Interview with James Berman, author of Lessons from the Lemonade Stand

ABOUT LESSONS FROM THE LEMONADE STAND

Written for aspiring investors of all ages, Lessons from the Lemonade Stand explains everything you need to know in the context of that most classic of all American businesses: the corner lemonade stand. Rooted in the fundamental truth that “common sense is the best investment tool,” the book slices important concepts into simple sections, sweetening them with folksy, easy-to-read language. The trials and tribulations of lemonade stand owner Lucinda highlight every concept from interest rates to retirement accounts to leverage. Learn investment basics as you follow Lucinda Lemonade Inc. along its sweet (and sometimes sour) journey as a start-up, from the squeeze of the first lemon to its initial private equity deal and its eventual foray into tech, all in the tidy town of Lemonville. Entertaining and fun, Lessons from the Lemonade Stand supplies readers with the ingredients they need to become savvy investors. Purchase Link:

AMAZON

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The Interview

What is your favorite quote, by whom, and why? “Those who don’t depend on luck have less bad luck.” Old Yiddish saying This quote says a lot about destiny and human choice.

Do you recall how your interest in writing originated? I was always reading everything from the age of 5, both fiction and non-fiction. It was the best escape. Still is! Soon after I could read, I wanted to write. It was arrogant. In elementary school, I was writing small books. My readers then were my parents. Fortunately, they still are around to be readers.

What inspires you to write and why? To have my side of the story heard. There’s nothing like being able to talk without someone being able to talk back to you! In all seriousness, I really like being able to lay out my point of view on various topics, and hopefully teach something along the way.

Who or what influenced your writing once you began? Warren Buffett. I admire his investment strategy and his life strategy. There will never be another like him. Interestingly, he has never written a full book, though he’s a great writer and his shareholder letters are works of art.

Who or what influenced your writing over the years? When I was in high school, I read a collection of essays by E.B. White and was amazed by his tight, pithy style. It showed me that good writing was lean writing. Up until then, I had thought the more ornate, the better. But E.B. White and my teacher at the time, Harry Bauld, taught me that less is more. As an example of what a good teacher Mr. Bauld was, on the first day of class he said, “My name is an oxymoron; figure out what an oxymoron is.”

Did writing this book teach you anything and what was it? Writing Lessons from the Lemonade stand taught me a lot about seeing things from my readers’ perspective; my goal, and I hope to have achieved it, was to speak to readers simply but with dignity. It’s always a challenge to parse complex topics-- particularly those that one may take for granted-- into clear nuggets that honor the intelligence of the audience.

Do you intend to make writing a career? I don’t intend to make writing my career, as I’m very happy with my work as an investment advisor, but writing will always be an integral part of what I do both at my firm and in my work as a professor. I am fortunate to be able to have my monthly stock letter, The Berman Value Folio, published by Trefis.com and Forbes.

Have you developed a specific writing style? Yes: to the point. I strive for economy, in my writing style and everything else.

What is your greatest strength as a writer? Hopefully, I have some. You never really know for sure. I have been told by a reader of Lessons from the Lemonade Stand that I distill perplexing concepts into more easily understood ideas. That’s my goal. I’m a teacher first, a writer second.  

ABOUT JAMES BERMAN

James Berman is the president and founder of JBGlobal.com LLC, an SEC-registered investment advisory firm specializing in asset management for high-net-worth individuals and trusts. With over 16 years of experience managing client portfolios, Mr. Berman is a specialist in value investing and asset allocation. As the president of JBGlobal LLC, the general partner of the JBGlobal Fund LP, Mr. Berman manages a global equities fund that invests in the United States, Europe, and Asia. Mr. Berman is a faculty member in the Finance Department of NYU (SCPS Division), where he teaches corporate finance. He also serves as subadvisor to Eitan Ventures LLC, a venture capital fund based in New York. Mr. Berman has appeared on CNBC, the Fox News Channel, the Cavuto Show, and the Fox Business Channel and is frequently published and quoted in a variety of publications, including the Wall Street Journal, Barrons, Fortune, Bloomberg, and CNN Money. As a regular blogger for the Huffington Post, he covers financial topics ranging from hedge funds to the economy. He writes a monthly interactive investment letter, the Berman Value Folio, a Forbes/Trefis publication. Mr. Berman received a BA (magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa) from Harvard University and a JD from Harvard Law School.

