Add This Book To Your Success Library: Steve Harvey's Book, "Act Like A Success, Think Like A Success"

Do you have a Success Library? If You Do, Then Steve Harvey's book, "Act Like A Success, Think Like A Success" Should Be On The Shelf.

I am always on the look out for books that can help me to play a bigger game in both business and life.

I think that every entrepreneur should have a success library full of books that they can use to help keep them motivated and inspired in this walk of being our own bosses.

I understand that there are many people who want success, but don't want to do those things that will cause success to come to them.

In reading Steve Harvey's book, Act Like a Success, Think Like a Success: Discovering Your Gift and the Way to Life's Riches I was blown away by his wisdom and the story of how he arrived at where he is today. He lets you know that he was not always the success we see on television and read about in his books.

He had to start somewhere.

Many people never, ever start.

They will talk about starting, but they will never put one foot in front of the other and start.

One of the biggest things I got from this book is to not be afraid to ask.

It is so important that you understand this.

You know, we are often taught that we should not ask so many questions, or that there are certain things that we should not ask for.

Not asking for help when you need it could be the difference between your success or failure.

Think about it: how many times have you needed help with something but were afraid to ask for help because you did not want people to think that you were dumb, or surprised that you didn't know the answer already?

(Am I the only person raising my hand???)

Or, how many times were you in need of finances for one reason or another, but did not ask because you did not want people to know that you needed money?

Closed mouths don't get fed.

Never be afraid to ask for what you need.

The bible even tells us that we 'have not because we ask not.'

Another thing I learned is that you have to prioritize and plan for success.

What are you doing to show the universe that you are ready for success to come your way?

One thing I have learned from studying the habits of successful people is that they are not lovers of sleep. They take power naps, but they don't sleep.

The rapper T.I. said in one of his songs that he will sleep when he is buried.

When being a success becomes a priority in your life, you will not love sleep anymore either.

Successful people start their days earlier than most others--some as early as 3:15 am!

I have kids, so I have to work in a few hours of rest where I can.

But I don't love sleep.

In fact, right now as I type this, it is 1:29 am , eastern standard time.

I have to get up at 7 am for church.

And I will.

I can't imagine sleeping an entire day when there is so much work to be done in my business!

You need to set goals, and plan for your success.

If you don't plan, you will fail.

So, I encourage you today to purchase your copy of Act Like a Success, Think Like a Success: Discovering Your Gift and the Way to Life's Riches. It will change your life.

Until next time,

Meet Fantasy Author T.C. Southwell

This month's featured author is T.C Southwell, author of "The Queen's Blade: Book 1".

Bio

T. C. Southwell was born in Sri Lanka and moved to the Seychelles when she was a baby. She spent her formative years exploring the islands – mostly alone. Naturally, her imagination flourished and she developed a keen love of other worlds. The family travelled through Europe and Africa and, after the death of her father, settled in South Africa.

T. C. Southwell has written over thirty fantasy and science fiction novels, as well as five screenplays. Her hobbies include motorcycling, horse riding and art, and she is now a full-time writer.

Excerpt:

In the time of Shamsara, Idol of the Beasts, on the world of Chasym, favoured of the great god Tinsharon, Queen Minna-Satu, beloved of the Jashimari, took power upon her mother’s deathbed. Tashi-Mansa, Elder Queen of the Jashimari, died two days later from the poison she had taken, and was duly interred within the royal tomb. On the day of her coronation, Minna-Satu stood upon the Plinth of Power and declared herself sworn to her people and the Endless War. Her declaration, however, proved different from those who had gone before her, for she vowed to bring an end to the eternal conflict.

Of the vast crowd that cheered and celebrated her ascension, many went away muttering darkly of her vow, unable to envision a world without war, an economy unspurred by the dark trades of death and weaponry. The Jashimari and the desert people of the Cotti had been at war for eight generations at least, some said longer, and none could remember its beginning or the reason for it. All that was known was that each successive queen was sworn to continue it, and every boy who reached manhood must fight in it, save those of high rank. Now their young Queen, daughter of the long line of queens who had upheld the honour of their people, had vowed to end it.

The seasoned warriors gathered before the golden palace to witness the new Queen’s pledge raised their white-plumed spears in salute, and the populace beyond their ranks roared in adulation, as if her words had not reached them. In truth, the day’s celebrations, the music, marching, chanting and priestly exhortations to the faithful, brushed this oddity from most people’s minds much as a spider web is swept from its dusty corner by a housewife’s broom. Some, with more ordered minds, noted it, wondered at it, and filed it away, while others wrote it down in texts and records. A few penned it on notes that swift, feathered messengers flew across the land, into the hands of the enemy king.

Upon receiving the first of these messages, King Shandor of the Cotti laughed uproariously and handed it to his eldest son. Prince Kerrion read it and tossed it aside, his countenance unlightened by levity. Shandor shook his head, still chuckling, and gazed at the sea of armoured warriors that surrounded his desert camp, an unstoppable tide of brawn marching inexorably towards the mountains that guarded Jashimari lands. There they would hurl themselves against the defenders’ ramparts in waves of bloody combat in the time-honoured way.

Thus, with Queen Minna-Satu’s declaration, began a time that would be remembered always. A time of sorrow and pain, of struggle and sacrifice; a time that would be named after the man who brought it about: the time of the Queen’s Blade.

Free download link: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/33966

Contact T.C. Southwell

Email: fantasyauthor21@gmail.com

Website: http://www.tcsouthwellbooks.com/ 

Blog: http://tcsouthwell.blogspot.com/  

Would you like to be a featured author here on 'Meet The Author'. Click here to get all the details.

