Getting to Know Hugh Ballou
Topic: Author Interview
 

Hugh Ballou The Person:

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

Caring, feeling, fulfilling

2.   How do you think others would describe you?

Caring, loving, energizing

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

Making a difference in peoples lives, especially in the lives of leaders and the who are in their care.

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

Not at the present time, but I have had many dogs and cats who have been a major part of family life.

5.  What is your most precious memory?

Standing on the deck of my new home saying my vows to my new wife in front of 100 guests who were surprised we were having a wedding.

6.  What is your most embarrassing memory?

No Comment

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

Training leaders - what I am already doing.
 

8.   In two paragraphs or less write your obituary.

Hugh Ballou was a caring person who helped others find their key to success. He worked with leaders of organizations to assist them in defining and implementing their vision.

In part of his life, Hugh was a performer training orchestras and choirs around the world. Having studied with some of the most influential conductors in the US, Hugh has been able to refine the principle leadership principles that have given organizations a new vision for building more effective systems. Hugh would be so proud to know that his inspiration has influenced leaders around the globe to breathe new life into old patterns of leadership.

Hugh Ballou The Writer:

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

Once I finished the first chapter of my first book, I realized that I could really do it! I could also be a writer. Not because I had a gift for writing, but because I had something worthwhile to say.

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

I am publishing the 3^rd printing of my first book, Moving Spirits, Building Lives: Church Musician as Transformational Leader.  I am writing a basic leadership book for transformational leaders that will apply to leaders in all types of organizations and a companion workbook to help readers utilize the lessons in a practical and effective manner. I also write articles to address specific challenges I encounter in my work with leaders. I edit the "Leadership Tools" edition of "Monday Morning Email" for Those Who Lead Worship Ministries.

11.  What are your future goals for your writing?

To publish DVD sets to accompany the 3 workbooks for leaders and to make my lessons available for online learning opportunities so leaders can study without the cost of travel and hotel and registration fee.

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

I plan the overall content of the book and then outline each chapter. I then schedule a time to write each piece of the book - not in order of the chapters, but in sync with what challenges I am facing as I help my clients. I schedule at least 2 writing days per week with specific goals.

13.  Why do you write?

To clarify my thinking, to share my knowledge to communicate what I do to others.

14.  What writer most inspires you?  Why?

The composer and conductor Ralph Vaughan Williams is quoted as having said, "Music did not reveal its secrets to just one person." Many writers from many walks in life inspire me. I cannot narrow my appreciation to just one writer.

15.  How do you define your writing?

Practical.

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

Hugh gave me the one piece of the puzzle that made a huge difference in my effectiveness.

Hugh Ballou The Details:

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

http://www.hughballou.com/

http://www.leaderstransform.com/

http://www.leadershipteleseminar.com/

http://transforming-power.com/

http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/06/what-can-conductor-teach-you-about.html

http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/06/transforming-power-virtual-tour-with.html

http://www.worshipfulworks.com/

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

hugh@hughballou.com

888-398-8471

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

Moving Spirits, Building Lives: Church Musician As Transformational Leader

Moving Spirits, Building Lives: A Workbook for Transformational Leaders

Building High Performance Teams: Systems and Structures for Leading Teams and Empowering Transformation

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

Ideas and leadership tools that are immediately applicable

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 help leaders, no matter where they are in an organizational chart, to influence others in a positive way that will inspire and encourage effective work.

 

For more information about Hugh Ballou - visit http://www.hughballou.com/. Book information is available at  http://www.amazon.com/Transforming-Power-Transformational-Encouragement-Inspiration/dp/0881775312 For full tour details, visit http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/06/transforming-power-virtual-tour-with.html

A SPECIAL BONUS TO EACH PERSON WHO PURCHASES TRANSFORMING POWER TODAY - Hugh Ballou has compiled a list of great FREE bonus gifts for anyone who purchases Transforming Power today. To see a sample of the items that are being given away, visit http://www.transforming-power.com/. Just buy a copy of Transforming Power, return to this page and click to submit your invoice number to receive the web page link to download all of these gifts for FREE

About Transforming Power Leaders who have lead a transformation share the story of their experience. This information is invaluable for leaders who are undertaking a transformation of an organization. The details in this book can be advantageous for anyone who is in a situation where they need to make a transformation - no matter what the mission the organization or the type of transformation. The key to transformation is different for each individual, group, or congregation. Hugh Ballou has brought together a collection of over 25 articles and stories from individuals who have experienced real-life transformations of themselves or their institution. The inspiration offered from the words will enlist a sense of hope and perseverance during difficult times of change. Discover inspiration and transformation through the struggles of other leaders ranging from children's ministry to being in prison, from making Hollywood movies to winning football games, to being leaders who truly lead.