WEBSITE

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Interview with Catherine Leggitt, author of Payne and Misery

 

ABOUT PAYNE AND MISERY

Christine Sterling has developed a reputation for jumping to wild conclusions. With such an imagination, who is likely to take her seriously when she discovers a bruised and neglected neighbor named Lila Payne? Try as she might, she cannot interest anyone in Lila’s dire need for immediate rescue. Something about crying wolf once too often. But then Lila and Christine’s beloved dog Molly both disappear the same night. If no one will help her, she must find Lila and Molly herself. Heedless of possible consequences, Christine dives headfirst into a dark pool swirling with muddy secrets and misery. Her best friend throws her a lifesaver of prayer and soon she begins to sense God at work. But even with God’s help, can Lila and Molly be saved before it’s too late? Purchase Link:

AMAZON

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The Interview

Could you please tell us a little about your book? Disillusioned and lacking purpose in early retirement, Christine Sterling is reduced to snooping on neighbors and jumping to her own conclusions where facts may be scant. Given Christine’s unsavory reputation, who is likely to take her seriously when she discovers a bruised and neglected neighbor named Lila Payne living just down the hill? Try as she might, Christine cannot interest anyone in Lila’s urgent need for immediate rescue. Something about crying wolf once too often. Then one night, Lila and Christine’s beloved dog Molly both disappear. If no one will help her, she must find Lila and Molly herself. Heedless of possible personal danger, Christine dives headfirst into a dark pool swirling with muddy secrets and misery. Her best friend throws her a lifesaver of prayer and soon she begins to sense God at work. But even with God’s help, can Lila and Molly be saved before it’s too late? Did something specific happen to prompt you to write this book? Okay, I’ll admit it up front. Christine Sterling is my alter ego. My husband retired and moved us to his dream house on the other side of the state--far from my friends and family. I did my best to adjust, as is my nature, but then menopause hit. What can I say? I just wasn’t myself. I began to cry out to God for mercy. His answer came in an unexpected way. One day when I was feeling particularly low, I looked out my upstairs window and saw the little gray house at the bottom of our hill. In over two years of residence in Grass Valley, we had never met the occupants of that house. Never even seen them. I sat down at the computer without even thinking, and a story about why those people never came out poured out my fingers. I never planned to write a book, certainly not that day. But the story insisted to be told. Sometimes I would delete whole chapters because they were too preposterous. The characters would insist that I put them back. (I am aware that does sound a bit crazy. Maybe slight insanity is a requisite for good writing.) Who is your biggest supporter? No contest there. All my family has all been supportive in their way, but my biggest fan is my oldest daughter, Jule. She’s my go-to girl when I want to quit, which is once a month or so. She will not let me quit. She remembers each affirmation I’ve already received and reminds me. She reads everything I write and often adds valuable insight, particularly medical facts. Jule has kept me writing through whatever life throws my way for over ten years. Last fall at the launch party for my third book, Parrish the Thought, I was privileged to present her with an award and publically acknowledge her huge contribution to my writing. Your biggest critic? God gave us family to support us and friends to keep us accountable. I have an incredible online critique group who will not let me get away with anything. They are five wonderful women: Valerie Massey Goree, Loretta Boyett, AJ Hawke, Marcy Dyer, and Marcia Lahti. This is a group that grew out of a larger ACFW critique group. I value their input greatly. They have been responsible for many important changes in my stories, for whole new directions of thought. They teach me and keep me on track. I am very grateful to know each one of these ladies. What are you currently working on? After writing and publishing three Christine Sterling Mysteries—PAYNE & MISERY, THE DUNN DEAL, and PARRISH THE THOUGHT—I completed another novel with different characters. In DYING TO BE NOTICED, a self-reliant journalist lands a career-making assignment to write a homicide article about the sensational murder of a young schoolteacher. But she soon finds that the young schoolteacher never existed. Can the inquisitive policeman who offers assistance be trusted? And why do the details of this murder sound so familiar? Within a seemingly perfect household churns a twisted climate for breeding defiance. Random snapshots unveil the younger son’s descent into rebellion while the rage of the good son develops in secret. Did unchecked anger push two brothers to the point of murder? I am currently searching for a publisher for this book. Meanwhile, I have started a fifth novel. The ideas for each of these last two books came from dreams. Do you have any advice for writers or readers? Just a few really important things: • There is no substitute for keeping the seat in the chair. To be a writer, one must write. Every day. • Don’t expect to be fulfilled by publication. Nothing outside yourself can bring you satisfaction. Be satisfied with each part of the process. Choose to be contented, published or not, bestseller or not, monetary success or not. • Accept all criticism with grace and thanksgiving. You can find something right about whatever anyone has to say. • Keep on learning. It can always be better. You have never arrived at excellence.  

