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Tuesday, 23 December 2008
Questions and Answers with Crystalee Calderwood
Topic: Author Interview
Where did you get the inspiration for Angeline Jellybean?

I don't even remember how I came up with the story. I was taking a picture book writing class back in 2007. Our assignment was to write a picture book under 500 words, and that's what I did. I wrote it in rhyme because I wanted to see if I could write a rhyming picture book. I didn't even really expect to like it. That's how Angeline was born. A few rounds of revisions and a submission later, here it is!

Is Angeline anything like you?

Oh yes. *laughs* Angeline loves jellybeans almost as much as I love chocolate. Of course, I have learned to limit my chocolate intake, and I didn't have to go through the nasty side effects that Angeline did! Angeline is also very strong-willed and has a bit of a temper, which reminds me of a certain little redheaded girl I once knew.

When did you start writing?

I've been writing as long as I can remember. I used to write short stories way back in first grade. I've been reading even longer, since before I started school, so I only felt it was natural for me to write. I wrote poetry for many years. It wasn't until I went to grad school to get my MFA in Creative Writing that I discovered writing for children. That was in 2006. I ended up with a dual emphasis in poetry and writing for children and adolescents. I am amazed at how far I have come along with my writing since then.

How do you get the ideas for your picture books?

Well, I live and experience life, first of all. I get most of my ideas from things I've seen, experienced or heard. I also try to interact with children. I spent a year as a volunteer reading to children in daycares across Pittsburgh. In that year, I learned more about what children like than I had learned in my entire life. I also love to read children's books. I'm always asking myself if I can write something better than or different than the kinds of books that are out there. I'm not interested in writing books that copy a current trend, unless I can put my own spin on that trend.

Do you experiment with other genres as well?

Yes, I do. I started out writing poetry. I have also experimented with flash fiction. But nothing makes me happier than writing for children. I'm really a big kid at heart, and I write the kinds of books I would have liked to read when I was younger. I have also recently completed a young adult novel in verse, and I'm very excited to break into the YA market was well

***

Update:  I spent hours yesterday working with Wordpress, but couldn't get it to do all I want. I'm heading over to Blogger now and see how I can work with that.  Please watch here for updates.  Thanks for your patience, everyone!


Posted by joyceanthony at 2:00 AM EST
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Sunday, 21 December 2008
Meet Crystalee Calderwood
Topic: Blog Tours

I would like to introduce you to Crystalee Calderwood and her recent book, Angeline Jellybean. Unfortunately, I can't share the cover photo with you today (see note after post), but let's meet Crystalee:

Crystalee Calderwood is a born poet turned children's
writer, small town girl turned big city dweller. Crystalee
moved from Altoona, Pennsylvania, to Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania, when she was twenty-two years old to
attend the MFA in Creative Writing program at Chatham
University. It was there she took her very first class in
writing for children and adolescents, and she's never
looked back.

As a member of Literacy AmeriCorps Pittsburgh,
Crystalee has had the pleasure of interacting with children in
the community through the non-profit organization
Beginning with Books. She introduced children to great
books in hopes that they would fall in love with them the
way she has. She is currently teaching computer skills to adults.

 

And here is a look into what Angeline Jellybean is all about:

Angeline wants to eat nothing but jellybeans. Year round, from Easter to Christmas, she asks for her favorite treat. But a strange event teaches Angeline that there's such thing as too much of a good thing!

With colorful, delightful illustrations by Stephen Macquignon, Angeline is sure to win over hearts of young picky eaters everywhere.

 

 

For more information on Crystalee, please visit:

Blog: http://www.crystaleecalderwood.blogspot.com  Website: http://www.crystaleecalderwood.bravehost.com  
You can purchase this wonderful book at:
http://www.amazon.com  
http://www.barnesandnoble.com 
http://www.4rvpublishingllc.com/Store-Books.html 
 
Please come back on Tuesday, when we will be talking with Crystalee--
you won't want to miss this one!
 
