ENTREPRENEURIAL SERIES – Day 11

~Day 11 of the ENTREPRENEURIAL SERIES!!  PLEASE make sure you READ, COMMENT, TAKE NOTES, and SHOW SOME LOVE to the fabulous folks doing awesome things! ~ 

Be Inspired!!!~

Jackie Spencer, Fort Worth,Texas; by way of New York State! – Published Author

FACEBOOK: JackieSpencer

 

Tell the readers a little bit about yourself. 

·         My name is Jackie Spencer.  I am an Elder at The Potter’s House of Fort Worth, under Bishop TD Jakes and campus Pastor Patrick Winfield.  I have 10 wonderful grandchildren and 2 lovely daughters, as well as 3 darling great grands and one on the way.  I have worked for the State of NY for 30 years in the areas of psychology, rehabilitation, staff and leadership development and the development of programs for developmentally disabled individuals and for children 6 wks to 12 yrs. I have a strong background in the Word of God as well as in research.  Research is my passion, especially when it can be used to help someone reach their full potential. (Regina: THAT is a lifetime of experience!)

Explain what type of business you operate?

·         I have authored 2 books and I am working on my 3^rdmanuscript.

How long have you been in business?

·         I’ve been gathering information for the book I am currently working on for years; but I felt the need to publish my other 2 books first.  Those 2 books were written primarily for my grandchildren.

How did you get the name for your books?

·         The title of my first book “A Black Man’sJourney Through the Annuals of Time”, came about as I was doing storytelling with my grandchildren about where they came from.  The title of my second book “The Sheep of His Pasture” came about as I was thinking of a way to tell them who they are in Christ.

What motivated you to write these particular books?

·         I became ill and was hospitalized and I thought I was going to die.  I didn’t want to die without making sure that my grandchildren had something to refer to that would continually remind them who they are and whose they are.  I don’t have a lot of money, so the best thing I could leave them is their identity.

What are your top 5 must have business tools/aids?

·         Business cards, an updated computer system, a telephone, a network, and a support system. (the last 2 are not the same)

Where do you see your business in 5 years?

·         In 5 years I hope to have finally finished my current manuscript and to be teaching the information contained therein to upcoming leaders.  The manuscript is on leadership.

What inspires you?

·         I am inspired by family and the desire to see people reach their full potential.

Who is your business icon or who’s business ethic do you admire?

·         Haa Haa, it’s Jesus.  He is the world’s most successful leader and He’s still in business after over 2,000 years.  Can’t beat that with a stick! (Regina: Of course you would say Jesus!)

If you were standing in front of a room full of hopeful, promising, entrepreneurs what would you say to them?

·         I would tell them to first research what their gifts, purpose and passions are, then evaluate their skill set and hone their skills.  As Jackie Mom’s Mabley once said “practice baby practice”.  I would tell them to make certain that their plan lines up with those of the master planner; after all He created them, and He knows their purpose.  I would end by telling them that once they have their direction straight, not to give up and not to be distracted by the issues of life – keep moving forward! (Regina: I DEFINITELY AGREE!)

Is there anything you would like to add?

·         There is a plan and purpose for every life, but we must search it out.  If you know where you’ve been, it will help you to get where you’re going without repeating the past.

Looks like The Elder has spoken! And let the church say AMEN!!


Smooches,
Regina

Please visit my other spots:
https://reginathinks.wordpress.com/
http://reginasoldschoolfridayspot.blogspot.com/

ENTREPRENEURIAL SERIES – Day 10

~Day 10 of the ENTREPRENEURIAL SERIES!!  PLEASE make sure you READ, COMMENT, TAKE NOTES, and SHOW SOME LOVE to the fabulous folks doing awesome things! ~ 

Be Inspired!!!~

Davida Green-Norris writing as Dicey Grenor, Houston, Texas – Published Author

TWITTER: @DiceyGrenor

LINKEDIN: Davida Green-Norris AND Dicey Grenor

FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/attygnorris AND http://www.facebook.com/DiceyGrenor

GOOGLE+: Davida Green-Norris AND Dicey Grenor

Tell the readers a little bit about yourself.