ABOUT CATHERINE LEGGITT

Catherine Leggitt is an author and inspirational speaker. A native Californian born in the Bay Area, she raised two daughters, taught school, and cared for her aging parents in southern California before retiring to the north end of the state. Proud grandmother of six brilliant children, Catherine studies the Bible, reads, serves as a leader in Bible Study Fellowship, and sings in the church choir. Catherine wrote a trilogy called the Christine Sterling Mysteries, which include PAYNE & MISERY, THE DUNN DEAL, and PARRISH THE THOUGHT. The first book won 2nd place at the Orange County Christian Writers Conference in May, 2010. It was published by Ellechor Publishing in 2011. THE DUNN DEAL and PARRISH THE THOUGHT were published in 2012 by Ellechor Publishing. PARRISH THE THOUGHT made the quarterfinals in the 2011 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Contest. In addition, Catherine has completed a fourth novel with different characters called DYING TO BE NOTICED and coauthored a memoir for Sam Contino called STREET SMARTS. When called upon to share her story, Catherine’s main themes come from Christine’s struggles in her books, which also happen to be some of the things Catherine struggles with. Thus, since PAYNE & MISERY addresses complaining, the first message, titled Always Choose Joy, centers on how to be thankful and choose joy instead of misery. The spiritual theme of THE DUNN DEAL exposes with the nature of truth. Merely having faith is not enough. What we believe matters. Catherine named the second talk, Always Choose Truth. In PARRISH THE THOUGHT, Christine learns to love unlovable people, so Catherine calls the third message, Always Choose Love.  

WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK

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It's Nothing Personal by Kate O'Reilley Book Spotlight

   

ABOUT KATE O’REILLEY

Kate O’Reilley is a physician, specializing in anesthesiology. In late 2009, Kate was plunged into a painful battle in a high-profile, medical malpractice suit. The calamity that ensued nearly destroyed Kate and her family. After the suit ended and the wounds started to heal, Kate was urged by close friends and co-workers to document her experiences. The words flowed, and It’s Nothing Personal was born from Kate’s journey through her temporary hell. Kate’s second book, In Good Hands, is a moving, gripping, and tragic story of an anesthesiologist who dispenses her own version of justice after being the innocent victim of a brutal crime. Kate currently resides in Colorado with her husband and beautiful daughter. In her spare time, she enjoys running, writing, reading, and spending time with her family. Her vacations are always spent in Hawaii, a place that Kate and her family hold dear to their hearts. Having lived on Oahu while her daughter was young, Kate and her family relish the day when they can return to the islands permanently. WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | ————————————————————–  

ABOUT IT’S NOTHING PERSONAL

On a chilly January morning, anesthesiologist Dr. Jenna Reiner made her daily drive to St. Augustine hospital, completely unaware that her life was about to change forever. One of the surgical technicians in her hospital has been stealing syringes, and infecting patients with hepatitis C. The battle against the thieving surgical technician was only the beginning. Jenna Reiner was about to begin the fight of her life – the fight for her reputation, her pride, and her sanity. Beautifully composed, and inspired by real-life events, It’s Nothing Personal is a riveting, suspenseful, and emotional thriller that tells the story of faith and fortitude when an innocent woman finds herself surrounded by corruption and greed.

