*Gender-Based Abortions in a Male-Centric Society

*India’s vanishing girl babies

*Selective abortions 

*Female infanticide 

* Gender-based abortion

*Female Feticide

* India’s Unwanted Children

When a young widow refuses to comply with her in-laws' dictate to abort her unborn child, will her rebellion turn out to be the greatest mistake of her life, or a blessing in disguise? This is the story of one mother’s valiant fight to protect her daughters in a society that often frowns on female children, and the only man who will help her in her battle when the stakes become impossibly high.

THE FORBIDDEN DAUGHTER is woven around the hot-button social issue of vanishing girl children in contemporary India, where gender-based abortions and female infanticide continue to be practiced in some areas despite laws to ban the practices.

Shobhan's Bio

Shobhan Bantwal is the author of THE DOWRY BRIDE and THE FORBIDDEN DAUGHTER. Both novels are set in India and released by Kensington Publishing Corp. Shobhan’s short story titled WHERE THE LOTUS GROWS is scheduled for publication in an anthology in spring 2009 and the proceeds will be donated by the publisher, Freya’s Bower, to a battered women’s shelter.

As a freelance writer, Shobhan frequently writes columns for India Abroad. Since 2002, Shobhan’s articles and short stories have also appeared in a variety of other publications including The Writer magazine, Little India, U.S. 1, Desi Journal, India Currents, Overseas Indian, New Woman India, Kanara Saraswat and Sulekha. Her short stories have won honors and awards in fiction contests sponsored by Writer’s Digest, New York Stories and New Woman magazines.

For more information about her books, stories and articles, visit her website at www.shobhanbantwal.com

Please return to learn more about The Forbidden Daughter and Shobhan Bantwal.

Posted by joyceanthony at 1:54 AM EDT

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A short time ago, I had the opportunity to feature Earl Ofari Hutchinson here at Books and Authors.  This election is an historice one, no matter who wins.  For that reason, I wanted to tell readers again about this wonderful book, written by a man who is extremely well-versed in politics.

A New York Times Poll released July 15 found that the prospect of an Obama presidency has deeply divided black, white and Hispanic voters. A majority of Hispanics and blacks say an Obama White House will improve race relations. A majority of whites say it won’t. In his book, The Ethnic Presidency: How Race Decides the Race to the White House, noted political analyst Earl Ofari Hutchinson predicted that race would be a decisive factor in the presidential race.

Hutchinson said that the New York Times poll validated many of the key points and predictions in his book, The Ethnic Presidency. The poll found that a majority of whites are skeptical about Obama’s competency, experience and political beliefs. While a majority of blacks and Hispanics believe that Obama is best able to bring racial harmony and hope to the poor and dispossessed.

“The racial divide that the New York Times poll found on everything from black and white views of racial progress, political expertise, immigration, and the future of the country under the first African-American president,” says Hutchinson, “echo the points detailed in The Ethnic Presidency.”

Hutchinson goes much further and tells how racial messages, images, stereotypes and code words impact and influence presidential elections past and present. The New York Times poll found African-American, Hispanic and Asian voters will play a major role in the presidential election. Hutchinson tells why their role and importance in presidential elections has grown immensely in the past decade and will continue to grow in future presidential elections.

.

Earl Ofari Hutchinson is an author, syndicated columnist, political analyst and commentator. He is a frequent guest on Hannity and Colmes, The O’Reilly Factor, The Big Story, EXTRA, and numerous CNN News and Talk Shows. He is associate editor of New America Media. His op-ed columns appear in the Baltimore Sun, Huffington Post, L.A. Times, Los Angeles Daily News, Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, Newsday, the Philadelphia Inquirer, San Francisco Chronicle, and the Christian Science Monitor, and other major newspapers. He is the author of ten books.

Posted by joyceanthony at 2:49 AM EDT

Updated: Sunday, 19 October 2008 2:53 AM EDT

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How much would you be willing to pay for a writer's conference that allowed you to attend workshops on everything from Faith in Fiction to Writing Sex?  What if it included being able to meet and mingle with eleven publishers that represented every genre this is?  Wait, there's more! How about if they threw in over sixty--yes sixty!--week-long forums where you could get hands-on experience in various writing areas and all your questions answered?  We're talking character building, writing your bio, comedy, world building, website creation and cheap or free book promotion--just to name a small number. 

