Caroline A. Shearer's Blog, page 11
October 26, 2017
Coming Soon! A Joyful Approach To Weight Loss By Author Michelle Hastie
Just in time of the holidays! A new deliciously covered and joy inspired weight loss book by mindful weight loss coach and author Michelle Hastie.
In “Have Your Cake and Be Happy, Too: A Joyful Approach to Weight Loss,” author 
Michelle Hastie uses her own research into nutrition and the psychology of weight loss to help you uncover the mindset you need to transition from fat storing to fat burning, without overly fancy or external tactics. No more strict regimens or unfulfilling meals. Just strong body awareness, deep mind-body connection, and positive results.
Don’t change your diet or your exercise routine. Instead, pick up this book, and change your life.
The post Coming Soon! A Joyful Approach To Weight Loss By Author Michelle Hastie appeared first on Absolute Love Publishing.
October 18, 2017
WHY I USE MY CRAFT TO CREATE GOODNESS … BY CARA BARTEK
At Absolute Love Publishing, we believe in creating goodness in the world. This post is one of a series in which we’ve asked our authors to explain why they choose to align themselves with our publishing house and why they use their craft to create goodness …
Absolute Love Publishing Author Cara Bartek: My Life in Superposition
I am fascinated with the idea of quantum superposition. I know this sounds strange, especially for a children’s author, but it is an idea that always has held a little magic for me. And yes, an idea like this does seem more suited for someone the likes of Stephen Hawking or Neil Degrasse Tyson or possibly even my very serious accountant rather than for an ordinary person like me—what with all the Greek letters, hieroglyphic-looking scribbles, and logs that don’t grow on trees. Because, you know, theoretical physics can be intense. But theoretical physics can also be, well, theoretical. And those little theories can shed some philosophical light on issues for ordinary people just like me.
Quantum superposition states that subatomic particles exist in two different states until the particle in question is observed. In other words, the most basic building blocks of our universe, the subatomic particles, exist as both waves and particles until seen. These two different states are actually superimposed upon one another until a scientist or an ordinary person like me takes a look.
This tells us some astonishingly fundamental things about life. First, that the universe is much stranger, much more extraordinary, and much more incredible than we could ever imagine. Second, that we human beings hold within us awesome power – we can change the fundamental building blocks of our world simply by looking.
Quantum superposition also tells me something fundamental about my life. It tells me that my life is, in fact, in superposition. My circumstances are both good and bad, done and undone, happy and sad, successful and unsuccessful. It’s all about my choices.
I didn’t come to writing via a normal path. For me, writing always was something I imagined I would do after I did normal, responsible things like work a normal, responsible job. As luck would have it, in the commission of normal, responsible things, my life changed. I gave birth to my first little girl, Caroline.
Caroline was like most babies, squiggly and pink and full of poop. However, she did something to me that was most uncommon. She made me consider my life, and the decisions I made that shaped that life, from her perspective. And that perspective changed my writing.
Serafina Loves Science! is a series about an eleven-year old girl who uses her love for all things science to figure out friends, school, parents, and life. I write these books to introduce complicated scientific principles to children in a way that is fun and simple and to foster a love of learning and curiosity about the natural world. More importantly, however, I write to encourage the millions of girls out there who are existing in superposition, both loving and hating science—feeling frustrated and fulfilled, scared and confident.
These books are for them. I want to move their beautiful little minds into a position of self-assurance, where they can feel free to explore and learn and to become the women they were meant to be.
George Jones, wearing a rhinestone polyester suit and sporting the latest haircut from the 1960s, once said, “I’ve had choices, since the day that I was born.” While he may have chosen clothes that are most certainly a fire hazard and often forgotten where he was, his song perfectly sums up the way I think about my life, a life that is in superposition.
I believe that I determine my own fate. I believe that I have choices every day. I can wake up or hit snooze. I can write or not write. I can do bad or I can do good. Today, as I write silly stories about a sweet little girl who loves science, I choose good. I choose to do something to bring goodness and a love for science to all the little Carolines in the world who might also be superposition. And I am so thankful to have the opportunity to do that through my partnership with Absolute Love Publishing.
