How to Be a Sales Superstar

Author:  Mark Tewart

ISBN-13  978-0470300961

www.HowToBeASalesSuperstar.info

www.MarkTewart.com

In his book, How to Be a Sales Superstar, Mark Tewart boldly states that everyone has within him or her the potential to stand out above the rest in sales.  He goes on to state that the traditional sales training rules are partially what holds most people back from achieving-the other half of the equation being psychological mindset.  Mr. Tewart then proceeds to go step-by-step into what a Sales Superstar needs to do in order to succeed.  He covers the essential people, life, marketing and sales skills necessary-explaining the why behind the reasoning, as well as showing you exactly what needs to be done. 

I approached this book as I do any book on sales--very skeptically. I learned years ago that the "salesman gene" was left out when I was created.  Before I finished the first chapter, however, I knew How to Be a Sales Superstar was different than any other book on the subject I had read.  By the time I finished the second chapter, my enthusiasm had grown considerably.

Mark Tewart first delves into the psychology behind the sales superstar mindset.  He gives you exercises designed to bring out your ideas of exactly what you want to achieve and why, explaining that you need to know this before you can effectively convince others they need what you have to sell.  He has you identify the roadblocks that have been holding you back and explains how you can rid yourself of these.

Next, Mr. Tewart takes you step-by-step through the sales process, from meeting and greeting a potential customer, through building a relationship and eventually through the sale and followup. He takes the time to break each step down into easy to remember steps that can be put into action now.

Upon finishing How To Be A Sales Superstar, I felt for the first time in my life that I could actually do this.  Mark Tewart's book infused me with enthusiasm and confidence and convinced me that sales is not a dirty word or a skill for only a select few.

I highly recommend How To Be A Sales Superstar to everyone, no matter what your occupation.  The skills in this book will work equally well whether you are selling a product, service or yourself.  If you believe you already know how to sell, this book will show you how to do so at a much higher level.  For those of you like me who feel you are missing the sales gene, you'll learn to activate that dormant gene and achieve success as a sales person.

On The Rainbow Scale of Excellence, I give How To Be A Sales Superstar a rating of seven colors--a perfect rainbow!

Posted by joyceanthony at 10:01 AM EST

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I received the Honest Scrap Award today from Nikki Leigh ( http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com:80/2008/12/honest-scrap-award.html  )

Posted by joyceanthony at 8:13 PM EST

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

determined, persistent, committed

2)     How do you think others would describe you?

Determined, persistent, committed, loyal, honest, driven, family man, successful, hard working, adventurous, fearless, high achiever, no BS, straight shooter, tough, risk taker

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

Personally, it's my family and reaching my potential and helping others reach their potential especially youth. Professionally it's reaching my potential and helping others do the same. That can be in my speaking, training, coaching, consulting or my other businesses. I also am passionate about creating things such as new businesses or new projects.

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

My family has two dogs - Maggie is a Black Poodle and Mojo is a Yellow Lab who is as big as a horse

5)      What is your most precious memory?

I am blessed to have so many. So many revolve around my family and also my kids. I coach youth sports and my son and it's incredibly rewarding. I love all the memories our family travels and vacations.

6)      What is your most embarrassing memory?

My most embarrassing memory is when I started my business with no liquid cash and having times I had to put things on credit that I should not have and feeling like I had let myself and my family down. In my youth I was a very good basketball player but was cut from the team one year and was in absolute shock because I knew that I was good but I was cut because my off the court behavior had become wild and undisciplined.

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

I am blessed that I do so many things. Beyond writing, I am a speaker, trainer, consultant, coach, and entrepreneur. I think I need several outlets for my stimulation. I am fortunate that I am self employed because I think I am virtually unemployable.

8)      In two paragraphs or less write your obituary.

A good husband, father, son and person. Mark made a difference for many that he met. He did not die asking for another chance.

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

When I wrote my first article and submitted it for review to be published and the editor called me all excited and said it was great and wanted me to publish an article every month.

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

I am publishing articles every month. I write a couple of monthly ezines and am starting the process of my new book.

11)   What are your future goals for your writing?

I plan to write one book a year or more for the next ten years and continue to write monthly articles and ezines.

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

I write most mornings. Sometimes with my travel and workload I take one day and just write for most of the day.

13)  Why do you write?

