Sandra Healing Steiner's Blog, page 92

Be the change

My husband and I have invested in my passion. We did it, because I was passionate about inspiring others, and he believes in me! Over the past ten months I have poured a lot of time, money and energy into writing my first two novels, and getting my blog going. I’m proud of what I have done!

Not everyone will get it, and that’s ok. We are all at different places in life and we all learn differently, that’s just how it is. Imagine how boring it would be if we all loved the same thing to eat, drink or read. I just can’t imagine a world like that! I prefer each to have opinions and favourites. To be able to be ourselves, in a compassionate caring world. A pipe dream perhaps, but we won’t know if we don’t try.

I have two novels published, Cherish the Past and Live for Today. They are both inspirational contemporary romance suitable for teen through adult. They are written in a journaling style, and are meant to help guide individuals who need some help believing in themselves. Readers are telling me I have succeeded in inspiring them. Reviews have been positive, and it is uplifting to me as the author to hear these comments.

My advice is simple. Think about what you are saying. Try your best to be a positive influence on everyone, there is no reason to crush the dreams of an author, provide positive feedback instead. There is far too much “bashing” going on via social media and “unbiased” anonymous reviews by readers. I just don’t understand the competitiveness, it is a tight market. But if you are meant to succeed and are good at what you do, you will be successful. Put your heart and soul into your work, listen to your fellow authors comments, work at improving your skills. You will attract what you put out!

Some of you will chuckle that this piece of advice is coming from a new author, but I’m just talking about what I see, and trying to promote a better environment for us all. I’m not a best selling author, nor will I likely ever be, but I believe I have something to share and I am passionate about it. If I touch the heart of one reader, the novel is a success and I know they has already happened. I have tons of lessons to learn, many stories to hear, and will continue on this journey until my passion takes me elsewhere. I hope you will join me in encouraging the dreams of everyone, and being the change we know needs to happen.

My links:

www.facebook.com/steinerwrite

www.facebook.com/sandrasteiner.21

www.facebook.com/sandrasteiner.22

@healing_love

Cherish the Past-Spring Island Trilogy Book One

http://www.amazon.com/Cherish-Past-Spring-Island-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B00LCRF28U/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1408341839&sr=8-2&keywords=Sandra+Steiner

Live for Today-Spring Island Trilogy Book Two

http://www.amazon.com/Live-Today-Spring-Island-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B00MIHIICK/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1408341897&sr=8-1

Cherish the Past-another positive review!

Another positive review for Cherish the Past! “Cherish the Past: Spring Island Trilogy Book One” By Sandra Steiner

VICTORIA, Canada — Sandra Steiner has suffered loss in the passing of her daughter and the loss of love. Throughout her life she has sacrificed to become the strong and inspirational author that she is today.

In her new “Spring Island Trilogy”, book one “Cherish the Past” takes readers through a whirlwind of struggle, loss and sacrifice in love and relationships. When the protagonist, Angie, loses her child, her husband leaves shortly after. Angie could easily give up, but instead finds strength and hope on Spring Island where she lives her life to the fullest.

“The past makes us stronger and prepares us for the future,” Steiner said. “This book is a reminder to cherish the memories of the past.”

Full article

http://www.magic-city-news.com/R_P_BenDedek_33/What_s_in_the_Book_Basket_This_Week_No_38_printer18825.shtml

My links:

www.facebook.com/steinerwrite

www.facebook.com/sandrasteiner.21

www.facebook.com/sandrasteiner.22

@healing_love

Cherish the Past-Spring Island Trilogy Book One

http://www.amazon.com/Cherish-Past-Spring-Island-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B00LCRF28U/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1408341839&sr=8-2&keywords=Sandra+Steiner

Live for Today-Spring Island Trilogy Book Two

http://www.amazon.com/Live-Today-Spring-Island-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B00MIHIICK/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1408341897&sr=8-1

Cherish the Past, about the author

About the Author

Sandra Steiner completed a Bachelor of Education degree after high school but gravitated shortly afterwards to the accounting field. She is a proud mother and grandmother. Sandra lives with her husband and fur babies on Vancouver Island in beautiful Victoria, British Columbia Canada.