Additional posts in the “Creating Goodness” series:
Why I Use My Craft To Create Goodness … Jean Brannon
Why I Use My Craft To Create Goodness … Meredith Ethington
Why I Use My Craft To Create Goodness … Steve Schatz
Why I Use My Craft To Crate Goodness … Janet McLaughlin
Why I Use My Craft To Create Goodness … Jennifer Farnham
Why I Use My Craft To Create Goodness … Sarah Hackley
Why I Use My Craft To Create Goodness … Michelle Hastie
The post WHY I USE MY CRAFT TO CREATE GOODNESS … BY CARA BARTEK appeared first on Absolute Love Publishing.
October 16, 2017
NEW RELEASE “ADIMA RETURNING” BY YA AUTHOR STEVE SCHATZ
Absolute Love Publishing is excited to announce the exhilarating release of “Adima Returning,” the second book in The Adima Chronicles, by YA fantasy author Steve Schatz. As the adventure continues, the faithful friends find themselves, once again, at the center of a conflict between light and dark.
The Sacred Cliff is crumbling and with it the Adima way of life! Weakened by the absence of their beloved friend James, Rory, Tima, and Billy must battle time and unseen forces to unite the greatest powers of all dimensions in one goal. They must move the Sacred Cliff before it traps all Adima on Earth–and apart from their primal energy source–forever!
Aided by a surprising and timeless maiden, the three light-weaving teens travel across the planes of existence to gain help from the magical creatures who guard the Adima’s most powerful objects, the Olohos. There is only one path to success: convince the guardians to help. Fail and the Cliff dissolves, destroying the once-eternal Spheres and the interdimensional light weavers known as Adima.
Jonathan Maberry, NY Times bestselling author of “Vault of Shadows” and “Rot & Ruin,” says, “‘Adima Returning’ uplifts and delights while offering thrills and action. Readers of all ages will love it!”
Like the exciting adventures of “Adima Rising,” the second spellbinding book of The Adima Chronicles, “Adima Returning,” will have your senses reeling right up until its across-worlds climax. Will conscious creation and the bonds of friendship be enough to fight off destructive forces and save the world once again?
“Adima Returning” is now available in digital and paperback formats from Amazon, B&N.com, Kobo, and the Absolute Love Publishing Store. Pick up this must-read YA fantasy adventure today!
Steve Schatz’s writing spans television, magazines, plays, and several books. He has traveled the world speaking on more effective methods of learning and doing. Through it all, he has been guided by spirit guides. A life-changing experience with a dreaming woman brought him to the vision that laid the foundation for The Adima Chronicles. He is at work on the next book in the series. Contact him at his website: www.SteveWrites.com.
The post NEW RELEASE “ADIMA RETURNING” BY YA AUTHOR STEVE SCHATZ appeared first on Absolute Love Publishing.
October 12, 2017
Hometown Author Janet McLaughlin Returns to Celebrate Book Launch with Local Students
Absolute Love Publishing young-adult author and former Holy Saviour School alumna Janet McLaughlin returns home to Norristown, Pennsylvania, to celebrate her latest book release with the students of two local schools: St. Francis of Assisi School and Holy Rosary Regional Catholic School.
“What a treat it will be to be back in my hometown,” said McLaughlin. “I may have been away for a long time, but I have never forgotten my roots. And to make this homecoming even more special, I’ll be going to a Bishop Kenrick High School reunion and spending time with friends I haven’t seen for years. Many of them probably won’t know that I’m an author of books for teens. But, ironically, their grandchildren might.”
McLaughlin is the author of the Soul Sight Mysteries, including “Haunted Echo” and a new release, “Fireworks.” She spoke with students and sold and signed books at the two school events.
“I love visiting schools and talking to young teens about my writing process and my books,” she said. “Students never cease to amaze me with their insights and their questions. I am honored to be a part of their lives, even for a short time.”
The Soul Sight Mysteries are about a psychic teen named Zoey Christopher who uses her natural gift of visions to solve mysteries. Each book involves a Nancy Drew-style mystery, age-appropriate romance, and rite-of-passage teen drama. These books are the quintessential young-adult reads as they are parent and teacher friendly, yet still have appeal, intrigue, and romantic tension.
