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

Money and Manifesting by Dyan Garris

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

My topic is money and manifesting. I got interested in this topic because it was a natural segue from the rest of my body of work which is about spiritual growth and transformation and integration. Also, I am a clairvoyant counselor and I had a lot of clients that were having trouble with manifesting. They had read and tried to apply the principles in The Secret and were getting nowhere. I wanted to teach people how to really manifest. It doesn’t necessarily take a year. It doesn’t take endless DVD watching and seminar attending. Once you get it, everything just clicks and you’re on your way. That was my goal – to write something that would help people just get it automatically without all the hype and frustration.

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

As I mentioned I am a clairvoyant counselor. I’ve built a toolbox of spiritual tools. Anyone can come in and pick up whatever tool they need to help them progress on their healing journey. There is something for everyone no matter what level they are at. At the base of the toolbox is a deck of spiritual divination cards – Voice of the Angels – A Healing Journey Spiritual Cards. In the middle is a series of music and meditation CDs for healing, Automatic Chakra Balance,™ and vibrational attunement of mind body and spirit. At the top of that is Money and Manifesting. And I have two more things that I’m working on now that will complete the toolbox.

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

My advice is to for people to begin to understand that sometimes they are what is in their own way. Limited thinking and limited belief systems get in the way of manifesting. One must open to infinite possibilities. There are no limitations unless you believe there are.

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?

Being a part of groups and organizations gives one so many different viewpoints. This in itself is valuable because it helps you expand in many ways.

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?

The ideal person to read my book is someone who feels very stuck and genuinely does not understand why. Also, the person who is maybe just on the brink of understanding, but isn’t quite there. This book will help them get to where they need to go to be able to create all they desire. If someone was going to recommend this book to someone, that person would be a friend that seems stuck and can’t seem to get out of the place they are in.

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

Creativity is a combination of the integration of mind, body, and spirit. Most people maybe wouldn’t phrase it that way, but that’s what it is. When you’re focused and balanced, you’re opening a pathway for creativity to flow.

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

Focus. People have a lot of trouble quieting the chatter of the conscious mind and simply focusing on what they want to do, whether it be writing or anything else. It’s important to learn how to focus. You can’t really get anywhere efficiently if you’re taking detours down a bunch of side streets.

8 - How would you suggest they can overcome that?

Learn how to focus. That starts with learning how to breathe and focusing on breathing and quieting the mind. Has anyone ever heard, “Be still and know that I am God?” Nothing can get through the static of a bunch of white noise.

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

It really depends on one’s definition of success. If someone really believes that money is the definition of success, they need to learn to work with the energy of money. As far as motivation, one should really study what their motivation is. In terms of money as a definition of success, sometimes that is exactly what is in the way of “success.” We’ve been taught that our self worth equates to these pieces of paper and that’s what’s really wrong here. Certainly we are worth more than pieces of paper. The motivation for success really needs to come from inside and not from the need for outside validation.

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

The perfect person to read my book is anyone that really wants to know how to manifest, and anyone that really wants to know the real secrets, not just half the truth.

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

Yes. Manifesting isn’t difficult. It really isn’t a secret. And when you read the book you will suddenly know that and you will close the book with the knowledge and confidence to finally get to where you want to be. No hype. Just the truth.

For the complete tour schedule -
http://inspiredauthor.com/promotion/dyan-garris-april-tour-schedule

For much more information about Dyan Garris and Money and Manifesting, visit http://inspiredauthor.com/promotion/Dyan+Garris for complete tour details. To learn about the products Dyan offers, visit her website - www.voiceoftheangels.com. You can order your copy of Money and Manifesting from her website or from http://www.amazon.com/Money-Manifesting-Dyan-Garris/dp/0977614069

On the Wings of the Wind

Book Title: On the Wings of the Wind: A Journey to Faith

Authors: Patricia Eytcheson Taylor and Chaplain James C. Taylor, Th.D.

Web site: http://onthewingsofthewind.com

1 - How did you get interested in the topic that's featured in your book? My life changed when I started listening to the Holy Spirit, and I feel called to share what I've learned and experienced with others.

