Steven R. Burke's Blog, page 2
August 29, 2013
Smashwords.com Discounts
Another great promotion going on at www.smashwords.com. You can get each of the books in The Guardian Chronicles for 25% off. Use the following codes:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view... - Code: GU34Y
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view... - Code: SN27H
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view... - Code: TQ64V
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view... - Code: GU34Y
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view... - Code: SN27H
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view... - Code: TQ64V
August 20, 2013
The Journey
Life is full of ups and downs...the joy that we experience in life comes from this constant change. Knowing joy is only possible by knowing sorrow. I find that my life has been full of joy lately. I find that keeping positive in all that goes on is the key.
I challenge everyone to find the joy in their lives by taking time to think of the positive things in their lives. Recognize the difficulties and find the lessons learned or the positive that came out of the hard times. You will find life to be full of joy. I know not saying joy is a constant, it is something that occurs after a high or low in life.
I challenge everyone to find the joy in their lives by taking time to think of the positive things in their lives. Recognize the difficulties and find the lessons learned or the positive that came out of the hard times. You will find life to be full of joy. I know not saying joy is a constant, it is something that occurs after a high or low in life.
August 12, 2013
Divergent & Insurgent Reviews
Divergent
Insurgent
These books were a delightful surprise! I had been told by many people to read these books and I am so glad I caved into the peer pressure. I was hooked instantly. I would recommend this to anyone, even younger audiences. The story is very intriguing and the writing style was good for a first time author.
The book club at The Dancing Yeti Coffee Company had really good things to say about the story. There were things that we would like done differently, however, they are so few they are not worth mentioning.
Our book club will be reading The Night Circus.
Insurgent
These books were a delightful surprise! I had been told by many people to read these books and I am so glad I caved into the peer pressure. I was hooked instantly. I would recommend this to anyone, even younger audiences. The story is very intriguing and the writing style was good for a first time author.
The book club at The Dancing Yeti Coffee Company had really good things to say about the story. There were things that we would like done differently, however, they are so few they are not worth mentioning.
Our book club will be reading The Night Circus.
August 7, 2013
Autism: A Blessing
I admit that before having my son, who has autism, I had no idea what the condition was about. The most important thing for people to understand is the their view of the world is different than most people. This does not make the weird or scary. If you are blessed in your life to know someone with autism, make sure you enjoy every moment with them. I believe God puts people here to remind us that our view of the world is not the only view.
I think the most important thing I have learned is to not judge people. It is a cultural norm to judge and in business in particular people judge. One thing I have learned is that the higher in the company someone moves, the more judgmental they become. Even worse is the snap judgments leaders make. I have tried to change my behavior in my professional life to not be judgmental.
I have experienced love in my life and I can honestly say that there is no greater love than that of unconditional love from my son. His autism is part of who he is. People who have a modicum of a heart or sensitivity to anything good clamor to be around him. I truly feel blessed to have him in my life every day. There is always something that he does or says that brightens my day.
I think the most important thing I have learned is to not judge people. It is a cultural norm to judge and in business in particular people judge. One thing I have learned is that the higher in the company someone moves, the more judgmental they become. Even worse is the snap judgments leaders make. I have tried to change my behavior in my professional life to not be judgmental.
I have experienced love in my life and I can honestly say that there is no greater love than that of unconditional love from my son. His autism is part of who he is. People who have a modicum of a heart or sensitivity to anything good clamor to be around him. I truly feel blessed to have him in my life every day. There is always something that he does or says that brightens my day.
July 29, 2013
July Sales Ending
There is still time to get 75% off list pricing at Smashwords.com. All three books in The Guardian Chronicles are still available for 75% off at https://www.smashwords.com/profile/vi... through the end of the month.
Kobo is also have discounts in July...30% off. http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/Sear... has all three books 30% off through the end of July.
Kobo is also have discounts in July...30% off. http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/Sear... has all three books 30% off through the end of July.
July 23, 2013
Company Softball
Just finished another softball season...I think this is the 5th or 6th season that I have coached. After two rough seasons where we only won one game each year it feels really good to have a winning season. We finished 9-5 this year! Such a great improvement! So grateful for everyone's time this year.
I am looking forward to another season...hopefully we will be able to play this fall. It is good to get out and not always be working or reading...or writing.