	Themes, Topics and Perspective Audience for Transforming Power
·         Transformational Leadership ·         Collaborative Leadership ·         Goal Setting ·         High Performance Teams ·         People in leadership positions in church and religious situations

 

A SPECIAL BONUS TO EACH PERSON WHO PURCHASES TRANSFORMING POWER TODAY – Hugh Ballou has compiled a list of great FREE bonus gifts for anyone who purchases Transforming Power today. To see a sample of the items that are being given away, visit http://www.transforming-power.com. Just buy a copy of Transforming Power, return to this page and click to submit your invoice number to receive the web page link to download all of these gifts for FREE.

 

Hugh Ballou, Motivational Speaker, Leadership Trainer, Author

Orchestrating Success

How does a conductor of orchestras and choirs teach leadership - very enthusiastically! Hugh Ballou teaches leaders around the globe how to build synergy with teams and how to build effective processes that bring success to any organization - no matter how small or how big. "I travel around the country and around the world and find that you can change the name of the organization, the location and the type of structure and you will still have the same issues - leaders not leading effectively!

Ballou brings 40 years of experience as conductor to his leadership training. "I call the training Building High Performance Teams, but no one can produce effective teams without fine-tuned leadership skills. I teach business executives how an orchestra conductor brings out the best skill of the players that have been hired. The conductor is a dictator, however, if the conductor hires a good oboe player, then it's best to let that oboe player use his or her skill rather than tell then how to play the oboe!" It sounds silly, however, leaders who micro-manage those whom they lead only receive a fraction of the performance that is ultimately possible. Let the team perform!

The skill set of planning for success, constructing powerful goals, and delegating with authority are consistent themes where many leaders underperform.

Ballou's unique ability in inspire and motivate event the most difficult of audiences has made him the expert in the field of Transformational Leadership. Transformational Leaders build strong leaders on teams that are motivated, focused and highly effective in setting and implementing powerful goals.

As author of 5 books on Transformational Leadership, Ballou works as executive coach, process facilitator, trainer and motivational speaker teaching leaders in many diverse fields the fine-tune skills employed every day by orchestral conductors.

Books:

Moving Spirits, Building Lives: Church Musician as Transformational Leader

Moving Spirits, Building Lives: A Workbook for Transformational Leaders

Building High Performance Teams: Systems and Structures for Leading Teams

and Empowering Transformation

Leaders Transform: A Guide for Leaders Transforming Organizations

 (September 2009)

 

I've Been Tagged!!
Topic: Miscellaneous

My dear friend Lacresha Hayes ( http://learntofeelpretty.blogspot.com:80/ ) tagged me with the follow meme.  Read on to see my answers and find out who I tagged!!

1) Computer, longhand, or other? 

Both.  My emotional pieces are always done longhand first.  My non-fiction, freelance stuff on the computer.  My creative writing is done almost as channeled writing and I find this hard to accomplish on a computer.

2) Coffee or tea?

Neither--well unless the tea is iced.  My preferred drinks are ice water and No Fear, sugar-free energy drink

3) Day or night?

Night--I am not a day person--and I definitely don't do mornings.  I do most of my work at night.  Creativity and calmness both set in at that point.

4) Favorite genre to write?

Anything that inspires or provides hope and meaning to others. 

5) Pencil or pen to edit?

Pen.  I print out my draft and use a pen to make notes and changes between the lines.

6) Unusual writing quirk or trait?

I'm not sure how unusual this is, but I use specific types of paper for each thing I'm writing.  Storm was written on rainbow-colored legal pads.  My latest, as yet untitled, is being written in a journal, as that is the format of the story.  Somehow the "right" paper brings about the mood for me.

7) Writing from home or writing in a cozy café?

