Showing posts with label Non-fiction. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Non-fiction. Show all posts

Saturday, January 10, 2026

Guest Author Day with Kelli A. Wilkins: You Can Write—Really! A Beginner’s Guide to Writing Fiction

 

Want to Learn How to Write? Don’t miss You Can Write—Really!

By Kelli A. Wilkins

www.KelliWilkins.com

 

Happy New Year!

If one of your goals is to write a novel or a short story this year, you’ve come to the right blog.

When people learn that I’m a writer, they often tell me: “I want to write a book, but…” and then they go into longwinded explanations about why they can’t write it. Usually they don’t know where (or how) to start, or they say they don’t have the time.

Well, I’ve got a solution for all that.

And as an author of more than 100 short stories and 24 romance novels, I’m often asked: Where do you get your ideas? How do you write a book? What advice do you have for writers who are just starting out? Do you have any writing tips? Can you help me?

Sure I can!

One day I started thinking about everything I’ve learned over the years, and inspiration hit me: Why not write a book on how to write? The result? You Can Write—Really! A Beginner’s Guide to Writing Fiction.

This fun and practical book walks you through the story-creating process step-by-step from getting a great idea to meeting your characters, developing a plot, and on to writing, revising, and submitting your work.

Each easy-to-read chapter is based on my years of experience as a writer, advice I’ve received over the years, and the technical “know-how” I’ve gained in writing classes and workshops. I also included helpful tips all writers can use, plus easy writing exercises to get you motivated.

I’m an eclectic writer, and that means I write everything—short horror fiction, full-length romance novels, science fiction, mysteries, and thrillers. People are always asking me, “How can you write in so many different genres and styles? What’s the secret?”

It’s really not that difficult. Why? Because the basic mechanics of good storytelling are universal, no matter what genre you write. Every fiction story contains the same ingredients: an interesting and engaging plot, characters the reader cares about and roots for, supporting details, and background that draw the reader into the story.

Want to learn more? Here’s the book summary:

 


You Can Write—Really! A Beginner’s Guide to Writing Fiction

 

Have you always wanted to write?

  

Do you have a great story idea, but don’t know how to develop it?

 

If you’ve always dreamed of writing, but have no idea where or how to start—this is the ebook for you! 

 

You Can Write—Really! is designed for beginner writers who need a boost of motivation and simple instructions on how to get started. This fun and easy-to-follow ebook takes you step-by-step through the writing process, covering the basics of plotting, editing, revising, and submitting your story.

​

Each chapter explores ways to get your creativity flowing, explains where authors get ideas, and shows you how to create interesting characters. Helpful tips all writers can use, plus creative writing exercises throughout the book get you motivated.  

 

Once you have the basics down, you can write—really!

 

Order your copy and read reviews here: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/you-can-write-really

 

Want more? Visit my Amazon Author page for a full title list: www.amazon.com/author/kelliwilkins

I welcome questions and comments from readers. If you’ve read one of my books, let me know which one you loved best and why.

Happy Reading (and Writing!)

Kelli A. Wilkins

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kelli A. Wilkins is an award-winning author who has published more than 100 short stories, 24 romance novels, and 8 mystery/horror ebooks. Her romances span many genres and settings, and she likes to scare readers with her horror and mystery stories.

Her twenty-fourth romance, For Love’s Sake, an epic historical/fantasy romantic adventure, was published in 2025.

In 2024, she released Surreal Escapes, a collection of 7 speculative/spooky stories. Anything can—and does—happen in this anthology.

She published The Route 9 Killer, a mystery/thriller set in Central NJ, in 2023. Look for a follow-up story coming in 2026!

Follow Kelli on her Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKelliWilkins and visit her website www.KelliWilkins.com for a full title list and social media links.

 


Thursday, December 11, 2025

Book Tour Stop/Giveaway: The Hotel Guru's Journey by Robert Rauch



This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Robert Rauch will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.



For over half a century, Robert Rauch, referred to as "The Hotel Guru", has witnessed and made history within the evolution of modern hospitality. From performing night audits on Sweda cash registers in the 1970s to utilizing AI-enabled revenue strategies today, he has seen it all. The Hotel Guru's Journey combines his fascinating behind-the-scenes narratives with proven operating insights.

This unique operations guidebook shares both the "war" stories and the systems that matter. Rauch shares lessons learned the hard way in trust, crisis management, technology adoption, and leadership. And aside from the entertaining personal experiences, you'll gain access to tried-and-true frameworks, in-the-trenches checklists, and practical guidance for all aspects of hotel operations.

Whether you're breaking ground on your first property, expanding a hospitality portfolio, or seeking to avoid costly mistakes, Rauch's five decades of experience provide your competitive advantage in building a successful and sustainable hotel.

For up-and-coming hoteliers, veteran general managers, and hospitality investors, The Hotel Guru's Journey is your map to long-term success.


