OPRAH'S BOOK CLUB

How to Write an Ebook

noreply@blogger.com (Truth Exposed) — Thu, 14 Jul 2005 18:23:00 +0000

Write an eBookEveryone has a gift, talent, or interest which others would love to learn about and they would pay to learn about it. Writing an ebook is one of the most simple ways to do this! All you need to do is write something, put it into pdf, and set it up to sell it.1. Write Something.Start by asking yourself what your special interests are or what things you are knowledgeable about which others would like to learn about. What experiences have you been through which other people would find fascinating? Two areas which I've found people love reading about are creative home business ideas and ways to save money. Topic such as these will especially attract buyers because they will hope to get a lot more out of your ebook than they paid for it. If they expect the information in your ebook to save them quite a bit more money than they paid for it, they will usually be anxious to buy it. The same goes for ebooks on home business ideas. Pick your topic and start writing! The nice thing about ebooks is that they don't have to be long. 25-40 pages is a good size for ebooks, though longer or shorter is acceptable. Be sure to have a couple different individuals proof your ebook; typographical errors are so common nowadays, but that doesn't make them right or acceptable. Numerous typos in books or ebooks always leaves a poor reflection on the author. 2. Convert Your eBook to PDF.Once you have written your ebook and have it laid out in an easy-to-read manner, you will need to convert it into pdf or an ebook format using an ebook program. If you do not already have a pdf program, you can download a free pdf converter program here: http://www.PDF995.com. PDF is best to use for smaller ebook files, if you have a larger ebook file, I would recommend eBook Generator.3. Set Up Your eBook to Sell.In order to sell it online, a great program to begin with is PayLoadz. (http://www.payloadz.com/affiliates/go.asp?a=payments@covenantweddingsource.com). I have been using PayLoadz for my ebooks and have been extremely happy with it. It allows you to set up the book process so that your ebooks can be instantly downloaded once your customer pays for them. This makes it much easier for everyone! Your customers will love being able to instantly download the ebooks and you will love not having to mess with sending them a download link. Once you have your ebook written and it set up on PayLoadz, you can just sit back and allow the payments to come in. You can set up an affiliate program through PayLoadz which allows others to make money by promoting your ebook. (See my affiliate marketing page for more information on this: http://www.BiblicalWomanhoodOnline.com/affiliatemarketing.htm.)If you are planning to sell a lot of your ebooks and you want to have an affiliate program (which I highly recommend you do), ClickBank is an excellent program to consider using (http://CPaine.reseller.hop.clickbank.net). They charge a $50 fee to set up your ebook and they take out a small percentage of each sale, but they will give you wide exposure for you ebook which you will probably not be able to generate from your website. In order to sell your ebook online, you need to have a website. It can be something extremely simple as just a two page sales-letter-type of website. There are multitudes of website options available out there. I would recommend starting out with something extremely simple. If you know nothing about html, you could hire someone to create it for you or you could use something like Create Your Own Website. Make sure that you put testimonials on your website from people who have purchased your ebook (you can give away some copies in exchange for testimonials!). Testimonials add a lot of credential , especially if the people who write them have their own website or business in a similar field. About the Author Crystal Paine is a 23-year-old homeschool graduate from Topeka, Kansas. She is the blessed wife of Jesse and happy mother of Kathrynne. She has written a number of books and ebooks. Visit her website: http://www.BiblicalWomanhoodOnline.com for information on her ebooks and many more work-at-home ideas and information. __________________________________________________ http://www.newnovel.bravehost.com http://www.newbookreview.blogspot.com http://www.newbookrelease.blogspot.com http://www.lookingforbooks.blogspot.com http://www.promoteyourwebsite.blogspot.com