About Janet McLaughlin
Janet McLaughlin has been involved in the communication field most of her adult life as a writer, editor, and teacher. Her love of mysteries and the mystical are evident in her novels. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and the Florida Writers Association. She grew up in Norristown, Pennsylvania, and lives in Florida with her husband, Tom. Along with her writing, she enjoys playing tennis, walking, traveling, and meeting people. Janet loves to hear from her readers and can be reached directly on Facebook and Twitter.
The post Hometown Author Janet McLaughlin Returns to Celebrate Book Launch with Local Students appeared first on Absolute Love Publishing.
Unique Characters Create Readable, Relatable Books
I have a special spot in my heart for books that address identity problems that so many of us—or a select few of us—share. Books that focus on unique subsets of people—powerful, courageous teens; psychics; lightworkers; girl scientists; celestial beings coming to terms with and reveling in their physical humanity; funny, sarcastic mothers who feel they don’t quite “fit in;” the heroic chronically ill; women looking to get more from life than a lower number on a scale. These books speak to me because these people are, in one way or another, my people. I want to hear their stories. I want to help amplify their vision for those stories and then help share those messages with the world.
Through stories like these, we learn to empathize with one another. We spread love, even in darkness, for stories teach us that we are more alike than we are unalike. So if you have a story about a unique person—an empath; a healer; a genius; an artist; a person with a disability, or a tic, or a mental health issue—strive to write that story to spread hope, to show joy. Let us see what your characters are capable of accomplishing. Let us into the troubles they face, the uniqueness of their minds, and their resoluteness. Use your words to weave a close knit around us. Bring us together. That is the purpose of a book, and those are the books I want to read and publish.
So get started. Who knows? Your character may speak to us all, and you might see yourself in one of our new author spotlights soon! Happy writing.
Until next time, with much love,
Sarah
Sarah Hackley is an author and the editor for Absolute Love Publishing. Sarah loves to hear from readers and can be reached via Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
To learn more about submitting your writing sample to Absolute Love Publishing, please visit us here.
The post Unique Characters Create Readable, Relatable Books appeared first on Absolute Love Publishing.
October 5, 2017
Why I Use My Craft To Create Goodness … By Jean Brannon
At Absolute Love Publishing, we believe in creating goodness in the world. This post is one of a series in which we’ve asked our authors to explain why they choose to align themselves with our publishing house and why they use their craft to create goodness …
Absolute Love Publishing Author Jean Brannon
Some of my life’s simplest and most cherished moments have unfolded on a front porch. Hugs hello and goodbye kisses. Summer-evening chats and lazy-morning java. Watching traffic and passersby and squirrel shenanigans with equal curiosity. Hearing the ever-soothing Tom Bodett for Motel 6 in my head while coming home after dark (because surely the light’s still on).
Little joys like these happen on front porches all the time. And sometimes it’s the little joys we forget first, as work and bills and traffic and commitments and distractions of all kinds consume us. Once we forget the little joys, though, we often don’t remember all the goodness life has to offer, either.
That’s why I align myself with Absolute Love Publishing – because its sole mission is to promote goodness. I want more than anything to use my words to remind people of the little joys, as well as all the great big goodness in this world.
There’s enough of a focus on what’s wrong every day. The collective consciousness now is metaphorically like Mordor, and at any given time we all can feel like Frodo, bearing the burden of carrying that ring, against enormously impossible odds.
And just like Frodo, when we have reached the point where we say, “I can’t do this … What are we holding onto?” What we all need is a Samwise Gamgee. Someone who will steadfastly answer, “That there’s some good in this world … and it’s worth fighting for.”
I wish to be that voice. That reminder of all the goodness, in spite of how things may look at the moment. In my Highest Light trilogy, I weave Eastern mysticism and New Thought teachings into the story so the fantasy series may be read as more than entertainment; it’s actually a guide for how to keep focusing on the good in life. It’s my hope that these writings will be my readers’ Sam, whenever a helping hand or comforting word is needed.