I enjoy expressing myself. I feel I have valuable information and insight that may benefit others. Writing is also a great creative outlet for me. I also enjoy the feedback I get from my writing. Personally, I think I am English challenged. Nobody would confuse me being a masterful writer with great technical skills. Actually, I am sure my editors have had some great laughs reviewing my work. However, I have been blessed with having wonderful response form my writing. I think people are looking for people to communicate form their hearts and appreciate that more than the technical. Maybe that's a lesson for all politicians.

14)  What writer most inspires you?  Why?

I can't say I have one favorite author. However, my personal reading tastes are non fiction, biographies, self improvement etc. I love Think and Grow Rich, The Richest Man in Babylon and Psycho Cybernetics had a huge impact on me. My brother gave me that book when I was in middle school and made me read it. Pretty heady stuff at my age but it was impactful.

15)  How do you define your writing?

Straight ahead, to the point, conversational, sometimes humorous, politically incorrect

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

I don't hold any pretense that anyone will be saying anything about me or my writings fifty years from now. Moby Dick or War and Peace my writings are not. However, I would be pleased if my writings had made significant impact on someone and maybe a few people would point to works as being timeless in helping someone. I have had many authors and books pointed out to me that I never would have known but a few people spread the news to me and many others. I would like the following sentence. If you want to be successful, you should go back and read Mark Tewart. That would be awesome.

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

Absolutely! Go to http://www.marktewart.com/ - http://www.tewart.com/ - http://www.marktewartlive.com/ - http://www.howtobeaslaessuperstar.info/

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

You can email me at info@tewart.com or you can call my office at 513 932-9526

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

How To Be A Sales Superstar - Break All the Rules and Succeed While Doing It is available in bookstores and Amazon and other online retailers. My other books are more of trade specific book, manuals etc. but you can go to http://www.tewart.com/ or http://www.marktewart.com/

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

I think they will be surprised when they read a book about sales that they can get so much useful information for not only sales but their businesses and their lives.

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 wrote my book on sales because I grew sick and tired and even upset that I saw so many intelligent and talented people who were not reaching their potential and even failing in sales. I also saw this same frustration in business people, entrepreneurs and people from all walks of life. I felt like I had a message to share that could cut through the clutter and allow people to experience the big successes they desire. I felt that traditional sales training and much of the motivational training was outdated and lacked a base in reality. I wanted people to have usable tools instead of just theory.

I want the people who are the seekers, the ones who are trying to reach success in their lives to have the information to do so.

To read the first chapter of How to be a Sales Superstar and to receive several FREE bonuses from Mark Tewart, visit http://www.marktewartlive.com/.

Full tour details are posted at http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/10/how-to-be-sales-superstar-by-mark.html

Posted by joyceanthony at 2:11 AM EST

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Over the next several days, we will be visiting with Mark Tewart, author of How to Be a Sales Superstar.  Sales is something each of us do, no matter what our profession. Mark shows us not only how to sell, but how to be the best salesman.

About How to Be a Sales Superstar: Break All the Rules and Succeed While Doing It

A handy guide that every sales professional or business person can use to become a sales superstar. These days, making the sale is tougher than ever. That's why sales professionals and business owners need more than just smooth talk to make it in the business. Selling is a job that requires an updated toolkit for real, lasting success. How to Be a Sales Superstar teaches salespeople all the specialized skills they need to be a superstar and shows them how to implement those skills immediately. Readers will master the people skills necessary to relate to prospects and read their meaning; the life skills needed to be successful at any endeavor; the marketing skills to draw in new customers and keep the old ones; and the sales skills to eliminate objections and close the deal.

You can become a sales superstar-and get rich doing it.

About Mark Tewart

Mark Tewart is renowned expert on sales, sales marketing, sales management and creating a high performance life. Mark is a motivational speaker, consultant, coach, entrepreneur and owner of four businesses, and author of "How To Be A Sales Superstar - Break All the Rules and Succeed While Doing It" published by Wiley which is available in book stores and Amazon. Mark has spoken to over 2,000 audiences in the last fifteen years. Also, Mark has published hundreds of articles in numerous trade magazines and authored numerous books, audios, videos and online training materials. Mark has had a top ranked Satellite TV show and been interviewed by magazines, newspapers, radio and TV shows across the world.

