Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Cauldron - Vampire Suspense Thriller

Cauldron
ISBN 978-1-59705-474-4 (electronic)
978-1-59705-527-7 (print)
It isn't often the printed word will give me chills, and a picture is worth a thousand words - say the gurus - So here is a picture of Cauldron's cover. Cauldron is a small midwest town in the rural northern reaches of Wisconsin. Some towns have a history. Cauldron's is being reinvented as old mansions are being renovated. There seems to be an actual run on the town to reclaim the old and stifle the new.

Vampires don't really exist do they? That is the question on the towns peoples minds as they chat over coffee at the local cafe after some homeless people have been murdered. No weapons found only puncture wounds on their necks. Something is wrong in Cauldron.... Very, very wrong!

Saturday, June 26, 2010

Walking Away From Crime

In So Many Words, At Least in Print.

Is your walk giving you away? Why do you think security or surveillance cameras are so effective? Even if the face is masked people can, and often do, recognize someone’s walk. Think back, remember a time when you saw a person you knew in a crowd, their back to you walking away. Say at a fair or other large gathering, how did you know for sure it was them? Their walk? Did it give them away?

One of the things super spies do to disguise themselves is to change their walk. This is easier than you might imagine. With the addition of shoe lifts, wedges and various devices that could significantly change your gait, your stance, give your walk a lopsided balance perhaps—a limp or some other quirk you normally wouldn’t have.

Think of the shoes you normally wear. Do you feel different and thus carry yourself differently when you wear boots—work boots, cowboy boots, waders as opposed to tennis shoes, dress loafers, slippers or if you’re a woman high heels? Sandals or thongs – deck shoes or joggers?

What you wear suits the occasion, unless, like my granddaughter; wearing combat boots under her wedding gown to make a statement about her independence, her attitude, refusing to be pigeon-holed for any occasion, then what you wear on your feet affects not only your carriage, the way you hold and move yourself, but perhaps your whole demeanor.

When the CIA’s disguise expert Antonio Mendez helped six U.S. Diplomats escape from Iran he used the guise of a Canadian film crew. Did they perhaps swagger out as eccentric as any Hollywood type might, perhaps? Did young become old with stoop shouldered shuffle assisted with a cane? Think Estelle Getty, of the Golden Girls Television Show. She was the youngest of the cast, and yet, she portrayed the oldest. Part of her mask, her disguise, her character was her walk. So, spies and criminals aren’t the only ones who use this trick. Any mystery writer might thing to use it as well.

Everyone does have their own way of walking. Developing a new walking style could change your life, or just be your best disguise.

http://www.billiewilliams.com

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Defining Character

Your character’s way of thinking as well as the thoughts themselves, help to define character. From time to time, let the reader sneak a peek into the character’s thought process. Especially effective when dealing with his latest crisis. You May love your characters (and your reader might too) you may hate your characters (as your reader might) but you may NOT feel indifferent toward your characters.
Someone once said, “No tears in the writer’s eye, no tears in the readers eye.” So, don’t let your characters be flat and non-people-like beings. Emotions are what create reader involvement.
Characters http://writingwide.comhttp://writingwide.com

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Money Isn't Everything, by Billie A Williams

What Does Your Character Want

In fiction there are no selfless acts.
Even the most altruistic character acts as he or she must in order to feel good and to be at peace. As with all your characters, they either want to gain something or to get relief from something.

So there you have it - set a goal for your  character to achieve in every scene that they are part of and you will have them heading toward their main goal - which should be the topic of your story.

Write like the Wind, Words count - even if it's just for fun --
like the color burgundy...Write for 5 minutes about it....email me your results if you like = )
Money Isn't Everything

Monday, June 14, 2010

Loren Burkhart, asks are you Sick of Doctors?

If you are sick of docors, join Lorne Burhart for some information on how to take back the management of your health care.
Own It! Your body that is!


Chances are you take care of your car, your house and other belongings.

But do you take care of your body?

Let’s think for a minute here about the three parts of the medical system. They are the patient, the physician and everything else – hospitals, insurance, pharmaceutical companies, etc. Which of these three do you think wields the power? Probably none of you guessed the patient because you have let the system make you feel powerless. But think of it like this – none of them would have a business if there were no patients. Well, how about that?! Are you beginning to get the idea about life in the “medical fast track?”

It’s not all up to your doctor and medical team to take care of you—the patient. It’s up to you!

The AMA has a Healthier Life Steps program outlined on its Web site. Cited are four key health behaviors, poor diet, physical inactivity, tobacco use, and excessive or risky use of alcohol. These behaviors are significantly related to heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and other conditions.

Do you eat right, exercise… drink alcohol in moderation? Not smoke?

