The Last Stop: Lincoln & the “Mud Circuit” by Alan Bower

Alan Bower

The Last Stop: Lincoln & the “Mud Circuit”

http:alanbower.com

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

In March of 2006, I attended a meeting, in Taylorville, Illinois with its mayor, tourism council and president of the local historical society along with others interested in documenting Lincoln’s presence, activities and relationships in the city. This information would be used in promoting the city and its connection with Mr. Lincoln as part of the Looking for Lincoln project. “The Last Stop” was the result of that research project I agreed to undertake.

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

I am directly descended from Joseph Durbin Sr., one of the first settlers who came to Christian County in 1829 and lived on Bear Creek, then part of Montgomery County. His brother, John “Stumpy” Durbin, arriving a year earlier is the great-great-great grandfather of Illinois Senator Richard Durbin. They both knew Lincoln for he represented members of their families in several cases. The two brothers are buried in the Durbin ancestral cemetery on Bear Creek in Christian County.

3 - What advice would you give to someone who is interested in your topic? The number of books available on Mr. Lincoln is said to number in excess of 15,000. I am sure the reader can find something that would interest them.

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?

My reasons are the same as your original thoughts.

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?

Anyone having a keen interest in the early years of Mr. Lincoln in the Illinois Assembly and his life on the Eight Judicial Circuit would find “The Last Stop” valuable in studying the types of cases he had including the extremely important relationships he established which would lead him to the White House.

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

Passion…without it nothing happens.

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

They perhaps fail to realize that anyone can write or they think they don’t have the time.

8 - How would you suggest they can overcome that?

A great journey begins with one small step and the same can be said for writing. The prospect of writing book can be intimidating and daunting task but if broken down into its individual parts the process soon looses it’s sense of enormity.

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

Motivation to succeed in anything we attempt comes from many sources and not always measurable in terms such as money or fame which can be fleeting.

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

Never be afraid to try something you have never done before….you might be greatly surprised at the results…the best hitters in baseball strike out 70% of the time.

The Permission Seeker’s Guide the Legal Jungle by Joy Butler

Posting for Joy R. Butler, Author of The Permission Seeker’s Guide Through the Legal Jungle: Clearing Copyrights, Trademarks and Other Rights for Entertainment and Media Productions

1 - How did you get interested in the topic that’s featured in your book?First, let me explain the topic. The book is a resource on copyright, licensing, and related legal issues. Specifically, it explains to media producers how to use quotes, music, pictures, and other protected materials in their productions – without running afoul of the law. The process is called “clearing rights” and entails verifying that your media production contains no material that violates the rights of another person or that violates any relevant laws.

As an entertainment and intellectual property law attorney, I regularly help clients clear rights in their media productions. I use the term media production broadly to encompass film, television programs, newspapers, posters, CDs, websites, computer games, photographs, advertisements, and a host of other media through which people communicate.

2 - Tell us a bit about your background. What have you done in the past that relates to your book and that topic?For the past fourteen years, I have been an attorney focusing on entertainment, intellectual property, and business law. Many say there is an artist inside every entertainment attorney. I am no exception. Since elementary school, I have found creative outlets through music, dance, and creative writing.

In my practice, I work with clients developing projects in music, publishing, film, television and new media. Recent projects include representing independent producers of television programming; negotiating literary agency agreements and script sales on behalf of writers; and advising producers on potential liability for copyright, right of publicity, and defamation claims.

3 - What advise would you give to someone who is interested in your topic?Rights clearance is not always straight-forward and can be frustrating. The good news is that media producers have the power to exercise control over the process and minimize their trouble and costs by allowing plenty of time for rights clearance and by remaining flexible throughout the process.


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?I participate in attorney groups such as the New York State Bar Media Law Committee as well as media-specific groups such as Women in Film and Video and the Women’s National Book Association. The groups offer me a means to stay current on industry trends and to meet people who share my interests.

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?My book is designed to assist media producers facing rights clearance questions. Throughout the book, there are practical guidelines and tips for the permissible and affordable incorporation of other people’s material into a media production. A fifty-page appendix includes sample licensing fees, useful organizations, and model license and permission forms.

6 - What do you think ignites a person’s creativity?Creativity comes from natural talent combined with a desire and/or need to express oneself.

