Sylvain Reynard's Blog, page 38
February 5, 2012
What's your Purpose?
Dear Everyone,
What is your purpose in life?
What gives your life meaning?
These are two questions that I've spent quite a bit of time pondering.
I've noticed that a few of the charities I support began as the result of personal tragedy. Alex's Lemonade Stand and the Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Foundation were started after the loss of a child. Jen's Thank You Alliance was founded after the loss of a wife. In all three cases, families and individuals found purpose and meaning in trying to help others.
I'm sure everyone will agree that no amount of good works can erase the pain of loss. But I have profound respect for those who honour their loved ones by striving to do good and to help others who are suffering similarly.
As we begin the second month of 2012, I ask you to consider what your purpose is. I ask you to consider what gives your life meaning. Please feel free to share those reflections below.
One of my purposes is to share the message that forgiveness and love provide hope and peace to those who desperately need it. And we all need it. I've been able to find a venue for that message in my novels.
All the best and thanks for reading,
SR
www.sylvainreynard.com
PS. Thank you to everyone who has contacted me about the sequel to Gabriel's Inferno. I'm happy to report that the sequel will be released before the summer. I'll be posting a teaser on 12 February. Thank you for your support and encouragement. It's much appreciated.
What is your purpose in life?
What gives your life meaning?
These are two questions that I've spent quite a bit of time pondering.
I've noticed that a few of the charities I support began as the result of personal tragedy. Alex's Lemonade Stand and the Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Foundation were started after the loss of a child. Jen's Thank You Alliance was founded after the loss of a wife. In all three cases, families and individuals found purpose and meaning in trying to help others.
I'm sure everyone will agree that no amount of good works can erase the pain of loss. But I have profound respect for those who honour their loved ones by striving to do good and to help others who are suffering similarly.
As we begin the second month of 2012, I ask you to consider what your purpose is. I ask you to consider what gives your life meaning. Please feel free to share those reflections below.
One of my purposes is to share the message that forgiveness and love provide hope and peace to those who desperately need it. And we all need it. I've been able to find a venue for that message in my novels.
All the best and thanks for reading,
SR
www.sylvainreynard.com
PS. Thank you to everyone who has contacted me about the sequel to Gabriel's Inferno. I'm happy to report that the sequel will be released before the summer. I'll be posting a teaser on 12 February. Thank you for your support and encouragement. It's much appreciated.
January 3, 2012
2012 - The Year of Charity
Dear Everyone,
I hope that you're enjoying what proves to be a happy and prosperous 2012.
As the new year begins, I've committed myself to raising awareness about various charities and causes. I've done so mostly on Twitter, so I'd like to to take this opportunity to share a few of these organizations with you.
Organizations that help the Homeless:
Salvation Army USA (A faith-based organization that helps the homeless, the hungry and others in need)@SalvationArmyUS
Salvation Army (Canada)@salvationarmy
Yonge Street Mission (A Toronto faith-based organization that helps the homeless and young people in crisis)@YSM_TO
Covenant House (Providing havens in North and Latin America for homeless youth)@CovenantHouse
Organizations that combat Human Trafficking and Slavery:
ACT (An Australian organization)@AChildTraffickFacebook page
Not For Sale @Not_For_Sale
Organizations that help Children with Cancer:
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (A paediatric cancer research hospital that doesn't turn families away)@StJude
Alex's Lemonade Stand (Funding research into paediatric cancer/providing financial support to families)@Alexslemonade
Organizations that fund Cancer Research and provide support to Cancer patients:
Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation (Funding research/providing support and resources)@CBCF_
Jen's Thank You Alliance (Providing financial and inspirational support to young adult cancer patients)@jensthankyou
Susan G. Komen Foundation@komenforthecure
An Organization that comforts grieving families through photography:
The Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep Foundation@nilmdtsHQ
Organizations that promote Literacy:
World Literacy Canada (Supporting women and children's literacy in Canada, India and Nepal)@WorldLit
ProLiteracy (Supporting adult literacy in the USA and around the world)@ProLitWorld
As we look forward to a year filled with possibility, I ask you to join me in supporting charities and in raising awareness. We can make a difference.
All the best for 2012,
SR
www.sylvainreynard.com
I hope that you're enjoying what proves to be a happy and prosperous 2012.
As the new year begins, I've committed myself to raising awareness about various charities and causes. I've done so mostly on Twitter, so I'd like to to take this opportunity to share a few of these organizations with you.
