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Monday, 1 December 2008
A Peek at Dyan Garris' Chakra Balancing DVD
Topic: Blog Tours

Many of you have been with me for some time now and are familiar with the work of Dyan Garris.  For the next several days, I have the pleasure of welcoming Dyan back to Books and Authors. Dyan has added an Automatic Chakra Balance DVD to her already impressive Spiritual Toolbox.  This DVD is designed to automatically balance your energy field in ten minutes! Later this week, I will be sharing with you how you can get a free CD from Dyan Garris, so please stop back. I guarantee you won't be disappointed.

For today, I'd like to share with you a video that gives you a glimpse at what you can expect from the Automatic Chakra Balance DVD. 

 

For those who are ready to order this beautiful DVD now, please visit:

https://www.voiceoftheangels.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=18_19&products_id=131&zenid=3a1c33fd8338709421b39267aa25e20f

 


Posted by joyceanthony at 4:28 AM EST
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Sunday, 30 November 2008
The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing-A Review
Topic: Book Review

The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing
by Mayra Calvani & Anne K. Edwards
Twilight Times Books
Trade Paperback/Ebook
188 pages

Format: PDF, HTML, Palm
    Payment Method
PayPal -or- Credit Card -or- Booklocker -or- eReader -or- Fictionwise
List Price: $5.95 USD

 

Format: Trade paperback
    Available Now!
Order this book via
check or credit cardaStore 
  ~ or visit ~ 
Amazon;  Bamm.com;  Barnes & Noble;  Borders;  Indy Bookstores.
List Price: $16.95 trade paperback

***** 

 Nailing Down The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing

Do you write book reviews, or wish you could but have no idea where or how to start?  Maybe you are an author or publisher and are wondering just how important book reviews are to your sales. The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing can answer all your questions.

The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing  isn't simply a how-to book.  The authors do give lists of what to do or not to do, but they go deeper.  This book covers such important aspects:  How to deal with writing a review of a book you don't like; How to handle publicists, authors and publishers and their demands; How to set up your own book review site and much more. There is even a section on what to do with the books you have received once you are finished with them.  The main focus is on the actual elements required for a professional book review--what to do, what not to do, and why.  The authors end the book with an impressive list of resources for those loooking to do reviews. This list covers not only places to find books to review, but also places to submit reviews.

I found The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing to be easy to read and understand, although there is so much information included I know I will return to it many more times for reference. The way it is formatted will make the future visits easier. The book is broken down in a way that makes finding just the information you need easy.

I really liked the way the authors set up the examples.  Instead of the usual, sample then explanation format you normally find, notes are made within the bodies of each example pointing out what concepts have been applied.  This helped in further cementing what you had learned.  The section on dealing with others associated with the book--authors, publishers, etc--was something I had not seen before and was very helpful.  The section on how to read critically was something I also found new and helpful.

While I personally like to see a more conversational tone used, the authors covered everything you could possibly need to know about writing book reviews. The language is simple, allowing for more effort to go into understanding the concepts involved.  I believe this book should be considered essential to any reference library.  It is one you will refer to again and again.

On the Rainbow Scale of Excellence, I give The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing six colors.


Posted by joyceanthony at 1:37 PM EST
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Saturday, 29 November 2008
A Look Inside The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing
Topic: Blog Tours

Book Excerpt

 

Format: PDF, HTML, Palm
    Payment Method
PayPal -or- Credit Card -or- Booklocker -or- eReader -or- Fictionwise
List Price: $5.95 USD

 

Format: Trade paperback
    Available Now!
Order this book via
check or credit cardaStore 
  ~ or visit ~ 
Amazon;  Bamm.com;  Barnes & Noble;  Borders;  Indy Bookstores.
List Price: $16.95 trade paperback

 

 