Additional posts in the “Creating Goodness” series:
Why I Use My Craft To Create Goodness … Steve Schatz
Why I Use My Craft To Crate Goodness … Janet McLaughlin
Why I Use My Craft To Create Goodness … Jennifer Farnham
Why I Use My Craft To Create Goodness … Sarah Hackley
Why I Use My Craft To Create Goodness … Michelle Hastie
The post Why I Use My Craft To Create Goodness … By Jean Brannon appeared first on Absolute Love Publishing.
September 18, 2017
New Release! “Fireworks” by Janet McLaughlin
Absolute Love Publishing is thrilled to announce the exciting release of “Fireworks,” the second book in the Soul Sight Mysteries series by middle-grade author Janet McLaughlin.
Dreams aren’t real. Psychic teen Zoey Christopher knows the difference between dreams and visions better than anyone, but ever since she and her best friend returned from spring vacation, Zoey’s dreams have been warning her that Becca is in danger. But a dream isn’t a vision—right?
Besides, Zoey has other things to worry about, like the new, cute boy in school. Dan obviously has something to hide, and he won’t leave Zoey alone—even when it causes major problems with Josh, Zoey’s boyfriend. Is it possible he knows her secret?
Then, one night, Becca doesn’t answer any of Zoey’s texts or calls. She doesn’t answer the next morning either. When Zoey’s worst fears come true, her only choice is to turn to Dan, whom she discovers has a gift different from her own but just as powerful. Is it fate? Will using their gifts together help them save Becca, or will the darkness win?
Discover what’s real and what’s just a dream in “ Fireworks ,” book two of the Soul Sight Mysteries!
What people are saying …
“This book is truly amazing – a bit of mystery, a bit of drama, and romance – it has it all! I really like the characters and the chemistry between them. I didn’t want to put it down. It was a page turner! I was positively impressed at the ending, and I really can’t wait for another book! This book was the best book I’ve ever read.”
Emily DiNenna
Middle School Book Reviewer
“Calling all young people with psychic gifts – and everyone who’s ever felt terribly ‘different’ from peers! Janet McLaughlin’s ‘Fireworks’ is a refreshing, relatable page-turner that artfully weaves the intrigue of mystery, the wonder of the paranormal, and the drama of tender friendships.
“I am a professional psychic medium who mentors psychic young adults. I will absolutely have them read this book so they can finally see themselves represented as regular people in regular life, using their unique gifts to navigate challenging situations. The book is engaging and fun, parent-friendly, and quite accurate in its representation of paranormal gifts. ‘Fireworks’ is a very welcome addition to my professional library. I wholeheartedly recommend this book!”
Amy Utsman
Psychic Medium
“Janet McLaughlin’s well-written ‘Fireworks’ has given me a new genre to explore! Zoey, with very believable psychic powers, bestie Becca, their boyfriends and families all seamlessly mesh into a truly exciting mystery. Throw in ‘the new guy’ Dan, who sees auras, and you have one great page-turner. What makes it work is a well-constructed plot, terrific characters, and that special sauce of, ‘Yeah, that was a really good book!’”
Gail Hedrick
Author of “Something Stinks!” and “The Scent of Something Sneaky”
“‘Fireworks’ is a gripping, young adult mystery by Janet McLaughlin. The author uses vivid details to create suspense. Once I started reading, I couldn’t put the book down! … One important message that recurs multiple times in this book is don’t worry about what others 
think of you. ‘Fireworks’ also stresses the value of friendship and not giving up. I also like how the book deals with the romantic tension between Zoey, Josh, and Dan. I highly recommend this book for mystery lovers in grades 7-10.”
LitPick Student Book Reviews
“McLaughlin’s riveting read, ‘Fireworks,’ not only captures the drama-filled life of a quirky teenager but has also incorporated the well-thought-out plot of a mystery. With the everyday motions of high school, romance, and a passion to dig a little bit deeper, it’s no wonder this book is fantastic! I can’t wait to get my hands on another one!”