***
Note to my readers:  It seems I've used up all my space here :-( I spent
nearly two hours tonight trying to upgrade, but Tripod is not cooperating
with me :-(  I will be moving this blog to another account tomorrow.  The
link will be left here so you can find me.  Please make a note of the new 
link and drop by the new blog and say hello.  Thank yu for your patience
in this and your continued support.  I will make the move as smoothly as
possible.  Joyce 

Posted by joyceanthony at 4:02 AM EST
Updated: Sunday, 21 December 2008 4:05 AM EST
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Friday, 19 December 2008
Getting to Know Jean Henry Mead
Topic: Author Interview
Jean Mead the person: 

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

 That's a tough question. Impatient, determined and compassionate. I'm impatient to get things done, determined to succeed in whatever I attempt, and hopefully, I'm compassionate.
2.      How do you think others would describe you?
 Because I'm basically shy, people sometimes think I'm aloof. I hope they think I'm dependable because I try very hard not to let anyone down. And I'm sure they think I'm a little eccentric, but most writers are.
3.      Please tell us what you are most passionate about outside of writing.
love animals, especially dogs. I also like photography and I'm a bibliophile. I have thousands of books, some of which I've had since I was a child. We're either going to have to build a library or just buy multi-format books for our ebook readers.
      
4.    Do you have any pets?  If so, introduce us to them.
I had two dogs until last month when my lovable black lab, Muggles, was struck by a pickup truck. I now have a very lonely Australian Sheppard, Miriah, as well as two crazy ducks named Vern and Shirley. I also have Chicki, a hen that was nearly killed by her flock mates. Only Miriah is allowed in the house. :)
5. What is your most precious memory?    
When my first grandchild was born and my very nervous son-in-law brought him out of the delivery room wrapped in a blanket.
6. What was your most embarrassing memory?
 I embarrass easily so it would be hard to remember just one. Okay, I do remember when the batteries fell out of the bottom of my tape recorder and rolled under a massive desk the night I crashed a cocktail party at a local bank to interview sportscaster Curt Gowdy. I had to return the following day to interview him in the bank lobby with lots of people present. Not an easy way to conduct an interview.
7.      If you weren’t a writer, what would you be doing with your life?
I would either be a photographer or an anthropologist. I'm fascinated by ancient civilizations. If not married, I'd probably be an aid worker in a foreign country. I've worked at various jobs such as teacher, secretary, sales, office manager, parts chaser for our business, magazine editor, photojournalist and news reporter, but nothing pleases me more than being a novelist.
 
8.      In two paragraphs or less write your obituary. (This was so hard)
Jean was born the eldest of five children and the only girl in an otherwise all-boy neighborhood, the reason she was a tom-boy and unafraid to try new things. Her curiosity sometimes got her into trouble but it served her well as an adult when she began her writing career. Divorced at 27, with four young daughters, she started college, carrying a full load of classes while working, and coaching her daughters' softball teams. Doing their homework together, the five of them managed to stay on the honor rolls. 
 Four years later, she remarried and the family moved to Wyoming where they began a new life.
     
Working as a magazine editor and freelance photojournalist, Jean's magazine articles were published domestically as well as abroad, winning some awards. In 1982 her first book was published and others followed. Later, her grandchildren arrived and life was complete, although not always easy. She once said that she would like to be remembered as someone who tried her best.
Jean Mead the writer:
9.  Can you describe the time you realized you were indeed a “real” writer?