Until next time,

Another NFL Player Arrested Over Domestic Violence Charges

Domestic violence charges are hitting the NFL hard. In the past few weeks, a total of 12 NFL players have been arrested. Read more at nbcnews.com

Read about the Johnathan Dwyer arrest at boston.com.

Why I Am A Michael Kors Handbag Fanatic

Hi, my name is Sandra, and I am addicted to Michael Kors Handbags.

There, I have admitted it.

There is just something about the Michael Kors brand that screams affordable luxury.

In fact, that's just what it is.

The Michael Kors brand was founded on the concept of making women looking good without having them break the bank.

In a recent post I wrote, I talked about how Michael Kors aimed his marketing at a group of people who had money to spend, but weren't necessarily rich yet.

This class of people, known as the HENRY's (High Earners Not Rich Yet) devour the Michael Kors brand.

With the least expensive handbag having a price tag of just over a hundred dollars, Michael Kors Handbags were definitely not intended for those who are strapped for cash.

This may be the biggest motivator behind the counterfeit bag industry.

According to cnbc.com, selling counterfeit bags is a billion dollar market.

You most often see these operations in urban communities, largely due to the fact that women in lower income areas also love designer handbags, but lack the funds to afford the hefty price tag.

So, they head to their nearest street vendor or knockoff handbag store and purchase what they think are authentic Michael Kors Handbags, but instead, what they end up with is just an overpriced knockoff.

A person caught selling counterfeit handbags can be fined up to five million dollars or face twenty years in prison.

Another victim of counterfeiting is Coach. The company has filed more than three dozen lawsuits since 2010 against party stores caught selling knock off versions of their handbags.

So, how do you know if the store you shop at is selling real Michael Kors Handbags?

Here is a really good YouTube video to help you spot the difference between a real and a fake Michael Kors Selma bag.

Yes, I love Michael Kors; the real one that is.

Be sure that your bag comes from a store that is known for selling bags of that type, such as Macy's, Nordstrom and other upscale stores. Your local gas station, no matter how nice, is not upscale and should have random Coach, Michael Kors and Louis Vuitton bags hanging on its walls for you purchase.

Unfortunately, you can't tell if an online retailer is selling fakes, so I would suggest when looking for a deal on these purses online that you also shop from sites that are known to sell the real deal.

I hope you have enjoyed this post.

Please like, share and comment. I want to know what you think.

Until next time,

Kimberly Coulter Makes Math Cool With Pre-Algebra (The Remix) 2

Featured Author: Kimberly Coulter 

Bio: 

Kimberly S. Coulter is a lifelong learner and currently completing a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership, Policy and Change. She received her master's degree in Public Administration with a concentration in Educational Administration from the University of Michigan-Flint. While there she earned the prestigious Martin Luther King/César Chávez/Rosa Parks Future Faculty Fellowship. Coulter is the owner of Coolin and Schoolin, an educational consulting firm that provides comprehensive services to schools and produces audio and visual educational products uniquely designed for today's urban educators, parents and students. She is also the author of Pre-Algebra (The Remix)2. Prior to her work at Coolin and Schoolin, she was an elementary and middle school principal. Photos: Contact information: Coolin and Schoolin Kimberly Coulter P.O. Box 7162 Flint, Michigan 48507-0162 (810) 835-8727

Title: Pre-Algebra (The Remix)2 

Sample: Pre-Algebra (The Remix)2 

Why Pre-Algebra (The Remix)2? ALGEBRA!? It’s worse than saying “boo.” Most people are scared to death of algebra and flunk it in their minds before they even step foot in the class. Why? You hear it from everybody: parents, grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles.

 “Ah man you’re about to take algebra?”

Well the next time that someone asks you that, surprise them and say, “Yes and I am about to get paid too!”

Hmmm how?

 Well, algebra is the gateway to higher levels of math which means higher paying jobs.
 Here’s your first equation:

 More math + More practice = More $money$

 Pre-Algebra (The Remix)2 will help you master certain pre-algebraic skills that will prepare you for Algebra 1 and higher levels of math so that your life can be that music video.

Table 1: Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) Careers Average Salary Profession (Job) Average Annual Salary

• Computer Programmer $71,380 
• Software Developer $90,530 
• Computer and Information Research Scientist $100,660
•  Aerospace Engineer $97,480
•  Architect $72,550
•  Biomedical Engineer $81,540
•  Chemical Engineer $90,300
•  Drafter $47,880 
• Environmental Engineer $78,740 
• Surveying and Mapping Technician $37,900
•  Mathematician $99,830 
• Statistician $72,830
•  Actuary $87,650
•  Physician $166,400+ 
• Veterinarian $82,040 
• Electrician $48,250 

 http://jobsearch.about.com/gi/o.htm?zi=1/XJ&zTi=1&sdn=jobsearch&cdn=careers&tm=47&f=10&tt=11&bt=7&bts=5&zu=http%3A//www.bls.gov/search/ooh.asp%3Fct%3DOOH

 Track 4: Combine Like Terms:  Momma Said Go Clean Your Room!

Combine like terms?