How many times has your doctor given you orders when you’re sick and you disobey? How many times does the doctor offer two options: healthy living or a prescription? Which do you choose?

Oftentimes, your medical doctor doesn’t talk much about good health practices. They have been trained to cure sickness, not to keep you healthy. There is plenty of information available about good health practices, so there is no excuse for being overweight, smoking, or other known hazards to your health. I’m sure that all of you have heard the list of problems that accompany being overweight. Personally, I’ve never understood why anyone chooses to make them self sick. I find that I have my hands full just living with the effects of age and genes.

When are you going to take responsibility for your own body? Does it belong to you or your doctor? Isn’t it the most precious part of your life? Then act like it!



Join us on the Sick of Doctors? Then Do Something About It! virtual tour. To learn more about the tour, visit http://bookpromotionservices.com/2010/04/26/sick-of-doctors-tour/. You can also learn more about Lorene Burkhart and the book at http://www.burkhartnetwork.com/. If you would like to be a host on this tour, contact mailto:nikki@nikkileigh.com

Shop for Your Doctor,

Lorene Burkhart tells you what to do if you are Sick of Doctors. 

Let’s see a show of hands. How many of you have had good doctors?
Bad doctors?
Indifferent doctors?
Well, I’ve had all of them. The good ones are truly treasures. Depending on the ailment, I’ve discovered adjusting my bedside manner in partnering with a doctor always helps the outcome.
            One of my favorite doctors was the orthopedic surgeon who was matter of fact—like me. He told me that there were only three things he could do to help my rotary cuff problem in my shoulder. He could provide medication (steroid injection), information, or surgery. I loved his frankness. He was neither arrogant nor curt, but simply gave me the facts.
Some of my bad doctors were really bad – like an incorrect diagnosis. Instead of saying, “I don’t know,” the doctor decided to give me my problem a name – multiple sclerosis. Another one, an oral surgeon, insisted on multiple surgeries. I finally complained to the internist who had recommended him and an investigation was launched. He had a serious substance abuse problem and needed the surgery-procedure money to buy his drugs.
            The indifferent one was an internist – a new doctor to me. He appeared to be very bored, suggested that his assistant would give me instruction about some tests and I never heard from either of them again.
            Then there is the most dreaded one – Dr. God. Have you heard the joke “What’s the different between God and a doctor? God knows he isn’t a doctor!” How many of you know a Dr. God? Would this be a description? –Arrogant, bossy, know-it-all, impatient – well, you get the idea. In my latest book, Sick of Doctors? A Prescription for Patient Empowerment,  I describe situations that reveal the impact doctors with this type of personality have on everyone around them – co-workers, nurses, wives, peers.

            Regardless, the truth is we have choices. We’re the doctor’s customer. It’s up to us to shop for and choose our doctors. Create your medical team. The most important person on it is your general practitioner. Like all things consumer—start by asking friends and co-workers about their doctors. When you have a list of highly recommended doctors call and make an appointment for a “meet and greet.” You’ll have about 15 minutes so arrive ready to learn what you want to know.
Be prepared for this interview with a list of questions beginning with, “Tell me about yourself.” (It might be a good idea to tape it because you probably won’t remember all of it.) You should expect to learn about their schooling, attitude regarding off-office hour calls, number of years in practice and even references. Remember, you are the customer. Wouldn’t you do this if you were buying a service or product?
            If you decide you want to follow up with whatever procedure the doctor suggests for a new patient, make an appointment for an exam and conversation about your health.


During the interview consider this—People like people like themselves. As you talk think about the doctor’s style. Are they direct? Analytical and so on? Find a good fit to match your behavioral style. You’ll communicate better. We all know certain personalities just don’t mesh. It will be true in the relationship you have with your doctors.
            Also consider this… depending on the age of the doctor, they may have been taught to view the patient as an unreliable narrator? That means they’ll be skeptical. However studies exist with medical authors arguing for the patient-doctor relationship. A 1992 study has the authors saying the patient’s unique knowledge is just as important to outcome as the doctor’s scientific knowledge. The authors of the study say when this happens… the medical visit is truly a meeting of the experts.

Join us on the Sick of Doctors? Then Do Something About It! virtual tour. To learn more about the tour, visit http://bookpromotionservices.com/2010/04/26/sick-of-doctors-tour/. You can also learn more about Lorene Burkhart and the book at http://www.burkhartnetwork.com/. If you would like to be a host on this tour, contact nikki @ nikkileigh.com   


Sunday, June 13, 2010

Exercise Your Choices - Sick Of Doctors?