 
I realized I was a real writer when I got my first news reporting job with the local daily newspaper while editor of my campus weekly.  But I wrote my first novel when I was nine, a chapter a day to entertain classmates. I wrote it on construction paper with pencil and it got rave reviews from my classmates because it  made them laugh. I've always included humor in all my books, including nonfiction. I cringe remembering my first newspaper article, titled, "Are mosquitos bugging you?" I don't think the publisher appeciated my wacky humor.
10.  What is going on with your writing these days?
I'm working on a third novel for my Logan &  Cafferty senior sleuth mystery series as well as a children's book, The Mystery of Spider Mountain and an historical novel about the hanging of "Cattle Kate." Three books at once is about all I handle. The second novel in my Logan & Cafferty series, Diary of Murder, will be out next spring
11. What are your future goals for your writing?
To continue writing my mystery/suspense series and western historicals. Maybe even more children's novels. I would someday like to have some of my novels published as audio books.
12.  Can you describe a typical writing day for you?
I'm usually at my computer by eight each morning where I remain until noon, and one until three in the afternoon. I love writing, so it's not a chore. Getting the housework and laundry done is the real chore. I've heard other women writers say, "What I need is a wife to keep up the household." I agree. Men writers are usually relieved of household chores but are burdened with the responsibility of earning a living. But a lot of women work and write too.
13.  Why do you write?
Because it's in me to write and it brings me great of joy when the writing goes well, which is most of the time. I give my characters free rein and they rarely lead me astray. I just type as fast as I can to keep up with them.
14.  Which writers most inspired you?  Why?
Ernest Hemingway inspired me because he changed the way modern literature is written. I have a difficult time reading some of the flowery language of the classics although I have over a hundred classic novels on my bookshelves. It's probably because of my journalism training, and Hemingway began as a journalist. I was also born on his birthday.
                
I studied Dean Koontz's writing style when I was attempting to make the transition between journalism and fiction. I've always liked the way he strings his words together, although some of his early novels were pretty flowery at times.

 
15. How do you define your writing?
I had to think about that for a while. Someone recently compared my historical novel, Escape, to Hemingway's work. I was flattered but can't quite see it. I like to follow actual events in my historical books, so it could be considered faction rather than fiction. I like to think of my books as an honest portrayal of the human condition, both past and present. And of course, generously sprinkled with humor. If we can't laugh at ourselves, we're in trouble. I enjoy writing mysteries most because they're such a challenge. I also like reading mysteries and trying to solve the crime before the fictional detectives.
16. In one sentence—what do you want people to say about your writing in fifty years?
That they couldn't put my books down, that they enjoyed the humor and solving the mysteries as well as learning something from reading them.
Jean Mead the details:
17.  Can you tell us where to find more information on you? Website?  Blog?
My website is: JeanHenryMead.com (http://jeanhenrymead.com/)
Blog sites:
Write On! Advice From an Editor: (http://advicefromeditors.blogspot.com/)
A Western Historical Happening: (http://awhh.blogspot.com/)         
I also contribute to Murderous Musings (http://murderousmusings.blogspot.com/) and                          MakeMineMystery (http://makeminemystery.blogspot.com/
        
18.  Is there a place where readers can reach you?
They can email me at JeanHenryMead@aol.com. I'm always happy to hear from my readers.
19. Can you list all your book titles so people can look for them?
Most of them are out of print but can be found on various used book sites:
A Village Shattered, Escape, A Wyoming Historical Novel; Wyoming in Profile, Casper Country: Wyoming's Heartland, Maverick Writers (written as S. Jean Mead), Westerners, Wyoming's Cowboy Poets, Wyoming Historical Trivia (written as J. J. Hammond), Escape on the Wind, What Our Parents Should Know: Advice From Teens (edited), and Shirl Lock & Holmes (as Jean Henry).
20. For new readers—what can they expect when they read your book(s)?
Mystery, suspense, humor, a little romance, western facts and fiction, and hopefully an enjoyable read. 
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?
That my writing comes from the heart. That I love my characters and live with them 24/7 while I'm writing a book, which means that Sarah Cafferty and Dana Logan live with me most of the time. That I spent nearly four years researching and writing Casper Country: Wyoming's Heartland and had so many notes left over that I wrote Escape, A Wyoming Historical Novel.  That I've interviewed hundreds of writers, actors, Hollywood screenwriters, artists, politicians and other celebrities. Most of the interviews are between the covers of my books: Westerners, Maverick Writers and Wyoming in Profile. And that writing is my favorite pastime.

Posted by joyceanthony at 4:32 AM EST
Updated: Friday, 19 December 2008 4:37 AM EST
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Thursday, 18 December 2008
How to Be a Sales Superstar - A Review
Topic: Book Review

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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Wednesday, 17 December 2008
Questions and Answers With Mark Tewart--Sales Superstar
Topic: Author Interview

What inspired you to write How To Be A Sales Superstar?