In 2004 Sandra was in a motor vehicle accident with her teenage daughter. She survived with serious injuries, her daughter died at the scene. The accident changed the dynamics and the direction of life forever for her family. Since then she has inspired many to think positively and to live life for the moment. Sandra has always been a good listener and individuals have been drawn to her for encouragement and advice. Over the years she has motivated many individuals to believe in themselves, and they have encouraged her to write and share her experiences. She is a strong woman who believes anything is possible if you believe in yourself.

Sandra’s first novel Cherish the Past-Spring Island Trilogy Book One was released in June 2014, followed by the second novel in the trilogy Live for Today in July 2014. Dream for Tomorrow is book three in the trilogy and will hopefully be released in the fall 2014. The novels can be read on their own. They were written to appeal to both genders and all age groups from teen to adult. The trilogy is inspirational and early indicators show they have already provided hope to those that have taken the time to read them.

A few more fun facts…..

1. I’m a reiki master!

2. My dream vacation is to London England!

3. I love the beach and ocean just like my characters!

4. The setting of my trilogy Spring Island is loosely based on Vancouver Island where I live!

5. I love to knit. My current project is an afghan.

6. My husband is a musician and after reading my first novel wrote a song for Cherish the Past.

7. I love quotes!

My links:

www.facebook.com/steinerwrite

www.facebook.com/sandrasteiner.21

www.facebook.com/sandrasteiner.22

@healing_love

Cherish the Past-Spring Island Trilogy Book One

http://www.amazon.com/Cherish-Past-Spring-Island-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B00LCRF28U/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1408341839&sr=8-2&keywords=Sandra+Steiner

Live for Today-Spring Island Trilogy Book Two

http://www.amazon.com/Live-Today-Spring-Island-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B00MIHIICK/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1408341897&sr=8-1

Cherish the Past by Sandra Steiner

Playlist

Everything I do I do for you- Bryan Adams

Just give me one good reason – Pink

Love the way you lie -Rhianna and Eminem

Please don’t leave me – Pink

Part of me – Katy Perry

Stay – Sugarland

Mockingbird – Eminem

Calling all angels – Train

Jesus take the wheel – Carrie Underwood

It’s not my time – 3 doors down

If I die young – Band Perry

If today was your last day – Nickelback

Somebody that I used to know – Gatye

Bruises – Train ft Marilou

Let me go – Avril Lavigne

Better in Time – Leona Lewis

Just a kiss- Lady Antebellum

Somebody like you – Keith Urban

Never gonna be alone – Nickelback

It’s your love -Tim McGraw Faith Hill

Close your eyes – Michael Buble

Marry me – Train

Today I’m gonna try and Change the world -Johnny Reid

Characters

My links:

www.facebook.com/steinerwrite

www.facebook.com/sandrasteiner.21

www.facebook.com/sandrasteiner.22

@healing_love

Cherish the Past-Spring Island Trilogy Book One

http://www.amazon.com/Cherish-Past-Spring-Island-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B00LCRF28U/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1408341839&sr=8-2&keywords=Sandra+Steiner

Live for Today-Spring Island Trilogy Book Two

http://www.amazon.com/Live-Today-Spring-Island-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B00MIHIICK/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1408341897&sr=8-1

Cherish the Past Excerpt

Excerpt

Angie sighed. A small smile began to form as she recalled the moments that led up to this incredible feeling. Life was good-no, life was amazing. It hadn’t always been, but today at forty-six, it sure was. She had reached a good space in her life. She was content, in love, at peace with her past, and excited about her future. Tomorrow she was marrying her soul mate. She had nearly given up hoping she would find him.