7 - What have you found to be the biggest stumbling block for people who want to start writing?
The biggest stumbling block is not to become intimidated by the enormity of the task.

8 - How would you suggest they can overcome that?I suggest that aspiring writers break each writing project into manageable tasks. When I began writing The Permission Seeker’s Guide Through the Legal Jungle, I did not sit down in front of a blank computer screen and say to myself “I am now going to research and write a 408-page book.” That would have been overwhelming. Instead, I began with an outline and approached each section of the book separately.

9 - What do you find is the biggest motivator for people to succeed? Is it money, security, desire for fame or something else?You have named three of the motivations at the top of the list. Ultimately, the motivating factor depends upon the individual person.

10 - Who is the “perfect” person to read your book?The “perfect” person is anyone who produces, acquires, distributes, or otherwise works with media productions. The book summarizes relevant laws including copyright, trademark, privacy, and defamation and uses numerous illustrative examples from real-life cases. Each chapter is broken up into smaller sections. The reader can use it encyclopedia style for a quick answer to an immediate question. Alternatively, producers can read it cover to cover for a more complete overview of the rights clearance landscape.

11 - Is there anything else you would like to share with us?
Don’t drive with your eyes closed!
Failing to clear rights is a gamble for media producers. I analogize the risk of ignoring rights clearance to the risk of driving a car with your eyes closed. If you drive your car with your eyes closed for twenty seconds, you might get through the experience without damaging any property or injuring yourself. But what if you drive with your eyes closed on a regular basis. You make entire road trips this way. Sooner or later, you are going to crash. It is the same scenario for rights clearance. If you produce on a regular basis and you ignore rights issues, there will eventually be consequences.

Readers can find additional information about The Permission Seeker’s Guide the Legal Jungle: Clearing Copyrights, Trademarks and Other Rights for Entertainment and Media Productions at www.GuideThroughtheLegalJungle.com. For more information about Joy Butler’s law firm practice, visit www.JoyButler.com.

MORE DETAILS: Authored by Joy R. Butler, Published by Sashay Communications, ISBN: 978-0-9672940-1-8, 408 pages, paperback, trim size 5.5 x 8.5, $19.95. Available at bookstores and from the publisher via the website www.GuideThroughtheLegalJungle.com or via toll-free order at 877-995-8645.

Right to Recover by Yvonne Perry

Today, Yvonne Perry will share some background for her fascinating and very educational book about stem cell research. Does the subject confuse you? Then you need to read her book. Its hard to make an educated decision about such an important topic without the starting with the facts...

1 - How did you get interested in the topic that's featured in your book?
There are two people who influenced me to write RIGHT TO RECOVER Winning the Political and Religious Wars over Stem Cell Research in America.

I met Reverend Dan Bloodworth in 2005 and immediately became intrigued by his enthusiasm regarding stem cell research. Dan's All-American athlete son, Brian, suffered a spinal cord injury when he was hit by lightning in 1987. Motivated by his desire to find a treatment that would allow his son to communicate and become mobile again, Dan has devoted 16 years of his life to learn everything he could about stem cell research and share that information with anyone willing to listen.

While working with Michael Davis on his book, FROM TRAGEDY TO TRIUMPH: A Personal Story about Living with Quadriplegia, I became keenly aware of, and very interested in, the healing potential that blastocyst (also known as embryonic) stem cell research offers victims of spinal cord injury, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's, cancer, renal failure, paralysis, heart disease, and many other illnesses.


2 - Tell us a bit about your background. What have you done in the past that relates to your book and that topic?
I enjoy doing research on just about any topic. I'm an encyclopedia junkie! I've written more than a dozen books and over 100 articles so writing is my background. I operate a freelance writing and editing services from my home. When the topic of stem cell research kept coming up for me, I naturally started researching. The next thing I knew I had gathered enough information to write a book, so I found a publisher, pitched my idea to her and started the manuscript.


3 - What advice would you give to someone who is interested in your topic? By all means, read my book, but also do some research on your own. Talk to the people in this field, and interview those who are doing the work.