I became distressed as I witnessed the majority of salespeople suffering and even failing in their careers. I felt that salespeople were being misled by traditional sales training techniques. These techniques are no longer the answer to selling in today’s market. I felt compelled to share the information and strategies that I have personally used to create superstar success and also have used with thousands of other salespeople and businesses to explode their success.

Why is traditional goal setting keeping salespeople broke?

Traditional goal setting focuses on the wrong things. You can set all the goals you want but if you don’t change your mindset, belief system and actions you will fail. This failure creates a pattern that becomes indelibly lodged into your subconscious brain and then reflects into your everyday actions. This book clearly outlines the steps you must take to erase the negatives you have acquired and replace them with exact patterns you need to create immediate and massive results. I would like to pose one question to you, if conventional goal setting works then why aren’t more people reaching the level of success they would like? The reason is that conventional goal setting creates frustrated and broke salespeople.

How important is attitude and how does one gain the attitude of a Sales Superstar?

Everyone has heard the adage that life is 90% attitude. It may be 99% attitude. The reason is that the right attitude must be present for you to gain success and it must also be present to maintain success. When salespeople start their career, they hear over and over that you have to have a good attitude. The challenge is that nobody shares for these salespeople exactly how you do it. Words are easy but in the stress of real word selling the ability to create and maintain a positive attitude is more difficult. However, it’s amazing what salespeople can do in their lives if they know the right formula to gain and maintain a superstar attitude. I share the precise, step by step formula in this book that gives salespeople an enormous advantage.

In your book you discuss why over 90% of salespeople underachieve. Can you discuss a couple of the main reasons why?

Traditional sales training and teaching focuses on outdated sales methods. In this book I outline new strategies based upon today’s marketplace. I combine those updated sales skills with specific people skills, life skills and marketing skills that salespeople need for superstar success. If you read conventional sales books they focus things such as how to close the sale. If salespeople don’t clearly understand other skills sets, those techniques will not matter. As a matter of fact, those skills will hurt them more than help them.

What are some of the biggest mistakes salespeople make in customer followup?

Most salespeople don’t follow up. The majority of salespeople who do follow up don’t have a system to follow up on an ongoing and automated fashion. This book outlines a follow up system that personalizes and builds a relationship with the customer and sets up future sales, referrals and additional revenue streams from continuity programs using multiple media and technology.

What is the difference between action management vs. time management?

You can’t manage time. There is 1,440 minutes everyday. Superstars take specific actions in a day that lead to results that are exponentially better than the average salesperson. Conventional time management techniques focus on items such as to-do lists. In this book, I define how items such as conventional to-do lists keep you from being successful and what you must do differently to reach maximum productivity that result in superstar results.

Enjoy this video from Mark Tewart~I'll be back tomorrow with my review of How to Be A Sales Superstar

 


Posted by joyceanthony at 1:19 PM EST
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Tuesday, 16 December 2008
Honest Scrap Award
Topic: Miscellaneous

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

Below are the guidelines when winning the Honest Scrap award:


1. List 10 honest things about yourself (make it interesting, even if you have to dig deep!)

2. Pass the award on to 7 bloggers who will be brutally honest with their answers


So let's start with the 10 honest things about myself:

1. My eyes were blue until I was twelve-then they turned brown.

2. The first Bible verse I ever memorized was John 3:16.  I was four years old.

3. I collect railroad memorabilia.
4.  I have my own Pokemon deck-and can win with it!

5.  My college career placement test said I should be a forest ranger.

6.  I once ate rattlesnake and mountain oysters in the same meal.

7.  I once beat a metermaid over the head with a broom.

8.  I have an obsession for pens and blank legal pads.

9. Two sounds I find physically painful are a phone ringing and an alarm clock.

10.  I say what I mean and mean what I say.  People who only have listen or try to figure out "what you really meant" anoy me to know end.