The Lilly

noreply@blogger.com (Truth Exposed) — Tue, 05 Jul 2005 21:28:00 +0000

This land is my memories. For two thousand years this valley has been mine alone. I know every rock, every stream and every tree. I know the forces that shape this land and the people who inhabit it.A billion years ago this land was a migratory trail for the animals of Western Europe. They roamed freely across the huge land of one continent. Millennia passed as the rivers washed silt to the ocean and the sun raised rain to the sky. At that time the mass of Eurasia was joined. The tectonic plates shifted and islands formed, raising proud, green peninsulas on green water, thrust out to the ocean. Long before my time the forces of nature battled along the coasts of Western Europe. From the Southwest, the Gulf Stream warmed and opened the land with summer heat. From the north, ice raged and cracked the rock of what would become the British Isles.The land tells me it was an epic struggle. The generous heat of earth, venting her spleen, the wash of the water, cooling and circulating air. Rain succoured the land and ran back to the sea, endless cycles, repeating endlessly. The earth shifted, chasms opened and the sea swept in, submerging areas and separating the islands of Britain and Ireland from the mainland.Spouts of boiling lava spewed from the molten centre of earth to create granite formations, a source of wonder till the end of time. A great rift opened up what is now the Bristol Channel and the Irish Sea, separating the land into distinct areas. Many characteristics still connect Brittany, Ireland, Wales, and Cornwall. Their joining can still be seen in place and people. But veins of power run through the sea, a matrix of energy criss-crosses the land and reaches out around our planet.The Phoenicians, Egyptians and Greeks journeyed to these coasts even before the Iron Age, in search of Keltic wisdom, since long before the time of my youth. They followed the trail of gold and wisdom across the sea to Cornwall and then to Wales and Ireland. Later, tin trade followed these routes across Brittany and the journeys of wise men and saints to the west of land, the land of setting sun, of Gods and the quest for immortality that haunts us all. Ships and boats from the French and Spanish coasts often sailed to rivers on the south coast of Cornwall in search of trade and journey with the friendly and civilised Keltii, hopefully avoiding the pirates that have ravaged these coasts for millennia. 2000 years ago I was killed trying to save my mother from Portuguese raiders on the river, who stole the gold that came from Ireland. My story is located in the valley of one of these rivers, now called 'River Fowey'. It is a story that I have not been able to tell until now. My own story starts with the visit of Jesus of Nazareth to the river Fowey in 30 AD (according to the Julian Calendar and allowing for a seven year miscalculation). He was twenty-three years old. He journeyed on a vision quest to the west-of-land, in search of the wisdom of the Keltii and union with his father spirit. I have spent much time thinking about this moment and my brief encounter with a man who claimed to be Son of God. For hundreds of years I puzzled at his smile, the light in his gaze. He had a quality of being rare in the extreme, an utter and unconditional compassion for all life.Who am I? A ghost; Fintan, born 2000 years ago and caught in the matrix of nature unable to tell my story until now. I am here in an ancient land, waiting for you to read my story. About the Author The Lily: Episode 1 (fiction) by Simon MitchellThis is an extract from 'The Lily' - the first episode of an exciting and magical new Cornish novel.Order this story by visiting:http://www.simonthescribe.co.uk/Lily.html _____________________________________________________ http://www.newnovel.bravehost.com http://www.newbookreview.blogspot.com http://www.newbookrelease.blogspot.com http://www.lookingforbooks.blogspot.com http://www.writersblockreview.blogspot.com

How A Golf Fitness Book Can Transform Your Game

noreply@blogger.com (Truth Exposed) — Wed, 29 Jun 2005 17:59:00 +0000

A golf fitness book that is written to give you ready-made golf fitness programs, exercises, step-by-step instructions and illustrations can quickly transform your golf game. There are so many “so-called” golf fitness books on the market; but when you open them up you see dozens of pictures of golf models sitting on exercise machines in the gym.This is NOT a golf fitness book, this is a book pertaining to “general” fitness, but with the title revised to catch the golfers eye. In my mind, this is a little deceptive and can frustrate the consumer.When I was doing research for my golf fitness book (manual) I was extremely disappointed. Having been a certified fitness professional for over 20 years and specifically working with golfers the last 10 years I was expecting some good body’s of knowledge on the subject.I was extremely let down and even felt like I wasted my money getting them. This motivated me to put together my golf fitness book (manual) so that a golfer of any age or fitness level could apply it immediately.What are the components of a complete golf fitness book?The golf fitness book should cover strength specific to golf, flexibility, aerobic conditioning (endurance) and nutrition.These components should be directed at a golfer, not a person looking to build or tone muscles or just improve their physical fitness.It should also discuss starting points for golfers at every age and fitness level. Have a golf fitness evaluation right in the book to determine your ‘current’ fitness level and ultimately your starting point.That way you are sure what you are doing is the ‘right’ thing that will help your game not hurt it.I think that’s the biggest concern for any golfer is not knowing where to start and making sure whatever he or she does will be right for them.Secondly the golf fitness book should be able to discuss the direct benefits of any exercise to their golf swing. It’s motivating to ready why you would do a certain exercise if you can see how it will benefit your game.And lastly, a golf fitness book should have progressive golf fitness exercises and complete programs to take you to the ‘next level’. I’ve seen so many books that have “general” exercises (not golf-specific) that have no sense of format or progression. This would leave your frustrated and not knowing where to start or progress.So next time you go to a bookstore or get online and do a search for golf fitness book, make sure to thoroughly review the explanation and chapters to reassure you are doing the right thing. You can quickly transform your game with the right golf fitness book. About the Author About The Author: Mike Pedersen is one of the top golf fitness experts in the country and author of the best selling Ultimate Golf Fitness Manual. Visit his new golf training site at Perform Better Golf. _________________________________________________ http://www.newnovel.bravehost.com http://www.newbookreview.blogspot.com http://www.lookingforbooks.blogspot.com http://www.writersblockreview.blogspot.com http://www.newbookrelease.blogspot.com

The Inspired Heart -- Book Review

noreply@blogger.com (Truth Exposed) — Mon, 27 Jun 2005 22:52:00 +0000

Spiritual food for the soul: Allow Jerry to take you on his magical and enlightening soul pilgrimage. As he invites you to accompany him along his life adventures, he introduces you to selfless acts of the deep, human spirit and his fascinating relationships. Often, by chance encounters, Jerry immerses the reader into impromptu stories of surrealistic wonder and actual life experiences. From his friendship with two, elderly sages; or E.T., the street kid - Jerry's autobiography inspires the uninspired, captivates the soul and brings a vital spark to everyday monotony. Jerry illustrates and exhibits the simplest of miracles - through soul journey. His words, "...In the shadow lands of life's most terrifying experiences, something inherently noble in the human heart unexpectedly enters in and renders the voices of good and evil mute..." Poetically expressed, Jerry's wisdomful words echo transcendental advice into the inner-knowing and evolutionary, inner-peace process. Broken down into humankind's most simple form, Jerry withdraws from `normal' human existence to fully embrace life's spiritual side. (His eventful life, in my own opinion, equated to the life of the so-called Jerry in the film, Down and Out in Beverly Hills.) Noncomedically however, he lived purely off chance and engaged in most uninspiring conditions; and made do with what life had to offer - never complaining...only transforming. A human, but humbling experience, Jerry relays how his internal transformation came full circle. A book that promotes personal growth and comprehension of the mortal experience, The Inspired Heart is an awe-inspiring, exceptional read. To learn more about Artist/Author Jerry Wennstrom or his novel, The Inspired Heart - An Artist's Journey of Transformation, feel free to visit his website at JerryWennstrom.com or if you would like more information about how to get your own copy of his book, visit The Inspired Heart.The Inspired Heart - A Book Review © 2005 - All Rights Reserved By C. Bailey-Lloyd Aka. LadyCamelot Public Relations' Director & Staff Writer www.holisticjunction.com www.mediapositiveradio.com ________________________________________________________ http://www.newnovel.bravehost.com http://www.newbookrelease.blogspot.com http://www.newbookreview.blogspot.com http://www.lookingforbooks.blogspot.com http://www.writersblockreview.blogspot.com