Organizations that help the Homeless:
Salvation Army USA (A faith-based organization that helps the homeless, the hungry and others in need)@SalvationArmyUS
Salvation Army (Canada)@salvationarmy
Yonge Street Mission (A Toronto faith-based organization that helps the homeless and young people in crisis)@YSM_TO
Covenant House (Providing havens in North and Latin America for homeless youth)@CovenantHouse
Organizations that combat Human Trafficking and Slavery:
ACT (An Australian organization)@AChildTraffickFacebook page
Not For Sale @Not_For_Sale
Organizations that help Children with Cancer:
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (A paediatric cancer research hospital that doesn't turn families away)@StJude
Alex's Lemonade Stand (Funding research into paediatric cancer/providing financial support to families)@Alexslemonade
Organizations that fund Cancer Research and provide support to Cancer patients:
Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation (Funding research/providing support and resources)@CBCF_
Jen's Thank You Alliance (Providing financial and inspirational support to young adult cancer patients)@jensthankyou
Susan G. Komen Foundation@komenforthecure
An Organization that comforts grieving families through photography:
The Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep Foundation@nilmdtsHQ
Organizations that promote Literacy:
World Literacy Canada (Supporting women and children's literacy in Canada, India and Nepal)@WorldLit
ProLiteracy (Supporting adult literacy in the USA and around the world)@ProLitWorld
As we look forward to a year filled with possibility, I ask you to join me in supporting charities and in raising awareness. We can make a difference.
All the best for 2012,
SR
www.sylvainreynard.com
Bookish Temptations Giveaway
Tamie of Bookish Temptations is celebrating the fact that "Gabriel's Inferno" was one of her favourite books of 2011 by hosting a giveaway.
There are three prizes - each of which includes an e-book. Bookmarks and a coffee mug are also up for grabs.
You can find the giveaway here:
http://bookishtemptations.wordpress.c...
Good luck!
SR
There are three prizes - each of which includes an e-book. Bookmarks and a coffee mug are also up for grabs.
You can find the giveaway here:
http://bookishtemptations.wordpress.c...
Good luck!
SR
December 31, 2011
2011 Best Books and Giveaway
Dear Everyone,
Julie and Leisha of A Tale of Many Reviews have chosen "Gabriel's Inferno" as one of their best books of 2011.
To celebrate, they're giving away an e-book and a coffee mug. You can enter through their website:
http://www.ataleofmanyreviews.com/ind...
Good luck and Happy New Year,
SR
Julie and Leisha of A Tale of Many Reviews have chosen "Gabriel's Inferno" as one of their best books of 2011.
To celebrate, they're giving away an e-book and a coffee mug. You can enter through their website:
http://www.ataleofmanyreviews.com/ind...
Good luck and Happy New Year,
SR
December 30, 2011
Interview and Giveaway
The lovely Syrah of Chick Lit and Wine has interviewed Professor Emerson. They discuss wine, Dante and lingerie:
http://chicklitandwine.com/2011/12/30...
Happy New Year,
SR
http://chicklitandwine.com/2011/12/30...
Happy New Year,
SR
December 20, 2011
Happy Holidays
In addition to wishing you the best for Hanukkah, Christmas and New Year's, I want to invite you and your friends and family to enter one of the current giveaways. There are copies of "Gabriel's Inferno" to be won, along with coffee mugs and book marks.
The first giveway is hosted by the Bakin' Goddesses and you can find it here.
The second giveaway is hosted by JJiReads and you can find it here.
Other contests will be forthcoming.
With thanks for your continued support,
SR
www.sylvainreynard.com
PS. Many thanks to Miss Mingo for designing the lovely holiday card above.
December 15, 2011
Second "Gabriel's Inferno" Giveaway
Dear Everyone,
It's the season of giving. We're giving away copies of "Gabriel's Inferno," along with mugs, bookmarks and trading cards.
In addition to the giveaway contest hosted by Bakin' Goddess, http://readingwithbakingoddess.blogsp...
the very charming JJiReads is hosting a contest, too: http://readingwithbakingoddess.blogsp...
Contests are open internationally.
You can enter both of them on the respective websites.
Good luck!
SR
It's the season of giving. We're giving away copies of "Gabriel's Inferno," along with mugs, bookmarks and trading cards.
In addition to the giveaway contest hosted by Bakin' Goddess, http://readingwithbakingoddess.blogsp...
the very charming JJiReads is hosting a contest, too: http://readingwithbakingoddess.blogsp...