Mark Tewart's websites include: http://www.marktewartlive.com/, http://www.marktewart.com/ and http://www.howtobeasalessuperstar.info/

To read the first chapter of How to be a Sales Superstar and to receive several FREE bonuses from Mark Tewart, visit http://www.marktewartlive.com/.

Full tour details are posted at http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/10/how-to-be-sales-superstar-by-mark.html

Posted by joyceanthony at 12:40 AM EST

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Today I have both an interview and a book (or rather books) review. First, C. L. Talmade gives us some insight into who she is and why she writes. Secondly, I have had the chance to read the first three books in the epic fantasy Green Stone of Healing series. Sit back and get comfy, you may be here a while :-)

***

C. L. Talmadge the person:

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

Independent, curious, unorthodox

2.    How do you think others would describe you?

Obsessed by writing.

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

Spiritual-emotional healing and growth.

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

No pets at present. But a cat named Portia supervised me for nearly 20 years. A dog named Annie who arrived with my partner was my faithful guardian and another dog named Tip who I found as a stray introduced me to canine crime.

5.  What is your most precious memory?

My encounter with the healing light of unconditional love. It rocked my world in every way possible.

6.  What is your most embarrassing memory?

I'd rather not give that away. Let's just say I have been a bit klutzy all my life and leave it at that.

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

I would practice a healing discipline of some sort, most likely as an acupuncturist or naturopath.
 

8.      In two paragraphs or less write your obituary.

The remains of C.L.  Talmadge are neither here nor anywhere. Her ashes have scattered to the four winds. As a human being, she cared enough to be more loving to everyone, herself included. As a writer, she tried to inspire her readers with hope and the desire for healing and joy in their lives. She'll be back soon in a new and improved edition.

C. L. Talmadge the writer:

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

When I realized I had few if any other discernible talents.

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

Trying to complete the 4^th book in my epic fantasy and get into Book Five. I'm also writing a lot about love for my blog and politics for my syndicated column.

11.  What are your future goals for your writing?

To complete my four-generation epic fantasy series in time to finish the prequels before I'm too doddering to sit at my computer and hunt and peck.

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

I write best in the mornings, although lately I have found extra energy spurts in the early evening. My days usually start with writing and then switch to other tasks I may have to complete.

13. Why do you write?

Because I cannot think of anything else I would rather do when I get up in the morning.

14.  What writer most inspires you?  Why?

J.R.R. Tolkien inspires me because he was not afraid to tackle major themes in his fiction.

15.  How do you define your writing?

I'm not sure what this means, but there are a number of ways I could define it. Perhaps the best way is simply to call it my bliss.

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

That my writing entertained readers yet also inspired them to open their minds, their hearts, and their souls to re-create themselves, their lives, and their world as more loving, more joyous, more free.

C. L. Talmadge the details:

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

Series website: http://www.greenstoneofhealing.com/

Column website: www.northstarwriters.com

Blog: www.healingstonebooks.com/stonescribe

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

Through the series website or by e-mailing info@greenstoneofhealing.com

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

The Scorpions Strike-Green Stone of Healing® Series, Book Three

Fallout-Green Stone of Healing® Series, Book Two

The Vision-Green Stone of Healing® Series, Book One

Hope is in the Garden-Healing Resolution Through Unconditional Love (under the byline Candace L. Talmadge with co-author Jana L. Simons)

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

Expect the unexpected-my fiction is not the usual "dungeons and dragons" fantasy. My nonfiction focuses on alternative healing and my blog and syndicated political column politics from a non-mainstream perspective.

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?

Although the title of my fiction series includes the word healing, the society I write about is deeply divided by race, rank, and gender and is punitive and violent. In other words, although it is powerful and wealthy, this society is desperately in need of healing. (Sound familiar?)

Some readers have expressed genuine distress over the levels of violence and cruelty in my story. I cannot sugar-coat it. The stark contrast between the healing, inclusive alternative that my heroines attempt to provide and the world in which they live is precisely what motivates other characters to yearn for what they do not have in their being and their lives: love, light, and joy.

It all comes down to this: only love is real. Joy is who we really are. My fiction and non-fiction all explore the one factor that keeps us from feeling and thus living these most elemental of truths.

Readers who enjoy strong, outspoken female characters, a good yarn about dysfunctional family relationships, star-crossed romance, action/adventure, and a very different take on spirituality may enjoy my fiction.

