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A Powerful, Moving Mystery! Read the editor of this newsletter's books -
Long Walk Up (NEW BOOK),
Spiral, Love Has Many Faces (Read the book that earned a mention in one of the world's largest magazines!) and Portia
You won't want to put them down!!
Books that deal with real life issues and help you begin to heal.
2004 Newsletters
2003 Newsletters are directly below
We're Online at:
http://www.chistell.com
Stop in and Visit Us!
The Book Lover's Haven
Subscribe to our FREE, POWER-INFO-PACKED NEWSLETTER WRITTEN FOR *YOU* TODAY! Subscribe by CLICKING Here Now!
Back Issues Online:
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Visit us Today!
Order Spiral NOW!
Request the 1st chapters for FREE!
[All copies of subscriptions are kept in print form. No one may subscribe anyone else to The Book Lover's Haven. If you know someone who would like to subscribe, simply have them complete the subscription form at: http://www.chistell.com/newsletter_request.htm. No spam whatsoever is allowed or tolerated at The Book Lover's Haven. Thank you.]
December 20, 2003 - Issue 20.03
Get Ready to Succeed!
By Denise Turney
Author of Portia, Love Has Many Faces and Spiral
http://www.chistell.com
Where Books *Always* Make Excellent Gifts!
Many of us are busy shopping for gifts, organizing get-togethers
for family and friends and maybe even enjoying a long-awaited
vacation. That's right! The holiday season is here! What follows?
A brand new year! When you ring in 2004, get ready to have your
best year yet! Get ready to succeed!
Succeeding - having what you really want - that's what this issue
of The Book Lover's Haven is about. Take in the advice from a man
who went from struggling with a low self-esteem to becoming a
millionaire businessman/speaker/writer. Learn how you too can
realize your dreams as a writer and entrepreneur. Get ready!
Get ready! Get ready to succeed!
Enjoy your issue of The Book Lover's Haven! Thank you for being
here with us!
Thank you for those of you who have purchased my new book
Spiral! Please request Spiral from your local bookseller and
remember to REQUEST the first chapters of my new book
Spiral by dropping me an email. The first chapters are FREE!
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! At the end of this issue, if
you have comments, questions or suggestions for a future issue,
please share your thoughts with me by dropping me a line.
I always love hearing from each of you!
Tell your friends, readers and writers you know about The Book
Lover's Haven! It's FREE! It's Easy. It's quick to subscribe at http://www.chistell.com
Visit me online at - http://www.chistell.com. Stop in & sign the
guestbook!
In This Issue You Will Find:
*Contest/writing conferences/book fairs/bestseller lists
*Paying writing related job openings
*Get Ready to Succeed - Vincent Roazzi
*Web sites for readers and writers
*Upcoming author book signings
What Will Be In Upcoming Issues:
*Feature Interviews with Best-selling Authors
*Romance Is Always In The Air - Brenda Novak
*A Story Weaver - Jennifer Leese
*Poetry
*Finding the Motivation to Never Quit!
Enjoy this issue! Send comments or questions to me
************************************************
"You already have everything you need to succeed!"
*************************
The Poet's Corner
NOTE: The Book Lover's Haven pays $50.00 for one-time rights for
poems published in the newsletter. Poets interested in submitting
a poem to the newsletter, email me. Thank you!
S~P~I~R~A~L
Request the 1st Chapter FREE!
Just send me an email
with "Free Chapters of Spiral" in the Subject Line!
That's it! It's that EASY!
Get Ready To Succeed - Vincent Roazzi
MEET VINCENT ROAZZI: Vincent Roazzi went from being in
debt for $100,000 to becoming a millionaire. This millionaire/author
is the Executive Director of Marketing and Development for the
Alliance for Affordable Services, a national association of 65,000
small businesses. He is a talented public speaker and writes
a column for Wealth Magazine. He is the author of the book
The Spirituality of Success.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BLH: Have you always known, accepted and lived by the
principles you write about in The Spirituality of Success?
Vincent: No. I learned them the hard way!
BLH: If not, how did you discover these principles, and how did
discovering them help to change your life?
Vincent: I discovered most of these principles after recovering
from drug addiction and after my 40th birthday. Most importantly
though, I didn't discover these principles -- they're as old as
civilization. If you study any of the great prophets, you come to
realize that they all preach basically the same principles. The
principles for financial success are the same principles for success
in any area of one's life.
BLH: What is The Spirituality of Success about?
Vincent: The Spirituality of Success has two messages. First,
everyone is destined to succeed, but programmed to fail. Second,
a person is composed of mind, body and spirit and everything a
person does encompasses these three characteristics. There has
been much written on the mind in success (positive thinking, etc.)
and the body element (good habits, time management, etc.) but
very little has been written about the spirit aspect. This aspect
encompasses the purpose or intention behind the thoughts or actions
of the mind and body, and either validates or invalidates them within
the framework of universal consciousness, which also incorporates
the physics of material cause and effect. In other words, more
important than what you think is what you are, or better said, who
you are! For many, it's the missing part of the puzzle.
Mind + Body + Spirit = Thinking, Doing and Being.
BLH: What steps can writers who may be doubting their talent or
struggling with writer's block take to shake off the cobwebs and get
back to the pulse of writing?
Vincent: Everyone initially doubts until they no longer doubt.
What's very interesting about getting beyond one's ego and it's
five-sense reality, is that you come to the realization that
anything any person can do, you also can do. We each have
infinite potential. I enjoy writing from a higher perspective --
watching the words individually engage in an elaborate dance
with each other until they eventually emerge with one voice, one
meaning. I no longer care if people like my writing, and I guess
that gets back to the first sentence. You have to like your own
work, no matter what anyone else thinks. The only time I
experienced writer's block was when I was writing for someone
or something other than the sheer pleasure of watching the words
dance.
BLH: How long did it take you to write The Spirituality of Success?
Did you interview people for the book or travel the country and/or
world and observe the different ways successful vs. frustrated people
live, think and believe?
Vincent: The book required ten years of research and study, and
a year and a half to actually write. I had to dispose of the first
six month's composition because it was a selfish, ego-centered
activity. I "tried" to write the book. I tried to do it "right" instead
of having the book write itself, which, of course, negates the
possibility of any error. In the final analysis though, the book
took my lifetime and the lifetime's of research before me to arrive
at the principles within its pages. But it did take extensive traveling,
research, study, and interviews to validate that it's principles are
universal and timeless.
BLH: If you have a website, please give our subscribers the URL.
Also, how important do you think it is that writers have a website?
Vincent: http://www.spiritualityofsuccess.com. In fact, there is
a very informative 20-question success quiz on the website that
will help your subscribers determine how much their conditioning
is affecting their ability to experience financial success. To answer
the second part of your question, a website is essential for an author
who is attempting to affect people's lives.
BLH: How can public speaking gain a writer more visibility? Do you
recommend it as a marketing tool for authors? Why or why not?
Vincent: Public speaking and public appearances of all types are
what visibility is all about, especially if you have something to say.
Selling books is Sales, and people buy people more than they
buy products. As a writer, you are the most powerful tool that is
available to you.
BLH: Are you working on any new material? If so, what is the story
about and when can we expect to see it on the market?
Vincent: Yes, I'm working on The Spirituality of Sales and The
Spirituality of Sales Leadership. The second book is written, but I
haven't released it because the first book has been continuing to
have an effect, and I don't want to short-circuit that result.
BLH: You worked in Sales for years. What advice can you give
to our subscribers who are looking for unique and creative ways to
gain more visibility for their books, and, in turn, increase their sales?
Vincent: Believe in your work! If one examines how many books
are written every year, versus how many hit the bestseller lists,
you discover that the mathematical odds are seriously against you.
You'd probably have a better chance of hitting the lottery. So relying
on the publishing world to sell your book is a pipe dream. Very few
publishers, if any, will do what it takes to make a book successful.
They operate according to the assembly line method of business,
except in publishing, if one out of a hundred of the products produced
are successful, they still make a lot of money. The lopsided
contracts publishers offer authors insure that publishers can continue
to live in a fabricated reality that barely mimics the world of true
business. Add to that the fact that there are so few publishers and
retailers that control a business that's four times the size of
Hollywood, and you have the perfect formula for collusion and
self-aggrandizement, which serves as an inbred monopoly that kills
creativity and replaces it with their own rationalized version.
Thankfully, there are many strategies that help a book gain more
exposure, but there are so few authors who are willing to expend
the energy and effort that is required. In fact, marketing a book
will require more creativity, more time, more focus and more
determination than it takes to author a book, whether you have a
publisher or not. There are as many successful strategies as there
are best-selling books. To learn these strategies, one simply
has to contact the author of any successful book they deem is
similar to their work.
To read more from feature interviews with established poets, screenplay writers, article writers, editors, journalists and novelists, subscribe to The Book Lover’s Haven today by
CLICKING Here Now!
Books that deal with real life issues and help you begin to heal.
We're Online at:
http://www.chistell.com
Stop in and Visit Us!
The Book Lover's Haven
Subscribe to our FREE, POWER-INFO-PACKED NEWSLETTER WRITTEN FOR *YOU* TODAY! Subscribe by CLICKING Here Now!
Back Issues Online:
http://www.chistell.com
Visit us Today!
Order Spiral NOW!
Request the 1st chapters for FREE!
[All copies of subscriptions are kept in print form. No one may subscribe anyone else to The Book Lover's Haven. If you know someone who would like to subscribe, simply have them complete the subscription form at: http://www.chistell.com/newsletter_request.htm. No spam whatsoever is allowed or tolerated at The Book Lover's Haven. Thank you.]
Books that deal with real life issues and help you begin to heal.
We're Online at:
http://www.chistell.com
Stop in and Visit Us!
The Book Lover's Haven
Subscribe to our FREE, POWER-INFO-PACKED NEWSLETTER WRITTEN FOR *YOU* TODAY! Subscribe by CLICKING Here Now!
November 22, 2003 - Issue 17.03
1, 2, 3, 4 . . . So Many Blessings!
By Denise Turney
Author of Portia, Love Has Many Faces and Spiral
http://www.chistell.com
Where Books *Always* Make Excellent Gifts!
Next week many people in the United States will gather
with family and friends and pause to say "thank you."
As I look back over my writing career if becomes clear to me
that if I waited until a day in November to count my blessings,
I'd never find time to do anything except say "thank you" and
even then at the end of the day, I'd still have so much more to
say "thank you" for.
You are a part of what I am grateful for, and so I'll begin this
issue of your newsletter by telling YOU - "Thank YOU!"
*****
This issue of The Book Lover's Haven spotlights a freelance writer
who earns a living writing books, articles, reviews, brochure and
newsletter content and more. She has definitely learned the value of
a diversified portfolio. Read and learn what she shares about the
many ways you too can earn a living as a writer.
I wish you much success in your reading and writing endeavors!
Enjoy your issue of The Book Lover's Haven! Thank you for being
here with us! Make sure you stop by http://www.chistell.com!
THANK YOU to those of you who have purchased my new book
Spiral! Please request Spiral from your local bookseller and
remember to REQUEST the first chapters of my new book
Spiral by dropping me an email! The first chapters are FREE!
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! At the end of this issue, if
you have comments, questions or suggestions for a future issue,
please share your thoughts with me by dropping me a line -
I always love hearing from each of you!
Tell your friends, readers and writers you know about The Book
Lover's Haven! It's FREE! It's Easy. It's quick to subscribe at http://www.chistell.com
Visit me online at - http://www.chistell.com. Stop in & sign the
guest book!
In This Issue You Will Find:
*Contest/writing conferences/book fairs/bestseller lists
*Paying writing related job openings
*With Love From Canada - Diana Vandehoef
*Web sites for readers and writers
*Upcoming author book signings
What Will Be In Upcoming Issues:
*Feature Interviews with Best-selling Authors
*Healing The Breach - Rosalind Stormer
*Get Ready For Success - Vincent Roazzi
*Poetry
*Finding the Motivation to Never Quit!