Make Profits from FREE e-Books

noreply@blogger.com (Truth Exposed) — Sun, 26 Jun 2005 23:49:00 +0000

E-books are one of the most beneficial and easiest ways to make mone on line - if you sell them. But how can you make profits from free e-books? This closely-guarded secret of the self-styled guru's has recently become easily achievable by just about anyone with something to say, and certainly by everyone who already has a e-book or other information product to sell.What is a free e-book?A free e-book is usually an abridged or shortened version of a full e-book or information product. However, neither the fact that it is free or that it is a shortened version of something else means that it can not have value on its own. In fact, you will quickly find that if it does not have its own intrinsic value, that it will be very difficult to distribute - even for free.For example, our own free e-book gives away our entire content on heart disease and cholesterol - something that virtually everyone needs to know about if they want to maintain their health.The reason for this is two-fold. Firstly, even if it isn't costing them money, people always want something for their efforts. To download something then actually read it takes effort, and that effort had better be worthwhile! Secondly, the whole point of creating a free e-book is to showcase the main product i.e. the full book or information product, in order to generate sales. If the free book is not up to scratch, then you can be sure that sales of the full product will not benefit from it.Why a free e-book, why not just sell it?Good question. The simple answer is that people love to get something for nothing - or at least to feel that they are getting something for nothing. As stated above, in order for this to be the case, they need to perceive that the "something" has some value to them and the process needs to be as simple as possible.This means that far more people will be prepared to read your book if it is free than if they have to pay even a small amount for it, which both suggests it has little value and adds time and effort to the process. Conversely, if people see your e-book is free it not only makes them more likely to download it, it also adds value to your main product, i.e. your paid-for book, by letting them know they can only get so much for free.How will people find my free e-book if I have no website traffic?This is perhaps the most crucial aspect of giving away anything from your website, and until recently, a difficult issue to resolve. Building traffic to your site takes both time and considerable effort - building the site, getting it hosted, promoting it etc. There are many ways to make this easier and relatively automatic, but it still takes some effort on your part, and, inevitably - time.The secret of generating both interest in your product and traffic to your site is to get others to help you do it - in other words, multiplication of your efforts. Of course the people you will want to sell your product will already have successful websites (ideally with subject matter relevant to yours) and will want some reward for selling your product (or even giving it away), and this is the part that until recently was difficult.How to get others to give away your free e-book?The first thing you need to do is to arrange some reliable way to ensure that those who you want to help you will benefit from sales of your product. This is easy to arrange by setting up an affiliate program and there are many different ways of doing so, which vary enormously in cost, complexity and ease-of-use. Personally, we find Clickbank both inexpensive and easy to use both to set up your program and for your customers to make purchases.The real key, however, to getting others to give away your FREE e-book is to ensure that THEY will benefit from any sales that it generates. That means that you need to allow them to add THEIR affiliate links to YOUR e-book, so that any recipients of the free book that click on the sales links will generate revenue for both of you.Either you can make the resultant free e-book editable by your affiliates (a potentially risky strategy, just asking for it to be ripped off) or you can create what has become the new standard for such products - the brandable e-book.What is a brandable e-book?A brandable e-book is an e-book that contains specially formatted links that can be changed with a simple editing program without giving editing access to the rest of the book. This means that not only can your affiliates benefit by distributing a copy of your e-book with their links in it, but people that receive it from them can also reformat the links and redistribute it again (you explain HOW in the book itself!).This creates a "viral" e-book that provides not only the motivation, but also the means for any web-savvy recipient of your book to make a profit from it. Of course, if your content is excellent as well, people will have another good reason to redistribute it to their friends etc and it will reach even further.The key to creating a brandable e-book is to use an inexpensive branding program to create the special links for you, which will also give you the relevant re-branding program for your affiliates.We explain exactly how to do this on our own re-branding page - feel free to copy our method and wording if you think it would help you.By following these simple steps, you too can generate a small army of affiliates to help sell your product for you, for mutual benefit. About the Author Brian Adamson is the founder and President of Natural Health Information Centre, a unique, independent resource whose sole intention is to cut through the myth and propaganda surrounding disease and health and make available the TRUTH about Disease prevention, management and cure in easily understandable language. ____________________________________________________________ http://www.newnovel.bravehost.com http://www.newbookreview.blogspot.com http://www.newbookrelease.blogspot.com http://www.lookingforbooks.blogspot.com http://www.writersblockreview.blogspot.com