***

My Review:

The Green Stone of Healing Series, an epic fantasy written by C. L. Talmadge, follows the lives of four generations of women who inherit a mysterious green stone that allows each to heal both body and soul.  Each must learn to harness the energy within before she can hope to heal the pain without caused so often by the battle between the Toltecs and Turanians.

Ms. Talmadge leads us into our journey by introducing the reader to Lt. Helen Andros.  Born as the result of a secret union between a brothel-dwelling mother and aristocratic father, Helen's life is put on the defensive from the beginning.  Being of mixed-heritage in a world where class and race are severely divided, she is caught between two world, never quite fitting into either. Helen uses her strength to create her own spot, holding most of the world at bay with her sharp tongue and rebellious nature.  It is these traits that get Helen in trouble often--and the only things that help her survive in the end.

The amount of research that went into these books.  It has made it possible for the author to create a world that is so unlike that which we know, yet seems familiar.  Many would skim the gory details and harsh realities of this time, but Ms. Talmadge does not.  Her blunt portrayal of the violence and discrimination of the period is realistic, drawing you in and causing you to feel the fear and uncertainty surrounding the characters, yet she does so with finesse, never resorting to harsh language or undue description to make her point.  I found this a refreshing change from the majority of action books on today's market.

I was a bit disappointed to find all three of these books following Helen. Knowing that four generations of women are eventually going to be introduced, I was anxious to meet the others and am wondering if there is too much detail to hold the attention of today's reader, which is often short.  Keeping her chapters short, the author makes it possible, however, for those with short attention spans or little time to easily find break points without ruining the story.

C. L. Talmadge wastes no words in her writing.  Each words draws the reader onward and deeper into the story. The cast of characters in these three books is as varied as life itself, allowing for both excitement and conflict.  Men and women alike will enjoy following the strong Helen through her journey of discovering who she is and, more importantly, what all she is truly capable of accomplishing.  This series will enhance any library it becomes a part of.

On my Rainbow Scale of Excellence, the Green Stone of Healing series rates six colors!

Posted by joyceanthony at 5:42 AM EST

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I was recently introduced to CL Talmadge, author of The Green Stone of Healing series.  Tomorrow, I will be sharing with you my review of these books. Today, however, I would like to give you a brief idea of what this series is about and who CL Talmadge is.  Lastly, Helen, one of the major characters, stopped by to answer a few questions for me and I am pleased to share them with you. 

 The Series

The series features four generations of strong-willed female characters who inherit a mysterious green gem ultimately revealed to mend broken bones and broken hearts, protect against missiles, and render its wearers undetectable.

These stalwart protagonists learn to use their jewel to offer a healing, inclusive alternative to a government that persecutes those who do not look like or share the religious beliefs of its leaders.

Readers who become fond of these and other characters will be delighted to discover that they reincarnate, affirming that not even death can separate lovers and loved ones (or enemies).

Buy ebooks here.

Buy paperbacks here.

More information and book reviews.

Browse the first three books online, free!

About the Author

Under the byline Candace Talmadge, the author of the Green Stone of Healing® series is a columnist syndicated by North Star Writers Group

Her career as a professional writer began in 1976. She has written for numerous media that include Adweek, Business Week, the Dallas Times Herald, Forbes, the International Herald Tribune, The New York Times, and Reuters America.

She is familiar with the intimate link between spirituality, energy, and individual and collective healing. In 1999, she published a non-fiction book about emotional and spiritual healing resolution based on the Sunan method of working in the energy of human consciousness. In this book, she provides an expanded definition of energy that demonstrates the connection between matter, spirit, mind, and heart.

To write her fantasy series, the author delved into her own past lives and those of her family, friends, clients, and acquaintances. The fictionalized result is the series presented in this website.

The author resides in Texas with her partner and editor. Readers may contact her here.

***

A Talk With Helen

Posted by joyceanthony at 2:23 AM EST

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This Writing Blog Discovery Project (a meme) and the first Writing Links originally started off from the Juiced on Writing blog.

Here’s how it works.

