Terri Herman-Poncé's Blog: Terri Herman-Ponce, page 12
January 19, 2015
99cents –YESTERDAY PEOPLE– “the series continues to enthrall”
YESTERDAY PEOPLE
Book 3 of the Past Life Series
As a thank you to my readers,
for your support and encouragement and for just being downright awesome,
I’m offering Yesterday People at a discounted price of 99 cents
for the next week.
Hope you enjoy!
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David Bellotti’s only focus is to find his abducted twelve-year old daughter. When he sees her on a news segment with her captor, a renowned archaeologist who’s made a major discovery, David sets out to bring her back home. But the search leads him to a secret message that could alter man’s history forever.
A message David and his daughter inscribed twelve-thousand years ago.
A message that will prove dangerous in the wrong hands.
Protecting this powerful information seems simple until David realizes some people will use his daughter against him to get it, at whatever the cost. Now David must make a choice. Protect mankind from a secret past that must remain hidden, or save his little girl.
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Copyright © 2012-2015 · All Rights Reserved · TerriPonce.com
Filed under: Stories Behind The Stories Tagged: alternate history, Amazon, archaeology, David Bellotti, Kindle, paleolithic, paranormal, paranormal books, paranormal suspense, past life regression, Past Life series, reincarnation, Sale, soul mate, suspense, Terri Herman-Ponce, Yesterday People
January 17, 2015
Why Writers Should Use Twitter (and HOW to USE It Effectively)
A great reminder on the best way to use Twitter to your advantage as a writer…in the mind of the reader.
Originally posted on Kristen Lamb's Blog:
For the last couple posts, we’ve been talking about how to use Twitter effectively. Too many writers are like Stormtroopers—lots of shots fired tweets that hit NOTHING.
I can admit, when I got on Twitter (when it was invented) I didn’t get it. I would—KID YOU NOT—freak out when people I didn’t know followed me. WHAT? Are you, like, a stalker? Yes, I was missing the ENTIRE point of Twitter. Hey, we all start somewhere.
Do you have to do Twitter? No. No one will take you to writer jail because you didn’t. Is it wise to use Twitter? ABSOLUTELY.
I strongly recommend Twitter for two main reasons. First, couple Twitter with a good/consistent blog and this is your best formula to go viral. Secondly, Twitter helps us find READERS (and helps readers find US).
Going Viral
We will rarely go viral from Facebook because the nature of…
View original 1,359 more words
Filed under: Stories Behind The Stories
January 13, 2015
Saving Money from Falling Gas Prices
It’s not often we can take advantage of lower gas prices. In fact, it seems they’ve been rising steadily over the years with no hope of ever dropping. But now we have an unusual opportunity to take advantage of lower prices, and not in the way you think.
Looking for small ways to save money? Here’s a blog that shows how to make lower gas prices work for you — while they last.
http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2015/01/13/how-to-save-money-from-falling-gas-prices/
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Copyright © 2012-2015 · All Rights Reserved · TerriPonce.com
Filed under: Stories Behind The Stories Tagged: #budgeting, #money, #savings
January 11, 2015
Feeling lost, and not knowing what to do about it
Change in life is inevitable. I can accept that now, more easily than I did when I was younger. But change is still scary for me and I’m facing a number of them right now that are making me feel overwhelmed. And lost.
I’m a student of meditation and mindfulness, both of which offer ways of viewing life, facing challenge, and being present in a more positive way. But lately I feel like I’ve been hit from all sides. A parent was hospitalized. My spouse is going to lose his job. And the company I work at is going through change as well, which means my future employment is also potentially questionable. On top of that, long-standing holiday traditions recently changed in my family, and my college-aged son is maturing and moving on in many wonderful directions (without me!), and I’m left feeling…I dunno. Lost.
Copyright Flicker | Bahman Farzad
Over the past few days, I thought about what it means to feel lost. And I admit that I don’t like it. I don’t like lack of direction, and not knowing where I’m heading, and feeling unmotivated, and…dare I admit it…not being in control. Then, this morning as I was running errands, I had a revelation. It was a simple one but an important one: I realized I was so busy reacting to all the change around me that I was losing sight of the fact that in change lies opportunity. But in order to find opportunity, I had to stop focusing on reacting to what I can’t control and embracing what I could.
That’s not an easy thing to do. Yet I discovered, in a moment of simple clarity as I stared up at the clouds, that I don’t have all the answers and I can’t see the future and I can agonize over what-ifs until I give myself agita and ruin my day. And focusing on what I can’t control was what was making me feel lost. So, as I finished my last errand and got into my car, I drew in a deep breath, looked up again at the clouds, and let myself go. I focused on the uncomfortable sensation that came with feeling lost, allowed my mind to accept, without judgment, that it was okay to feel that way, and opened my heart to the idea that even in upheaval I can still find positives.
And you know what happened? That feeling of being lost faded. I no longer felt like I was reacting to change but rather was looking for the things I could control. And then I felt empowered.