Contests are open internationally.
You can enter both of them on the respective websites.
Good luck!
SR
December 14, 2011
"Gabriel's Inferno" Giveaway
Dear Everyone,
The very nice ladies over at the Bakin' Goddess website are hosting a holiday contest. You can enter to win a copy of "Gabriel's Inferno" or a coffee mug. There are three prizes in all.
http://readingwithbakingoddess.blogsp...
They've also crafted a recipe for the novel, which they've posted.
Enter now and good luck!
All the best,
SR
The very nice ladies over at the Bakin' Goddess website are hosting a holiday contest. You can enter to win a copy of "Gabriel's Inferno" or a coffee mug. There are three prizes in all.
http://readingwithbakingoddess.blogsp...
They've also crafted a recipe for the novel, which they've posted.
Enter now and good luck!
All the best,
SR
December 12, 2011
The Coffee Cups
Dear Everyone,
A number of readers have asked about the possibility of buying a "Gabriel's Inferno" coffee cup.
I'm pleased to announce that my publisher has put together cups and other items for all its books, including mine.
You can find the link to the "Gabriel's Inferno" store here: http://www.printfection.com/omnificpu...
Several book blogs will be hosting giveaways over the next few weeks. You'll be able to win copies of my book or a coffee cup. I'll be announcing the giveaways on Twitter and Facebook.
All the best and thanks once again,
SR
A number of readers have asked about the possibility of buying a "Gabriel's Inferno" coffee cup.
I'm pleased to announce that my publisher has put together cups and other items for all its books, including mine.
You can find the link to the "Gabriel's Inferno" store here: http://www.printfection.com/omnificpu...
Several book blogs will be hosting giveaways over the next few weeks. You'll be able to win copies of my book or a coffee cup. I'll be announcing the giveaways on Twitter and Facebook.
All the best and thanks once again,
SR
December 6, 2011
The Power of an Idea
Dear Everyone,
In July, I penned a post about the virtue of Liberality or generosity. I mentioned the work of Heather Huffman, who donates her royalties to WorldVision in an effort to aid women and children who have been bought and sold through human trafficking.
Even the smallest amount of research into human trafficking produced statistics that shocked me. Children barely school-aged are bought and sold like animals. Young women are taken from their families and sold into brothels. They need help and they need a voice. Heather has dedicated her writing to both. Her idea has power.
At the moment, I'm reading Claire Diaz-Ortiz's book "Twitter for Good: Change the World One Tweet at a Time. In this work, the author presents concrete examples of how Twitter has been used to effect social change, to raise awareness of various crises and issues, and to focus the world's attention on particular needs. She also provides helpful tips for non-profit organizations. In harnessing the power of social media for good, her idea has power.
Like many people, I've listened to recent news reports about individuals who, when faced with human suffering or a crime, walked away. My idea is that we should do something to help those in need, to protect the weak and the abused, and to stop crime. I'm hoping this idea has power.
As the holidays of Christmas, Hanukkah and New Year approach, I ask you to join me in supporting ideas that have power for good. I ask you to do something, not nothing, when you witness human suffering.
I welcome your reflections below.
All the best and thanks for reading,
SR
www.sylvainreynard.com
In July, I penned a post about the virtue of Liberality or generosity. I mentioned the work of Heather Huffman, who donates her royalties to WorldVision in an effort to aid women and children who have been bought and sold through human trafficking.
Even the smallest amount of research into human trafficking produced statistics that shocked me. Children barely school-aged are bought and sold like animals. Young women are taken from their families and sold into brothels. They need help and they need a voice. Heather has dedicated her writing to both. Her idea has power.
At the moment, I'm reading Claire Diaz-Ortiz's book "Twitter for Good: Change the World One Tweet at a Time. In this work, the author presents concrete examples of how Twitter has been used to effect social change, to raise awareness of various crises and issues, and to focus the world's attention on particular needs. She also provides helpful tips for non-profit organizations. In harnessing the power of social media for good, her idea has power.
Like many people, I've listened to recent news reports about individuals who, when faced with human suffering or a crime, walked away. My idea is that we should do something to help those in need, to protect the weak and the abused, and to stop crime. I'm hoping this idea has power.
As the holidays of Christmas, Hanukkah and New Year approach, I ask you to join me in supporting ideas that have power for good. I ask you to do something, not nothing, when you witness human suffering.
I welcome your reflections below.
All the best and thanks for reading,
SR
www.sylvainreynard.com