• If you write a Writing blog take all of the links on this page and add yours to it (if not there already), and also think about adding a writing friend’s blog link to the list (tell them you’ve done it, so that they can then add their own entry on their blogs also), then publish a blog entry like mine. It’s like a wrapped surprise gift - explore the writing blog world by just clicking on a random link in the package.
• Add your new discoveries to your blogroll if you keep one. Simply republishing this list as a blog entry also benefits the writers on 
• These are all blogs with a focus on writing - that’s the one rule. Some are award winners, some are entirely personal, some are extremely popular, some are group blogs, some are part of a community of blogs, and some are just getting started. There are freelance writers, ebook writers, novelists, non-fiction authors, article writers, copywriters, published writers, professional writers, and non-published writers in this list. There are aspiring writers, writers who also have other interests, and there are writers who coach or teach about writing.
• Blogs from writers of all ethnicities, cultural and religious or sexual preferences are encouraged. I respect all values when talking writing. I’m sure you’ll do likewise.
• Most blogs on here should be current - with at least a blog entry from the past month. If your blog has gone into hiatus, please don’t add it here, unless the archives contain lots of useful information. An example can be found in the Miss Snark blog, which provides ample information even a year or so later.
• To link to your blog, try not to add it by writer name, if possible. A Blog name is preferable, just to add to the surprise for readers clicking on these links.
• The blog links you find below -  in this format, have all been browsed to personally, and are confirmed as belonging to writers with writing content. .
• You do have permission to republish this list, and add to it with further writing blog links, on your own blog. In fact, this is encouraged!

Here are the links --More than 100!

Posted by joyceanthony at 9:23 PM EST

Updated: Thursday, 11 December 2008 1:34 AM EST

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Yah, I don't live in any books. I live in Valhalla. My name is Brunhilde, and some of the stories of your Mundane Norse legends are very similar to my life.

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

In Magic, Mensa and Mayhem? I was asked by the Mensa Committee of your universe to attend the convention and tell them stories about my life. It was very flattering, plus I am interested in your Mundane world. Like the bodybuilding, yah? I love pumping the iron--iron doesn't bother me--but I really like my bowflex I bought online.

Anyway, they invited me, so I went to talk about my Ride to Hel, but they had many other questions. And the men were so nice and polite. And clean! They sang me funny songs and treated me so nice.  And I bought many toothbrushes to take to Valhalla--the ones with Billy Beaver on them. My Vikings like Billy Beaver; makes the brushing more fun. I also bought lots of toothpaste--the minty kind. I like minty.

I was also looking for a new market for my lingerie line, Valyrie's Whisper. So I did some modeling, made some contacts.

I had some fun, too, and got into some trouble playing a practical joke. But it turned out okay in the end, yah?

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

Cambridge Ramada--he's a Mundane Mensan and a private investigator specializing in precious artifacts. He and Vern know each other. He's a very large man, but well-groomed and well-dressed. Me-ti-cu-lous, that's the word he taught me. After millennia of kissing men who never shower, I find truly clean men fascinating. He taught me the grooming arts. He even gave me a pedicure set to use on my sweaty Vikings.  I hope to meet him again someday.

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

I hope to return to the Mundane now and again. Right now, I'm with my dwarf "friend," Kent. We're setting up a theater in Faerie Australia. I do the costumes; I'm not an actress. However, I think I shall return to Valhalla and my wild, feasting men someday.

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

I love my rowdy, sweaty Vikings--even if I do like them better when they brush their teeth and comb the food out of their beards.

Oh, and about Siegfried, who was at the convention as well. People wonder why we were not a...coupling? No, a couple. He's a nice enough guy, yah, but he was always trying to be what he thought would impress me, not who he was. I need a man who is comfortable with himself--whether a partying, carousing rude Viking, the meticulous and polite Mundane, or the dwarf who had the courage to shun the mines and pursue his dream of acting. I don't think that's too different from how most girls feel, yah?

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

Oh, yah!  I learned the pedicuring and the manicuring and about some opera singer named Elmer Fudd. Someday I will need to find his whole Die Walküre performance.

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

No, that's private.

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

The biggest thing I've been asked not to reveal--Karina called it a "spoiler."  However, I'm sorry I betrayed the trust of my dear dwarf, Kent. Fortunately, he forgave me. His heart is bigger than he is.

9.  What was your main motivation?

I'm interested in remaking myself: I started the body sculpting with the weights, then began my own business. Now I'm working on making Valhalla a cleaner, mintier land.

10.  Introduce us to your main adversary?

At a Mensa convention? Everyone was so friendly. I didn't have any adversaries.

