Wednesday, April 6

How Not to Give Away Too Much During Your Signature Speech

How Not to Give Away Too Much During Your Pro-Bono “Signature Speech” by

Public speaking is well-known as a powerful tool to market your small or home-based business.  When you put together what I call a Signature Speech, you’ll deliver valuable information for free to groups of people who fit your ideal client profile. But the question often comes up:

“How can I deliver a powerful Signature Speech and provide good information that my audience can use without giving away too much?” I get it. You don’t want to give away the shop and then make your service or product unnecessary. In fact, many experts will caution you not to say “too much.” I’ve commonly seen advice that says, “Tell people the what and the why, but not the how.” I respectfully, and adamantly, disagree.

Your Signature Speech is typically delivered during an hour-long meeting of a group who has invited you to join them as their special guest. As the featured speaker, you may have the floor for anywhere between 25-50 minutes. Unless it’s possible to tell an audience everything you know in less than an hour’s time, you can relax.

Realistically speaking, you didn’t get to be an expert by only knowing 25-50 minutes’ worth of material, did you? Of course not, or you wouldn’t be an expert in business for yourself!  That being the case, you can rest assured. There’s no need to worry about “saying too much” or “giving away the shop.” Consider the following:
  1. It’s likely impossible for you to tell any audience all there is to know even about one aspect of your small business during a speech in less than an hour’s time. Think about how long it took you to learn what you know. Weeks? Months? Probably more like years.

  2. Most people suffer from information overload on a regular basis. To even attempt to give an audience everything during your Signature Speech delivered in such a short time would only confuse and overwhelm them. So don’t even try.

  3. In your Signature Speech, you will give a few vital facts. Most people need to hear or see information more than once and in multiple formats before they will fully understand and be able to effectively implement what they have learned. You can offer to follow up your speech with an e-book, e-course, special report or sell something immediately following your speech to help enhance the message you presented.

  4. Give a good overview of what people can do right away to get started with what you suggest. In my own Signature Speech on how to increase business by communicating your credibility, I give my audiences specific steps they can immediately use to boost their credibility and therefore make more money.

  5. Focus on the basics. You can easily lay out an entire system in a few minutes without giving too many details. Those who want to know more and get your expert advice on implementing your suggestions, steps, tools, and techniques will be those who become customers. Everyone else will be thankful for your information and may become referral sources.

  6. As you can see, there really is nothing to worry about when it comes to giving away too much information when you deliver a speech to market your business. By giving away a few juicy tidbits, people will wonder what wonderful information can be to come after your Signature Speech.

    If you’d like to learn more about using public speaking to market your business, visit http://www.CashInOnSpeaking.com You’ll learn everything you need to know from how to choose a topic, how to best organize your speech to get instant results, and where to go to get booked to speak.


    Felicia J. Slattery, M.A., M.Ad.Ed. is a communication consultant, speaker & coach specializing in training small and home-based business owners effective communication skills so they can see more cash flow now.


7 Mistakes Entrepreneurs Make When Marketing a Business

7 Mistakes Entrepreneurs Make When Marketing
a Business with Public Speaking By Felicia Slattery



Public speaking to market a small business is one of the fastest and most effective ways to get more clients, grow your list of prospects, and boost your credibility all at the same time. When you create what I call a Signature Speech to market your business you’re on your way to fabulous results.

As a communication consultant, speaker and coach, one of the problems I see is small business owners think they know what they’re doing when it comes to using public speaking as a marketing tool. Unfortunately, time and again, entrepreneurs, solo professionals, sales professionals, and small business owners make the same mistakes. Are you ruining your chances of marketing success?

If you’re not getting the results from your public speaking, some of the mistakes you could be making are:


1. Not having a clear offer: If you’re not clear on what people will receive or even that you have anything specific to offer, they will be confused and therefore not sign up. Remember, a confused mind always says no.

2. Not presenting your offer at the time your audience needs to hear it: Delivering a good speech is all about timing. If you aren’t timing the presentation of your offer properly, you’ll lose a majority of your audience.
   
3. Not providing enough detail about the benefits of your offer: You must be explicit. Why would people want what you offer? Tell them what’s in it for them. How will their lives, businesses, careers, finances, or relationships be positively impacted by taking advantage of what you have to offer? Be specific.
   
4. Not providing enough helpful information during your presentation: Some speakers mistakenly believe they can give away “too much” information during a speech. Ask yourself this: is it possible for an audience to learn everything there is to learn about your subject in one 30-minute talk? Not likely. Be generous with the information you provide and you will see the reward in more clients, more prospects and more cash flow.
   
5. Having delivery problems: When you struggle with various aspects of delivery, you end up with the worst possible outcome — not being fully connected with your audience. When your audience does not feel a connection with you, they likely won’t feel a reason to participate in your offer.
   
6. Not speaking to audiences of your ideal target market: If you’re not speaking to the right group of people in the first place, they aren’t likely to want what you have to offer. For example, if you’re a parenting coach with great tips on handling toddlers, speaking to empty-nesters won’t get you the results you want.
   
7. Sounding like a sales pitch: Your Signature Speech should not feel like a 30-60 minute sales pitch. If you don’t provide solid, usable information during your talk, why would someone want what you offer? People are turned off by someone they perceive as too “salesy.”

If you are making any of these mistakes, stop now. You could be losing more clients and credibility than you gain. When you avoid these top 7 mistakes you’ll soon experience all the benefits of marketing your business with public speaking.

Public speaking is one important way to increase your credibility as a small or home-based business owner. I invite you to discover how to Increase Business by Communicating Your Credibility now. You’ll get this FREE e-course designed to help you attract more business and get more cash flow. Pick it up here: http://www.communicationtransformation.com/creating-credibility-ecourse.html


Felicia J. Slattery, M.A., M.Ad.Ed. is a communication consultant, speaker & coach specializing in training small and home-based business owners effective communication skills so they can see more cash flow now.



Does Your Business Have a Welcoming Vibe?

Does Your Business Have a Welcoming Vibe?
By Joy Chudacoff

A few days ago, I made a visit to my dermatologist for a checkup and as soon as I entered the office, I could feel a “vibe.” The office is spotless, clean, light and bright. The staff is friendly and organized. The dermatologist has a nice personality and is both thorough and fast. I felt both safe and secure while being in that space and would definitely make future referrals to this doctor. I like the vibe of the office.

What vibe do you evoke in your clients? Is it funky and hip? Frenetic and disorganized? Calm and centered? Here are four areas in your business you’ll want to take a look at to examine your vibe:

1. Your Website – Is your website a reflection of the product or service you provide? Are the colors and graphics consistent with the vibe you want visitors to feel? For example, if you are in the healing profession, you may want to avoid a website that feels cluttered or busy. Your ideal client needs to feel calm, centered and relaxed.

2. Your Social Media
– Do your Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Google+ pages give people the right vibe about who you are and the client you serve? Many times, this is the first place where people will connect with you. Social media allows someone to get your vibe without making a full commitment to work with you until they feel more comfortable.

3. Your Systems & Support
– When a potential client or referral source reaches out to you or your team, what type of vibe are they getting? Is it fast and friendly follow-up? Do you have systems in place to ensure a red carpet experience? This is an area worth spending time on. People will make their decision about your products and services based on their first interaction.

4. You
– It all begins and ends with you. The “vibe” you personally project is the most important one of all. Whether you like it or not, people form opinions about who they think you are and what you stand for shortly after meeting you. Does your vibe “jive”? : -)

Anything is possible. Everything is waiting for you.

*****

Joy Chudacoff, ICF, PCC, is the founder of Smart Women Smart Solutions®, a Professional Certified Coach to 1000’s of women, Motivational Speaker, and Entrepreneur.  She publishes a weekly buzz generating ezine, Reflections On Life and Business for Women Entrepreneurs.  If you’re ready take your life and your business to the next level, get your FREE Tips, 2 FREE Reports and FREE MP3 now at Creating The Spark.




Beating the Blues Away by Sonu Gohil

Beating the Blues Away by Sonu Gohil

“It’s over” Ronny declared.

“But……” Rita uttered with pain and couldn’t complete the sentence.