 This means to put everything that is the same together just like you would if your Momma told your sister to tell you to clean your room. You would put all of your hats together, all of your shoes together and all of your games together (if you did not want to get on punishment or get a whopping). In Pre Algebra, you do the same thing.
 Look at this expression. 4h + 7n + 8n + 2h

Each of these terms has either an “h” or “n”. To combine like terms put all of the h’s together and put all of the n’s together. 4h + 2h=6h and 7n + 8n=15n. Those same expressions will now look a little something like this: 6h + 15n Try this one and don’t get scared because now you see a subtraction symbol. 9y - 2t + 6t+ 3y Let’s do the y’s first. 9y + 3y=12y right? Now to the t’s. -2t + 6t = 4t (If you are confused about this part, skip to the Interlude Adding and Subtracting Integers on page 28.)

 p. 16 So after combining like terms the expression will be: 12y+4t

 Last one. 

Watch how this problem disappears. 2y-15g+4w-2y+15g-4w 
Do the y’s first.
2y-2y=0
Let’s do the g’s next.
 -15g+15g=0 The only ones left are the w’s.
 4w-4w=0

 0+0+0=? You tell me.

 It’s Game Time… p. 17 Combining Like Terms Game Time Show What You Know Sheet Directions: Combine like terms of each expression. Double check and then triple check your work.
1. 8l+6l-2d+5d
2. 5h-7g-4g-3h
3. 16u-8p+9u+4p
4. -11b+5c-2b+5c
5. 21x+21f+41x+5z+55x
6. 7t-6n+45t-3n
7. 88w+91w-6s+18e-2w-7s
8. 14a+31k+13k-7a-6k
9. 67j+12t-25j+14t-8g

 Track 5 Order of Operations (O.O.O.):

Can I speak to Shalaycia?

You and your boy Darnell are trying to call your friend Shaylacia.
Her phone number has 7 digits: 230-0821. You must dial the digits in order if you want to talk to her, right?
But what will happen if you accidentally dial 230-0812.
``You have the wrong number.” [Click]
What about 230-0182?
“Shalaycia doesn’t live here.” [Click]
 230-8210?
“WHO?” [Click] 
As you can see, there are many different ways to use the right numbers.
Pre-algebra is the same way.
There are many different wrong answers you can get if you do something out of order.
The correct order of solving Pre-algebraic equations is called Order of Operations.

 Look @ this expression. 1+9X5-3 There are many parts to this expression and many ways to figure it out. You could get at least three different answers from this one problem and only one of the answers is right. So what do you do? Usually everybody wants to do the easiest part first.

I can hear you now “Ooh ooh. I know 1+9= 10. I’ll start there.”

NOPE!

Don’t be fooled or tricked into getting the wrong answer by doing the part that you think that you should do first. If you do you will get the wrong number.
The correct order, Order of Operations (O.O.O.), is simple.

Check it.

Table 6: Order of Operations (O.O.O.)
Step 1 Parenthesis 
Step 2 Exponents from left to right 
Step 3 Multiply and Divide from left to right
Step 4 Add and subtract from left to right 

The way that I was taught to remember the order was by memorizing:
Parenthesis= Please
Exponents= Excuse
Multiplication= My
Division= Dear
Addition= Aunt
Subtraction= Sally

But I don’t have an Aunt Sally. 

 You can use that method or the
Coolin and Schoolin model:
Parenthesis= PLAN on
Exponents=EARNING
Multiplication= MORE
Division= DOLLARS
Addition AND Subtraction= SAVING some

The book can be purchased from:
www.reallycoolmath.com
www.iamcoolinandschoolin.com 
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss/179-2196456-2777830?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=%22pre-algebra%20the%20remix%22http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/pre-algebra-kimberly-coulter/1119638528?ean=9781615394876 

How To Find An Editor For Your Book

In today's blog post I am going to give you a few pointers on how to find an editor for your book.

There are lots of people out here in the internet streets who have decided to hang out a shingle and call themselves book editors; and they have been taking many unsuspecting authors for a ride.

These so called 'editors' have been bleeding authors dry, while leaving them with a poorly edited book; often resulting in numerous complaints from readers and hundreds, if not thousands, or dollars lost in the long-run. 

You should know that not all editors are created equal.

Not everyone who calls themselves an editor works with books.

This is why it is so important that you as an author take the time to educate yourself on what an editor actually is, the types of editors, and which editing services you need in order to produce a professional book.

So how do you find a good editor who won't take you for a ride and really knows what they are doing?

First, look for someone who has experience in editing the types of books that you write. It would be a good idea to look for someone whose job it is to edit. 

A book editor will be well-versed in the various manuals of style (i.e., The Chicago Manual of Style), and will understand what it takes to make a story flow correctly.

A person who edits textbooks may not necessarily be a good fit to edit your fiction book, and vice versa.

Your book should not be a guinea pig for anyone because you want to make sure to put your best foot forward when you are presenting your book to the world.

Do a Google search for an editor in your genre. Most professional editors have a website and contact form. Some even offer free edits of a few pages to allow you to decide whether they would be the right editor for you. 

You should also know that there are different types of editors to address each level of editing your book may need. I will share that in a different post.

Ask to see samples of their work first and reach out to some of their former clients if that information is available to you.

You can reach out to your local colleges to connect with creative writing students who are looking to build their portfolios around editing. Often times you can negotiate a fair rate in exchange for a testimonial.

Another route you can explore to find an editor would be to find a retired English teacher. I say retired because they will more than likely have the extra time to invest in editing your book properly and may be willing to work for a negotiated rate.

You can visit online forums that center around writing and publishing to find editors looking for work.

You can post your job for an editor on sites such as upwork.com or fiverr.com.

As I stated earlier in this post, I will talk about the different types and levels of editing your book may need, in a later message here on the blog.