11.  Is there anything you would like to have done?

I would have liked to have met a major supplier for one of your department stores, and attended a bodybuilding competition--just to talk to the participants and get tips, yah?

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

Don't be afraid of trying new things and making changes in your life--and of working for changes in your society. You think it's easy to get a bunch of rowdy Vikings to take regular baths? But I'm making the small progresses, and you can, too.

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

Magic, Mensa and Mayhem comes out for pre-order from Swimming Kangaroo Press in February and is officially out March 1. http://www.swimmingkangaroo.com/.

In the meantime, I know Vern has a website for his DragonEye, PI detective agency, and he has a lot of interesting information there. You can read it at http://www.dragoneyepi.net/. If you register on the website, you get his newsletter and offers on other stories.

Posted by joyceanthony at 4:06 AM EST

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After Owen Fiddler had a run in with Amanda the kitty cat yesterday over at http://unwriter1.wordpress.com/ I wasn't sure he'd show up here today.  Not only has he showed up, he's put on his best thinking cap and given some thoughtful answers.  Let's hear what Owen Fiddler has to say!

(Hey folks, this is Owen-he cleans up well, don't you think??)

Joyce: Thanks for joining us here today, Owen! I'd like to take a few minutes to discuss the recent election if that's okay with you?  I'd shy away from politics with most people, but I know you don't mind a bit of controversy :-) I'd like to give our readers a deeper glimpse into your thought processes. Which brings me to my first question:

Most of the world sees the recent election of Barack Obama as an historical election because of his heritage.  I see it more as a move ahead spiritually. Tell me, Owen, do you see any spiritual significance in America's choice for president?

Owen: Hm. I don't know if I would say there is any spiritual significance in the peoples' choice. As a man, speaking of Barak Obama now, I don't know for sure really who he is. Nor do a great many of the voters. What we know is what we get through the media, and that is always packaged carefully to present us with an image. The image is not the real man. Close to election day, I once saw a clip from the Howard Stern show. I don't watch his show, but someone sent me this clip. It was very revealing and quite disturbing, about how misinformed the voting population is. They sent two people out into African American neighborhoods posing as news reporters. They would walk up and ask people who they were voting for and why. Everyone was voting for Obama of course. He's black. Gotta vote for the brother, right? Well here's the catch. When they claimed they were voting for him because of his platform and policies, the two imposter reporters would query them further about those policies, only they were using McCain's positions. Without exception, everyone said "yes" that's why they supported Obama, when if fact, Obama's position was the exact opposite of the position or policy they had been asked about!

Like they would ask, "So you are in favor of smaller government then, right?

"Yes. Smaller government. That's why I'm for Obama."

And then you are against abortion, against pro-choice, right?"

"Yup. I'm with Obama on that one too."

It was hysterical. In a way, and frightening in another. So much ignorance in the hands and minds of our voters. We hold the power to elect our leaders, but the truth is our leaders do not get elected by people with correct information. Not true of everyone, of course, some folks take the time to dig through all the hype and propaganda to know the real what and why of their voting decisions. But not enough to make me comfortable.

The only aspect of spirituality I see in the election process now is that I pray to God that Obama will be blessed and led by God to do a good job leading this country. He is now our president and that is a tremendous responsibility. So God bless Barak Obama and our country and our world.

Joyce: I'm hearing a number of opposing views on the recent bailout plan by this administration as well as plans set forth by the incoming administration.  The viewpoint that interested me the most is that America is moving toward a socialism mindset.  Owen, what are your thoughts on this?

Owen: You know Joyce, I'm really not in favor of putting so much power into the hands of government. I mean, if that's what everybody wants, higher taxes, bigger big brother government, and more socialism, then fine - I'll go along with it. We DID ask for it. But to me, government has never been the answer. Big government, small government, lots of programs, fewer programs, this country will not turn around and become a nation of true freedom and justice for all until we return to God. I would have never had this opinion before, back when I was a devil-may-care selfish irresponsible jerk, but I've seen the light. God is the answer. Loving each other with the love of Christ is the answer. The Golden Rule is the answer. Paying higher taxes and assuming now we will all get along and be all happy happy because everyone will be cared for by our elected officials is to my way of thinking just passing the spiritual buck along to our elected officials. It's the proverbial ostrich head in the sand lunacy. My author, Marvin Wilson, did a whole post about this very subject on Free spirit, titled, We the People. That's pretty much my stance as well.