Her world was doomed, dreams shattered, doors closed, path darken. It’s not only about Rita but about many of us who have been a victim of fate at least once in our lives and have accepted such a bitter rejection.

There have been times where we are left with no other option except calling it quits. The vision of future gets dimmer and multiple questions starts peeping out from each nook and corner of our mind, heart and life. Many questions remain unanswered and many puzzles unsolved.

We were born with a deep down desire to be liked, loved and cared for. The very sense of belongingness has led us to immeasurable expectations. The mistake we make is that we cease to remember that not all expectations can be satisfied. Oprah Winfrey once rightly said “I have learned that we can’t do everything and get everything at same time”.

In today’s life we see so many things happening around, so many stories being cooked up, incidents taking place, hectic social lives, fragile relationships and a lot more. We hear in the news of murders and suicides so frequently. The adaptability towards things has reached a stage where we accept things and keep on going with them. This adaptability or adjustment shows our weakness not strength. When life withdraws people from their jobs, families or relationships they withdraw themselves from life.

Rejection, betrayal, deception brings its own measure of pain and agony. Now how do we count it all beneficial or better in any sense? No matter how many self-healing books we read, watch comic movies, get more involved in work, do yoga, eat chocolates and apply all kinds of theories to distract our minds but at the end of the day something remains missing, something still pricks. This is where we come round with ourselves. There are two ways to live a life i) accept things as they are and carry on with them, keep on bearing and adjusting. ii) Take responsibility to change it.

Now in this case we try to make ourselves rejection-proof. The fear of rejection is so intense that we protect ourselves by:
(1)  Vowing never to let anybody get close enough to hurt us again. Sounds good in theory but by closing others out we close ourselves in. and let our relationships suffer. We kill something inside us which is a suicide in its own way.

(2) By saying “I am tough” we put on our best game face. Who needs other people anyway? In result, no body meets our needs. We overlook so much help that are coming our way. We try to do it all ourselves and mess it up.

(3) Pushing others away. When we feel rejected we imagine we are being attacked even when we are not. So we put on our boxing gloves and come swinging. We start seeing people through the glass of doubt. And miss out some of the very important people in our lives.

(4) Try to buy rejection-protection by doing favors for people or by putting up abusive relationships because we think we deserve it and it may be our last chance at love. Give it up! The best way is to ease up a little. Things you have learned from this experience teach you a lot.

* People may change in fraction of second.
* Never lose your self-worth and dignity.
* Never forget - “if it stays it’s yours if it doesn’t, it never was.”
* Don’t fear of losing anything, as in true sense there is nothing to lose.
* Don’t force yourself to fall in love, just because you think it’s your turn.
* Don’t get fooled when someone says you are wise, gives special attention, care, and empty words.

God already loves us unconditionally.  So “let go and let God.” The human standards vary so much that we’ll never make everybody happy however we try. As long as we keep living with a diminished sense of worth we will keep on attracting wrong people. If your opinion comes from any opinion other than god’s you will always be vulnerable. The worst part of it is that we will never discover or be discovered for the unique and wonderful person God made us to be.

“Everything is difficult before it is easy!”  But there are certain things which we can keep in mind to overcome procrastination.

You must:

(1) Take responsibility for your life.
No matter how hard we wish, the tooth fairy isn't going to come while we are sleeping and replace failure with success. Great souls have 'wills', feeble souls have 'wishes'. We need to do something! You owe yourself every possible chance. Remember “If you don’t trust yourself who else will?”

(2) Examine your excuses. An excuse puts the blame on something other than you, which means the solution is beyond your reach. They are like exit signs on the road of progress; they take us off track. It's easier to move from failure to success, than from excuses to success. So examine your excuses and eliminate them. Remember “have one reason to do it rather than other ninety nine reasons of not doing it.”

(3) Focus on the benefits of completing a task. To get you over the hump, focus on what you'll 'get out of it'? When you get it done. Will it bring you gain? Clear the way for something else you'd like to do? Be a milestone in your personal development or the completion of something bigger? Will it help to clear the decks for you emotionally? Admiral William Halsey said, "All problems become smaller if you don't dodge them, but confront them. Touch a thistle timidly and it pricks you, grasp it boldly and its spines crumble."

(4) Ask for help.
There's infinite value in the assistance others can give you when it comes to breaking old habits and beginning new ones. Yes, it means taking a risk because you will be vulnerable in sharing your hopes and fears. But the risk is worth taking. Remember “the biggest risk in life is not to take a risk at all.”

In nutshell ‘blues of life’ are something that is just a state of mind and nothing else. When we are totally under blues still a pink world exists around us. Think about it! What we need to do is let the blues flow out and the pinks make their way in. Conclude from the past experience, learn what you need to and exclude what you not need to take a decision and move on.

Do you know you have treasure within you? God put it there. It's in your unique qualities, plus the fire in your soul. Life may have thrown cold water on that fire but your self-confidence can rekindle it. Note, this treasure within you "is from above". And what the creator owns He protects, He nurtures, and will use to His glory. But He is a wise businessman; when He invests He expects a return!

Conclude from the past experience, learn what you need to and exclude what you not need to take a decision and move on.


About the Author Author: Sonu Gohil.  I am a Lecturer of English and I am interested in creative writing. I am pursuing my PhD in Teaching creative translation. I write articles for my institution and I also write short stories and poems.  Source: ArticlesGratuits.com - Free Articles


10 Terrific Self Motivating Tips By Mike Moore

10 Terrific Self Motivating Tips
By Mike Moore


No one can motivate anyone to do anything. All a person can do for another is provide them with incentives to motivate themselves. Here are ten very effective strategies to help you get up and get moving toward actualizing your enormous, untapped potential.

* Be willing to leave your comfort zone. The greatest barrier to achieving your potential is your comfort zone. Great things happen when you make friends with your discomfort zone.

* Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Wisdom helps us avoid making mistakes and comes from making a million of them.

* Don’t indulge in self-limiting thinking. Think empowering, expansive thoughts.

*Choose to be happy. Happy people are easily motivated. Happiness is your birthright so don’t settle for anything else.

* Spend at least one hour a day in self-development. Read good books or listen to inspiring tapes. Driving to and from work provides an excellent opportunity to listen to self-improvement tapes.

* Train yourself to finish what you start. So many of us become scattered as we try to accomplish a task. Finish one task before you begin another.

* Live fully in the present moment. When you live in the past or the future you aren’t able to make things happen in the present.

* Commit yourself to joy. C.S. Lewis once said, “Joy is the serious business of heaven.”

* Never quit when you experience a setback or frustration. Success could be just around the corner.

* Dare to dream big dreams. If there is anything to the law of expectation then we are moving in the direction of our dreams, goals and expectations.

The real tragedy in life is not in how much we suffer, but rather in how much we miss, so don’t miss a thing.  Charles Dubois once said, “We must be prepared, at any moment, to sacrifice who we are for who we are capable of becoming.”

About the Author
Mike Moore is an international speaker/writer on the role of appreciation, praise
and humor in performance motivation and human potential. You can check out his
books, tapes and manuals at www.motivationalplus.com.  Source.





How Dreams Become Goals by Diana Robinson

How Dreams Become Goals
by Diana Robinson


It is wonderful to have a dream. It can also be wonderful to have a goal. True, there is a school of thought that maintains we should not need goals. We looked at this view a few months ago.  My own perception of this viewpoint is that it applies to those goal-lists that time management folks advocate. They can be useful, or a burden, depending on where you are in your personal growth. 

Today, though, I am looking at something different. Today I am looking at the difference between having a dream and having a goal.  A dream is a goal without legs. It is a wonderful thing to have, can be the guiding passion of your life, but unless you clarify it and give it the legs to move toward you, getting there is going to be very much a matter of luck.

To transform a dream into a reachable goal you must clarify it, provide the details, make it so clear that you can see it, feel it, know what you will feel like when you get there. This works for you in many ways.

*It clarifies what you want to the point that you will always be attuned to anything that is relevant. Opportunities will not pass you by unnoticed.

*It shows you what you need to do to get there, step by action step.

*It makes false detours and dead ends less likely to distract you.