I have a twenty-two-month-old son and a four-year-old daughter. I have been married for five years to a man I met my last year of law school. I want what most parents do, to provide a happy, safe environment for my children, and be a good example for them to follow. I love reading, writing, and watching movies.

Explain what type of business you operate?

My husband and I have a law practice: Norris & Norris LLP (http://norrislawyers.com). He primarily focuses on intellectual property (patents, copyrights, trademarks), while I primarily draft, review, and negotiate contracts. I also do business formations and parole board revocation hearings a few times a month. Together, we also operate Dicey Grenor Books (http://diceygrenorbooks.com), which means we sell books that I’ve written. (Regina: LOL! Way to maximize exposure!)

How long have you been in business?

We’ve had our law partnership since 2007. We’ve been selling my books for eight months.

How did you get the name for your business?

Naming our law practice was easy. We just used our last name. Naming our book business required a little more thought, but once I came up with my pen, there was no other name that would fit. “Dicey” alerts folks to the type of books I write: unpredictable, risky. (Regina: Yes! They are VERY Risque!!)

What motivated you to start this type of business?

My husband and I are entrepreneurs at heart, I believe. Perhaps we inherited that attitude from our parents since both sets are successful in real estate and my husband’s family has owned and operated a successful soul food restaurant in Chicago for many years. We learned early on that running a business takes dedication, passion, and skills. The first two came easy. The latter we acquired over the years and applied without hesitation.

What are your top 5 must have business tools/aids?

1. Laptop 2. Internet/Email account 3. Cell phone 4. Business Cards 5. Reliable transportation

Where do you see your business in 5 years?

With residual income that requires us to work less than fifteen to twenty hours a day. Hopefully.

What inspires you?

My children’s futures.

Who is your business icon or who’s business ethic do you admire?

I like rags to riches stories and admire anyone who has overcome severe obstacles to become successful in his or her respective career. There are many who fit this description. However, as a wife, mother, attorney, and author, I’m more interested in watching and learning from someone who strikes a balance with several roles and appears successful in each. That’s harder to find. Jada Pinkett Smith seems to have found a way to make it work. I admire that. (Regina: Yes, Ma’am, she is a hard working woman!)

If you were standing in front of a room full of hopeful, promising, entrepreneurs what would you say to them?

You can work anywhere and make money to pay bills. So if all you want is to make money, get a job. If you’re going to start a business, make sure it’s doing something you LOVE to do. You’ll continue to do it. You’ll continue to improve. And eventually the money will come. In the end, you will be much more fulfilled.

Is there anything you would like to add?

Thank you so much for thinking of me. I enjoyed doing this interview and wish much success to any of your readers interested in starting their own business. (Regina: Aww, aren’t you sweet! I enjoyed having you!)

Mrs. Davida Green-Norris AND Her Alter-Ego Dicey Grenor Ladies & Gentlemen!!


Smooches,
Regina

Please visit my other spots:
https://reginathinks.wordpress.com/
http://reginasoldschoolfridayspot.blogspot.com/

ENTREPRENEURIAL SERIES – Day 9

~Day 9 of the ENTREPRENEURIAL SERIES!!  PLEASE make sure you READ, COMMENT, TAKE NOTES, and SHOW SOME LOVE to the fabulous folks doing awesome things! ~ 

Be Inspired!!!~

Tamika Newhouse, Atlanta, GA. – “Published Author”

TWITTER: TamikaNewhouse

LINKEDIN: TamikaNewhouse

FACEBOOK: TamikaNewhouse

  

Tell the readers a little bit about yourself.

I am a 26 year old woman who had a dream of being a novelist at the age of twelve. By the time I was 21 I had my own company a major book deal and was a mother of two. My dreams became my main goals to pursue.

Explain what type of business you operate?

I am a book publisher. I publish books for us and by us. That simple!

How long have you been in business?

At the age of 21 I launched my own publishing company, Delphine Publications by publishing my own book The Ultimate NO NO. I went on from that book and landed a major book deal without an agent all the while publishing other authors and continuing to write independently. It has been a total of five years now.