Here are 7 blogs (in no particular order) I believe deserve this award now. Remember, this award is given to those who have the gut to say it as it is, to tell the Honest Scrap:
Free Spirit -- Marvin Wilson -- http://inspiritandtruths.blogspot.com/
Kat Logic -- Katrina Wampler --  http://katrinawampler.wordpress.com/
Musings of a Quirky Loon -- http://www.quirkyloon.com/
Straight From Hel  Helen Ginger --  http://straightfromhel.blogspot.com/
Emma Larkins --  http://emmalarkins.blogspot.com/
Unwriter --  Ron Berry --  http://unwriter1.wordpress.com/
Double M's -  Morgan Mandel --  http://morganmandel.blogspot.com/

Posted by joyceanthony at 8:13 PM EST
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Mark Tewart Talks with Books and Authors
Topic: Author Interview

 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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Monday, 15 December 2008
Mark Tewart Shares on How to Become a Sales Superstar
Topic: Blog Tours

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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Sunday, 14 December 2008
A Talk with C. L. Talmadge and a Series Review
Topic: Author Interview

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 4th 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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Saturday, 13 December 2008
The Green Stone of Healing Series
Topic: Book Review

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

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

Helen Elizabeth Andros. I am the first-generation protagonist of the Green Stone of Healing® epic fantasy series and I live in The Vision, Fallout, The Scorpions Strike, Outcast and future books in this series until my death in my late 60s.

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

My "foot-in-mouth" syndrome touches off a course of events that launches the entire multi-generational tale.

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

I started hanging out in my author's daydreams when she was just a teenager. Before she knew it, I was a full-blown character with a name, a mouth that gets her in trouble, and some major problems.

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

Mostly easy. I give her credit for portraying me the way I really am, especially since she admits that I am who she was in a past life and a big part of my essence lives on in her today.

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

His name is Lord Matthew Shinar. He is my best friend from my days at college and medical school. We would never have met except that we both attended the same institution of higher learning and studied medicine. I help restore him to health after he is gravely injured; later in the series he saves my granddaughter's life and ultimately pays with his own.

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

Covered in my answer to the first question.

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

I am tough-minded and tender-hearted, strong and vulnerable. I care passionately about justice and my tendency to speak without thinking constantly dumps me in scalding water. I have an earthy sense of sense of humor and a fragile sense of self-worth.

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

So much I don't know where to start. Maybe a little bit about learning to govern what I say. Maybe some more about being true to my own heart and taking a risk on love.

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

In The Vision, I find out the identity of the father I never met or knew about, and as soon as we meet, out strong personalities clash. I never get the better of the argument, either.

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

Heavens! That would take another novel! All the stupid, thoughtless remarks I made to my commanding officer in front of his subordinates, undermining his authority when, in fact, I loved him. Arguing with a father I loved instantly when we could have spent time getting to know one another.

11. What was your main motivation?

Fear and a pervasive, corrosive sense of worthlessness.

12.  Introduce us to your main adversary?

Which one? I have an embarrassment of riches in that department. My most immediate and obvious adversary is Ezekiel Malachi, Supreme Lord of the Temple of Kronos-the theocrat who wants me dead because I am a half-breed. But as my story progresses through the books, a stealth adversary emerges whose actions against me and my loved ones nearly destroy my soul.

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

No. My author is pretty good about letting me be me. I shock her sometimes with the things I say and do.

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

Fear is inevitable where there is little or no self-love. Want to love others? Save the planet? Then start where you have sole authority and autonomy-within your own hearts and souls. Heal yourself and you will automatically heal others and the world. I was too afraid to take this sage advice from my alien mentor Maguari, but my author (myself in a different physical lifetime) has done so to a much greater extent and experienced life-altering healing.

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

More about my story, plus an online bookshelf where anyone may browse the first three books of the series for free, is at www.greenstoneofhealing.com

The Vision, Fallout, and The Scorpions Strike are for sale as paperbacks at all major online bookstores. Ebook versions are for sale at HealingStone Books, www.healingstonebooks.com.


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