*And perhaps the images you carry in your mind and heart will echo out to the universe for manifestation.

The clearer and more vivid the image, the more likely are all of these things to happen. As an illustration, I will use a dream someone might have regarding a career, but the principle remains the same whatever the nature of your dream.

Let’s suppose that you yearn to work outdoors and close to nature. Someone asks you to tell them more, but you can’t. You don’t know. All you know is that you want to work outdoors and close to nature. This is a dream. Why is it not a goal? Because it is not specific. That description could fit many occupations, including park ranger, beach bum, safari tour guide, farmer, landscape gardener, migrant worker, beekeeper or many more.

There is a saying, “be careful what you pray for, because you will surely get it, but not necessarily in the form, and at the time, that you expected.” This applies particularly when your thoughts are not specific. Imagine putting out a prayer and a wish to the universe that you find a job that involves being in the outdoors and close to nature, and having your prayer answered by falling into a job as a beekeeper… when you are truly terrified of insects!

This is not bad luck, it is bad management. Bad management of your own desires and intentions. Both your own unconscious and the universe need clear direction before they can begin to manifest a path, let alone get results. If you are to harness your own energy and that of the universe so as to bring your dream into reality, you need first to create it in imagination.

Okay, let’s start again. You want a job working in the outdoors and close to nature. Buy yourself one of the many books on the subject of career choice that will help you to CLARIFY. Ask yourself those annoying questions that any career counselor would ask you.

What sort of work do you want to be doing? Do you like people? Do you like animals? What kind of animals? (There’s a big difference between working with a friendly kitty-cat and working with large wild animals who would prefer that you not be sharing their space.) Do you enjoy structure or freedom? And be careful of this one, because we all think we want freedom until we find ourselves working alone and without guidelines or supervision. For some people this works fine, for others it is far more threatening than they had realized.

For every image that comes to you, follow it, ask yourself how it fits, how you will work with it, and what comes next, until your dream is as vivid and enthralling as a five star movie. Know in your heart that this is what you want to be doing with your life, that it is a job you will enjoy so much that you’d love to do it even if you didn’t have to earn a living. Then put THAT image out there for manifestation. This time there will be no mistakes.

When I write “Put it out there for manifestation” I am not saying that you then sit back and wait. One of my mother’s sayings is “Pray as if it all depends on God, and then work as if it all depends on you.” It is good advice. But now, with your mental picture in place, you know what it is that you are working toward.
 
What you DON’T need to put out to the universe is exactly how this manifestation has to happen. If you do, then you are limiting the way in which you and your goal can come together. In truth there are more paths to your goal than you can imagine. It is fine to choose one that you will work on, with a couple of fall-backs in case of obstacles, but be careful to remain clear that these are not the only alternatives. Whatever it is that you seek, it may be manifested in ways beyond your wildest dreams.


 ********************


Copyright 1998 Diana Robinson. Work in Progress may be reproduced in its entirety only, including this copyright line. To give feedback, e-mail Diana@ChoiceCoach.com. To subscribe (or unsubscribe) to Work in Progress, e-mail requests@lists.webvalence.com with Subscribe (or
Unsubscribe) in the subject line. To learn more about how a Professional Life Coach can improve the quality of YOUR life, visit Diana’s web site at
http://www.ChoiceCoach.com 




 

Tips on How to Get Approved for a Mortgage Loan by Harrine Freeman


Tips on How to Get Approved for a Mortgage Loan 
by Harrine Freeman

A home is one of the largest purchases you will ever make in your lifetime. Here are some ways to ensure you get approved for a mortgage loan. 

1.  Proof. Showing proof that you have funds available to cover the down payment.

2.  Sourced and seasoned. Sourced means the lender can determine where the assets came from. Seasoned means that the assets have been in your bank account for at least 30 days but varies by bank.

3.  Debt. Pay down as much debt as possible. Your debt-to-income ratio should be 36% or less (your monthly debt divided by your monthly income).

4.  Income. You must show proof of income and taxes filed for the past three years.

5.  Collateral. Possessing collateral or assets such as a retirement account, stocks, bonds, a car, real estate, art, etc. eases banks fears that you will default on your mortgage loan.

6.  Credit. Possess a credit score of at least 700. Explanation of any late payments in the past 2 years.

Here are some helpful links regarding personal finance: http://www.hefreemanenterprises.com/books.html


How to Increase Your Credit Score by Harrine Freeman


Credit scores are used to determine: if you will be hired for a job, approval for credit, interest rates, terms and conditions, down payment costs, rates for medical and other insurance coverage, approval for cable and internet service and more.  A credit score ranges from 300-850 with 850 being the highest score and 300 being the lowest core. A good credit score is 700 or above. Here are 6 things you can do to increase credit score:

1. Review. Review your credit reports at least once a year at www.annualcreditreport.com and fix any errors on your credit reports.

2. Balances. Keep credit card balances at 20% or less of the credit limit.

3. New Accounts. Don’t open more than one new account every 2 years.

4. Payments. Pay all your bills on time. Get current on any late accounts.

5. Credit. If you have bad credit open a secured credit card to help reestablish your credit history.


Meet the Author

Harrine Freeman is an authority on personal finance. She is a financial counselor, CEO of H.E. Freeman Enterprises and Author of "How to Get out of Debt: Get An “A” Credit Rating for Free," a self-help book that provides a step-by-step plan on how to get out of debt, increase credit scores and plan for the future.

She has impacted the lives of thousands through speaking engagements and counseling. She helps client's prepare for financial freedom, by providing useful advice to steer clients in the right direction. 


She is a member of Credit Professionals International, American Association of Daily Money Managers, American Association of Individual Investors and National Speakers Association. Harrine has been featured in: Featured in Market Watch, Wall Street Journal, Forbes,The Washington Post, NASDAQ, Huffington Post, MSN Money, Black Enterprise, Essence Magazine, Ebony, and Woman’s Day magazines.

Connect with Harrine Online
http://www.hefreemanenterprises.com
http://www.twitter.com/harrine
http://www.youtube.com/user/HarrineFreeman/feed 
http://www.amazon.com/Harrine-Freeman/e/B002BLU9WK 



Save for Retirement or Pay Down Debt by Harrine Freeman


Save for Retirement or Pay Down Debt
by Harrine Freeman

Your financial, family or health situation can change at any time so it’s better to have little to no debt. Here are 5 ways to help you plan for retirement and pay down debt. 


1. Downsize or downgrade. Scale back temporarily by making adjustments to your lifestyle by moving to a smaller home or trading in your luxury car for a compact or mid-size car.

2. Retirement. Contribute the maximum amount towards your retirement.

3. Debt. If you’re in debt due to credit cards, student loans or late payments paying those off should be a priority. Focus on one bill at a time starting with the smallest bill.

4. Peer Pressure. Avoid peer pressure from your co-workers, children and friends to buy things you can’t really afford. This behavior results in financial disaster.

5. Automate. Get organized and automated your finances. Use tools to help track your money and pay bills online or use automatic paycheck deduction. This will prevent you from paying late fees, help you easily keep track of your money and help you achieve financial goals.

Here are some helpful links regarding personal finance from Harrine Freeman:
http://www.hefreemanenterprises.com/resources.html 


Purchase How to Get Out of Debt: Get an a Credit Rating for Free
http://www.amazon.com/How-Get-Out-Debt-ebook/dp/B004KKXR5Q 




Benefits of Attending Literary Events by Sheryl Lister

Benefits of Attending Literary Events
by Sheryl Lister



Imagine standing in a large ballroom filled with over 2,000 agents, editors, authors and aspiring authors. Sound overwhelming? It definitely was for me when I attended my first literary conference. But, if you are an author or aspiring to be one, attending a literary conference is one of the best investments you can make in your career for several reasons. I’ll highlight a few:

1. Networking – From agents, editors, publishers and other industry professionals, you won’t find a better opportunity to meet them in person. They want to talk to attendees and, who knows, one of them may discover you and your talent. But beware, it’s probably not a good idea to approach them about your book while they’re in the restroom, standing in the buffet line or working out in a gym. Just like you, they need privacy and doing this will most likely get you a rejection on the spot.