How did you get the name for your business?

I named my company Delphine after my late mother, Delphine Jamison for the sole purpose of paying her tribute and continuing on her legacy.

What motivated you to start this type of business?

I always tell people I am writer, writing didn’t choose me it chose me. So when starting this company I just simply wanted to write. I had no clue it would grow into something more that could actually take care of me and my family.

What are your top 5 must have business tools/aids?

Determination, creativity, motivation, basic math skills, and obsession. (Regina: FABULOUS, these business aids are obviously important but are not material items!)

Where do you see your business in 5 years?

I see my company growing in numbers by at least double the amount. I see a wide range of writers that I have helped along the way make their publishing dreams come true and I see myself speaking about my journey as a young businesswoman.

What inspires you?

What inspire me are the ones I see around me that are unhappy but lazy. I never want to live a life just because. I want to live the life I have always wanted and live out my dreams.

Who is your business icon or who’s business ethic do you admire?

I admire Demetria Lucas and Zane. I love the image that Demetria puts out to the worlds and I love the empire that Zane has built. They both motivate me.

If you were standing in front of a room full of hopeful, promising, entrepreneurs what would you say to them?

If you are not obsessed about your dream then walk away from it now. It takes an obsessed person to go through the hell you are about to walk through in order to live out your destiny.

Author BIO:

Tamika Newhouse is a self-published bestselling author who founded Delphine Publications, at the age of 21; Tamika appeared on various bestseller lists and won Self Published Author of the Year at the 2009 African American Literary Awards only 9 months after her debut novel. In 2010 she was inducted into Who’s who in Black San Antonio and she landed a major publishing deal without an agent and still continues to write independent projects. In 2011 her company Delphine Publications won an African American Literary Award for Best Anthology as well as Tamika won for the second time Self Published Author of the Year. She was also nominated by the National Women in Business Association for the 2011 Entrepreneurial Spirit Award.

Along with Delphine Publications, Tamika is the founder and President of African Americans on the Move Book Club (AAMBC) – an online book club and radio show catering to avid readers across the nation. She is also CEO of Obsessive Soul Media. With future projects in the works from short films, stage plays and much more, Tamika is a young woman on a mission. She founded the Baltimore Urban Book Festival in 2011 and runs and operates the event today.

Tamika presently tours the country speaking about overcoming her teen pregnancy to fulfill her dream, as well as teaching aspiring writers the publishing ropes. A former radio host, she hosted her own Internet radio show (AAMBC) for over three years and continues to expand her brand. She is currently living in San Antonio with her son and daughter and is currently working on her fifth novel He’s My Favorite Mistake.

For Bookings: Nikki@NikkiWalkerPR.net

A Woman who knows what she wants and knows how to get it!!
Thanks Tamika!

Smooches,
Regina

Please visit my other spots:
https://reginathinks.wordpress.com/
http://reginasoldschoolfridayspot.blogspot.com/

The 13th Tribe – Book Review

What if immortals from the time of Moses walked the earth?  What if these immortals were vigilantes for God?  Would you stop them?  How? 

Title – The Thirteenth Tribe

Author – Robert Liparulo

Publisher – Thomas NelsonDate of publication – April 2012

Number of pages – 416

*Thomas Nelson Publishing and Book Sneeze have provided me with an advanced, complimentary copy of “The Thirteenth Tribe” to read in order to write my review.*

About The Book: 

Immortal vigilantes from the time of Moses have planned the unthinkable.  But how can you stop what you can’t see? 

The battle didn’t start this year . . . or even this millennium.

It began when Moses was on Mt. Sinai. Tired of waiting on the One True God, the twelve tribes of Israel began worshipping a golden calf through pagan revelry. Many received immediate death for their idolatry, but 40 were handed a far worse punishment—endless life on earth with no chance to see the face of God.

The Tribe is poised to execute their most ambitious attack ever and the lives of millions hang in the balance.  To buy this book go HERE.