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 benefits of being involved in groups are tremendous. Networking is a big part of my day. I am affiliated with about a six online groups for writing and marketing. We learn a lot from one another. We share information, give one another encouragement and helpful feedback. Not a day goes by that I don't correspond with someone in one of these groups. If I know someone who needs a service another person offers, I am going to refer them to someone in my network. It's a win-win for everyone involved. Some of my best friends are online acquaintances that I have never met in person.


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? Someone who is on the fence regarding blastocystic (embryonic) stem cell research would be able to create their own informed opinion about the research after reading my book.


6 - What do you think ignites a person's creativity? I think we all have a muse or creative spirit inside us. The creativity can come any time or any place, like in the middle of the night. Then, there are times when I have to write something by a certain date and the inspiration is not there and I'm not really interested in doing the project. That when I have to make the effort and start a project anyway, and trust that the inspiration will follow. It usually does.


7 - What have you found to be the biggest stumbling block for people who want to start writing? Procrastination and low self-esteem are the two biggest reasons people do not follow their hearts. If you do not have confidence that you are a good writer, you may not even try. But, trying is part of the process even if you are not good at it. You can always take writing courses. The more we write, the more we improve our writing skills. The more we improve, the more confidence we gain.

8 - How would you suggest they can overcome that? Writing for the fun of writing is the best remedy. When you can write without fear of being judged or feeling like your writing isn't good enough, you will find it a healing process. Enjoy each step you take no matter where you are on the journey.


9 - What do you find is the biggest motivator for people to succeed? Is it money, security, desire for fame or something else? That's different for each person. Some are motivated by money and fame. My definition of success is balance. If I enjoy what I do and make enough money to live comfortably, I am successful.


10 - Who is the “perfect” person to read your book? A person who can appreciate the amount of research time and effort that went into it! I would love to have each member of Congress read my book.


11 - Is there anything else you would like to share with us? I want to thank you for allowing me to be on your blog. You are doing a great job and I've enjoyed sharing with you.

Judi Moreo and Kim Baccelia - Virtual Tour Stops

Promotional Interview with Judi Moreo

This is the first author promotional interview that I've posted on my Self Promotion blog on the Inspired Author site. This is the first interview in a series that I'm doing with Kathleen Gage. She is posting some on her blog and I'll be posting all of the interviews on my site. To read about Judi Moreo's promotion - visit http://inspiredauthor.com/v3/promotional-interview-judi-moreo-0

~ and ~

Kim Baccellia - Young Adult Author - Earrings of Ixtumea

Join Nikki Leigh and Muze as they interview young adult author Kim Baccelia about her book - Earrings of Ixtumea.

This is the opening question of the interview -

Nikki & Muze – I was reading the synopsis for your book and was intrigued by the inner struggle that your character faces. It’s also interesting that she is confronted by the same cultural problems in the fantasy world. Can you give us some information about how you came up with this idea and what sort of problems she deals with in the story?

Kim –As a bilingual teacher in the later ‘80’s and early ‘90’s, I saw a lot with my second language students. I taught in a LA county school district, close to East LA. I also was researching my own family history at this time. I was bothered how each year my students would draw themselves blond, blue-eyed, and fair skinned. Click here to learn more about Kim and Earrings of Iztumeahttp://muzesmusings.blogspot.com/

Nikki Leigh – Fiction Author – www.nikkileigh.com
Book Promo 101 – www.nikkileigh.com/book_promo_101.htm
“Coastal Suspense with a Touch of Romance”

HOW TO SUBMIT

I recently made a change to this blog and it can be used to promote books or a product or service. The questions for the product or service are listed near the bottom.

If you would like to see information about your book featured on this blog, 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 copy of your cover art if you would like me to include it with your post. I look forward to learning more about you and your book.


1 - How did you get interested in the topic that’s featured in your book?
2 - Tell us a bit about your background. What have you done in the past that relates to your book and that topic?
3 - What advise would you give to someone who is interested in your topic?
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?
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?
6 - What do you think ignites a person’s creativity?
7 - What have you found to be the biggest stumbling block for people who want to start writing?
8 - How would you suggest they can overcome that?
9 - What do you find is the biggest motivator for people to succeed? Is it money, security, desire for fame or something else?
10 - Who is the “perfect” person to read your book?
11 - Is there anything else you would like to share with us?


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 :)