Toi Thomas's Blog, page 113

Blogdom 02

What I’m Reading in the Blogdom!
Unmasked http://authortashawright.blogspot.com/2013/01/unmasked.html
An Interview with Margaret Arvanitis http://greenwizard62.blogspot.com/2013/01/oregon.html
FF Cover Character Picks!  http://authornadegerichards.blogspot.com/2013/01/ff-cover-character-picks.html
Clothes make the character  http://jplanewrites.blogspot.com/2012/11/clothes-make-character.htmlFF Cover Character Picks! FF Cover Character Picks!
My Word for 2013  http://christmaswithbrenda.blogspot.com/2013/01/my-word-for-2013.html
Rod Serling and The Obsolete Man My Word for 2013 My Word for 2013  http://2012writersalive.blogspot.com/2013/01/rod-serling-and-obsolete-man.html
Five blogs any self-publisher should follow http://cristianmihai.net/2012/12/30/five-blogs-any-self-publishershouldfollow/?year=2012&monthnum=12&day=30&like=1&_wpnonce=658d6cbe4d&wpl_rand=71712e6fc4
Why Do I Write? By Lorrie Unites-Struiff http://bookstogonow.blogspot.com/2013/01/why-do-i-write-by-lorrie-unites-struiff.html
Who needs a schedule? http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=1Pbbhk&m=3dDOSmS.ybIScSD&b=ewGmelaL0rlz4MDK_ffHGA
New Spray Paint Pieces on Canvas. http://urbanwallart.wordpress.com/2012/10/29/new-spray-paint-pieces-on-canvas/
A Scapegoat- A Fallen Angel http://lisavoisin.wordpress.com/2013/01/09/winged-wednesdays-the-scapegoat-a-fallen-angel/?year=2013&monthnum=01&day=09&like=1&_wpnonce=f71ad07bbd&wpl_rand=7aac7b387a
How is this draft still THIS rough after two editing passes? http://crimsonleague.com/2013/01/12/how-is-this-draft-still-this-rough-after-two-editing-passes/   
On Writing As Therapy http://crimsonleague.com/2013/01/09/on-writing-as-therapy/

6 Sentence Sunday from The Between Blog http://glynisrankin.wordpress.com/2013/01/13/six-sentence-sunday-3/#like-267
The Run-up to Sophie’s Run http://nickywellsklippert.wordpress.com/2013/01/11/the-run-up-to-sophies-run/

ToiBox Update 02

In case you’re interested, here are some highlights from my other blog, the ToiBox. This is where I talk more in depth about my whole writing experience.  Last post ended 1/9/13
1/10/13 Character Files from the ToiBox 1: Abraham- Stats http://etoithomas.wordpress.com/2013/01/10/character-files-from-the-toibox-1-abraham-stats/
1/11/13 Received 100 Likes on my blog posts…yeah!
1/13/13 6 Sentence Sunday 02: Full Moon http://etoithomas.wordpress.com/2013/01/13/6-sentence-sunday-02/
1/15/13 WIP Update 02 http://etoithomas.wordpress.com/2013/01/15/wip-update-02/
1/16/13 Author Insights 02 http://etoithomas.wordpress.com/2013/01/16/author-insights-02/
1/17/13 Character Files from the ToiBox 2: Bletsian- Stats http://etoithomas.wordpress.com/2013/01/17/character-files-from-the-toibox-2-bletsian-an-alter-ego-stats/

Interview 11: Gary Goldstein

Greetings humans, half-breeds, and everything in between. A while back, I had the pleasure to interview my new friend, Gary Goldstein. He is visiting the ECS as a guest and sharing loads of interesting insights into his work. Be sure to look around and see what he has to offer. Here are the results of our interview. A good time was truly had by all, and here’s how it went down.



Hi there Gary! It’s so awesome to have you here at the ECS Universe. Don’t worry about the darkness, your eyes will adjust.
 So tell me, who is Gary Goldstein?
I am the author of "Jew in Jail," the true story of the nearly six years I spent incarcerated for robbery, which was a direct result of my past addictions to alcohol, drugs and gambling.  I am also a motivational & inspirational speaker on recovery from addiction, and get enormous satisfaction out of helping other addicts get and stay clean.
I was born on October 18, 1961 in Brooklyn, New York. I obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Journalism from Long Island University in 1983, and am a selected member of Sigma Delta Chi and Who's Who Among Students in American Universities & Colleges.