 

About The Author:

Robert Liparulo 
Best-selling novelist Robert Liparulo is a former journalist, with over a thousand articles and multiple writing awards to his name. His first two critically-acclaimed thrillers — Comes a Horseman and Germ — were both optioned by Hollywood producers. Liparulo’s young adult series, Dreamhouse Kings, debuted in May 2008, with House of Dark Shadows and Watcher in the Woods. He is currently working with director Andrew Davis (The Fugitive, The Guardian) on the novel and screenplay of a political thriller. Liparulo lives in Colorado with his family.  For more on Robert Liparulo go HERE.

Now the good stuff, MY review!

This book was thrilling, engaging, and intriguing!  This was an excellent Fiction/Suspense/Thriller/SciFi book.  The book was an interesting trip into the realm of forgiveness, redemption, love, and the revelation of God’s word.  The book was not preachy but it did make you think about the way God’s word can be manipulated, twisted, and misinterpreted.  This book was an awesome example of theology gone wrong.  This book was a demonstration of what happens when you read the word but do not have a revelation of its meaning.  The “WHAT IF” factor of this book is mind-boggling!  I thoroughly enjoyed this book!  The book left me wanting more.  I wanted to know what were the last thoughts of Ben, where is Nevaeh, Where is Owen, How long did Jagger stay?  So many questions!!!  As a big fan of Frank Peretti books, I can honestly say that Robert Liparulo is poised to make a major impact on Christian supernatural thrillers!  The one thing I did not like about the book was that the book focused a lot on Nevaeh’s back-story but not so much on the other tribe members.  I think this was a mistake.  Other than that, this was an AWESOME READ!

This book would be a good book for a book club, men, women, or teen reading groups, for the churched and un-churched alike.  The book has a reading group guide, which will help those seeking a deeper connection with the word, or those looking for biblical correlation.  This book is a must read and on a scale of 1-10 I give it a solid 9.5!  

Happy Reading!
Regina

Please visit my other spots:
https://reginathinks.wordpress.com/
http://reginasoldschoolfridayspot.blogspot.com/

My Imaginary Jesus – Book Review

“My Imaginary Jesus” 

Title – My Imaginary Jesus

Author – Matt Mikalatos

Publisher – Barna Books/Tyndale House Publishers

Date of publication – April 2012

Number of pages – 274

* Barna Books/Tyndale House Publishers have provided me with an advanced, complimentary copy of “My Imaginary Jesus” to read in order to write my honest review.*

About The Book:

Matt Mikalatos liked Jesus a lot.  In fact, he couldn’t believe how much they had in common.  They shared the same likes, dislikes, beliefs, and opinions.  (Though Jesus did have better hair.)  So imagine Matt’s astonishment when he finds out that the guy he knows as Jesus . . . isn’t.  He’s an Imaginary Jesus: a comfortable, convenient imitation Matt has created in his own image.  The real Jesus is still out there somewhere . . . and Matt is determined to find him.

About The Author:

Matt Mikalatos received his BA in writing from the University of California Riverside.  Like many future world leaders, he began his career as a clerk at a comic book store.  Having discovered that such work caused women to shun him, Matt took control of a high school classroom and taught American literature and drama (although he was best known for his riotous “study halls”).  Then Matt, in an unexpected move, joined Campus Crusade for Christ.  In a moment of weakness, his best friend, Krista, agreed to marry him.  He and Krista were briefly expatriated by Crusade to East Asia, where they ministered for three years.  Now back in the States, Matt provides leadership to the international ministries of Crusade’s northwest region.  Matt has published articles in Discipleship Journal, The Wittenburg Door, Relief, and Coach’s Midnight Diner. Matt and his wife live near Portland, Oregon. They have three beautiful daughters.

Now the good stuff, MY review!

