-
Recently Written
- Innerspace Author Interview: Meet Romance Author Jean Hackensmith
- Book Review: Wear Clean Underwear by Alexis Martin Neely
- One of my Worthy Adversaries in Top Affiliate Challenge
- The Second Blind Contestant on Top Affiliate Challenge
- Discover the Power of Storytelling Secrets & Coffee?
- InnerSpace Author Interview: Meet Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein
- InnerSpace LIVE Author Interview: The Story Lady Interviews Best Selling Author Robin Jay
- Today’s Guest with the Fab 5: Story Lady Interviews Niche Prof Ron Capps about Social marketing
- Innerspace Author Interview: Meet Cozy Mystery Author Bernadette Steele
- John Kremer Shares Book Marketing Strategies with Ken McArthur’s Impact Launch Team
-
Categories
-
Archives
-
RSS Subscriptions
Register below & Discover How to Tell a Great Story Every Time! . View my page on Social Marketing Central  
|
Comments RSS 
May
8
Today I am excited to introduce you to Jean Hackensmith. She is the author of the romantic thriller, Checkmate.
You can purchase Checkmate at Amazon.com, HerOrbit.com, and autographed copies are available at www.jeanhackensmith.com
Blurb/summary of book:
Caryn’s ex-husband bound her and their children hand and foot, locked them in the bathroom, and set the house on fire. They managed to escape with their lives, and Dan Hamilton was sentenced to eighteen years in prison for the crime. He’s out now and the rules in his sadistic game allow Caryn only twelve “moves” before she will die. Zach Riker, Cheyenne’s Fire Chief, was the first paramedic on the scene eighteen years ago. He saved Caryn’s life. Now she is his life and he’ll stop at nothing to protect the woman he loves.
Do you set writing goals and write them down?
I keep a list of future book ideas, if that counts. My mind is always reeling with ideas…especially at night. People often ask me if I get any sleep! Yes, I do, but it’s generally a long time in coming. My mind refuses to shut down. Next to my husband and children, writing is my life. When those ideas begin to dwindle, then I’ll begin to worry.
Do you set goals for the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of your life with specific action steps and deadlines?
Yes, all the time. I’m trying to lose weight right now, so reaching my target weight is one definite goal. I do specific things each day to achieve that goal and have set what I hope are not too stringent guidelines. Emotionally, I’m feeling pretty good right now, but my son is having a hard time with a new relationship, so that’s stressful for me as well—especially when the girl he’s dating is my best friend’s daughter. My friend isn’t too happy with the relationship; I am delighted. The idea that, if things don’t work out between the two of them, it could affect my relationship with my friend is constantly on my mind. God willing, the situation will work out for the best. I’ve been doing a lot of praying for all of them.
What aspects of your own life are woven into your book?
I hope my sense of humor comes through in my characters, as well as an in-bred determination to overcome obstacles that could jeopardize my happiness or that of my family. I am also a victim of spousal abuse and rape, so when these issues are addressed in the book, I speak from my own personal experiences. In the book, the heroine places the safety of her family above her own—something I would undoubtedly do in that situation. I’m a mother, after all. No matter how old my children are, their well being will always be foremost in my mind.
How do you spark your creativity?
I am lucky in that I live at the western tip of Lake Superior, the “inland sea.” Whenever I run up against a stone wall in my writing, which doesn’t happen very often, I take a notebook and pen and go sit on a secluded beach overlooking the lake. It seldom fails to jumpstart my creativity. This is also one of my favorite places to write, even when I’m not suffering from writer’s block. The serenity and peacefulness of the water on a warm, calm, summer day makes the creative juices flow. I’m one of those writers who need absolute quiet when I’m working. The Lake provides that—and so does writing at night. My normal writing time is from around 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. when the house is quiet and I know I won’t be disturbed by ringing phones, radios or televisions.
How do you relax?
Again, I head for the Lake…or I just grab a soda and a good book and go sit outside in the yard. I enjoy nothing more than watching the world go by on a quiet, peaceful day; waving to the neighbors, watching deer feed in the yard across the street. Nothing is more relaxing for me…especially on days when I just don’t feel like being a part of that world.
What do you enjoy doing with friends?
Movies, camping, bowling…though I’m terrible at it, but I have fun! I’m also very active in our local community theatre, which is where most of my friends reside, also. I actually founded the theatre back in 1992 and still direct 3-4 shows a year. I’ve also stepped onto stage a few times, portraying “Anna Leowens” in THE KING AND I, and “Miss Hannigan” in ANNIE. I’ve also written three plays for the theatre and, believe me, there is nothing more rewarding than seeing your work come to life.
What quality do you most desire to develop in yourself as a person?