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It’s Nothing Personal Virtual Book Publicity Tour Schedule

———————————————————— Thursday, February 7 Book promo at Lavender and Camomile Press Friday, February 8 Interviewed at Authors and Readers Book Corner Tuesday, February 12 Book spotlight at Jody’s Book Reviews Wednesday, February 13 Interviewed at Yahoo News Friday, February 15 Guest blogging at My Devotional Thoughts Monday, February 18 Interviewed at Examiner Tuesday, February 19 Guest blogging at The Story Behind the Book Wednesday, February 20 Interviewed at Literal Exposure Thursday, February 21 First Chapter Review at My Life. One Story at a Time Book reviewed at Deco My Heart Friday, February 22 Book spotlight at Review From Here Monday, February 25 Book reviewed at Maureen’s Musings Tuesday, February 26 Book reviewed at Miki’s Hope Thursday, February 28 Interviewed at Review From Here Monday, March 4 Book reviewed at Vic’s Media Room Tuesday, March 5 Book excerpt at Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers Wednesday, March 6 Book reviewed at Deco My Heart Thursday, March 7 Interviewed at Digital Journal Friday, March 8 Book reviewed at The Self-Taught Cook  

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Interview with Rena Fruchter, author of The Orchestra Murders

ABOUT RENA FRUCHTER

Rena Fruchter is the author of three books—two critically acclaimed books in the biographical genre—Dudley Moore—An Intimate Portrait, and I’m Chevy Chase…and you’re not. And now, her exciting and soon to be released book: The Orchestra Murders—A Cynthia Masters Mystery Ms. Fruchter is a renowned pianist, writer and educator, and director of an arts organization. Her performances have taken her throughout the United States, Europe, Australia and the Far East in both solo and ensemble appearances. She made her solo debut with the Philadelphia Orchestra at the age of six, performing the Haydn Piano Concerto in D Major. Appearances with other orchestras and on radio and television followed. At age eleven, she gave her first performance with the Boston Pops under Arthur Fiedler at the Esplanade, later returning to perform the Schumann Piano Concerto with the Boston Pops in Symphony Hall. For twelve years, Rena Fruchter was a music columnist for the New York Times. She was also a music critic and an arts commentator for New Jersey Public Television, the London Music Correspondent for the Boston Herald and a contributor to many other publications. Her radio interview series, “Backstage Portraits,” was broadcast throughout the United States. A graduate of Brandeis University, Rena also holds degrees in both piano performance and pedagogy from the Royal College of Music in London, England, where she studied with Louis Kentner and Lamar Crowson. She also studied with two distinguished Nadias–Nadia Boulanger in France and Nadia Reisenberg in New York. Rena is the co-founder and Artistic Director of Music For All Seasons, an organization that presents musical programs for people confined in institutions including hospitals, nursing homes, prisons and special facilities for children. The organization also runs “Voices of Valor,” which provides workshops for veterans to write and record their own songs. The organization was co-founded by Rena and her husband, Brian Dallow. Dudley Moore was the Founding Advisory Board President of Music For All Seasons, which is now in its 21st year. Rena is CEO of Martine Avenue Productions, a company co-created with Dudley Moore to bring his musical works to the public. The company has produced seven CDs, the latest, the two-CD set Dudley Down Under—unabridged, the complete live Dudley Moore Trio concert at Sydney Town Hall (Australia) on May 2, 1978. This CD is produced in honor of Dudley on the tenth anniversary of his death. The company donates a portion of its proceeds to two charities designated by Dudley—the international research fund of the US-based “Cure PSP” and “Music For All Seasons, Inc.” With long-time friend and colleague Dudley Moore, Rena toured the United States and Australia, New Zealand, and the Far East in two-piano performances. Rena Fruchter is the author of the critically acclaimed book Dudley Moore—An Intimate Portrait, published in 2004 by Ebury/Random House/UK and subsequently published in Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. Her popular book I’m Chevy Chase…And You’re Not, an innovative biography presenting the American comedy icon in a fascinating and revealing look at his life and work, was published in the UK and US. The only authorized biography of Chevy Chase, it provides a comprehensive view of the brilliant and complex actor, comedian and writer. Her new book has just been published and is called The Orchestra Murders—A Cynthia Masters Mystery. Rena is married to Brian Dallow, and they are the parents of four adult children, including a set of triplets. They live in New Jersey. www.renafruchterbooks.com WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | Could you please tell us a little about your book? The Orchestra Murders—A Cynthia Masters Mystery is a ‘murder mystery’ surrounding the exciting, high-profile, and cut-throat world of classical music.  The musical world includes many extreme characters, and some of them inspired the characters in my book.  The story is set both in Philadelphia and London, two cities I know very well. I was born and raised in Philadelphia, and lived and studied in London.  In this book, the first of a series featuring the brilliant Detective Cynthia Masters, a famed British conductor, Sir Gregory Langhorne (conductor of the Philadelphia Symphony Orchestra) and his celebrity violinist son Jonathan Langhorne, were close—until a series of murders in the Philadelphia Symphony raised questions about how the brilliant Langhornes might have been involved in these crimes. Who or what is the inspiration behind this book?