Okay--we have over sixty WEEK-LONG classes and direct contact with publishers--let's add some more.  How about thirty-five hour-long chats where you get a chance for even greater understanding of the subject matter?  How much do you think all this would be worth if you also had a chance to tons of handouts and the transcripts from all the various one-hour classes--a well as the ability to access all sixty week-long forums and have the information to peruse as many times as you wished?

Okay, I know what you are thinking--Joyce has either gone completely delusional or is giving us a glimpse of a fantasy novel.  Neither--this actually exists and I've been able to attend three years now--without spending a penny or leaving the comfort of my home--no hotel bills or food expenses, no pet sitters or childcare required.

For the third October in a row, the Internet has been the home of The Muse Online Writing Conference--and it has steadily grown.  I finish the week exhausted from all the activity--but a good exhaustion it is.  I spend the following months going over all the material, letting the information sink in and aid me in my writing career.  I have made contacts and made friends.

The Muse Conference has all I described above--and every year there is more--and it is offered at no cost to those who attend (although I have no doubt any donations would be more than welcome!).  This conference was the brainchild of Lea Schizas, an incredible woman who puts endless time and energy into bringing everything together and seeing that it runs smoothly.  Where she finds all the energy is a mystery to all--we just know she has more than earned all our love, respect and thanks.  Why does she do it?  Maybe she'll stop by and leave a comment telling us why.  All I know for sure is she sure gives all the rest of us a wonderful role model to look up to.

Watch here for your chance to sign up for next year's Muse Online Conference--I can guarantee you will never miss another one willingly!!

Posted by joyceanthony at 2:55 AM EDT

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1.  Can you tell us your name and the title of the book you live in?

The book I live in? That's an interesting way of putting it. I'm Sister Grace, mage of Our Lady of the Miracles of the Faerie Catholic Church, and the book I'm here to talk about is Magic, Mensa and Mayhem: From the Case Files of DragonEye, PI, written by our transcriber, Karina Fabian.

2.  Describe to our readers what your role in the book is.

Vern, my partner, likes to call me the "magical tank." In most cases, that is my role. This time, however, I mainly kept an eye on the Magicals from our dimension as they attended a Mensa convention in your Mundane world. Of course, things didn't go quite as easily as we'd hoped, but magically, it wasn't overly taxing. I'm very grateful for that, incidentally, as being so far from the Gap that connects your world to Faerie meant I could not have replenished my magic.

3.  How did you convince your author to put you in this book?  For example, did you visit a dream or make yourself known some other way?

Karina came to us, actually. She was interested in our cases and asked if she could make them into stories and novels. It's been a fun process. She had a very vivid imagination.

4.  Is your author easy to work with or controlling?

Very easy to work with--though she and Vern had to have a discussion about his narrative style. It does give me pause that she's rather open about our lives. She tells more than I'm comfortable with revealing sometimes. However, she does her best not to embellish just for drama's sake. She lets us tell the story.

5.  Would you tell us about one of your favorite friends from this book?

That would be Vern, a Faerie dragon working to earn back all his dragon abilities through service to the Church. When I first met him, I thought he was insufferably smug and lazy. (Sometimes, I still do, actually.) It was a difficult time for me; I was recovering from a sickness of the soul. Your doctors called it Post traumatic Stress Disorder; they helped me to be able to function again, but Vern has helped me come back to life. He has a sarcastic sense of humor that makes me laugh more than it probably should. When I am afraid or upset, he's there. He's my protector and my Simon--but he's also the one to make me push out of my comfort zone when the need arises.  And heavens! Does it arise often in this business!

6.  Do you plan on appearing in another book or are you happy to be where you are?

Karina has already written a second book, Live and Let Fly, that will be coming out by Swimming Kangaroo sometime in late 2009. (Magic, Mensa and Mayhem comes out in February.)  In addition, she has several stories coming out in various anthologies:  Mother Goose is Dead (DragonMoon) and The Book of Tentacles, (Samsdot). I suspect she'll be writing stories and novels about our adventures for a long time.

7.  What would you like our readers to know about you?

That everything I am and everything I do is by the grace of God.

8.  Did you learn anything during your adventure in this book?

We learned some very interesting things about Brownies. We call them quantum creatures, but they're really more understandable with string theory--and I'm very good with strings.

