soaked in tension and intrigue,’ Jack Croxall, author of the ‘Tethers’ trilogy.
D.M. Cain Biography
D.M. Cain is a dystopian and fantasy author working for US publisher Booktrope. She has released two full length novels: The Phoenix Project – a psychological thriller set in a dystopian future, and A Chronicle of Chaos – the first in a dark fantasy series. She is currently working on the next novel in the series – ‘The Shield of Soren’ and a novella to accompany it.
D.M. Cain is also a member of the International Thriller Writers and is one of the creators and administrators of the online author group #Awethors.
Cain lives in Leicestershire, UK with her husband and young son, and spends her time reading, writing and reviewing books, playing RPGs and listening to symphonic metal.
Links
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DMCainauthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DMCain84
Mailing List: http://eepurl.com/XevZH
Website: www.dmcain84.com
Google+: https://plus.google.com/+DMCain/posts
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7888430.D_M_Cain
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/chan
Filed under: Guest Authors Tagged: @DMCain84, D. M. Cain, dystopian, Enchanted book promotions, Psychological thriller, The Phoenix Project