The Laid Daughter -- Book Review

noreply@blogger.com (Truth Exposed) — Sat, 25 Jun 2005 08:45:00 +0000

There has been a lot of publicity lately centered on the issue of child molestation. Child molestation is a horrific form of child abuse that leaves its victims with a deep loss of self and the inability to cope with life's challenges. Another form of child abuse, that leaves its victims powerless and confused, is incest. Incest is a topic that most families refuse to discuss and sometimes deny that it ever existed. The Laid Daughter, by Helen Bonner is such an example. In this riveting novel, the author discusses her own issues with incest. What is so unique about the novel itself is that the author has been journaling her strange feelings and dreams for over 20 years before she realizes that her journal entries depict her true life experiences. The author takes us on her journey through self discovery and healing by allowing us to see her daily struggles in life. She is plagued with failed marriages and her inability to have honest and open relationships with others. She cuts herself off from her family and friends. There is however, something very striking about Ms. Bonner's character. She is able to hold down a job and build herself a lucrative career while dealing with the incest issue. Going through the healing process was not an easy road for Ms. Bonner. Early on, she was given erroneous advice from some early therapist. She found herself dropping out of therapy with the belief that somehow she could conquer her demons on her own. She then seeks therapy through a wonderful therapist by the name of Glenda Parkinson who discovers that Helen was not just a survivor of incest, but she also suffered from a Multiple Personality Disorder. Glenda Parkinson also expresses how quickly Helen was able to work through her demons as shown by the following excerpt: "Helen spent only a year in intense psychotherapy with me. The average length of treatment time is somewhere between five and ten years. She was highly motivated and followed her gut instincts in making therapeutic decisions for herself. She read. She wrote. She practiced suggestive directives. She attended a national conference for adult survivors. Her art work was another vehicle for self-understanding. She used relaxation techniques when feeling panicky. She begin to fill her new "house" by acknowledging and fulfilling the needs of her integrating selves. Decisions Helen made for herself rather than against herself were the catalyst toward wholeness." As you can see by the above excerpt, healing from incest or any other form of childhood abuse can be done with hard work and determination. I would recommend this fine piece of work to anyone who has suffered the pain and anguish of child abuse or to anyone who wants to discover how they can make changes in their own life that can help them move forward to living life to its fullest. ISBN: 1884178235Author: Helen BonnerPublisher: Kairos Center Faye Brown, Author of the upcoming novel, Strange Fruit In A Small Town. (http://www.lookingforbooks.blogspot.com) Copyrighted 2005: Faye Brown: All Rights Reserved. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Cut To The Chase -- Book Review

noreply@blogger.com (Truth Exposed) — Fri, 24 Jun 2005 18:38:00 +0000

The Review Diaries"If It Doesn't Go Up, Don't Buy It!By Albert W. ThomasShe Unlimited MagazineReview byVeronica Marie Kettler "Cut to the Chase" "Cut to the Chase" is exactly what Al Thomas sets forth to do is his book. The book is aimed for the basic investor with a simple straightforward lingo that a layman can understand. Al Thomas does this book with candor and a detailed array of resources in the back of the book. No holds bared, Al reveals the truth about the Mutual Fund industry. ROI say it louder please "ROI" return on investment. "It is your money and no one has more interest in it than you do" Al Thomas. This is not one of those get rich quick books but your own personal hand held financial advisor. His book is a revitalizing guise at investing. Even for newbie's out there, a newbie investor can grasp what he is saying. Leave all of that mumbo jumbo of Wall Street aside and the narrow minded, and take a deep breath of "In Your Face" guide to investing. Some call it "Risky" to sell if it does not go up, but for better terms we will call it aggressive investments. The guess work is gone and this book is by far a clear and concise guide to the market, investments and your ROI. It is done with candor, clarity and poise. Marie is Editor-in-Chief for She Unlimited Magazine. http://www.sheunlimited.com and heads up the community at http://www.sheunlimited.com/forums Marie is committed to making a difference. Marie Is Making a difference in the Women sectors online, media and print. Marie believes that individual style is a form of self-expression. Marie knows the trends and where to find them. Her expertise and knowledge give consumers everywhere the insight they need to get the latest styles and products that fit everyone and every budget, both online and off. For More information or how to become and editor for She Unlimited Magazine please e-mail: admin@sheunlimited.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/ http://www.newnovel.bravehost.com http://www.newbookrelease.blogspot.com http://www.newbookreview.blogspot.com http://www.lookingforbooks.blogspot.com http://www.promoteyourwebsite.blogspot.com

