Toni Nelson's Blog: Press On..., page 3

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Our vocation is an asset to prayer because our work becomes prayer.  It is prayer in action.  The artist, the novelist, the surgeon, the plumber, the secretary, the lawyer, the homemaker, the farmer, the teacher, the student- All are praying by offering their work up to God.
Merry Christmas!  God Bless Us, Everyone!

THANKSGIVING EVE

On one Thanksgiving Eve, I heard a knock upon my door. I knew this man had seen hard times  by the tattered clothes he wore. He asked if there was a place to stay up the road ahead. But with some hesitation, I asked, "Come be my guest instead." We had a simple meal, and warmed up by the fire... It seemed we talked for hours,   then agreed to retire. In my great excitement, I awoke before the dawn. But sometime in the night, my new found friend had gone. And he'd left a little note just for me to read... "As you've done it to the least of these,you've done it unto Me." I wondered for a moment just what this message meant, Then, suddenly, I realized my guest was heaven-sent.

BURNING HEARTS

Today, I would like to introduce to you,
 author Nike Chillemi ~ Crime Fictionista.  So what exactly is a Crime Fictionista?  Nike's profile profoundly states that she writes literature that reads like pulp fiction.  She loves good crime fiction with an equal measure of suspense, action and romance, where the bad guys are really bad, but the good guys are smarter and better.And without further ado... the interview.
1.  What is the one thing you would like people to know about you?
Oh, I guess the most interesting thing about me is that I've got this moniker:  The Crime Fictionista.  That's due to my passion for detective stories, murder mysteries, thrillers and romantic suspense.  I love reading them and of course I write historical romantic suspense.  I also visit writer's blogs where mysteries are featured.

2.  How would you describe your book to readers?


BURNING HEARTS is the first book of the Sanctuary Point historical suspense series set on the South Shore of Long Island, NY in 1946, at the close of World War II.  The question is; can Erica Brogna, a sheltered young seamstress, disillusioned by the horrors of WWII, escape an arsonist/murderer who has killed her employer and mentor?  She is conducting her own murder investigation with the help of the new guy in the village, Lorne Kincade, a dashing war hero who has ridden into town on his Harley.  However, some claim he's the murderer.

The second book in the series, GOODBYE NOEL, will be released right before Christmas and is a Christmas themed romantic suspense.



3.  What is your greatest desire in life?My guiding scripture is Matthew 22:38-39.  This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like it:  'Love your neighbor as yourself.'  I try to bring love into situations, in my family, to my friends and associates, and in my writing.  But, that doesn't mean I go around acting like Saccharine.  Sometimes love is tough.
4.  What are you currently reading?Oh, I'm so excited about what I am reading right now.  LAST RESORT by BJ Robinson is wonderful.  I've just started reading it and I'm hooked!  The hero made a smashing entrance, or should I say crashing.  And the guy with the gun is so creepy...
5.  How can readers contact you or purchase your book?
Amazon (including Kindle). http://www.amazon.com/Sanctuary-Point-Book-One-ebook/dp/B0050PJSTY/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_1/188-3161650-9638117 Barnes & Noble (including Nook). http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Sanctuary-Point-Book-One/Nike-Chillemi/e/2940012411747/?itm=1&USRI=nike+chillemi Sony Reader. http://ebookstore.sony.com/ebook/nike-chillemi/burning-hearts/_/R-400000000000000375220 Christianbooks. http://www.christianbook.com/burning-hearts-ebook-nike-chillemi/9781612520421/pd/18913EB?product_redirect=1&Ntt=18913EB&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP



To all avid readers... post a comment and one of you will be awarded a copy of BURNING HEARTS
on Saturday, October 29.  Nike will notify the winner! 

I'M A LIAR...

Yes, I am a liar.  I realize that I have lied to all of you.  I have stated for months now that all the proceeds from my book sales goes towards purchasing packaged socks and bottled water for the homeless.  The truth is, ten percent of the monies go towards purchasing more books to replenish my stock and the other ninety percent goes towards providing items for the homeless.  Oh, I feel so much better!
Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel.  
Proverbs 20:15

THROUGH THE DOOR TO DUSK

Well... Folks, before I introduce to you our new author this month, I would like to answer one of the questions I received last month from several inquiring minds.  "How do I post a comment to enter your monthly giveaway if I don't know how to post it on your blog?"  My answer is simple... You can post a response on my facebook page, Toni Nelson, my twitter account, cheery01 or send me an email at rnt.nelson@gmail.com.