When it comes to your health, Money Isn't Everything. 
Here's some advice from Loren Burkhart

Exercise Your Choices
We all know that doctors are busy. Your doctor may have done early morning rounds at the hospital, seen 15 patients and answered other doctor’s inquiries before you appear on the scene. Is this your fault? No. (A good reason for early-in-the-day appointments.) Put yourself in the doctor’s chair.
Choose to be prepared for the doctor’s appointment.
1)      Be clear and concise about your problem state what’s going on, how long have you had a problem, and if you are you taking medications or alternative treatments.
2)      Don’t tell the doctors what to do: I have a sore throat, so I want an antibiotic. Tell your symptoms. Let the doctor diagnose the problem.
3)      Ask next steps and options.
4)      If the doctor tells you what to do (hands you a prescription, for example) ask what the outcome will be if you don’t take it, what are the side effects, what are the other alternatives and why the dosage. Have you ever questioned your doctor in this way?
Listening works both ways – choose to listen carefully, take notes and ask questions. If your doctor doesn’t seem to be listening to you, ask if the doctor has questions about what you are saying. That’s what we mean when we talk about communication.
Choose to be appreciative. Communicate to your doctor that you appreciate their expertise and are looking forward to working together to resolve your problem. Prepare yourself for the doctor to show total disbelief – they probably don’t get many compliments.

Zenspirational Thoughts by Gary Simpson

 
ZENSPIRATIONAL THOUGHTS (vol 024-116)
 
Today's zenspirational message is on the concept of forgiveness - something that so many people have great difficulty with.
 
On forgiveness, Isabelle Holland says this: "As long as you don't forgive, who and whatever it is will occupy rent-free space in your mind."
 
Think about that. When those negative hateful thoughts and emotions are running through your mind, who are they hurting? Are they hurting the proponent of them, or are they hurting YOU?
If you cannot forgive then try to lock them in a vault in your mind.
Dwelling on hurt will only bring you more of the same. Can't your mind be more gainfully employed on something that will benefit you? Until next time...
- Brought to you by Gary Simpson at www.motivationselfesteem.com
 
 Collect the entire series. You can also enrich a friend's day by forwarding this inspiring message to them. Sincerely,

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

The Interview - be sure to scroll down to read it

You will find the interview with Alysa/Dream Shield down below the first post - please be sure to leave a comment. and thanks for visiting.
Billie

Not An Ordinary Woman




The story of a young woman bumping into the enigmatic sorcerer Running Deer and her initiation into the sorcerer's world and mastering conscious dreaming. It takes the reader throughout the magic realms of the unknown and gives a new approach to the traditional training of women sorcerers.
The riveting autobiographical account The Sorcerer's Dream written by Dreamshield takes the reader throughout the magic realms of the unknown and mastering conscious dreaming. This book, following the traditions of Carlos Castaneda and others, gives a new approach to the traditional training of women sorcerers.
The author describes her initiation into the surrealistic world of dreaming and magic, following the teachings of 'Man of Knowledge' Running Deer. In the heart of Amsterdam, a thrilling stride unfolds in obtaining the knowledge of the Second Reality on the way to the ultimate goal: finding the Totality of the Self!
The combination of unusual instructions and experiences within the sorcerer's world and the level-headedness of a very Dutch woman offers the reader excitement and contemplation on the way to the source of this reality, finding the ultimate self through the experiences and understanding of Dreamshield herself. Up until the last page the reader remains intrigued whether Dreamshield will reach her goal.
Right by the author's side or facing her stands the character of Running Deer. Sometimes mysterious, then challenging, strict as a guru, or vulnerable as a visitor in a foreign country. However, the precise description of these distinctive steps on the road to her initiation stand like milestones in the landscape of this unique history.
About Alysa Baceau, Dreamshield
Dreamshield (Alysa Braceau) studied social work and is a freelance journalist who writes for newspapers and magazines. She has a Healing Practice and gives workshops about the Art of Mastering Conscious Dreaming and Dream Healing.
Topics and Themes Included in The Sorcerer's Dream
Mastering conscious dreaming, lucid dreaming, dream practices, spiritual adventure, healing, facing spiritual, physical and emotional blocks, work to release these blocks, experiences with magic mushrooms for facing blocks, dreaming attention, assemblage point, changing dreams, energy body, travel with your dream body, dreaming teacher, women sorcerers, witch, shaman, shamanism, North American Indian tradition and traveling to the unknown.
We look forward to talking to you about this tour. For more details about Dreamshield, visit www.dreamshield.nl and to read an excerpt, visit to read an excerpt http://assets.booklocker.com/pdfs/4654s.pdf. The book is listed on Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Sorcerers-Dream-Dreamshield-Alysa-Braceau/dp/1609101561