2. Building Relationships – Let’s face it, writing is a solitary endeavor and many writers (yours truly included) are introverts. We are also misunderstood. How many of you have said to family members, “I can’t believe my secondary character is trying to take over the story,” or “These characters kept me up all night talking” and got a blank stare? Take heart, at a literary conference you will meet others just like you who ‘get it’. You’ll laugh and swap stories, but the best part is some of these encounters turn into lifelong friendships.

 3. Improving Your Craft –
Whether you’re just starting out as a writer, have a few books under your belt, or are trying to figure out this thing called self-publishing, most conferences have speakers who are working professionals ready to teach. They can be pretty pricey, so be sure to attend the conference(s) that fit you, even if it’s only one per year. Topics range from plotting, characterization, marketing and publishing, to getting that novella paced just right and writing the dreaded query letter and synopsis (shudders). A word of caution: Don’t try to attend everything…you won’t be able to. Remember those relationships from number two, above? If you find two workshops you want to attend being held at the same time, you might try attending one and approaching a fellow writer and asking them to record the other one for you.

Another great investment is attending reader-based events. These retreats give readers a chance to meet and interact with authors, as well as ask those burning questions about characters you’ve always wanted to know. As an author, you get an opportunity to connect with your fans and, hopefully, make some new ones.

So, are you ready to grab a notebook, pack your suitcase and head to a conference? Good! Hope to see you there.


Photo from a Sept. 2015 book signing. Got to hang out with my BRAB sisters, Sharon Blount and Poetry Is My Passion. A special shoutout to Gary Shumlai.

Meet the Author
Sheryl Lister
has enjoyed reading and writing for as long as she can remember. She writes contemporary and inspirational romance and romantic suspense. Her first novel, Just To Be With You, earned her a 2015 Romance Slam Jam nomination for Debut Author of the Year. When she's not reading, writing or playing chauffeur, Sheryl can be found on a date with her husband or in the kitchen creating appetizers and bite-sized desserts. Sheryl resides in California and is a wife, mother of three and pediatric occupational therapist.

Twitter:  @1slynne
Website:  http://www.sheryllister.com
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/sheryllisterauthor
http://www.amazon.com/Sheryl-Lister/e/B00JB0J858/

Oak Trees Are Like Christians: Find Out Why by Stacy-Ann Facey

Oak Trees Are Like Christians: Find Out Why
by Stacy-Ann Facey



Did you know Christians are similar to the oak tree? For several months, the Holy Spirit has been speaking to me about “oak.” I saw numerous streets, during those months, with the word oak in them. I even dreamed about street called Oak.

There are over 600 types of oak trees, and most of these trees are deciduous, which means their leaves fall off every year. Oak trees are also strong, for they can survive in different forests and in various weathers.  Oaks can grow to 70 feet with branches spreading to 135 feet in length. This tree also need plenty of water. One article states that oaks “can absorb 50 gallons of water each day.”

Although this tree appears to be strong, it is prone to fungal diseases that can cause the inner parts of the tree to rot. Furthermore, this tree is frequently attacked by insects, causing its leaves to fall off (defoliate).  The fruit of the oak is known as an acorn. It is strange that there is no acorn tree although acorns come from the oak. When the oak tree goes through the boom cycle or mast year (This happens 2-5 years.), the tree grows slowly but then grows rapidly the following year. One large oak can produce about 10,000 acorns in a mast year. However, most acorns do not develop into an oak tree.  This tree is beneficial to numerous animals who feast on the acorns, but young acorns are actually toxic to cattle.

The wood of the oak is strong and is used to make ships, floors, furniture, and drums. Oak is the national plant for countries like the USA because it represents strength and endurance. Almost 80 percent of oak trees are considered endangered. Many oaks can live more than 200 years.

The link between the oak trees and Christians

There are many types of Christians from every nation. God has blessed us with various gifts, and we all flow in these gifts differently (Just like how there are many oak trees). Without God's armor, we are susceptible to various spiritual diseases (works of the flesh). This is similar to oak trees, for they get fungus and are attacked by insects.

The oak trees require plenty of water. Likewise, the saints must drink the water of the Word and drink from the Holy Spirit if they want to survive spiritually (1 Corinthians 12:13, Ephesians 5:26).

Christians go through seasons of waiting and eat consistently the fruit of patience (Gal. 5:22). Then they produce much fruit in their correct season if the saints choose to endure and rely on the strength of the Lord (just like the oak tree!).

One oak can produce 10,000 acorns, and two Christians can chase 10,000 enemies (Deuteronomy 32:30).

The natural oak sheds its leaves annually,  but spiritually we won't ever lose our leaves if we are planted by the holy river (the Holy Spirit). Psalm 1 tells us that we “shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper."

Furthermore, Jeremiah 17:8 says we will be like "a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit."  In addition,  John 15:5 reads, "I am the vine; you are the branches.  If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." 

As Christians, we must protect ourselves from the works of the flesh and from the snares of the devil by living holy. If not,  sin, deception, and oppression will cause us to rot spiritually,  emotionally,  and financially.  Then our leaves will dry up.  Therefore,  protect yourself by the Blood of Jesus so you can be an oak of righteousness, which is mentioned in Isaiah 61:3.  “And provide for those who grieve in Zion-- to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.”


About the Author
Stacy-Ann Facey
is a college graduate who is passionate about teaching. She is a graduate from UMASS Boston with a BA in English and holds a master's degree in Education. She is the founder of Prophecies, Inc. and is a self-published author of several books.

Speak Truth Blog:  http://speaktruth1.weebly.com
Books: http://www.amazon.com/Soul-Prisoner-novel-Stacy-Ann-Facey-ebook/dp/B00PF4OJH6

Does He Dwell Where You Are? by Chantea M. Williams

Does He Dwell Where You Are?
by Chantea M. Williams

Ministry Leader Greater Working Women Ministries



Psalm 84:1 (NIV)


How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord Almighty!

One thing I am learning in life is that when I am confused or lost God is not there. When I allow my flesh to take over, God is not there. When I make it all about me, God is not there. God cannot dwell in a place where He does not reign supreme. God will not share His presence with anything or anyone that does not line up with Him. I quickly came to the realization that I cannot do anything without His presence. In the presence of God is liberty. In the presence of God is true worship.

In the presence of God you can clearly hear Him speaking. In the presence of God you are consumed by the Holy Spirit. In the presence of God you enter in the holy place. In the presence of God you surrender all to Him. In the presence of God you allow Him to minister to your soul and to your situation. There is nothing comparable to being in the presence of God.

His presence is wherever you allow Him to be. It's not confined within the walls of a physical building. He's not just with people who preach and teach His word. He's not just with the praise and worship leader.  He's not just with the missionaries. He's with all of His creation but will you let Him in? He longs to live inside you. He longs to reign over you. When was the last time you felt His  presence? I mean really felt His presence and it wasn't at a church. When was the last time you worshipped Him in your home, on your job, or just driving down the highway? If you have to think about it, then it's been too long. We will forever be lost without Him.

Does He dwell where you are? Is He welcomed where you are? Our lives should be a testimony that we are true worshippers. Not perfect worshippers because I don't know what that is but a true worshipper.  David was a worshipper but he was flawed. David didn't allow his screw ups to stop him from worshipping God and he was king. Don't stop worshipping because you made a mistake. As a matter of fact, you need to do just the opposite and worship more. When you fall down, don't stay down. Worship your way back up! When you don't have a word to utter in prayer just love on Him. Allow your prayer to be your worship.

There are many times when I don't have the words to pray and all I can get out was Lord, I love You! Lord, I adore You! Lord, I honor You! In the midst of my worship, His presence came in and gave me peace. In the midst of my tears, His presence came in and calmed me. There is power in true worship! Don't under-estimate your worship. His dwelling place is in your worship! Woman of God, His dwelling place is in your worship. To feel Him, you must worship Him. To know Him, you must worship Him. To connect with Him, you must worship Him. If He doesn't dwell where you
are, then immediately start make changes to your environment. Your life depends upon it. The people God has assigned to you are depending upon it. Don't wait a second longer. He must dwell where you are!