9.  Can you tell us what you think is the most exciting thing that happened to you in your book?

It depends on what you mean by exciting. I most enjoyed making some new friends, especially Shirley Stark, a fellow harpist and a Mensan. But if you mean action-exciting, I guess that would be the magical "tussle" I got into with Euterpe. No, I won't give you the details. Let's just say she was putting on airs--as usual--during Shirley's Magic in Music panel and I felt it was my duty to humble her a bit...and things got out of hand. No one was hurt, except her pride, which may as well be a living thing.  I'm sorry, I didn't mean to say that. As you can see, Euterpe does bring out the worst in me.

10.  Is there anything in your story you wish you had not done? Why?

Well, I probably shouldn't have gotten into such a fight with Euterpe.

11.  What was your main motivation?

Overall? I just wanted to relax. Attend the convention, listen to the speakers, make a few friends. Neither Vern nor I expected to have to stop an Interdimensional war. Truth to tell, though, Vern did the most of the real work this case. He's very resourceful.

12.  Introduce us to your main adversary?

In Magic, Mensa and Mayhem? Personally, I guess that was Euterpe, though she was a minor distraction, really. The main "adversary" in this was an ages-old tradition of the Elvesthat caused the trouble in the first place. That and Mundane colas. You'll have to read the story to find out what I mean by that.

13.  Is there anything you would like to have done but your author stopped you?

Oh, no!  Karina writes what we tell her.

14.  Here's your chance to speak your mind.  What do you want to tell everybody?

Go to Church. Learn about our Lord, accept His love and give him the praise and devotion He deserves.

15.  Please tell everyone where they can find out more about your story and where they can purchase it.

You can learn more about Vern, me and the DragonEye, PI world at our website, http://www.dragoneyepi.net/. We encourage you to sign up on the website and participate in the forums. Our books are listed on the right column. In the meantime, you can find out more about Firestorm of Dragons, which has one of Vern's earlier cases, at http://www.firestormofdragons.com/.  "Magic, Mensa and Mayhem" comes out in February 2009 from Swimming Kangaroo.

Posted by joyceanthony at 1:27 AM EDT

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There has been an unavoidable change in schedules for the next few days.  I apologize to those who was looking forward to Truth and Intimacy--hopefully I can do that at another time.  I do have an interview with a wonderful author to share with you today--I hope you enjoy it!!

 Susan Schank the person: 

1.      What three words do you think describe you as a human being?

 honest, passionate, advocate

2.      How do you think others would describe you?

Talks ALL THE TIME!  But is a good listener, too.  Caring, a cynical optimist, stands up for what she believes in.

3.      Please tell us what you are most passionate about outside of writing.

My daughter and husband.  Without them I am nothing.

4.  Do you have any pets?  If so, introduce us to them.

Yes, I have a chow/shepherd mix dog named Cossette, a corn snake named Ruby, and a zebra finch named Zeke.  My daughter has a fish named Molly.  No, it is not a mollie.  It is a beta.  A male.  Whatever…… 

5.  What is your most precious memory?

The birth of my daughter.

6.  What is your most embarrassing memory?

Stumbling over my chair in college Lit class while making my exit on the last day of class.  Right after I had told the professor, as well as the entire class, what I thought of his teaching and grading techniques.  Not a graceful moment, but certainly an impressive one.
 

7.   If you weren’t a writer, what would you be doing with your life?

I would be a lawyer.  I love to research and debate.
 

8.      In two paragraphs or less write your obituary

Passionate is how you would describe Susan.  Susan worked hard to be the best mother, wife, and teacher she could be.  She was passionate about children, about the goodness of people, about education truly being the path to freedom and independence.  She was an advocate for those less fortunate and for causes she believed in.  Susan tried to make a difference with her words and wrote to inspire.  Her passion will be missed.

Susan Schank the writer: 

9.  Can you describe the time you realized you were indeed a “real” writer?

Absolutely!  It was the day I received my box of “Tera’s Dawn”, my first picture book.  “Tera’s Dawn, Author, Susan K. Schank” was printed on the side of the box.  VALIDATION!  From a BOX!  I still have the box.

10.  What is going on with your writing these days?

I am working on a couple of picture books, finishing an article in which I interviewed a young TV celebrity, and making character profiles for an adult novel that seems to be banging around in my head.

11.  What are your future goals for your writing?

I would like to write full time, for both children and adults.  And find a great agent!

12.  Can you describe a typical writing day for you?

Working as a full-time librarian in an elementary school doesn’t leave much time for a typical writing day.  I often write on my lunch break, especially if I have a deadline on a project.  I also work writing in while waiting for my daughter during her tumble and gymnastics classes.  Weekends and summers provide time to write, too.  I just fit it in when and where I can.