This gets complicated.  Home has too many distractions except late at night.  Depending on what I'm writing, I go different places.  My favorite place is a toss up between Presque Isle State Park and our public dock.  The history is rich, the water is inspiring, nature sooths my soul and allows creativity to flow.

However....

If I am trying to understand a character or get into the feeling of a piece, I find somewhere that will help with that--someplace that can help me feel the scene or get inside my character's head.

8) Music or silence while your write?

Silence or the sound of rain or waves.

9) Favorite motivational writing quote?

Something that was actually said to me when I was brave enough to tell someone I wanted to be a writer.  He looked at me and said in his matter-of-fact manner: "If you want to be a writer, then write!"

10) Favorite bookmark?

I honestly don't have a favorite.  Mine are just practical places I need to be at various times.

11) Favorite fictional character of all time?

Again--no particular favorite.  I have met so many wonderful characters, each with something to tell me or teach me, that it is impossible to choose just one.

12) Most admired living writer today?

Richard Bach--no thinking necessary.  That man is a literary genius.

Now the extra fun part:

Vietnam Air Rescues by Dave Richardson--A Review
Topic: Book Review

Dave Richardson set out to leave a record of his time in Vietnam for his sons.  Vietnam Air Rescues is the result of that endeavor.  It has, however, been made available for everyone, so that we might see what it was like to fly air rescue in the jungles of Vietnam.

Mr. Richardson has created an account detailing not only seven rescues he took part in, but also his view of the Vietnam War.  His down-to-earth writing style enables to envision the living and working conditions during this time period.  The details are related in a no nonsense style that relates the details without embellishment.  Mr. Richardson describes the events as he experienced them. 

While I would have liked to see more emotion in the relating, I can't say I was a bit disappointed, as Dave Richardson includes plenty of the smaller details that bring the scene to life.  These details, along with photographs taken by Mr. Richardson, will draw you into this book and keep you turning the pages.

For anyone who has an interest in history or the Vietnam War in particular, this is a must-read.  It isn't often we come across positive stories of this period in our history.  While so many have kept their memories hidden within, Mr. Richardson shares his freely, giving us a glimpse into how faith can bring a person through even the most horrifying of times.

Talking With Dave Richardson
Topic: Author Interview
 

Dave Richardson The Person:

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

No.

2.  Why helicopter rescue instead of some other branch of the military?

That's a very good question, and one that requires a bit of an answer.  When I was in the 7^th grade, I decided I wanted to become an Air Force pilot, retire and teach school and, believe it or not, that is what I did!

Naturally, when I was younger, I thought I wanted to be a fighter pilot, but I was delayed in entering pilot training (another long story) and began to realize how restrictive a fighter pilot's life is.  My wife, Kaye, introduced me to helicopters by purchasing me a ticket on a commuter helicopter.  Then, while on deployment to Turkey, I got a chance to fly with the helicopter unit there.

It was so much fun!  When I returned to the States, I switched my request to helicopters. While in helicopter training, I had the opportunity to choose between transport and rescue helicopters.  Since I had served in Civil Air Patrol as both an Aircraft Observer and Ground Team Commander on search and rescue missions, my inclination was with rescue.

Didn't matter.  Following graduation, I was assigned to haul VIP's around Washington D.C.  When I was alerted that I would receive orders to Vietnam (no I did not volunteer), I again had the choice between rescue and transport.  I choose rescue.

3.  Do you believe putting your experience in words helped your children understand who their father is better?

Yes, I think it helped. They not only got to hear about a part of my life that otherwise would have been closed to them, but all have actively helped in the publication of this book.

4.  If we find ourselves in such a situation again and one of your sons (or grandsons) wanted to follow in your footsteps, what would you say to them? 

Go for it!  Oddly enough, my 2^nd son did follow somewhat in my footsteps.  He was an Army helicopter pilot and flew in the Grenada conflict as well as both Gulf wars.  Two of the three times he flew as a Medevac pilot, retrieving wounded soldiers.

5.  Did your spiritual outlook change at any point during your time as a helicopter rescue pilot?  If so, would you care to elaborate?

No, I do not believe it changed.  I accepted Jesus as my Savior when I was 9 years old and have attempted to follow Him to the best of my ability all my life.  When I was 29 years old, I was sent to Vietnam.  I did not hear any voices or anything like that, but I felt confident that the Lord would protect me when in danger and He certainly did!

