SInbad's Last Voyage by Toni Sweeeney

1 - How did you get interested in the topic that’s featured in your book?

I've always liked adventure stories and movies, as well as SF and fantasy.

2 - Tell us a bit about your background. What have you done in the past that relates to your book and that topic?

I've certainly never been to another planet, or had a husband arrested for being a spy or anything like what happens to Andi! The only things we have in common are our physical descriptions and the fact that we live in California. I was born in the South, lived there the first 30 years of my life, moved to Nebraska with my son in 1975, lived knee-deep in snow for 25 years, and then lit out for sunny Orange County. I have a major in Art, English, and Drama, and was a dancer for 13 years, as well as acting in college drama productions. I think those two facts helped me write my books.

3 - What advise would you give to someone who is interested in your topic?

Enjoy it!

4 - What do you see as the benefit to participating in groups and organizations? My first thought would be networking opportunities and the chance for personal and business growth. What are your reasons?

Those things do help. Participating also gives one a chance to share ideas, and seek inspiration and assistance in writing, especially if when having problems with a chapter or subject matter.

5 - Who is the ideal person to read your book? If each person that reads this was going to recommend your book to one person, what sort of person would they want to chose?

I think anyone who likes science fiction--a Sci-Fi Channel devotee--with a little romance thrown in, will like this book.

6 - What do you think ignites a person’s creativity?

For me, it's seeing or hearing something that I can't get out of my head...a phrase, an idea. I have a rule--if I think about it, and it comes back into my mind three times, I know I have to write about it.

7 - What have you found to be the biggest stumbling block for people who want to start writing?

Thinking that after writing a novel--and editing it, and refining it, and proofing it--that they're just going to send it off and--wham!--it's going to be accepted somewhere immediately.

8 - How would you suggest they can overcome that?

Acknowledge that it may take numerous failures and numerous rejections before anything is accepted anywhere. What you consider your best work may not be the one to actually be published first. Someone you think is trivial and ridiculous may be what catches the publisher's fancy.

9 - What do you find is the biggest motivator for people to succeed? Is it money, security, desire for fame or something else?

For me, it was to earn approval. To have people see that I could accomplish something. I also wanted to share my stories because I thought other people would enjoy them, too. For others--I'd imagine it's either for fame or money, not necessarily in that order.

10 - Who is the “perfect” person to read your book?

Someone who likes a romantic adventure with fantasy elements.

Music and Meditation CD series by Dyan Garris

Music and Meditation CDs by Dyan Garris

1 - How did you get interested in this topic?

The music and meditation series is for relaxation, Automatic Chakra Balance,™ help in sleeping, and vibrational attunement of mind, body, and spirit. It’s part of my larger body of work which basically is automatic energy shift. I’ve been playing the piano since I was four years old. I also am a violinist. My music was recently #1 on Music Choice’s Soundscapes cable TV channel and has been nominated for several New Age Reporter Lifestyle Awards. Everything in the body of work started with a guided meditation “A Healing Journey” in 1993. From there came my deck of angel cards, which are all scenes from the guided meditation. “A Healing Journey Guided Fantasy” is the last track on my first CD in the series.

2 - Tell us a bit about your background. What have you done in the past that relates to the topic.

I’m clairvoyant, clairaudient, and clairsentient. In addition, I’m also what is known as a voice recognition psychic and trance channel. This means that I can help clients via telephone, which is how I conducted my readings throughout my career. I retired from private readings to focus on building the spiritual toolbox that Spirit and I are almost finished building.

For many years I taught classes on how to balance the energy field and clear the chakras. As part of those classes, mediation was taught as well. Music was used in the classes as a way of clearing and balancing. Methods of integrating the mind, body, and spirit were implemented too. Integration is a necessary part of learning to manifest.

I write the Daily Channeled Message which posts on my website. There is a free spiritual forum there, with live chat and free psychic and online angel card readings, as well as a free spiritual advice column, “Dear Dyan.” My latest book Money and Manifesting teaches why the law of attraction and the power of positive thinking are not enough for effective manifesting, and exactly what to do about it. I also am the author of The Book of Daily Channeled Messages, Voice of the Angels Cookbook – Talk To Your Food! Intuitive Cooking and Fish Tale of Woe – Lost at Sea.