 

13.  Why do you write?

I write as a way of speaking.  I write to inspire, to share, to entertain.  Sometimes I write simply to vent, which often turns out to be some of my most passionate work.  But mostly, I just write to get the stories out of my head!

14.  What writer most inspires you?  Why?

I can’t pick just one!  But TWO I can think of are Jane Yolen and Cynthia Rylant.  I adore Jane’s writing and how diverse her topics and styles are.  Also, I spent a week with her in a picture book workshop hosted by the Highlights Foundation.  Just Jane and eight participants.  A PHENOMENAL experience.  She is such a wonderful, warm, sharing person.  I admire Cynthia Rylant’s writing.  It is so lyrical.  I enjoy both her picture books and chapter books.  And who doesn’t love Henry and Mudge?!


15.  How do you define your writing?

Depends on what I’m writing.  Funny, contemplative, informative, thought provoking.  Sometimes full of pathos….

16.  In one sentence—what do you want people to say about your writing in fifty years?

“She wrote good stories.”

17.  Can you tell us where to find more information on you? Website?  Blog?

Sure!  Please visit my website at www.susankneibschank.com.  And my Face Book page.

18.  Is there a place where readers can reach you?

Yes, there is an email link on my site.

19.  Can you list all your book titles so people can look for them?

 BOOKS

* “Tera’s Dawn”, Purple Sky Publishing, 2008.

* “Gilda Can’t Gallop”, Living Waters Publishing, forthcoming.

FEATURES WITHIN BOOKS

*Poem-“Grow a Story” is the second-place national winner featured in the national Half-Price Books Store “Say Goodnight to Illiteracy Bedtime Story Book”, 2006. 

* Poem-“Just After You Were Born” featured in Miracles of Motherhood: Poems and Prayers for New Mothers, June Cotner Books, 2007.

* Devotionals-“Love Her” and “Respect” featured in A Cup of Comfort Devotional for Mothers Adams Media Corporation, 2007

20.  For new readers—what can they expect when they read your book(s)?

It depends on which book they are reading.  My picture books tend to be either quiet, soft stories, or situation comedy.  The adult books I have contributed to are all prayerful. 

In conclusion: 

21.  Take as much space as necessary to speak to our readers—what would you like them to know about you and your writing?

I am mom, wife, teacher, singer, librarian, Girl Scout leader, volunteer…..

My life is very full and extremely rich.  Family is the most important thing in the world to me.  Without them I am nothing. 

As for my writing, my life provides the soil from which my words grow.  Sometimes they grow tall and strong, sometimes they need a bit of fertilizer to help them along.  My critique group provides invaluable advice, encouragement, and LOTS of laughs!  Writing isn’t easy, it takes time and dedication.  But it IS worth it!

Posted by joyceanthony at 12:01 AM EDT

Updated: Thursday, 16 October 2008 12:47 AM EDT

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Over the next couple of days, we will be visiting with Lacresha and Lensey Hayes:

They have written a wonderful book for all those who want to create a more loving relationship with their spouse.

It is a must-read book for all those who are married or who hope to be. 

Let's take a look at:

 Truth and Intimacy: A Couple's Journal
Authors: Lensey and Lacresha Hayes
Publisher: Living Waters Publishing Company
ISBN: 978-0-9814532-3-1
Publication Date: September 2008
Page Count: 180 pages
Price: $19.99

Truth and Intimacy  fosters closeness and understanding between couples, helping them to overcome common marriage issues for a longlasting, healthy and happy marriage. With interactive activities, this book will become a close companion for you and your spouse.

 

Posted by joyceanthony at 1:51 AM EDT

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As we finish up our coverage of Quest for Success, I'd like to share with you a short video on the subject of True Wealth.  Please take the time to let these words invade your soul.

For additional information visit http://www.questforwealth.org/

To learn about all of Lili Fournier's products, visit http://www.questthejourney.com/products/products.html

The complete list of tour stops is available at: http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/09/quest-for-success-dvd-d...

Posted by joyceanthony at 1:15 AM EDT

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TRUE POWER HUMILITY RESPECT LEADERSHIP

RICHARD BRANSON: I think that’s an important attribute, is being a good listener.

DESMOND: The world is beginning to realize more and more that spiritual values, which used to be pooh-poohed, actually what make the world go around.

STEPHEN COVEY: Moral authority’s the essence of true leadership, not formal authority. I think our conscience is like a divine voice and if we educate it by studying the great wisdom literature so that we understand the principles that are truly universal and timeless, and if we follow it we haven an internal source of integrity and security.