6.  Knowing what all you went through, if given the choice to enter a different branch of the military, do you think you would or do you believe this was the one path you were meant to take?

No, I would not change to a different service.  I loved the Air Force and had a lot of fun while in it.  Without knowing all the reasons why, I do feel this was the path I was meant to take.

Dave Richardson The Writer:

7.  Can you describe the time you realized you were indeed a "real" writer?

I originally wrote this book as ‘eyes only' for my children.  Somehow, word got out and others began requesting a copy.  I was stunned to realize that anyone would be interested in what I had written for my children.  I suppose that is when I felt I was truly a writer.

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

Obviously, my book is out and available.  In addition to the print copy, readers can order it as a downloadable eBook; both of these can be done from my website:  http://www.vietnam-air-rescues.com/.  I will soon have the book available in audio format from the same website.  Visitors to the website can view many of the pictures contained in the book, plus short actual film clips of two of my rescues.  The book is now available in Kindle format at:  http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001CDMNYU.  I have a 30-minute power point presentation, which has been well received at a local civic club and the Historical Society.  I plan to advertise my services to speak at churches, civic clubs and the like in an effort to promote the book.

9.  What are your future goals for your writing?

At the moment, I have none.  Several individuals have asked if I plan to write any more books and my answer to date has been, "No".

10   Can you describe a typical writing day for you?

I try to pick a time when I am fresh and not involved in other things; then ‘write up storm' for awhile; then quit and do something else.  Finally I review what I have just written and make corrections as they occur to me.

11.  Why do you write?

Originally, it was to leave a legacy for my children.

12.   What writer most inspires you?  Why?

I am a somewhat eclectic reader; always with an ‘emergency book' or two on hand, therefore, I find it difficult to pick a favorite writer.  My choice would vary, depending on the type of book I was describing.

13.  How do you define your writing?

I tried to be both factual and dispassionate in my writing.

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

His trust in the Lord while in difficult circumstances shines through as an object lesson to us.

Dave Richardson The Details:

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

http://www.vietnam-air-rescues.com/

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

vnrescues@xemaps.com

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

Vietnam Air Rescues

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

"Vietnam Air Rescues" comes in several parts.  Part 1 is my take on the history of the Vietnam War.  Part 2 gives general background on how the rescue system worked.  Part 3 presents the details of my 7 rescues.  Part 4 is a collection of 30+ anecdotes concerning things that happened to me apart from a particular rescue.  Part 5 is a summation of general topics.  Part 6 contains a final word. and Part 7 is a glossary of military jargon for the non-military minded.  Scattered throughout the book, at appropriate places, are over 100 photos, maps and drawings.

In conclusion:

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

My 2^nd son, Craig, (I have 4 sons), had tried for years to get me to put down in writing the stories I had related to them regarding my Vietnam experiences.  (Incidentally, he has followed somewhat in my footsteps by becoming an Army helicopter pilot who served in the Panama incursion as well as Gulf Wars 1 & 2.  He did Medevac [the Army version of rescue] in Panama and Gulf War 2.  By the way, I have forgiven him for being in the Army instead of the Air Force!)

I resisted his efforts until I received a preliminary account of the ‘Streetcar' rescue by Kenny Fields, the last guy I rescued.  I thought it might be fun to write a counterpoint narrative, telling the story from my point of view, and found it to be enjoyable.

That was when Craig and I began working in earnest on the project-I wrote the narratives and supplied the photos, while Craig did the maps and supporting documents.

All of my sons, David, Craig, Eric and Mark plus my wife, Kaye, have participated in one fashion or another during the creation of this book.

I am a Christian.  Decided while in the 7^th grade I wanted to attend college; become a pilot with the USAF; retire and teach school-that is what I have done.  (I flew a variety of helicopters and taught 8^th grade Mathematics.)  Wife and I are High School sweethearts.  We live on the shore of a small lake in rural Kansas. 

Vietnam Air Rescues--An Excerpt
Topic: Blog Tours

Over the River and Through the Woods…

   This rescue took place in November, 1967. Embarking on a 3 day alert trip up ‘North’, we took off early from NKP, planning to arrive at the daytime site (Lima 36) at first light. 

   As we were overflying the nighttime site (Lima 20A), however, my wingman announced he had hydraulic problems. 

