In working at my brother-in-law's accounting business this year I have heard a lot of heart-breaking stories. Last night a young couple came in telling us about the tragedies they faced this past year with their house burning down and losing their job. Another couple, too young to retire, told of her diagnosis of cancer and his job loss. There have been more unemployment forms this year than ever. Of course there have been customers who have phoned and asked if there were special papers they needed to bring to file taxes jointly with a spouse who had passed away in the past year.
Hearing the stories of these people and assuring them that we would pray for them has caused me to "get out of my own skin" a little more. I think we have all had hurdles this year. Some have had more life-changing things happen than others but we have all learned lessons.
For Me:
Lesson #1
God cares and will either deliver me out of this or bring me through it.
Lesson #2
There are things more important than money.
Lesson #3
Enjoy people and love them.
There are many more but I want you to read the interview I did with Author, Nicole B. Simpson.
She is a 9/11 Survivor and a financial expert. Her books are much needed in our day and time.
1. My name is Nicole B. Simpson and my book titles are Planning for a Reason, A Season, and a Lifetime, The Ultimate Plan: A Financial Survival Guide for Life's Unexpected Events, and Dare 2 Dream: Pushing Past Your Pain to Pursue Purpose
2. I would want people to know I am a survivor and I believe if you are breathing, capable of reading this interview, you have an opportunity to achieve greatness.
3. I don't know if I ever desired to become a writer. I simply had a story to share with the world about my experience on September 11th. As a World Trade Center survivor, I felt that the emotions of the survivors who lived through the actual experience was visibly silent. I wanted my family to know how I felt emotionally, and the challenges my family faced in the immediate aftermath.
4. I believe most people who read anything I write, would state they feel as if they are having a conversation with me. The simplicity in my writing allows them to absorb the message I am attempting to deliver. They feel very comfortable and because two of my books require self reflection, they are more willing to pause and follow the instructions. I do recognize that is a gift for which I am grateful I possess.
5. I do enjoy reading whenever I have the time. However, having been in school for the last five years, most of the books I read are theological in nature. I do love self-help and inspirational material.
6. I am currently reading Drawn to Destiny by Yvonne Capehart-it's excellent.
7. At the present moment, I just completed my third book titled Dare 2 Dream. I believe that everyone experiences catastrophic events or trauma. Dare 2 Dream will take you on a journey that takes your abstract thoughts and feelings and compels you to explore your dreams becoming a reality. It takes into consideration the hindrances and pitfalls you’ve encountered during your childhood. It will encourage you to face your fears and move forward in spite of uncertainty. This book will help unlock the hidden, innermost secrets you’ve housed for years and move toward liberation of all dream-killing hindrances. I am beginning the research for my next publication which will be release in 2011. I am not certain of the title but the concept is to identify ten individuals who were effected by the tragedy of September 11th, 2001 and see where they are ten years later. How has the experience affect their life, what lessons have they learned and what is their "new normal".
8. My biggest obstacle in writing now is facing a deadline and not having any inspiration. Since I wrote my first book years ago, my focus was on the story itself and not writing. However, I've been fortunate because people ask me to contribute to magazine publications, guest blog, and complete interviews. People may laugh, but now I will play the computer game Majong Titans while I think. I do some of my best writing in the middle of a game, late at night. Even my family recognizes when I am in a zone but sometimes it can take hours.
9. Planning for A Reason, A Season and a Lifetime
How would you feel if you were terminated from your company as a result of "downsizing"? What would you do if your spouse died unexpectedly and you learned afterwards that the insurance proceeds had been left to their parents or even their former spouse? Can you afford to be on extended disability without worrying about your home facing foreclosure? Planning for a Reason, a Season, and a Lifetime identifies the importance of having a financial plan in place before life circumstances dictate you require one. The author is a certified financial planner who concentrated on doing "her job" until the tragic events of September 11th, 2001. Then it became personal. Using her personal experience as a World Trade Center survivor, a wife and mother of two children as an example, the author identifies the potential vulnerabilities we all face in our lives financially. This book will assist you in determining what areas you must address to become financially free. It will outline why it is critical to address unknown variables and the steps you should take to protect the ones you love.