     Though it may seem strange, there are hundreds of books on writing in general, and many on writing book reports, proposals, query letters and synopses, but practically none on writing reviews.
        Like all fledgling reviewers, I made my share of amateurish mistakes, becoming all the more experienced and polished because of them. I, too, was guilty of the fledgling reviewer's disease--that of writing overly-positive reviews. Overwhelmed with enthusiasm, a good heart, and the desire to please everyone associated with the book, I often made the big mistake of forgetting the foremost person a reviewer must keep in mind--the reader. As I read and wrote more and more reviews, it soon became easy to tell a good review from a bad one, and to realize that a large number of reviewers, especially beginners, would profit from a bit of guidance, the things I learned from my mistakes.
     The fact is, most people do read reviews to select their reading material. Reviews do have a positive or a negative influence on whether or not a person buys a book. Hence, reviewing is a serious responsibility, one reviewers shouldn't take lightly.
      The aim of this book, therefore, is to offer some guidelines in a clear manner supported with targeted examples of how to write and publish thoughtful, well-written reviews no matter their length, type or genre, and to examine the essence of reviews within a broader spectrum.
     This book was written not only with the aspiring reviewer in mind, but for the established reviewer who needs a bit of refreshing and also for anybody--be they author, publisher, reader, bookseller, librarian or publicist--who wants to become more informed about the value, purpose and effectiveness of reviews.
         On a final note, the writing of this book has been a highly interesting, educational and thrilling ride into the slippery world of reviews for Anne K. Edwards and me. I hope you'll enjoy the journey and profit from it as much as we have.
         So take out pen and paper, a highlighter, and get ready to write great reviews!

Posted by joyceanthony at 2:47 AM EST
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Friday, 28 November 2008
Zamora's Ultimate Challenge by Michele Scott -A Review
Topic: Book Review

Twelve-year old Carter and his younger brother, Mason, are typical boys.  The argue over their differences and enthusiastically share the things they have in common.  Their baby sister, Isabella, gets on both their nerves, especially when they are playing their favorite video game, Zadora's Ultimate Challenge.

Left for an hour without parental supervision, the two boys find themselves thrust into the game, where they must face their ultimate quest of finding their sister, who has been kidnapped by the evil Queen Zadora.  Given three "rules" by a sage-believe in yourself, believe in each other and trust the light from within--the brothers have three days to beat the game before the world is changed forever into a place of evil.

Michele Scott has crafted a story that will keep middle-grade readers on edge as the brothers fight a dragon, dodge dinosaur poop bombs and find help in the most unlikely places.  As they learn about their own strength and that of each other, readers will also learn lessons in self-esteem, family and that the ultimate weapon against evil is....well, you'll have to read the book to learn that :-)

Realistic character, fast-paced action and subtle lessons are all woven together by Michele Scott to create a book that will be enjoyed by readers for years to come.  I thoroughly enjoyed her ability to teach without seeming to do so.  Zamora's Ultimate Challenge is an uplifting read that will have kids feeling good about not only themselves, but those people closest to them-their family.   

On my Rainbow Scale of Excellence, I give Zadora's Ultimate Challenge a seven--a perfect rainbow!


Posted by joyceanthony at 5:13 AM EST
Updated: Friday, 28 November 2008 7:15 AM EST
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Guest Post from Mayra Calvani
Topic: Blog Tours

Mayra Calvani has honored us with her definition of a good book review. Here is what she has to say:

My definition of a book review...

 

A good book review, whether short or long, is a well-written, honest, thoughtful evaluation of a book, one that points out the good and the ugly. If negative, a good review must also be tactful. I usually, though not always, follow a simple formula for a review, something I learned from Alex Moore, Book Review Editor of ForeWord Magazine: An interesting lead or quote; a short summary of the plot (without ever giving away spoilers or the ending); an evaluation supported by examples or quotes; and a recommendation (or not). A review is written for the reader/consumer in mind, and must help them decide whether or not the book is worth their time and money. It goes without saying that a good review should be free of spelling, grammatical and punctuation errors. Finally, a good review should engage the reader, should hold the reader’s interest and attention.

 

***

Please come back tomorrow for more on The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing.  For now, I will leave you with a partial list of what all this book contains:

 

The Five Keys to Being a Good Reviewer
What is a Book Review?
Reading Critically
How to Write a Book Review
The Star System: Rating Books
Types of Reviews
The Difference between Reader Reviews and Reviewer Reviews
The Difference between Pre-Publication and Post-Publication Reviews
How a Review Differs from a Book Report, a Critique and a Press Release
The Absolute Don'ts (or Signs of an Amateur)
The Feelings of an Author
What if the Book is Terrible?
Is It Unethical to Sell the Book?
Ownership and Print Rights
When the Hobby Turns into a Demanding Job
Is There Any Money in It?
What's in It for You, The Reviewer?
Dealing with Review Editors, Authors, and Publishers
Reviewing: Practical Tips to Remember
How to Start Your Own Book Review Site
Reviewers vs. Bloggers: The Contro
versy


Posted by joyceanthony at 4:42 AM EST
Updated: Friday, 28 November 2008 4:46 AM EST
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Thursday, 27 November 2008
The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing
Topic: Blog Tours

A book review is easy to write, correct? You say I liked it or I hated it and add a reason why-nothing to it. Besides, nobody actually pays atention to book reviews.  Wrong!