K'mart's Ten Deadly Sins -- Book Review

noreply@blogger.com (Truth Exposed) — Thu, 23 Jun 2005 18:45:00 +0000

Kmart's Ten Deadly Sins: How Incompetence Tainted an American Icon was begging to be written. It probably would have surfaced much earlier if not for the fear of many authors that publishing too soon would result in the omission of who knows how many future bewildering tactics by the forever transforming retail giant, K-mart. Actually, contrary to my early assumption, this book is less an indictment of K-mart than it is a combination of warnings and lessons to everyone else. There are so many negative examples in the news today of how NOT to succeed in business. However, many organizations fail to acknowledge or learn from these examples. This book was written for those of you who find yourselves wondering how a company with such bright prospects could end up filing for bankruptcy. How could a brand as widely recognized and firmly fixed in our cultural lexicon as K-mart be teetering on the brink of extinction? Depending on whom you talk to, K-mart's fall from grace can be attributed to any number of factors. In the first in-depth examination of K-mart, author Marcia Layton Turner reveals the real reason behind K-mart's troubles—bad management—and discusses how the large personalities and even larger dreams of K-mart's misguided leaders played a significant role in transforming this once profitable retail titan into a bankrupt behemoth. This is not a collection of the author's personal opinions as to why the once mighty K-mart is now frantically treading the tumultuous retail waters. Marcia Layton Turner interviewed many financial analysts, former employees, and industry observers to get the inside scoop on what happened at K-mart. She coupled her research findings with in-depth studies of SEC filings, news reports, and background data to paint a very clear picture of exactly how K-mart management's thinking emerged as well as what went on behind the scenes and why. Weaving corporate history with financial analysis and expert commentary, this engaging book identifies and examines the ten management mistakes, which ultimately brought K-mart to its knees. It spins an intriguing tale of the missteps of a retail giant that once had the industry in the palm of its hand and foolishly let it all slip away. Readers will achieve a better sense of where K-mart has been and what its potential is for a turnaround. This first in-depth examination of K-mart clearly identifies and discusses the ten miscalculations K-mart's CEOs have repeatedly made, including resisting investments in technology, brand mismanagement, and haphazard expansion, to name a few. This book is a well-written comparative analysis of why K-mart failed and Wal-Mart continues to thrive. The management lessons found in the book can be widely applied and should be shared with and discussed among any leadership team members interested in continued growth and success. More than 100 business book reviews written by Harry K. Jones are available at http://www.AchieveMax.com/books/. Harry K. Jones is a professional speaker and consultant for AchieveMax®, Inc., a firm specializing in custom-designed keynote presentations, seminars, and consulting services. Harry has made presentations ranging from leadership to employee retention and time management to stress management for a number of industries, including education, financial, government, healthcare, hospitality, and manufacturing. He can be reached at 800-886-2MAX or by visiting http://www.AchieveMax.com. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/ http://www.newnovel.bravehost.com http://www.newbookreview.blogspot.com http://www.lookingforbooks.blogspot.com

Born Evil ---Book Review

noreply@blogger.com (Truth Exposed) — Wed, 22 Jun 2005 11:50:00 +0000

"Author of two books and many short stories, J.P. Ransom is busily writing a series of books called Colla’d Greens and two more upcoming books including a sequel to Born Evil. Born Evil is a compact, 150-page book that is printed on acid-free paper – which may be of interest to the environmentally conscious consumer. I would categorize this book as a chilling horror, which involves an infant that is born evil. Traumatized by early experiences, only compounds Jonathan’s natural inclination – a cruel desire to cause harm. Unprepared for a disturbed child, his adopted parents are continually wallowing in deep pits of overwhelming uncertainty. Rick suspects the truth, but Trish finds it very hard to imagine or even accept that little Jonathon is capable of such hateful acts. I think the book makes a good point that some people are simply born with a desire to do harm, with no abusive situation to attribute these urges to. Readers are also shown how these urges can easily be encouraged through socially acceptable entertainment and through being witness to violent acts. While reading Born Evil, I experienced a wide range of emotions from anger to sorrow and shock. The conclusion was exceptional and I look forward to J.P. Ransom’s sequel." ISBN#: 1410788520Author: J.P. Ransom Lillian Brummet - Book Reviewer - Co-author of the book Trash Talk, a guide for anyone concerned about his or her impact on the environment – Author of Towards Understanding, a collection of poetry. (http://www.sunshinecable.com/~drumit) Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/ http://www.newbookreview.blogspot.com http://www.newbookrelease.blogspot.com http://www.lookingforbooks.blogspot.com

Amapola --- Book Review

noreply@blogger.com (Truth Exposed) — Tue, 21 Jun 2005 20:46:00 +0000

Alan Heywood writes a stimulating, though sometimes improbable, adventure novel in Amapola. What I mean by this is that the characters are seemingly very lucky or were simply at the right place, at the right time. Yet, other scenes are somewhat reminiscent of a James Bond movie. I liked the humor Alan dabbled throughout the novel and admired the strong female characters. This book certainly has a heavy slant towards the importance of friendships and a pro-Canada theme – which I loved. George Magee, a retired Major, was never able to forget Sakai, a Costa-Rican woman, who despite the number of years that separated them easily stole his heart. He thought that he was doing the right thing by leaving the young beauty, but the torment in his heart was not eased by the passage of time. Now retired, he fills his days with an import-export business that requires him to return to Mexico periodically to deal with his customers. His emotional void is filled by his Sister’s family – since he does not have one of his own. Sadly, members of a drug cartel heartlessly murder his brother-in-law and young niece, and George is filled with seething anger. When the Canadian government requests George to assist their war on Mexican drugs by using his business as a cover, he jumps at the chance to strike out in revenge. Fueled by his anger and his hopes of reconciling with Sakai, George is taken on a thrilling adventure in and out of the drug trade. ISBN#: 1894942130Author: Alan HeywoodPublisher: Zumaya Publications Lillian Brummet - Book Reviewer - Co-author of the book Trash Talk, a guide for anyone concerned about his or her impact on the environment – Author of Towards Understanding, a collection of poetry. (http://www.sunshinecable.com/~drumit) Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/ http://www.newbookreview.blogspot.com http://www.newbookrelease.blogspot.com http://www.lookingforbooks.blogspot.com

