Linda Barnett-Johnson

15 Slump Busters What to Do When the Assignments Stop Coming Cal Orey, Guest Author Imagine: The phone doesn't ring, you find yourself amid a pile of rejection letters, and money's tight. It's been more weeks than you care to count since you've gotten an assignment or book contract, you've got serious reservations about your writer's status, and last but not least, the fear of never getting a new gig haunts you like a spooky Stephen King sci-fi tale. If you're like me and most writers, at some time you'll probably hit a plateau - the point when it seems you just can't pull out of a big, unfortunate S-L-U-M-P. What gives? Blame it on your fave book publisher downsizing, your pet editor(s) going AWOL, or karma. But the good news is, you can reprise your role as a prolific writer. So if you're down, on the verge of suffering through a sales lull or trying to find a way out, g...

Get a grip on social media Read more. Get Ready to Win the Game of Social Media Today teaches a fun and effective way of marketing your business, book, coaching practice or product. If it ain't no fun, it won't get done! If you've ever wanted or needed to build a social media presence but felt overwhelmed and unsure where to begin, this book covers the following topics: Using social media if You're Not a Geek Why You Need a Social Network How To Build Your Brand Identity with Your Blog How to Make A Ritual of Connecting with Your Social Network What Happens If You Do Nothing in the Social Media? Speak English Please, I'm Not a Computer Want to Learn More About How to Win the Game of Social Media? Read What is Social Media Today: Get Ready to Win the...

  You know when most people have a talent they never think about how and why they have this gift. On the other hand, I am very different. At thirty-five, I suffered a brain aneurysm, putting me in a wheelchair, not a very nice experience. At this time in my life I could sing like a bird, but no more after this happened. The aneurysms paralyzed one of my vocal cords and I lost my ability to sing. But I soon discovered I had a hidden talent I had no idea I had. This hidden talent was the ability to write, something I had never ever suspected.     When I lost my voice, I felt so lost. I remarried soon after the aneurysm, and one day my husband dared me to write a poem. This is when it came to my attention that I could write, not just poetry but stories as well. I wasn't just a writer but I was a story teller. I had always hears if you were good in one art, you would be in another and I was.     I really hold...

Patricia Crandall received second place honor for her poem “ Last of the Blueberries ” o n Writers Carnival. Congratulations to my friend Patricia for writing a visual poem of picking the end of the season blueberries. I really enjoyed it.

There is considerable discussion out there about whether in-store book signings are of any value to the author - or to the book store itself for that matter. As far as the retailer is concerned (particularly with e-books and online availability and everybody and his brother writing stuff, good or bad), as long as purchasing sufficient quantities is not a bookkeeping nightmare, they have everything to gain and nothing to lose.  Other than the expense of purchasing your books with guaranteed returnability (a biggie!) and perhaps providing a quickly whipped up blurb on their website, and maybe a little on-table poster, there is virtually no expense to them. Some places will offer you a cup of coffee.  No big deal. As far as the author is concerned, this can be a little hairy.  If you are a mega celebrity like Stephen King or Madonna, there is no problem. Your publisher takes cares of all expenses and the books stores stand in line clamoring to play host, ditto ...

Read more. An excellent teacher and gifted communicator, Elliston presents the concept that  difficult people don't know they are difficult . Not only was this an eye opener for me, but a heart and mind opener as well. I found the  self-guided exercises, examples, and recommendations  for my difficult-people-interactions to be powerful and effective - so much so that I'm buying copies for every office in our organization.  ~Kim Brown, Counselor, Faster EFT Practioner The funny thing is that Sarah Elliston never realized she was "a difficult person," - -someone who harangued people until she got her way, threw  snip fits  and  temper tantrums , talked over her bosses and pointed out what she thought were their misconceptions. In her fa...

This would make a wonderful Christmas gift for that person you don't know who to buy for. Or, that person that loves reading about the four seasons.  Five Star Review: What is it about poetry that sparks an interest in me? When I received I Passed This Way by Patricia Crandall, I was anxious for her imagery about the four seasons. Her perception of what she saw emanated in the words of her poetry. You can see as you take a walk with her through the snow of winter, fallen leaves in the fall, heat of the summer breeze and the buds of the new growth of spring. Her words flows effortlessly bringing the scene right to your doorstep as you relive it with her. It’s like taking your first step in the snow or smelling the changes in the different seasons. Your senses are heightened with each poem. I recommend this book of poetry and hope you receive the same sensations that I did. It would make a great gift for that person in your life that enjoys the breathless wonder of nature. ...

.. Read more. An excellent teacher and gifted communicator, Elliston presents the concept that  difficult people don't know they are difficult . Not only was this an eye opener for me, but a heart and mind opener as well. I found the  self-guided exercises, examples, and recommendations  for my difficult-people-interactions to be powerful and effective - so much so that I'm buying copies for every office in our organization.  ~Kim Brown, Counselor, Faster EFT Practioner The funny thing is that Sarah Elliston never realized she was "a difficult person," - -someone who harangued people until she got her way, threw  snip fits  and  temper tantrums , talked over her bosses and pointed out what she thought were their misconceptions. In her family, where she felt bull...

The Soulmate Checklist - looking for your soulmate? Read more. RANI ST. PUCCHI delves into the meaning of Soul Mate relationships as she guides you on a quest for love that lasts a lifetime. Are images of the ideal relationship just fantasy, or do they have basis in truth? Does everyone have a perfect Soul Mate who is waiting to be found by him or her, or is a "perfect" relationship something that one must develop with oneself first? Getting beyond the "in love" phase--will the relationship last? Questions like these and many others are addressed here as Rani provides insights into the nature of personal relationships and Soul Mate love. ​​​​​​​ The SoulMate Checklist  will help you avoid misconceptions about love, find the blueprint for coming to ...