He had actually prayed that she would find him before his birthday. Or so he said, and she had no reason not to believe him. As she sat on the beach watching the waves roll in, the memories of a lifetime came crashing in, reminding her to cherish the past . . .

My links:

www.facebook.com/steinerwrite

www.facebook.com/sandrasteiner.21

www.facebook.com/sandrasteiner.22

@healing_love

Cherish the Past-Spring Island Trilogy Book One

http://www.amazon.com/Cherish-Past-Spring-Island-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B00LCRF28U/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1408341839&sr=8-2&keywords=Sandra+Steiner

Live for Today-Spring Island Trilogy Book Two

http://www.amazon.com/Live-Today-Spring-Island-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B00MIHIICK/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1408341897&sr=8-1

Sandra Steiner, Author Fun Facts

Ten Fun Facts

1. Sandra is a little quirky when she writes she usually has her two miniature yorkies (Max and Misty) on her lap as she types. She also always has an inspirational audio book playing in the background the current favorite is T.D. Jakes newest release Instinct.

2. Sandra and her husband love to walk. The furthest has been 25 km from Sidney to Victoria, BC. They have logged nearly 500 km in 2014 so far! The walks are an opportunity for deep conversations, and quiet thoughts.

3. Sandra was married in November 2013 after meeting her husband Cory online only 6 short months earlier! True love does exist ladies! They merged their lives and together they have three sons, two grandchildren and three fur babies!

4. All four of her limbs have been broken and screwed back together over the years. Both legs were surgically broken a few years before the accident in 2004. In the car accident both arms were broken, in fact the right arm was broken off and surgically put back together.

5. She has no family in British Columbia. Her husband and step son live here. But, the grandchildren and her two boys live in Alberta. We use FaceTime a lot to keep connected. The other day she played eye spy with my grandson over FaceTime. She even got to watch her granddaughter roll over! She loves her Apple/Mac products!

6. Sandra believes the spirit of her daughter is now her guardian angel. She often feels her around and finds comfort in the fact she is at peace. She will live forever in her heart and memories.

7. Sandra’s favorite food is cereal. Shreddies or corn flakes with milk….mmmmmm. She is also a coffeeholic and must have it a few times through the day!

8. She believes laughter is very important for good health. A good belly laugh can cure even the bleakest mood! She loves to watch reruns of Friends, Big Bang etc just for the laugh. She tries to post at least one “giggle” on her Facebook each day!

9. The car accident in 2004 left her with PTSD, chronic pain, RSDS, fibromyalgia and more. But she chooses to move through the day with a smile, most of the time anyhow. Sandra works hard at inspiring others to have a better day.

10. Sandra’s fur babies have voices! She speaks for them just for the laugh! Misty has a little girl voice and cusses like a sailor at times. Max is the spokes dog for them all and is first to make sure they are aware he and his friends need treats and cuddles.

My links:

www.facebook.com/steinerwrite

www.facebook.com/sandrasteiner.21

www.facebook.com/sandrasteiner.22

@healing_love

Cherish the Past-Spring Island Trilogy Book One

http://www.amazon.com/Cherish-Past-Spring-Island-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B00LCRF28U/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1408341839&sr=8-2&keywords=Sandra+Steiner

Live for Today-Spring Island Trilogy Book Two

http://www.amazon.com/Live-Today-Spring-Island-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B00MIHIICK/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1408341897&sr=8-1

Live for Today by Sandra Steiner

Full article link

http://www.prweb.com/releases/2014/09/prweb12142765.htm

“Young women are in need of positive female role models,” Steiner said. “By increasing the number of inspiring female characters in modern novels we can improve the global perception of women.”