Enjoy this issue!
"You already have everything you need to succeed!"
The Poet's Corner
NOTE: The Book Lover's Haven pays $50.00 for one-time rights for
poems published in the newsletter. Poets interested in submitting
a poem to the newsletter, email me. Thank you!
S~P~I~R~A~L
Request the 1st Chapter FREE!
Just send me an email
with "Free Chapters of Spiral" in the Subject Line!
That's it! It's that EASY!
Get Your copy of Spiral NOW!
!!!We're running an End of Summer S-A-L-E!!!
With Love From Canada - Diana Vandehoef
ABOUT DIANA VANDEHOEF: Diana is a writer with diversified
talents. She works with individual authors and businesses to
create brochures, targeted press releases and other marketing
materials. She is the author of two books.
MEET DIANA VANDEHOEF
BLH: Have you wanted to be a writer since you were a child
or did a particular event guide you into the career field?
Diana: I've been writing since I was a teenager. Unfortunately,
the writing I did then was of poor quality. I wrote as a way to
vent frustrations and as a result much of my early writing is
confusing to read. It wasn't until I finished school and was
living on my own that I decided to pursue writing professionally.
I soon discovered that writing fiction isn't lucrative, so I focused
my efforts on nonfiction. I still enjoy writing fiction, but I only
write fiction for personal enjoyment.
My first paid article was published in a small Christian magazine.
I used humor to get my message across; reader response to the
article was positive. I felt I was brilliant, that my words were
witty and amazing and that no one in their right mind would avoid
reading my work. I sent out proposals to numerous other
publications and to my dismay received many rejections. My
ego was bruised, but I continued. My persistence paid off and
I received more assignments.
While I was establishing myself as a professional writer, I
continued to work at my day job in desktop publishing and
prepress. A couple of years ago, company cutbacks
resulted in me losing the job. I was prematurely thrown into
the world of full-time writing. It was a sink or swim
situation; I chose to swim. I joined several professional
writers' organizations and expanded my writing services to
include corporate writing.
BLH: Do you recommend all writers get a degree in writing?
Diana: I think any type of post-secondary education is
helpful, but I don't believe it's necessary for writers to get a
degree in writing unless the goal is to work exclusively in
journalism or land a staff position at a well-known publication.
Many writers have become hugely successful with no formal
writing training; others have become accomplished authors
with only a high school education.
That said, I would recommend that all writers, regardless
of their level of education, take the time to study several
writing forms. This can be through self-study or by taking
classes at your local college or university.
In my case, I only had graphic and business communications
background when I started writing professionally. My lack
of a writing degree didn't affect my ability to get published,
but it did close doors to some job opportunities. Without the
necessary papers, some clients and publications wouldn't
take the time to see what type of work I could offer. While
still working at my day job, I went back to university to study
creative writing, public relations and advertising. This
additional education has helped me grow as a writer and has
made me better qualified for a larger variety of writing jobs.
BLH: You have a broad range of writing experience. Tell us
about some of the writing services you offer.
Diana: Although I'm the author of two books, most of my
income comes from other types of writing. I write
articles and fillers for magazines and websites. I also
edit web content, compose newsletters and brochures,
compile media kits, write press releases, media alerts
and occasionally direct advertising letters. I enjoy
reviewing music and books and regularly do both.
Sometimes I critique, proofread and edit manuscripts
and mentor younger writers.
BLH: Do you recommend all writers have as broad a writing
experience as possible in order to earn a living as a full-time
writer? Why or why not?
Diana: Earning a living as a self-employed writer is very
challenging. The competition for corporate work is fierce.
Many publications don't have the funding or desire to pay
their freelance writers a decent wage. Other times publications
receive so many poorly written queries and submissions
that the editors can't be bothered to look at every letter
that lands on their desk. Fiction writing is considered an art
and there is the illusion that artists don't need to be paid.
(Apparently artists don't need food, shelter and clothing
like the rest of the world.)
By broadening his or her writing experience, a writer is
able to offer more services. The combined income from
a variety of services is what makes it possible to earn a
living as a self-employed writer. A broad writing experience
prevents a writer from becoming too financially dependent
on one type of writing. For these reasons I strongly
believe that writers should not, for lack of a better way of
saying it, put all their eggs in one basket. I suggest writers
keep their options open.
BLH: How important is an effective press kit to a book writer's
success? Share a story with us about a press kit you created
or worked on for a writer that helped increase that writer's
book sales.
Diana: An effective press kit helps a writer get the
publicity he or she needs in order to sell books.
After all, if no one knows about you or your writing,
no one is going to buy your work.
I haven't worked on other writer's press kits, but I
do have experience creating a press kit to promote
one of my books. My press kit for my book, Coffee:
The Common Man's Gold, landed me interviews on
local television and radio stations. It also created
enough interest from one newspaper journalist to
cause her to write a profile about me.
The publicity was great. Although my press kit didn't
result in huge book sales, my name and talents were
presented to the public. Since my name was "out there,"
I eventually had clients contacting me to complete
writing-related work for them.
For my second book, A Writer's Guide to Canadian Markets
and On-line Resources, I didn't compile a press kit. Most
of the sales from this book came, and are coming from
word-of-mouth and advertising. This will probably also be
the case with my current writer's market guide, 200+ Paying
American Markets.
BLH: You also offer direct advertising services as a writer.
Do you think direct advertising is an effective way to sell
books? If so, what specific steps can writers take to insure
their direct ads will pull in sales?
Diana: Direct advertising, as a way to sell books, is
very effective if the proper amount of research is
completed prior to sending out the ads. Writers should
send direct advertising only to those interested in the
topics of their books. A large percentage of this
information can be gathered online from focus groups,
websites about topics similar to what the book is
about, websites that pay people to read advertisements,
newsletters and publications on issues related to the
topic of your book, and occasionally chat rooms. A
few words of caution: never advertise in chat rooms.
Never send out unsolicited e-mails. Doing so will
compromise your reputation as a professional writer.
I used all of the above methods to promote my book about
coffee and my writer's market guide. For the coffee book, I
also sent direct advertising to coffeehouses, donut shops
and specialty stores that sold coffee.
BLH: How important are reviews to a book's success?
Diana: The importance of reviews to a book's success
depends on the credibility of the reviewer and how
important readers consider reviews. Some people really
don't care whether or not someone else liked a book.
These people would rather decide for themselves if the book
is any good. Others share the same tastes as certain
professionals and celebrities. For these people a review
will carry more weight.
Overall, I think the only way reviews drastically affect a
book's success is if the majority of the reviews are either
good or bad.
BLH: Who are some of your favorite writers and what is it
about these writers you admire most?
Diana: Some of my favorite fiction authors are
David Baldacci, Francine Rivers, John Grisham and
Margaret Atwood. I also enjoy the writing of numerous
local and international journalists and feature article
writers. Although I enjoy the writing of these people, I
can't say I admire any one of them more than the other.
I respect the authors because they are able to weave
excellent, credible stories. I respect the journalists and
article writers because they gather accurate, useful
information and present it in a way that's easy and
entertaining to read.
BLH: Are you working on new material? If so, please tell us
about the news material, upcoming appearances or workshops
you're currently working on?
To read more feature interviews with successful, best-selling and established writers, editors, and publicists in the business, subscribe to The Book Lover’s Haven NOW by Clicking Here
Back Issues Online:
http://www.chistell.com
Visit us Today!
Order Spiral NOW!
Request the 1st chapters for FREE!
The Book Lover's Haven - The best place on the Net for everyone who loves to write and read stories in book form -- poets, novelists, historians, songwriters, screenplay writers -- everyone who loves the written word!
October 18, 2003 - Issue 17.03
Advice From a Bestselling Author!
By Denise Turney
Author of Portia, Love Has Many Faces and Spiral
http://www.chistell.com
Where Books *Always* Make Excellent Gifts!
Enjoy this issue!
"You already have everything you need to succeed!"
The Poet's Corner
NOTE: The Book Lover's Haven pays $50.00 for one-time rights for
poems published in the newsletter. Poets interested in submitting
a poem to the newsletter, email me. Thank you!
S~P~I~R~A~L
Request the 1st Chapter FREE!
Just send me an email
with "Free Chapters of Spiral" in the Subject Line!
That's it! It's that EASY!
Get Your copy of Spiral NOW!
!!!We're running an End of Summer S-A-L-E!!!
It may come as a surprise to some, but we are fast approaching the holiday season. When I look back, I feel like the summer came and went in a blur. The older I get, the faster time seems to move. There is so much that each of us has on our agenda - so much to do and so much more that could be done. At times it can seem difficult to juggle a family, writing, editing, traveling to book events and marketing and promoting your work.
This issue of The Book Lover's Haven features an author who has mastered the juggling act. Her books are displayed on Barnes & Noble floor space. Her works have made bestseller lists for several years. Pay attention to this issue of The Book Lover's Haven and learn how she does it. Learn how you can increase your own book sales and further realize your writing dreams!
Enjoy your issue of The Book Lover's Haven! Thank you for being here with us!
Thank you for those of you who have purchased my new book Spiral! Please request Spiral from your local bookseller and remember to REQUEST the first chapters of my new book Spiral by dropping me and email me! The first chapters are FREE!
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! At the end of this issue, if you have comments, questions or suggestions for a future issue, please share your thoughts with me by dropping me a line. I always love hearing from each of you! Tell your friends, readers and writers you know about The Book Lover's Haven! It's FREE! It's Easy. It's quick to subscribe at http://www.chistell.com
Visit me online at - http://www.chistell.com. Stop in & sign the guestbook!
In This Issue You Will Find:
*Contest/writing conferences/book fairs/bestseller lists
*Paying writing related job openings
*Advice from a Bestselling Author – Zane
*Web sites for readers and writers
*Upcoming author book signings
What Will Be In Upcoming Issues:
*Feature Interviews with Best-selling Authors
*Children's Books - Lila Guzman
*From Canada, With Love - Diana Vandehoef
*Poetry
*Finding the Motivation to Never Quit!
Enjoy this issue!
"You already have everything you need to succeed!"
The Poet's Corner
NOTE: The Book Lover's Haven pays $50.00 for one-time rights for poems published in the newsletter. Poets interested in submitting a poem to the newsletter, email me. Thank you!
S~P~I~R~A~L
Request the 1st Chapter FREE!
Just send me an email
with "Free Chapters of Spiral" in the Subject Line!
That's it! It's that EASY!
Get Your copy of Spiral NOW!
!!!We're running an End of Summer S-A-L-E!!!
Advice From a Bestselling Author – Zane
MEET ZANE: Zane is the Principal/Publisher of Strebor Books International (www.streborbooks.com). She is the NY Times Bestselling author of Addicted, The Sex Chronicles, and The Sisters of APF. She has more than two dozen authors signed to her publishing house and has a distribution with Simon and Schulster for all the Strebor titles. She originally self-published three books and sold more than 250,000 of them combined. She now has well over a million books in print and she has only been published since mid-2000.
BLH: What was the reception to your first novel? Were you surprised by the book's reception or was it something you expected?
Zane: There was mixed reception. I knew there would be a lot of people that thought I was demeaning literature and that the sexually repressed individuals would launch a campaign against me. However, I also knew that I had thousands of guaranteed sales because of thousands of direct subscribers to my e-zine and the faithful readers I had accumulated throughout the years over the Internet. It could have gone either way but there was only one way to find out and that was to stop speculating, put the book out, and see what would happen. The Sex Chronicles, my first book, ended up selling more than 100,000 copies in the self-published version so it was well worth the shot.