Book reviews have swayed many a reader toward buying abook, or walking away. Book stores, libraries and a majority of readers like to know what people think of a book-it helps them decide whether it is worth the price of purchase or not.  In order to write an effective review, certain elements should be included--and others avoided

My guest over the next few days will be Mayra Calvani, co-author of The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing.  Multi-genre author Mayra Calvani has been a reviewer for ten years. She’s the author of the supernatural thrillers, Embraced by the Shadows and Dark Lullaby. A regular contributor to Blogcritics Magazine, she’s also a member of Broad Universe, Authors Coalition, and The Society of Children’s Books Writers and Illustrators. Visit her website at: www.MayraCalvani.com. For her children’s books, visit www.MayrasSecretBookcase.com. Mayra also keeps a blog, The Dark Phantom Review, where she regularly posts reviews and author interviews.

Let's take a look at a short synopsis of The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing:

Are you passionate about books? Do you have the desire to share your thoughts about a book with readers, yet are unsure about what makes a good review? Are you curious about the influence reviews have on readers, booksellers, and librarians? If you’re an experienced reviewer, The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing will serve as an excellent reference tool and amalgam of resources. If you’re a beginner, this book will show you how to write a well-written, honest, objective and professional book review. It will also teach you:
• How to read critically
• How to differentiate the various types of reviews
• How to rate books
• How to prevent amateurish mistakes
• How to deal with the ethics and legalities of reviewing
• How to tell the difference between a review, a book report, and a critique
• How to start your own review site
• How to publish your reviews on dozens of sites and even make money while you’re at it, and much more

If you’re an author, publisher, publicist, bookseller, librarian, or reader, this book will also bring to light the importance and influence of book reviews within a wider spectrum. 

*Currently used as a text book for book writing course in Loyola College, Maryland.

*The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing will be required reading for an English course at Kent State University, Ohio, that begins mid-January 2009.

To learn more about The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing, visit www.slipperybookreview.wordpress.com.

Tomorrow, I will share a guest post from Mayra and let you have a peek at a partial list of the book contents.


Posted by joyceanthony at 2:32 AM EST
Updated: Thursday, 27 November 2008 2:36 AM EST
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Wednesday, 26 November 2008
Zamora's Ultimate Challenge--A New YA Book
Topic: Blog Tours

As parents and grandparents, we are always looking for ways to get our young ones to read.  That is why I must tell you about any particularly good books that I find.  Today, I'd like to talk about Zamora's Ultimate Challenge. 

Mason and Carter Clover only agree on two things--their baby sister Isabella is a royal pain and their favorite video game, Zamora's Ultimate Challenge, is totally awesome. 

But fantasy turns to reality when Zamora's evil face appears across the brothers' television screen. Claiming to have kidnapped Isabella, the queen challenges the boys to a daring rescue before she takes over their sister's soul. Zamora's plan is to use the baby as a human vessel to travel to Earth and dominate the world.

Once the brothers figure out how to get inside the video game, they are hurled into the magical land of Boysen where they meet their helpful guides: a sage, a quirky mermaid, and a Pegasus (who flies them to each thrilling level of the video game). Racing against
time, the brothers search for their sister, encountering a myriad of dangerous enemies including stinging fairies, haunted Master
Souls, and brutish, knife-wielding pirates. 

Can they beat each level of the game while being hunted by a fire-breathing dragon, stalked by a robotic shark, and terrorized by
acid-poop-bombing pterodactyls? 

Driven by the powerful bonds that unite siblings, Mason and Carter are determined to face their fears and will stop at nothing to bring Isabella home.but first they must survive Zamora's Ultimate Challenge!

***
Michele Scott, internationally known for her Berkeley Prime Crime series' 'The Wine Lover's Mysteries' and "The Horse Lover's Mysteries' is looking to increase her already huge fan base. Under the pseudonym of M.K. Scott, Quake (a division of Echelon Press, LLC) will be releasing her debut foray into the world of kids fantasy. With a pack of her own kids, she found great inspiration for the story of Mason and Carter. "Zamora's Ultimate Challenge" is a fantastical journey into another world.