Read an Excerpt

When there’s a solar eclipse or event that takes place every decade or so, hotels will typically block those dates from regular rates and wait for the money to come in. For some reason, perhaps the lack of social media at the time, Halley’s Comet didn’t get the juice that eclipse events receive. Appearing approximately every 75 years, Halley’s Comet last appeared in the inner parts of the solar system in 1986 and will next appear in mid-2061. Back in 1986, I was the General Manager of the Hilton Pavilion in Mesa, Arizona. We’d just opened and needed publicity, so our team came up with the idea of a watch party for the coming comet. During its 1986 visit, Halley’s Comet became the first comet to be observed in detail by a spacecraft and was also observed by our hotel guests. The hotel industry had always been driven by art, not science. Computers were very new to hospitality back in the 1980s, and there was no internet, so spreading the word about an event was simple but not easy. We chose to advertise the event in USA Today, a gamble as the ad cost us $10,000, but it was worth every penny. We had 282 rooms and an average rate of about $150 at the time. And we had no choice as to when we had the viewing party because it was whenever the comet would be most visible, which happened to be at 3:30 A.M. on February 9, 1986. At the time, I was studying for my master’s degree at ASU. I contacted a professor who’d been quoted in the local newspapers about the comet. I asked him if he was interested in taking a group out to the desert for a viewing party. He was ecstatic about being involved and said he’d bring all his equipment and would only charge us a modest fee. We booked up the hotel with two busloads of guests, approximately 100 total viewing party guests. We woke them up at 2:30 A.M., and the buses left at 3:00 A.M. for a 30-minute ride into the middle of nowhere. With no lights around, everyone was able to view the comet through a high-powered telescope, which was way beyond the clarity that binoculars provided. We were out there from 3:30–4:30 A.M. Did we make money? Not really, as 50 rooms and 100 people equated to about $7500, and the ad had cost us $10,000, but the press coverage that followed was invaluable.

About the Author:



With a bachelor’s degree in Hotel Administration from Western International University and a master’s degree in Tourism Administration from Arizona State University, Mr. Rauch has served as president and on the board of numerous tourism organizations. Mr. Rauch is a recently retired faculty member at Arizona State University and taught Tourism Industry Entrepreneurship. He is widely quoted on television and radio and in numerous publications, including the Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Los Angeles Times. He speaks at industry conferences regularly and has developed several leading brand hotels, three of which the firm still owns and manages, and has been a finalist for CEO of the year in San Diego, CA, and Phoenix, AZ.

Mr. Rauch currently utilizes his private company, R. A. Rauch & Associates, Inc., to provide management services for his owned hotels, consulting services for various Wall Street firms and selected litigation support clients, and asset management services designed to provide hotel owners with oversight and review of potential and currently operating hotels. He also serves as Chairman and Chief Strategist of Brick Hospitality, a company formed by his management team to operate hotels in California. Mr. Rauch recently sold RAR Hospitality, a leading hospitality management firm with 20 hotels under management or development, retaining management of selected hotels where he serves as an owner in San Diego. As a student, teacher, and mentor in the hospitality industry over a six-decade period, Mr. Rauch continues to be active at industry conferences, in key meetings, and when needed to support the hospitality sector.

Website: https://hotelguru.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertrauch/
Twitter: https://x.com/truehotelguru
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20244045.Robert_Rauch

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Hotel-Gurus-Journey-Excellence-Industry/dp/B0FQBTH878/ref=sr_1_1

Wednesday, December 4, 2024

Tour Stop/Giveaway: Curveballs by Gail Taylor



This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Gail Taylor will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.



Here you are on the brink of a journey all about self-discovery and chasing dreams. With personal stories and tools that shaped the author's path, she focuses on embracing authenticity. You'll explore how living with purpose and passion is achievable. This personal-growth book combines cutting-edge technology and music interaction, reflecting the author's belief that music can transform and positively impact individuals and communities.


Read an Excerpt

Many people spend years—decades, even—in jobs that are safe, but not challenging. Stable, but far from rewarding. I refer to that choice as settling.

If you are in this situation, you might tell yourself you are staying in this role for your family or for their future. Sometimes you plan to leave these unfulfilling positions as soon as you have saved a certain amount of money, or have paid for your home or schooling.

I have seen firsthand when opportunities present themselves to folks in these situations whereby they pass on the new challenges and the chance to chase their dreams. You may convince yourself to stay where you are because the field you want to join is too competitive, your skills and talents are rusty and insufficient, or you are too old for a new career . . . a refrain many of us have heard, or uttered. I am so thankful I never believed any of these falsehoods.

When I decided to come out of retirement, three years into it, it was to start my own business: Gail Taylor Music. My goal was to become a keynote speaker, using my stories and music to help others become their best selves. When I mentioned this to my new entertainment lawyer, his first reaction was, “Write a book.” And so here we are.

If you have read the introduction to this book, you know something about my rather tumultuous early life and how I turned things around. For twenty-five years as a financial advisor, I helped clients with investments and with building retirement plans. I absolutely adored my job and imagined staying in this role until I retired, sometime in my seventies. Things might have worked out that way, but when I was fifty-eight, I started taking piano lessons.