BLH: (a) Which came first - your website (www.eroticanoir.com) or the books? (b) Did you create your own website? (c) If someone else created your site, please share advice on how author's can insure they get the best deal when working with a webmaster.
Zane: (a) My website came years before the first book. (b) Yes; I have always done Eroticanoir.com all by myself. (c) While I do my own sites, I would say that an author should check out the portfolio of the webmaster. That's easy with websites because everything is online. I would also compare pricing and ask how often it will be maintained and determine any hidden costs involved.
BLH: Have you always wanted to start your own book publishing company or did establishing your company (Strebor) come about after you found success in the book industry?
Zane: Once I decided to go the self-publishing route and I decided that right away, I knew that I would publish other people. I knew that if I went through all the formalities and learned the industry, the rest would be easy because it is the same for 1 book or 100 books once you get started. I also believe that I have a much deeper purpose than my own books and that is to help others achieve their dreams.
BLH: What top five things should a person interested in starting a publishing company (and publish several authors' book) do before they become an official entity?
Zane: (1) Read at least 3 books on the subject of publishing and/or self-publishing and then make an informed decision on whether or not to even try it. Publishing means you have to wear many hats. Even with an office building, a warehouse, and a full-time staff, I still wear many hats and this is not an easy business.
(2) Talk about the industry with other authors who have already been published. While I will be the first one to admit that a lot of authors are not receptive and will sometimes be downright nasty, there are those of us who enjoy mentoring others and find it flattering to be asked for advice.
(3) Have a business plan and budget in place before you make a step. The reason why most businesses fail (publishing or not) is poor planning. The biggest mistake people make when they self-publish is that they assume they can take money they make from the first printing of books and print more books. That rarely happens, unless you plan to have a time when the books will not be available. They don't realize that distributors and stores have anywhere from 30-120 days to pay for the books. Thus, if they print 1,000 books and run out before they get any money, how do they reprint? If a book has a possibility of becoming popular, difficulty in finding the book can kill all future sales because people will start getting excited about something else.
(4) Make sure that everyone involved in your venture is as determined and committed as you are. Especially the other authors you plan to publish. Unless they are willing to help promote and market their own book, it is a lost cause. On the flip side, you should not start publishing other people until you have achieved some degree of success yourself. There should be some benefit to another person signing on with you. If you can't do more for them than they can do for themselves, they might as well self-publish.
(5) Be prepared to be in there for the long haul. Overnight successes are practically nonexistent. You need to be prepared to spend 3-5 years struggling before you make a profit. Also, don't think that you will become a full-time publisher right away and be prepared to work another job.
BLH: Which character in your books is your favorite? What is it about this character that intrigues you most?
Zane: Until recently, Tempest from The Heat Seekers was my favorite character because she is the most like me in real life as far as experiences and beliefs about relationships. Now I would say Jonquinette/Jude from Nervous because it was a challenge to create her and make her believable as both a virgin and a whore. For those who don't know what I mean, Jonquinette is a timid woman who has never had a boyfriend and is afraid of her own shadow. Jude is a sex fiend that trolls the streets looking for her next quickie. The catch? They are the same person.
BLH: How long have you been writing? Did you write stories when you were a child? If you wrote as a child, tell us about a story you wrote that started you thinking about earning a living as a writer.
Zane: I have always been a writer but I never wanted to be an author. There is a difference. My vivid imagination was there from the beginning and not some but ALL of my teachers encouraged me to pursue a writing career. It never interested me because I had zero desire to be famous. I just liked putting words down on paper for my own enjoyment. That is what I still do to this day. Write for self-enjoyment. By doing that, there is no pressure and chances are that if I enjoy something, some other people will also. So far, so good. Stories I wrote as a child were all strange, similar to Stephen King novels. One day I will publicly tackle that genre as well.
BLH: What specific steps can writer take to gain more exposure for their titles?
Zane: The Internet is a very powerful tool and it is cheap compared to other types of marketing. An author should use the Internet to get the word out about their book in various ways. Most importantly, they should have an attractive and informative website. They need to join support groups and participate in them but not solely for self-promotion. Any real author loves reading as much as they love writing. They should also consider what types of groups offline would be most interested in their books. For instance, I just published a book titled Love and Justice by Rique Johnson. I told him that he should contact police organizations, particularly African American ones, about the possibility of attending their functions to promote his book which deals with a police detective on the trail of a serial killer while also dealing with a love issue at the same time.
Also, an author should attend conferences and book fairs. These are invaluable ways to get the word out and to familiarize readers and other authors with your work. Local bookstores are generally supportive of local authors. It is a home pride type of feeling and they love to push one of their own. Book clubs are great also and most are open to an author coming to visit them and discuss their book. Lastly, it is great to do cross promotion with one or more authors. That means that wherever any of them go, they have promotional material for the others with them (bookmarks, postcards, etc.). The bottom line is to be creative and people will become interested in anything outside of the norm.
BLH: You took on erotica in writing as a woman writer in a way very few other women writers have. Does this spring from your own true character (the desire to be unique and as original as possible)?
Zane: Absolutely. If nothing else, I would describe myself as unique. I have a very different outlook on life. I think one author said it best when she mentioned me in her acknowledgments. She said that I view life through a different set of glasses than everyone else. Erotica was not something I chose; it actually chose me. Believe it or not, I always loved writing children's books. I think my childlike imagination mixed with sex is what draws people to my books. I am a risk taker and have no problems writing anything down and putting it out.
BLH: Please tell us about your latest book. How is it different from your other titles?
Zane: Nervous is about a young woman who is shy around men. She goes to work, comes home and never goes out. She has never had a boyfriend in her entire life and she is a virgin; at least in her mind. She suffers from MPD (Multiple Personality Disorder) and one of her alternates, Jude, is a mean woman and a sex fiend. When Jonquinette, the main character, decides to seek help from Dr. Marcella Spencer (the psychiatrist from Addicted), Jude, the alternate, decides that if one of them is going someplace it is not going to be her. I put some interesting spins on the story; the book has a surprise ending. I enjoy making people think that I am taking a book in one direction and then switching the angle into a totally different direction.
BLH: Are you working on any new material? If so, please tell us briefly what you're working on now and when we can expect to see it on the market.
Zane: Skyscraper will be released in November 2003. It is about the week leading up to the annual Christmas party at the Nation's first Black automobile manufacturer and how the lives of four people on different levels at the company collide in the most unusual ways.
Chocolate Flava: The Eroticanoir.com Anthology is a collection of erotic short stories edited by me that comes out in January 2004. Quite frankly, some of the ones that have come out lately have not turned me on so I put together a collection that does. Again, if the stories turn me on, they will turn my regular readers on and I wanted to showcase some erotica writers who only write erotica. The fact of the matter is not everyone can write erotica despite the fact that several mainstream authors are trying it now to fit into the trend.
I was supposed to have another book coming out in February 2004 (my first nonfiction book) but I have delayed it until later in the year. I do have a novel coming out in July 2004 titled Afterburn. In September 2004, I am editing a book on the effects of domestic abuse titled Breaking the Cycle. It is should serve as a serious wake-up call for a lot of people. I am sure I will have another solo novel coming out in the fall of 2004; probably Shame on It All Again.
BLH: What would you like to be doing 5-10 years from now?
September 20, 2003 - Issue 15.03 To read more feature interviews with successful, best-selling and established writers, editors, and publicists in the business, subscribe to The Book Lover’s Haven NOW by Clicking Here
Media and Books!
By Denise Turney
Author of Portia, Love Has Many Faces and Spiral
http://www.chistell.com
Where Books *Always* Make Excellent Gifts!
Take Advantage of Our End of Summer Sale Thru 9/22!
This morning I had the pleasure of interviewing Lois Shabazz, author of Let's Get Financial Savvy on "Off The Shelf" at Blakeradio.com. Lois is knowledgeable about investing, how to get and remain debt free, effective steps that help you prepare to retire or pay for your child's college tuition, etc. As with all interviews I do on "Off The Shelf", I thoroughly enjoyed connecting with my guest (in this case - Lois) and highly recommend Let's Get Financial Savvy by Lois Shabazz!
And now to this special issue of The Book Lover's Haven . . . The media plays a key role in the history of a book's success and the longevity of a writer's career. An author can either do a hundred book signings and bring attention to his/her titles by connecting with bookstore customers during signings or one large media splash can take a relatively unknown author's name and work into the homes of millions of readers overnight. The power of the media.
I've yet to meet the business owner or artist who would refuse any and all media exposure and still hope to move product in large numbers. We've reached a point where top talent and the most well crafted stories don't necessarily make the bestseller lists, while instead these spots go to books that gain the most media visibility. It is a fact that cannot be ignored.
This issue of The Book Lover's Haven spotlights a writer who has worked in TV and radio, not to mention the work he did while with the Associated Press. What he shares may be the link to a puzzle you've been trying to solve. Read and learn.
I wish you much success in your reading and writing endeavors!
Enjoy your issue of The Book Lover's Haven! Thank you for being here with us! Make sure you stop by http://www.chistell.com and take advantage of the End of Summer Sale we're running!! Don't wait! Our Sale ends in 2 days!!
THANK YOU to those of you who have purchased my new book Spiral! Please request Spiral from your local bookseller and remember to REQUEST the first chapters of my new book Spiral by dropping me an email! The first chapters are FREE!
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! At the end of this issue, if you have comments, questions or suggestions for a future issue, please share your thoughts with me by dropping me a line. I always love hearing from each of you! Tell your friends, readers and writers you know about The Book Lover's Haven! It's FREE! It's Easy. It's quick to subscribe at http://www.chistell.com
Visit me online at - http://www.chistell.com. Stop in & sign the guest book!
In This Issue You Will Find:
*Contest/writing conferences/book fairs/bestseller lists
*Paying writing related job openings
*Authors, TV and Radio - Kevin Kelleghan
*Web sites for readers and writers
*Upcoming author book signings
What Will Be In Upcoming Issues:
*Feature Interviews with Best-selling Authors
*Journalism - Sean McLachlan
*Bestselling Author – Zane
*Poetry
*Finding the Motivation to Never Quit!
Enjoy this issue!
"You already have everything you need to succeed!"
The Poet's Corner
NOTE: The Book Lover's Haven pays $50.00 for one-time rights for poems published in the newsletter. Poets interested in submitting a poem to the newsletter, email me. Thank you!
S~P~I~R~A~L
Request the 1st Chapter FREE!
Just send me an email
with "Free Chapters of Spiral" in the Subject Line!
That's it! It's that EASY!
Get Your copy of Spiral NOW!
!!!We're running an End of Summer S-A-L-E!!!
Media and Books - Kevin Kelleghan
ABOUT KEVIN KELLEGHAN: Kevin is a veteran journalist who has worked as a wire service reporter, television and radio news correspondent, newspaper and magazine editor, television network executive and publisher. His company, CED Seminars, provides consulting services and training in writing skills in both Spanish and English.
MEET KEVIN KELLEGHAN
BLH: Your career seems to have evolved from that of a journalist to instructor. Did you see this transition coming or did it catch you by surprise?
Kevin: I was president and CEO of a training company for five years after I stopped freelancing and before I went to work as staff for the Associated Press. So I had experience, but in management rather than as a speaker.
BLH: You have worked with/for several prestigious media such as Newsweek, The Wall Street Journal, New York Daily News, The Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, The San Francisco Chronicle, The Washington Post, Sunday Times of London and NBC TV and radio. What advice would you give to writers seeking to break into these markets?
Kevin: Find a good story and submit it on spec. My first print story was submitted on spec along with a cover letter to The Los Angeles Times. I received a clip and a check by return mail. That was how I started. Later, I went to New York to ABC TV News and offered to work as their stringer in my town. They agreed. Much later NBC TV News called and asked me to switch to work for them.