This book was inspired by my background as a musician and writer.  I had a child prodigy career as a pianist and made my debut with the Philadelphia Orchestra (name just slightly different from the orchestra in my book!) at the age of six.  I went on to perform as soloist with orchestras in the United States and toured internationally as a pianist. I also spent many years as a journalist, writing about music for publications including the New York Times, Central New Jersey Home News, Boston Herald, and many others. My first two books were in the biographical genre—Dudley Moore—An Intimate Portrait, and I’m Chevy Chase…and you’re not. This is my first work of crime fiction.  Cynthia Masters will be back for a sequel later this year.

Who is your biggest supporter? My husband, Brian Dallow, is my biggest supporter.  Most authors tend to torment their loved ones to some degree or another—spending endless hours writing and re-writing; worrying that it’s not good enough, or getting up in the middle of the night to fix a passage that wasn’t flowing quite right. In addition to being a perceptive reader and managing to make suggestions just when they are needed, my husband is patient with the time that’s needed to complete a major project. Your biggest critic? This must be a cliché, but I’m definitely my own biggest critic. I wonder how it’s possible to read one’s own writing for the hundredth time and still find things that need to be fixed and re-written. And how is it that right up until the day of publication—even after the professional editors have gone through it six times—there are still typos, missing commas, missing end-quotes? It’s because nothing is ever perfect.  But we authors expect it to be perfect!  Yes, definitely, I’m my own worst critic. On the other hand, having been a professional music critic, I’m able to take criticism from others without over-reacting. What cause are you most passionate about and why? The other part of my life is devoted to an organization called “Music For All Seasons,” which takes the joy and healing power of live music into all types of institutions where people are confined.  The healing power of music is one of my biggest passions.  As part of this non-profit organization (which I run with my husband), we provide the “Voices of Valor” program in which veterans are aided with the process of reintegration to civilian life through original song-writing and recording. (They don’t need musical experience to participate, and it’s free through the generosity of several funders.) It’s an incredibly successful project that changes the lives of veterans. What do you feel sets this book apart from others in the same genre? This is partly for my readers to decide, but one of my goals in writing the book was not to provide a superficial murder mystery.  I wanted to delve deeply into the characters, and to have my readers really get to know all the characters, whether minor or major players in the story.  It wasn’t enough for me to gloss over the details, and I wanted people to understand what goes on in the minds of each of the characters.  In that sense, it combines some of the elements of the fast-paced crime fiction story, and some elements of the more in-depth novel. What is the most important lesson you have learned from life so far? This is an interesting question, but there isn’t just one most important lesson. I’ve learned to take things in stride, and not to take life too seriously.  As a writer, I’ve learned that words aren’t sacred.  You can throw them in the trash if they aren’t the right words (and even if they are the right words but there are just too many of them)! I’ve learned that if you help someone you will also benefit. I’ve learned to appreciate the success of other people, not just my own. Okay—most important, I’ve learned that my family and friends are more important than anything else.     ————————————————————–  

ABOUT THE ORCHESTRA MURDERS

Superstar conductor Sir Gregory Langhorne and his globe-trotting, violin-soloist son Jonathan Langhorne are the best of friends—until a brutal murder shatters their lives and Jonathan becomes the prime suspect. Six years later, Sir Gregory is now the music director of the world famous Philadelphia Symphony Orchestra and has finally reconciled with his son Jonathan, just as members of the orchestra are being killed off one by one. The challenge for brilliant young hotshot Philadelphia Detective Cynthia Masters is to solve not only the orchestra murders, but the question of why murder seems to follow the Langhornes. Has Masters finally met her match—a case that cannot be solved? Set in London and Philadelphia, this dramatic story of murder, infidelity, and the abuse of money and power establishes Cynthia Masters as a world-class detective in this thrilling and unusual mystery.