Wow, your story sounds inspiring already. You have accomplished a lot despite your incarceration…And you it’s a small world; I too was inducted into Who’s Who for both high school and college.  
So whacha got for me today?
My book, "Jew in Jail" tells my non-fiction story of what it was like for a minority - a Jewish prisoner - to do time behind bars from 1998-2004, and attempt to get clean and sober, in order to turn my life around.
It deals with all of the mistreatment and harassment I received from not only my fellow inmates, but also from the correction officers and other staff members of the New York State prison system.
 I wrote "Jew in Jail" to help others in similar situations of being either addicts, or someone living with low self-esteem and self-confidence realize that it is never too late to change and go on to live a full, productive, law- abiding life.
I have a feeling that your story is filled with many harsh truths, but that a clear message of hope is projected.
 So who’s starring is this 2 dimensional script read of “Jew In Jail”?
"Jew in Jail" follows my time as a minority in prison and what I had to endure on a daily basis.
It is my first person account on how I had to fend for myself in this "world within the real world," and how I decided from the moment the doors to the prison closed on me for nearly six years, that I was going to use this time in my life as a stepping-stone to turn my life around, and go from a "Jew in Jail," to a Jew who "would not fail!"
As such, I began to eat healthy, attend hundreds upon hundreds of Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and Gamblers Anonymous meetings, learn the computer, tutored other inmates in school, and worked out each and every day to get not only my mind on track, but my body as well.
There are many categories and levels of minorities and for anyone who isn’t one it’s hard to understand that struggle, but add on a heap of other obstacles and it just seems impossible to rise above. Whatever a person’s ethnicity, race, nationality, or faith is, I’m glad people like you are brave enough to share their stories and  a beacon of hope to others.
 Past, present, future, is there a rhyme or reason to your writing?
Actually, I wrote "Jew in Jail" as I was doing my time, as a way of chronicling everything I was going through while I was locked up on a daily basis.
It was extremely therapeutic to put my thoughts and feelings down on paper as they occurred, provided some privacy for myself in what otherwise was a very wide open, noisy atmosphere (I was usually incarcerated in a medium security, dormitory setting), and allowed me to analyze my situation and measure my growth as it took place.
The one problem that I eventually experienced was when, one day, a correctional officer searched my cube area, confiscated all of the pages of my manuscript, and also wrote a ticket against me for possessing "contraband!"  However, the guilty disposition that was ultimately handed down in a disciplinary hearing was later overturned, and I ended up receiving my manuscript back, based on a violation of my First Amendment rights.

Ever since my release in 2004, I have been promoting "Jew in Jail," at literary conventions, book festivals, or anywhere I speak as a motivational & inspirational speaker on recovery from addiction, including drug treatment programs, hospital detoxes, jails, or schools.
I have had an idea for another book in my head for a while now, and also have taken many notes, but for now, at least, I am quite content to continue to promote "Jew in Jail," and go around the country delivering motivational & inspirational speeches to help others, since that gives me tremendous satisfaction knowing that what happened to me wasn't in vain.
I also find writing to be very therapeutic. When I wrote my first book I had no idea that’s what I was doing. I was just writing to keep myself calm and my head straight.
What author(s) has most influenced your writing? Why or how?
I would definitely have to say Dr. Phillip C. McGraw, better known as Dr. Phil, because he is all about helping others too!
I can see that. As a motivational writer and speaker, you’d have to read from others with success in that field and he has quite a following
Whose brain are you just itching to scratch?
Hmm, my answer to that question would be any of our brave American soldiers who return home with missing limbs after risking their lives to do battle overseas, and then possess the will to go on and sometimes have to start over learning to walk with prosthetics, or even relearn simple things, like speaking, counting, or everyday bodily functions.  They are the world's TRUE heroes, and a motivation and inspiration to me personally.
Good answer. I won’t ruin it with any further comment on the matter.
Who is so you and why?
Well, when I was growing up in school, the girls used to call me David Cassidy, because I looked like him, especially with the bangs.  But if you look at my photo nowadays, you can see that Mother Nature has put an end to that comparison forever!

Cassidy not as young as he used to be; with a shaved head the comparison might still stand :).
What’s your ideal reading spot for your next highly anticipated read?
I read or write in my own bedroom, at my computer, and sometimes I am listening to either the news, or some music on the radio.
I prefer to read paperbacks vs. ebooks, for the simple reason that I am old fashioned, and like to actually hold the book in my hand.
I am currently reading "The Millionaire Messenger" by Brendon Burchard,  a book about sharing your message with the world, which I am passionate about doing these days, regarding recovery from addiction. 
Once I find a book that I really like, I can sit in front of my computer in my bedroom reading it for hours - or until I am finished!