BLH: Tell us about your book Supervisory Skills for Editors, News Directors and Producers. (a) What specific topics do you take on in the book? (b) Can writers benefits from the book or would you say it's targeted mainly toward newsroom supervisors?
Kevin: (a) This compact, to-the-point book provides practical summaries on managing the stream of challenges editors face daily. Rather than a lengthy textbook-style dissertation on supervising, this reference serves the editor as a condensed collection, a guide that can be consulted as often as the need for the skill arises. Its principal attraction is that it is easy to read and easy to use, and is written by an editor and publisher who was also a working journalist.
(b) Any writer who envisions a career in media of any kind will greatly benefit from this book because journalists are rarely trained in management skills. This gives the writer a significant edge when applying for a position. New editors will find this book especially useful.
BLH: What sets your book apart from a company Human Resource guide or HR/legal policies and procedures?
Kevin: This is a book on management skills. It is the equivalent of a mini MBA. A company Human Resource guide or HR/legal policies and procedures is a manual describing the rules and regulations for working in a particular company.
BLH: What are your thoughts about the move to allow wealthy conglomerates to own an even larger share of the media?
Kevin: It has already happened. Fifty percent of all publishing in the world is controlled by five conglomerates: AOL Time Warner, Viacom, Newscorp, Pearson, and Bertelsmann. Random House owns 40 percent of Barnes & Noble.
BLH: What can we do to insure there are enough "different" voices in the media to allow for balanced-true in news pieces?
Kevin: Be one of those voices and never falter in your purpose.
BLH: Quite a few of our subscribers write fiction. That said, many writers struggle to have press releases about their new title picked up by large or national newspapers. What specific steps can these writers take to increase their chances of having their press release picked up and run in newspapers with large subscriber bases?
To read more feature interviews with successful, best-selling and established writers, editors, and publicists in the business, subscribe to The Book Lover’s Haven NOW by Clicking Here
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Request the 1st chapters for FREE!
The Book Lover's Haven - The best place on the Net for everyone who loves to write and read stories in book form -- poets, novelists, historians, songwriters, screenplay writers -- everyone who loves the written word!
August 17, 2003 - Issue 13.03
Who's Been Writing In Your Diary?
By Denise Turney
Author of Portia, Love Has Many Faces and Spiral
http://www.chistell.com - Where Books *Always* Make Excellent Gifts!
Writers have awesome power. Writers create stories about real-life events that shape public "perception." Millions of people are writers, keepers of valuable family history, without ever having published any work. Each day millions of people around the globe sit down, pen in hand, and write in their diary or journal.
The dictionary defines a diary as - "a daily record of events or thoughts, a book for this and for recording engagements." If you are one of the millions of people who writes in a diary or journal what impact do you think your writings would have on your family, neighborhood, community, the world . . . if they were published and widely read?
This issue of The Book Lover's Haven spotlights a field of writing that pens world histories -- journalism. Perhaps a newspaper is somewhat of a community diary or journal. It's certainly a record of events, people, places and other history. The authority given to reporters to record history is highly esteemed by gifted journalists who honor their profession. Truly when one ponders the power of the pen . . . it is no secret why many world leaders fear the impact of a fearless journalist's instrument.
Gather close while a respected reporter shares how he got his start, how he remains visible and what he appreciates most about being a journalist. For those of you who aspire to succeed at a career in journalism, this issue offers you insight and tips that may prove to be valuable resources as you embark upon your own career.
Enjoy your issue of The Book Lover's Haven! Thank you for being here with us!
Thank you for those of you who have purchased my new book Spiral! Please request Spiral from your local bookseller and remember to REQUEST the first chapters of my new book Spiral by dropping me an email! The first chapters are FREE!
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! At the end of this issue, if you have comments, questions or suggestions for a future issue, please share your thoughts with me by dropping me. I always love hearing from each of you! Tell your friends, readers and writers you know about The Book Lover's Haven! It's FREE! It's Easy. It's quick to subscribe at http://www.chistell.com
Visit me online at - http://www.chistell.com. Stop in & sign the guestbook!
In This Issue You Will Find:
*Contest/writing conferences/book fairs/bestseller lists
*Paying writing related job openings
*Journalism Around the World - Kamala Thiagarajan
*Web sites for readers and writers
*Upcoming author book signings
What Will Be In Upcoming Issues:
Feature Interviews with Best-selling Authors
*Journalism - Sean McLachlan
*Hong Kong Writer's Group - Lawrence Gray
*Poetry
*Finding the Motivation to Never Quit!
Enjoy this issue!
*****************************************************************
"You already have everything you need to succeed!"
*****************************************************************
The Poet's Corner
NOTE: The Book Lover's Haven pays $50.00 for one-time rights for poems published in the newsletter. Poets interested in submitting a poem to the newsletter, email me. Thank you!
S~P~I~R~A~L
Request the 1st Chapter FREE!
Just send me an email
with "Free Chapters of Spiral" in the Subject Line!
That's it! It's that EASY!
Journalism Around the World - KAMALA THIAGARAJAN
Kamala Thiagarajan is a journalist based in India. He has had more than 200 articles/stories published around the world.
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MEET KAMALA THIAGARAJAN
BLH: How old were you when you started writing and was journalism always your first love as a writer?
KT: Ever since I learned to read, I began to write. I remember when I was six years old, I was crazy about the Berenstain Bears picture book series. After reading every single book they put out, I composed and illustrated my own Berenstain Bears story. I guess that was a moment of epiphany for me--when I knew with all my heart that I would be a writer someday. And yes--journalism has always been my first love! Besides being a quick and easy way into print, working as a journalist has given me a treasure trove of exhilarating and enlightening experiences. I feel that every article that I write is like a fresh chapter of my life and is my way of embarking on a new and exciting journey.
BLH: In the United States media already is or may in the near future, due to legislation, be controlled by fewer people. A large conglomerate can gobble up several radio and television stations. Is this similar to the way media is controlled in India? To piggyback on that, when it comes to ensuring the public receives honest and balanced accounts of local and global events, what are your thoughts regarding only a few large companies owning the majority of media outlets around the world?
KT: Yes, it is possible for a large conglomerate to branch out into sections of the media and to buy these media sections outright here in India. Having said that, I would have to add that in India, at least, such a scenario is improbable. Though there are fewer players in the media scene, the trend has not given us cause for concern just yet. Perhaps this is because the nation has newspapers in 87 languages, radio programs in 71, and films in 15! Every state speaks a different tongue and regional language newspapers are by far more popular, perhaps even more so than national ones. Given the sheer diversity, it is highly improbable that fewer conglomerates would ever own a majority of the English language and regional presses, to say nothing of the numerous television channels and radio stations. If by any chance, control is concentrated to a select few, then I feel there would be great danger in that. The raw power that those few individuals would hold would be unthinkable. Not only could they propagate false information, but also they would certainly be in a position to brainwash the public. It would indeed spell the death of democracy and usher in an era of despotism.
BLH: You have published more than 200 articles in magazines and newspapers. How easy or difficult is it for new writers to get published in India's newspapers and magazines?
KT: I would say that it is fairly easy to break into print in Indian journals and newspapers for the enterprising writer, especially since a lot of the published matter here focuses on issues that are, by and large, universal -- health and nutrition, Western fashion, etiquette, travel and international celebrities. If you live in the States, it would be a wonderful reprint market since current information or statistics gleaned from studies in the U.S. are of great interest to most Indian editors. However, you have to be prepared to face certain home truths. The reality is that it is a highly cluttered arena -- Indian editors have no dearth of writers and so they are in a position to call the shots. They may demand all rights to your work for measly pay and since most editors prefer queries by snail mail, the lengthy lead-time would be enough to irritate you. Another challenge, which I feel, is the biggest hurdle for international writers would be the fact that the magazines or newspapers here may not be in a position to send checks abroad. So though writing for Indian magazines may never bring you fame and fortune, the clips will look promising and you can add that extra touch to your resume. With a little effort a breakthrough is certainly possible and you will be able to sustain long-term contacts.
BLH: Tell us about a story you covered that challenged you the most in regard to gathering facts and pulling the entire story together to meet a tight deadline.
KT: My most challenging assignment so far was when I was asked to cover a bomb scare that shook Chennai, a city in Southern India, several years ago. The police were constantly receiving bomb threats in colleges, shopping malls and public places. Tensions were high and the fear was palpable. Every time there was a bomb threat, I would be contacted by my editor and I would rush to the spot and try my best to find out what was happening. In most places, the staff and authorities were very tightlipped. They refused to talk to the press fearing adverse publicity. Prying out information from them was next to impossible! Finally, I ended up hiding my tape-recorder in my bag and pretending to be a casual bystander. I chatted with the security staff and janitors until I got the information I needed! They were shocked to learn that I was from the press, but since I promised anonymity they were willing, albeit reluctantly, to be quoted under assumed names! The article was also packed with information on the bomb threats the police had received and I made a survey of the sensitive areas throughout the city. It was a very risky assignment but extremely exciting because there was a sense of underlying danger. You'd never know what would happen at any given moment and I was also working under a very tight 24 hour deadline which piled on the pressure.
BLH: Share with us a story you wrote that touched you so deeply, you'll never forget it.
Back Issues Online: http://www.chistell.com Visit us Today! Ask your bookseller for SPIRAL! Request the 1st chapters for FREE!
[All copies of subscriptions are kept in print form. No one may subscribe anyone else to The Book Lover's Haven. If you know someone who would like to subscribe, simply have them complete the subscription form at: http://www.chistell.com/newsletter_request.htm. No spam whatsoever is allowed or tolerated at The Book Lover's Haven. Thank you.]
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The Book Lover's Haven - The best place on the net for everyone who loves to write and read stories in book form -- poets, novelists, historians, songwriters, screenplay writers -- everyone who loves the written word!
July 20, 2003 - 12.03
Hot! Hot! Excitement!
by Denise Turney, Author of Portia, Love Has Many Faces and Spiral http://www.chistell.com - Where Books *Always* Make Excellent Gifts!
I had to start this issue off with that headline. After all, yesterday I was at the Harlem Book Fair, one of the largest book events in America. C-SPAN covers many of the events. It's a wonderful event and an excellent way to connect with readers. It's also one of the hottest days of the year as far as outdoor literary events I've attended go. Picture a portion of a busy business area blocked off --all for writers, readers, editors, publicists, publishers and did I say readers? Mix in best-selling and up-and-coming novelists and poets, the press, workshops, music, author readings, thousands of readers hunting for their favorite book or a new title they expect to enjoy, celebrity entertainers who happen to just be assing through (last year I sat next to a former MTV DJ) and add a whole lot of hot-hot-blistering sunshine and you have the Harlem Book Fair! Except for the slow crawl through the Lincoln Tunnel, my drive up from Philadelphia was a good one.
And what a wonderful time to be traveling -- a topic that ties in with this issue of The Book Lover's Haven. This issue features a travel writer who doesn't stop at traveling to cover unique, moving and unforgettable stories. She teaches others how to earn a living writing about their travels. She's earned her way to success. Keep reading this issue to learn how she does it!
Before I close this intro to our July 20 issue, I want to share happiness with you! My third book Spiral came out last week! I sincerely thank those of you who have supported me and my work! For those who purchase Spiral, please let me know how you enjoy it! If you like mysteries, you'll love Spiral! You can order Spiral online at our website (www.chistell.com), cushcity.com, Amazon.com or ask your bookseller for Spiral!
As always - Thank YOU for being here with us! Enjoy your Book Lover's Haven!
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! At the end of this issue, if you have comments, questions or suggestions for a future issue, please share your thoughts with me by dropping me a line. I always love hearing from each of you! Tell your friends, readers and writers you know about The Book Lover's Haven. It's Free. It's Easy. It's quick to subscribe at http://www.chistell.com
Visit me online at - http://www.chistell.com. Stop in & sign the guestbook!