3 - What advice would you give to someone who is interested in your music and meditation series?

Even though the series gets progressively higher in vibration and in musical elements, I suggest that everyone start with whatever CD their intuition guides them to use. That’s why I purposefully did not number them. If one listens to their intuition they will know which CDs will benefit them the most.

4 - What do you see as the benefit to participating in groups and organizations that discuss this topic? My first thought would be networking opportunities and the chance for personal or business growth. What are your reasons?

Participating in groups and organizations is always helpful because you get the benefit of many points of view. Participation may keep you from staying stuck on your own perspective. It’s always good to learn and grow.

5 – What products do you offer would help a person who is interested in this topic?

In addition to offering the CD series as individual CDs, I also offer them together in the Meditation Basket. The basket comes with a lot of other helpful items, such as Reiki charged candles and a genuine Tibetan meditation crystal. I also offer the option of adding several other products to the basket. It’s a really good value.

6 - Who is the ideal person for these products? If each person that reads this was going to recommend these products to one person, what sort of person would they want to chose?

These products are ideal for anyone that loves music. They’re ideal for anyone who doesn’t know how to meditate, but they’re also a refreshing change of pace for the experienced student of meditation. They are really interesting journeys and the music and meditations are designed for automatic shift. I don’t believe anyone else is doing such a thing. All a person really has to do is listen. They are also integrative healing. I tried to take the perception of “work” out of it.

7 - What have you found to be the biggest stumbling block for people who want to learn more about this topic?

The biggest stumbling block is simply making a determination to change and shift. Meditation, change, growth, and transformation are often seen as “work.” It doesn’t have to be so.

8 - How would you suggest they can overcome that?

Try it for yourself and see what happens.

9 - What do you find is the biggest motivator to learn more about this topic?

The biggest motivation is that this works. If someone is really stuck and going around and around in their life, this will help. And it isn’t expensive and time consuming. And it helps people.

10 - Who is the “perfect” person to delve into this information?

Anyone who truly wants to move forward is the perfect person for this.

11 - Is there anything else you would like to share with us?

You can listen to free music samples and meditation samples on my website www.voiceoftheangels.com. I also have a downloadble MP3 store there. You can hear some songs in their entirety at www.myspace.com/voiceoftheangels. I offer a lot of free things on my site because I simply want to help people move forward and I get tired of so many things being all hype. When you’re ready, come begin your own “healing journey.”

SPECIAL NOTE

Each person who posts a comment on any or all of the blog tour spots will be entered in a random drawing for a copy of Dyan Garris’ CD – Release. In addition – the blog owner that hosted the winning commenter will also win a free copy of Release. Share your thoughts and comments with Dyan. She will check in throughout the day to answer questions. You’ll learn more and you have a chance to win a CD.

Dyan is offering a FREE teleclass for anyone who has read Money and Manifesting - if you haven't already read the book, visit Dyan's website to order a copy - www.voiceoftheangels.com. For full details about the class, visit this page http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/05/begin-your-personal-healing-journey.html

For more information about Dyan Garris and her virtual tour, check the schedule at http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/04/dyan-garris-may-schedule.html and http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/04/dyan-garris-may-blog-tour.html.

Her website is full of great details about all of the items within her “toolbox” and there are many special features. She provides the tools you need to have a full and happy life – http://www.voiceoftheangels.com/ and it’s not as hard to achieve as you think. Visit Dyan’s Amazon profile for links to many of her products - http://www.amazon.com/gp/pdp/profile/AYREZNHQDLRFM/

Intuitive Products by Dyan Garris

Intuitive Cooking

Voice of the Angels Cookbook – Talk To Your Food! Intuitive Cooking by Dyan Garris

1 - How did you get interested in this topic?

The intuitive cookbook is one component of the spiritual toolbox I’ve been building. It’s an exercise in integrating mind, body, and spirit. Integration is a necessary step in manifesting.

2 - Tell us a bit about your background. What have you done in the past that relates to the topic?