Until next time,

How Podcasting Can Help You Sell More Books

Podcasting can be a great promotional tool for authors

If you are like many authors, you are probably looking for new and exciting ways to get the word out about your business. Well, there is a way that you can do that without having a huge marketing budget. In fact, you can even start your very own professional podcast for free, using a service called blog talk radio.

Blogtalkradio came onto the scene in 2006, offering a platform for amateur radio show hosts to launch their own radio shows online. Since its inception, the site has allowed regular everyday people to interview some of the biggest names in entertainment, media and other arenas.

What is podcasting?

Podcasting is derived from the words 'broadcasting' and ipod. The most popular format of a podcast is MP3, which is a type of audio file. It is a form of audio broadcasting on the internet.

Podcasting became linked to the ipod because people would download the broadcasts to listen to them on their ipods.

Now, you can listen to a podcast on virtually any device, from your desktop computer to your smartphone, to your tablet.

You can record your talk radio style podcasts from home and share them with people all over the world.

People like to hear from authors, so you could actually use this platform to interview other authors, or to do readings from your book.

If your book is nonfiction, you can use a podcast to share your expertise on a particular subject.

How can podcasting work for me?

Think podcasting wouldn't work for you. Ask yourself these questions:

1. Are you passionate about a particular subject?

2. Does your book touch on a subject that you could build a show around?

3. Do you feel comfortable talking about a subject?

These are just a few of the questions you should ask yourself.

Then, sit down with a pen and paper and write down your show ideas.

Authors On Tour is a great example of podcasting that focuses on interviewing authors. It is a live broadcast of authors being interviewed at Tattered Cover Book Store with three locations in Colorado. 

So, if you have been looking for ways to promote your book, consider starting your own podcast.

Interested in learning about more ways to promote your book? Subscribe to my mailing list where I share tips and strategies to help you build a business around books. You can do that here.

Until next time,

Three Ways To Boost Confidence And Self Esteem

Building self confidence ultimately leads to a more positive outlook on life.

We all need to know how to boost confidence and self esteem if we intend on being successful in life.

Having a negative outlook on life shows in our actions and in our everyday dealings with people.

It shows in our posture, and comes out in our words.

Confidence is a feeling of self-assurance arising from one's appreciation of their own abilities or qualities.

It means that you believe in yourself and in the things that you have set out to accomplish.

In this post I am going to share with you three ways that I have found to boost confidence and self esteem. Give them a try and then tell me how they work for you.

1. Sit up straight. According to Oprah.com, a person who sits up straight has more confidence in their thoughts than slouchers. Practice this: imagine that there is a balloon over your head and that holding your head up straight is what keeps the balloon in the air. Every time you sit up straight, the balloon rises, and so does your body. Every time you slouch, this balloon starts to fall and lose air. Practice doing this everyday and watch your posture improve. 


2. Become a blogger. An article on the Huffington Post suggests that blogging your innermost feelings helps to boost confidence because it encourages writing. The key is to pour out your most intimate and agonized entries twice a week for two months and leave your posts open for comments.

3. Look in the mirror and talk to yourself. The third thing you can do to boost confidence and self esteem is to use positive affirmations. Stand in front of the mirror and literally tell yourself what you are. Your affirmations should focus on your future goals. For example, you would look at yourself and say, "I am one smart lady (or man). "I am the best writer in the world." I am an international, best-selling author." Positive affirmations help to build the positive vibes and energy you need in your life to help you stay focused on what it is that you really want in life. Click here here to watch a great video by Louise L. Hay about self esteem affirmations.

If you don't know me personally, I am Dr. Sandra N. Peoples and I help inspire people to do good things in life.

How would you like to get helpful tips, encouraging words and inspiration delivered directly to your inbox? Sign up for my mailing list. You can do that here. And when you do, I will send you a free copy of my book, 'Break Free: How to Overcome Fear and Live Life on Purpose."

Take care until next time,

Does Your Freelance Writer Help You Stand Out?

Have you ever considered hiring a freelance writer? If you are like many entrepreneurs, your answer is probably no. Not because you don't want to, but because you more than likely may not understand just what a freelance writer does, and how working with one can help your business to stand out.

What is a freelance writer?

According to dictionary.com, a freelance (writer) is a person who works as a writer, selling work or services by the hour, day, job, etc, instead of working a regular salaried job for an employer.

Freelance writers do just that-write. They generally do not do any design work, they simply write. For instance, if you visit a website, more than likely, the site was designed by a graphic designer, and a writer wrote the content. Working with a freelance writer may be an expensive feat, but it is well worth the investment if the writer is skilled in the area of which you hired them to write for.

A freelance writer can help your business to grow because they can handle all of the marketing tasks you will have to take on, such as blogging, writing fundraising letters and the like, so that you don't have to hire anyone to come in an do that. This in turn frees you up to do other work within your company.

Freelance writers can specialize in certain niches, such as copywriting and editing, or finance companies and medical facilities. A specialized freelance writer knows how to speak to the needs of a certain industry and can write pieces that will attract the kind of clients you are looking for.

An SEO copywriter is one who can help your company to be found on line by optimizing your promotional content for the web to be easily found by search engines. This simply means that if someone is looking for the types of products or services that your company offers during an online search, your company will more than likely be found.

So, a hiring a freelance writer can be a great way to help your business stand out by taking the stress off of you in the marketing department.

If you are looking for a freelance writer to help you with a project, click here.

Until next time,

1. 
   