LILI FOURNIER: In your view, what do you think it takes to achieve success in our society?

STEPHEN COVEY: I think it takes a combination of humility and strength. Humility because you believe that principals ultimately govern the consequences, not you. And strength and courage because you need to be an advocate of powerful principals that do change lives. And I think if you lack one or the other, humility or strength, you run into problems.

Humility teaches you to be reverent toward people, to be deeply respectful, to listen with empathy. Strength teaches you, make your point, have your convictions, share your convictions.

LILI FOURNIER: You know when I look at the 7 habits, I can’t think of any response…perhaps you can tell us how to use the 7 habits in our personal lives or in business.

STEPHEN COVEY: I think the reason why 7 Habits pertain to whatever situation or context there is because they’re based upon principals, and the principals are very simple.

THE 7 HABITS OF HIGHLY EFFECTIVE PEOPLE
1 Take initiative and responsibility
2 Have purpose and values
3. Have integrity
4. Mutual Respect
5. Mutual Understanding
6. Co-operation
7. Self-Renewal

Habit 1 is the principal of initiative and responsibility.
Habit 2 the principal of purpose, having values.
Habit 3 is the integrity principal.
Habit 4 is the mutual benefit, mutual respect principal.
Habit 5 is mutual understanding.
Habit 6 is creative cooperation.
Habit 7 is the renewal habit, I sometimes call it sharpen the saw.
Habit 8 - Find your voice and inspire others to find theirs.

These are principals that are universal. They belong to all cultures, all religions, these principals that are timeless, they never change.

For instance, you can never have trust without trustworthiness, trust is the fruit of trustworthiness, that is a self evident principal. If you know that I’m a person that is a straight shooter and you know where you stand, you trust me. When you trust me, we can do all kinds of things together.

DESMOND TUTU: Well it’s amazing what a good person is able to do. When Nelson Mandela was in jail, he was vilified by the white community as a terrorist, almost the devil incarnate. He came out and they in many ways were expecting him to be spouting revenge and hatred and retribution. And he did none of these things

STEPHEN COVEY: I think that true power usually comes to someone that has moral authority, and then formal authority is thrust upon, perhaps like a Mandela, who was the father of the new South Africa. But where’d that come from? 27 years of prison. He comes out and his spirit is full of love, forgiveness and reconciliation

RICHARD BRANSON: I just got lucky and fortunate enough to spend enough time with him and he’s one of the most respectable men in the world, very credible, very respectful to his enemies which then united that country.

STEPHEN COVEY: In other words, out of this kind of decades of sacrifice is the moral authority that models for us to forgive, to not be offended, to not take offence, to make reconciliation, to be a peacemaker. Blessed are the peacemakers. For they shall be called the children of God.

DESMOND TUTU: He was just making people feel in a way special. He see’s himself as being in a position, but not for self-aggrandizement, for power. For service. and if I were to be this absolute monarch of the world, I hope I would be able to make people feel special by being one who was available to serve them.

RICHARD: I think one of the other important things about being a really good leader is being a good listener. And I think a lot of leaders are not good listeners. They—you learn so much from listening to other people and not imposing your own views all the time.

STEPHEN COVEY: We haven’t been trained in how to listen. But I think it’s more than just training and skill and technique. It takes a lot of courage to listen because you’re vulnerable. If down deep you’re threatened, you don’t have the security and sense of self and your own worth, for me to listen, I’m vulnerable. I can’t risk that. Takes tremendous courage.

…/but that is the key to bonding because when you’re vulnerable and you really listen, and both are vulnerable and those vulnerabilities overlap, that’s where the bonding takes place.

LILI FOURNIER: Would you have dreamt that you would achieve the kind of influence and impact that you have had in communities and cities and corporations..

STEPHEN COVEY: I have a sense of calling about what I do. That’s the basis of it. I feel the same with most people. If they would learn to listen and to live true to their consciences, they’d have a sense of calling about what their life is and what their unique gifts are. They’re unique voice. It’s won’t come from the social mirror. It’ll come deep within your own sense of identity.

LILI FOURNIER: How can you help people find that calling because I encounter an awful lot of people that don’t who what their passion is and how to find it.

STEPHEN COVEY: I would encourage two things. Listen a lot to them. And teach them to be true to the light they’re now given them.

The more you listen to your conscience, the more demands your conscience will make of you. Just keep following the demands of your conscience. And downstream you’ll have a sense of your voice, of your calling. Don’t worry about it now. Begin the process.