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The Orchestra Murders Virtual Book Publicity Tour Schedule

———————————————————— Tuesday, February 5 Character Interview at Laurie’s Thoughts and Reviews Wednesday, February 6 Guest blogging at Bookingly Yours Friday, February 8 Guest blogging at Confessions of a Reader Book spotlight at Melina’s Book Blog Monday, February 11 Interviewed at My Book Retreat Tuesday, February 12 First Chapter Reveal at Parenting from a Child’s Point of View Interviewed at Literal Exposure Wednesday, February 13 First Chapter Reveal at My Devotional Thoughts Thursday, February 14 Interviewed at My Cozie Corner Friday, February 15 Book spotlight at Mary’s Cup of Tea Monday, February 18 Book spotlight at Parenting from a Child’s Point of View First Chapter Reveal at Reader Girls Tuesday, February 19 First Chapter Reveal at Parenting from a Child’s Point of View Interviewed at Review From Here Wednesday, February 20 Interviewed at Parenting from a Child’s Point of View Thursday,February 21 Guest blogging at Parenting from a Child’s Point of View Guest blogging at Curling Up by the Fire Friday, February 22 Book reviewed at Parenting from a Child’s Point of View Monday, February 25 Book reviewed at My Book Addiction and More Book spotlight at Thoughts in Progress Tuesday, February 26 Book reviewed at The Self-Taught Cook Wednesday, February 27 Book spotlight at Free Ebooks Daily Thursday, February 28 Book reviewed at Review From Here

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Interview with C.G. Ayling, author of Malmaxa I. Beltamar's War

 

ABOUT C.G. AYLING

With children African, English and American, and myself born and raised in a country of five names, I consider myself… a citizen of the world. My wife and four children think of me simply as a thorny old man – and thus my symbol… One of the most influential people in my life was my Godfather. A man of absolute integrity, remarkable intellect, and fine character. He taught me tolerance, and intolerance, together. He showed me that every conflict has are two sides, if not more. It was thanks to time spent with him that I developed a guiding principle in my life, namely that the most fundamental sign of intelligence is the ability to change one’s mind. It is to honor him that I use his name as my pseudonym, yet I know my efforts fall far short of what he deserved. In my memory, C.G.Ayling lives forever. Is that not as close as any man can come to immortality? Visit his website at www.cgayling.com/malmaxa. Find C.G.!

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Could you please tell us a little about your book?

Beltamar’s War introduces readers to Malmaxa, a world governed by Six Divine Laws.  It’s the first novel of a series that will eventually span between three and five novels. On one level, that of the casual reader, Beltamar’s War is a simple Fantasy – anyone who enjoys the genre should have no difficulty identifying with and enjoying to tale. On another level Malmaxa is a world unlike anything most readers will ever have encountered. These readers might discover that many of the traditionally anticipated themes in Fantasy are entirely absent. For example, in Malmaxa there are no Kings or Queens – one of the most staple of Fantasy elements.  I won’t divulge what the other differences are, for fear of revealing too much.  With Malmaxa, my intent is to distract the reader from the absence of these supposedly vital elements so completely, that they never notice their lack.  Time will tell if I am successful. In a nutshell, I’ve shared some very important elements of Malmaxa, yet I have revealed virtually nothing of the story.  That is a philosophy I hold dear, to present my thoughts – without offering guidance.  Indeed, perhaps that is the root of Malmaxa… an entirely new genre, which I like to term “Philosophy, Couched as Fantasy”. I’d love for you to be the judge – have I succeeded, and created something special, or have I failed… to be forgotten?

What cause are you most passionate about and why?

Tobacco and the terrible damage it continues to do to people the world over.  My Godfather died of throat cancer, as a direct result of a lifetime of smoking cigarettes.  Many other people I know are victims of this evil empire, and yes – I do consider the entire tobacco industry to be inherently evil.  What other, more suitable, term is there for any person who deliberately does harm to others for personal gain? Let us not mistake consumption of tobacco with freedom of choice.  The poor people addicted to nicotine have no “choice”.  Though they convince themselves they want to smoke, they’re just addicts, acting like addicts of all drugs – attempting to justify poor behavior.  Nicotine has no benefits, it’s only purpose for existing in tobacco products – is to cause addiction. Why are tobacco companies allowed to continue operating, when they materially damage billions of people every year?  I attribute it to a lack of willpower in governments throughout the world.  As I once said in a Tweet (You can find me on Twitter @CGAyling) “Government's purpose, is serving its citizens. #thought”  By taking no action to protect us from Tobacco, governments everywhere are failing us.  ”.  Here, is a link to that Tweet, http://twitter.com/CGAyling/status/288757857543925761 Am I passionate about tobacco?  Yes… passionate about its abolishment.