I Walk In Victory Not Defeat

I walk in victory, not defeat!

I dare you to look yourself in the mirror and tell yourself this; not just today, but every single day of your life!

Why? Because you are a victor, not a victim and you walk in victory, not defeat!

You have not been beaten.

You may have been knocked down, but all you need to do is get back up, dust yourself off and try again.

I can remember back in 2008 when I thought that I had been defeated.

I had been pushed so low in my life that I was ready to end my life.

But God had a much bigger plan in place for me.

I decided that I was not going to let me circumstances dictate my life!

Circumstances can be changed; you just have to want to change them.

And when you want to change something, you get out and do what you have to do in order to see a change.

I walk in victory, not defeat!

Remember those words as you go through your day today. 

Until next time,

P.S. Share this post with someone who needs it....

You Can Publish Your Book For Free

Yes! You can publish your book for free using the free publishing tools provided by Amazon's Createspace. For many authors, the dream of becoming published has often been met with procrastination because of the high costs associated with getting a book into print. Publishing a book can be very expensive indeed. There is the cost of having a professional cover designed, getting an ISBN number, hiring a proofreader and editor...shall I go on. Well, Amazon's Createspace offers many tools to help the aspiring author publish their own books for free. Get access to FREE book publishing tools, resources, and a growing online community of authors. Learn how.

Until next time,

The Secret To Selling Books

Why is some authors seem to be selling books by the truckload, and you can't seem to move one?

Is there some magic code that they have access to that you don't?

NO!

The truth is, most authors do not sell more than two books per month, and only a handful manages to master the secret to selling books by the thousands.

It's called work!

Excuse my french, but most authors are lazy when it comes to promoting their books.

They sit back and wait for someone else to do all of the work for them, while they rake in the profits.

I'm sorry to burst your bubble, but if you don't make some effort to sell your own books, you will forever be a starving artist--literally.

Maybe you don't have a huge marketing budget of which to hire a publicist and a PR team, but there are some free ways that you can start to drum up some sales.

Do more than your friends and family even know about your book? Most self-published authors never see past selling books to the people they know and talk to on a regular basis. What about the people who could really benefit from your book but will never hear about it?

You should make it a point to let at least two people know about your book everyday. That's an easy goal to hit; just introduce yourself to two fresh faces who have no idea that you are an author, and ask them to check out your book.

Make fliers. People still look at those and a catchy one will at least make it to the potential readers home. Start passing those babies out.

Start networking more. Don't treat the fact that you are an author like some hidden hobby that no one should know about. Share your profession with everyone you come into contact with.

Don't just accept friends on social media; introduce yourself to them as you accept requests and let them know about your book. You would surprised at how many people will support you just because.

Hopefully I said something to help you.

Until next time,

What Makes You Want To Write?

This post if for my readers who also happen to be authors. If you are like me, you have that one song that has the right music, the right beat, that gets your fingers moving across the keyboard. One song that gets me writing, (because I write books mainly about bad relationships) is  The Worst by Jhene` Aiko.
I am greatly inspired by different genres of music. I pick the type of music that matches my mood. Nothing special.
If I am in a real pissy mood, I pick a song that matches that. (It seems like this mood helps me to write some of my best scenes by the way :)
What kind of music do you write to?
What makes you want to write?
Please share your comments below.




 Until next time,

P.S. Have you joined my mailing list yet? If you haven't already, what are you waiting for? Sign up here.  I'm giving away something special just for joining me.

It's Hard To Build A Brand

Branding is one of the hardest things a business person has to face. But not taking the time to do it could actually cost you your business.

I hate branding.

Yes, I said it!

It takes way too much time and effort.

The problem is if you are not sure early on exactly what you want your message to be, you will find yourself being very frustrated and very confused. You will also start sending mixed signals to your audience; and eventually they will not want to follow you anymore.

I speak from experience.

I started out in 2004 publishing books. I started a company called Blackberry Literary Services.

I knew from the start that I wanted to become known as the person that people could come to that were serious about publishing their own books.

So, I came up with a slogan and a logo and I began to put those on everything.

I had my elevator speech down pat.

People knew me as the person who had them covered when it came to self-publishing.

But then a few unfortunate things happened to me in my life that caused me to doubt my business.

I started focusing on other things.

One week I was the book publisher.

The next week I was the invitation girl.

After that, I was the nursing assistant.

You see, I had branded myself as the self-publishing expert in Flint.

But then I started trying to become something else.

So, when people would say "don't you help people publish books," I would say, "yes, sometimes."

Soon, my referrals stopped. People weren't telling their friends about me anymore.

I went from making $5,000 a month, down to nothing.

Why?

I had built a brand, then destroyed it with my own hands (and mouth).

That's why I say that building a brand is hard and I hate doing it.

You can't change your mind, or else you have to change the whole damn thing! (Pardon my french.)

That is why it is so important to make sure that the business you go into is one that you won't get bored doing, and is one that has a strong customer base.

'Cause we all know that when the customers dry up, so does the moolah.

And if your business is not bringing in the cash, you don't have a business.

Since then, I have changed my business structure, but now I have learned that you don't have to put your eggs in one basket.

I have learned that I can still be the book girl, and when people come to me with things outside of what I do, outside of my brand, I can point them to someone who can help and still get paid. ( I will explain this more in another post)

But this way, I don't get burned out, and I don't have to stray from my brand.

So, what kind of brand are you trying to build? Tell me about it.

Do you agree that building a brand is hard, or has your experience been different from mine.