Father, I long to be where You are because Your dwelling place is lovely. There is peace in Your presence. There is unspeakable joy in Your presence. There is calmness in Your presence. There is clarity in Your presence. There is strength in Your presence. Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is liberty. I am free in Your presence. In Your presence no unclean or evil spirit can withstand because there is power in Your presence. How lovely is Your dwelling place, Lord Almighty!

There is nothing like being in Your presence. Nothing can compare to being in Your presence. My soul pants for You, Lord. I am addicted to being in Your presence. Lord, shower down Your  anointing. Fill me till my cup runneth over. Let the glory of the Lord fill this place right now. This is the place of Bethel. The place where God lives. How lovely is your dwelling place! In Jesus name, Amen!


Meet the Author
Chantea M. Williams
is a Christian writer, Bible teacher and speaker who loves encouraging women to become greater through the word of God. Through her gifts, God created the Greater Working Women Ministries. They strive to encourage, empower and equip women from all walks of life to live out their God-given purpose with holy boldness.

She has also launched her teen mom mentoring program, I Am Still Somebody™. One of her many passions is baking, especially during the holidays.

Check out her newly released book The Greater Working Woman Prayer Book, Volume 1 and The Greater Working Woman Prayer Devotional, Volume 1. Don’t miss her upcoming book series for teen mothers.



Chantea M. Williams, Ministry Leader Greater Working Women Ministries
Website: www.greaterwomen.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/GreaterWomen
Periscope: www.periscope.tv/GreaterWomen
Instagram: www.instagram.com/greaterwomen
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/GreaterWomen
Facebook: www.facebook.com/greaterwomen

Eyes Are Always Watching by Chantea M. Williams

Eyes Are Always Watching
by Chantea M. Williams

Ministry Leader Greater Working Women Ministries



Luke 6:7 (NKJV)



So the scribes and Pharisees watched Him closely, whether He would heal on the Sabbath, that they might find an accusation against Him.

Jesus was always being watched. The religious leaders of the day were just waiting for the opportunity to discredit Him, to trick Him and find something wrong with Him. They didn't like the fact they He exposed the true nature of their hearts. They had no just cause but created one to
fit their agenda. Why? Because Jesus didn't fit in with them. Jesus didn't follow after them. Jesus didn't obey them. Jesus was not like them. Be careful of those people who try to make you just like them because behind their actions is an ulterior motive. Even though the eyes were always watching, Jesus remained who He was through it all.

There are eyes watching us but what will they see? Are we a Pharisee or a disciple of Christ? Do we put on a Sunday show or are we genuine? The eyes that are watching are not all saved you know. Will we draw them closer to Christ or lead them further into darkness? The eyes that are watching are looking for real Christians to shine forth. They already know we are not perfect because when they look in the mirror they see the same imperfections.

The eyes that are watching are filled with tears if you look closely enough because they are confused and hurt and need a friend. The eyes that are watching don't always see what they hear so they are left
wondering what is the truth and how do I know it when I see it?

Pretend those eyes are yours and ask yourself what would you expect to see? It's not always easy when you realize that eyes are watching you but when we know who you have to please, it makes life worth the living.

The eyes that are watching should know without a shadow of a doubt that we are a disciple of Christ, who is still a work in progress. The only accusation against us should be that we are indeed a Christian, true worshiper and servant of God. Most importantly the eyes that are watching us belong to our Father and our King.

Father, help me to live a life that as You see me You are pleased with me. In Jesus' name, Amen!


Meet the Author
Chantea M. Williams
is a Christian writer, Bible teacher and speaker who loves encouraging women to become greater through the word of God. Through her gifts, God created the Greater Working Women Ministries. They strive to encourage, empower and equip women from all walks of life to live out their God-given purpose with holy boldness. She has also launched her teen mom mentoring program, I Am Still Somebody™. One of her many passions is baking, especially during the holidays.

Check out her newly released book The Greater Working Woman Prayer Book, Volume 1 and The Greater Working Woman Prayer Devotional, Volume 1. Don’t miss her upcoming book series for teen mothers.



Chantea M. Williams, Ministry Leader Greater Working Women Ministries

Website: www.greaterwomen.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/GreaterWomen
Periscope: www.periscope.tv/GreaterWomen
Instagram: www.instagram.com/greaterwomen
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/GreaterWomen
Facebook: www.facebook.com/greaterwomen

Learning To Appreciate Discipline by Chantea M. Williams

Learning To Appreciate Discipline

by Chantea M. Williams
Ministry Leader Greater Working Women Ministries

Psalm 94:12 (NIV)



Blessed is the one you discipline, LORD, the one you teach from your law; I don't know about you but being disciplined is my least favorite thing.  I never was fond of that for some reason (smile). Even when I was child, getting told what to do and not to do just wasn't fun. I mean I only wanted to do what I wanted to do. How bad could that really be? How much trouble could I really get in if I didn't know right from wrong? Does any of this sound familiar? I bet our children feel the same way.

One thing I'm learning as I get older is the more I read God's word then the more I open myself up to be disciplined. Why is that? Once you have been exposed to the truth, there is no turning back. I didn't realize that until I actually starting understanding His word. I would read it for knowledge but not understanding. However, how many of you know that the Holy Spirit has a way of getting you straight even when you don't ask for it?

To be disciplined by God is an act of love.

To be disciplined by God is an act of kindness.

To be disciplined by God is an act of mercy.

Do you believe the above statements? It took me a while to accept that and the truth be told some days I don't feel it but it doesn't stop it from being the truth. A parent who does not care of enough to
discipline, doesn't really care at all. That's how we have to look at it. If God didn't discipline us, then we would be worse off.

Sometimes that discipline comes in the form of a scripture dealing with your issue that can make you get in line. Sometimes He uses people to show us ourselves. Sometimes the Holy Spirit will convict us. To be completely honest, it is more difficult for me at times to receive the second one. Depending on what kind of mood I'm in and who the person is. Just telling the truth. That is definitely one for me to work on. How about you?

Let us take a different attitude towards discipline. However, the Lord chooses to discipline us, let us receive it. One thing I'm learning is that when you really have a relationship with the Lord, the Holy Spirit will confirm it to you anyway. God won't allow you to keep being wrong when you are trying to live right for Him.

Father, help me to receive Your discipline with an understanding heart. Holy Spirit reveal to me when I'm wrong so that I can make the changes in my life to line up with Your word. Blessed am I who you discipline, Lord, and teach from your law. God I appreciate Your discipline and I desperately need it in my life. Thank You for loving me so much that You check me when I'm wrong. In Jesus' name, Amen!


Meet the Author
Chantea M. Williams
is a Christian writer, Bible teacher and speaker who loves encouraging women to become greater through the word of God. Through her gifts, God created the Greater Working Women Ministries. They strive to encourage, empower and equip women from all walks of life to live out their God-given purpose with holy boldness. She has also launched her teen mom mentoring program, I Am Still Somebody™. One of her many passions is baking, especially during the holidays.

Check out her newly released book The Greater Working Woman Prayer Book, Volume 1 and The Greater Working Woman Prayer Devotional, Volume 1. Don’t miss her upcoming book series for teen mothers.




Chantea M. Williams, Ministry Leader Greater Working Women Ministries
Website: www.greaterwomen.com

Twitter: www.twitter.com/GreaterWomen
Periscope: www.periscope.tv/GreaterWomen
Instagram: www.instagram.com/greaterwomen
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/GreaterWomen
Facebook: www.facebook.com/greaterwomen


But With Power by Natasha Frazier

But With Power by Natasha Frazier

The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you. (Romans 8:11 NLT)


I have watched the movie, "The Lion King" at least 365 times. When my baby sister was about 2, she wanted to watch it every day and we did. Now that I am an adult with my own children, I have watched it a few times with them as well.  "The Lion King" is a very powerful movie with quite a few life lessons in it.

As a young cub, Simba was excited to become king! In fact, he sang about it and talked about it quite a bit. It was his destiny. He was born to become the next king and he knew this. As life happened and he grew older, Simba lost sight of who he was and who he was destined to be. He started to live as though he had no purpose because of something terrible that happened and discouraged him.