The lessons were meant to be a hobby, a diversion from days spent neck-deep in numbers, analytical thinking, and playing it safe with clients’ nest eggs. Instead of just learning an instrument and having a bit of fun, I fell in love with music as it flooded back into my life. After spending two years with my new passion, I decided to retire sooner than planned and dedicate my time to studying this incredible art form. I was financially independent, so I made the decision, at sixty-one, to sell my business and turn over a new leaf.

It was not just an affair I was having with this new interest. I realized I wanted to spend as many hours in the day as possible learning all aspects of music. For someone with no musical background, I was in for an exciting journey and lots of new experiences. Due to advancements in technology, I was able to study online with the Berklee School of Music. It was so exciting. They did not require me to audition. The curriculum was worth every penny of the tuition I paid. I studied bass guitar, piano, keyboard, ear training, and songwriting. After a few years, I began to toy with the idea of reinventing myself as a musician.

When I shared my new passion with people, I was pleasantly surprised by their supportive reactions. “Oh, that is so inspiring,” they would say. I heard this often, from people I knew well and strangers sitting next to me on an airplane. It was as if I was suddenly in the same category as mountain climbers and long-distance swimmers. It felt so amazing to know I could inspire others to pursue their dreams.

About the Author: Gail Taylor, a Canadian songwriter, keynote speaker, entrepreneur, and author, is celebrated for inspiring others to take charge of their lives. With forty years of studying personal growth and peak performance, she proves that designing your own life is possible, regardless of your beginnings. Her expertise has made her a sought-after guest on numerous podcasts.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Curveballs-Unlocking-Potential-Personal-Inspirational/dp/1779622015/ref=sr_1_1

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Friday, September 8, 2023

Nonfiction Book Spotlight/Giveaway: Happiness Mountain



This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Amal Indi will be awarding a $10 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Happiness is the most important experience that we as human beings seek throughout our entire lives. Yet there is no one clear definition of happiness in the world today.

How, then, can we expect to be happy to our fullest if we do not know what happiness is?

Everyone has happy moments in life. Suppose you are awake sixteen hours a day after eight hours of sleep—how much time are you truly happy in these sixteen hours?
If you are happy only 20 percent of your day, you will not feel truly happy in life.
If you are happy 50 percent of your day, you will feel like you have an OK life.
If you are happy 60 percent or above, you are living a happy life.
If you are happy 80 percent and above, you’re living a phenomenally happy life.
What if you could change the times that you are not happy to happy moments?

If you want to get better at something, you must study and become proficient in that subject. You do not know what you are missing if you do not learn. The same principle applies to happiness. If you want to be happier, study what happiness is. If happiness is important to you, master it.

By knowing happiness, you can consciously live a happier life. You can minimize the external factors impacting your happiness. You can get happiness under your control.

Irrespective of where you are in life today, by reading this book and following the happiness definition, philosophy, and methodology, you or anyone can live a happier life.


Read an Excerpt

Living with a higher vibration is a blessing. You feel inner peace. You are resilient to what is happening around you, especially since the world is attracting a lot of negative energies. You must protect your inner peace with your higher vibration. You can only be at your higher vibration with your Higher Self. You can activate your Higher Self by establishing:

Higher Self beliefs
Higher Self values
Higher Self purpose

Oftentimes people do not have clarity of their beliefs, values, and purposes for happiness, which causes their Lower Self to take control of their life. Let’s change that for you. Let set up a great set of beliefs, values, and purposes for Inner Happiness. You can always add more or make some adjustments. Please note that these are not religious beliefs, and they are not intended to conflict with any religious, cultural, or political views. These beliefs, values, and purposes are purely defined for your happiness and wellbeing.

Higher Self Beliefs

The following are nine Inner Happiness beliefs will take you to your higher vibration. You have to believe in them and then practice them.

1. Take care of your mind and body first.
2. Objectively experience life’s duality.
3. Accept impermanence.
4. Be in service to others.
5. Be yourself, be authentic.
6. Surround yourself with quality people.
7. Stop energy drops and create.
8. Maintain a higher consciousness with mindfulness.
9. Believe in yourself and your higher power.

This chapter will give you foundational knowledge. Then you need to apply your new knowledge to your day-to-day life. After practice, these become new patterns in your mind, and you can enjoy Inner Happiness for your whole life.

About the Author:
With over 20 years of experience working for financial institutions as a Solutions Architect, Amal set out on a mission to find true happiness. After researching happiness for many years, he is ready to share a definition, philosophy, and methodology for happiness so that anyone can follow and find true happiness with inner peace, joy, and fulfillment. He has written an incredible book called “Happiness Mountain – Make every experience a happy experience”. Amal is also a father of two kids and lives in beautiful Vancouver, Canada. Amal’s mission is to heal the world and allow everyone to enjoy true happiness.