I am trying to gather the words… this book was refreshing, engaging, and hilarious!  This is the best Fiction/Non-Fiction/Suspense/Thriller/SciFi/Theological/Self-help/Comedy/Drama that I have read in a long time!  The book was funny, sad, and enlightening all at the same time.  It was like reading C.S.Lewis/Rod Serling/Frank Peritti/Tim LaHaye all wrapped up in one book.  It has been a while since I actually laughed out loud while reading a book!  I love how I was able to picture the different Jesus’ throughout the book (AND sad that I actually knew whom they were)!  My favorite Jesus’ from the book were Magic 8 Ball Jesus and Televangelist Jesus (In my mind Steve Martin is the best picture of Televangelist Jesus but he has the voice of Bennie Hinn, which is creepy).  This book may make you re-examine something about your own relationships with Jesus.  My FAVORITE line of the entire book is in chapter 37, when Matt says,  “Not because of who he was once upon a time, but because of who he is today, and because of who he promises we can become”.  This line is the absolute TRUTH!

This book would be a good book for a book club, women reading group, men reading group, and for the churched and un-churched alike.  The book has a question and answer section which gives a good insight into the mind of the author Matt Mikalatos.  The book even has a discussion section that addresses key portions of all the chapters.  This book is a must read and on a scale of 1-10 I give it a solid 9.5!  I took away .5 points because I wanted to see a few pictures of the various Jesus’!

This is an AWESOME book! ENJOY!!

You can join Matt at
http://www.facebook.com/matt.mikalatos
https://twitter.com/#!/mattmikalatos
http://mattmikalatos.com/

Happy Reading!
Regina

Please visit my other spots:
https://reginathinks.wordpress.com/
http://reginasoldschoolfridayspot.blogspot.com/

More Beauty, Less Beast – Book Review

Title – More Beauty, Less Beast: Transforming Your Inner Ogre
Author – Debra M. Coty

Publisher – Barbour Publishing Inc.

Date of publication – March, 2012

Number of pages – 224

*Litfuse Publicity Group has provided me with an advanced, complimentary copy of “More Beauty, Less Beast” to read in order to write my honest review.*

About The Book:

With her own offbeat brand of wit and near-wisdom, inspirational humorist Debora Coty addresses heart needs of women struggling to tame that out-of-control inner beast that unexpectedly pounces, roaring and shredding, as it threatens to destroy the divinely beautiful princess hidden within.  In More Beauty, Less Beast, women will find simple, practical techniques for embracing the true beauty rightfully theirs as cherished daughters of the King.  Whether jaded by emotional wounds, unrealistic standards, or lack of confidence, this laugh-out-loud, girlfriend-to-girlfriend encouragement will help women transform their destructive inner beast into the exquisite beauty they were always meant to be.  

About The Author:

Debora Coty is an occupational therapist, a piano teacher, and a freelance writer.  She is also involved in the children’s ministry at her church and is an avid tennis player.  Debora began writing to fill the void when her last child left for college, and it has since become a passion.  Debora has a real knack for getting across sound biblical concepts with a refreshing lightheartedness as attested in her monthly newspaper column entitled “Grace Notes: God’s Grace for Everyday Living.” 

Visit Debra Coty at www.deboracoty.com for more about her and her books.

Now for the good stuff… MY review!

More Beauty, Less Beast was very … Interesting!  The author has a very appealing way of writing that keeps you engaged.  The book is very informal and written so that those who are young in Christ can really understand and appreciate her relationship with God while building his or her own relationship with God and with themselves.  This would be an excellent book for Women’s groups, church groups, study groups, and book clubs.  The end of each chapter includes three questions under the title of “Taming the Beast”!  The end of each chapter is what makes this an excellent book for any group setting.  The groups can discuss the questions together, or a group leader can assign the questions as homework for individual inner-reflection.  The book contains sound biblical scriptures in every chapter as well as a scripture index.

I would not recommend the book for daily devotional reading or for Christian women who are more knowledgeable of the word and have a solid relationship with God.  Nor for women who have already mastered and tamed their inner beasts!  The book seems too simplistic for the more mature Christian woman who SHOULD HAVE already conquered these demons … but you never know they may need a refresher course!  Oh, and if you like the color pink the book is very “girly” and eye-catching!  This book is sure to be a book club/Women’s Group Favorite!  On a scale of 1-10, I would give this book a solid 8!

To check out the rest of the blog tour and see what others are saying about this book go HERE.
To buy this book go HERE.
Guess What?? Debora is hosting a $150 Visa Cash Card Giveaway and throwing a fun “Divine Beauty” Facebook party on 3/22!
Enter Today and Save the Date-3/22!