*** 

For additional information visit http://www.questforwealth.org/

To learn about all of Lili Fournier's products, visit http://www.questthejourney.com/products/products.html

The complete list of tour stops is available at: http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/09/quest-for-success-dvd-d...

Posted by joyceanthony at 2:45 AM EDT

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I want to take time today to introduce you to those who have contributed to Quest For Success.  I think you will agree with me that these are "the best of the best" in their chosen life paths!!

Byron Katie is the creator of The Work, a system she invented to teach people how to end their own suffering. As she guides people through a unique process of inquiry, they find that their stressful beliefs—about life, other people, or themselves— radically shift their lives. Based on her own life experience of how suffering is created and ended, The Work is an astonishingly simple process, accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds, and requires nothing more than a pen and paper and an open mind. Through this process, anyone can learn to trace unhappiness to its source and eliminate it.

His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, is both the head of state and the spiritual leader of Tibet. In 1989 he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his non-violent struggle for the liberation of Tibet. He has consistently advocated policies of non-violence, even in the face of extreme aggression. He has traveled to more than 62 countries meeting with presidents, prime ministers and crowned rulers of major nations. Since 1959 His Holiness has received over 84 awards, honorary doctorates, prizes, etc., in recognition of his message of peace, non-violence, inter-religious understanding, universal responsibility and compassion. He has also authored more than 72 books. He describes himself as “a simple Buddhist monk”.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu is a South African cleric and activist who rose to worldwide fame during the 1980s as an opponent of apartheid. Tutu was elected and ordained the first black South African Anglican Archbishop. He received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984 , the Albert Schweitzer Prize for Humanitarianism, and the Magubela prize for liberty in 1986. In February 2007 he was awarded the Gandhi Peace Prize. He was generally credited with coining the term “Rainbow Nation” as a metaphor for post-apartheid South Africa. The expression has since entered mainstream consciousness to describe South Africa's ethnic diversity.

Harv Eker, using the principles he teaches, went from zero to millionaire in only two and a half years by combining a unique brand of “street-smarts” with heart. His high-energy, cut-to-the-chase style keeps his audiences spellbound. He is the author of Secrets of the Millionaire Mind and SpeedWealth. During his years of struggle, Harv vowed that he would help others become rich as well. As the founder and president of Peak Potentials Training Inc., he has touched the lives of over 250,000 people, helping them move closer to their goal of true financial freedom.

Jack Canfield is the originator of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, which fostered the emergence of inspirational anthologies as a genre, rapidly growing to a billion dollar market. As the driving force behind the development and delivery of over 100 million books sold, Jack Canfield is uniquely qualified to talk about success. Behind the empire Time magazine called the "publishing phenomenon of the decade" he is the leading expert in creating peak performance for entrepreneurs and leaders.

John Assaraf as a teenager risked the consequences of a turbulent lifestyle that could have easily led to jail or to the morgue. In his quest to overcome his challenges and fulfill his desire to live a purposeful and meaningful life, he discovered a unique passion for brain research and quantum physics as they relate to achieving success in business and life. Today John shares that passion with audiences worldwide. John is also one of the Marshall Goldsmith School of Management's Distinguished Thought Leaders. In the last 20 years, John has built four multi-million dollar companies

Marci Shimoff is the woman's face of the biggest self-help book phenomenon in history, Chicken Soup for the Soul. Her six bestselling titles in the series, including Chicken Soup for the Woman’s Soul and Chicken Soup for the Mother’s Soul, have met with stunning success, selling more than 13 million copies worldwide. Marci is one of the bestselling female nonfiction authors of all time. Her breakthrough methods for personal fulfillment and professional success are summed up in her own bestseller Happy for No Reason

 Sir Richard Branson is best known for his Virgin brand of over 360 companies. In 1972, he opened a chain of record stores, Virgin Records. With his flamboyant and competitive style, Branson's Virgin brand grew rapidly during the 1980s, as he set up Virgin Atlantic Airways. An inveterate adventurer, his current passions include Virgin Mobile and the upcoming Virgin Galactic. Sir Richard is a noted philanthropist and member of the Clinton Global Initiative, who has devoted billions of dollars to reviving the ecology.