Find out more on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CBSXPNHM

Or visit

http://www.happinessmountain.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/amal-indi-6874064/
https://www.facebook.com/happinessmountain.inc/
https://www.spreaker.com/show/happiness-mountain
https://www.instagram.com/happiness_mountain/

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Tuesday, August 8, 2023

Book Spotlight/Giveaway: A Voice Out of Poverty

 


Check out the new nonfiction book by Jillian Haslam, A Voice Out of Poverty, today and make sure to enter the tour wide giveaway as you get a chance to win a $25 Amazon/BN GC from the author. The tour is sponsored by Goddess Fish Promotions and you can find all the tour stops HERE.


Where Do Ideas for a Book Come From:   

Today, I want to chat about something that often gets me super excited—the magical world of book ideas. You know, those little sparks that ignite our imaginations and take us on incredible literary adventures. So, join me as we dive into the question: Where do ideas for a book come from?

Now, let me start by saying that ideas are sneaky little creatures. They can pop up anytime, anywhere, and in the most unexpected places. Sometimes, a simple observation or conversation can trigger a creative explosion in our minds. Other times, ideas come knocking on our doors in the middle of the night, begging to be let in. And believe me; it's always wise to open that door and let them in!

One of the most beautiful things about ideas is that they can spring forth from our personal experiences. Think about it—each of us has a unique story to tell. Our own lives are filled with a treasure trove of emotions, challenges, triumphs, and lessons. These experiences can be a rich source of inspiration for a book. Maybe a childhood memory sparks an idea for a heartwarming coming-of-age story, or a personal struggle becomes the backbone of a self-help guide. Our experiences are like fuel for our creativity, and the possibilities are endless.

Another fascinating wellspring for book ideas lies in the world around us. Paying attention to the people we meet, the places we visit, and the events unfolding in our lives can be a great starting point. Inspiration can be found in the quirks of a stranger's personality, the breathtaking beauty of a landscape, or the heart-wrenching news headlines we stumble upon. All we need to do is open our eyes and soak it all in. Trust me; you'll be amazed at how the world can gift you with fantastic ideas when you least expect it.

Books themselves can also be the catalyst for new ideas. As authors, we're constantly reading, learning, and immersing ourselves in other people's stories. Sometimes, a book can spark a tiny flicker in our minds, prompting us to explore an alternative perspective or delve deeper into a particular topic. It's like a literary chain reaction—ideas giving birth to more ideas.

Now, let's talk about a little thing called imagination. Oh boy, is it a powerhouse when it comes to generating book ideas! Our imagination is like a playground, where characters come to life and worlds are born. It allows us to dream up magical realms, futuristic societies, and unforgettable characters. It's the place where the ordinary becomes extraordinary, and where the wildest ideas can thrive. So, my friends, never underestimate the power of a vivid imagination—it's a gateway to limitless possibilities.

Lastly, I want to touch on the notion that sometimes, ideas simply strike us out of the blue. They come hurtling towards us like a meteor shower, demanding our attention. It could be a phrase, an image, or even a single word that triggers a cascade of thoughts. These lightning-bolt ideas are like rare gems, and when they appear, we must catch them and hold on tight. Trust me; they're often the ones that have the potential to become something truly extraordinary.

When it comes to the question of where book ideas come from, the answer is as diverse and colorful as the books themselves. From our personal experiences to the world around us, from the books we read to the power of our own imaginations, the sources of inspiration are infinite. The key lies in being open and receptive to the ideas that come our way, embracing them with open arms, and nurturing them until they blossom into something beautiful.

So, my fellow dreamers and storytellers, let your imaginations run wild and keep those creative antennas up. You never know when the next brilliant idea might come knocking on your door. Until then, happy writing and happy exploring!

With love and inspiration, Jillian

 



A Voice Out of Poverty

by Jillian Haslam

GENRE: Memoir


A woman’s ascent from devastating poverty and childhood trauma to international standing as a prominent advocate for the poor and helpless.

 

As a young girl, Jillian Haslam saved a life. Herself tiny and aching from malnutrition, she stood for hours at a tea shop, begging for a ladle of milk to try and prevent her newborn sister from dying of starvation.

 

From the slums of Calcutta to the executive floors of a global bank, A Voice out of Poverty offers an unflinching look at one woman’s journey from destitution to success.

 

Throughout, Haslam demonstrates an inexhaustible drive to rise above adversity and find beacons of positivity in impossible circumstances. But her rise doesn’t stop at the top; she returns to her roots again and again to extend a hand to those left in the impoverished communities that she so narrowly escaped.

 

British by ancestry and born in India after its independence, Haslam and her family suffered degradation and prejudice. They were forced to live on the streets, flee danger in the middle of the night, and face persistent abuse and starvation.

 

This treacherous environment is the backdrop of an unlikely story of resilience and an unshakable family bond. From squalor and powerlessness, Haslam finds countless moments of grace, community, gratitude, and love.

 

A Voice out of Poverty is a raw and inspiring memoir that shows how beauty can be found in improbable places, and how “success” is not just the act of making it through. Rather, it is the act of reaching back to bring others with you.