Hmm. I think I may have just reached an important milestone in my life. :)
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Copyright © 2012-2015 · All Rights Reserved · TerriPonce.com
Filed under: Stories Behind The Stories Tagged: control, fear, helpful tips, human behavior, mindfulness, om, positive thinking, psychology
January 5, 2015
Re-Start Your Love Affair with Books — with Mark Zuckerberg
Mark Zuckerberg, President and CEO of Facebook, has set a challenge for himself in 2015:
To read a new book every other week with an emphasis on learning about different cultures, beliefs, histories and technologies. Want to expand your horizons and re-start your love affair with reading?
Check out his A Year of Books Facebook page and join the challenge!
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Copyright © 2012-2014 · All Rights Reserved · TerriPonce.com
Filed under: Stories Behind The Stories Tagged: books, challenge, ebooks, Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg, reading
January 4, 2015
I’m Gonna Tease You
I love to tease. And I’m gonna have some fun doing it to YOU.
Starting January 5, I’m offering teases from my latest release, Yesterday People. Little snippets to tickle, tantalize, and maybe even torment.
Goddess Fish is hosting me on an Excerpt Tour — 15 blog stops over 15 days (whew!) — and at the end of the tour one lucky commenter will win a $50 Amazon gift card.
So come and join in, won’t you? I’d love to find out just how far I can tease, and just how much fun we can have together. :)
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Copyright © 2012-2015 · All Rights Reserved · TerriPonce.com
Filed under: Stories Behind The Stories Tagged: excerpt tour, fantasy, Goddess Fish Promotions, mystery, paranormal suspense, Past Life series, Yesterday People
January 1, 2015
Thoughts for Authors and Publishing in 2015
Writing and publishing is a tough business. I write because I love it and can’t imagine not doing it. Here are two thoughts from a recent post by Bob Mayer that really hit home because they are so very true:
This is not a get rich scheme. Go play the lottery; it’s cheaper and a lot easier with better odds. I’ve been making a living as a writer for over a quarter century. I’ve seen 99% of authors come and go in that time.
-and-
Produce great content. Bottom line. Throw everything else out and this is your mantra every single day: Write damn good books that readers love.
Read the full post here:
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Copyright © 2012-2015 · All Rights Reserved · TerriPonce.com
Filed under: Stories Behind The Stories Tagged: authors, Bob Mayer, publishing, writing
December 28, 2014
Saying “Yes” in 2015
It’s almost the turn of the year, and many of us are thinking about New Year’s resolutions. But with those resolutions often comes the feeling that resolutions, aka change, come with giving up something in the process.
Rather than focusing on what you may be losing, I’m putting out the idea of adopting a “yes” mentality in 2015 that’s focused on living rather than denying. A way to become more mindful, to enjoy life’s simplicity while also making it richer and much more enjoyable.
copyright Khristian A. Howell | Flickr
Here’s a short list of simple things to say “yes” to in 2015. You may find that trying just one, and keeping at it, may have a very profound effect on you. :)
Heading out for an appointment, or to work, or to a friend’s house? Leave 5 minutes early, stand outside your door, and look up at the sky. Enjoy the warm sun on your body, or the gray clouds after a storm, or the sparkly stars that signal a quiet night. Heck, if it’s raining, let the drops fall on your face and revel in the sensation of them rolling down your cheeks. Experience what’s around you, and savor the moment that comes with it.
When sitting down for a meal, put your smart phone or computer or TV away. Then, concentrate on the food on your plate. Be thankful that it’s available for you and your body. Take a bite of your meal and savor it. Chew mindfully and slowly, focusing on texture and flavor, taste and smell. Take your time, and swallow. Connect with the food on your plate again. Take another bite. Repeat the process until you have thoroughly experienced nature’s most precious gift to you.
If you’re engaged in conversation with someone, focus on that person. If your mind strays, gently encourage your attention back to the person you’re with. Let them talk and try not to interrupt. Concentrate on their words and tone and expressions. Doing so will make the conversation much more engaging, and the other person will most probably notice your willingness to truly listen. This time between you is all about human interaction, and it’s A Good Thing.
Take a break from your day, at work or at home, and go out for a walk. Five minutes, ten minutes, thirty minutes or more…it doesn’t matter. Focus on your surroundings. The colors. The smells. The sounds. Soak it in, like a sponge, and let that walk become a part of you. Then take it back with you when you continue your day. Oh, and don’t use bad weather as an excuse. Some of life’s best moments are discovered when it’s not sunny outside.
Watch the sun rise. Whether at a beach, or a park, or the top of a hill, get up early and find a quiet place where you can watch the sun break the horizon. Alone. Doing so will remind you of your place in this universe, the smallness of our lives and this world, and that there really is something much greater out there.
Watch the sun set. At the end of the day, find a solitary spot where you can reflect on the day that just passed. Do so without judgment. There is no right or wrong at the end of a day, only the knowledge that you had an opportunity to grow. And if you feel you missed an opportunity, well, there’s always tomorrow to try again.