Joyce: Last question in this area, Owen.  What changes do you foresee taking place in the future with the vastly different mindset of the incoming administration as opposed to that of the past eight years?

Owen: On the down side, we will have bigger government, higher taxes, higher prices (big business will be passing on their higher taxes to us in the form of jacking their prices - their profit margins will remain the same, count on it), so the cost of living will go up. Way up. On the positive side, there will be more programs to assist the poor and more money spent, hopefully, on taking care of our environment. I also think the majority worldview of Obama is at least so far favorable; he may be able to make strides toward a better image of America overseas, better global public relations, and God - I hope he and this administration can do something to help bring about peace. Pounding Muslim nations to death is not doing anything to lessen radical terrorist Islamic hatred of our country. Hate never conquers hate, Love conquers hate. Here again, however, governments are not in a position to be able to love their enemies and to do good unto those who harm them. People are. We the people. It's on us.

Joyce: Onto other matters, Owen. The recent Thanksgiving holiday had many people considering what they are thankful for in their lives.  Can you tell us, Owen - what is Owen Fiddler most thankful about today?

Owen: Oh, gosh soooooooooo many things. My daughter, Frenda. She's passed on, but visits me regularly in visions and dreams. Talks to me. Encourages me. My family. Mom, God bless her, she never threw me away all those years when I was such a disrespectful, spiteful, finger-pointing selfish jerk. I put that poor woman through hell but she never gave up on me. I'm thankful for her for sure. And Paize, my brother. I always was jealous of him, harbored ill feelings toward him for all his success and self-confidence. He knew it. But he never returned the animosity. In fact, once I had recovered from the coma and he saw the change in me he offered me to be partners with him in his landscaping business. I've leaned a whole lot about the right way to live from my little brother. And lastly but most importantly, I'm thankful for a God that loves me and has saved me from the pitiful state of being I had been in. Amazing grace. How sweet the sound!

Joyce: Owen, what do you think it takes to really make a person thankful for the things in their life?  Is there anything you discovered on your journey that might help others reaching out for that thankful state?

Owen: Well I think that oftentimes people have to lose what they have in order to appreciate what they have. What's that old 70's song? "Don't it always seem to go - that you don't know what you've got ‘til it's gone?" I never appreciated life until I nearly lost it. I never appreciated my wonderful wife until I lost her. I couldn't really be with my daughter much as she was growing up because of the divorce and then Frenda was taken from this world at such a young age. No matter what you think you don't have enough of in life, there are always others worse off. Just look around. Be thankful for and appreciate what you do have rather than whining over what you think you ought to have.

Joyce: Any other thoughts on thankfulness before we move on?

Owen: Just this. Thanksgiving, it's okay, I mean picking out a day to be thankful. But like all holidays, it is meant to be symbolical of how we should always be. Thankfulness should be a life attitude, not a goody goody feeling we get all stuffed on Turkey over once a year.

Joyce: We will be celebrating Christmas here shortly, Owen, and I was wondering if you would like to share with us some of your thoughts on this time of year.  Christmas started out as a celebration of the birth of Jesus (as opposed to Jesus' birthday).  Tell me, Owen, do you think we still maintain this purpose or has Christmas become something far removed from its original purpose?

Owen: At this point let's just get real. Christmas is too far gone down the road of consumer-driven materialistic madness to consider it a real spiritual event anymore. The madness starts the day after Thanksgiving with "Black Friday." Throngs of people clamoring all over each other at the retail stores to buy the latest baubles at discount. You heard in the news where someone had been trampled to death at a Wal-Mart by the stampeding storm shoppers? It's sick. And not sick like cool the way the young people use that word these days. Sick as in sickening.

So but anyway, Christmas is what you make of it. It can still be a celebration of the birth of Jesus. That's the way I celebrate it. Here again though, why limit that celebration to one arbitrary day? There is only one day, only one now, and the birth of Jesus should be cause for celebration in every waking here and now moment. And many people who are not Christians find joy in the Christmas holiday, and they act nice to each other and smile a lot and feel good and treat people especially well. Even if that's all it is, if it's just a good excuse to get the warm & fuzzies, then I'm okay with that too. Free country.