Buy links: 

https://www.amazon.com/Voice-Out-Poverty-Achieve-Adversity-ebook/dp/B0BX48B964

https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/58948875

https://www.jillianhaslam.com/book

 Excerpt One:

 

A bristly, grey rat jutted its head through a wide crack in the peeling stucco wall, its long tail draped behind and hidden. It squinted its beady eyes and sniffed the air, as a light drizzle started to dampen the ground.

 

A few feet away, an older homeless woman, sitting under a precarious building canopy, shifted her eyes towards the rat, without moving her head. A stray dog nestled next to her, one of three gathered snuggly around her, bared its teeth, and growled at the rodent, without rising.

 

The woman swiveled her head in the rat’s direction and shooed it away with a claw-like hand slicing the air. The rat withdrew, vanishing inside the wall. The dog returned its head to rest on its paws and closed its eyes.

 

The drizzle turned into a light rain.

 

My mother and I took in the rat scene side by side as we ambled down the street. My eyes remained riveted on the homeless woman. I wondered if she had a family or young children like me. Then, the noisy “pop-pop” of a Vespa flew near my eyes and broke my concentration, causing me to pull my head back abruptly. I gripped my mother’s hand as tightly as I could.

 

The rain was now steady but not enough to flood the crowded streets or inhibit the pace of the fast-moving foot and vehicle traffic. I looked up to see an old man pulling a rickshaw coming towards us. I stared at him. His emaciated body looked as if his skin could peel off in thin layers, like a stale onion. He stared at me, sharing his single black tooth. I held my stare.

 

The rickshaw puller veered off the line of his path, forcing a dilapidated scooter that packed an entire family to swerve near us. The scooter splashed mud onto my legs and dress, and I started to cry. My only proper dress was drenched with filth. I now would have to undress to underclothes while it got washed. My mother stopped and crouched in front of me. I didn’t hide my disgust.

GIVEAWAY 


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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 Jillian Haslam is a remarkable individual with expertise in speaking on adversity and Resilience 

With a distinguished 23-year career in banking, she brings a wealth of industry knowledge to her engagements. As an acclaimed author, her books A Voice Out of Poverty and 9 Steps to Overcome Adversity-A Handbook for Life have garnered critical acclaim including the prestigious Kirkus Star Review! Her extraordinary journey has earned her accolades, including the prestigious Mother Teresa Memorial International Award for her humanitarian contributions. 

Jillian's unique perspective and powerful storytelling have made her a sought-after speaker on the topics of adversity and resilience. She has inspired audiences around the world with her transformative message, helping individuals and organizations overcome challenges and achieve remarkable results. Her insights have been featured in major media outlets, including The Times, The Telegraph, The BBC, and The Week. Through her speaking engagements, Jillian empowers individuals and teams to harness the power of resilience, navigate adversity, and unlock their full potential. Her profound impact continues to resonate with audiences from various backgrounds, fostering a culture of strength, growth, and success. 

Jillian Haslam's expertise as a speaker on adversity and resilience, coupled with her extensive banking experience, has made her a trusted voice in the field. Her ability to inspire and guide others through their own journeys of overcoming obstacles sets her apart, making her a valuable asset to any event or organization seeking to cultivate resilience and achieve exceptional success. 

Jillian currently lives in London with her husband.

 

Connect with her here:

www.jillianhaslam.com

 

https://books2read.com/u/3JnzxK (all available buy links are here)

https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/58948875

"Embrace Adversity, Unleash Greatness!

Once upon a time, in the heart of adversity, there lived a young girl named Jillian

Haslam. Born into abject poverty in the city of Kolkata, her life seemed destined for

despair. But little did the world know that within those hardships lay the seeds of

greatness and resilience.

Jillian's childhood was filled with struggles, facing hunger, homelessness, and the harsh

realities of poverty. However, amidst the gloom, she discovered a glimmer of hope -

education. Determined to change her fate, Jillian pursued knowledge with fervor,

knowing that education was her ticket to a better life.

Through sheer determination and hard work, Jillian excelled in her studies. She didn't let

her circumstances define her, but instead, she let them fuel her dreams. Every

challenge she faced became a stepping stone towards her ultimate goal - to break free

from the shackles of poverty and create a life of abundance.

As the years passed, Jillian's unwavering spirit caught the attention of a kind soul who

offered her a chance to work for a prestigious organization. This opportunity opened

doors she could only dream of before. With dedication and passion, Jillian climbed the

ladder of success, proving that her past could not hold her back.

But Jillian's journey didn't stop there. Instead of forgetting her roots, she embraced her

past and used it as a powerful tool to drive change. She founded initiatives to help

underprivileged children like herself, providing them with the gift of education and hope.

Today, Jillian stands tall as a beacon of inspiration and a symbol of turning adversity into

golden opportunities. Her voice echoes through her book, "A Voice Out of Poverty,"

touching countless hearts and motivating others to rise above their circumstances.