The Ultimate Plan: A Financial Survival Guide for Life's Unexpected Event
Can you survive financially during your wilderness experience in life? According to certified financial planner, senior adviser, and 9/11 survivor Nicole Simpson, most of us unconsciously focus on survival from day to day. In her new book, The Ultimate Plan: A Financial Survival Guide for Life's Unexpected Events , Simpson illustrates through her own traumatic experience the need to create a financial plan of action to combat life's inevitable disasters. Through simple, engaging stories, The Ultimate Plan lays out strategies your family can incorporate to avoid total devastation when faced with unexpected death, disability, natural disasters, etc. The Ultimate Plan: A Financial Survival Guide for Life's Unexpected Events is your guidebook to being prepared when disaster strikes. Dare 2 Dream: Pushing Past Your Pain to Pursue Purpose a dream is destined to have two potential, extremely contrarian outcomes. It can maintain its abstract nature, never given the consideration or opportunity to evolve into something real. Or it can be pursued diligently with the stated objective of being fulfilled. When you dare to dream, you give yourself permission to imagine life from a best case scenario. You become the author of your fate, not allowing your circumstances to dictate your reality. Certainly, you will have to confront the very real issues of life, but your willingness to operate pro-actively is far more advantageous instead of being led by your finances, fear or insecurities. Dare 2 Dream will take you on a journey that takes your abstract thoughts and feelings and compels you to explore your dreams becoming a reality. It takes into consideration the hindrances and pitfalls you’ve encountered during your childhood. It will encourage you to face your fears and move forward in spite of uncertainty. This book will help unlock the hidden, innermost secrets you’ve housed for years and move toward liberation of all dream-killing hindrances. You will be refreshed and renewed. You will be motivated and productive. Most importantly, you will be free to DARE 2 DREAM again! 10. Anyone who desires to learn more about Nicole B. Simpson, can log onto my website www.nicolebsimpson.com . Through the site, they can follow my blog journey. They can interact directly through facebook which I actively utilize daily. Finally, please review my author's page on www.amazon.com.
Who is Nicole B. Simpson?
*One of the MOST INSPIRING AND MOTIVATING ORIENTATION SPEAKERS
*2 page feature in Black Enterprise
*Appeared on Money Matters with Lynn Doyle
*Profile to Success award recipient by BET.COM
*Recognized Disaster Planning Specialist
*Host of The Power of Gospel http://www.thepowerofgospel.com/
1-877-78 PLAN A • www.NicoleBSimpson.com • Nicolebsimpson@aol.co
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Catching Up
Those of you who get my newsletter regularly know that for the past few days I have been snowed in. It has been an opportunity for me to get some things caught up around here. I have been working on reformatting Luke's Legacy to send to the editors and I have also been putting together the details of the Authors' Book Marketing Workshop that we are holding in Denver on the weekend of July 10. This workshop is for all authors regardless of publisher. I think that even seasoned authors will find something helpful in the workshop. (I may be prejudice here though.)
Be sure and look at the new blog. You will find authors that I have interviewed here in the past and hope to interview in the future.
The new blog is:
http://titlesforsale.blogspot.com
Please go and look it over...& PURCHASE SOME BOOKS.
This week I am interviewing author, Terri Jones
1. What is your name and the title of your book(s)? Nanny Mouse’s Tales…Raindrops and Rainbows
2. What is one thing you think your readers would like to know about you?
I have a deep passion to help families and children
3. When did you know that you wanted to become a writer?
When I was in high school
4. What are your strong points in your writing style or methods?
I enjoy getting lost in the story, it becomes so real as I am writing.
5. If money were no object would you prefer being at home or being a world traveler?
Both! J I love traveling but love being at home with my family!
6. What are your favorite kinds of books and movies? I really love such a wide range, variety sums it up! Some days I love being lost in a novel or chick flick while others I am in deep thought and reflection.
7. Do you have another book that you are working on and hasn't been submitted for publication? Tell about it. Yes, it is a book to go along side my children’s book, written for moms of all ages for the most part. My children’s book came about due to our son’s battle with cancer. There is so much you cannot communicate in a children’s book so my desire is to tell our story and encourage those in the dark storms of life! God is always there even when the clouds seem to block His presence, so a book to help us all remember that and celebrate it.