I could work a little on developing a higher level of patience. When I see those around me doing something self-destructive or damaging to another person, I’m tempted to knock their heads together and scream, “Why can’t you see that there’s a simple solution to this!” Of course, what may seem simple to me may not be to them and, especially with those closest to me, I’m always worried about hurting their feelings. I have learned, though, after fifty-one years, that sometimes it’s necessary to address the hard issues head-on rather than pussy foot around and watch someone you love make a grievous mistake.
What themes and/or issues are predominate in your work?
The main “theme” in all of my work, I guess, would be that good can always conquer evil if you’re willing to work hard enough to accomplish it. As far as issues, almost all of my books have a beleaguered person in there somewhere who must overcome some kind of abuse, whether it be physical, sexual or emotional. There have been many special people throughout my life who have helped me to overcome different forms of abuse. Those angels of mercy, as it were, are also integrated into my novels.
What is better about your life now than it was 5 years ago?
Undoubtedly, the fact that I am again free to live my life as I please. Admittedly, I have an addictive personality. Thirteen years ago, I was a compulsive gambler. I stole some money to fuel that addiction and, luckily, was caught and forced to get help. I spent a month in the county jail, was put of probation for 10 years, and ordered to pay restitution. I did repay the money—every dime—and was released from probation back in 2005. I haven’t stepped in a casino since, and I never will. One pull of the “one armed bandit” is all it would take to suck me back in.
What was the most important lesson you learned about yourself as a person during the writing of your book?
That, even in my writing, I am capable of making the hard decisions. One chapter in particular in the book went totally against my grain as a person, but I knew it had to be for the story to have the desired impact. The reader will know the chapter, I’m sure, when they get to it.
Thanks Jean for stopping by the blog that shows you how to awaken the hero within YOU!
Tags: blind, storyation, business development, mentoring, entrepreneurial authoring, mentor
Ronda Del Boccio, The Story Lady of Storyation.com is an author, dynamic speaker, author coach, story coach.
She is the author of I'll Push, You Steer: The Definitive Guide to Stumbling Through Life with Blinders On
The Kama Sutra of Storytelling: Positioning, Power and Profit
and her upcoming book...
The Geometry of Success: 5 Simple Shapes that Shape Your Life
Print This Post
Email This Post
May
7
Ronda Del Boccio, The Story Lady of Storyation.com is an author, dynamic speaker, author coach, story coach.
She is the author of I'll Push, You Steer: The Definitive Guide to Stumbling Through Life with Blinders On
The Kama Sutra of Storytelling: Positioning, Power and Profit
and her upcoming book...
The Geometry of Success: 5 Simple Shapes that Shape Your Life
Print This Post
Email This Post
May
7
[Top Affiliate Challenge] One of my Worthy Adversaries in Top Affiliate Challenge
May 7, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Chad is one of my worthy adversaries in the affiliate marketing reality show Top Affiliate Challenge. I hope he makes it — along wiht ME of course! Thanks for voting me a 10!
Ronda Del Boccio, The Story Lady
http://Storyation.com/VoteRonda.htm
|
Tags: MLM, success, I\’ll Push You Steer, business development, storytelling, home based business
Previous in series Next in series
Ronda Del Boccio, The Story Lady of Storyation.com is an author, dynamic speaker, author coach, story coach.
She is the author of I'll Push, You Steer: The Definitive Guide to Stumbling Through Life with Blinders On
The Kama Sutra of Storytelling: Positioning, Power and Profit
and her upcoming book...
The Geometry of Success: 5 Simple Shapes that Shape Your Life
Print This Post
Email This Post
May
7
[Top Affiliate Challenge] The Second Blind Contestant on Top Affiliate Challenge
May 7, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Ronda Del Boccio, The Story Lady of Storyation.com is an author, dynamic speaker, author coach, story coach.
She is the author of I'll Push, You Steer: The Definitive Guide to Stumbling Through Life with Blinders On
The Kama Sutra of Storytelling: Positioning, Power and Profit
and her upcoming book...
The Geometry of Success: 5 Simple Shapes that Shape Your Life
Print This Post
Email This Post
May
5
Ronda Del Boccio, The Story Lady of Storyation.com is an author, dynamic speaker, author coach, story coach.
She is the author of I'll Push, You Steer: The Definitive Guide to Stumbling Through Life with Blinders On
The Kama Sutra of Storytelling: Positioning, Power and Profit
and her upcoming book...