I like to read with music on sometimes, if it’s soft music. I can never just pick up a book and read it straight through no matter how much I like it. The reading portion of my mind is very immature and always thinks it’s missing out on something if I don’t stop and dabble in other reads at the same time.
What was your favorite book or story, pre-teen years?
I guess I would have to say how the New York Mets won the 1969 World Series, because it was so improbable.
I can remember watching baseball as a young child that year with my father, and just being amazed at how the Mets performed in the face of adversity.  As I got older, I was able to appreciate it even more.
By the way, you can tell by now that I always root for the underdog!
That’s cool. Even back then, you had a mind for inspiration. I tend to root for the underdog a lot too...Now this is where the questions get a little kooky; are you ready?
No doubt!
Alright then, here we go.
If you could only watch one movie for the rest of your life, what would it be?
IMDBWithout a doubt, that movie would be "The Ten Commandments," because it is an epic film depicting the biblical story of the Exodus, and features some of the biggest movie stars of all-time.
As a fan of classic movies, I can’t argue with this choice. This is such a classic story and a really good movie. While I hardly find an actor I’d want to know personally, I do have a few faves in terms of their performances and Heston was good at what he did.
What makes you geek out?
I am a very big fan of Law & Order: SVU.  I really don't watch television that much anymore, but aside from the news, and sports, Law & Order: SVU is one show I have continued to enjoy for years.
I don’t watch much TV either, but used to enjoy Law & Order from time to time. This is a very compelling and hard to resist franchise. The stories they tell are so real and, many times, pulled straight from the headlines.
 So what’s testing your patience right now?
Not to be redundant, but I am really looking forward to continuing to deliver motivational & inspirational speeches on recovery from addiction.
The last speech I delivered, which was to inmates graduating from a drug program at the Henrico County Jail in Richmond, Virginia, was likely my best yet, and it just gives me so much satisfaction to be able to use all of my past experiences and mistakes made to try and help others, since it also continues to help myself too.  Here is the link to that speech, as I was fortunate to be allowed to bring a video camcorder in with me and have it taped and posted to YouTube. http://youtu.be/dE4DFCbXRF4
On a lighter note, I do enjoy going down to Florida every winter for a little fun and sun in order to get a head start on my tan!
Even a very focused individual like you needs some R&R at some point. I love that you are so dedicated to your calling, but that you’re so serious about personal health. I hope you have fun in Florida this winter.
When the soundtrack of your life is playing in your head, what songs express your glee and what songs bring out your rage?
A song I have really been listening to a lot lately is "Man In The Mirror," <=watch by Michael Jackson, because it deals with looking at oneself and making changes (do you readers all see a theme here?!).
Otherwise, I also like any songs that are uplifting and make me feel happy, like "Walking On Sunshine," <=watch by Katrina & the Waves.
On the other hand, I despise songs that are vulgar and put people down, especially rap music. 
These are two great songs…No offense, but it’s not very original to say that you don’t like rap. Rap is a musical category. Just playing devil’s advocate here-- if so much of Rap wasn’t vulgar would it still be so bad? Is rock, metal, folk, and alternative music never vulgar?...Just something to think about.
What’s the most fun experience you’ve ever had?
I absolutely love going horseback riding, and have done it many times, although not recently.
However, now that I am writing about it to answer your question, I plan to "get back in the saddle" soon!
I totally agree with you here. I love horseback riding, but haven’t done it nearly enough. I you get a chance to do it again very soon.
 Remind me again how I was lucky enough to meet you?
I read a post of yours on LinkedInrecently, which is just one of the many social media sites I subscribe to in order to promote my book, "Jew in Jail," and career as a motivational & inspirational speaker.
Well glad you did, and I’m glad I posted that message. I’ve gotten to meet so many wonderful authors from all walks of life. It’s been very reassuring in my own efforts as an author and helps keep me fueled to continue my Eternal Curse Series.
Not that you can see into the future, but in your opinion, what does the future hold?
The world is constantly changing, and people are finding less time for pleasure, because they are forced to work more hours in order to make ends meet for themselves and their families.
Technology and innovation, although mostly beneficial to society, and the world in general, also have a negative effect, in that it is causing many people to become lazy and spend way too much time on their gadgets, as opposed to exercising and eating healthy.
So my hope is that in five years, people will find the correct balance in their lives in order to feel fulfilled.
As for me, I suspect that in five years, I will be continuing to speak and make a positive impact in other people's lives, by passing along all of my past and current experiences on what it takes to succeed and live a happy, fruitful life.
In addition, in five years, I am confident that I will be able to say that I am clean and sober for over 10 years, and, therefore, have people take anything I speak about to heart, because I am someone who always "keeps it real!"
Ok humans, half-breeds, and everything in between, that’s all for today. Be sure to follow this blog to see who will be visiting next time. For more from Gary Goldstein, check out these great links:http://www.jewinjail.com/
http://www.amazon.com/Jew-Jail-Gary-Goldstein/dp/1452864349/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1300643209&sr=1-1
http://www.facebook.com/jewinjail
http://twitter.com/gary_goldstein
http://youtu.be/dE4DFCbXRF4