Turbo Strategy --- A Book Summary

noreply@blogger.com (Truth Exposed) — Mon, 20 Jun 2005 14:04:00 +0000

Businesses are run mostly on auto-pilot and any problem areas are only dealt with when they are already critical, but by then it may already be too late. Most business managers are too busy with the day-to-day work to sit back and look at the business critically in terms of its context and the direction it is going. Brian Tracey's Turbo Strategy provides a checklist of areas that should be regularly examined by all businesses to ensure that it remains on the right path towards success and profitability. In the book, the author introduces practical techniques that will help you come up with strategies and more importantly turn up profit quickly: 1. The answers have changed – most businesses operate the way they do because they are “tried” strategies, not because it is efficient and profitable. 2. Flexibility is essential – from time to time, it is important to take a step back and reevaluate the situation, then do something about it. 3. The one true measure – two basic questions you need to ask everyday “What is working?” and “What is not working?” Conduct a Basic Business Analysis Whenever you go in for a complete medical exam, the doctors and nurses follow a set procedure. In the same way, there are basic business examination questions that you need to ask and answer continuously to determine the overall health of your organization. Remember the following: a. The Customer as Centerpiece. b. Determine What You Sell. c. Define Your Competitor. d. Set Clear Goals. Design Your Ideal Future Practice Idealization. To do this you must think of what your company would look like five years from now if everything were perfect. Then think in terms of possibilities. Are the goals you set achievable in five years? Create a Mission Statement and Determine Your Values A mission statement is essential to an organization because it gives meaning and purpose to the people in their daily activities and work. It inspires loyalty, commitment and become a key factor when making business decisions and when you are clear then you can easily revisit your mission statement and follow its guidelines. Select the Right People The two key qualities in finding the best people are that they can be counted on to get the job done well and to get it done on time. Another quality is that they should be good team players. Market More Effectively The four essential elements of marketing are: specialization, differentiation, segmentation, and concentration. All marketing elements are important but you should constantly evaluate what you are doing. Remember that the market is changing and changing fast! You may have to change one of your strategies or more than one at the same time. Analyze Your Competition You have to know your competition. You have to find out why the customers buy from them, what values and benefits do they get from buying from them. The biggest mistake you can make is to belittle your customers. You have to study them and learn from them. Three Potential Areas of Superiority 1. Operational Excellence 2. Lead the Field 3. Be Close to the Customer Change your Marketing Mix 1. Product – define your product or service in terms of what it “does” for your customers. 2. Price – be open to the possibility that you may have priced your products or services wrong. 3. Promotion – this encompasses everything you do in the process of marketing, advertising and sales. 4. Place – this is the location where the sale of your product takes place. Position Your Company for Success Social proof is a major influencing factor to determine whether or not people buy your products or services. Your reputation is the value that people will pay for. Building a brand trust requires personal experiences by people with your products or services. It is very much like a personal reputation that takes a long time to build but can be damaged or destroyed overnight with bad decisions. Develop Strategic Business Units The strategic business unit concept revolutionized multi-product or multi-service businesses; each of the products is grouped with similar products or services in different ways. The starting point of implementation is to have someone specifically responsible for the operations and results of the unit. To make this work, you begin by drawing up a complete business plan that would include sales revenue, costs and profitability. Sell More Effectively The fact is that 80 percent of your markets have not yet been approached by your salespeople. No one has told them about you. Your business could be probably being selling twice as much if you could just find out how to sell it to them. Eliminate the Bottlenecks There are two important steps that you need to take. First, decide on your specific business goals; make them clear, measurable and time-bounded. The next step is asking the question: “why am not in that goal already?” Reengineer Your Company To simplify and streamline your operations so that it is more efficient, faster and more effective and therefore more profitable, you have to reduce the number of steps in each process. You have to simplify the processes and make faster and better decision. Pump Up Your Profits Conduct a complete profit analysis on every product. You must also remember that labor has a real “opportunity” cost along with other use of other resources especially in a multi-product or multi-services business. Focus on Results All your customers care about is results. They do not care much about your problems with your people, products, processes or any other aspects of your business. There are four questions that customers answer before buying the product or service. These are: What does it cost? What do I get for the money? How fast do I get the benefits you promise? How sure can I be that I will get those benefits? Seven Steps to Personal Performance Step 1: Set clear, specific, written goals for each important area of your business. Make them measurable and time-bound. Step 2: Make a list of activities before you begin a day, put it on paper. The best time to do this is before you go to bed so the subconscious mind can work on your list as you sleep. Step 3: Set priorities on the list you made. Apply the 80/20 rule and select the top 20 percent of your tasks to work on. Step 4: Practice creative procrastination. Since there are only 24 hours in a day, decide in advance which of those tasks have little value or importance can you do away with. Step 5: Select the one most important job and have the discipline to accomplish that first thing. Step 6: Practice single-handling with the most important task you have identified. Resolve to work on it until it is resolved. Step 7: Develop a sense of urgency. The faster you move, the more work you get done and the better you feel. This will create momentum. By: Regine P. Azurin and Yvette PantillaRegine Azurin is the President of BusinessSummaries.com, a company that provides business book summaries of the latest bestsellers for busy executives and entrepreneurs. http://www.bizsum.com"A Lot Of Great Books....Too Little Time To Read" Free Book Summaries Of Latest Bestsellers for Busy Executives and Entrepreneurs Mailto: mailto:freearticle@bizsum.com BusinessSummaries is a BusinessSummaries.com service. (c) Copyright 2001- 2005, BusinessSummaries.com - Wisdom In A Nutshell Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Going Deeper ----- Book Review