In the face of challenges, lies the key to your transformation. Embrace your struggles,

for they hold the power to unlock your true potential. Rise above adversity and let your

resilience shine, turning every experience into a golden opportunity for growth and

success! 

#EmbraceTheJourney #UnleashYourPotential #TurningStrugglesIntoTriumphs

#Adversity



Thursday, June 29, 2023

Cover Reveal: The Script is not Enough and Win a Gift Card!



This post is part of a Cover Reveal organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. One randomly drawn commenter will win a $10 Amazon gift card. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.



The Script is not Enough takes a unique look at the making of four different independent feature films. The author takes you through every stage in development from writing, to financing, and to distribution and marketing. Find out how you can learn from the hard experiences and challenges that face the filmmaker along the way.


About the Author:
Jamison LoCascio is an award-winning feature film director. In 2012, Jamison LoCascio began to write the screenplay for his first union short, "Midnight Catch," which garnished much acclaim at the New Jersey International Film Festival and Manhattan Film Festival. LoCascio decided to form his production company, Halcyon Valor Productions Incorporated. Graduated from Montclair State University with honors winning the “Excellence in Filmmaking” award for his numerous successful productions which premiered in film festivals around the world. LoCasio's short films have since been honored by the Screen Actors Guild and screened at such festivals as the Los Angeles International Short Film Festival, Montclair Film Festival, and NewFilmmakers New York. LoCascio's shorts "Track 3," "A Stranger's Confession," and "Powerless" were all official selections of the Festival de Cannes Short Film Corner. His films have been anthologized in the prestigious Anthology Film Archives in Manhattan, distributed worldwide on DVD, picked up for online distribution by Film Bay. DIRECTV & AT&T distributed 6 of LoCascio's short films on their new International short film platform. LoCascio's first feature film, "The Depths," starring Michael Rispoli and Patch Darragh won Best Feature Film at the 2017 Manhattan Film Festival and had a strong critical reception. The film also won Best Feature Film and Best Director at the 2017 Los Angeles Film Awards and received domestic distribution with Sony Pictures and The Orchard releasing on all major platforms including Amazon, Itunes, DVD and more. LoCascio's second feature film "Sunset" starring acclaimed actor Austin Pendleton received rave reviews and won multiple awards including Best Dramatic Feature Film at the 2018 Manhattan Film Festival, Best Ensemble at the 2018 Los Angeles Film Awards, Best Leading Actor (David Johnson) International Independent Film Awards. "Sunset" also received domestic distribution with Sony Pictures and The Orchard. LoCascio and Adam Ambrosio have recently launched their latest initiative by filmmakers for filmmakers called Film Valor, a youtube channel with over 3,000 worldwide followers and over 250,000 views, a behind the scenes look at their filmmaking process. "Know Fear," his latest feature film, received critical acclaim and stars Amy Carlson. The film had a limited theatrical release. His next feature film "How Dark They Prey," a unique horror anthology, has been released on major streaming platforms including Amazon Prime, Tubi, Plex, Udu, Mometu and many more with critics hailing the film as "Horror at its best". His latest feature film release “7x7” is a collection of many of LoCascio’s award-winning short films brought together for one viewing experience on major platforms including Tubi and Amazon Prime.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYMpC0IdUggTr1xMMEqsCPw
Twitter: https://twitter.com/filmvalor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/filmvalor/
Website: https://jamisonmlocascio.wixsite.com/mysite
Jamison LoCascio’s Social Media Links: https://linktr.ee/filmvalor

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Monday, April 3, 2023

Guest Author Day with Kellie Wilkins

 


How to Be Your Own Best Editor

By Kelli A. Wilkins

www.KelliWilkins.com

 

This blog is part of a series offering fun and practical advice to fiction writers. The blogs are based on the material in my non-fiction guide to writing, You Can Write—Really! A Beginner’s Guide to Writing Fiction. Whether you write horror, romance, sci-fi, or mysteries, I hope you find the hints helpful.

 

What is one thing that will set you apart as a professional writer and help you outshine the amateurs? Believe it or not, it’s not the subject of your story, your witty proposal, or even if you’ve been published before—it’s your presentation.

 

How you present yourself and your writing to editors, agents, and readers speaks volumes about you. People will stop reading if they find misspelled words, missing words, and repeated words. These avoidable errors will flag your writing as unprofessional and sloppy. And it might get your story rejected.

 

So, how do you make sure your work is ready to go? Be your own best editor! Here are a few tips:

 

* Always start your story with an interesting hook to capture the reader’s (or editor’s) attention. Begin either 5 minutes before, during, or 5 minutes after “the big moment” that gives the character a problem and draws the reader into the character’s world. Keep the action going in the first few paragraphs.

 

Don’t waste the first page describing the weather or how a character got dressed in the morning. Jump into the story and take your readers with you. When you hook an editor, you stand a good chance of staying out of the slush pile.