Review 12: Coke with a Twist

Coke with a Twist by A. W. Hartoin
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I give this short  read a 4.
This is your basic detective story run down with a pretty woman in the lead. Mercy, a Marilyn look-a-like, goes undercover at shady bar to help her dad solve a missing person’s case, which turns out to be pointless in her efforts, but does serve a purpose near the end of the story. It’s a very short read that packs in quite a bit of detail, stats, and imagery, leaving the reader feeling as if it has been a longer and equally satisfying read.
The story line was pretty good with just the right amount of twists, right down to the pun in the title.  A guy goes missing after a girl he’s involved with is drugged and abandoned and then brutally assaulted. Everyone wants to know what part the missing beau had to play in the girl’s attack, since he was the last one she was seen with before the violence ensued.
I’m pretty good at solving tv and movie crimes and mysteries, so I wasn’t disappointed when I figured out “who done it” before the big reveal… beside it was still a pretty good reveal. This is a great read for sitting in waiting rooms, traffic, or any other waiting scenario. I think this is a good short read for any mature teen, pending parental approval, and adult who wants an easy read filled with suspense.
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/500500086

Guest Post 07: Gary Goldstein

My name is Gary Goldstein, author of "Jew in Jail," as well as a motivational and inspirational speaker on recovery from addiction.

If there is one thing I know a lot about, it is overcoming adversity and regaining my self-esteem and self-confidence, in order to go forward with my life, and take it to the next level by helping others.
I spent six years behind bars for robbery from 1998-2004, which were a direct result  of my past addictions to alcohol, drugs and gambling, and while incarcerated, became very introspective in my surroundings, and wrote "Jew in Jail" as I was doing my time.
Realizing that short of a successful criminal appeal, I wasn't going to be a free man until my sentence had been fully served, I decided right then and there to use this down time in my life to take stock of myself, and make the necessary changes I would need to go on and become a productive member of society upon my eventual release.
I proceeded to develop and stick to a daily routine that consisted of working out, eating healthy (which, in a prison setting, was a challenge in and of itself), learning the computer, tutoring inmates in the school, working on my legal issues in the law library, and attending hundreds upon hundreds of Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Gamblers Anonymous meetings, and other self-help type programs too, all which aided immensely in addressing the very reasons why I ended up behind bars in the first place.
Plus, of course, writing my book, "Jew in Jail," any chance I could find some free time as well!
This routine enabled me to keep focused, and stay busy each and every single day.
In other words, I did my best to maintain as normal a life as I could while incarcerated, knowing that I wouldn't be there forever.
It certainly wasn't easy doing so in a prison environment, in which everyone else there isn't on the same page, as far as their commitment to change is concerned.
However, through sheer perseverance and dedication, I came home from prison a much
better man than who I was when I went in, and now feel blessed and grateful to be able to help not only other addicts, but anyone else who might not feel like they are living up to their full potential.
I no longer take life for granted, including such simple things as a beautiful sunny day, seeing children playing and having fun in the park, or anything in nature or the animal world that always fascinated me to begin with.
In a nutshell, life is great, and having a clear conscience and the ability and desire to help other human beings is priceless!
I want everyone who reads this to know that, no matter what they may have done wrong in life - whether they have been caught and punished or not - we are all human, and are prone to mistakes.
But, by no means should you ever be ashamed of who you are, because life is full of lessons that last forever.
We all possess greatness, and it is up to each and every one of us to seek out what area ours is in.
It could be singing, dancing, writing, fashion, automobile mechanic, public service, accounting, athletics, or whatever the case may be.
The point is to look into oneself, perhaps make a list of all the things we think we have greatness in or have been told by others that we do, and then focus on how we can make a difference in the world, one person at a time.
With Thanksgiving and the holiday season still in our rear-view mirrors, now is the perfect opportunity to implement our plans to be the best person we could possibly be.
Spending six years behind bars was the impetus I needed to get me into the proper mindset to live my life the way I have always known I should.
Hopefully, reading about this "Jew in Jail," and realizing that you definitely possess greatness, and can do and achieve anything you put your mind to, is the thing that will start you on the road to success.
It all starts with you!
~What a powerful message from an insightful author. If you like what you see here, please return on Friday for the interview of Gary Goldstein and have a chance to get to know this author and speaker a little better.