What is the most important thing in your life right now?

My family - extended, dispersed, some of whom I have never met, though I long to.

Is there an author that inspired you to write?

There are three, Dr. Seuss, J.R.R.Tolkien, and Omar Khayyám – not necessarily in that order.

What are some of your long term goals?

My goals, I would think, are similar to those of that vast majority of people everywhere – to secure a future for myself, and my kin.

You know the scenario – you’re stuck on an island. What book would you bring with you and why?

The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyám – in particular the translation by Edward FitzGerald. As to why – there is eternal beauty in Omar Khayyám’s verse, and in such it would grant me an eternity of majestic contemplation.  Of course, the downside is that I might starve – buy what a wonderful way to do so…

What is your favorite past-time?

Writing, revising and improving my work and worlds, and sharing snippets of them on Twitter.  By the way, I think you mean “pass-time”, though “past-time” works as well – since after all, I did mentions they things in the past, which I enjoyed most.

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

Yes, I’m an open book and try hard to remain accessible to answer any questions – any questions, not restricted to my work, but to my philosophy and thoughts.  The way to reach me, is via @CGAyling on Twitter.  I strive to respond.

ABOUT MALMAXA I. BELTAMAR’S WAR

Envision a world ruled by six Divine Laws, Immutable and Absolute. Liaju is about to receive her twelfth marks – arcane symbols etched within her flesh, by Divine Decree. These mystic marks grant access to her first matching Convocation. Liaju is plagued by troubling dreams… her visions reveal the precipice her people, the Seizen, unknowingly approach – along with a possible path of escape. An obscure path, hidden and locked. Only Liaju holds escape’s elusive key, a key as incomprehensible as it is frightening. Self-sacrifice. Must Liaju relinquish all to secure the Seizen’s survival? Eden, a mischievous child, succumbs to temptation and leads her cousin astray. Their path leads through terror and death, to ultimate understanding. Trickery reveals treachery – for Eden’s misdeed unveils a monstrous murder. Thrown into a perpetual, remorseless conflict you soon discover Malmaxa is more about character than place. Sorely troubled, barbaric, complex, and intriguing as Malmaxa is, it remains merely the setting for the true tale – the people, their motivations, and the choices which shape and define them. Envision Malmaxa, then step inside and experience a world at once astonishingly different, and disturbingly familiar. Experience Malmaxa… experience, enlightenment?

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Why This Book Was Written by Shawn Kilgarlin

 

ABOUT SHAWN KILGARLIN

Shawn V. Kilgarlin is a writer, speaker, and Chief Operating Officer of Louisiana-based American Screening Corporation (ASC), a nationwide leader in drug testing products since 1999. In 2011, she was named a Cambridge Who’s Who Professional of the Year in Health Care Support. Ms. Kilgarlin’s husband (and co-author), Ron Kilgarlin is ASC’s CEO and an internationally recognized sales expert. Their company has helped over a million people deal with the plague of substance abuse. While unusually active in her industry and community, Ms. Kilgarlin’s true passions are writing and helping those in need. She is the author of the book God’s Love Letters: Overcoming Adversity. Past Tense is her second book. Visit her website at http://www.americanscreeningcorp.com/Past-Tense-Shawn-Kilgarlin-P2955C216.aspx Find Shawn!

Find Ron!