noreply@blogger.com (Truth Exposed) — Sun, 19 Jun 2005 21:18:00 +0000

Going Deeper by Jean-Claude Koven is certainly a nicely presented, hard-cover book. This fiction fantasy has an obvious inclination to aid readers who are embarking on their personal spiritual quest. The main character, Larry, is going through a break down, of sorts. He decides the best cure is to retreat into nature. The problem is that along the way, Larry begins to hear the voice of his dog speaking like a guru. Unsure if he is going completely mad, he continues in shock until he is able to absorb the shift in reality. Between Zeus, the talking dog, and being visited by a variety of spiritual guides, Larry learns the answers to his many questions about life, meaning, destiny and more. One could say this is definitely a unique story line! Personally, I found the book difficult to read, as it was a little too deep, sometimes tedious and occasionally the story line seemed a little ridiculous. I truly believe it was the authors intent to include a vast amount of information that may guide spiritual seekers, but it is written with some elements of humor and zest. Jean-Claude has been on an extensive journey of his own and elements of many belief systems can be seen throughout the book. ISBN#: 0972395458Author: Jean-Claude KovenPublisher: Prism House Press Lillian Brummet - Book Reviewer - Co-author of the book Trash Talk, a guide for anyone concerned about his or her impact on the environment – Author of Towards Understanding, a collection of poetry. (http://www.sunshinecable.com/~drumit) Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Getting Hip

noreply@blogger.com (Truth Exposed) — Sat, 18 Jun 2005 13:40:00 +0000

Getting Hip by Sigrid Macdonald is a delicate story of one woman; Sigrid Macdonald and her beginning to end on a road to preparations and recovery from a total hip replacement. This book is a source of beneficial information for anyone who is searching for the facts about hip surgery. The information in this book can help to answer questions about total hip replacement, revisions, hip resurfacing, and preparations. It is an astounding book on hip replacements and how it transformed one women’s life. If you need to have hip surgery you can view this book and see how the author's life was transformed by a Hip replacement, you will read a disconcerting biographical story with hints of uncompromised choices, empathy, and compassions with an underlying candor to dowse the phobia. Unbelievably there is a diversity of women out there suffering from arthritic deterioration that are in need of a total hip replacement before the age of 50, not something most of us as women expect. With a user, reader friendly book and a full detailed outline and journey to recovery her story proffers comic like candor and understanding for those facing a possible hip replacement. It offers such useful tips that deal with more than the physical aspects but also psychologically tips for coping through hip surgery. The book is so detailed from consulting with the first surgeon to waiting for surgery. The books touches on such diversity with each interview that Ms. MacDonald conducted and each individual has a unique situation that brought them to the final decisions of having to have a hip replacement. The book is written so well that it leaves you with a sense of relief and somehow the phobia subsides. Ms. Macdonald gives it that personal touch that many need when awaiting such decision making when we are dealing with our own bodies. The book is a must read for those in similar situations, the writing is done with compassion, significance, and humor. The Review DiariesGetting Hip: Recovery from a Total Hip Replacementby Sigrid MacdonaldShe Unlimited Magazine Review byVeronica Marie Kettler Veronica Marie Kettler is Editor-in-Chief for She Unlimited Magazine. http://www.sheunlimited.com and heads up the community at http://www.sheunlimited.com/forums. Marie is committed to making a difference. Making a difference in the Women sectors online, media and print. Marie believes that individual style is a form of self-expression. Marie knows the trends and where to find them. Her expertise and knowledge give consumers everywhere the insight they need to get the latest styles and products that fit everyone and every budget, both online and off. For More information or how to become and editor for She Unlimited Magazine please e-mail: admin@sheunlimited.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

E-books in Your Life

noreply@blogger.com (Truth Exposed) — Fri, 17 Jun 2005 14:47:00 +0000

E-Books are making a big impact in the way we read, write and use books. There is nothing holding back an expert with years of experience on a particular field to write about all the ins and outs, trade secrets, strengths and weaknesses of the industry. Consider Colm Dillon, the author of "Unique Real Estate Development Method!" (http://business.marc8.com/ebook-info.php/name/unique_real_estate_development_method/toc_id/6-0-2-8/). He has 30 years and $1.2 Billion worth of professional real estate development experience. Dillon wrote his book purely from experience and practical usage. His eBook is now selling in 63 countries and directly available on the Internet. More and more shoppers are now buying books online. If you purchase a physical book that you have been dying to get your hands on you still have to wait for shipping and delivery before you can start reading. With E-Books you get instant delivery 24x7. No more waiting and watching the clock. While the inspiration and interest is hot, you get to download your favorite business book and start reading away. Imagine, discovering an E-Book called “Business Plans” (http://business.marc8.com/ebook-info.php/name/business_plans/toc_id/1-0-1-6/) at 11.30 pm, decided to buy and download the book at 12.05 am, finished reading it by 2.00 am. The 10 o’clock meeting next morning, and you are already a guru on Business Plans and opportunities to lead your company to new frontiers. And that E-Book is very easy to share with your spouse or friend, just email it. The E-book will never wear out for millions of years to come. Hundreds of thousands of E-Books can be carried in the palm of your hand no matter where you go in a flash-drive or portable disk. E-Books are the new media for traditional physical books, but are E-Books here to stay? Consider Joe Vitale, author of numerous successful E-Books and more recently famous for "Attractor Factor" (http://business.marc8.com/book-info.php/name/the_attractor_factor_5_easy_steps_for_creating_wealth_or/toc_id/1-0-2-1/) which has already outsold Harry Potter as #1 bestseller twice in two weeks. E-books are carving the path for many talented authors around the world. E-books are not only here to stay but also becoming very popular. Sanjib Ahmad is a Product Consultant for Business.Marc8.com - Business Best Sellers. You are free to use this article in its entirety as long as you leave all links in place, do not modify the content, and include the resource box listed above. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Reading