***

Please return Friday when I will be posting my review of this book.

This being a double-post day, please continue reading to learn more about Gurutej and her programs.


Posted by joyceanthony at 3:16 AM EST
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More From Gurutej
Topic: Blog Tours

Besides the four DVDs I mentioned earlier this week, The Energy Gurus offer various programs to help individual and companies expand their minds and work more effectively.  Here are three:

Executive Ally program:

Become your own energy guru.

Being a leader is not always easy. When you are energetic, clear and productive, you are the inspiring force that carries a business, team or initiative. You are the head, you hold the vision, but how are you supported?

We have the capacity and the program to do just that. Our time-tested techniques are priceless. They will not only save you effort and money, they will give you boundless energy.

This program is a one-on-one consultation — focusing on situations relevant to you in the moment with an eye on your long-term goals.

We arm you with:

  •  
    •  
      • Easy-to-replicate techniques to boost and maintain your energy
      • Simple tools to increase your effectiveness
      • Hands-on support to create new, vision-affirming habits
      • Increased capacity to release blocks to your best outcome

 

The Human Sustainability Series:

We green your business starting with your people.

In the business arena Sustainability is generally characterized as maintained productivity and limited consumed resources without compromised quality. The Energy Gurus definition of Sustainability also includes giving each person in a business or organization the tools to revitalize and sustain their individual—and group—energy.

This is what “greening humans” truly means: giving each person the capacity and support to change and manage their energy—therefore change their mental, physical and emotional states quickly and at will.  In turn, this reflects on the entire group, business or community.

We give you techniques and tools to create:

  •  
    •  
      • Exceptional vitality and clarity
      • Instant stress reduction
      • Enhanced mental and physical health
      • Cutting edge energizing diet
      • Spontaneous mood enhancement
      • Ability to adjust to change quickly
      • Increased trust in the work place

 

Women in Power; The applied art and science of intuition

For the last forty years Gurutej Khalsa—the founder of the Energy Gurus—has been studying and developing effective techniques specifically for women. She has led women’s retreats and conferences all over the world. Women have explicit needs and amazing potential to create great lives, as well as the power to make significant contributions to society.

This exciting program is designed to inspire and support women on their personal and professional journeys.

We will guide you to:

  •  
    •  
      • Identify the habits and events that take you down and effective ways to remedy this at the core
      • Discover secret ways to reclaim your energy
      • Use and heighten feminine intuition in all areas of life
      • Create productive habits to sustain your ultimate goals—unleash your power
      • Manage sleep, exercise and food for greater levels of energy
      • Lead successfully in the many areas of your life without sacrificing your energy or yourself  

 Besides these, Gurutej offers various workshops and retreats throughout the year.  This incredible woman spends her life enabling others to experience their highest potential.  For more information, please check out her videos at:

https://www.youtube.com/user/theenergygurus

https://www.youtube.com/user/gurutejyoga

and visit her sites and blog at:

http://www.gurutej.com/

http://www.theenergygurus.com/

http://www.theenergyguru.blogspot.com/

***

For all those who write book reviews, please visit over the next few days when my guest will be Mayra Calvani, author of The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing.


Posted by joyceanthony at 2:58 AM EST
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Tuesday, 25 November 2008
The Benefits of Gurutej's Kundalini Yoga programs
Topic: Blog Tours

First I want to correct the contact information I posted for Gurutej yesterday.  She has asked that if you need to contact her please use gurutej@ca.rr.com  or gurutej@theenergygurus.com as she is more likely to receive messages at these two addresses.

Why the Energy Gurus?

Founded by Gurutej Khalsa, the Energy Gurus offer life enhancing and stress reduction programs—for individual and groups/organizations—that introduce priceless time-tested techniques. They not only help unleash new levels of personal energy, but they also help to better manage it. In turn that generates great benefits and translates into time and money saving.

Benefits:

  • More vitality
  • Greater clarity
  • Productivity boost
  • Better mental and physical health
  • Stress reduction in 60-90 seconds
  • Affects of food on our energy
  • Increased capacity to handle stress
  • Promotes trust within the work place
  • Ability to adjust to change quickly

Small, medium or large, all businesses and organizations can benefit from the services offered by the Energy Gurus and tomorrow I will share with you some of the available series offered by Gurutej.