When Simba's new found friends, Timon and Pumbaa eventually learned that Simba was supposed to be king, their attitudes changed. Pumbaa started graveling at Simba’s feet and Timon said, "Wait, he's not the king! Are you?" Simba then commented that he was going to be but that was a long time ago. He told them that they didn't have to treat him differently because he was still the same person. Timon said, "Yes, but with power!" I love that part of the movie! It reminds me of us as God's children. When we accept Christ as our savior, we are still the same people but with the power of the Holy Spirit on the inside of us.  Don't take this lightly; you were created for purpose. Do not allow past circumstances to discourage you. If you have, it is time to reclaim the power that you have been given by the Holy Spirit.


Prayer for Today: Heavenly Father, thank You for the power that You have given me through Your Holy Spirit. Help me not to lose sight of it and to always walk in Your strength and mighty power. In Jesus’ name, Amen.  Additional Scripture reading: Romans 8


Meet the Author

Pursue Purpose; It is never too late to do what you have been predestined to do!

Natasha Denise Frazier's first book, The Life Your Spirit Craves won the Readers' Choice Award in 2013 at the Christian Literary Awards. Her second book, Not Without You: 365 Days in the Lord's Presence was nominated for the Henri Award. Love, Lies and Consequences was nominated for the Henri Award as well and won the Readers' Choice Award in 2015 at the Christian Literary Awards.

Natasha writes to inspire readers to become all they were created to be and encourage them in their daily walk with God. Whether devotional or fictional, she desires to leave a legacy to inspire readers to take their lives to the next level.

Born and raised in Greenville, MS, Natasha graduated magna cum laude from Jackson State University with a Bachelors of Business Administration in Accounting and from Texas A&M University with a Masters of Science in Accounting. Natasha has since earned her CPA license and worked in both public accounting and the federal government. Natasha is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and the Houston Area Alumni Chapter of Jackson State University.

Natasha resides in Houston, TX with her husband, Eddie and their three children: Eden, Ethan, and Emilyn.  For book releases, contests and events, please join her mailing list via her website at https://www.natashafrazier.com


Books by Natasha Denise Frazier
https://www.amazon.com/kindle-dbs/entity/author/B00LNP234M


Facebook:  www.facebook.com/craves.2012
Natasha's Twitter and Instagram: @cpAKAuthor
Blog: www.blessedisshethatbelieved.blogspot.com





No Worries by Natasha Frazier

No Worries by Natasha Frazier

Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? (Matthew 6:27 NLT)



Are you a worry wart? Do you worry about the inconveniences in your life? Do you worry about the things beyond your control? Whether it’s something you can or cannot control, worrying will not change the situation. Worrying will cause you to have headaches and sleepless nights.


Sometimes, it is difficult not to worry. We all want things to turn out well for us, our families and those we love. So how do we stop worrying? Worry has to be replaced with something else: Faith. You have to start trusting God to take care of those situations that cause you to worry. Each time you begin to worry, combat it with a “faith thought.” Faith thoughts are what God has promised in Scripture. Study God’s word when you begin to worry. If you aren’t in a place where you can study, take a moment to pray. Meditate on previous victories. God already knows your thoughts and what’s causing you distress. God already knows what you need before you ask. Just earnestly seek and trust in Him.


Prayer for Today: Lord, I thank You for being more than willing and able to take care of my worries. I am thankful that I can cast all of my cares on You. Thank You for loving me enough to give me peace in my troubles. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Additional Scripture reading: Matthew 6:25-34 and 1 Peter 5:7




Meet the Author
Pursue Purpose; It is never too late to do what you have been predestined to do!

Natasha Denise Frazier's first book, The Life Your Spirit Craves won the Readers' Choice Award in 2013 at the Christian Literary Awards. Her second book, Not Without You: 365 Days in the Lord's Presence was nominated for the Henri Award. Love, Lies and Consequences was nominated for the Henri Award as well and won the Readers' Choice Award in 2015 at the Christian Literary Awards.

Natasha writes to inspire readers to become all they were created to be and encourage them in their daily walk with God. Whether devotional or fictional, she desires to leave a legacy to inspire readers to take their lives to the next level.

Born and raised in Greenville, MS, Natasha graduated magna cum laude from Jackson State University with a Bachelors of Business Administration in Accounting and from Texas A&M University with a Masters of Science in Accounting. Natasha has since earned her CPA license and worked in both public accounting and the federal government. Natasha is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and the Houston Area Alumni Chapter of Jackson State University.

Natasha resides in Houston, TX with her husband, Eddie and their three children: Eden, Ethan, and Emilyn.  For book releases, contests and events, please join her mailing list via her website at https://www.natashafrazier.com


Books by Natasha Denise Frazier
https://www.amazon.com/kindle-dbs/entity/author/B00LNP234M


Facebook:  www.facebook.com/craves.2012
Natasha's Twitter and Instagram: @cpAKAuthor
Blog: www.blessedisshethatbelieved.blogspot.com






How to Have Fun Giving an Interview by Cerece Rennie Murphy

How to Have Fun Giving an Interview
by Cerece Rennie Murphy


Unlike most public speaking opportunities, I actually look forward to interviews.  Whether they are in-person, on camera, radio or via an emailed list of questions, I always feel like I know how to prepare and just what to do because an interview is about the one thing you know best – you.  You might not be able to list significant developments in the Middle East Crisis or come up with a succinct definition of “irony” on the spot, but you are an expert in you and your work and that’s all an interview is really about.   So here are some thoughts I have on how to approach an interview with anticipation instead of dread.  You might even have a little fun in the process.

1) Ask yourself what you would want to know.  Look at the body of work that the people interviewing you will be familiar with.  Are there any interesting connections, inconsistencies or curious departures that, if you were a stranger, you’d want to know more about?  Practice putting your thoughts together on how to describe, explain or clarify your unique journey.  I wouldn’t recommend memorizing anything here, because if you get nervous and you can’t find “the word” that’s supposed to come next, you might convince yourself that you’re lost when you’re not. 

You can never be lost in an interview because you have the ultimate home court advantage – you know you better than anyone else.  You just want to have thought about the questions they might ask long enough for your to identify the themes and patterns that are important to you so that you can recall them with more ease when you need to.


2) Don’t be afraid to give an answer they don’t like.  A really good interviewer wants to get to know you.  The right answer is the one you give.  It may not be what they are looking for, but that doesn’t mean it is wrong.  I’ll never forget one of the last job interviews I had. One of the interviewers asked me what I would do if I disagreed with my supervisor.  I told her that I would voice my opinion and then leave it up to the supervisor to decide.  She didn’t like that.  I could see it right away, but it was the truth and if she couldn’t handle that then I probably wasn’t the right fit for her or the organization.  It’s tough to do this when your livelihood is on the line.  You have to decide what are the things you can compromise on and what are the things you just can’t and stand as firm as you can for as long as you can, otherwise, it will come back to bite you in the butt.


3) Don’t be afraid of what you don’t know.  Expect the question you didn’t prepare for.  Be surprised. It’s ok.  The trick is not in the fact that you didn’t know they were going to ask that question.  That’s obvious, unless you are clairvoyant.  The trick is in how you handle the surprise and answer the question anyway.   Talk about what you do know on the subject, or why your attention has been focused on X thing that is more important to you/relevant to what you are doing, or how you would find out about Y thing and what you think are the most pressing questions to be answered.  A surprise is your chance to surprise them right back. 

At a recent convention, I was pitching my book to an attendee (which is a mini-interview in itself) and in mid-pitch she cut me off and told me that my book sounded like another book by a British author.  What do you say to that?  Since I didn’t know what she was talking about, I asked her if she could remember the title and tell me a little bit about the storyline.  I could tell she was taken aback.  Her comment was meant to disarm me, but instead I was curious.  She wasn’t expecting that. 

Suddenly, she became flustered, “I don’t really know,” she said sheepishly then grabbed a bookmark off my table.  “Does this have all the information on your books,” she asked. “Yes,” I replied.  “You can read the first chapter of the first book for free on my website.” Another surprised look came across her face, “Ok,” she offered, looking me in the eye for the first time during our interaction.  “I’ll check it out,” she said finally before walking away.  Maybe she will, maybe she won’t, but the point is, I wasn’t afraid, either way.