My links:

www.facebook.com/steinerwrite

www.facebook.com/sandrasteiner.21

www.facebook.com/sandrasteiner.22

@healing_love

Cherish the Past-Spring Island Trilogy Book One

http://www.amazon.com/Cherish-Past-Spring-Island-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B00LCRF28U/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1408341839&sr=8-2&keywords=Sandra+Steiner

Live for Today-Spring Island Trilogy Book Two

http://www.amazon.com/Live-Today-Spring-Island-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B00MIHIICK/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1408341897&sr=8-1

Live for Today is in the news!

Full article….

http://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwbooks/article/LIVE-FOR-TODAY-by-Sandra-Steiner-is-Released-20140905

“Author, Sandra Steiner, believes their needs to be more strong female roles in modern literature and has made it a point to position a brave young woman as the protagonist in her new “Spring Island” trilogy of books.”

My links:

www.facebook.com/steinerwrite

www.facebook.com/sandrasteiner.21

www.facebook.com/sandrasteiner.22

@healing_love

Cherish the Past-Spring Island Trilogy Book One

http://www.amazon.com/Cherish-Past-Spring-Island-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B00LCRF28U/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1408341839&sr=8-2&keywords=Sandra+Steiner

Live for Today-Spring Island Trilogy Book Two

http://www.amazon.com/Live-Today-Spring-Island-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B00MIHIICK/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1408341897&sr=8-1

Live for Today, Author Interview

 

 

Live for Today-Spring Island Trilogy Book Two is the second book written and published by Author Sandra Steiner. The first is Cherish the Past-Spring Island Trilogy Book One and both novels can be read alone or as part of the trilogy.  Both novels were released in the summer of 2014.

1. Describe the storyline for Live for Today?

Lily, the main character, is searching for answers, and feels she needs to find her birth family in order to move on in life. She is tortured with nightmares and a constant sense of some unknown terror from her past. It is a story of loss, love, and discovery. The novel is written to be suitable for teen through adult.

2. What do you want readers to take away from the novel?

Readers will understand that anything is possible if they want it bad enough. Persistence in the search for information will pay off.

3. Is Live for Today based on someone’s real life?

It is loosely based on the life of an individual who told me their story of the search they were on for their birth family. This individual was haunted with questions about why they were given up. She was plagued with nightmares that needed to be resolved.

4. Where is Spring Island?

Spring Island is a fictional place. About four years ago I moved to Vancouver Island and loved the atmosphere. The calming effect of the ocean is also included. The island in my opinion is a melting pot of people from all over. It is a place of peace and harmony. To me the name Spring Island means hope, renewal, and new beginnings.

5. Why do you write inspirational novels?

My life has had several major incidents that made me a stronger woman. I got through some of it by reading inspirational material. I want to inspire others in the same way.

EXCERPT FROM LIVE FOR TODAY

PROLOGUE

Lily looked over her shoulder and, seeing no one, began to relax. It was just her imagination. It had to be, didn’t it? She could not remember a time when she did not feel as though someone was watching her.

Sitting on the beach and watching the calm water always seemed to help ease the panic. The waves were gently lapping against the driftwood on the beach. The sound of the seagulls was soothing. The smell of the salty ocean air was comforting. So why couldn’t she just relax? Today, it did not seem to be working.

Last night the dreams had kept her awake through most of the night. If only she knew what they meant. She was so tired of them. They had plagued her for her entire life—or for as long as she could remember anyhow. Today was a day filled with questions, and she just wanted answers. All her life she had worked at blocking memories. Maybe it was time for her to lay her past to rest. The idea of it terrified her, and she really wasn’t sure why. She wanted to move forward in her life. It was time.

In the past few months, she had begun to see a counsellor on the mainland, trying to recover memories that may never return. It was exhausting, but it seemed that she was making headway, having a few glimmers of recurring events in the dreams. Lily had been a great patient and had listened to everything the counsellor had to say. She had practised the techniques and was always willing to trysomething new. Perhaps that was why she was making such good progress.

She had been working on a dream journal for a while. There were things that were now noticeable recurrences in the dreams. The counsellor felt that these probably pointed to true memories, but of course, there were no guarantees.