I’m a spiritual counselor, clairvoyant, clairaudient, and clairsentient. In the toolbox are music and meditation CDs for relaxation, stress release, chakra balance, and help in sleeping, a deck of angel cards, a journal for use with the CDs, a journal for use with the angel cards, The Book of Daily Channeled Messages, and a mini book about entitlement. A free angel card reading is available at www.voiceoftheangels.com, as well as a free spiritual forum, free spiritual advice column, “Dear Dyan,” and free daily channeled message.

3 - What advice would you give to someone who is interested in your topic?

If you feel stuck and want to make some changes follow your intuition and it will lead you to exactly what you need to implement those changes.

4 - What do you see as the benefit to participating in groups and organizations that discuss this topic? My first thought would be networking opportunities and the chance for personal or business growth. What are your reasons?

I’m not sure that many people are discussing intuitive cooking yet. However, if we begin to look at food from a different perspective than we currently do, discussions could get very interesting. Just as our relationship with money has become distorted, so has our relationship with food. The energy of these things resides in the root chakra. The root chakra is where many people have blocks to being able to manifest.

5 – What products do you offer would help a person who is interested in this topic?

I have an entire toolbox of spiritual tools for anyone who is interested in learning to integrate mind, body, and spirit, and clearing energy blocks that prevent them from moving forward on the path.

6 - Who is the ideal person for these products? If each person that reads this was going to recommend these products to one person, what sort of person would they want to chose?

My products are for anyone who wants spiritual growth, positive change, and transformation. They are for anyone who feels stuck or lost. I’ve tried to make everything easy and enjoyable.

7 - What have you found to be the biggest stumbling block for people who want to learn more about this topic?

Fear is a huge stumbling block as well as ingrained belief systems and patterns that were learned in childhood.

8 - How would you suggest they can overcome that?

Anyone can overcome fear by simply being open to change and new perspectives. There is nothing to fear.

9 - What do you find is the biggest motivator to learn more about this topic?

The biggest motivator for anything is the willingness to change.

10 - Who is the “perfect” person to delve into this information?

Anyone who loves to cook and be creative is the perfect person for this information.

11 - Is there anything else you would like to share with us? Those questions are only slightly different from what I had and I'm going to add them as an alternative way to post for this blog :)

If we look at a completely messy room as a whole, it may seem to be a daunting task to straighten it up. However, if we clean one small area at a time, pretty soon we have the whole thing cleared up. Change and transformation do not have to be intimidating. Change can even be fun. Start small.

SPECIAL NOTE

Each person who posts a comment on any or all of the blog tour spots will be entered in a random
drawing for a copy of Dyan Garris’ CD – Release. In addition – the blog owner that hosted the winning commenter will also win a free copy of Release. Share your thoughts and comments with Dyan. She will check in throughout the day to answer questions. You’ll learn more and you have a chance to win a CD.

Dyan is offering a FREE teleclass for anyone who has read Money and Manifesting - if you haven't already read the book, visit Dyan's website to order a copy - www.voiceoftheangels.com. For full details about the class, visit this page http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/05/begin-your-personal-healing-journey.html

For more information about Dyan Garris and her virtual tour, check the schedule at http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/04/dyan-garris-may-schedule.html and http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/04/dyan-garris-may-blog-tour.html.

Her website is full of great details about all of the items within her “toolbox” and there are many special features. She provides the tools you need to have a full and happy life – http://www.voiceoftheangels.com/ and it’s not as hard to achieve as you think. Visit Dyan’s Amazon profile for links to many of her products - http://www.amazon.com/gp/pdp/profile/AYREZNHQDLRFM/

Do You Have a Product or Service You Want to Promote

This blog can now be used to promote books or other items or services. Read on for information and contact me with any questions.

To submit information for a specific product, service or topic - use these questions. You can feel free to replace the words "this topic" with the name of your product or service. I need you to answer the questions below and send the answers to me. This works best if you copy the questions into a document, answer the questions, save as a RTF (rich text file) and email them to me at nikki_leigh22939@yahoo.com. Please list "Start With the Facts" in the signature line. You can also send a picture of the product if you would like me to include it with your post. I look forward to learning more about you.