   He stated he thought it was just the gauge, and that the limited maintenance available on the ground should be able to repair it in a few minutes. I advised him I planned to continue on alone to Lima 36.

   He reminded me that we were not authorized to fly single ship over enemy terrain, but I reasoned that he could catch up with me shortly, and as there was a heavy bombing laid on for the day, I wanted to be close to the action in case we were needed.

   Arriving at Lima 36 as dawn broke; I circled and buzzed the strip a few times. No one opened fire, so I figured that it still belonged to us. 

   I landed and we began to refuel from the fuel barrels. Not long after we had finished refueling and were assembled in the hut, we received a Mayday (emergency distress) call that an F-4 had been hit over Hanoi. We immediately scrambled and headed on an intercept course

   When the Sandy’s caught up with me, they inquired where the other helicopter was. I told them not to worry; he would join us shortly. 

   As we ‘homed in’ on the aircraft’s distress beacon, it became apparent that the pilot had headed WNW toward China, rather than SW away from China and toward Laos.

   This presented a problem. The United States was extremely worried at the time that China would find some excuse to intervene in Vietnam as they had in Korea. As a result, American aircraft were prohibited from flying near the Chinese border. Regardless, we continued to fly an intercept course toward the survivors.

   As we arrived in the vicinity of the Black River (the northern and western limit of air operations), we realized we would have to cross the river if we were to rescue the two pilots. The riverbank was heavily defended, so we decided to climb to 10,000 feet and “jink” (maneuver from side to side) and spiral down as we crossed it. The flak (anti-aircraft fire) was heavy, but all five aircraft (one helicopter and four fighters) managed to cross without incident. While we flew toward the area where the survivors were down, two of the Sandy’s sped ahead to reconnoiter the scene, while the other two stayed behind to protect me. 

   Lead Sandy established voice contact with the pilot, who said he was about 2/3’s of the way up a steep ridge, covered with razor grass. Because of the grass, he was not able to move. There was no contact with the back-seater.

   As I entered the area, I spotted a steep ridge, which was clear of trees but covered with tall grass. At the foot of the ridge was a small hamlet. I observed several military trucks parked there. Some soldiers were busy setting up what looked like anti-aircraft guns, while others were attempting to cut a path up the ridge to the survivor.

   Due to ROE (Rules of Engagement) restrictions, we were unable to open fire on them. I calculated we might have enough time to pick the pilot up before the ground troops reached him. At my instruction, the survivor popped his smoke. Now I knew exactly where he was on that ridge.

   I began to ease the helicopter close to the ridge, hoping to be able to establish a hover over him. It was tricky work. There were strong crosscurrents of wind, which bucked the helicopter around. What complicated matters was the necessity to hover with my rotor tips just a few feet from the steeply angled ridge in order to get over him. 

   I went into my hover mode, which consisted of entrusting all aircraft gauges and radios except Guard (emergency radio frequency) to my co-pilot, and blocking out everything else as I concentrated on holding the helicopter absolutely still while the hoist was being lowered.

   Out of the corner of my eyes, I could sense a brilliant, white light. What was that? Was the co-pilot shining a light in my eyes? That didn’t make any sense, yet the light was there. Since I was busy maintaining the hover, I resolved to forget about it. 

   It was vitally important that the helicopter not be allowed to move even as much as a foot in any direction, or we would risk dragging the survivor through the sharp grass or, worse yet, knock the rotor blades off against the ridge.

   Finally, the hoist reached the survivor and he began to climb onto the paddle seats. We had just begun lifting him off the ground when an enemy soldier rolled over the top of the ridge above me at a distance of about 75-100 feet. He aimed his AK-47 at us and began firing.

   ‘Feeling’ rather than hearing the bullets impacting the fuselage just below my seat, I yelled to the guys in the back that we were taking fire and transmitted the same message to the Sandy’s. 

   In the meantime, the enemy soldiers’ rounds (bullets) had continued to rise and tore into the rotor blades. The aircraft began to buck and jump as the blades lost their tracking stability. 

   At that time we flew our helicopters unarmed. Our only weapons were our personal M-16’s. My PJ leaned out the door past the Flight Mechanic, who was busy operating the hoist, and emptied his clip into the enemy soldier. Without a doubt, he saved my life.