In This Issue You Will Find:
*Contest/writing conferences/book fairs/bestseller lists
*Paying writing related job openings
*Write! Speak! Teach! - Jo Parfitt
*Web sites for readers and writers
*Bestseller Lists
What Will Be In Upcoming Issues:
*Journalism from India - Kamala Thiagarajan
*Writing for Major Companies - Joan Phelps
*Feature Interviews with Best-selling Authors
*Hong Kong Writer's Group - Lawrence Gray
*Poetry
*Finding the Motivation to Never Quit!
Enjoy this issue!
**************************************************************
"You already have everything you need to succeed!"
**************************************************************
The Poet's Corner
NOTE: The Book Lover's Haven pays $50.00 for one-time rights for poems published in the newsletter. Poets interested in submitting a poem to the newsletter, email m. Thank you!
"Lakeside"
(Copyrighted)
Here, the flagrant moon.
Spangles of light
embellish nocturnal antics
on the water's brim.
A rush of blue cool,
then fireflies, fancy matings.
Softly, a riot of resonance.
S~P~I~R~A~L
Request the 1st Chapter FREE!
Just send me an email
with "Free Chapters of Spiral" in the Subject Line!
That's it! It's that EASY!
Ask your bookseller for SPIRAL NOW!
WRITE! SPEAK! TEACH! - JO PARFITT
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MEET JO PARFITT - Jo Parfitt is the author of 15 books among which include French Tarts and Career In Your Suitcase. She also organizes and teaches seminars and workshops on Networking, Coping with Transition and Finding The Job That Is Right for You. She is online at - http://www.career-in-your-suitcase.com
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BLH: How did you get started writing and how do you think your initial writing experience connects with the type of writing you do today?
JP: I have always loved and wanted to write though my teachers told me writing did not count as a proper career. My first book, French Tarts, was published by the first publisher I approached. I was 24 and could not cook. Writing the book showed me that all you need is to do your research, have a great idea and market it to the right person. As a result I now like to write about the things I am passionate about. When you are authentic people believe in you and are inspired.
BLH: Tell us about your book Career in Your Suitcase: Everything You need For a Career on the Move.
JP: After living abroad as an expat wife for ten years in three different countries I learned to reinvent myself many times over. I cannot live without some kind of work and my professional identity is vital to me. When I returned from overseas I realized I had become an expert in portable careers and that I had a gift for inspiring others. So, I formed my own publishing company, Summertime, and published my first CIYS in 1998. Version 2 came out in September 2002.
BLH: During economic downturns, do you think working for yourself, working as a consultant or simply having two or more talents reduces the stress of layoffs and other forms of job change?
JP: I like to be in control and I need variety. Being a freelance writer has its advantages as I can be flexible and be there for my children, but when I lose clients and jobs through economic challenges it's very hard to keep bouncing back. I consider getting a "real" job every time I have a thin time, but I always change my mind, adjust to what I have to do to fit the market and get going again. I guess it takes me six months to bounce back each time. Having many strings to my bow is hugely advantageous, but I do not stop having to create new strings.
BLH: What are the advantages of a career that doesn't allow you to settle into the thought of working for the same company for 20-30 years? The disadvantages? How do you address these in your book?
JP: I need variety; that's what freelancing gives me. I need new mountains to climb. I need new challenges. The longest I have worked in one job has been 18 months.
The disadvantages are the lack of security. My book discusses the fact that today's careers zigzag and that all that matters is that we follow our passions so as to inspire and enthuse others -- and that we remain flexible at all times.
BLH: You travel extensively and conduct workshops that focus on career transition, networking and success strategies. What have your travels and workshops taught you as a writer? Would you recommend that nonfiction book writers host workshops that focus on the subject matter of their book/s? Why or why not?
JP: I have learned that everyone I meet, everything that happens, everywhere I go all has value. Everything can turn into a story at some future date.
Yes. I think that nonfiction writers have much to gain from teaching their craft. There is a huge market out here. If you speak about your specialty then you are in the perfect position to sell your book too. I often make more money from selling my book than from the speaking fee. If you want to be regarded as an expert you need to write a book. If you want to sell more books you need to speak or teach too.
BLH: This summer you started offering e-classes. What has been the reception to your first classes? What advice would you offer to writers interested in promoting their books via e-classes?
JP: It works. Though students lose motivation and often fail to complete - not because they don't like the course, but because they forget - a live class is better for them and me, but e-classes pay well!
BLH: Are you working on a new book? If so, please give us a peek into the new book you are busy writing?
JP: Right now I'm starting a series of tip books that double as workbooks. The first one is called "Grow Your Own Networks" and is being co-created by Jacqui Tillyard.
BLH: Would you describe yourself as a strong businesswoman with solid writing skills or more as a writer with admirable business acumen?
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June 22, 2003
[All copies of subscriptions are kept in print form. No one may subscribe anyone else to The Book Lover's Haven. If you know someone who would like to subscribe, simply have them complete the subscription form at: . No spam whatsoever is allowed or tolerated at The Book Lover's Haven. Thank you.]
The Book Lover's Haven
The best place on the net for everyone who loves to write and read stories in book form -- poets, novelists, historians, songwriters, screenplay writers -- everyone who loves the written word! About Pipe Dreamers
By Denise Turney, Author of Portia, Love Has Many Faces and Spiral http://www.chistell.com - Where Books *Always* Make Excellent Gifts!
The dictionary defines a pipe dream as "an impractical hope or scheme." Many of us have heard the term before. As I type this I recall a line in a song by Gladys Knight & The Pips. The song was titled "Midnight Train to Georgia". In the song Gladys sings about the man in her life's pipe dreams and how she loves him enough to follow him where the success or failure of his pipe dreams take him. I was a kid when I first heard that song. I decided right then and there, all those years ago, to never be a pipe dreamer. It's not easy. You see, I am a dreamer, an avid dreamer. The words to that 1970s hit song encouraged me to do more than dream. I learned to set reasonable goals, create solid steps to reach those goals, locate and secure the right resources and network in effective circles.
Our featured writer in this issue of The Book Lover's Haven has written a book about characters who are struggling with pipe dreams. Her story is set in the 1960s. It took her more than a decade to finish the book. Keep reading this issue of The Book Lover's Haven to find out how this writer built a strong story with a lot of pipe dreamers and how she (and you too) can avoid dreaming up ideas that always wither before they give birth to excellence!
SPECIAL NOTE: The Book Lover's Haven sends a "Special Congratulations" to our subscribers, Tracy Price-Thompson and Zane! Tracy's book, Chocolate Sangria, made the Essence Bestseller List! Congratulations, Tracy! Visit Tracy online at - www.tracypricethompson.com!
Zane's book, The Sister's of APF, made the Cushcity Bestseller list! Zane is also featured in the latest issue of Essence magazine! Congratulations, Zane! Visit Zane online at - http://www.eroticanoir.com!
Enjoy your issue of The Book Lover's Haven! Thank you for being here with us!
Remember to REQUEST the first chapters of my new book Spiral by dropping me an email! The first chapters are FREE!
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! At the end of this issue, if you have comments, questions or suggestions for a future issue, please share your thoughts with me by dropping me a line. I always love hearing from each of you! Tell your friends, readers and writers you know about The Book Lover's Haven! It's FREE! It's Easy. It's quick to subscribe at http://www.chistell.com
Visit me online at - http://www.chistell.com. Stop in & sign the guestbook!
In This Issue You Will Find:
*Poetry
*Contest/writing conferences/book fairs/bestseller lists
*Paying writing related job openings
*The Pipe Dreamers - Sandra Gurvis
*Web sites for readers and writers
*Upcoming author book signings
What Will Be In Upcoming Issues:
*Journalism from India - Kamala Thiagarajan
*Speech writing for Fortune 500 Companies - Joan Phelps
*Feature Interviews with Bestselling Authors
*Hong Kong Writer's Group - Lawrence Gray
*Poetry
*Finding the Motivation to Never Quit!
Enjoy this issue!
"You already have everything you need to succeed!"
The Poet's Corner
NOTE: The Book Lover's Haven pays $50.00 for one-time rights for poems published in the newsletter. Poets interested in submitting a poem to the newsletter, email me. Thank you!
Poetry
Grandfather Waltzes by Betty Dobson
Sweet-smelling pipe smoke drifting and
Dancing round your nimbus of hair
Crooked fingers that beckon the mind
To the past, all soft as worn flannel, once
Green as young fir, a nesting place for
Wood shavings and dust, lost remnants of
Your craft, which claimed its ounce of flesh,
Devoured by the buzzing saw, no loss
Compared to her, your beloved Mary,
Survivor of twelve but too weak for
One more, the baby in the shoebox,
Tucked behind the stove for warmth,
Not enough, not mother's arms, Mary's
Arms, no more embrace near fifty years,
Until that final Valentine, your heart too
Strong to live without love, eyes blind to
All but her, you reached out for her waiting
Hands and danced her back to Heaven.
S~P~I~R~A~L
Request the 1st Chapter FREE!
Just send me an email
with "Free Chapters of Spiral" in the Subject Line!
That's it! It's that EASY!
The Pipe Dreamers - SANDRA GURVIS
BLH: Your book, The Pipe Dreamers, is a labor of research, passion, patience and editing that stretches 25 years. Many would have given up on an idea after two or three years. What inspired you to continue to believe in The Pipe Dreamers?
SG: Actually, I set it aside for several years, first while I was raising my kids and later because I was writing nonfiction books. The story came to me over the course of several years; I didn't write it all at once. But the bottom line was that my daughter, Amy (who was by then a college student), encouraged me to try yet again to have it published and this time it was. When I looked it over, though, I was amazed that the writing had held up over the years.
BLH: Tell us about The Pipe Dreamers. What is the book about and what encouraged you to write the book?
SG: I was a freshman on another Ohio campus during the shootings at Kent State and the experience compelled me to find the answers to the reasons behind the colleges' turmoil, a quest which took over 25 years, countless visits to university archives and interviews, and dozens of revisions as I grew and matured as a writer and a person. Along with several articles and a nonfiction book in progress, Where Have All The Flower Children Gone?, the result is the novel, The Pipe Dreamers. Set mostly at fictional Hayes University, a state college in the small town of Hampton, Ohio, it encompasses the student unrest regarding Vietnam, the sexual revolution, the rejection of parental values, and drugs.
The story concentrates on an innocent sorority girl, Julia Brandon and the charming and seemingly carefree boy she loves, Randall "Win" Winfield, who is running from a troubled past and the inevitable draft. The following motley group of rebels become entangled in their lives. Louis Wexler, a former medic in Vietnam and leader of the protest movement who is in love with Julia. Valerie Starzyck, Julia's best friend and a radical roommate whose free spirit is hampered by her entanglement with a married professor. Adrian Shaffley, the professor's son, who is as confused about his sexual and political identity as he is about his feelings for Valerie and his father. Felix Watts, a militant who goes from one school to the next and plans on shaking things up at this nearly all-white college. Deputy Cal Adams, whose bitterness and anger towards the protesters are fueled by the untimely death of his brother in Vietnam.
The novel opens in 1985 when Julia catches a glimpse of a man she believes to be Win on a beach of Jamaica. The story then flashes back to 1969, as first blood is drawn on campus. Julia's subsequent liberalization, the development of her relationship with Win, and the drawing of the battle lines at Hayes culminate in a final conflict that almost annihilates her, causing her to lose the two people she cares for the most.
Fifteen years later, Julia realizes she must come to terms with her past. She embarks on a journey back to Hayes and eventually to London, where Win is living. The voyage threatens her sanity and happiness as she struggles to learn how to listen to her inner feelings. Can she accept the truth about what happened so long ago without destroying herself and those she loves?
BLH: We already know that The Pipe Dreamers took 25 years to bring to market. Is this your favorite book, and if not, what was the first story you wrote, and how long have you been writing?