Let's talk about it.

Until next time,

Meet Natsuya Uesugi, author of the sci-fi novel "grydscaen beginnings"

Bio

Natsuya Uesugi is a systems analyst and has worked in the design of aerospace, semiconductor and financial systems. With a Master’s Degree in International Management and a minor in Japanese, Natsuya has been around computers most of his life. He also studied animation and game design in Art School, where he finalized the character designs and personalities for the main characters of grydscaen. He enjoys skydiving, cosplay, anime and writing poetry. He would like to make a graphic novel of grydscaen some day. 

Grydscaen: Beginnings 

Excerpt – Sample

Copyright © 2011 by Natusya Uesugi. ISBN 978-1-4628-8673-9

CHAPTER 1: Ameliano “Lino” Dejarre

It was early evening. Lino was ten. He was standing in front of his mother, Julianna. She was wearing a black satin evening gown with a plunging neckline, black pearls around her neck and black long gloves. She was leaning down and fixing the cuffs on Lino’s pants. He was wearing a suit with a black jacket, a black tie and a white shirt. Riuho was seated on the bench in the hallway of the palace swinging his feet back and forth, he had on a suit jacket, white shirt and black shorts. He put his fingers in his mouth and started sucking on them.

“Stop that Riuho,” said Julianna, his mother. Riuho took his hands out of his mouth and continued swinging his feet. He was nine, one year younger than Lino.

Lino’s mother stood up as the nanny approached them. The nanny was wearing a maid uniform in black and white with a lace hat on her head. She had a white apron tied around her waist. She took Riuho’s hand and he stood up and then she came over to Lino.

“Time to go,” said Lino’s mother and pushed him towards the nanny. The nanny took his hand and walked with Lino and Riuho into the Phoenix Ballroom.

The guests were milling about the hall. There was wait staff passing out drinks. This was the state dinner for the Prime Minister. Julianna went over to Lino’s father, Charles Dejarre, the Viceroy. He was wearing an elaborate outfit with epaulets in a military style. His outfit was a long coat with tails, a vest, a white shirt with lace cuffs, ruffles around the neck and red and gold embellishments. He was an opposing man, very tall with brown hair and dark eyes. He put out his arm to Julianna and waited at the back of the Phoenix Ballroom. The imperial anthem began to play and the Viceroy walked with Julianna up the center of the room to the throne. He released her arm and she sat down in the smaller of the two thrones and posed herself in the chair. Charles sat down next to her. The crowd clapped. Charles put his hand out to the side and Justine, the Viceroy’s Trance Channeler appeared from the side of the platform and came to stand to Charles’ left. Justine was wearing a white Trance Channeler jumpsuit with straps, a long white cape with an elaborate collar and a white headdress. The ends of her fingers were covered with long pointed silver rings. She bowed to the Viceroy and took up her place. Charles raised his arm and the Prime Minister came out from the other side of the stage and stood in front of the Viceroy. Charles began to speak as the music died down.

“Today we honor the Prime Minister, Alistair Junesse for his work on the political treaty with the Inlan Islands. Please show him your respect. And enjoy yourselves this night.”

Music began to play again as the Prime Minister turned toward the audience and the Viceroy and his wife, Julianna got up and came down from the platform to mingle with the crowd. Julianna went over to the nanny and started speaking with her.

Riuho was restless, he stuck out his foot and pulled away from the nanny who was holding his hand. Lino just stood by the nanny without causing any problems.

“Go play with your brother in the garden,” said Julianna to Lino. The nanny released Riuho’s hand and Lino came over and pushed Riuho out to the left of the Phoenix Ballroom past Justine and around the corner.

The nanny stayed in the hall talking to Julianna for a while, and then went to the pantry to prepare some food for Lino and Riuho. Julianna went back to her husband and mingled with the crowd. Julianna engaged the Prime Minister’s wife. The Viceroy left her and went to talk to some ministers from the United Municipalities.

The garden was off the back of the Phoenix Ballroom and wrapped around the ballroom and extended outside the assembly hall. There was an external hallway that led to the meeting rooms but the garden was off to the right. Lino pushed open the elaborate glass door with gold piping and embellishments and opened it onto the picture garden. There were cut bushes and flower beds and a wire bench in the center of a circular cut out of plants. There were also large alabaster statues of angels and of the gods and goddesses from the Parable of Thoth along with circular pathways that surrounded the central area. Along the outside of the garden was the ministers hall and an external corridor with large white marble pillars.

Riuho ran through the door and out into the garden and sat down on a bench of which there were many spaced throughout. Lino came over to him. You could see the glass windows of the Phoenix Ballroom.

“Lets play gift of the goddess,” said Riuho swinging his feet back and forth.

Lino frowned, “We shouldn’t, Dr. Ren told us not to do that with people.”

“No I want to play,” said Riuho and lifted his hand and put his palm up and closed his eyes. A light formed around his hand, the aegis or manifestation of his psychic power, and then his palm started to glow and a light danced around his fingers.

“Put that out,” said Lino grabbing Riuho’s hand.

“No you start,” said Riuho and the light coalesced into a red sphere and hovered in the air over his hand and then moved up and went shooting down the path into the center of the garden. Riuho ran after the light and then it raced forward and hovered in front of Lino’s face.

Lino hesitated for a while and then put his hand out in front of the light and closed his eyes and used his mind to send the sphere out past a row of flowers. Riuho ran to the light and caught it and stopped it from travelling and then sent it back towards Lino with his mind.