noreply@blogger.com (Truth Exposed) — Sun, 12 Jun 2005 11:42:00 +0000

The reading of Faulkner, by Oprah's Book Club, has begun. Our readers have finished reading 1/3 of As I Lay Dying. We will have completed two thirds of the book by June 19th. The discussion of the book will end on June 26. After this date, we will be reading and discussing, The Sound and the Fury. It is not to late to join this reading extravaganza.

A Summer of Faulkner

noreply@blogger.com (Truth Exposed) — Tue, 07 Jun 2005 04:59:00 +0000

This summer, we will be experiencing a summer of Faulkner. As a result, I will only be posting on Mondays. After all, when you are reading William Faulkner, you have no time to post. We will be spending, a summer of Faulkner, reading William Faulkner's three-book collection of classics that include As I Lay Dying, The Sound and the Fury, and Light in August. Please purchase a summer of Faulkner's three book collection from Amazon.com as soon as possible. What a great summer this will be.

Book Blitz

noreply@blogger.com (Truth Exposed) — Thu, 02 Jun 2005 16:08:00 +0000

There will be a book blitz this year. So many books and so many book reviewers are searching for new books to read. They do not have to search hard and long in order to find a long lineup of new reading material. If you want to find new books to read, you do not have to just search the online and offline bookstores to find them. You can find new books at the major and minor publishing houses. The publishing houses have an extensive list of new books that will be released this summer. Go visit some of these publishers' website in order to get a head start on the book blitz.

Hurricane Season

noreply@blogger.com (Truth Exposed) — Wed, 01 Jun 2005 14:04:00 +0000

Today is the first day of the hurricane season. Last year, the state of Florida suffered the most during the hurricane season. Many people were left without the bare necessities. Perhaps some of you are gearing up for the hurricane season. It would not be a bad idea to go out and purchase some new books and novels. Reading is fun even when a hurricane is approaching. Even if your lights go out, you can still read with a flashlight. What a great way to past the time away. Go out and buy those books and novels before you are hit by a hurricane.

Amazon Book Store

noreply@blogger.com (Truth Exposed) — Tue, 31 May 2005 04:48:00 +0000

Amazon Online Bookstore has really cornered the market when it comes to book sales. It is impossible to do a google search, a yahoo search, or an msn search without seeing amazon. They sponsor the alexa tool bar also. There is no way that you can avoid Amazon Bookstore Online. So why not just drop in and buy some new books.

Will Oprah Return

noreply@blogger.com (Truth Exposed) — Mon, 30 May 2005 04:24:00 +0000

A lot of authors are waiting for Oprah to return. They feel that somehow they will be the lucky few that she profiles on her show. Wow, they say to themselves; if Oprah suggest my book, it will make it to The New York Times best sellers' list. Books were listed on The New York Times best sellers' list before Oprah even had a show. Do not put all of your eggs into one basket. Have faith in your abilities to take your new book as far as it can go.

Authors During the Harlem Renaissance

noreply@blogger.com (Truth Exposed) — Sun, 29 May 2005 05:36:00 +0000

1. Sterling Brown 2. Countee Cullen 3. Jessie Redmon Fauset 4. Langston Hughes 5. Zora Neale Hurston 6. James Weldon Johnson 7. Nella Larsen 8. Claude McKay 9. Jean Toomer

Memorial Day Weekend

noreply@blogger.com (Truth Exposed) — Fri, 27 May 2005 20:01:00 +0000

Memorial day weekend has arrived. Most of you will be off from work. This is a good time for each and every one of you to read a good book. Have you made your book selection yet? Get out there and buy a book. I would love to hear from you concerning the books you will be reading.

Books Online

noreply@blogger.com (Truth Exposed) — Thu, 26 May 2005 16:32:00 +0000

There are a lot of books being advertised online. Some of these books have recently been published. Everyone is gearing up for their adventure, into the world of books, this summer. Will you be left behind? Will your children be left behind? Books, books, books, new books, old books, and rare books. It does not matter what type of books you choose, this summer. The only thing that matters is that you choose.

The Messenger

noreply@blogger.com (Truth Exposed) — Thu, 26 May 2005 02:31:00 +0000

This morning, The Today's Show became the messenger for this summer's hot reads. They had a guest speaker on who listed a variety of books and novels that he felt should be read this summer. Summer reading is the message that I have been delivering this week. I am glad that the Today's Show also had the same sentiment. Summer is the perfect time to catch up on your reading. It is the perfect time to buy new books. and novels.

Late Post

noreply@blogger.com (Truth Exposed) — Tue, 24 May 2005 06:40:00 +0000

This is a late post. I tried posting earlier but there was a problem with the blogger software. I am a little disgusted by the event since I try to keep all of my post as frequent as possible. I hope all of my readers had a good evening. Goodnight. I am signing off now.