I am looking forward to another season...hopefully we will be able to play this fall. It is good to get out and not always be working or reading...or writing.
July 15, 2013
Where Do You Read
I often wonder if people have favorite places to read. I know that I love to lay on the couch next to the window when it is raining outside and read. There is something soothing about the sound of falling rain along with reading a great book. Even though it has been super hot here in Utah we have had some great rain storms recently. The bonus is that these storms have been full of thunder and lightning.
I think that I require a really comfortable spot that is cool enough that I am required to have a blanket. This is more of a comfort thing rather than an actual need to have the blanket. It does not hurt to have a hot beverage...my choice is hot chocolate.
There is a thunder storm tonight, so I am looking forward to signing off and continue my reading of Divergent. I am enjoying the book thus far. I am looking forward to getting my copy of Witch Wraith by Terry Brooks which comes out tomorrow.
I think that I require a really comfortable spot that is cool enough that I am required to have a blanket. This is more of a comfort thing rather than an actual need to have the blanket. It does not hurt to have a hot beverage...my choice is hot chocolate.
There is a thunder storm tonight, so I am looking forward to signing off and continue my reading of Divergent. I am enjoying the book thus far. I am looking forward to getting my copy of Witch Wraith by Terry Brooks which comes out tomorrow.
July 8, 2013
Dancing Yeti Book Club
For those who reside in northern Utah I have exciting news...I am starting up a book club for anyone near Draper, UT. I am so thankful to Keslie and Tim Lyons who own the Dancing Yeti Coffee Company...they have offered to hold the book club at their fine establishment. Here is the address:
725 E 12300 S
Draper, UT 84020
(801) 572-0435
The best part is that any genre is on the table. Looking forward to our first meeting this Wednesday, July 10th at 7 pm. Excited to meet new people and to see some people I already know.
725 E 12300 S
Draper, UT 84020
(801) 572-0435
The best part is that any genre is on the table. Looking forward to our first meeting this Wednesday, July 10th at 7 pm. Excited to meet new people and to see some people I already know.
July 4, 2013
Happy 4th of July
Today is a day where we all need to be thankful for the freedoms that were earned and that have been maintained for over two centuries now by the men and women of the military. Growing up I wanted to serve in one of the branches of the military…unfortunately certain health conditions prevented that dream from coming true. One childhood dream of mine was to serve in the CIA as a secret agent in Russia. Later in life I was to be an FBI agent. I really admire those who are able to serve and do. Thank you for your sacrifice!
Today is also a day that I remember fondly for the family events. Some of my favorite memories were had at Grandma and Grandpa Curtis’ home in Colville valley. We would use fireworks to “startle” ducks on the pond. I also remember the Saturn missiles that inadvertently turned on the family and friends. Exciting times! Happy 4th to one and all!
Today is also a day that I remember fondly for the family events. Some of my favorite memories were had at Grandma and Grandpa Curtis’ home in Colville valley. We would use fireworks to “startle” ducks on the pond. I also remember the Saturn missiles that inadvertently turned on the family and friends. Exciting times! Happy 4th to one and all!
February 16, 2013
New Chapter in Life
The trials of trying to have children are over after almost 8 years of trying. While some may think that having one child is sad we do not see it that way. He is truly a miracle. He could not be more special to us and everyone who knows him loves him.
I can honestly say there has never been any bitterness over our trials of attempting to have a child. That is not to say that is was not an extremely painful process. Some would be bitter at finding out their child, their only one, has autism. Not us...we love him even more.
I hope that we all do not take for granite what we are all blessed with. Regardless of whether you believe in a power higher than yourself does not mean that you cannot appreciate a blessing in life. Our son epitomizes life...he loves every moment of life and definitely lives it to the fullest.
Take a moment and reflect on the blessings in your life. Make sure that you live life to fullest of every day.
I can honestly say there has never been any bitterness over our trials of attempting to have a child. That is not to say that is was not an extremely painful process. Some would be bitter at finding out their child, their only one, has autism. Not us...we love him even more.
I hope that we all do not take for granite what we are all blessed with. Regardless of whether you believe in a power higher than yourself does not mean that you cannot appreciate a blessing in life. Our son epitomizes life...he loves every moment of life and definitely lives it to the fullest.
Take a moment and reflect on the blessings in your life. Make sure that you live life to fullest of every day.