WWW Wednesdays 14

There haven't been any major changes since last week. Check out the link below to see what I'm reading. http://ecsuniverse.blogspot.com/2013/01/www-wednesdays-13.html

Teaser Tuesdays 02

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS!(make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers.

My teaser: I turned around and saw a truly terrifying creature. I can handle orange pus-oozing lizards with stalk-mounted eyes, like Mllsh-mllsh.
~p.177 of Year Zero, by Rob Reid

6 Sentence Sunday 17

This is a weekly meme hosted and originated by 6 Sentence Sunday.
Eternal Curse: Giovanni’s Angel -6 sentences from chapter 16.
Together, Giovanni and Mira continued to move the logs and restack them near the furnace while it went to work heating the house. Soon Giovanni retrieved Abraham from the living room and delivered him onto Mira’s examining table. Mira worked long and diligently to treat Abraham while Giovanni maintained a healing touch. Abraham’s body was cold, dehydrated, and aching. Mira gave him something for the pain and started an I.V. to nourish and hydrate his body. She massaged his aching muscles and joints while Giovanni worked to warm him up and keep him warm.
To participate, pick six (6) sentences from anything you like (it can be from a Work in Progress (WiP), something you recently sold, something you hope to sell or even something already under contract and available for purchase – and don’t worry, Six Sentence Sunday is for published AND unpublished writers ). Then post them on your blog on Sunday. That’s all there is to it!
Posts are for bloggers only, but comments are open to all. Please post a link back to Six Sunday, the “anchor” site, to let people know where you heard about the idea. You are not required to list the week’s posters on your post…And don’t be afraid to share the love by adding the hashtag #sixsunday to your tweets about Six Sentence Sunday. You can follow the official Six Sentence Sunday twitter at: https://twitter.com/6_Sunday.
*The informative content listed above was taken directly from the 6 Sentence Sunday website with a few paraphrases for ease of viewing and reading. Please review their FAQs for more details.

Blogdom 01

Sometimes no matter how much you plan, things just don’t work out. So since my Saturday was a bust, I’m playing catch up. I don’t have a Stacking the Shelves post this week and here’s my late Blogdom post.
~Toi
What I’m Reading in the Blogdom!
Tweeted-Sales of printed books slump in 2012 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-20908048
Tweeted-US readers turn increasingly to digital books: study http://www.epublishabook.com/2013/01/03/us-readers-turn-increasingly-to-digital-books-study-2
Three reasons why I like to read not so well know blogs. http://bottledworder.wordpress.com/2012/12/26/three-reasons-i-like-to-read-not-so-well-known-blogs/
A Texas Love Story Prologue: http://thejournalfiles.wordpress.com/2012/11/19/a-texas-love-story-prologue/
Blog of the Year! http://candaceknoebel.wordpress.com/2012/12/27/blog-of-the-year/
Learning about Proper Adjectives in a New York Minute http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/LiveWriteThrive/~3/WZEneMFZMWI/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email
50 Ways To Reach Your Reader #6: Newsletters & Mailing Lists for Indie Authors http://selfpublishingadvice.org/blog/reaching-readers-email-marketing-for-indie-authors/
There was so much more that I had a chance to read and probably would have loved to share, but I didn’t keep on top of things. Hope next week will be better.

ToiBox Update 01

In case you’re interested, here are some highlights from my other blog, the ToiBox. This is where I talk more in depth about my whole writing experience. Since I’ve recently added a bunch of new content to the blog, this is indeed be interesting.
1/6/13- 6 Sentence Sunday 01: http://etoithomas.wordpress.com/2013/01/06/6-sentence-sunday-01/
1/8/13- WIP Update 01: http://etoithomas.wordpress.com/2013/01/08/wip-update-01/
1/9/13- Author Insight 01: http://etoithomas.wordpress.com/2013/01/09/author-insights-01/