2 - Tell us a bit about your background. What have you done in the past that relates to your book and that topic? The book is based on my personal spiritual journey, and my husband has been a clergyman for 40 years, including 28 years as a military chaplain.

3 - What advice would you give to someone who is interested in your topic? Learn to listen to the Holy Spirit and let Him guide your life.

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? We take every opportunity to share our message to help others experience the Lord working in their lives.

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? A Christian who seeks a closer walk with God, an individual searching for meaning in their life, or a military member/military family member

6 - What do you think ignites a person's creativity? The inspiration of the Holy Spirit

7 - What have you found to be the biggest stumbling block for people who want to start writing? People try to depend on their own ideas rather than the Lord.

8 - How would you suggest they can overcome that? Pray and seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

9 - What do you find is the biggest motivator for people to succeed? Is it money, security, desire for fame or something else? The desire to do God's will is most important to us. Some people are motivated for worldly reasons, but success with this book for us will be determined by the lives we touch rather than by the money we make.

10 - Who is the “perfect” person to read your book? A person who needs to know the Lord and experience the working of the Holy Spirit in their life

11 - Is there anything else you would like to share with us? God is always with us - all we have to do is open our hearts to Him. Without Christ, I would be nothing. Without him I am nothing, but with Him I can do all things, through Christ that strengthens me (Phil. 4:13)

Book Title: On the Wings of the Wind: A Journey to Faith

The Walking Man

Walking Man: A Modern Missions Experience in Latin America

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

I came to know the Lord as a young adult thanks to a generous family I met and since then it has been a passion for me. He has worked through me and has helped me accomplish so many things. I can no longer imagine my life without Him and letting others know about Jesus is one of my most important goals in life.

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

I have worked in missions for over 30 years and there are so many experiences to tell. I dreaded the life of hard labor offset by nights of drunken stupor that my father modeled, I ran away from home after high school and lived a vagrant's life, surviving through delinquency, until through the generous support of a Christian family I came to know Christ. I left the jungle to study at a seminary in Lima, Peru and have worked as a pastor ever since.

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

I would tell them to be very patient and trust the Lord. There is no easy way to get things done in this field. It is hard to get through to people, it is hard to incentive others to work and it is hard to get things done even if the people are willing to accept Jesus and ready to do what it takes. But even if things don’t come easy it is the most rewarding job you can imagine. Knowing that you are making a difference in someone’s life is truly a miracle.

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?

Knowing people and maintaining relationships is essential to spreading the word of God through the world. Getting things done requires of all the help that we can get and building those lasting relationships has helped me get through the most difficult times in my life. A missionary relies many times on the help that others can give at the time, and having people to go to when in difficulty is an amazing gift. Also, having many to celebrate the successes makes those glorious times even sweeter.

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?

This book is ideal for people wanting to feel the presence of God in their lives. Also, it is a great tool for those looking for a sense of purpose and those wishing to get inspiration to act upon a goal. This book is a testimony and allows others to understand more of what it is to be a missionary and what it takes to be one. It is great for those considering making positive changes in their lives and for those who need a way to channel the positive actions they do.

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

In my case, the Lord has inspired me to do the most amazing things in life. He is the light that shows me the right path and the one that has given me the tools to build the life that I have. His actions in my life have given me the inspiration to write about all the experiences I have been through.

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

I guess having enough time is the biggest stumbling block. For those of us that have full time pursuits and want to write as a sideline, it can be hard to convert those good intentions into printed words.

8 - How would you suggest they can overcome that?

The thing that has worked best for me is to block off a few hours on one day a week or one hour the same time each day – usually the early morning before the phone has started to ring – and just do it!

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

People seem to be motivated for all the wrong reasons these days and that is why so many of them are unhappy with their lives. Jesus is my biggest motivation to get things done and that is why I am determined to let other people know about Christ.

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

The perfect person to read this book would be both someone in deep need of a better reason to live and someone who already has the urge to let Jesus in his or her life. Someone who is lost could read this book and find that answer they so desperately are looking for, and someone who already feels the urge can find a better way to channel it through the experiences I tell.