Smooches! Happy Reading!
Regina
Please visit my other spots:
https://reginathinks.wordpress.com/
http://reginasoldschoolfridayspot.blogspot.com/

The Jesus We Missed – Book Review

Title – The Jesus We Missed: The Surprising Truth about the Humanity of Christ

Author – Patrick Henry Reardon

Publisher – Thomas Nelson

Date of publication – February, 2012

Number of pages – 229

**Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 ** 

About the book:

While taking special care not to minimize the Godhood of Christ, Patrick Henry Reardon helps readers come to grips with his real flesh-and-blood humanity—the confession of the Christian church for 2,000 years.  If we are to grow in our understanding of Christ, growing in appreciation of His humanity is key. 

About the author:

Patrick Henry Reardon is pastor of All Saints’ Orthodox Church in Chicago, Illinois, and a senior editor of Touchstone magazine.

Father Patrick was educated at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (Louisville, KY), St. Anselm’s College (Rome), The Pontifical Biblical Institute (Rome), and St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Seminary (South Canaan, PA).

He has authored many books including Christ in the Psalms, Christ in His Saints, The Trial of Job: Orthodox Christian Reflections on the Book of Job, Chronicles of History and Worship: Orthodox Christian Reflections on the Books of Chronicles, and Creation and the Patriarchal Histories: Orthodox Reflections on the Book of Genesis.

As a Christian, I was very interested in reading “The Jesus We Missed” because of the topic.  We, as Christians often see or perceive the Deity in one way and that is as a supernatural being.  We see Jesus as the risen Savior, crucified, dead, and buried and risen again for our sake.  Even when we read that Jesus became flesh, He became man, birthed of a woman, He became like us, we still do not grasp the magnitude of that transition.  We do not understand that he really became like us!  We overlook or discount His humanity.

It was good to see a book that tackled the issue of Jesus, the person.  However, I believe that the title of the book is a little misleading.  There was no real surprising truths about Christ’s humanity.  The humanity of Jesus is a fact, and people choose to embrace it or ignore it. 

Some religious people have frowned upon seeing the Savior as a person because they think it tarnishes the image of His Godliness.  On the contrary, knowing that Jesus grew up in the flesh, knowing that he may have had many of the same feelings that we have experienced should inspire us.  Jesus ran and tripped like us, he got bloody noses, and scraped his knee like us, he woke up with morning breathe like us, He went to the bathroom like us, HE BECAME ONE OF US!  

Much like us Jesus had to come to a place where He realized exactly what his purpose was, a realization that He was destined for much, much more than he was.

This book is good a source for those seeking to see Jesus on a more personal level.  This book is also good for those who want another depth of studying into the Savior’s life.  Layman, theologians, clergy, and scholars alike can learn from and enjoy this book.  “The Jesus We Missed” is a good look at Jesus who was fully God and fully man.

I hope that you pick up this book and decide for yourself.  
To read other booksneeze reviews go HERE.

Blessings,
Regina

Please visit my other spots:
https://reginathinks.wordpress.com/
http://reginasoldschoolfridayspot.blogspot.com/

Alienation – Book Review

Title – Alienation

Author – Jon Lewis

Publisher – Thomas Nelson

Date of publication – January 2012

Number of pages – 336

**According to the new FTC regulation I am required to disclose that Litfuse Publicity Group sent me a free, advanced copy of Alienation for review purposes.**

About the book:
After his parents were killed in a car accident, Colt McAllister was drawn into a world he thought only existed in comic books-one where mind control, jet packs, and flying motorcycles don’t even scratch the surface.
Along with his best friends Oz and Danielle, Colt is now training at the secret Central Headquarters Against the Occult and Supernatural academy. But strange accidents seem to follow him. . . even with the security of the school grounds. What first seems random soon turns deadly. But who is targeting Colt?
As the alien invasions increase in frequency and force, C.H.A.O.S resources are taxed to the limit and they’re forced to utilize the new recruits. In the midst of battle, Colt will discover some startling revelations . . . about himself, his friendship with Oz, and why he has been chosen to defeat this alien attack against earth. 