8. What are your biggest obstacles to writing and how do you overcome them?
I would have to say time management and self doubt. I have an accountability partner who is also a writer. We hold each other accountable to write something each week and also to cheer each other on! I also know prayer is essential in over coming the doubt, the key is to focus on Him and obey what He is putting in your heart to do.
9. Please put a description of each of your books here. When the first rainstorm in one hundred years comes to Rainbow Towne, the children are frightened, and Nanny Mouse must explain to them the importance of rain. Throughout the thunder and lightning, Nanny Mouse shares God's gift of the rainbow and the promise that it signifies. And as the children creep out from under the bed, they are able to behold the beauty that God has created and understand that they are unique and special to him. By overcoming the frightening struggle of a thunderstorm, all the mice learn how to appreciate both Raindrops and Rainbows. Using her son's battle with cancer as inspiration, Terri Jones tells a story of overcoming trials and fear that will teach and comfort both parents and children. Terri Jones lives in Athens, Georgia, with her husband, Jerry. She has eight precious grandchildren and a deep love and passion for helping families.
It is great to get to know the writers. If you missed one of the past interviews of the talented authors I have been interviewing be sure to visit my blog and catch up. These are interesting people!
It is great to get to know the writers. If you missed one of the past interviews of the talented authors I have been interviewing be sure to visit my blog and catch up. These are interesting people!
http://nansjourney.blogspot.com
See you next week. I hope you enjoyed this.
Be sure and look at the new blog. You will find authors that I have interviewed here in the past and hope to interview in the future.
The new blog is:
http://titlesforsale.blogspot.com
Please go and look it over...& PURCHASE SOME BOOKS.
This week I am interviewing author, Terri Jones
1. What is your name and the title of your book(s)? Nanny Mouse’s Tales…Raindrops and Rainbows
2. What is one thing you think your readers would like to know about you?
I have a deep passion to help families and children
3. When did you know that you wanted to become a writer?
When I was in high school
4. What are your strong points in your writing style or methods?
I enjoy getting lost in the story, it becomes so real as I am writing.
5. If money were no object would you prefer being at home or being a world traveler?
Both! J I love traveling but love being at home with my family!
6. What are your favorite kinds of books and movies? I really love such a wide range, variety sums it up! Some days I love being lost in a novel or chick flick while others I am in deep thought and reflection.
7. Do you have another book that you are working on and hasn't been submitted for publication? Tell about it. Yes, it is a book to go along side my children’s book, written for moms of all ages for the most part. My children’s book came about due to our son’s battle with cancer. There is so much you cannot communicate in a children’s book so my desire is to tell our story and encourage those in the dark storms of life! God is always there even when the clouds seem to block His presence, so a book to help us all remember that and celebrate it.
8. What are your biggest obstacles to writing and how do you overcome them?
I would have to say time management and self doubt. I have an accountability partner who is also a writer. We hold each other accountable to write something each week and also to cheer each other on! I also know prayer is essential in over coming the doubt, the key is to focus on Him and obey what He is putting in your heart to do.
9. Please put a description of each of your books here. When the first rainstorm in one hundred years comes to Rainbow Towne, the children are frightened, and Nanny Mouse must explain to them the importance of rain. Throughout the thunder and lightning, Nanny Mouse shares God's gift of the rainbow and the promise that it signifies. And as the children creep out from under the bed, they are able to behold the beauty that God has created and understand that they are unique and special to him. By overcoming the frightening struggle of a thunderstorm, all the mice learn how to appreciate both Raindrops and Rainbows. Using her son's battle with cancer as inspiration, Terri Jones tells a story of overcoming trials and fear that will teach and comfort both parents and children. Terri Jones lives in Athens, Georgia, with her husband, Jerry. She has eight precious grandchildren and a deep love and passion for helping families.
It is great to get to know the writers. If you missed one of the past interviews of the talented authors I have been interviewing be sure to visit my blog and catch up. These are interesting people!