Gurutej offers four Kundalini Yoga DVDs:

Kundalini Yoga Awakening Intuition for Women

Kundalini Yoga for Mental Clarity

Kundalini Yoga for Balanced Chakras

Kundalini Yoga for Mental Clarity

There is something to enhance everyone's life!!

I was going to include a video, but the Internet gremlins are making it difficult tonight.  You don't have to miss them, however! Both:

 https://www.youtube.com/user/theenergygurus

and

https://www.youtube.com/user/gurutejyoga

offer a number of videos that give you great insight into what Gurutej has to offer on her DVDs.

For further information on Gurutej and her wondrous work, please visit:

http://www.gurutej.com/

http://www.theenergygurus.com/

or

http://www.theenergyguru.blogspot.com/

***

 


Posted by joyceanthony at 2:11 AM EST
Updated: Tuesday, 25 November 2008 2:15 AM EST
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Monday, 24 November 2008
A Talk With Gurutej
Topic: Author Interview

I had the pleasure of interviewing Gurutej and what follows is the delightful result. Tomorrow, please come back to view a video with Gurutej and find out where to see more, as well as find out the benefits of this wonderful program.  I gurantee you won't be disappointed!

Gurutej The Person:

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

 Wildly joyously, humorously spiritual.

2.      How do you think others would describe you?

 Kooky, out of the box amazing.

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

Is there an out side of my work? No but I love anything in the ocean, Rollerblading hills, my kids, grandkids, serving the world women, teens, couples, businesses. Travel because it opens your soul.

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

I have one kitty new Sweetie had the name when I got her actually Sweetie Bee but I couldn't get that cutsie. She is coming round. Sweet soul and really really smart. Knows what you are saying and she usually responds, which is quite amazing in cat world.

5.  What is your most precious memory?

Meeting and being with my teacher, being deeply loved, meditating, the birth and raising of my children, my daughter in love and grand babies, teaching, my friends and enemies, Being in the ocean and my mom, but not necessarily in that order.

6.  What is your most embarrassing memory?

Showing up in first grade in costume on the wrong day for the Halloween party. Writing a love letter to someone else's boyfriend and having a good friend deliver it to his girlfriend, which in hind site she should have done.

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

Being extremely wealthy and using the money to uplift kids and give them hope and techniques to live life consciously so this planet could thrive.
 

8.      In two paragraphs or less write your obituary.

Done this. This is a party so please sing and dance. This is what Gurutej requested. She came, she saw. she shared, uplifted and cared. Now she is free let it be.

Your Work:

9.  Can you describe the time you realized you were doing the work you were meant to do?

About 8 years old when I told my mother I was going to start my own religious order.

10.  What is going on with your work at this time?

Lots. The Energy Gurus, This tour, Workshops and conferences learning new ways to connect with more people

11. What are your future goals for your work?

To reach and uplift 10,000,000's

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

I don't ever have a typical day

13. Why do you do this sort of work?

Because I have been given these teachings and they must be shared.

14.  What other person who does this sort of work inspires you the most?  Why?

Andy Werbach, Paul

15.  How do you define your work?

I give people techniques that can give them an experience of an uplifted more energetic life in 1-3 minutes. Then support them in this pursuit.

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

She was always and inspiration you can look at my web sites http://www.gurutej.com/ and http://www.theenergygurus.com/ for testimonials.

The Details:

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

http://www.gurutej.com/, http://www.theenergygurus.com/ and http://www.theenergyguru.blogspot.com/

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

Contact info is on web sites and blog. I can be reached at gurutej2@gmail.com

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

Kundalini Yoga For Balanced Chakras

Kundalini Yoga For Mental Clarity - Calm and Focus the Mind

Kundalini Yoga Awakening Intuition for Women

Kundalini Yoga For the Immune System - Increase Vital Energy

20.  For new people -what can they expect when they read your work?

An experience of themselves. One person said "I could have save myself so much time and money if I had only done this first."

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 work?

That I want to take them with me and not just speak with them but get them to do some of the things necessary to have more energy and less stress NOW. In the now, who wants to live there as if it is an unfun place. Connecting to the source of energy is not unfun. It is delicious.


Posted by joyceanthony at 3:11 AM EST
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