About Jon:
Jon S. Lewis is the coauthor of the Grey Griffins trilogy (over 500,000 books in print) and the upcoming Grey Griffins Clockwork Chronicles. He also writes for the DC COMICS family of publishers. He resides with his family in Arizona.

Alienation : A C.H.A.O.S novel, is the second of a trilogy of Sci-Fi books written by Jon Lewis.  Though the book is the second in a trilogy, it is very good as a stand alone.  It was very easy to follow the plot and story line.  This book features mind-control, hoover-boards, flying motorcycles, shape-shifting aliens, and a Sci-Fi take on good versus evil.  Colt McAllister is a young high schooler, coping with teenage self-esteem issues, insecurity issues and hero worship/envy for his best friend Oz.  Colt is also the principle character of the book.  The book did an excellent job of showcasing the inner-turmoil of an unlikely hero.  Alienation and the continuing story of Colt McAllister is supposed to be an allegory of the story of young David the sheep herder in the bible.  I personally would have liked to see a little more focus on the character’s faith or belief in God.  Or a little more paralleled connections to David.  In the book, when Colt joins the academy, his grandfather gives him a medallion.  Inscribed on the medallion is the bible verse, Psalms 46:11, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in time of trouble”.  This is almost the only reference to Colt’s faith in the book. 
Jon Lewis said, “In Alienation I want readers to realize that like Colt, we all have a special calling.  We just need to figure out what it is.”  I definitely agree with that statement.  However, in order to figure out your calling you need to tune in to the power of God and I do not think the book expressed that key factor well enough.  That being said, the book was a very engaging read, with believable characters and very nice sci-fi virtual imagery.  It was fun to read and the action kept you close to the edge of your seat!  For a book whose target audience is young adults, under the age of 20, the book is very well written.  I would definitely recommend this book to young readers.  On a scale of 1-10, Alienation gets a solid 8 from Regina’s Family Seasons! (Buy Alienation HERE)

*BONUS*

Win an iPad from @JonSLewis and @NelsonFiction in the Alienation iPad2 Giveaway! The invasion was only the beginning! Jon Lewis is celebrating the next adventure in his fast-paced C.H.A.O.S. series with an explosive giveaway!

One thrill-seeker will receive:

• iPad2 with Wi-Fi
• Copies of the C.H.A.O.S. novels, Invasion and Alienation

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends at noon on February 7th. Winner will be announced at the Alienation Facebook Party on 2/7. Jon will be hosting an Author Chat, giving away copies of the books and gift certificates to iTunes and Amazon.com! Don’t miss a second of the intrigue!

Grab your copy of Alienation and join Jon on the evening of February 7th for an author chat, spy training (How much do you know about alien invaders?) and lots of giveaways. 

Don’t miss a moment of the fun. RSVP today and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 31st!
Blog tour http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/text/13451655

If you have young readers, pick up your copy of Alienation today!!
Enjoy!
Regina

Please visit my other spots:
https://reginathinks.wordpress.com/
http://reginasoldschoolfridayspot.blogspot.com/

Christian Writer’s Market Guide 2012

Are YOU a Christian Writer?  If so than read this:
Title– the Christian Writer’s Market Guide 2012

Author – Jerry B Jenkins

Place of publication – Carol Stream, Illinois

Publisher – Tyndale House Publisher

Date of publication – December 2011

Number of pages – 553

This is a review of The Christian Writer’s Market Guide 2012 written by Jerry B Jenkins.  Tyndale House sent me an advanced, complimentary copy of the book for review purposes.  I am TOTALLY  EXCITED about this book!  I am familiar with Jerry B Jenkins from his work on the fictional, Christian, apocalyptic, Left Behind series of books.  However, I discovered that Jerry B Jenkins is an accomplished writer with many, many published works to his credit.  To read the author’s bio go HERE.

Even though the market has numerous books on this topic, the Christian Writer’s Market Guide 2012 is a useful tool for writers because the book is an updated and comprehensive collection.  This book contains hundreds of resources for writers.