I can't begin to tell you how excited, I am to introduce Vicki to all of you.  Vicki and I worked together at a Durable Medical Equipment Company in Las Vegas, Nevada during the early 90's.  If anyone would have told Vicki and I that we would be published authors in the future, we probably would have looked at each other dumbfounded and simply said, "Huh, you talkin' about us?"

What a blessing to introduce to you,
 author Vicki Bush.

1.  What is the one thing you would like people to know about you?
I am at heart a shy person.  It takes a lot for me to socialize.  People always say, "no not you."  They always think, I am this absolute extrovert but in fact, I am the complete opposite and it is always a struggle for me.

2.  How would you describe your book to readers?
Through the Door to Dusk is a supernatural romance surrounded with mystery.  It has the same teen element as the Twilight series but without the vampires and werewolves.  It does seem to appeal to other ages as well.  Some women in their 30's and 40's have told me, they really enjoyed reading it.

3.  What is your greatest desire in life?
My greatest desire is for happiness.  Whether it is in the form of the well being of my family and my friends or a successful writing career, I want happiness for my family, friends and myself.

4.  What are you currently reading?
I'm sad to say... nothing at the moment.  I am in the middle of writing my second novel, which is sci-fi, and when I write, I don't really read.  I do not want any additional chance of influence.  Day to day... is influence enough.

5.  How can readers contact you or purchase your book?
I can always be contacted through my email at:  vickiannbush@gmail.com
My books are currently available at Amazon, Amazon Kindle,
Barnes&Noble Nook, and Diesel E-Books.  Through the Door to Dusk can also be purchased and down loaded right to your PC, smart phone, and I-Pad.

Vicki will be selecting the winner of her giveaway on Saturday, August 27.  Just post a comment to have your name entered in the giveaway!

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS SERIES

What an absolute joy to introduce to you, Marja Meijers.  I first met Marja on goodreads, a site for book lovers.  I entered a giveaway for Marja's book,
GRACE OF GIVING and won!  If you have read, Crazy Love by Francis Chan, you will be inspired by the writing of author, Marja Meijers.  And now for the interview...

1.  What is the one thing you would like people to know about you?
Well, Toni, I must say you have found a surprisingly effective way to cut right to the bone :) This question really made me think.  My life is a colorful palette of experiences and adventures, but where I am right now in life, I would like to be known for my faith in God.  No matter what I do or where I travel, I want people around me to see God's light in my eyes and His love in my actions.  I am a work in progress.

2.  How would you describe your book to readers? 
 My latest release, GRACE OF GIVING offers an in-depth look at the 8th commandment.  It is one thing to claim we do not steal, we are no thieves, but the logical next question would be:  What do we do?  Do we give freely and cheerfully?  How do we go from merely obeying such a command to fulfilling it in our daily life?  GRACE OF GIVING is far from a boring bible study, it is a life-changing book that will transform your way of thinking when it comes to giving.

3.  What is your greatest desire in life?
Hmm. you're doing it again, making me think very seriously.  Of course it is my desire to write and sell many more books and to see changed lives as a result of my writing.  But when I look deep down in my heart, I think my greatest desire is to see my family members come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

4.  What are you currently reading?
I am currently reading two books: 'Only Believe' by Paul L. King, a ground breaking book that compares, contrasts and weighs modern faith teaching with earlier evangelical writers and theologically engages the teachings of the word of faith movement and their critics.  This is not an easy book to read, but I am learning so much from it.  The second one that I am reading is John C. Maxwell's "How successful people think."  I am always reading some kind of motivational book on the side... it keeps me going, it keeps me inspired and it keeps me encouraged.

5.  How can readers contact you or purchase your book?
My physical address is currently in Holland, so I don't expect many visitors there :) But thanks to the Internet there are many ways to contact me or read more about my work and vision.  My books are available at all Internet booksellers.

My weekly blog can be found at:  http://sacredsabbath.blogspot.com

You can email me at:  meijers.marja@gmail.com

My facebook profile is:  www.facebook.com/marja.meijers

My Goodreads profile can be found here:  www.goodreads.com/author/show/871294....

You can also find me or follow me on Twitter:  http://www.twitter.com/marjameijers

News about our non-profit, Traveling Light can be found at:  http://janandmarja.blogspot.com

A TIME TO KILL... Ecclesiates 3

Today, I would like to introduce to you, author Teric Darken.  For twenty-five years, Teric Darken has been bleeding the ink - from his heart onto paper - through his stories, song lyrics, and poetry.  Teric holds a Bachelor of Science degree in religious education and has served as a staff youth minister.  He is a member of the Christian Motorcyclists Association, where he has served as vice president of his local chapter.  The author resides with his family in the United States, where he serves his city as a lieutenant on the fire department.  And without further ado, the interview...