It is great to get to know the writers. If you missed one of the past interviews of the talented authors I have been interviewing be sure to visit my blog and catch up. These are interesting people!
http://nansjourney.blogspot.com
See you next week. I hope you enjoyed this.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
The Older I Get
This week is my birthday. I am not ashamed to tell you that I am 54 years old. I wouldn't lie about my age because you might say that I look even older than I am if I tried to buffalo you.
One year I remember reporters asking President Reagan how he felt about his birthday and getting older. He said, "Well, it's better than the alternative." When he said that I was pretty young and thought it was a funny remark. Later that day I thought it over and decided that never again would I worry about age.
I enjoy my age. I am a wife, a mother, a grandmother, and a very blessed woman. I have the opportunity to write and do other things that I love. I thank God for my life. I thank God for you guys who have been so encouraging to me.
This week I am interviewing a lovely author who has reached out to me in friendship. I have yet to meet her in person but she is a sweetheart.
1. What is your name and the title of your book(s)?
Jane E. Harber, LBT … “Here…Have A Miracle”
2. What is one thing you think your readers would like to know about you?
I’m all about HOPE. I serve a God who is REAL, He’s ALIVE, and He’s a GOOD GOD. I’m a licensed belief therapist, specializing in the various aspects of overcoming grief and depression. I believe there is no hopeless person or situation, no obstacle that can’t be overcome. Through a positive mental attitude, proper education, effective tools, and folks who care enough to help, we can all see our way through to a more constructive, wholesome lifestyle of healing and wholeness.
3. When did you know that you wanted to become a writer?
Actually, how I became a writer is a strange story, and totally a God thing. I never, ever gave thought to writing or becoming an author. But as I was studying for my license, I had to write a 10-page paper on a topic which I felt someone would come to me for counseling. Eleven immediate family members had passed away in the previous 7 or eight years, and, therefore, I felt an appropriate topic for me to write on would be grief. My 10-page paper turned out to be 29 pages long! The director of the institute said it was a good work, and that I should turn it into a seminar. So, I spent the next approximately year and a half revising and adding to what I had written, and I ended up with three seminar formats to teach. Right on the heels of that, my sister (my only sibling) got diagnosed with breast cancer. And I got angry! Here was ONE MORE TRAGEDY that I could do nothing about!! ONE MORE TIME my hands were tied!! I was too old to become a doctor so I could heal my sister. Also, too old to go into research to find a cure for cancer so she could be healed. Then, somewhere in the middle of that tirade, I began to pray. And God spoke to my heart … “Take all that material you wrote on grief, turn it into book format, and reach as many hearts as you can with the light of hope.” That’s when my first book, “One Foot on a Banana Peel” was birthed, and I became an author.
4. What are your strong points in your writing style or methods?
I’m a very simple writer. I write as though I’m talking to you. Actually, I’m glad about this trait because you don’t have to be a rocket scientist or have a doctorate in theology to have a relationship with God.
5. Are you a reader?
I used to be an avid reader. I once owned and operated a Christian book store, so I had great access to Christian material, and I read a lot of it. I read and studied the Bible a lot as well. More recently, it seems the Lord has me writing about what I learned and experienced throughout all those years.
6. What are you reading right now?
Currently I seem to be reading mostly what I research for my writing, although the desire to read further seems to be increasing, along with the access to more books. At the moment, I’m reading “Going Rogue,” by Sarah Palin.
7. Do you have another book that you are working on and hasn't been submitted for publication? Tell about it.
Actually, I just submitted and received a contract for another book. As far as I know, it will be called “Walking Toward the Light.” It’s a workbook study of Christianity for the new believer. While it is basic in its intent, it’s also an intense study, and therefore would also be great for the “veteran” Christian who wants an even deeper, more intimate, walk with the Lord. Again, it’s simple, basic Scripture study. After that, I’m working on the second book of the “Duct Tape…” series. This one will be a wake-up call for Christianity.
8. What are your biggest obstacles to writing and how do you overcome them?
I think all authors experience what is commonly called “writer’s block” occasionally. Times when you can’t think of what comes next. At times like that, I take a step back for a while. Of course, I pray and seek guidance and direction from the Lord. But I also am a note-taker. Whenever, wherever, I come across something that I see a spiritual parallel in (which is very often, because I see a lot of parallels between the flesh realm and the spiritual realm), I take note of it. I keep these notes in a folder, and include them into my writing where they apply.