Sarah Riley
High School Book Reviewer
Thrilling and age-appropriate, “Fireworks” is the quintessential mystery read that appeals to schools, libraries, parents, and middle-grade readers alike! Excited to read it for yourself? “Fireworks” is now available in digital and paperback formats from Amazon, B&N.com, Kobo, and the Absolute Love Publishing Store.
The post New Release! “Fireworks” by Janet McLaughlin appeared first on Absolute Love Publishing.
August 15, 2017
Getting To Know Psychic Teen Zoey Christopher
Absolute Love Publishing YA author Janet McLaughlin dishes on talented teen character Zoey Christopher, psychic abilities, and “Fireworks,” the upcoming second novel in the Soul Sight Mysteries series.
Q: What inspired your Soul Sight Mysteries series? How did the story come to be?
A: I love telling this story. My husband and I published several local magazines. As publisher/editor, I was in the position to do any type of interview I wanted. We had a Body/Mind/Spirit section so I sought out several intuitives that lived in the area. (Sarasota, Florida, has a very active spiritual community.) All of the intuitives I interviewed had issues as teens with their gift. Even their families didn’t believe in them. So they would hide it, or fight it, or even “forget” about their gift, only to embrace it later in life. Their stories were the inspiration for my character, Zoey.
Q: Can you tell us a bit about your heroine, Zoey? What makes her special, and what do you love about her?
A: Zoey Christopher is the girl I always wanted to be. Imagine having the ability to help people by “seeing” the potential future and doing all you can to stave off danger and save the day. (I say “potential” because our free will means everything on earth is subject to change.) I admire her innate honesty with herself and others, her kindness, and her humility—all things I strive for and so often fall short of accomplishing. But I can do all things through Zoey!
Read the full interview to learn more about Janet and what’s inside her “character cupcake.” Want to know more about Zoey’s latest adventure? Click here for the “Fireworks” book page.
Thank you, Aeicha at Word Spelunking, for hosting such a sweet interview! Who doesn’t love books and cupcakes?
The post Getting To Know Psychic Teen Zoey Christopher appeared first on Absolute Love Publishing.
August 14, 2017
Why I Use My Craft To Create Goodness … By Meredith Ethington
At Absolute Love Publishing, we believe in creating goodness in the world. This post is one of a series in which we’ve asked our authors to explain why they choose to align themselves with our publishing house and why they use their craft to create goodness…
Absolute Love Publishing Author Meredith Ethington: My Journey to Real
When I became a mother, I stepped into a vast world of unknowns. Millions of women before me had done it and lived to tell the tale, yet it was something so completely foreign to me that I wanted to devour everything I could on the subject. So I did what I do, and I read. I read parenting books and blogs, and I tried to catch a glimpse of what really being a mother was all about.
I also started sharing photos and little stories about my girl online. I realized then, that though I had a lot to share about my daughter, I had a whole lot more to share about how becoming a mother was affecting me. My emotions around being in the unfamiliar territory of motherhood poured out online. And while I enjoyed the process of putting my feelings out there, I didn’t expect anyone to actually want to read what I wrote.
I was wrong. Instead of feeling alone three weeks postpartum and dealing with an array of wild emotions, I suddenly felt like I could hop online and connect. I felt like I could write about my frustrations with motherhood and my joys, and that women were connecting with my story. The good, the bad, and the ugly included because that’s what real mothering is about.
Writing helped me feel less alone. It helped me feel like I wasn’t crazy. It helped me laugh and work through hard feelings. It also, it turns out, helped others.
Over the past ten years of writing online, I have received countless emails that said, “Thank you for writing that. I didn’t know anyone else felt that way.” Or “I thought I was the only one who thought like that.” Over the years of sharing my words, I have come to realize that there is a fundamental need to connect with each other in a space where we don’t feel judged and can be completely ourselves. I think that’s true of people going through any kind of trial or heartache, but I think it’s especially true of motherhood.
Women crave a space to be honest, and they are searching for a place to be heard. Motherhood has changed me in ways that I could never have imagined, and it has brought out things in me (both good and bad) that I didn’t know existed. While I could have struggled alone, or continued to feel like I was the only one who hated parenting some days, I chose to write about it instead. And those words, my words, helped others. There is no greater gift than being able to help another person struggling in her own life journey.