SG: I have been writing professionally for over 25 years, and The Pipe Dreamers was my first attempt when I was thinking about being a writer. At first it *was* awful and I realized I needed to *walk* (i.e. writer shorter, nonfiction pieces) before I *ran* (books). So I started with a short story about my grandmother which was published in several small magazines. I've written a few other short stories but I really like the novel form.
BLH: You also wrote Day Trips From Columbus and The Well Traveled Dog. Please tell us a little about both of these books.
SG: Day Trips from Columus: They once called it Cowtown, and you can still see bovines silhouetted against he growing skyline, thanks to the school of agriculture at The Ohio State University, but Columbus has finally reached the big leagues! And this book celebrates all the fun and neat things you can do in and around the area within an approximately two hour radius. Highlights include Longaberger basket and Amish country; amusement parks such as Cedar Point, Six Flags and King's Island; Lake Erie; and those "other" "C" cities of Cincinnati and Cleveland, along with Dayton and Akron. And for those of you who can't get enough of the 60s, Yellow Springs is just down the road. And these are but a sampling of the 25 day trip delights.
The Well Traveled Dog: OK, so I'm a cat person, but then felines aren't much for hitting the road, unless it's on their own terms, like sneaking out the door. But canines certainly enjoy traveling with their masters. And this book covers every aspect of their tail waggin' journeys: road trips (hanging out the car window is not cool); hotels and special getaways, such as camps especially for dogs; "ruffing it," with backpacking, hiking, and camping; reaching destinations via planes, trains, and ships; requirements for non-U.S. travel; and more. Plus there are chapters on accommodations for Fidos and Fifis who prefer to stay near their own back yards, and cool and fun travel accessories. No longer relegated to roach motels; these empowered pooches get first-class service and can hound their masters whenever they get the itch to leave.
BLH: You write fiction and non-fiction. Which do you enjoy writing most and which do you find easier to market and sell -- fiction or non-fiction? Why do you think this is?
SG: I enjoy both, but for different reasons. With non-fiction you can have fun with the facts and there are certain rules to follow. You must be truthful, but you can play around with ideas. With fiction, it's all about what's in your head and what you can come up with creatively. So in that way, fiction is more demanding and challenging. You don't have the parameters of reality.
Regarding marketing and selling, there's more non-fiction being published, so I guess you might say that's easier. But if you have a terrific idea for a novel, you can promote and sell that as well. It just may take longer.
BLH: How important is a website to the success of a writer's career from the point of marketing and reader familiarity with an author's name and the titles of an author's books?
SG: My websites, www.sgurvis.com and www.thepipedreamers.com have been a great investment. People can visit them and find out about my books as well as use thepipedreamers.com for research about the 60s and other information. Any writer who wants to sell books (or even him/herself) would do well to invest in a website. It provides instantaneous information and recognition and is so much easier than faxing or snail-mailing.
BLH: Book signings: effective or non-effective. Which have you found to be the case and how can writers add more excitement to their readings and signings for customers visiting bookstores?
SG: Booksignings are a mixed bag; sometimes they're successful and people actually show up and at other times they're duds. You never know, but what does happen is that your book is moved to the front of the store and people do see it. Also you spread the word about your book by just being casual and friendly and talking to people (Don't be too aggressive -- bookstore visitors will shy away because they'll feel intimidated and obligated to buy your book). I think it's important to do booksignings, if only to get your name out among booksellers and make contacts in that arena. One contact can lead to many more.
BLH: Your books have been featured on "Good Morning America," CBS Up To The Minute," "ABC World News Tonight," and in USA Today. What can writers do to gain the attention of larger media for their titles?
SG: My first non-fiction book had a catchy title, "The Cockroach Hall of Fame and 101 Other Off-the-Wall Museums" (actually I hated the title). It also got good reviews and was one of the first books ever published about small museums. So it garnered a lot of attention.
I have to say the publicity people did most of the work regarding the larger media. I work with local TV and radio stations and newspapers. I think it's almost fluke when writers are singled out by the larger outlets -- a producer sees your book and is intrigued. That's why publicists send out review copies; hopefully to the right people.
A writer can follow up to a certain point; if you think you have a chance try to find a producer who's interested in your subject or topic and proceed from there. I'd also recommend taking a course in book promotion (there are several), which will teach you the most effective approach.
BLH: What are some specific ways writers can begin to build an audience for their work?
SG:
*Promote your books
*Cultivate booksellers and librarians
*Make sure you have an audience for your book
*Work with the publicist at getting the best exposure -- work as a team, and offer to help him/her with promotional efforts
*Always be nice and take phone calls from interviewers, even when busy
*Go to book fairs, author events, anything that involves the literary community to get your name and books out there.
BLH: Who are some of your favorite writers and what is it about their work you enjoy so much?
SG: I read a lot and it's very eclectic: Dave Barry, literary writers when I'm writing fiction; chick lit for biting humor. There are lots of great books, too many to mention. A book has to be well-written and full of surprises. I hate predictability and also when I see an obvious error, especially in fiction. That kills it right away. I also like writing to be logical and fast moving. "Pretty words" and literary posturing lose my attention quickly.
BLH: Are you working on any new material now? If so, please tell us about that new work.
SG: I'm working on two projects: Where Have All The Flower Children Gone? for Univeristy Press of Mississippi. This book attempts to address, through interviews and narratives, all aspects of an era when long-haired, pot-smoking kids ran rampant on America's campuses and didn't trust anyone over 30. Now, it's the other way around and "My Generation" is suspect.
I'm also working on a novel, Country Club Wives, a social satire about women, money, and homeless animals. Although the plot centers around the fate of four self-proclaimed "drama queens" who met while taking tennis lessons at a country club, the heart of the book belongs to its first-person narrator, Tish McLean, who has been left high and dry, both financially and emotionally, by her husband of 24 years. Brian is about to marry Susan, another drama queen, a wealthy widow whose spouse unexpectedly died of a heart attack and Tish's one close unattached friend. Tish feels doubly betrayed because Susan started seeing Brian behind Tish's back, telling her she would never date a friend's ex-husband.
BLH: What last words of encouragement or advice would you like to leave with our subscribers at The Book Lover's Haven?
To read full-length feature interviews, get writing tips, contests, bestseller lists, writing jobs/assignments, learn where your favorite writers will be appearing and MORE, SUBSCRIBE TO THE BOOK LOVER'S HAVEN TODAY!
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May 18, 2003
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The Book Lover's Haven
The best place on the net for everyone who loves to write and read stories in book form -- poets, novelists, historians, songwriters, screenplay writers -- everyone who loves the written word! Things Are Starting to Heat Up
by Denise Turney, Author of Portia, Love Has Many Faces and Spiral http://www.chistell.com - Where Books *Always* Make Excellent Gifts!
It's mid-May already! As the weather heats up, so too often do book sales. Readers take a break from their busy schedules during late spring and summer to vacation. More than a few vacationers take good books with them while they travel to the beach, to visit out-of-state relatives or to fly overseas. Late spring/early summer is also a great time for writers to take to the road and get their title/s in front of more readers by attending book signings, writer's conferences, literary workshops and reading from their work.
This is the time of year when I pick up my travel and book signing schedule. I hope to see many of you while I'm on the road this year. I also look forward to meeting this issue's featured artist, inspirational-comedy writer, Pat G'Orge-Walker, during my travels. Anyone who meets Pat never forgets the experience! Whether she is performing live on stage or working on a new book, Pat G'Orge-Walker is truly an exceptionally talented entertainer! Enjoy her feature in this issue of The Book Lover's Haven!
Thank you for being here with us!
Remember to request the first chapters of my new book Spiral by dropping me an email! The first chapters are FREE!
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! At the end of this issue, if you have comments, questions or suggestions for a future issue, please share your thoughts with me by dropping me a line at - soulfar@aol.com. I always love hearing from each of you! Tell your friends, readers and writers you know about The Book Lover's Haven. It's Free. It's Easy. It's quick to subscribe at http://www.chistell.com
Visit me online at - http://www.chistell.com. Stop in & sign the guestbook!
In This Issue You Will Find:
*Contest/writing conferences/book fairs/bestseller lists
*Paying writing related job openings
*Books, Theatre and Comedy - Pat G'Orge-Walker
*Web sites for readers and writers
*Bestseller Lists
What Will Be In Upcoming Issues:
*Journalism from India - Kamala Thiagarajan
*Taking Your Writing On The Road - Jo Parfitt
*Feature Interviews with Bestselling Authors
*Hong Kong Writer's Group - Lawrence Gray
*Poetry
*Finding the Motivation to Never Quit!
Enjoy this issue!
"You already have everything you need to succeed!"
The Poet's Corner
NOTE: The Book Lover's Haven pays $50.00 for one-time rights for poems published in the newsletter. Poets interested in submitting a poem to the newsletter, email me. Thank you!
S~P~I~R~A~L
Request the 1st Chapter FREE!
Just send me an email
with "Free Chapters of Spiral" in the Subject Line!
That's it! It's that EASY!
BOOKS, THEATRE AND COMEDY - PAT G'ORGE-WALKER
BLH: Tell us about the Sister Betty Series and what inspired you to write the series?
PGW: In the 1970s I started writing stories that reflected my observations of church folk. They said they loved God whom they have never seen, yet they mistreated those they could see, and sometimes did so supposedly in the name of the Lord.
BLH: You are very effective reading your work. Listening to you read your work is akin to being at a live stage performance. What advice would you give to writers that will allow them to bring their readings more alive and make them more interesting?
PGW: Do the reading yourself, if you feel you can pull it off. You don't want to do your story disservice if you cannot do an effective reading. If you need to, hire someone to read or "act" scenes from your story.
BLH: What would you say is of utmost importance when considering a career as a writer? Content, marketing or publicity? Why? Also, do you think good writing sells itself free of hard promotion and marketing?
PGW: I believe that like any good recipe, you need to have all the ingredients, but it can be adjusted to taste. Take for instance the person who put out the book that was nothing but a front and back cover with blank pages in between. The bookstores couldn't keep it stocked. The book had no content, but the marketing and publicity sent it over the top.
I also believe that good writing can sell itself. However, it will take much longer to reach the masses without good promotion and marketing. You must have a marketing plan and then work that plan.
BLH: In your own experience, what has been the toughest challenge about being a writer?
PGW: It was the challenge of getting the books out. Writing the books came easily. Even though I experienced writer's block at several stages while writing the Sister Betty Series, it was the actual business of book selling that was the challenge. One thing that helped me avoid becoming too frustrated as a writer, was a little sage advice that Dr. Maya Angelou personally gave to me. She told me to always be "honest in my writing." It took me awhile to fully understand her words of creative wisdom. I only write what I feel, and I'm not controlled by the need to make $$$ to change my writing style or presentation. In the end I feel better. The product of your writing is like your child. You always want to improve upon your writing, but you don't want to change your writing into something it is not.
BLH: How do you get your books to stand out in the crowd of the many books that are on the market today? Readers can purchase books on the Internet. Readers can purchase an eBook, an audio tape or a print book. Readers can write a self-published author directly and get a copy of their title. Readers can shop at Amazon.com, Cushcity.com or another large online boosktore (and there are many). Readers can go to a local bookstore, a warehouse or a large chain store. With so many titles in so many different places for readers to purchase and enjoy, how do you get Pat G'Orge-Walker's titles noticed and what can our subscribers do to spotlight their titles?
PGW: I've been blessed to have very unusual and colorful book covers. The current cover for the July 2003 release of "Sister Betty! God's Calling You Again!" is just beautiful. Kensington/Dafina, along with my editor, Karen Thomas, really kicked it up a notch. I was truly surprised, first of all, to have my debut book on their imprint come out in hardcover and then to see the expense they took in creating an eye-catching cover. They also made sure that the cover reflected the "in person" Sister Betty character, complete with that, unusually ugly hat, so that the continuity as well as the familiarity with my work would not be interrupted.