Topic to Discuss - ___________________
1 - How did you get interested in this topic?
2 - Tell us a bit about your background. What have you done in the past that relates to the topic?
3 - What advise would you give to someone who is interested in yourtopic?
4 - What do you see as the benefit to participating in groups andorganizations that discuss this topic? My first thought would be networkingopportunities and the chance for personal or business growth. What areyour reasons?
5 – What products do you offer would help a person who is interested inthis topic?
6 - Who is the ideal person for these products? If each person thatreads this was going to recommend these products to one person, what sortof person would they want to chose?
7 - What have you found to be the biggest stumbling block for peoplewho want to learn more about this topic?
8 - How would you suggest they can overcome that?
9 - What do you find is the biggest motivator to learn more about thistopic?
10 - Who is the “perfect” person to delve into this information?
11 - Is there anything else you would like to share with us? Those questions are only slightly different from what I had and I'mgoing to add them as an alternative way to post for this blog :)

Unsung Patriot by Virginia Vassallo

1. How did you get interested in the topic that's featured in your book?

My book, Unsung Patriot, is about my grandfather, Guy T. Viskniskki, and how he started The Stars and Stripes newspaper during World War I. The easy answer to how I got interested in the topic is that I can't remember a time in my life when I didn't know that my grandfather started the paper. Admittedly, for many years, I had no idea what the paper was. In fact, I remember asking my mom, “If Guydaddy started the paper, why don't we get it?” This was in the 1950s; there was no Internet and only the armed forces received The Stars and Stripes.

After my mom died and I found that I had inherited my grandfather's 437 page manuscript about his experiences trying to start the paper, I thought I should write up something for my grandchildren. It grew - because I had to know more and more. And finally it became a book.

2. Tell us a bit about your background. What have you done in the past that relates to your book and your topic?

Obviously, being the granddaughter of the man who started The Stars and Stripes and having information only the family had uniquely qualified me to write this book. On another level, I was a history major in college and then became an attorney so much of the writing that I had done has been on either historical topics or non-fiction, such as legal briefs. Since my topic is historical non-fiction combined with family information, I think I am a 'natural' to write Unsung Patriot.

3. What advise would you give to someone who is interested in your topic?

First of all, that person should read my book. Second, The Stars and Stripes Museum/Library in Bloomfield, Missouri, has exhibits covering the whole history of the newspaper and they also have a research library. Third, you can join the European-Pacific Stars and Stripes Association. Initially the group was composed of men and women who had worked for the paper during their time in the armed forces. However, they have recently expanded their membership to include people who are interested in The Stars and Stripes. The yearly dues are nominal and you get 4-6 issues of their newsletter a year plus they meet once a year in various locations. I am waiting for 2009 when they are meeting in Reno, NV, to go again.

Other than those suggestions there is no a tremendous amount of information out there about the newspaper during the First World War.

4. What do you see as the benefit of participating in groups and organizations? My first thought would be networking opportunities and the chance for personal and business growth. What are your reasons?

Certainly those are good reasons, Nikki, and they are some of the reasons I belong to various groups and organizations. Obviously belonging to the S&S Association is a plus for information about the paper today. I also belong to several genealogical groups because I have a real interest in tracing my family's origins and those of my husband. Some of those contacts have resulted in sales of my book - probably because of the similarity of interests among the participants. And, besides, some of them have monthly meetings nearby and it's fun to get together.

5. Who is the ideal person to read your book? If each person that reads this was going to recommend your book to one person, what sort of person would they want to choose?

Unsung Patriot would appeal to a person who is interested in history, a person who is interested in genealogy, a person interested in military history, a person interested in journalism and newspapers.

As one reader said, “Virginia, I finished reading your book about your grandfather and enjoyed it tremendously. I am so amazed at all your grandfather accomplished and love how he stood up to his military superiors to keep his promise to the regular soldiers. This book is such a memorable way to share his story and the accolades that he received during his lifetime.”

6. What do you think ignites a person's creativity?

First and foremost, I think a good imagination is necessary. Even when writing non-fiction, you have to be able to imagine or see how the book will flow together. This is especially true when you are gathering information from a variety of sources.

Believe it or not, for me walking in the woods and fields of our farm helps my creativity immensely. My mind is free-floating, looking at the world around me, wondering what my dogs are scenting, yet it seems I come back from a long walk refreshed and with new ideas. Yet I am not conscious of thinking about anything in particular.