The Geometry of Success: 5 Simple Shapes that Shape Your Life
Print This Post
Email This Post
Apr
24
[Innerspace] InnerSpace Author Interview: Meet Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein
April 24, 2008 | 3 Comments
Today I am happy to introduce Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein. She is a Positive Psychologist and author of several books. Her latest release is The Truth (I’m a girl, I’m smart and I know everything). This book is available through Amazon.com
Blurb/summary of book A fictional diary written by a ten-eleven year old girl in which all sorts of truths are shared. A delightful, easy read that is truly simple, yet profound. Girls will hear their own voices in the voice of the ‘girl’ and know they are understood and women will remember the girl they once were. For girls and moms this book is a great way to bridge the generation gap and really communicate.
Do you set writing goals and write them down?
No
Do you set goals for your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of your life with specific action steps and deadlines?
I set goals but not with clear deadlines. For example I have been do weights at the gym for a year or so and slowing getting stronger. But I don’t have a rigorous time-table.
What aspects of your own life are woven into your book?
Some aspects of the ‘girls’ life are similar to what mine were. For example, she is from a family that is not always harmonious, as I was also. On the other hand, she is independent and allowed to feel very competent by her parents and this is also a gift that I was given.
How do you spark your creativity?
I don’t know. I just feel a pressure building which means I have to start a new writing project or get back to work on one already started. Now the pressure is building to finish the second book in the series that The Truth is the first.
How do you relax?
Walking along the ocean, laughing with friends, petting my cats, shopping sometimes, dance class, reading, eating.
What do you enjoy doing with friends?
I like to talk and go for walks. I also like to have long meals together. With good girlfriends I can just sit for hours and converse and it is very refreshing.
What quality do you most desire to develop in yourself as a person?
Wow-there are so many. I would like to develop more compassion and be wiser and be even more eager to create harmony around me.
What themes and/or issues predominate in your work?
Self-esteem, protecting and holding on to the most precious aspects of the self, humor-not taking oneself too seriously, and the capacity to solve one’s problems.
What is better about your life now than it was 5 years ago?
I continue to grow in my capacity to love so in that respect life is more and more delightful. I feel much more sure of The Truth, (I’m a girl, I’m smart and I know everything) as the groundwork of a project than five years ago. I knew then that I wanted to give a voice to children’s voices for the betterment of kids and adults but I didn’t know how it was going to happen. Now the ‘girl’ as a character here to help me with my messages and her own has appeared, and the rest is unfolding. It is wonderful.
What was the most important lesson you learned about yourself as a person during the writing of your book?
Simple is not simple. Simple is hard but beautiful. This book is as simple as my first book, The Enchanted Self, A Positive Therapy was complex. Yet both were hard to perfect and both ended up with very deep messages.
Tags: Kama Sutra of Storytelling, BookWise, author coach, storytelling, Blog Talk Radio, mentoring
Ronda Del Boccio, The Story Lady of Storyation.com is an author, dynamic speaker, author coach, story coach.
She is the author of I'll Push, You Steer: The Definitive Guide to Stumbling Through Life with Blinders On
The Kama Sutra of Storytelling: Positioning, Power and Profit
and her upcoming book...
The Geometry of Success: 5 Simple Shapes that Shape Your Life
Print This Post
Email This Post
Apr
18
[Innerspace] InnerSpace LIVE Author Interview: The Story Lady Interviews Best Selling Author Robin Jay
April 18, 2008 | 2 Comments
I am so excited to present author, motivational speaker, and Queen of the Business Lunch Robin Jay on InnerSpace LIVE Author Interviews today.
Robin Jay is a living example of the Laws of the Universe at work. As a teen, she learned the truths about success, leadership, management, focused attention, being self-motivated and the power of a positive mental attitude. After more than 18 years as an Advertising Account Manager, Robin took a leap of faith and began her writing and speaking career. Her personable, friendly style was quickly embraced by audiences across the country. Her natural ability to communicate effectively quickly put her in demand as a keynote speaker and coach.
Robin had a vision and was able to achieve every aspect of her vision in a remarkably short time. Her clients are quick to agree that she is results-oriented, proven by her tremendous success as an award-winning author and speaker. She has a unique ability to help her clients to do the same: establish their vision and then achieve it.
Whether speaking at association functions, corporate meetings and conventions, or coaching one-on-one, Robin knows how to help others achieve their goals and dreams. She saw her first book, “The Art of the Business Lunch” as a best seller and it quickly became just that. This book on business relationships is now sold in ten languages worldwide. Now, as a professional keynote speaker, award-winning author and corporate trainer, Robin is not just the “Queen of the Business Lunch,” but is a business relationship expert who shares the nuts-and-bolts of building profitable business relationships.
Robin has the proven ability to communicate the Laws of the Universe in language that everyone can understand and she delivers messages that motivate and inspire her audiences in accordance with those laws. She transforms her audiences through a journey of increased self-actualization to achieve greater success, both personally and professionally.
These are her presentation topics:
|
The Art of Successful Networking The “Special” Secret of Sales Success |