BLH: Is it necessary to have a publicists to become a best selling author? If a writer chooses to hire a publicist, what are some things they can do to make sure they are hiring a publicist who can create results?
PGW: I don't think it's absolutely necessary to have a publicist, but a good publicist can certainly make promoting a title easier. Currently, I have three publicists. I have Tina McCray of Tina Richell's Publicity Company who handles some of my online exposure. I have Tonya Howard of Super B. Publicity who is handling my upcoming 18 state book tour which is a huge undertaking. I will be traveling a lot and readers will be requested to attend the events in their most outrageous church outfits. We will have games and events such as Test-A Lying Services, Shoutin' Soul Train Lines, and in some markets, we'll have celebrity guests at our HOLY-Wood Bible Squares games and a lot more. There will be prizes, etc. You can find out more about the tour at my website. Finally, I have a publicist from Kensington Publishers who will work with my other two publicists to bring attention to my work through radio, television and other print medias.
BLH: Oprah Winfrey is reviving her book club. This time she is focusing on classics. Do you have a favorite classic book or a favorite classic author?
PGW: I will always love "Their Eyes Were Watching God" by Zora Neale Hurston. I can never get enough of that book. I particularly love the reading by Ruby Dee on the audio version. It is mesmerizing.
BLH: Strong characters are key to a book's success. How do you create the characters in your books?
PGW: My characters are a combination of people and characteristics. For the most part, I dream about a particular character and then let them tell me their story.
BLH: Do you do character sketches, free-style, use outlines, etc.?
PGW: Oddly enough, when I usually think of a character or if something happens, the character comes to me. I then, quite often, just find a quiet place and the character starts to talk to me. I carry around a digital tape recorder and record whatever the character wants me to know. There are times when I have to interview the character if I'm in a quandry about the character's feelings or actions about a particular event.
BLH: Are any of your characters bits and pieces of people you've met in your life?
PGW: Most definitely. I believe that is why the stories and characters have become so embedded in my psyche. People who don't know my name know Sister Betty. They will call me Sister Betty before they call me Pat. Also I take familiar situations and kick them up a notch into satire and the situations become embraceable. In certain stories, I've created situations I thought would never occur and sure enough, later on down the line, the situations become fact. For example, the church in my book always had an ATM bank machine and a Blessing Dispenser. There are churches that now have these machines. I also did a story about a church adding a drive-through. I understand that has happened in California.
BLH: Are you working on anything new right now? If so, please tell us about that new work?
PGW: Yes. My third book is titled "Mother Eternal Ann Everlastin' Is Dead". It is about one of the richest women in Pelzer, SC, Mother Eternal Ann Everlastin' who is a member of Reverend Bling Moe Bling's No Hope Now, Mercy Neva Church. She suddenly drops dead during a service that was to celebrate her birthday. She was experiencing all these different feelings and thought she was having a vision from God. Instead, she ended up dying from an overdose of a York Peppermint Pattie sensation. However, she had sent huge checks to several people, and had forgotten to endorse them. Her death throws a lot of folks into a tizzy and it also causes them to examine not only their greedy ambitions but their spiritual preparedness. Of course, Sister Betty who was a long time friend of Mother Eternal Ann Everlastin' was, unbeknownst to her, named the co-executor of the will, along with Mother Eternal Ann Everlastin's drunk nephew Buddy, and its on after that . . . particularly since Reverend Knott Enuff Money had planned on using the money to upgrade the Baptismal pool to one with a Jacuzzi.
BLH: With your talents, I can see you doing a stage performance similar to the one-woman performance Whoopi Goldberg gave years ago in New York City, the performance that helped make her a household name. Do you see yourself performing your work onstage using your singing, acting and writing talents at once to large nationwide audiences?
PGW: I have several one woman shows. One of the presentations is reminiscent of the Whoopie Goldberg Broadway show where I perform as Sister Betty, Sister Ima Hellraiser, Mother Pray Onn and Sister I. B. DeUsher. I've also, recently, filmed a British Documentary. I'm on Gospel Today Television and will be filming a television Special for a Gospel Music Television Show. Finally, I'll be traveling through Canada with several other comedians as we perform the Sister Betty Comedy fest and in the US, I'll be performing at several venues with another Christian comedy troupe called, "Holy Humor Laughter on a higher level."
BLH: If you are going to be appearing at any events in the coming weeks and months, please tell us about 2-3 of those events so our subscribers can support you. Where are the events located and what time will you be appearing in the event? Please also give us your website URL.
PGW: During the month of April, I will be filming and working on my third book which has to be submitted by June 2003. My itinerary is on my website as well. However, I will be appearing in Elmsford, NY on May 3 as well as Jamaica, NY on May 17, and several other places. Checking the website is the best thing to do. Please visit www.sisterbetty.com
BLH: What last words of encouragement or advice would you like to leave with our subscribers at The Book Lover's Haven?
PGW: First of all, acknowledge your gift. Rest assured that we are all placed on this earth by design. If you write, then please practice your craft, and perfect it. Your work will be the thing that will be representative of your talent. Show your best. Finally, a word from Sister Betty - "Chil'dren, don't let worry kill ya off. Let the church help!!!"
To read full-length feature interviews, get writing tips, contests, bestseller lists, writing jobs/assignments, learn where your favorite writers will be appearing and MORE, SUBSCRIBE TO THE BOOK LOVER'S HAVEN TODAY!
April 20, 2003
[All copies of subscriptions are kept in print form. No one may subscribe anyone else to The Book Lover's Haven. If you know someone who would like to subscribe, simply have them complete the subscription form at: . No spam whatsoever is allowed or tolerated at The Book Lover's Haven. Thank you.]
The Book Lover's Haven
The best place on the net for everyone who loves to write and read stories in book form -- poets, novelists, historians, songwriters, screenplay writers -- everyone who loves the written word! History: Past and Present
by Denise Turney, Author of Portia, Love Has Many Faces and Spiral
http://www.chistell.com - Where Books *Always* Make Excellent Gifts!
The weather here in Philadelphia was absolutely gorgeous today. The NBA playoffs are on television right now. I love this time of year! In this issue we feature a writer who is one of most renowned authorities on the history of Macedonia. The winning poem from our 3rd Annual Chistell Writing Contest will be featured in our next issue! Enjoy the splendor of spring and the approaching summer!
Enjoy your issue of The Book Lover's Haven! Thank you for being here with us!
Remember to request the first chapters of my new book Spiral by dropping me an email! The first chapters are FREE!
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! At the end of this issue, if you have comments, questions or suggestions for a future issue, please share your thoughts with me by dropping me a line. I always love hearing from each of you! Tell your friends, readers and writers you know about The Book Lover's Haven. It's Free. It's Easy. It's quick to subscribe at http://www.chistell.com
Visit me online at - http://www.chistell.com. Stop in & sign the guestbook!
In This Issue You Will Find:
*Contest/writing conferences/book fairs/bestseller lists
*Paying writing related job openings
*History: Past and Present - Michael Dmitri
*Web sites for readers and writers
*Bestseller Lists
What Will Be In Upcoming Issues:
*Journalism from India - Kamala Thiagarajan
*Taking Your Writing On The Road - Jo Parfitt
*Feature Interviews with Bestselling Authors
*Hong Kong Writer's Group - Lawrence Gray
*Poetry
*Finding the Motivation to Never Quit!
Enjoy this issue!
"You already have everything you need to succeed!"
The Poet's Corner
NOTE: The Book Lover's Haven pays $50.00 for one-time rights for poems published in the newsletter. Poets interested in submitting a poem to the newsletter, email me. Thank you!
S~P~I~R~A~L
Request the 1st Chapter FREE!
Just send me an email
with "Free Chapters of Spiral" in the Subject Line!
That's it! It's that EASY!
HISTORY: PAST AND PRESENT - MICHAEL DMITRI
BLH: You are an author and a lecturer. How has wearing both hats helped you most as a writer?
MD: Although I have a tendency toward shyness and that typical writer's fantasy of being a recluse who hides in some exotic location to create great works of literature, lecturing allows me an opportunity to meet and dialogue with an audience about my work and related issues that is not available if I simply lock myself away and write. I also see lecturing as an art: not everyone is able to speak and capture the interest of an audience. There is something attractive about taking an audience on a journey with me whether that be via the written or spoken word. Finally, I have found that lecturing and writing force me to focus my words and ideas carefully to target my audience for the desired effect.
BLH: You do an awesome work in researching and writing about the history of Macedonia. Do you consider yourself to be a historian and when did you start digging for more truths about Macedonia? Was there a specific event that moved you in this direction?
MD: By profession, I am also an interdisciplinary historian, perhaps the last person in the U.S. to complete an advanced degree in Classical Studies and one of the few to specialize in ancient Macedonia. The catalyst for my course of study has been mostly my maternal grandfather who used to tell me stories about his native village of Nevolijani, Lerinsko, in Aegean Macedonia (what has today been renamed Florina, in the northwest corner of Greece). My "dedo", the people of Nevolijani, and the Macedonians I've met have continually inspired me with their stories, their courage, and their affection for their homeland and culture.
I should, perhaps, explain that Macedonia and the Macedonians have a history and a culture that can be traced far back into prehistory. Some of the earliest archaeological, historical, and literary evidence of civilization in Europe is in Macedonia and much of this evidence is easily discovered. Most people, for example, have read of the Macedonians in the Bible or heard about the campaigns of Aleksandar the Great and the career of Kleopatra VII. Few, however, recognize the accomplishments of the First Macedonian Renaissance (jadedly referred to as the "Hellenistic Age"), the Second Macedonia Renaissance during the late Eastern Roman Empire, or the contributions of modern Macedonians. Because of Macedonia's location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, it has often played host to many major wars of history: nearly a dozen wars against the expanding Roman Empire of antiquity, the Roman Civil Wars that followed, a long series of invasions by the Huns and others throughout the period of the Eastern Roman Empire, the five centuries of Ottoman occupation, and the division of the country in the early 1900s by the self-titled "Great Powers". For the last century, Macedonia has been split into four pieces: Aegean Macedonia (the portion given to Greece), Pirin Macedonia (the portion given to Bulgaria), Mala Prespa (the region given to Albania), and Vardar Macedonia (the part that was given to Yugoslavia). As the Roman historian Livy once wrote of Rome's similar dismemberment of Macedonia, "The partition of Macedonia therefore showed, by separating the assets of the regions, how great the country is as a whole." (45.29-32).
The result of centuries of plundering, war, and ethnic cleansing has been a near annihilation of the Macedonian identity. Just as one lie bears another, these events have branched out into other acts of "disappearing" the Macedonian voice and identity. When Vardar Macedonia declared its independence from Yugoslavia-peacefully, I should add-it was forced to change the design on its flag from the symbol of the sunburst (a design used since antiquity), and it was forced to join the United Nations under the name "Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia" instead of its constitutional name "The Republic of Macedonia." As far as I know, Macedonia is the only nation in our modern, diverse, new world order to be forced into compromising its identity and right of self-determination in this way. Recently, the states of Illinois, Texas, New Hampshire and Missouri have even proposed legislation denying the existence of the Macedonians. Although the proposal failed in Texas, it has passed in New Hampshire.
BLH: In your research and your writings have you uncovered facts that dispel information about Macedonia you've heard over the years and before you discovered otherwise, you simply accepted as accurate? If so, how did it feel to realize you had come upon a truth that required you to break away from years of accepted thought?