 

* Read your story out loud and proofread every word on each page. This forces you to slow down and you will notice missing words. If you stumble over a sentence or a phrase, it probably needs to be edited. Stop reading and fix it. Then read the paragraph or sentence again to make sure it sounds right and keep going.

Reading aloud also lets you hear how the piece sounds, and you’ll pick up on words or phrases you overuse. As a rule of thumb, a word or a phrase shouldn’t be repeated more than five times in a novel, and even less in a short story. Use a thesaurus to give you suggestions on similar words and replace them. (For example, “scream” can become: shout, yell, yelp, squeal, cry, etc.) Also do a search for similarly-spelled words and check that you’re not accidentally using the wrong word. Some to look out for include: they’re, there, their; four, for, fore; to, two, too; here, hear; you’re, your…

 

 

* Before submitting your story, get the publication’s submission guidelines from their website and follow them. Every publication is different, and you need to tailor your submission to their requirements, or face automatic rejection.

 

When you have the guidelines, read them carefully and ask yourself if your story is a good fit for the publication. If the guidelines specifically say “no vampire stories” and your main character has fangs and drinks blood, try somewhere else. If the guidelines state the publication is only accepting stories under 2,000 words and yours is 6,000, try again. Submitting a story where it doesn’t fit, only to have it rejected, wastes your time and may sour the editor on further submissions from you.

 

 

I hope you enjoyed these writing tips and find them useful. If you’re interested in learning more about the writing process, check out my non-fiction writing guide, You Can Write—Really! A Beginner’s Guide to Writing Fiction. The book is designed for writers who need a boost of motivation and simple instructions on how to get started. It’s packed with writing tips, advice, and fun exercises.

 

Ready to write? Order your copy here:

 

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Write-Really-Beginners-Writing-Fiction-ebook/dp/B00THWLFQU

 

All other platforms: https://books2read.com/u/4AqYN4

 

Read reviews here: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/you-can-write-really



ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kelli A. Wilkins is an award-winning author who has published more than 100 short stories, 20+ romance novels, 7 non-fiction books, and 5 horror ebooks. Her romances span many genres and settings, and she likes to scare readers with her horror stories.

Her latest novel, In Another World, was published in early 2022. This contemporary mystery/romance is set in the world of the paranormal.

 

She released two horror shorts, More Than I Bargained For and Silent Sentinel in 2021.

 

Like to write? Check out Journaling Every Week: 52 Topics to Get You Writing. This fun and innovative guide to journaling is filled with hundreds of thought-provoking prompts designed to get you writing about your feelings and emotions.

 

Follow Kelli on her Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKelliWilkins and visit her website/blog www.KelliWilkins.com for a full title list and social media links.


Monday, March 20, 2023

Welcome Guest Author Kelli Wilkins: You Can Write-Really!

 



Have you always wanted to write? Get started with…

You Can Write—Really! A Beginner’s Guide to Writing Fiction

by Kelli A. Wilkins

www.KelliWilkins.com

 

Hi everyone,

My name is Kelli Wilkins and I’m an eclectic writer. That means I write everything—short horror fiction, steamy full-length romance novels, science fiction, and even non-fiction. People are always asking me, “How can you write in so many different genres and styles?”

It’s really not that difficult. Why? Because the basic mechanics of good storytelling are universal, no matter what genre you write. Every fiction story contains the same ingredients: an interesting and engaging plot, characters the reader cares about and roots for, supporting details, and background that draws the reader into the story.

As an author of 100+ short stories and 20 romance novels, I’m often asked: Where do you get your ideas? How do I get published? How do you write a book? What advice do you have for writers who are just starting out? Do you have any writing tips? 

I’ve answered these questions many times in interviews and addressed them in guest blogs, but I always wanted to say more. One day, I started thinking about everything I’ve learned over the years, and inspiration hit me: Why not write a book on how to write? The result? You Can Write—Really! A Beginner’s Guide to Writing Fiction.

This fun and practical book walks you through the story-creating process step-by-step: from getting a great idea to meeting your characters, developing a plot, and on to writing, revising, and submitting your work.

Each easy-to-read chapter is based on my years of experience as a writer, advice I’ve received over the years, and the technical “know-how” I’ve gained in writing classes and workshops. I also included helpful tips all writers can use, plus easy writing exercises to get you motivated.

Once you have the basics down, you can write—really! Here are two fun writing exercises:

EXERCISE 1: Write three to five dialogue exchanges where two characters meet for the first time. What do they talk about? What is happening in the scene or around them?

EXERCISE 2: All characters want something, whether it’s a cup of coffee, a new car, to escape from jail, to eat lunch, or to finish a big project. Brainstorm five things your character wants, large or small. Here are some examples: woman wants to escape her abusive husband; man wants to bury a body; private investigator wants to find a blackmailer; fifth grade kid wants to get away with cheating on a math test.

Here’s the book summary:

You Can Write—Really! A Beginner’s Guide to Writing Fiction

If you’ve always dreamed of writing and getting published, but have no idea where or how to start—THIS is the book for you!