   Our PJ was rather ‘gung-ho’, and had loaded his M-16 with straight tracer rounds. I saw a bright tongue of flame spurt from the cabin door and rip the head off the soldier, whose body tumbled down the ridge below me. 

   Due to the excessive vibration, I was barely able to hold the hover as we got the survivor on board. As soon as he was safely in the cabin, I pulled away from the ridge. The white light immediately snapped off.

   The Sandy’s, now freed of restrictions, were doing an enthusiastic job of obliterating the hamlet, along with the trucks and guns. The survivor called out that he thought his ‘back-seater’ was nearby, but we had more pressing problems on our hands. 

   The helicopter was vibrating. The vibration was so bad I seriously thought we might lose one of the blades. It was difficult to hold it steady as I turned toward home. Two of the Sandy’s accompanied me while the other two remained behind to complete their destructive work. 

   As we were limping along, one of the Sandy’s called out, “Don’t look now, but it appears you have a MIG (Russian jet fighter plane) at 6 o’clock (directly behind) and closing!” They both went back to engage the jet while we pondered our next move.

   The classic defense of a helicopter against a fixed-wing fighter is to head straight for your opponent and then autorotate (disengage the rotors and allow the helicopter to free fall). The high sink rate of autorotation, coupled with the jet’s rapid closure speed should make him steepen his dive angle until he has to break it off. Then the helicopter can play tag among the ground clutter. 

   That is the textbook theory, at any rate. I had never heard of anyone actually trying it, and I wasn’t about to be the first, not with the control problems we were encountering.

   We could see the MIG as a faint speck in the sky. I slid over into a cloudbank, hoping he didn’t have infrared missiles and would lose visual contact. We couldn’t stay in the clouds for very long. I knew that the peaks of nearby mountains were poking up into those clouds and didn’t want to smash into one of them.

   The helicopter was still bucking and shaking. I didn’t want to perform any violent maneuvers, as I wasn’t sure it would hold together. When I couldn’t stand it anymore, we dropped out of the cloud layer and anxiously scanned the sky... 

Return to Vietnam with Dave Richardson
Topic: Blog Tours
Over the next several days, we will be returning for a visit to Vietnam, with a man who experienced it first-hand.

Dave Richarson flew an air-rescue helicopter and wanted his sons to know what it was like. Vietnam Air Rescues was only supposed to be seen by family--the world is lucky it did not stay thhat way. Please stop by and read an excerpt from the book tomorrow and listen in as I interview Mr. Richardson on Thursday. You won't be disappointed.

Vietnam Air Rescues. This riveting book begins with the authors’ ‘Unauthorized History of the Vietnam War’; then continues to describe his life as a “Jolly Green” rescue pilot, picking up aircrew shot down in North Vietnam and Laos. Details of his 7 rescues of 9 men are included, as well as over 30 anecdotes relating to his experiences. You don't want to miss this one. It's profusely illustrated with more than 100 photos, maps and drawings.

More Fun Ahead!!
Topic: Miscellaneous

You guys are awesome!!!  I just checked stats and see you have stuck with me during my vacation.  Your loyalty will be rewarded over the coming weeks.

First, there will be at least three four-day blog tours here--some excellent books and authors, folks!!  In addition, a few book reviews are forthcoming.

We'll be meeting some real characters--literally!  An added feature of the blog will be character interviews from books you know and love--or will by the time I finish.

In addition, I'll be allowing the kids a chance to speak their minds.  Let's see what they really think of Mom and Dad being writers!!!

Let me know if there is anything in particular you would like to ask of characters or kids!!!

The President's Parasite and Other Stories by Jim Musgrave--A Review
Topic: Book Review

Jim Musgrave has a unique style unlike anything I have ever read.  His short stories pack a great deal of meaning in a few words.  I found myself stopping, re-reading and questioning my ideas.  This book of stories includes something for everyone--they vary so greatly.  The one constant is their ability to take conventional "norms" and make the the reader think about them.

 As a writer, jim Musgrave has the ability to bring both his scenes and his characters right into your living room.  You know these people--you are these people.  For readers looking for an escape from reality, this may be what your are looking for--then again, you will also question what reality is--what you know, or what you are reading.

I look forward to reading more of Jim's work.