9. Please put a description of each of your books here. “One Foot on a Banana Peel”: A description of grief and an expression of the hope and healing that lie beyond trauma and tragedy. With so much pain in the world, “One Foot…” is a breath of fresh air and a light of HOPE. As deep as the pain goes, so deep goes the love and grace of God to bring healing. When you feel as though you have ‘one foot on a banana peel,’ place your other foot in the hand of God. It’s the safest place there is to be. “Duct Tape…for the Christian Mouth”: This book is loaded with spiritual insight, personal experiences and real-life applications that point to a major problem in many relationships today … misunderstandings in communication. Through this unique expose on communication, comes truth. And truth can set you free! “Duct Tape…” will refresh your spirit and impact your relationships, for good and for God! “Quit Digging! A Lifeline of Hope for Troubled Teens”: This is actually a program that I teach for CEU credits at the institute where I got my license. Our teenage years are often the most confusing and puzzling years of our lives. This program offers help … and HOPE, a priceless gift to those troubled teens struggling in our world. Through lessons and exercises, your teen will learn how s/he got to become the person they are; they will learn how to recognize and confront thinking errors and replace those errors with more healthy and positive choices; and they will learn how to make goals for their future. “Quit Digging!” will change lives. “Here…Have A Miracle”: Bringing healing and thirst-quenching revitalization to our minds, emotions and bodies, “Here…Have A Miracle” illustrates that there IS a way to reach out and grab hold of that which is so essential to our well being … times of refreshing. This book is stimulating, uplifting and inspirational.
10. How can readers contact you or purchase your books? Please put your website or blog here.
jeharber@cleansed.netwww.gentlespringsofhope.org http://livinghope.tatepublishing.net
It is great to get to know the writers. If you missed one of the past interviews of the talented authors I have been interviewing be sure to visit my blog and catch up. These are interesting people!
It is great to get to know the writers. If you missed one of the past interviews of the talented authors I have been interviewing be sure to visit my blog and catch up. These are interesting people!
http://nansjourney.blogspot.com
See you next week. I hope you enjoyed this.
One year I remember reporters asking President Reagan how he felt about his birthday and getting older. He said, "Well, it's better than the alternative." When he said that I was pretty young and thought it was a funny remark. Later that day I thought it over and decided that never again would I worry about age.
I enjoy my age. I am a wife, a mother, a grandmother, and a very blessed woman. I have the opportunity to write and do other things that I love. I thank God for my life. I thank God for you guys who have been so encouraging to me.
This week I am interviewing a lovely author who has reached out to me in friendship. I have yet to meet her in person but she is a sweetheart.
1. What is your name and the title of your book(s)?
Jane E. Harber, LBT … “Here…Have A Miracle”
2. What is one thing you think your readers would like to know about you?
I’m all about HOPE. I serve a God who is REAL, He’s ALIVE, and He’s a GOOD GOD. I’m a licensed belief therapist, specializing in the various aspects of overcoming grief and depression. I believe there is no hopeless person or situation, no obstacle that can’t be overcome. Through a positive mental attitude, proper education, effective tools, and folks who care enough to help, we can all see our way through to a more constructive, wholesome lifestyle of healing and wholeness.
3. When did you know that you wanted to become a writer?
Actually, how I became a writer is a strange story, and totally a God thing. I never, ever gave thought to writing or becoming an author. But as I was studying for my license, I had to write a 10-page paper on a topic which I felt someone would come to me for counseling. Eleven immediate family members had passed away in the previous 7 or eight years, and, therefore, I felt an appropriate topic for me to write on would be grief. My 10-page paper turned out to be 29 pages long! The director of the institute said it was a good work, and that I should turn it into a seminar. So, I spent the next approximately year and a half revising and adding to what I had written, and I ended up with three seminar formats to teach. Right on the heels of that, my sister (my only sibling) got diagnosed with breast cancer. And I got angry! Here was ONE MORE TRAGEDY that I could do nothing about!! ONE MORE TIME my hands were tied!! I was too old to become a doctor so I could heal my sister. Also, too old to go into research to find a cure for cancer so she could be healed. Then, somewhere in the middle of that tirade, I began to pray. And God spoke to my heart … “Take all that material you wrote on grief, turn it into book format, and reach as many hearts as you can with the light of hope.” That’s when my first book, “One Foot on a Banana Peel” was birthed, and I became an author.