Russell Simmons has been instrumental in bringing hip-hop to every facet of business and media since its inception in the late 1970s: in music with the co-founding of the immensely successful original Def Jam Recordings; in the fashion industry with the trail-blazing Phat Farm, Baby Phat, and Run Athletics clothing lines; in film with Simmons Lathan Media Group; in television with HBO's "The Def Comedy Jam" and "Russell Simmons Presents Def Poetry"; on Broadway with the Tony Award winning stage production "Russell Simmons Def Poetry Jam on Broadway". Russell Simmons spends considerable energy working for social, political, and philanthropic causes, pushing hip-hop on to new plateaus of power and relevance

Stephen Covey is recognized as one of Time magazine's 25 most influential Americans, who has dedicated his life to demonstrating how every person can truly control their destiny with profound, yet straightforward guidance. As an internationally respected leadership authority, family expert, teacher, organizational consultant, and author, his advice has given insight to millions. He has sold over 20 million books including his phenomenally popular 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, which was named the #1 most influential business book of the last century

]Wayne Muller is the founder of Bread for the Journey, is an ordained minister, therapist, and author. A graduate of Harvard Divinity School, he has spent the last 25 years working closely with some of the most disadvantaged members of society. He is the founder of the Institute for Engaged Spirituality, a senior scholar with the Fetzer Institute, and extended faculty of the Institute of Noetic Sciences. Wayne is the author of the national best seller Sabbath and How, Then, Shall We Live

And the mastermind responsible for bringing all this talent together:

LILI FOURNIER is the producer/director and host of the award winning Quest series of specials on PBS. Critically acclaimed as the best of its genre for its in-depth approach to contemporary life issues, the series features a mastermind group of America's most influential thinkers on personal achievement and well being, including Thomas Moore, Stephen Covey, Deepak Chopra, Caroline Myss, Marianne Williamson, John Gray, et al.

The Quest specials have been syndicated to over 90 million households on PBS, airing in the top markets in the U.S., on six Canadian networks, in Europe and Israel. The Quest, consistently captured top ratings, elicited a sensational audience response, and successfully raised millions for PBS's fund-raising efforts.

Lili Fournier recently produced and directed the Women of Wisdom and Power trilogy, featuring some of today's most fascinating and socially active women, including Jane Goodall, Anita Roddick, Naomi Wolf, Gloria Steinem, Shirley MacLaine, Alanis Morissette, et al. The series premiered in New York with a five hour special celebrating the power and influence of women. It included a two hour live studio segment featuring Erica Jong, Lynne Twist and Lili Fournier.

In 2005, Women of Wisdom and Power was re-licensed to by PBS for another 4 years. It aired in March for Women’s History Month, prime time in numerous cities including Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Washington, Denver, San Francisco, etc.

In 2004 Fournier produced a major “Call to Action” email campaign to women’s organizations across the U.S. to inspire Women to Use the Power of their Vote. In 2004 she filmed the Dalai Lama and the Peace Laureates Roundtable at UBC in Vancouver, and Desmond Tutu in Bali for a documentary in development on the Quest for Global Healing.

She produced the documentary "Expulsion & Memory", which featured the historic reconciliation of the King of Spain and the President of Israel, which was filmed in five countries, 3 continents.

Some of her selected Producing credits include: the three hour "By My Spirit" Televised Concert Event with Zubin Mehta, the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra and Placido Domingo, in the presence of Queen Sophia, for Spain's Quinto Centenario (the Spanish Government) which concluded the 1992 Universal Spiritual Gathering in Toledo. People from all parts of the world joined hands in an affirmation of humankind’s eternal hope for peace, tolerance and co-existence.

"Living in the Light with Shakti Gawain" (TVO); Executive Producer for “Yellow Brick Road” (CBCNewworld/TVOntario) and “The Creators” profiling leading women in the arts (The Women’s Network), both series nominated for Geminis for Best Information Series.

Producer/Moderator of the 2 hour televised special, "Women in the Media", for The Toronto Film Festival, and Women in Film: Featured guests included Lili Fini-Zanuck, Sharon Stone, Martha Coolidge, Barbara Boyle, et al.

Some of her major multiple camera dramas, as associate director include Twentieth Century Fox's "Pygmalion" with Peter O'Toole. Showtime's "Pajama Tops”; Script Supervisor: Movies: "Case of Libel" Dan Travanti, Ed Asner; ABC's "Life of Alex", Craig T. Nelson, etc.; Features: Universal's "Silence of the North", Ellen Burstyn, Tom Skerrit; Universal's "Death Hunt", Lee Marvin, Charles Bronson; numerous movies, series, specials, and endless commercials.