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Why This Book Was Written

    I started this project two years ago, then I put it on the shelf. Maybe I thought I wasn’t qualified to write such a book. Who was I, anyway? But then I realized God gives everyone a talent, and if we use that talent, He smiles. My talent is my easy-going, happy spirit. I naturally always see the positive in a situation. I had this early in life. My parents struggled financially but we never knew it; we were treated like royalty. My siblings and I were treated with love and respect, and given strong moral values. My wonderful mother gave me a happy childhood and excellent upbringing, but that doesn’t mean everything was hearts and flowers. I was raised by two strict Catholic parents, and literally wasn’t let out of the house until I was 18. As a result, when I entered the world it was with happy, child-like innocence. I didn’t know problems if they were staring me in the face. My innate happiness and inner joy were sorely tested by the real world. After I had my third baby, I had a rough time. Whether it was post-partum depression, burnout, or even a midlife crisis, who knows. I never told a soul what was going on with me, but my husband knew something was wrong. My dear husband Ron had to plead with me to come back to Earth, as he repeated “I love you” over and over. All the years I had helped him overcome his own problems were repaid completely as he helped me work through my malaise. As everyone has strengths, we all have weaknesses. Mine is that I trust everyone; I’m gullible and naive to the real world, a little too much. As I slowly got through my depressed situation, I learned to meet people in the middle and stay guarded until I knew they could be trusted. Ron and I have been married for 12 years and together for 17. My midlife crisis shook him and he had to dig deep to rescue me. And now, he is my hero! We found the strength and ability to weather the storm, to make love work, and now, to write this book for you. We hope to inspire you, to enlighten you if we can, and to touch your soul. As a couple, we started out from zero, selling drug tests, working out of our home, and grew our operation into a multi-million dollar business. We went broke once, suffered through some tragedies, but ultimately we helped many families, parents, offenders, probation officers, treatment professionals, and people like you to build a better life. We are not perfect, but together we have helped over 30,000 customers in the substance abuse treatment market. As you might imagine, I have heard many troubling stories of treatment pain, love against all odds, and recovery. From this experience, I truly believe in miracles and I truly believe in love. I truly believe in God, and I truly believe in your potential. I feel certain that you can overcome any trial or tribulation that comes your way. And if you don’t believe it, just read this book!   ~ Shawn Kilgarlin

ABOUT PAST TENSE

Stress Relief is right here, in your hands. Are you tense and need a break? You will love this book! Open it to any page on any day. You’ll find guidance and useful tips that are positive, fun, light-hearted and profound so you can get the peace of mind you really need – right now. Whenever you feel bothered and annoyed, fearful, insecure, angry or frustrated, it is probably from on of these: •Daily Hassles – traffic jams, lost keys, bills to pay, unruly children •Workplace – office politics, lack of respect, unemployment, helplessness •Environmental – noise, pollution, harsh lighting, crowds •Life Changes – college, marriage, divorce, aging, emergencies, grieving •General Anxiety – holidays, peer pressure, addictions, feeling inadequate Don’t worry, we have you covered. Designed for easy reading and fast relief, Past Tense gives you 365 engaging “page-a-day” stories to put your stress to rest. Each one brings you a healthy does of feeling better every day of the year. Sprinkled with inspiring quotes, thoughtful sayings and profound wisdom from the world’s great philosophers, modern thinkers, and major religions, Past Tense give soothing, down-to-earth advice for people of all ages. Use it to get “past tense” right away – and stay that way for life! Work Stress. Management Stress. Money Stress. Life Stress! They’re All Part of Everyday Life, BUT… There are practical solutions and secrets that you can start using right away: Fundamental understanding and management of stress is within your grasp. With its 365 engaging, “page-a-day” stories, Past Tense offers a healthy dose of stress relief for every day of the year. The book covers every stress-generating scenario imaginable while teaching: the full impact of stress on your life; how to react to any crisis with composure; ways to read the warning signs of stress burnout; and tips on becoming a master of new behavioral patterns that help you live a highly stress-reduced life. Past Tense is guaranteed to provide guidelines for creative problem solving while giving you positive-habit-forming techniques for tackling difficult situations. In its alternately fun, light-hearted, yet profound pages, you’ll discover ways to reduce harmful stress and increase productivity across the spectrum in areas including: • Daily challenges (traffic, lost keys, workplace woes) • Workplace pressures (office politics, lack of control, job loss) • Environmental stressors (noise, pollution, harsh lighting, crowds) • Life changes (college, marriage, divorce, aging, grieving) • Stresses related to family, holidays, peer pressure, addiction, and much more Sprinkled with quotes, sayings, and profound wisdom from ancient philosophers, modern thinkers, and the world’s major religions, Past Tense offers down-to-earth, common sense advice that speaks powerfully to readers of all ages and cultures. Use this lively stress-handling encyclopedia to get “past tense” and stay that way – for life!

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