MD: Although I never accepted the claims that the Macedonians of antiquity vanished after Aleksandar the Great or that the modern Macedonians are Greek, Bulgarian, and/or a modern creation of Tito's Yugoslavia (all theories deriving mostly from the ethnic cleansing of the last century), Macedonian history has been so buried and fragmented by wars, plundering, and politics that pulling the pieces together in a scholarly manner to move Macedonian Studies more into the academic mainstream has been more the struggle. There is abundant archaeological and historical evidence of Macedonians and Macedonian culture dating back millennia. I've discovered in my travels and conversations with those from Asia, for example, that the Macedonians and their long history are well known.
The reality that simple irrationalities govern some areas of academia, for example, has been difficult to accept. As a Classics major, for example, I was taught that the ancient Macedonians were Greek. No solid evidence was presented to me; I was just supposed to accept it. Ironically, right next door to the offices of the Classical Studies Dept. was the Dept. of Slavic and East European Studies which fully acknowledged the existence of the Macedonian ethnicity and language. That two such opposing viewpoints could be taught in an institute of higher education astounded me. I felt there had to be a way to reconcile the two polarities of thought, and it is this realization that requires me to attempt to get others to see Macedonia and the Macedonians in an independent light.
BLH: Many people don't have the passion for history or the time to devote to researching what they hear on the news or read in history books before they accept the information as truth. That said, what can each of us do to insure we keep an open mind about new information presented to us (whether that information come from reading a newspaper, a magazine, watching a television program, etc.) until we are presented with more reliable facts?
MD: It is completely understandable that even someone who has an intense passion for history would not have enough time to explore issues completely in order to arrive at some sort of truth or to know everything about all subjects. However, I think we each have a responsibility to learn what we can especially if we are going to take some sort of action. We must also consider the consequences of our actions. In regard to Macedonia, for example, I don't think the United Nations and its members realized that by forcing the Republic of Macedonia to change its flag and to join the U.N. under the temporary name "Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia" they were putting their stamp of approval on centuries of ethnic cleansing of Macedonians.
BLH: Tell us about 1-2 articles in the book, Reflections: A Collection of Articles and which of the articles did you most enjoy researching and writing?
MD: One of the joys of writing historical fiction is being able to immerse myself in another time period and to take my audience there with me. The one series of articles focuses on the travels of a young Macedonian named Ptolemaio, who witnesses the end of Kleopatra, the last of the ancient Macedonian monarchs and is sent as a slave of Rome's first emperor, Augustus, to travel the world as a spy is one that was particularly fun. Much of it was rooted in my own travels, but I was able to blend in some attitudes and experiences of real ancient travelers. The series was originally published in an international newspaper written for middle and high school students, and I received some interesting letters and emails from students who read it. In one part of the story, Ptolemaio tries to settle down and hide out among the Eastern Macedonians of the Hindu Kush. After his wife dies in childbirth (a somewhat common experience in antiquity), several students wrote letters of condolence to me! Other students wrote to tell me what to do so that I could get away from Augustus, who discovers Ptolemaio's hiding spot and orders him to move on. Apparently some of the students believed I truly was Ptolemaio. I am currently reworking this series as a juvenile novel tentatively titled "Toli's Journey."
The other series that was a lot of fun to research and write was the "On-site With the American School of Classical Studies at Athens" series. For a boy who grew up reading about Aleksandar the Great and hearing stories about the old country, having the opportunity to go to Aegean Macedonia and see the places in person was amazing. During a free afternoon I rented a car and drove along the northern highway from Salonica to my grandfather's village. Although it had been exciting to stand before royal Macedonian tombs, to sit under the great oak tree of Zeus' sanctuary at Dodona, and to walk the sanctuary of the great gods of Samothrace in the moonlight, being alone on the road for that ride was truly an inspiration. My grandfather had given me $5.00 to buy myself a drink when I got to his village, and as I sat at an outdoor, hilltop cafe sipping my drink, I never felt more at home. This trip inspired a few lifelong friendships and several books. I wrote, The Radiance of Ancient Macedonia upon my return as an introduction to Macedonia history; The Daughter of Neoptolemus, a novel about the life of Olympias, the mother of Aleksandar the Great; and Nevolijani: Portrait of a Macedonian Village. All three books were inspired by and largely researched during my trip with the ASCSA.
BLH: When you think about the history of the Middle East and as you reflect upon what you've learned via your own work on the area, what do you think it will take to bring peace to the area?
MD: When I was in Pakistan, one night Inyat, the man we hired to drive our jeep, invited us to his house for the evening. His elderly mother was there, and it looked as though she had broken her hip and it had never properly healed. She crept along the cement floor of their one-room house like a giant spider, chopping up okra and other greens to make us a feast. At one point she stopped and asked me if I had children. I said yes and handed her a picture of my daughter from my billfold. She immediately began to cry and kissed the picture as gently as if she were actually kissing my baby's head. She told me that my daughter was beautiful like an angel as she grabbed my hands and blessed me. Similarly, I remember scenes of a shepherd who insisted we come into his mountain hut for refreshments that consisted of tea and mold-covered cheese, a young boy and his grandfather who ran a jewelry store and told me to take a half dozen necklaces worth thousands of dollars home with me to my wife so she could pick out the one she wanted. "You can send the rest back with the money later," they insisted, and the Daud, the oral historian of the Kalash who was struggling to preserve the heritage of his people. I can't give any political or military solution for peace in the Middle East because, as we all know, those have rarely worked or lasted for long anywhere in the world, but I do know that reaching out in humility toward others is a step in the right direction. I can't help but feel anything but love and compassion for Inyat's mother and the others who have touched my own life in this way.
BLH: At your website it says, "History has often been referred to as a record of the winners. A more accurate definition may be a record of how the winners wish to be seen." As technology continues to expand, I think it becomes increasingly important that we insure we ourselves and the generations coming behind us have present-day and historic "truths" at our disposal rather than coaching our children and ourselves to simply rely upon the media to deliver us information. How accurately do you think world media's portray their own governments and the history of the country (on social, political, spiritual, etc.) levels they represent?
MD: First, I stand by the quotation above; however, I could add that far too often in recent years some of the media outlets have become more the mouthpieces of government agendas than objective reporters of news. There is a tendency for the media deliberately or ignorantly to slant their reports and diction so that their audiences get a jaded view of an event which serves some other purpose than information.
I would also add that it is important for those of us in this time period to see that our views and stories are recorded even if it is a plastic comb bound chapbook of our autobiography; at least our children and their children will have accounts from eye witnesses and participants in today's events to balance what the media and governments report.
BLH: Who are some of your favorite writers and what is it about their work that appeals to you so much?
MD: John Steinbeck, Fyodor Doestoyevsky, and Euripides are the ones I read and re-read. Each has a strength as a writer that is perhaps a weakness of mine as a writer so I find myself at the same time enjoying, studying, and envying their works. My tendency in fiction is to over idealize or demonize my characters. On the other hand, Steinbeck, Doestoevsky, and Euripides have the ability to capture in print the human soul with all of its polarities and complexities. Their characters are so unapologetically human, they demand continued contemplation long after I've put their stories away. I should also mention Mary Renault as an early influence. My grandfather inspired my love of story telling, but it was Renault's books that became the catalyst for my interest in historical fiction and the written word. Arrian's Campaigns of Alexander motivated me to leave my hometown to obtain and education and to see the world. I promised myself as a teenager that I would one day visit all the places on Alexsander's journey.
BLH: From your studies, how accurately would you say Macedonia is portrayed in the Bible?
MD: The dedication in my book on Nevolijani begins with a quote from Virgil's Aeneid: "I am no stranger to suffering, and it has trained me to comfort those in anguish and adversity." The Macedonians have known both empire and ruin. Therefore, in the Bible we see the Macedonians first as conquerors and then as conquered. Within the New Testament, the character of the Macedonian people is clearly evident. We can read of their great strength that made them masters of the world, their resiliency in the face of adversity, their acceptance of others, their generosity, and the faith that has been their saving grace. Currently I'm researching and writing a book on the history of Christianity in Macedonia, and the underlying theme of the entire book is that Macedonia for some many reasons provided fertile soil for the first seeds of Christianity in Europe.
BLH: Are you going to be lecturing in the coming months?
MD: Right now I have no lectures scheduled through the summer, so I can focus on my writing. I am actively marketing a mainstream novel titled, A Walk In The Snow, as I complete Toli's Journey: A History of Christianity in Macedonia and a satirical novel entitled, Vladimir Wakes Up. I also have at least a half dozen other works in various states of completion that I would like to finish soon.
BLH: What last words of encouragement or advice would you like to leave with our subscribers?
To read full-length feature interviews, get writing tips, contests, bestseller lists, writing jobs/assignments, learn where your favorite writers will be appearing and MORE, SUBSCRIBE TO THE BOOK LOVER'S HAVEN TODAY!
March 1, 2003 - Issue 4.03
How Much Do Books Matter?
by Denise Turney, Author of Portia, Love Has Many Faces and Spiral
http://www.chistell.com - Where Books *Always* Make Excellent Gifts!
Happy March 1! A newsletter in the community where I live announced that we are heading toward spring and encouraged those in the community to begin enjoying the beauty of the season. They are right! Where I live on the East Coast of the United States, we have seen more snow this winter than in recent years. Because I love the snow, I have enjoyed the weather tremendously. That said, I do welcome spring. Flowers will be in bloom. Days will be longer and the weather will be warmer. April is a month poetry is spotlighted and celebrated. Please be sure to check out the poetry request from Booking Matters, a magazine featured in this issue of The Book Lover's Haven. They are going to spotlight poetry in their April issue.
Thank you to everyone who entered the 3rd Annual Chistell Writing Contest. We received many requests regarding the contest this year. Winners will be announced here at The Book Lover's Haven in April. Enjoy this month's issue! It's for you!
Thank you for being here with us this month!
Remember to request the first chapters of my new book Spiral by dropping me an email! The first chapters are FREE!
In This Issue You Will Find:
*Contest/writing conferences/book fairs/bestseller lists
*Paying writing related job openings
*Booking Matters - Shunda Blockner
*Web sites for readers and writers
*Bestseller Lists
What Will Be In Upcoming Issues:
*International Syndication - Sue Miller
*Finding Success as a Children's Book Writer - Jonathan Balona
*Journalism from India - Kamala Thiagarajan
*Taking Your Writing On The Road - Jo Parfitt
*Feature Interviews with Bestselling Authors
*Hong Kong Writer's Group - Lawrence Gray
*Poetry
*Finding the Motivation to Never Quit!
Enjoy this issue!
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"You already have everything you need to succeed!"
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The Poet's Corner
NOTE: The Book Lover's Haven pays $50.00 for one-time rights for poems published in the newsletter. Poets interested in submitting a poem to the newsletter, email me at: soulfar@aol.com. Thank you!
LOVE HAS MANY FACES
If you have a best friend, you should get this book!
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http://www.chistell.com
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HOW MUCH DO BOOKS MATTER - SHUNDA BLOCKNER
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MEET SHUNDA BLOCKNER - OWNER AND FOUNDER OF "BOOKING MATTERS"
BLH: What are your earliest memories of falling in love with books? Was there a particular event or person who encouraged you to acquire a healthy appreciation for good story?
SB: I have been reading all of my life. I remember when I learned to read as a child. I was fascinated by books and have grown up to be an avid reader.
BLH: Have you thought about writing a book, and, if so, what would you write about?
SB: Not a novel necessarily, but I am in the process of writing a booklet/pamphlet on starting and maintaining a successful book club. It will serve as a resource tool for those interested in starting a book club and will include do's and dont's and other helpful hints and pointers.
BLH: You have supported the writing and book industries for years. Why not just read? What is it about Shunda Blocker that causes her to go the extra mile in support of authors and good books?
SB: I have worked in the industry for the past 12 years and it's been quite interesting to see the trend of readers that evolve. The book club craze seemed to really get everyone's attention after Oprah started her book club in 1996. I noticed from working in a local bookstore that readers were not attending signings when authors wo