As a lifestyle columnist featuring culture, real estate, and international travel and cuisine, she was a popular guest on nearly every radio and television talk show in the country, and in recent years has appeared as a guest in PBS Pledge specials to help public television stations with their fund raising efforts.


In her inveterate adventures, she has traveled to over 80 countries around the world. She has been honored by the Chinese Businessmen's Association, the Champagne Society of France, and made an honorary ambassador of Tourism to Israel, for her contribution to multi-culturalism.


As Chairperson of Community Liaison for Women in Film, she launched the immensely successful Mentorship program to help women advance in their field. She enjoyed acting as chairperson of several industry and charitable events, and was honored to have been inducted into the Canadian Women Who's Who.

Lili is a past member of the Women’s President’s organization and the Women’s Leadership Board at Harvard Kennedy School of Government, where some 100 women leaders use their influence, power, and energy to empower women worldwide.

Lili is a graduate of York University, and is married forever to her soulmate and partner, Gerard Fournier. She has two grown children. Awards: http://www.questthejourney.com/RaveR.htm

For additional information visit http://www.questforwealth.org/

To learn about all of Lili Fournier's products, visit http://www.questthejourney.com/products/products.html

The complete list of tour stops is available at: http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/09/quest-for-success-dvd-d...

Posted by joyceanthony at 2:23 AM EDT

Updated: Sunday, 12 October 2008 2:28 AM EDT

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Press Release

Happy, Wealthy and Wise


Today’s most influential thinkers, inspiring teachers and visionaries present powerful insights to achieving authentic success, which has become the defining spiritual quest of our time.



PICTURES PICTURES PICTURES PICTURES

Sam Keen, Jack Canfield, Marci Shimoff, Harv Eker, Byron Katie, Sir John Templeton, Richard Carlson, Hale Dwoskin, John Assaraf, Janet Attwood, Hari Nam Singh Khalsa, and Gabrielle Roth.

Everyone has a dream. Everyone has a Quest. This feature length film takes you on an incredible journey to discover the secrets to living a life filled with passion, excitement, joy and financial freedom. Not a phony quick-fix solution, but a way to actually seize your someday today.

Everyone wants to know the secret, to put their finger on the magic button in their search for wealth, happiness and a deeply meaningful purpose-driven life. Ideally, all would delight in an open-sesame to riches and overnight fame. Well you can’t get any more direct than this.

Quest: Happy, Wealthy & Wise is fresh. It’s provocative. It’s a sexy meeting of philosophy, open minds, dramatic vignettes, and incredibly effective life-altering techniques and practices.
Experience a whole new frontier open before your eyes, filled with new possibilities and watch your life change inexorably for the better!


PRODUCER/DIRECTOR
Award winning filmmaker, Lili Fournier, is credited with leading the way in pioneering spiritual programming on the airwaves across North America. This is her 12th Quest special, and her best work to date.

HAPPY, WEALTH & WISE

Your step-by-step daily guide to the spiritual power secrets to help you achieve happiness and extraordinary success.

You’ll learn
• the simple yet incredibly effective steps to building your house of happiness,
• how to create personal wealth,
• how to use powerful personal change techniques like The Work by Byron Katie,
• and the Sedona Method with Hale Dwoskin.


And so it is that we set off in life on a Quest to fulfill our desires, to find the spark that makes us feel vibrantly alive. Desire, after all, is the motivating force and generating power of all human action. Virtually all the great things ever accomplished in the world were done by men and women who were dreamers who made their dreams come true. Just like our experts have done.

What if there is no secret, no seven steps to follow? What if we are okay just the way we are, that we simply need to release the things that are holding us back from living in joy and happiness right now?

No matter what you’re calling in life, wealth, essentially, is what you’re after. The question then is how do you define real wealth? As one of our experts put it, “Most people think wealth is just money. And money is a wonderful thing, but the real goal is to have the full plume of your human imagination 360 degrees. Be family rich, be socially rich, be spiritually rich, be financially rich, and be emotionally rich.”

Embark on a Quest, and turn your dreams into reality.


Copyright Zolar Entertainment 2008

Lili Fournier
zolar@questthejourney.com
http://www.questthejourney.com

For additional information visit http://www.questforwealth.org/

To learn about all of Lili Fournier's products, visit http://www.questthejourney.com/products/products.html

The complete list of tour stops is available at: http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/09/quest-for-success-dvd-d...

Posted by joyceanthony at 12:46 AM EDT

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