4) And last, but not least, breathe and smile. I always feel honored whenever someone wants to know my opinion on anything.  Take it as a sign that you’ve got something that someone thinks is worth sharing – so share it.  You’ll feel better for it and you just might help someone else along the way.


About the Author
Cerece Rennie Murphy
fell in love with science fiction at the age of seven, watching “Empire Strikes Back” at the Uptown Theater in Washington, D.C., with her sister and mom. It’s a love affair that has grown ever since. As an ardent fan of John Donne, Alice Walker, Kurt Vonnegut and Alexander Pope from an early age, Cerece began exploring her own creative writing through poetry.

She earned her master’s degrees in social work and international relations at Boston College and Johns Hopkins School for Advance International Studies, respectively, and built a rewarding 15-year career in program development, management and fundraising in the community and international development arenas – all while appreciating the stories of human connection told in science fiction through works like Octavia Butler’s “Wild Seed,” Frank Herbert’s “Dune” and “The X-Files.”

In 2011, Cerece experienced her own supernatural event - a vision of her first science fiction story. Shortly after, she began developing and writing what would become the “Order of the Seers” trilogy.

Cerece lives just outside of her hometown of Washington, D.C., with her husband, two children and the family dog, Yoda.

Purchase Books by Cerece Rennie Murphy

http://www.amazon.com/Cerece-Rennie-Murphy/e/B008G6XXBS


What I Have Learned From Publishing My First Book by Cerece Rennie Murphy

What I Have Learned From Publishing My First Book
by Cerece Rennie Murphy, author of the Order of the Seers Trilogy



A few years ago, I published my first full-length story EVER– a sci-fi novel called Order of the Seers.  It took me about a year to write and almost as long to get up the courage to publish it.  But on September 4, 2012, I took the plunge, hit the send button, uploaded my file to Amazon and waited for the masses to collectively shudder in awe at the little piece of my heart that I sent out into the world.  It has been quite a journey since then, and ever since I got my head out of my you-know-where and started using it, its been kind of fun too.  How hard this journey has been hasn’t exactly been a surprise to me, but watching myself slowly evolve into a publisher has. This is a short list of some of the things I have learned so far.

1) Welcome to the REAL world AKA you are NOT an overnight sensation.  The day my first book was published, I spent the entire day sick in bed with worry and fear.  After a week, I think I had only sold about 20 ebook copies.  I was devastated.  I told myself my book was horrible and I shouldn’t have even tried to publish it.  It took me a week to start THINKING about what I might have done better or differently.  That’s when I really started to move into the new career that I have chosen.

The Lesson: If you don’t become a bestseller your first week out, it’s not the worst thing in the world.  It’s just where you started.  Where you end up is up to you. 

2) One blog tour and one eblast does not a marketing plan make. Seriously - that was pretty much my marketing plan for the release of my 1st book.  Yes, I was very naïve about what it would take for people to find out about my book.  Most of my reluctance to developing a marketing plan had to do with a) my fear of putting myself out there and b) my general ignorance about what methods and resources were available to me.  I did a little bit of this and a little bit of that for a while.  Some things worked (I built my mailing list by going to comic/sci-fi conventions, did a cover reveal blog tour for the 2nd book along with a $.99 week long sale promotion for the 1st book) and some things didn’t (spent a ton of money on a Christmas ad campaign that cost way more than I sold in books).

The Lesson: If you have the guts to publish a book, have the guts to market it.  One barely makes sense without the other.  One of the best marketing pieces of advice that I have gotten so far is, “pick a monthly budget, no matter how big or small and do something every month to promote your book.  Keep writing and keep marketing.  Consistency will pay off.”  It has taken me over a year, but I am finally seeing the maturity and wisdom of these words.  For most writers, it’s a marathon, not a sprint.


3) Guard Your Headspace AKA Read Reviews Sparingly.  I have read this time and time again from accomplished veterans of the writing profession, but this advice is so hard to heed. In the beginning, I used to check my reviews every day.  It would stress me out so much that, at one point, I was literally afraid to go on Goodreads.  A glowing review would be met with relief, quickly followed by skepticism.  A strong, but not effusive review would be picked over to death for the rest of the day.  Neither one helped me write any better, but one could shut me down for a good 24-48 hours.

The Lesson: Everyone isn’t going to like your book.  That’s a fact and it’s okay.  Find some people you trust and respect.  Get them to read and critique your work.  Modify as needed, then let it be.  Periodically, I will check the number of reviews I have when I am in the middle of a promotion.  Sometimes, if it appears that I’ve gotten a few good ones, I’ll chance a glance and feel happy, but I don’t let myself linger.  It’s just not that helpful to my state-of-mind.


4) Building Buzz Takes Time AKA Give yourself more than 4 month before you publish your 1st novel.  I decided to publish my book at the end of May 2012 and I published my 1st book in September.  This was stupid.  The process of trying to learn what I was doing while I was doing it was so stressful and crazy.  At the time, I didn’t want to give myself the chance to chicken-out, so I think I just tried to plow through it, but in the process, I missed opportunities for reviews and using other promotional resources that might have made my first release more successful. 

The Lesson: Don’t do what I did.  Give yourself time to learn the business before you dive in. (But don’t use your research as an excuse to procrastinate!)


5) The doubt doesn’t go away, but it gets more manageable as you go.  I wish I could say that, a year later, I feel like a super-awesome self-published author, but I don’t.  Most days, I feel the weight of all the things I still need to learn and do, but I can also acknowledge how far I have come.  The release of my second book in the Order of the Seers trilogy this summer was a bit less personally traumatic and much more thoroughly planned out and executed than my first release. 

This was made possible only with the help of an author’s assistant, street promotion team, 3 book blog/promotion services running simultaneously, a small, but positive, collection of pre-release reviews, a week-long free sale of the 1st book and an uber-coordinated mailing list, Facebook and twitter campaign.  The result - my second book stayed on Amazon Kindle’s best-seller list for over a month in the sci-fi/genetic engineering category and made it into Amazon’s Hot New Sci-fi releases list.

The Lesson: Believe in your story enough to work on writing it, honing it and sharing it, every day that you can.


About the Author
Cerece Rennie Murphy
fell in love with science fiction at the age of seven, watching “Empire Strikes Back” at the Uptown Theater in Washington, D.C., with her sister and mom. It’s a love affair that has grown ever since. As an ardent fan of John Donne, Alice Walker, Kurt Vonnegut and Alexander Pope from an early age, Cerece began exploring her own creative writing through poetry.

She earned her master’s degrees in social work and international relations at Boston College and Johns Hopkins School for Advance International Studies, respectively, and built a rewarding 15-year career in program development, management and fundraising in the community and international development arenas – all while appreciating the stories of human connection told in science fiction through works like Octavia Butler’s “Wild Seed,” Frank Herbert’s “Dune” and “The X-Files.”

In 2011, Cerece experienced her own supernatural event - a vision of her first science fiction story. Shortly after, she began developing and writing what would become the bestselling Order of the Seers trilogy.  Order of the Seers was selected as one of The Best Kindle Books of 2014 by Digital Book Today.

In addition to working on the second book in the Ellis and The Magic Mirror children’s book series with her son, Mrs. Murphy is currently developing a historical love story and a 2-part science fiction thriller set in outer space.  Mrs. Murphy lives and writes in her hometown of Washington, DC with her husband, two children and the family dog, Yoda.  To learn more about the author and her upcoming projects, please visit her website at www.cerecerenniemurphy.com

Books by Cerece Rennie Murphy: 
http://www.amazon.com/Cerece-Rennie-Murphy/e/B008G6XXBS




One Word at a Time by Cerece Rennie Murphy

One Word at a Time...
by Cerece Rennie Murphy

 One of the most frequent questions I get when someone finds out that I am an author is "How do you find the time to write with 2 young children and a family?"