Brene Brown once shared a quote from Theodore Roosevelt that she says changed her life, and it has a lot of meaning to me personally as it relates to how I live my life.
“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs … [And] if he fails, at least fails while Daring Greatly.”
Motherhood is all about daring greatly, too, isn’t it? We don’t know what the future holds. We know we aren’t perfect, and we can be scared to death of something happening to these people that we love with so much vulnerability it hurts, but we keep showing up in the arena every day to do our best. That, my friends, takes courage.
It’s not easy to show up and be seen. I’m a writer, but I am not perfect. I am not, by any means, the model of motherhood, but I open up. I share my life, as I see it. I feel that by being “out there” for the world to see, by being vulnerable, I show strength. Working on myself as a mother, I believe, shows the Most Important One that I am in the arena doing my best. It also encourages and supports other women to the same.
I continue to put my words out there because I know that, although they help me, they might help someone else, too. They might touch the mom who is also in the arena, thinking she is alone, wiping the sweat from her brow, and daring greatly to be a mother, even though she is making plenty of mistakes along the way. And that’s the most important thing to me—supporting that mom.
To me, part of crafting goodness with my words is sharing the real parts of parenting—not just the pretty ones. I’ve found that in doing that I’ve been able to help change the conversation, to lift a mother who is struggling. In the process, I’ve also transformed myself into a mother who is not afraid to let go of the idealistic mother I dreamed I would be, and instead, be a real one who isn’t afraid to share her story. I welcome the opportunity to continue sharing that story and supporting others through my partnership with Absolute Love Publishing.
Additional posts in the Creating Goodness Series:
Why I Use My Craft To Create Goodness … Steve Schatz
Why I Use My Craft To Crate Goodness … Janet McLaughlin
Why I Use My Craft To Create Goodness … Jennifer Farnham
Why I Use My Craft To Create Goodness … Sarah Hackley
Why I Use My Craft To Create Goodness … Michelle Hastie
The post Why I Use My Craft To Create Goodness … By Meredith Ethington appeared first on Absolute Love Publishing.
August 7, 2017
Getting To Know The Adima Chronicles Characters
What’s better than books and cupcakes? Books, cupcakes, and more info on the fantastic four from The Adima Chronicles! In his latest interview, YA author Steve Schatz dishes on the teens and gives a sneak peek into the exciting adventures found in his new book, “Adima Returning.”
Q: Can you tell us a bit about your four main characters, Rory, Tima, Billy, and James? What makes them special?
A: Rory Hurtado is the son of an archeologist. He’s stocky, strong, and independent, with a quiet wit. He’s used to hanging out with grad students and has met tribal elders all over the world so he knows how to be respectful but hold his own.
Billy Fuller is a math whiz with a smart mouth. He comes from a bad home, but he doesn’t let it get him down. He’s short, blond, wiry, and fast, and he tends to blurt out what he’s thinking.
Tima Clark is an artist. She likes wild colors and making her own clothes. She’s used to people noticing her; she’s the only African American in school and her mother is a well-known author. Her full name is Septima after Septima Clark, an early civil rights worker and educator.
James Nomura is Tima’s closest friend. He lives and works on his family’s farm, which was started by his great grandfather. He likes farming, working on robotic and engineering projects, talking with Tima, and playing with Lilly, his sister. He is neat and tidy and likes things to be explained and understood.
Q: What’s next for Rory, his friends, and The Adima Chronicles?
A: The second book in The Adima Chronicles, “Adima Returning,” has the world of the Adima on edge. The Sacred Cliff, which is an essential part of their life, is crumbling. The four friends must travel to different planes of existence and work with the beings there to save it. They also must join with the Katsinim to return the Cliff to its original place.
(Fun Fact: Katsinim is the plural for katsina, the spirit beings in western Pueblo religious beliefs!)
Click here to read the full author interview with Steve Schatz and register to win a copy of “Adima Rising” and “Adima Returning.” Thank you, Aeicha at Word Spelunking, for hosting this interview!
The post Getting To Know The Adima Chronicles Characters appeared first on Absolute Love Publishing.