According to Amazon.com, “For more than 25 years, The Christian Writer’s Market Guide has been the most comprehensive and highly recommended resource on the market for Christian writers, agents, editors, publishers, publicists, and writing teachers.  In addition to providing a wealth of ideas and tips for publishing in the Christian industry, The 2012 Christian Writer’s Market Guide also includes up-to-date information on more than 400 book publishers, more than 600 periodicals, and hundreds of agents, contests, conferences, editorial services, niche markets, self-publishing services, and more.  This is the ultimate reference tool for Christian writers” (Amazon.com, 2011).

 

Upon initial inspection of the Christian Writer’s Market Guide 2012, I was very impressed with the four major parts of the book.  Part 1 is Book Publishers, Part 2 is Periodical Publishers, Part 3 is Specialty Markets, and Part 4 is Help for Writers.  However, upon going deeper into the book I was almost over-whelmed by the volume of information being shared in this book.  Though a vast amount of information is shared, the book is easy to read, logically set up, and easy to follow.  In the Book Publishers section, I found a very comprehensive topical listing of book publishers.  The publishers specialized in a wide range of topics from Art to Youth Programs and everything in between!  I was truly amazed at the depth and variations of topics.  This book contains publishers, publishing contact information, as well as the topics that particular publisher specializes in.  Another interesting section of the book was the market analysis.  This section contains a listing of publishers and the number of books published annually by that publisher.  The section on periodicals not only lists the contact information of the publishers but also the accepted format of submissions, the price per accepted submission and current contests.  As a Freelance Writer the Periodical section is most useful to me because I can look in the book for the information I need rather than spending countless hours searching the Internet.  The Christian Writer’s Market Guide 2012, tells me what periodical publisher is paying for submissions, which ones are accepting submissions, and which ones are accepting solicited or unsolicited submissions.

As a Blogger and a Freelance Writer I can definitely say that this book will be a very valuable asset to me and any writer, veteran or novice!  From traditional publishing to e-books, to self-publishing, this book has something that EVERY writer can benefit from!  I highly recommend picking it up as soon as it hits the market!

Blessings,
Regina
 
Please visit my other spots:
https://reginathinks.wordpress.com/
http://reginasoldschoolfridayspot.blogspot.com/

Please visit my other spots: https://reginathinks.wordpress.com/ http://reginasoldschoolfridayspot.blogspot.com/

I Love A Good Sale! Especially a Book Sale!

WOW!
I feel like I have not been here in ages! It has been a long time since I updated this blog. My last blog post was July 19th!! The sad thing is I always think about blogging. Something will happen and I say “I have got to blog about this” or one (or all!) of my children will do something silly, dumb, ridiculous (or all of the above) and I say”I’m soooo blogging about that!” BUT…I just never seem to get around to it. There just are not enough hours in the day for me to blog like I used to, granted I was unemployed when I first started blogging. Now I am self-employed AND going to school for my Bachelors degree, so yeaaaaa, I been a little bit busy. But anyway let me get on with it!
Back in June when I got my Associate degree my mother gave me a Borders gift card as a gift. Well I FINALLY got around to going to Borders to spend it this past Saturday. I picked the perfect day to go because they were having a huge sale!!! I got about $90 worth of books and I only spent $9.53 and my gift card!!! Oh yea, I hit PAYDIRT in Borders ya’ll!!

For instance I got …

“21 Nights” by Prince (Yes, that’s right I said PRINCE, His Purple Majesty!!) This book sells for anywhere from $20-$50 depending on how much shopping around you do. I scooped it for $4.99!!!! Awesome pictures AND it came with a live session CD!! Oh Yea!!

I also got …

“Speeches That Changed The World” Some VERY interesting speeches in here! It can be bought for about $20 BUT I got it for $7!!

I even got a few (6!) books for the daycare kids! (WOW!!! Have you seen the prices on books for children???)

GOTTA LOVE A GOOD SALE!!!

~SMOOCHES!~

Please visit my other spots:
http://www.youravon.com/jseaman
https://reginathinks.wordpress.com/
http://reginasoldschoolfridayspot.blogspot.com/