Joyce: Christmas isn't the only celebration this time of year, as you know, Owen. There is Yule, Hanukah and Kwanzaa.  I have often thought how great it would be if we could somehow take the best elements from all four celebrations and combine them into one grand celebration of life.  What are your thoughts on this, Owen?  Do you think humans are ready to put aside differences long enough to make something like this work?

Owen: I would LOVE that. But I'd be totally like, shockerood if it ever happened. The biggest divisive element of society is religion. Religion divides people into opposing camps and splits our unity apart into animosity towards one another out of ignorance and fear. If we as a society could become more enlightened and see through the constraining fetters of organized religion and become truly spiritual, we would see that there is a fundamental sameness in all the great Masters' teachings and while we all might still choose to follow one path rather than the other, we certainly could gather together once in a while and celebrate our sameness and the Oneness of All. That's a great idea, Joyce. You gonna start a movement? If so, where do I sign up?

Joyce: I'll let you know, Owen.  I'd love to see it happen. Now for an easy one.  How will Owen Fiddler be spending the Christmas holiday?

Owen: I'll be helping out Marv at our church's free food and clothing pantry all morning and until probably late afternoon. Then he'll be going back to Camp Shiloh to celebrate and have a nice meal together with the four young men he mentors there. Me, I'm invited over to Paize's house for dinner. He and his wife invited me and also Jewel to come over. I'm really hoping Jewel will come. I'm trying my best to get back together with her.

Joyce: One last thing before we go, Owen.  Would you please tell our visitors where they can find out more about you and purchase your book?  Also, is there anything else you'd like to share with us today?

Owen: Oh sure - thanks for asking. The Owen Fiddler info site is at http://www.owenfiddler.com/ Best way to get a copy of the book is through http://www.amazon.com/ or http://www.cambridgebooks.us/

(By the way, that there on the right is the cover!  Great one, isn't it?) 

One last thing? Well, Marvin asked me to put in a plug for his blog, Free Spirit. http://inspiritandtruths.blogspot.com/ Marvin has been offered a contract by All Things That Matter Press to publish an anthology of some of the best posts. It's going to be titled, Between the Storm and the Rainbow, and should be out early in 2009. And also everyone remember that there are still lots of great stops left on this virtual tour. For all the prize giveaways and a listing of the entire agenda just go to: http://owenfiddler.com/Links2.html

And thanks for having me on here, Joyce! My former self has been taking a pretty good beating on some of the tour stops, and rightfully so - lol. But it was good to be able to come on here today and let people know that the new Owen Fiddler ain't all that bad anymore.

Joyce:  It was truly my pleasure, Owen. I look forward to seeing what you and Marvin have planned tomorrow over at http://www.danafredsti.com/blog/  Rumor has it Marvin is actually posting one of his humor pieces!!

I'd also like to remind everyone about the prizes being offered by Marvin (details here http://owenfiddler.com/Links2.html ).

Oh...you want to know a bit about this Marvin character? Okay, here goes:

Marvin D. Wilson is the author of two published books, I Romanced the Stone (Memoirs of a Recovering Hippie), and Owen Fiddler. Owen Fiddler has been awarded the prestigious AVATAR  award for excellence in spiritual books. Wilson has had articles published in several Ezines, and has been interviewed on hundreds of blogs, radio and TV shows, both over the internet and on the airwaves. He maintains his internationally popular blogsite at: FREE SPIRIT (http://inspiritandtruths.blogspot.com/) Free Spirit recently was awarded first place in the 2008 Book Blogger Appreciation Week award contest, in the Christian/Inspirational Fiction category.

Wilson is a family man, married for thirty two years, with three adult children and five grandchildren. He has been around the block of life several times, through the ups and downs, and has survived in good enough spirits to desire to write about life, to write about living life on purpose. Wilson is a self-described non-religious dogma-free Maverick spiritualist Christian. He writes books that deliver spiritual and inspirational messages in an engaging, thought provoking, often times humorous, more than often irreverent, sometimes sexy and even ribald way, through the spinning of an entertaining tale.

Contact Information:

E-mail: marvwilson2010@gmail.com

MySpace: www.myspace.com/Paize_Fiddler

Blog: http://inspiritandtruths.blogspot.com/

New Book Website: http://www.owenfiddler.com/

Posted by joyceanthony at 3:15 AM EST

Updated: Monday, 8 December 2008 1:48 PM EST

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