1.  What is the one thing you would like people to know about you?
I serve the True and Living God, Yeshua ha Mashiach (Jesus the Christ).

2.  How would you describe your book to readers?
K-I-L-L FM 100:  This is a high-octane thriller, spinning as a scratched record within the confines of a rock-and-roll radio station.  A disc jockey is held hostage and finds himself staring down the barrel of a handgun belonging to an alleged female serial killer.  The story-line concludes that all people have one need in common:  genuine Love - no matter which side of the tracks one may come from.

U-TURN KiLLuR:  The pages turn and burn of a horrific thriller peppered with supernatural elements, exposing the fact that life is fragile and short in this lifetime.  The story raises a question:  Are we investing our time wisely, by loving our family and friends, or are we killing them off through selfish desires and prideful ambitions?
Wickflicker (summer 2011 release):  Wickflicker is an allegory liberally injected with supernatural and thrilling elements.  The story is loaded with grit and bite-telling it like it is-by following a wayward soul at an end-of-semester college bash.  Temptations flow freely as if spewing from a key, and the party-goer  aims to drink every last drop.  At the end of the day, the central character finds himself in a life or death struggle:  Will he choose the way that seems right to a man or the path of wisdom?

3.  What is your greatest desire in life?
To be utilized by The Almighty and hit people where they live with His message of truth, love and forgiveness.

4.  What are you currently reading?
I am currently reading the pre-release manuscript of author Krisi Kelsey's, Pro Luce Habere the sequel to her brilliant, On the Soul of a Vampire.

5.  How can readers contact your or purchase your book?
Readers can contact me through the following links:


Website:  www.tericdarken.com
Blog:  www.tericdarken.blogspot.com
Facebook:  Teric Darken
My works may be purchased by following the online store link through my website, or by visiting one of the following links:
Amazon.com
BarnesAndNoble.com

As iron sharpens iron...
Teric Darken<><+><>

MILES AWAY... WORLDS APART

Today, I would like to introduce to you, author Alan Sakowitz, aka husband, father and attorney.  In his best selling book, Miles Away… Worlds Apart, he weaves his tale as if you were reading a novel written by John Grisham.  What appeared to be the "real deal", created by the corrupted masterminded attorney Scott Rothstein was in actuality a Ponzi scheme.  What exactly is the difference in the writings of Grisham and Sakowitz?  Alan Sakowitz, "calls it like it is" in this non-fiction work, unraveling the biggest financial fraud in South Florida history!As Alan unfolds this tale of deception, he also writes at the end of each and every chapter about the importance of community, family, integrity, leadership, and personal responsibility.  The people mentioned in the close of each chapter not only live in his neighborhood but they portray a spirit of humbleness, a willingness to serve one another without reservation and openly genuine hearts.  After reading, Miles Away… World's Apart, I wanted to pack my bags and relocate to the North Miami Beach area!
1. What is the one thing you would like people to know about you?
My greatest pleasure is helping others and finding the good in situations. For that reason I did not write MILES AWAY...WORLDS APART as a history book about the over-the-top, opulent lifestyle of fraudster Scott Rothstein, but instead my focus was to use that way of life to suggest a better, more meaningful way to live. I wanted to show that other people are important and the choices we make influence others, especially our children. I wanted to demonstrate the importance of family, community, leadership, integrity, personal responsibility and other people. Those messages, I hope my readers take away and share with others.
2. How would you describe your book to readers?
Miles Away...Worlds Apart is a fast paced, entertaining story about how I became a whistleblower of a Madoff-like Ponzi scheme masterminded by Scott Rothstein, the criminal perpetrator who bilked his victims out of 1.2 billion dollars. In the book, I explain my decision to report Rothstein, regardless of the possible dangerous ramifications of such a decision.However, Miles Away… Worlds Apart is not just a true crime story—it is so much more.  In the book, solutions are provided for each deception uncovered, and readers receive the vital information they need to protect themselves from becoming the victims of fraud in the future. By using stories about neighbors, the book emphasizes the inner strength, love and generosity experienced by people who live according to moral standards.My belief in just reporting what is wrong with society without offering solutions would be meaningless. A book about such an incident must also inspire readers to make our world a better place, protect them from danger or offer them tools to improve upon their lives or it is not a book I would want my name on.
3. What is your greatest desire in life?
Together with my wife, Leah, our greatest desire in life is to raise our five children to be G-d fearing and find what they can do to enhance the lives of others.  The challenge is that we live in a world that places a high worth on accumulating possessions and receiving rather than giving. But the reality is, a life well lived is measured by what one gives, not receives. Giving and helping others bestows on the giver a level of happiness that can never be achieved just by collecting possessions. But still, many focus on what they do not have rather than what they do have, and therefore, they always want more and are never happy or satisfied.
4. What are you currently reading?
Visions of Greatness, a book of inspiring stories about what one would consider average people. There is nothing more powerful than the examples of ordinary people doing extraordinary things. In truth, no one can remain ordinary when they are doing extraordinary things.