Lino caught it and ran forward and sent it back towards the center of the garden. Riuho ran through a bed of flowers and caught it and sent it back.

Some guests came out into the garden and watched the two of them playing.

“The Viceroy’s children are so cute,” said the Lady.

“And so well behaved,” said her escort and continued back down the corridor.

Lino captured the light and then concentrated and made it larger and changed the color of it to white. It sparked as it flew through the air. It started moving faster. Riuho ran at it and caught it with his mind. There was a row of statues along the Phoenix Ballroom outside the windows. Riuho sent the sphere back towards Lino. Lino ran at it. Riuho ran towards the row of statues. Lino sent out his psi trying to capture the psychic projectile and took control of the sphere. The light slammed into a statue and it exploded and blew up the statue and the window behind it. Glass shattered and fell on the ground. The guests inside the Phoenix Ballroom turned stunned at the noise.

Julianna came out of the ballroom and came over to Riuho and Lino. Riuho didn’t move. Lino felt terrible, his psychic power had destroyed the statue entirely. Guests came out to the garden. Then Lino’s father came out and glared at his sons.

“Who did this?” came Charles’ voice, bellowing and accusatory. Lino was so scared he didn’t say anything. Riuho was closer to the statue. The Viceroy grabbed Riuho’s hand and pulled him down the corridor and shoved him off to a minister. Julianna leaned down to Lino and put her hand on his cheek.

“Are you alright? That must have been scary,” she said comforting Lino. Julianna brought Lino back inside and handed him off to the nanny. Julianna went back to the guests and Charles.

The nanny took Lino to the kitchen and served him some food and they spent the rest of the party there.

The party went on for another few hours. When the night came to an end, Julianna pulled Lino behind her. He dragged his feet he was tired. Charles picked him up in his arms and carried him to the car and put him in the back. The nanny got in next to him. Charles kissed Julianna on the cheek.

“You are not coming with us?” Julianna asked.

“No I have some things I need to do at the palace. I will see you tomorrow,” said Charles.

Julianna kissed him and she got in the car. The driver closed the door and then got in and they drove off into the night to the Hallet Hall House. Charles walked back into the palace and went up to a minister.

“Draw up the papers to have him gone,” said Charles. The minister bowed and went about his job. The hall had already cleared. Only the Viceroy and some other ministers were left.

Two days had passed by and Riuho had still not returned. Lino’s father had also been away. Lino had been up in his room in the Hallet Hall House until he heard a commotion and came down the stairs to the main staircase that led to the central foyer. The staircase was long and the central stairway led to the foyer and the front door. There was a glass chandelier over the staircase and the floor was grey and white tile. There was a statue of the goddess near the door. Bowry, the butler was standing at the door as well as another servant dressed in white.

Lino stayed on the staircase half way up, his father’s loud voice was scaring him. Riuho was still dressed in the suit he had been wearing at the party, he was pulling against his father who was holding him by the arm.

“Take him,” said Charles and pulled Riuho forward.

The servant next to Bowry came over to them and took Riuho’s hand. Charles was yelling. It scared Lino, he hid his eyes behind his arm as he continued to peek out and watch. Lino’s father pushed Riuho towards the servant and into her arms. Riuho looked scared. Julianna walked towards them.

“No, he is not your son anymore,” said Charles.

Julianna pleaded with him and tried to go toward Riuho but Charles put out his arm and stopped her.

Riuho fidgeted under the servant’s hold and looked over at his mother. Julianna started to cry. Charles put his hand out to the servant.

“Give me his cit card,” said Charles angrily.

The servant went into her pocket and handed Charles Riuho’s citizenship card. The white and blue card had his name, a picture, an identification number and a chip in it keyed with his DNA.

“You can’t take my son away from me,” cried Julianna.

Charles glared at her and said, “it is already done.” And then he waved off the servant who started walking with Riuho towards the front door.

“Mother?” asked Riuho sounding a little scared. Julianna took a step towards him but Charles pushed her back.

The servant walked Riuho towards the door and then closed it behind her and they were gone. Gone to the Echelons to never return to the City. Riuho was no longer a citizen, the paperwork had been done, his citizenship as of that morning had been revoked. Charles waited for a second and put his hand on Julianna’s shoulder and looked her in the eyes. She was crying. Charles left out the side door. Julianna fell to her knees and continued to sob. Lino came down the stairs and put his hand on his mother’s back and tried to comfort her but he was too young he didn’t understand. She turned towards Lino, still down on her knees, and hugged him as she continued to cry.

Contact Author Natsuya Uesugi:

Book: grydscaen beginnings

ISBN: 978-1-4628-8673-9

Publisher: Xlibris

Email: natsukoarts@earthlink.net

Phone: 480-577-7624

Website: http://www.grydscaen.com       

-          Contact tab to get in touch with author

Purchase book: http://www.grydscaen.com/buy.html

What Celebrities Teach Us About Book Promotion

Hilary Duff at her book signing.

When a celebrity becomes an author, it seems as if the whole world knows about it because their book promotion team works hard to make that happen, right.

So why doesn't the whole world know about our books as self-published authors?

One big thing I have noticed about celebrities is that everything they do, their fans (and even those of us who could care less) know about it. And they show up by the masses in support.

Authors are celebrities, but the vast majority of us have not embraced that fact just yet.

If we did, we would understand the importance of having a book promotion team, a glamor team, a publicist, and so on and so forth,

Noticed I said team. You have to learn how to delegate in the areas where you are not the strongest, or those areas that are going to take too much of your time away from writing. (That's what authors do, right?)