4. What are your strong points in your writing style or methods?
I’m a very simple writer. I write as though I’m talking to you. Actually, I’m glad about this trait because you don’t have to be a rocket scientist or have a doctorate in theology to have a relationship with God.
5. Are you a reader?
I used to be an avid reader. I once owned and operated a Christian book store, so I had great access to Christian material, and I read a lot of it. I read and studied the Bible a lot as well. More recently, it seems the Lord has me writing about what I learned and experienced throughout all those years.
6. What are you reading right now?
Currently I seem to be reading mostly what I research for my writing, although the desire to read further seems to be increasing, along with the access to more books. At the moment, I’m reading “Going Rogue,” by Sarah Palin.
7. Do you have another book that you are working on and hasn't been submitted for publication? Tell about it.
Actually, I just submitted and received a contract for another book. As far as I know, it will be called “Walking Toward the Light.” It’s a workbook study of Christianity for the new believer. While it is basic in its intent, it’s also an intense study, and therefore would also be great for the “veteran” Christian who wants an even deeper, more intimate, walk with the Lord. Again, it’s simple, basic Scripture study. After that, I’m working on the second book of the “Duct Tape…” series. This one will be a wake-up call for Christianity.
8. What are your biggest obstacles to writing and how do you overcome them?
I think all authors experience what is commonly called “writer’s block” occasionally. Times when you can’t think of what comes next. At times like that, I take a step back for a while. Of course, I pray and seek guidance and direction from the Lord. But I also am a note-taker. Whenever, wherever, I come across something that I see a spiritual parallel in (which is very often, because I see a lot of parallels between the flesh realm and the spiritual realm), I take note of it. I keep these notes in a folder, and include them into my writing where they apply.
9. Please put a description of each of your books here. “One Foot on a Banana Peel”: A description of grief and an expression of the hope and healing that lie beyond trauma and tragedy. With so much pain in the world, “One Foot…” is a breath of fresh air and a light of HOPE. As deep as the pain goes, so deep goes the love and grace of God to bring healing. When you feel as though you have ‘one foot on a banana peel,’ place your other foot in the hand of God. It’s the safest place there is to be. “Duct Tape…for the Christian Mouth”: This book is loaded with spiritual insight, personal experiences and real-life applications that point to a major problem in many relationships today … misunderstandings in communication. Through this unique expose on communication, comes truth. And truth can set you free! “Duct Tape…” will refresh your spirit and impact your relationships, for good and for God! “Quit Digging! A Lifeline of Hope for Troubled Teens”: This is actually a program that I teach for CEU credits at the institute where I got my license. Our teenage years are often the most confusing and puzzling years of our lives. This program offers help … and HOPE, a priceless gift to those troubled teens struggling in our world. Through lessons and exercises, your teen will learn how s/he got to become the person they are; they will learn how to recognize and confront thinking errors and replace those errors with more healthy and positive choices; and they will learn how to make goals for their future. “Quit Digging!” will change lives. “Here…Have A Miracle”: Bringing healing and thirst-quenching revitalization to our minds, emotions and bodies, “Here…Have A Miracle” illustrates that there IS a way to reach out and grab hold of that which is so essential to our well being … times of refreshing. This book is stimulating, uplifting and inspirational.
10. How can readers contact you or purchase your books? Please put your website or blog here.
jeharber@cleansed.netwww.gentlespringsofhope.org http://livinghope.tatepublishing.net
It is great to get to know the writers. If you missed one of the past interviews of the talented authors I have been interviewing be sure to visit my blog and catch up. These are interesting people!
It is great to get to know the writers. If you missed one of the past interviews of the talented authors I have been interviewing be sure to visit my blog and catch up. These are interesting people!
http://nansjourney.blogspot.com
See you next week. I hope you enjoyed this.
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