5. How can readers contact you or purchase your book?
Readers can contact me at Alan.Sakowitz@LegacySeriesPress.com. There is nothing more enjoyable than hearing from readers especially when Miles Away… Worlds Apart has made a positive impact on their life
Miles Away… Worlds Apart is available at www.LegacySeriesPress.com.

IS LIFE POSSIBLE AFTER TAXES?

This month, I would like to introduce to you, Carol Schultz-Weil.
   Carol has not only experienced financial survival during times of hardship but has written a book titled, IN THE TRENCHES to help others who are looking for ways to tighten their belts and tackle budgeting issues.  I had the opportunity to spend some quality time with Carol last month at the Clark County Library in Las Vegas, NV.  I asked her if she would be willing to be interviewed on my blog and offer her book as a giveaway?  She gladly accepted my offer and also wanted to include a link to her book as a free download.  Yes, you read the word correctly.  FREE...
Just click on the title of this blog and it will take you directly to Carol's link. And now without further ado on to the interview.

1. What is the one thing you would like people to know about you?

 Financial management has been my major area of study for most of my adult life and my primary source of information has been the Bible and trying to understand and apply the principles taught in Proverbs, and the Old and New Testaments, especially as it relates to the last days.  There are two paths in all things - God's ways that lead to blessing and the world's way which leads to bondage and reliance on the world system which is on an ultimate crash course.

The current events of the American economy are not a surprise or mystery, they are the consequence of the actions that led to the events including debt financed living, reliance on a system to provide the very basics of our lives such as food, clothing, and shelter.  Imagine a grocery store emptied in one day not to be replenished.  How would you and your family survive?  Imagine your job or government funding being cut off without notice.  Would you be prepared?  Many in the past few years have found they are not.

The recent dip in the economy is just the first wave.  Though we may recover to some degree the next wave is on the horizon already and will probably occur in the next five to ten years brought on by government debt, inflation, and the baby boomers reaching the age where they are expecting to receive from social security.  In the meantime foreign nations are buying up our lands, businesses, and becoming our debt collectors.

 2. How would you describe your book, In The Trenches to readers?

 In The Trenches was our families personal story of financial crisis in the 80's and the things we learned and experienced through the process.  Formerly having worked in the banking industry I was well aware of how to review a situation by looking at spread sheets and numbers and used these methods to develop the simple, basic tools provided in the book.  A free online copy of the book and the accompanying worksheets are now available on the related blog.  Also included are many additional topics and background information from how to begin a food storage plan to the soapbox section that contains rants about the financial industry and their role in seducing people into a position of dependence.


 3. What has been your biggest obstacle in life?
 Feelings of aloneness, having chosen a position on many subjects that is not yet commonly acknowledged is not what people want to hear about.
4. What are you currently reading?
 I am currently in what I call a Bible Immersion period where I read and study the Bible 15-20 hours a week and have read through the Epistles, Acts, Revelation, Job, and Joshua among others.  I am also reading a novel titled Full Faith & Credit by James R. Cook and have been reading about the fascinating life of Queen Elizabeth.  Goodreads.com is a great site for sharing what you are reading with friends.
 5. How can readers contact you or purchase your book?
 Click here to get more information about In The Trenches or for a link to Amazon for the paperback copy.  If you find the information to be helpful please help spread the work by forwarding the link to everyone in your address book.  

LOOKING FOR A GREAT EDITOR?

There isn't an author who doesn't, or wouldn't benefit from a good editor.  The author conceives and gives birth to the idea, but a second pair of eyes sees it in a different, unique way and with a fresh perspective.Even though editors perfect, polish and implement the finishing touches, seeing the work through to completion, they still need authors.  As our author, Jesus Christ conceived the very idea of us before the foundation of the world.  He made possible both our birth and our new birth.But he hasn't stopped there.  He has the will, the ability and the authority to see us, his workmanship, through to completion.  Paul tells the Philippians that he is confident that "he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus" (Philippians 1:6).Sometimes we question or get irritated at all the editing that is prescribed for us.  But ours is not an editor capable of error.  Unlikely as it may seem at times, we will someday be all that he means for us to be, his masterpiece.