You Can Write—Really! is an easy guide designed for beginner writers who need a boost of motivation and simple instructions on how to get started.

Award-winning author Kelli A. Wilkins takes you step-by-step through the writing process, covering the basics of plotting, editing, revising, and submitting. In addition, she explores ways to get your creativity flowing, explains where authors get ideas, and shows you how to create interesting characters for your story.

Helpful tips and fun writing exercises throughout the book get you started.

 

Ready to write? Order your copy here:

 

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Write-Really-Beginners-Writing-Fiction-ebook/dp/B00THWLFQU

 

All other platforms: https://books2read.com/u/4AqYN4

 

Read reviews here: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/you-can-write-really


Happy Reading (and Writing!)

Kelli A. Wilkins

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

Kelli A. Wilkins is an award-winning author who has published more than 100 short stories, 20+ romance novels, 7 non-fiction books, and 5 horror ebooks. Her romances span many genres and settings, and she likes to scare readers with her horror stories.

Follow Kelli on her Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKelliWilkins and visit her website/blog www.KelliWilkins.com for a full title list and social media links.

 


Wednesday, February 8, 2023

Book Spotlight/Giveaway: Avoiding Swindlers by AL Rosen



This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Al Rosen will be awarding a $10 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

The book deals with actual situations that resulted in investors losing multi-millions of dollars to financial tricksters. Emphasis is placed upon learning how to detect early warning signs. Financial exposure can be minimized prior to situations deteriorating into bankruptcies. However, individual investors have to take specific actions after doing some homework. Otherwise, the alternative is to lose money by listening to "hot tips," often involving publicly traded securities.

Some types of commonly seen but inappropriate financial reporting are permitted in certain countries (including parts of North America), even though they deeply aid the financial tricksters. Governments are seriously neglecting investors by not prohibiting certain reporting trickery. Overall, in some regions, investor protection is simply archaic (including allowing false advertising). Currently, investors face serious risks.

The book attempts to minimize technical language. Stress is placed upon encouraging investors to look for specific warning signs before opening their purses and wallets to the growing group of tricksters.

"Avoiding Swindlers" will change the way you look at Canadian investments.

This book was featured on Publisher Newswire's 2022, "10 Books to Bookmark" list.

The book also received a glowing review from ReaderViews.



Read an Excerpt

IFRS’ Prime Deficiencies Strangely, IFRS was somehow brought to Canada by a surprise group, being our external financial statement auditors. IFRS was portrayed at the outset by many auditors as merely being a “continuation” of, or very similar to, its predecessor, Canadian “generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP.” Such a comment is disturbingly false, in crucial ways. Canadian GAAP and IFRS are almost Al Rosen 22 opposites. For instance, the concepts of what constitutes, or qualifies as being called “net income” often are totally different, and are material dollars apart. Considerable attention has to be paid to the major differences between the two. Most investors seem to be unaware of the huge dollar differences between the two and their consequences for their loss of savings. Supporters of IFRS claim that IFRS is “principles” based, and not “rules-based.” Unfortunately, aside from adopting some U.S. GAAP-based “concepts,” the IFRS “principles” are difficult to ascertain. Why? IFRS gives extensive freedom to individual managers to choose their own methods of accounting and reporting. Unknown “principles” are well beyond scary. Clearly such management freedom of choice prevents, or destroys, comparability among companies in the same industry. Accordingly, IFRS-supporters themes about IFRS being a universal, across-the-world, basis of reporting is much more than a huge fiction. This fiction point merits considerable emphasis, Chapter after Chapter in this book. Yet, IFRS supporters seem to cling to the absurd idea that Canada is a member of a new universal group of countries (that are “building one worldwide basis of reporting,” for investor comparability purposes). Not so; nowhere close. IFRS allows extensive management Avoiding Swindlers 23 choice of alleged “principles.” Comparability is automatically destroyed. Somehow, in our world, the fact that more than one language, one culture, and various religions, as well as multiple heights and weights of people exist, and have not been standardized, after all of these years, seems to have gone unnoticed by IFRS accountants.

About the Author L.S. (Al) Rosen has combined being a university professor (holding a PhD) with several qualifications in the fields of investigative accounting and reporting (such as acting as a fraud examiner) for over 35 years. He has authored many reports for court cases, and has testified in courts in various countries in many large-dollar cases. Often the allegations are that investors have been deceived by materially misleading financial reports. He has co-authored two previous books, and articles, with his son Mark. They address how and why multi-million dollars of investor money essentially, and often quickly, vanished. Real situations are the subject of these writings. Money was stolen and hardships resulted.

https://www.amazon.com/Avoiding-Swindlers-Al-Rosen/dp/022888117X
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/avoiding-swindlers-al-rosen/1141888418

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Book Tour Stop/Giveaway: The Au Pair's Deception

  She was looking for a fresh start, but some families hide dark truths behind closed doors. The Au Pair’s Deception by C.J. Covino Genr...