7. What have you found to be the biggest stumbling block for people who want to start writing?

I think potential authors look to the end result - will someone publish this book? How do I get it published? Do I really want to have to do my own marketing?

It can be daunting and scary.

When I started writing Unsung Patriot, I started writing for my children and grandchildren so that they would know about my grandfather. I never thought I would actually write a book that would be sold at book fairs, in stores and on the Internet. That came much later. I believe I probably wouldn't have started writing if I had realized what I was really going to do with the end product. I had to work in to the idea of being a published author.

8. How would you suggest they can overcome that?

Write for your own enjoyment. Write for one other person - a spouse, a child, a grandchild. Don't think that what you write must be published. Think about just telling your story.

One of my neighbors is 80 something and tells wonderful stories about growing up in rural Kentucky. She has finally written down some of her memories and we are all elated. It brings this small part of the world to life - what it was really like to live here back in the Depression. And it's a very different that the story you hear of how the Depression affected city dwellers.

9. What do you find is the biggest motivator for people to succeed? Is it money, security, desire for fame or something else?

I think it varies from person to person. Some people want they approval of their readers. Others want to make lots of money from their books. Still others want to prove to themselves that they can do it.

For me, I think it's a combination. I wanted my family to know about my grandfather. Now that the book is out there, I would like to make at least enough money to pay for the cost of getting it published. And I am on my way to accomplishing that!

10. Who is the “perfect” person to read your book?

The “perfect” person would be anyone with an interest in, or a love, of history.

11. Is there anything else you would like to share with us?

Nikki, I think you have been very comprehensive. I would just like to invite your readers to visit my websites - www.krazyduck.com and www.unsungpatriot.com.

Virginia G. Vassallo

www.krazyduck.com

www.unsungpatriot.com

Start with Joyful Paws

1 - How did you get interested in the topic that’s featured in your book?

I have always loved dogs. When my dachshund became paralyzed from a spinal injury and had to be fitted for a cart, I received much compassion from strangers as I would take her about in my little town. People were fascinated by the "little dog in tires" and wanted to know her story. So, that is why I decided to tell her story.

2 - Tell us a bit about your background. What have you done in the past that relates to your book and that topic?

I began writing about three years ago. At that time my chocolate lab, Cassie had been diagnosed with cancer. I was devastated. It really made me realize how short life really was. After much soul searching I decided to pursue my love of writing and write about animals. I landed a job working for our local paper and wrote a monthly column titled, "For the Love of Animals." I also joined a woman's writing circle to expand my writing further. As my confidence in my writing grew, I attended a Writer's Festival the following year. I was thinking of writing an adult non-fiction book based on my journey in life and the lessons I learned from my dogs. When I returned home from the festival I decided to write a children's book about Frankie. I believed her story could help spread a positive message.

3 - What advise would you give to someone who is interested in your topic?

My story is about my dachshund that becomes paralyzed from a ruptured disk. I would say research all your options. These dogs do not have to be put down prematurely and they can live quality lives even with a ruptured disk and paralysis.

4 - What do you see as the benefit to participating in groups and organizations? My first thought would be networking opportunities and the chance for personal and business growth. What are your reasons?

Definitely to spread the message that dogs can lead a quality life in a wheelchair. Also sharing her message with children so they realize we all face challenges, but we can overcome our challenges or make positive choices to any challenge we are facing.

5 - Who is the ideal person to read your book? If each person that reads this was going to recommend your book to one person, what sort of person would they want to chose?

Every child, pet owner, grandparents.

6 - What do you think ignites a person’s creativity?

For me it was inspiration and also wanting to find more meaning for my life and leave a legacy

7 - What have you found to be the biggest stumbling block for people who want to start writing?

Time and confidence

8 - How would you suggest they can overcome that?

Start with 10 minutes of writing a day. Write about anything. Find a local writing group or on-line group to join for support.

9 - What do you find is the biggest motivator for people to succeed? Is it money, security, desire for fame or something else?

I think each person is different. As a writer, I think we just want to be heard. For me it is important to leave a legacy.

10 - Who is the “perfect” person to read your book?

A child

11 - Is there anything else you would like to share with us?

If you have a story tell, and we all do, go for it. Follow your heart and your heart will guide you.