To this, I usually try to come up with something that's encouraging like, "Well, I try to carve out a little time everyday" or "I write whenever I can," but the truth is that, most days, I am hard pressed to answer that question for myself.  For me, it is a daily struggle to find the time and space to get into a consistent writing rhythm with my books.   And if it was "challenging" with our first child, it pretty much all went to hell with our second.  There were times when I doubted that my second book, The Red Order, would EVER get finished. 

Sometimes, like this very week, I will come off a snowball of unexpected school closings, illnesses and last-minute emergencies to get a whole day off during the weekend to write {insert the sound of angels singing here} only to have those plans shot down by ME catching the illness of my "was ailing, but now fully recovered" child and lying in bed the entire day sick as a dog and unable to write. (As I write this, I am recovering from a wicked stomach virus that had me laid out after throwing up for 5 hours straight).

The point is, it's hard.  You have to fight for it. Hunger for it and dream about that next chapter, that next scene.  I keep a notebook by my bed so I can always get something done or sketch out a scene, even if it's only in broken phrases. 

And you know what, little by little, those sentences and phrases, snippets of dialogue slowly become a book.  I looked at my little notebook last night and was shocked to find that despite all the distractions, unexpected interruptions and mayhem that seem to make up the fabric of my life, I have outlined all 23 chapters of my next book. There may be a chapter or two added once the real writing starts, but I am done with this phase of my novel.  I stared at my notebook in disbelief for a long time because I've literally been trying for months to get to this point.  And the only reason it happened is because I didn't give up. I wrote it down, one word at a time.

And that's how I get it done.

View the Source on the CMG Blog


About the Author
Cerece Rennie Murphy
fell in love with science fiction at the age of seven, watching “Empire Strikes Back” at the Uptown Theater in Washington, D.C., with her sister and mom. It’s a love affair that has grown ever since. As an ardent fan of John Donne, Alice Walker, Kurt Vonnegut and Alexander Pope from an early age, Cerece began exploring her own creative writing through poetry.

She earned her master’s degrees in social work and international relations at Boston College and Johns Hopkins School for Advance International Studies, respectively, and built a rewarding 15-year career in program development, management and fundraising in the community and international development arenas – all while appreciating the stories of human connection told in science fiction through works like Octavia Butler’s “Wild Seed,” Frank Herbert’s “Dune” and “The X-Files.”

In 2011, Cerece experienced her own supernatural event - a vision of her first science fiction story. Shortly after, she began developing and writing what would become the bestselling Order of the Seers trilogy.  Order of the Seers was selected as one of The Best Kindle Books of 2014 by Digital Book Today.

In addition to working on the 2nd book in the Ellis and The Magic Mirror children’s book series with her son, Mrs. Murphy is currently developing a historical love story and a 2-part science fiction thriller set in outer space.  Mrs. Murphy lives and writes in her hometown of Washington, DC with her husband, two children and the family dog, Yoda.  To learn more about the author and her upcoming projects, please visit her website at www.cerecerenniemurphy.com

Books by Cerece Rennie Murphy:
http://www.amazon.com/Cerece-Rennie-Murphy/e/B008G6XXBS

Single Moms Rock! How to Survive and Thrive As a Single Mom by Kei Renae

Meet Kei Renae

Author of Single Moms Rock! How to Survive and Thrive As a Single Mom  

Over a decade ago, Kei Renae began the journey toward a life of purpose as an accomplished businesswoman and mother. The bold and confident Red Bank, NJ native embarked on an incredible journey that has resulted in nurturing her vision into a life of purpose.

One vision sparked a nationwide reach, as the Founder and President of Single Moms Rock (SMR), an organization dedicated to the empowerment of single mothers across the states. Kei Renae, new author of “Single Moms Rock! How to Survive and Thrive as a Single Mom”, is a how to guide for single mothers trying to navigate through life and maintain their sanity while raising their children on their own, not so easy but with Ms. Renae’s new book can be a rewarding and fulfilling tasks.

With one mindset, never stop dreaming, Kei Renae continues to capitalize on her dreams!

Kei Renae holds an undergraduate degree in Business from Monmouth University, Long Branch, New Jersey and an MBA from Devry’s Keller Graduate School (online). She has two children ages 6 and 19 and is also the founder of an organization called “Single Moms Rock”. Single Moms Rock (SMR) is an organization dedicated to the empowerment of single mothers. 

Ms. Renae is also a Senior Project Manager at a major fortune 500 Healthcare Company in New Jersey. She is looking to inspire and serve as a mentor to single mothers.

BPM:   What motivated you to sit down and actually start writing this book? Why now?
KR: As a single mother it was imperative for me to share my experiences, trials and how I succeeded against the odds. This incredible platform is a way to breath life into all those single mothers struggling with the question of how?  As a successful mother of two kids ages 19 & 6,  successful business woman and entrepreneur my aim is to show them how!

BPM:  Does your upbringing or life experiences inspire your writing?
KR: In life, experience is a good teacher. My life experiences have definitely inspired my writing and have helped mold me into the woman that I am today.  I have learned from my many experiences and mistakes along this journey of life and feel as though as a result I am equipped to handle anything that comes my way.

BPM:   Where do your book ideas come from?
KR: My book ideas come from situations that I have been involved with and obstacles that I have had to overcome.

BPM:   Introduce us to your current work. What genre do you consider your book? Is this book available in digital forms like Nook and Kindle?
KR: “Single Moms Rock! How to Survive and Thrive As a Single Mom” -This book is my story. As a successful business woman, I never forgot where I came from or how I arrived in this present position. There is a stigma attached to single mothers. They are stereotypically labeled lazy and not being goal driven, but that stigma never existed in my world. Single mothers represent a diverse section of society with just as many different needs and aspirations. I wanted these mothers to know that they should not think pessimistically because life happens and dreams happens if you focus, devise a plan and execute that plan. My book is available hard copy at Barnes & Noble, Amazon.com and in digital format via Nook and Kindle.

BPM:   What topics are primarily discussed?  Did you learn anything personal from writing your book?
KR: I discuss a whole gambit of issues which plague single mothers. The main topics are having a positive mind frame, dating, social media, setting measurable goals, money management, moving ahead and dealing with the facts of life.

BPM:   What defines success for you, as a published author? What are your ambitions for your writing career?
KR: In my mind success as a published author is the positive feedback that you receive from single mothers which have read your story and can relate; mothers from all walks of life.
I receive countless emails from women that share similar experiences, while letting me know that I have inspired them. It warms my spirit and almost always brings me to tears. I have been in their shoes. I am an ordinary person with big dreams and I found a way to overcome the obstacles associated with reaching ones dreams and being not just a mother, but a good mother. I want to inspire other single mothers to do the same and not feel the pangs associated with the stigma society places on single mothers.

BPM:   What are your expectations for this book? What would you like for readers to do after reading this book? 
KR: My expectation for this book is to serve as an inspiration,  self-help book or guide for single mothers trying to navigate through life.

BPM:   Is there anything else you would like to add that I haven’t included?  How can readers discover more about you and your work?
KR: Thank you for featuring my book with your audience. Check out our website at www.yessinglemomsrock.com for appearance updates and parent resources.

We can also be located on social media as follows:

Instagram : Singlemomsrockk
Facebook- Yes Single Moms Rock
Twitter- Single Moms Rockk


Single Moms Rock! How to Survive and Thrive as a Single Mom is a how to guide for single mothers trying to navigate through life and maintain their sanity while raising children. Being a single mother is not easy! Kei Renae recaps her rough beginnings of single motherhood and her journey to finding a path to a successful career and home life.

A humorous yet inspirational guide for those single moms wanting to turn their life around and begin a successful life journey. Kei Renae became a young and single teenaged mother at the age of eighteen and immediately fell victim to the pitfalls of single motherhood. She has since been on an upward journey of life improvement.

Kei was a homeowner by the age of 30, completed her MBA by the age of 35 and currently has a successful and high earning career in the Healthcare Industry. Let her show you how it’s done!


Purchase Single Moms Rock!: How to Survive and Thrive As a Single Mom by Kei Renae
Link: http://amzn.com/0615972284


More information about the organization can be viewed at  www.yessinglemomsrock.com.