Nights like last night where she was running scared and full of terror were one of the most common themes. Miles away and many years ago, she had started running and started a new life. Since then, moments of serenity had been hers, but many moments of terror had overshadowed the peace. She had started over in new places a few times but always seemed to come back to the same position—scared, alone.

Thinking back to try to remember her childhood was hard. It made her feel anxious, afraid, and she did not like it—mostly because she did not know why. Her earliest clear memories were after her ninth birthday. She had a few vague memories of earlier, but nothing solid.

Lily made the decision to seek some help to recover the lost memories and lay them to rest and to deal with her past so she could enjoy her life in peace. She had been working really hard with her therapist for months now.

They had used a variety of techniques to help Lily remember. She now had enough information to try to discover what her mind had forgotten. It was time to go back to Rollingway, the town in her dreams.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sandra Steiner lives in Victoria, British Columbia on Vancouver Island with her husband and fur babies.  She is an avid reader of all genres and loves to listen to life stories.  Sandra has now published two inspirational romance novels and is looking forward to publishing more in the fall of 2014.  She loves connecting with other readers and authors, and encourages this connection through Facebook, twitter, and or goodreads, the links are included.

 

My links:

www.facebook.com/steinerwrite

www.facebook.com/sandrasteiner.21

www.facebook.com/sandrasteiner.22

@healing_love

Cherish the Past-Spring Island Trilogy Book One

http://www.amazon.com/Cherish-Past-Spring-Island-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B00LCRF28U/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1408341839&sr=8-2&keywords=Sandra+Steiner

Live for Today-Spring Island Trilogy Book Two

http://www.amazon.com/Live-Today-Spring-Island-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B00MIHIICK/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1408341897&sr=8-1

There they go….

My Facebook timeline is full of pictures of smiling children heading off to school. A new year, new friends, another year older. Oh the memories.

It seems like yesterday that I was sending my kids out the door to play school, kindergarten and then grade school. They obliged the indulgent mother in me for smiling photos, showing off their new outfits and backpacks. The class trips to the zoo, skiing, swimming, dances, and overnight sleepovers

In the blink of an eye they were done school and getting ready to spread their wings and experience freedom on their own. They were out with friends, gone for weekends, pushing the limits, and testing patience. Looking back it all went so fast it’s hard to believe sometimes.

I believe it’s the same for most parents. We do everything we possibly can to prepare them for independent life on their own. Then they spread their wings and fly, sometimes falling back into the nest, other times soaring on the first flight. Regardless we smile, we cheer and we have tears. Our babies are grown, our nest is empty and we struggle to fill the void left in the wake.

It’s hard for our children to understand why there are tears in our eyes as they move on into their new life. It’s something they will understand better when they have children of their own. We devote hours each day for years to them, ensuring they are safe, fed, healthy and successful, then they leave. We are left with a void to fill. We switch gears and do the things we always wished we had time for. But, we miss their dependence on us, even though we were teaching them independence skills all those years.

The pain of seeing an empty room. The realization that the fridge will remain full. It all becomes our new reality. We adapt to the quiet, and rejoice when they call. We listen intently for any sign they need us, and we boast to everyone who will listen how proud we are.

Life goes on…spread your wings, enjoy life! Remember we are so proud to be your parents, you are loved, forever and for always.

My links:

www.facebook.com/steinerwrite

www.facebook.com/sandrasteiner.21

www.facebook.com/sandrasteiner.22

@healing_love

Cherish the Past-Spring Island Trilogy Book One

http://www.amazon.com/Cherish-Past-Spring-Island-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B00LCRF28U/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1408341839&sr=8-2&keywords=Sandra+Steiner

Live for Today-Spring Island Trilogy Book Two

http://www.amazon.com/Live-Today-Spring-Island-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B00MIHIICK/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1408341897&sr=8-1