Angels and Quilt Pieces…Our Journey with a Katrina Family

By: Stephanie Ehmen

1 - How did you get interested in the topic that's featured in your book?

When we volunteered at a shelter following Hurricane Katrina, we had no idea of the journey that lay ahead of us. Over the weeks and months we learned through our mistakes how to best help those in need.

2 - Tell us a bit about your background. What have you done in the past that relates to your book and that topic?

We had no background or preparation for this venture. We learned as we went, and this is why we felt that telling the story was so important.

3 - What advise would you give to someone who is interested in your topic?

For anyone who is interested in volunteering or charitable work, educating yourself ahead of time is imperative. It would have saved us a lot of headaches and heartaches. We hope that by sharing our story, it will inspire others to get involved helping those who need a “hand-up” and not a “hand-out”.

4 - What do you see as the benefit to participating in groups and organizations? My first thought would be networking opportunities and the chance for personal and business growth. What are your reasons?

The conversations that come with networking groups always leads to further reflection and education. The support we have received has resulted in more “Angels” being added to our list! Networking groups and blogs give the reader an opportunity to follow the progress of the family and has resulted in a lot of interest and support of “our kids”.

5 - Who is the ideal person to read your book? If each person that reads this was going to recommend your book to one person, what sort of person would they want to chose?

Along with pastors and clergy, I have found my target audience to be primarily Christian women who are interested in volunteer or charity work. My readers have included counselors, therapists, teachers, principals, community support groups, church leaders and lay people. The comments that I have received from readers are overwhelmingly positive. Many of the comments are in regards to what we learned about Generational Poverty and how to relate to people who come from different backgrounds than ourselves. Throughout our journey we saw many people who wanted to help out in the right way, but ended up causing more hurt and trauma because they did not understand those they were trying to help.

6 - What do you think ignites a person's creativity?

In my case, it was a personal experience that I felt was important to share with others.

7 - What have you found to be the biggest stumbling block for people who want to start writing?

At times it is hard to know where to start and how to put the story into a cohesive format. As a first time author of a full length book, the search for a publisher was overwhelming, and it resulted in my utilization of self-publishing, a choice I have been happy with.

8 - How would you suggest they can overcome that?

I found my format quite by accident. As I wrote my first draft I felt that the story went on and on, and I was afraid that the reader would get bogged down in the day-to-day details. After letting a few friends read the draft, I discovered that this format worked well, as the reader was left wondering what would come next, just as we had lived it - not knowing what to expect next. Most every person who has read my book has told me that once they started reading they could not put it down. I can't think of a better compliment!

9 - What do you find is the biggest motivator for people to succeed? Is it money, security, desire for fame or something else?

After the hard work and time put into writing, editing, designing and finally receiving the finished product, money is certainly a big issue. But I think a passion for the subject matter is my biggest motivator.

10 - Who is the “perfect” person to read your book?

Anyone interested in reading a good heartwarming story.

Anyone interested in volunteer or charity work.

Anyone who loves kids.

11 - Is there anything else you would like to share with us?

I would like to share the following introduction, and invite you to read more at my website: www.eagleswingspublications.com

Come on a Journey with us . . .

September 2005, in the after-math of Hurricane Katrina, we had no idea that we were about to embark on an unexpected journey. Wanting to help in a hands-on way, we volunteered at a church sponsored shelter. Here we would meet Mr. & Mrs. Thornton from New Orleans and their seven precious children. By the end of our volunteer week, we had earned the trust of Mr. Thornton and the children had found a place of refuge in our arms. Our journey over the following months has changed our lives forever. As the days, weeks and months progressed, the Thornton's told us their extraordinary story in bits and pieces. We are telling our story through our own eyes, what we saw, heard and witnessed. Come on this journey with us and experience the joys and the heartaches, as we learned how to help others in need. It will make you laugh and cry; it will make you angry and warm your heart. Meet all the “Angels” who helped us out along the way by giving this family “pieces for their quilts”.

Thank you for the opportunity to share!

Stephanie Ehmen

Author of

“Angels and Quilt Pieces…Our Journey with a Katrina Family”

www.eagleswingspublications.com

ISBN: 1-4196-6990-7

233 pp - 6 x 9

Also available at www.amazon.com

Published by: BookSurge, LLC