Remember that not everything has to be done at once. You’ll find much more joy if you focus on doing one project at a time instead of trying to juggle two or three in unison. You’ll also have a stronger sense of accomplishment, and a better understanding of what your real priorities are.
When you go to bed at night, give thanks for one thing. Focus on one part of your life you’re thankful for. Little or big, it doesn’t matter. This time is for finding and focusing on the positive, and paving the way for a good night’s sleep. And remember — a good night’s sleep opens the mind and heart for facing life’s challenges tomorrow.
What about you? Have anything to add? I’d love to know.
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Copyright © 2012-2014 · All Rights Reserved · TerriPonce.com
Filed under: Stories Behind The Stories Tagged: helpful tips, human behavior, mindfulness, New Year Resolutions, om, positive thinking, psychology
December 18, 2014
Exploring the Need to Please
I found a blog post about needing to please and it occurred to me that many of us suffer from this, in some form. Here’s a thought from the blog that particularly caught my eye:
“You may be surprised to learn that people pleasing really isn’t all about satisfying the needs of others … it’s also about our effort to control what others think of us and fend off fears of rejection.”
Do You Have the Urge to Please?
Do you say yes, even when your mind says no?
Do you try to live up to others expectations?
Do you find it difficult to take initiative?
Do you cringe at the first sign of conflict?
Do you find it difficult to speak up for yourself?
Do you feel devastated at the thought of someone not liking you?
Do you lose sleep over the slightest altercation with another person?
Do you help people even when they haven’t asked, and then feel resentful if they don’t show ‘enough’ gratitude?
Click the link below to read more. It’s a fabulous post and offers great suggestions about how to handle people pleasing.
http://www.emotionallyresilientliving.com/exploring-the-irresistible-need-to-please
Filed under: Stories Behind The Stories Tagged: Confidence, Emotionally Resilient Living, Habits, People Pleasing, Self Awareness, Self Esteem, self help
December 14, 2014
10 Reasons I Love Sheldon Cooper
Okay, I admit I’m late to The Big Bang Theory bandwagon, but I finally realized what all the buzz was about when I watched an episode a couple of months ago. I’ve been hooked ever since.
Though the show is funny
— with what I call ‘smart’ humor’ –
one piece pulls it all together and makes it work.
Sheldon Cooper
As I thought about Sheldon’s character, I realized that it wasn’t just his idiosyncrasies that make the show really hum. It’s that he’s so fallible, and so geeky, and so just like the rest of us despite his astronomically high IQ and ADHD tendencies.
There is a bit of everyman in Sheldon that make him lovable. Something most of us can identify with. And here’s a short list of why I think he’s such a great character:
He’s honest. He says what’s on his mind and expects you to take his words at face value. Which makes him overbearing at times, but lying clearly makes him uncomfortable and it’s something he doesn’t like to do.He believes what he believes, and he does what he believes, regardless of what anyone else thinks. Sheldon sticks to his guns. It doesn’t matter if someone disagrees with him, or sees things differently, he’s going to do it his way. That may make him closed-minded sometimes, but he’s not going to do something just to appeal to a crowd. Gotta give him kudos for that.
He marches to his own drums. Drums that no one else can see or hear, mind you, but they’re his drums and they won’t be compromised by anyone else.
Soft kitty, warm kitty, little ball of fur. Happy kitty, sleepy kitty, purr purr purr.
When he’s overly obnoxious or rude, he tries to make up for it. In his own way, but he tries. Wouldn’t it be nice if more people did that?
Bazinga. Need I say more?
He recognizes his idiosyncrasies. Sometimes. Like Data on Star Trek: The Next Generation, Sheldon’s always striving to become more human. :)
Sarcasm. He really doesn’t get it. And often, neither do I.Door knocking. knock knock knock “Penny” knock knock knock “Penny” knock knock knock “Penny” — and fyi, as Sheldon has to knock three times, I often have to repeat something I say three times. Guess we’re kindred souls.
Rock Paper Scissors Lizard Spock. Scissors cuts Paper. Paper covers Rock. Rock crushes Lizard. Lizard poisons Spock. Spock smashes Scissors. Scissors decapitates Lizard. Lizard eats Paper. Paper disproves Spock. Spock vaporizes Rock. And, as it always has, Rock crushes Scissors.
And a bonus:
Sheldon: Why are you crying?
Penny: Because I’m stupid.
Sheldon: That’s no reason to cry. One cries because one is sad. For example, I cry because others are stupid, and that makes me sad.
So, are you obsessed with Big Bang Theory and Sheldon like I am? If so, I’d love to know.
All images courtesy of/copyright to CBS
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Copyright © 2012-2014 · All Rights Reserved · TerriPonce.com
Filed under: Stories Behind The Stories Tagged: great characters, Rock Paper Scissors Lizard Spock., Sheldon, Sheldon Cooper, Soft Kitty, star trek the next generation, The Big Bang Theory