A book promotion team can help us to get the word out about our books much faster than we can doing everything alone.

We need book bloggers because their job is to blog about books, and the more blogs our books appear on, the better our chances are of having our books purchased.

Our glamor team can make sure that we look good for any photo opportunities that may arise. You know what they say, you never get a second chance to make a first impression.

Our publicist can make sure that the newspapers and magazines know who we are and when we will be in town signing books, or when we will be having our next big event, and so on and so forth. They work hard to publicize us so that people know why they should take notice of us.

If we really understood the celebrity status we possess as being authors, we would really start to treat our book promotion as an integral part of our career.

Celebrities go all out. They happen to show up where they know cameras and other influential people will be so that they stay in the forefront of the lives of their loyal fans and followers. They constantly tweet about their contests and update their statuses (well, it's probably someone they have paid to do it, but, you catch my drift). We like and share their statuses, we follow them, we retweet them. Why? Because they are someone that we admire, right?

As authors, our book promotion should make us someone that our readers admire. Someone that our readers want to retweet and follow and be wherever we are.

So, I want you to take a look at what you are doing to promote your book. Are you seriously taking your career as an author as seriously as you should? Be honest. Most of you, the vast majority of you, are not. Don't feel bad. I said the vast majority (myself included).

Start to take your own writing career seriously. Build your team of people that are going to work to make you stand out so that you too can become a household name.

Start embracing your celebrity.

Until next time,

What is Ambition

So many people lack ambition, which is a strong desire to do or achieve something that requires hard work and determination.

A lack of ambition is why so many people never see the types of results that they want in life. We all have the power to change that.

In this short video, learn the one thing you have to do if you want to see change in your life.

 Until next time,

To get more advice, encouragement and support, click here

Looking For A Way To Brand Yourself? Hire A Publishing Professional.

I just posted this video on a cool way to gain exposure, increase your business and get more sales. Bet you never considered how a simple book could propel you to instant expert status. Check out the video below, and if you are not a published author already and you are in any profession, you and I truly need to talk. You can email me directly at coachsand@gmail.com to get started today.

Here's that video:



Until next time,

Two Sites For Your Book Promotion

Book Promotion is hard enough. So, I'm about to help ease some of your burdens. Instead of only offering one site for book promo, I am going to offer two. The Self-Published Life and Book Promo will team up to provide two sources of book promotion for authors needing to add to oomph to their marketing mojo.

We are hard at work trying to come up with new and exciting ways to help authors sell more books. I mean, let's be honest, not many people write books not caring how many copies they sell.

Some of us actually write and publish books with the hopes of making enough money to quit our day jobs and write full time.

The more times people see and hear your name, the more eyes that will end up seeing your book.

So, I am writing this post to ask for your input.

What do you as an author struggle most with when it comes to your book promotion?
What do you think should be added to book promo packages?

Book promo dot net will be focusing more on teaching authors how to better promote their books, as well as offering various services to help them to get their name out there.

The Self Published Life will host the featured author stories.

More details are coming soon.

Like for instance, I don't know if you take advantage of the promotional activities you can do with amazon to propel your book to bestseller status.

I will be doing an exclusive webinar in a few days to cue you in on some ways you can gain maximum exposure for your ebooks.

Ebook promotion is especially difficult, and you can't just rely on posting about your book in groups on Facebook. There is a great big world out there online, and I am going to help you uncover it.

But, this exclusive webinar is reserved for members of my mailing list.

Have you joined yet?

If not, click here, and when you join me, you will get a special gift.

Talk to you soon,

Book Promo Dot Net Is Now Home

Hey everyone,

Sandra here. Just wanted to drop you a quick note to let you know that The Self-Published Life has moved to a new home on the web: bookpromo.net. All of the featured stories have also been moved over there, so go and check it out. Be sure to sign up for The Hot List so that you can get exclusive content just for subscribers.

Talk to you soon,

Meet Crow In The Hollow Author, Brian W. Parker

February's Featured Author is Brian W. Parker, author of 'Crow in the Hollow.'

Bio: Brian W. Parker has been drawing and coming up with stories since he could walk. He’d stop, if his overactive imagination would give him a rest. (Wait, that’s not true at all.) He’s the creator of the graphic novel series YOU CAN RELY ON PLATYPI, and Crow in the Hollow is his first novel.

He currently lives in Gresham, OR, with his lovely (and very patient) wife, Josie , a self-impressed orange cat named Peanut, and one easily excitable Yorkie named Shaft.

'Crow In The Hollow' Excerpt:

In the blue cold of winter, the people of Orin’s Hollow sat in the town square, talking excitedly amongst themselves–their faces lit by the flickering orange light from the tall bonfires.

They sat and waited to see magic with their own eyes.

The man they waited for only came once every five years, and always in mid-winter during the Sundering celebration. Now, as they sat together, men, women, and children all breathless with anticipation, the Storyteller walked quietly across the boarders of the town. He appeared, as always, on the old bridge that crossed the Shadow River just as the last light of day left the frost-covered branches. A wind began to stir, whipping the little flames of the gas lamps in the square into a tizzy, and lifting clouds of ice crystals free of the trees. It cast them about in an ephemeral dance that swirled and twisted through the air, quickly taking the form of a man. He stepped into the Waking World like a shimmering winter breath made flesh and bone. 

How to contact the author:

believeinwonder.weebly.com 

Purchase your copy of 'Crow In The Hollow"  from Amazon: