Why We Need to Challenge the Pronatalist Offspring Assumption by Laura Carroll

Why We Need to Challenge the Pronatalist “Offspring Assumption”

By Laura Carroll

On June 22-24, 2012, the Rio+20 Conference occurred in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Government delegates from all over the world talked about findings from an analysis done by a group of international scientists that deserve all of our attention. The scientists report that the Earth is in a “critical transition,” and reaching a “tipping point” when it comes to irreversible destruction of the global environment.

What are the problems that are bringing the mounting pressure on the Earth’s environmental health? “Unchecked population growth, the disappearance of critical plant and animal species, the over-exploitation of energy resources, and the rapidly warming climate.”

And if it continues the way it’s been going, according to the lead scientist Anthony Barnosky,  the Earth could reach this tipping point at a “time scale of a century or even a few decades.”

As David Perlman writes in the San Francisco Chronicle article, “Close to the Tipping Point of Warming, ” the problems include:

– “Rapid growth in the world’s human population – to 9 billion by 2050 and possibly 27 billion by the end of the century – is quickly consuming available resources.”

-Fossil fuels are being burned at a “rapidly increasing rate.”

-Vast”dead zones” in the ocean (where there are no fish) are growing.

-Loss of biodiversity on land – “40% of Earths land mass was once biodiverse, and now, it “contains far fewer species of crop plants and domestic animals.”

-Loss of animal and plant species – we are seeing more extinctions than ever before.

-The impacts of the rising global temperature – in the next 60 years, it will be “higher than it has been since humans evolved.”

To slow or reverse the critical transition we are in, the scientists urge “international cooperation to slow population growth, curb dependence on fossil fuels, increase the efficiency of food production, and manage both lands and oceans as reservoirs of biodiversity.”

What do we need more of at an individual level?  When it comes to decisions to bring more children into the world, as David Paxson, President of World Population Balance, insightfully puts it, we have to come to terms with the fact that we are now in a time where “a person’s biological right to have children must be mediated by his or her social responsibility not to have too many.”

As the Offspring Assumption chapter discusses in The Baby Matrix, given the population and environmental realities we face, it is time to challenge pronatalism’s assumption that we all have the right to have as many biological children as we want.  We need to shift from a mindset that adulates the birth if another child, to one that hold couples who choose to adopt, or have one or no biological child in the highest regard. Why? Because they are doing their part to mitigate the catastrophic impact of a rapidly growing population on resource decline, rather than what they might personally want first.

The Baby Matrix also address why we need to do some serious rethinking about the supposed problems with having only one child and negative myths about adopting, and how policies need to change so that rather than encouraging births, they provide incentive to reduce biological births.

It’s time to shift away from pronatalist offspring assumptions that harm our society and natural environment. Each person’s existence has an environmental impact, which affects other humans and other species. We’ve reached a time, even the tipping point, to where it is up to all of us to choose reproductive action that lessens that impact.

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Laura Carroll is the author of The Baby Matrix: Why Freeing Our Minds From Outmoded Thinking About Parenthood & Reproduction will Create a Better World, Families of Two: Interviews With Happily Married Couples Without Children by Choice, and Finding Fulfillment From the Inside Out.

In addition to writing nonfiction books, she has worked over the last 15 years as a business and litigation psychology consultant and used her expertise in behavioral sciences, psychology, and communications to advise business, legal, and nonprofit professionals on their communications strategies and goals.

Laura is a seasoned leader of personal and professional development seminars, and has appeared on a variety of television shows, including Good Morning America and The Early Show. She has been a guest on many radio talk shows to discuss social science topics.

You’ll also find her online at her nonfiction book site, LiveTrue Books, and her top blog, La Vie Childfree.

To get your copy of The Baby Matrix by Laura Carroll at Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/The-Baby-Matrix-Parenthood-Reproduction/dp/0615642993/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1339007434&sr=8-2

Pick up your ebook copy at Barnes & Noble:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-baby-matrix-laura-carroll/1110625478

To get your e-copy of The Baby Matrix by Laura Carroll for your Kindle:

http://www.amazon.com/The-Baby-Matrix-Reproduction-ebook/dp/B0081HSF3S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1339007434&sr=8-1

To learn more about Laura, go to her website: http://lauracarroll.com/

Visit Laura Carroll on Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/LauraCarroll88

Like Laura Carroll on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TheBabyMatrix

Find out all about The Baby Matrix at Goodreads:  http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13641241-the-baby-matrix

THE BABY MATRIX: Interview with Laura Carroll on Parenthood, Reproduction and New Book

Laura Carroll is the author of The Baby Matrix: Why Freeing Our Minds From Outmoded Thinking About Parenthood & Reproduction will Create a Better World, Families of Two: Interviews With Happily Married Couples Without Children by Choice, and Finding Fulfillment From the Inside Out.

In addition to writing nonfiction books, she has worked over the last 15 years as a business and litigation psychology consultant and used her expertise in behavioral sciences, psychology, and communications to advise business, legal, and nonprofit professionals on their communications strategies and goals.

Laura is a seasoned leader of personal and professional development seminars, and has appeared on a variety of television shows, including Good Morning America and The Early Show. She has been a guest on many radio talk shows to discuss social science topics.

You’ll also find her online at her nonfiction book site, LiveTrue Books, and her top blog, La Vie Childfree.

To get your copy of The Baby Matrix by Laura Carroll at Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/The-Baby-Matrix-Parenthood-Reproduction/dp/0615642993/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1339007434&sr=8-2

Pick up your ebook copy at Barnes & Noble:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-baby-matrix-laura-carroll/1110625478

To get your e-copy of The Baby Matrix by Laura Carroll for your Kindle:

http://www.amazon.com/The-Baby-Matrix-Reproduction-ebook/dp/B0081HSF3S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1339007434&sr=8-1

To learn more about Laura, go to her website: http://lauracarroll.com/

Visit Laura Carroll on Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/LauraCarroll88

Like Laura Carroll on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TheBabyMatrix

Find out all about The Baby Matrix at Goodreads:  http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13641241-the-baby-matrix

___________________________________________________

Q: Thank you for this interview, Laura. Can you tell us what your latest book, The Baby Matrix is all about?

The Baby Matrix looks at long-held beliefs about parenthood and reproduction, and unravels why we believe what we believe. It boils down to a set of beliefs that has influenced society for generations called “pronatalism.” So many of the beliefs that make up pronatalism have become so embedded we think they are “true,” yet are not, and negatively affect us, individually and collectively. The Baby Matrix lays out what is true, and explains why society can no longer afford to leave pronatalism unquestioned.

Q: How did you come up with the idea for your book?

My previous book, Families of Two: Interviews With Happily Married Couples Without Children by Choice, received international attention and paved the way for me to become an expert on the childfree choice.  After its publication, I wanted to delve deeper and get to the core of why society finds this choice hard to fully accept. My research led me down a path to not only talk to many more childfree, but to parents, those who want to be parents but are not by circumstance, and the child “less,” — those who want children but do not have them.

The path got even more interesting when it led me to “pronatalism” and to the surprising fact that most people remain unaware of it. Realizing this along with seeing how much pronatalism does a disservice to society fueled the fire to write this book!

Q: What kind of research did you do before and during the writing of your book?

I dug into lots of books and many research studies, and talked to subject matter experts. Sometimes the research turned into interesting detective work. For example, in researching the historical origins of pronatalism, I found books that were over 30 years old. I tried to find the authors, and after quite the hunt, found some authors, but learned others had passed away. This was not a dead end however; like with any book, there is magic that happens along the way. For those I did not find, I found others who ended up taking me in the direction my research needed to go.

Q: If a reader can come away from reading your book with one valuable message, what would that be?

Question what you have been taught to believe about having children! Understanding, questioning and letting go of pronatalist beliefs will make for better parenthood decisions, not just for ourselves, but for our loved ones, society and our world.

Q: Can you give us a short excerpt?

This excerpt is from the Introduction:

“It’s time to take another hard look at pronatalism. Many people have begun to question its tenets, and rightly so. They are waking up to the fact that this set of implicit assumptions furthers the agendas of power structures such as the church, state, and industry—not individuals. They are questioning how they’ve been unconsciously influenced to accept beliefs that ultimately serve others’ agendas, and how this negatively impacts not just themselves but people from all walks of life. Pronatalist assumptions dictate how we’re supposed to follow the “normal path” to adulthood. They also put unwarranted pressure on us to have biological children (and the “right” number of them), fail to foster a society in which those who are best suited to become parents are the ones who have children, and do a disservice to children who are already here in need of loving homes. The assumptions also result in inequitable workplace and tax policies that favor parents over people with no children. And they work against leaving future generations a better world.

It’s time for all of us to understand why we can no longer afford to leave pronatalist assumptions unquestioned and why now is the time to transition to a “post” pronatal society.

Q: In your own experience, is it hard to get a nonfiction book published today?  How did you do it?

Getting a book published in the traditional way remains very competitive. However, more than ever, authors can get great work out there without having to solely rely on the traditional publishing route.  With the digital book world the way that it is today, I decided to self-publish The Baby Matrix. I worked with excellent freelance editors, an interior design and cover artist to develop the book. And I’ve had the help of great digital and other media publicity experts for savvy promotion.

Q: What’s a typical day like for you?

I greet the day with dark roasted coffee, and get news from a variety of sources. I work on website management and book promotion for most of the morning. At mid-day, I do some sort of physical activity–a walk, yoga, aerobics or resistance training. I always devote a good part of the afternoon to the current book I am working on. In the evenings, I love to cook!

Q: What’s next for you?

I am definitely percolating on my next book, but am primarily focusing on getting The Baby Matrix message out there right now. I will say the next book will be nonfiction as always, be about my quest for the answer to a question I am passionate about, and include something I love to do in developing my books-interview lots of people!

Thank you so much for this interview, Laura.  We wish you much success!

Book Excerpt: Family Plots by Mary Patrick Kavanaugh

Family Plots

Experts claim that the secret to a happy relationship isn’t sex, children, money or even love. It has much more to do with the power of self-deception—a belief that your spouse is wonderful, even when evidence starts pointing to the contrary. Of course, if you happen to learn that Mr. Wonderful is making extracurricular whoopee with a woman who is, say, thinner or more successful than you, you can’t pretend that your love life hasn’t just splattered in your face, like a bug on a windshield. But there are trickier, more elusive marriage malignancies—such as lies of omission, financial infidelity, or a dogged refusal to change anything, be it a behavior, an opinion, or even a zip code. These may be easier to ignore.

The story that follows involves marriage and money, death and deception.

There is also some messy business regarding an unresolved murder. It was the last decade of the twentieth century, when Big Brother wasn’t watching people so closely. I was a budding private investigator and young single mother in love with an attractive criminal attorney who, it turned out, was committing a few crimes of his own. Through much of our marriage, I managed to disregard my better instincts—even as I slid into a world of
pseudonyms, fake weddings, hidden bank accounts, and unexplained cash. It all made perfect sense to me at the time.

Looking back on the bizarre chain of events that changed the course of my life, I’ve concluded that there’s no blaming my husband for what happened.

He never forced me to lie or cheat or to commit ridiculous fiduciary crimes just to keep up with him. He certainly never asked me to stick my nose into the dark business of his past. Being immersed in this drama was like diving into an ice-cold lake—shocking and exciting at first, but then I became used to it. It never occurred to me that this could be dangerous—that hypothermia could lead to incoherent, irrational behavior.

But if happiness is the goal, perhaps denial is underrated. Especially so when you are trying to hang onto something you desperately desire. Though my former life is not one I would ever choose again, I’ll never regret how I let love pull me along the slippery path that eventually landed me a permanent place in this secretive family plot.

–Excerpt from Family Plots by Mary Patrick Kavanaugh.  You can visit Mary’s website at www.marypatrick.com or purchase her newest book, Family Plots, by visiting Amazon!

Getting to Know Therese Fowler, author of REUNION l Q&A + Blog Tour

I am honored to have as my guest today Therese Fowler, author of Reunion, for which she is touring this month on a virtual book tour with Pump Up Your Book Promotion. Because Therese has been put through the wringer answering the same ol’ questions, I thought I’d do something a little different and ask her things not many people would know about her.

Thank you for this interview, Therese. You’re seen all over the web giving interviews and having your book reviewed, so I’m going to do something a little different. I’m going to ask you a few questions about Therese, the person. Is that okay?

Therese: That’s a lovely idea!

Let’s start with where were you born and what kind of childhood did you have? Did you come from a small family or large family?

Therese: I’m from a very small Illinois town called Milan (pronounced my-lan) which is on the northwestern edge of the state, not far from the Mississippi River. I’m the third of three kids and the only girl in the family; my brothers, who are less than a year apart in age, are roughly five and six years older than I am. I was an incorrigible tomboy, wore shoes only to school and in winter, and spent my free time roaming the cornfields and forests, often with a favorite comic book or novel to read once I found a perfect spot. I loved to sing, and to make up all sorts of stories to act out with my friends.

Did you show signs of wanting to write as a child?

Therese: I did, though not in the ways you might expect. I didn’t write stories–or if I did, they weren’t significant enough for me to recall now; I wrote lyrics and poems and essays. I loved to craft greeting cards and use calligraphy to write out verse. I didn’t start trying to write fiction until I was in high school, and then it was only single-page scenes, as exercises in an English class. My teachers must have seen the signs, though–many of them encouraged me to write.

As a teenager, were you a late bloomer or ahead of your time?

Therese: Oh, I think people who knew me then would say I was precocious–one of those fifteen-going-on-twenty-five sorts. Inquisitive, stubborn, impatient with all the supposed “rules” in life, ready to get on with things. I was so sure I knew what I was doing that I chose to get married at 18; not the smartest idea. That marriage lasted only twelve years but gave me two fabulous kids, so it’s not all bad.

Did you show signs of wanting to write as a teenager?

Therese: Yes; that’s when I began to recognize that novel-writing was a profession, and the people who were doing it were like rock stars to me. I thought being a novelist would be one of the coolest jobs ever, and got the first glimmer of what would grow into a full-fledged dream to write novels for a living.

Where did you and your family like to travel to on vacations?

Therese: When I was young, my family did a lot of camping–first in a big army-surplus tent, then in a pop-up camper–because we didn’t have the money to travel the way some families did. We mostly went to campgrounds within a few hours of home–northern Illinois and Wisconsin. One of our few non-camping trips was to St. Louis, to go to the Six Flags theme park. And my mom and I traveled to see her sister in Chicago a time or two. The couple of truly exotic trips were the times we drove to Florida to visit my dad’s parents. I fell deeply in love with the state, which may explain why my first two novels feature Florida settings. (Incidentally, my third one, which will be out next year, is set in northern Minnesota.)

As an adult, where do you like to travel?

Therese: I’m open to all kinds of places and experiences, but New York City is a favorite, and I love trips to coastal areas. The beach is always a joy, but I also like to hike or kayak and do some bird-watching. We’re only two hours from the North Carolina coast, so we’ve done a lot of day trips or overnights to places like Bald Head Island and Wrightsville Beach. I’m eager to see the Pacific northwest, and London and Rome are also high on my list of places I want to go.

In your book, Reunion, celebrity talk show host Blue Reynolds is the queen of daytime television. Are daytime talk shows a big part of your life in your off time?

Therese: What off time? No, seriously, I don’t watch a lot of TV, daytime or otherwise, but I used to watch a lot of talk shows when I was a teen. Donahue, Sally Jesse Raphael, Oprah Winfrey… And then when my sons were very young and I was home with them, I occasionally caught a talk show–when we weren’t watching Sesame Street, Barney, or Thomas the Tank Engine. We lived in Minnesota then, and there’s not so much to do when it’s twenty degrees below zero! These days, I enjoy the occasional opportunity to watch, say, Ellen or Oprah, if I happen to be somewhere like the car-repair shop or, recently, the E.R. while waiting to have stitches removed.

Therese, you are married with two young sons. How has your family life changed since you became a published author? Is your family supportive?

Therese: Actually, my sons are 15 and 18 now–and they’re entirely supportive of what I do, as is my husband. Not a lot about family life has changed since I was first published, except that we have a good second income now, which means we can do things we couldn’t afford to do in the past.

You have just opened a fortune cookie and it says, “Regenerate your system through diet and exercise. Save the cookies!” Is this fortune cookie meant for you or someone else?

Therese: That cookie is meant for me. Writing full-time is not an especially active occupation, so over the past three years I’ve managed to put on about ten pounds that I really don’t need. I don’t eat much in the way of sweets, so the cookies are safe–but French fries are another story.

What’s one thing you’d like to tell the world about Therese Fowler that no one else knows?

Therese: My husband, who also works from home, does a lot to keep our household running smoothly–cooking, laundry, vacuuming–but what I really love is that when I ask him to, he’ll paint my toenails for me.

Thank you for this interview, Therese. Good luck on the rest of your virtual book tour!

Here’s what a few kind folks have to say about Therese Fowler’s books:

“I have to say up front that if someone had briefly described this book to me…I’d be expecting a glib, shallow, formulaic story that would feel like a tired retread. Which makes it all the sweeter to say: I loved this book! Following the success of her debut novel, SOUVENIR, Therese Fowler infuses her characters with life, layering them until they could step off the page… Plot points that readers may predict far in advance are totally different from expected (and much better for it). Beautifully written and full of heart, REUNION is a satisfying tale perfect for a weekend escape from real life.”
~Bookreporter.com

“Fowler’s REUNION proves she’s the “Real Deal”. As she did with SOUVENIR, she tells a powerful story about family and love.” ~ Faye Dasen, The Pilot

“Therese Fowler’s sophomore book shows that she just keeps getting better and better… (A) very interesting read indeed, with a satisfying but teasing ending. Fowler is very good at creating multi-dimensional characters that stay with you long after the last page is turned.”
~Tattered Cover Book Store

“(A)n enjoyable, breezy escape.” Booklist

“REUNION is a marvelous look into the life of the celebrities people look up to… This is also a tale of finding love where you least expect it. Ms. Fowler writes such a beautiful story and it is one I hope you will pick up. I do not believe you will be disappointed.” ~Coffee Time Romance 5 CUPS

“Therese Fowler’s REUNION is well-written, engaging, and filled with characters who seem so real their voices echo in the readers’ mind. From the first line of this book, I was completely drawn in.

This is a multi-layered story… I felt fully involved in every step of this heroine’s journey and wanted nothing more than for her to find true happiness. And in turn, to find herself and her place in the world. Poignant and tender, REUNION is a true heart-warmer!” Kay James, Romance Reader at Heart TOP PICK

“I consider REUNION a ‘must read’ and great for book club discussions.” Anna Robinson, Anna’s Book Club

“Lovely… A moving novel that can’t fail to capture your attention and tug at your heartstrings.”
~The Whitehaven News (UK)

“Following her brilliant debut, Souvenir, Therese Fowler’s dazzling new novel will appeal to fans of Jodi Picoult and Barbara Delinsky.” Books on Tape

Book Review: Internet Dating is Not Like Ordering a Pizza by Cherie Burbach

Author: Cherie Burbach
Title: Internet Dating is Not Like Ordering a Pizza
Paperback: 168 pages
Publisher: Bonjour Publishing
Genre: Nonfiction; Relationships
Language: English
ISBN: 0978974751
Purchase at Amazon here
Visit the author’s website here

When it comes to going through all the trials and tribulations of online dating, Cherie Burbach has been there, done that. A single girl in her mid-30s who had a great life, but no one to share it with, she shared a common statistic among women her age. A great job, outside interests, but no one seemed to fill those gigantic shoes of the infamous Mr. Right.

Despite her wonderful and active life, Cherie couldn’t help but to feel something was missing. She tried ignoring it, but it was a void she knew must be filled.

Cherie took to the Internet after finding out that guys who fit her criteria were a dime a dozen in the offline world. Before long, she found her Mr. Right who she married not too long afterwards.

But here’s the thing. Not everyone is that lucky. Finding love over the Internet takes much more than placing an ad or conversing with strangers in chatrooms. There are horror stories that could fill a book (in fact, I started one myself a few years ago, but never finished, and those stories would curl your toes).

So how did Cherie find her knight in shining armor?

Cherie’s newest book, Internet Dating is Not Like Ordering a Pizza, is a tell-all on how to look for love online and be successful.

She covers such topics as:

• Having the right attitude
• Creating the right profile (very important)
• Where to meet safely
• How to pay attention to your gut instincts
• Body language
• Why you should never give out any financial or personal information
• Why you shouldn’t look for someone who is on the rebound (I know a no-brainer, but her points are worth reading)
• Advice on what to say and not to say
• Why you should put all your negativity in the baggage department where it belongs in the first place
• And much, much more

As Cherie says, “Remember the title of this book. Internet dating is not like ordering a pizza. You can’t just pick up the phone or log on to a site and have the perfect person sent directly to your inbox! You do have to spend some time in order to see if someone you’ve just met might be right for you. Invest that time. you won’t regret it when you do finally meet the right one. And you will.”

Internet Dating is Not Like Ordering a Pizza is a reality check into the world of online dating. I highly recommend this book to anyone thinking about going to the Internet to find their Mr. (or Ms.) Right before you get yourself into an uncomfortable position. Follow her advice and you may find the person of your dreams, too!

Rating:

4 Turning Pages

Book Trivia: Interview with Internet Dating Expert Cherie Burbach

It’s time to play Book Trivia! Periodically, we scour the Internet for interesting authors who would like to play Book Trivia with us. By answering our book trivia questions, we get to learn things about the author no one else knows! So, let’s get ready…let’s play…Book Trivia!

Today our guest author is Cherie Burbach, author of the nonfiction book, Internet Dating is Not Like Ordering a Pizza.

Cherie Burbach is an author, blogger, poet, crocheter, and geek. She loves football and is obsessed with anything having to do with the Green Bay Packers.

Cherie used her experience with meeting her husband online to pen At the Coffee Shop, a humorous look at the world of Internet dating. Cherie went on over 60 coffee dates in just six months. She met lots of great people and one of those turned out to be the guy she would marry just one year later.

Cherie’s new book, Internet Dating is Not Like Ordering a Pizza, is available now.

She is the Dating Feature Writer for Suite101, staff writer for b5media, and also the author of three poetry books, including A New Dish and The Difference Now. Her latest, Father’s Eyes, has received the 2008 Editor’s Choice Award by Allbooks Review.

Readers have resonated with Cherie’s honest and inspirational “This I Believe” essay, which is the second-most popular out of over 40,000 entries on the NPR website. For more information, please visit Cherie’s website, www.cherieburbach.com.

Thank you for playing Book Trivia with us, Cherie! Here are your questions:

If Tom Hanks, in the movie Cast Away, unearthed a copy of Internet Dating is Not Like Ordering a Pizza, how would that help Tom find a way off the island?

Tom would probably have wished he would have brought a bible or GPS with him, instead! But if he did bring my book, he would be inspired by all the concrete examples on how to write a profile, email an online dating match, or end a coffee date. So much so that he would find a way off the island simply because he would so badly want to get back and meet someone special!

Everyone knows rock star idol Britney Spears is always in trouble with everything you can think of. In what way could your book help her and set her life back on track?

Britney has had some bad luck in the “man” department. She hasn’t quite found the right guy for her yet. My book would show her how to present herself online and in real life so that people would take her seriously and see her for the sweet girl she is. She would get tips about moving on from the past and finding mature love that will give her the confidence to feel comfortable and secure.

You have a chance to appear on the hit talent show for authors, American Book Idol, with judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson, and Kara DioGuardi determining whether your book will make it to Hollywood and become a big screenplay. What would impress them more – your book cover, an excerpt or your best review – and why?

Just like with the singers they audition, the judges know that a book truly is judged by the outside to start out with. They’d let me through to the next round because they would enjoy the cover. Then, they would read an excerpt and become wowed with the conversational style of writing and intelligent examples. They know this book would appeal to millions of people and would encourage America to make sure I was the next American Book Idol!

Hulk Hogan, the famous wrestler and star of his own reality show, has invited you and your book to appear on his show. One catch. You have to read a passage out of it to convince him you are star material. What part would you read?

I’d read the section on posting photos and looking your very best. It isn’t simply about putting up a good picture, there is a science to the pictures you post and they should help tell a bit about your personality. (Hulk would be impressed because he knows looking good is part of the battle.)

They’ve invented a board game using the theme of your book. What would the title of it be that would be different from your book and which retail store would they place it to make the most sales?

The title of a game on Internet dating would be “Mystery Date.” (Oh wait, they already did a game called that! haha!) They would have to sell it in pizza joints because you know Internet dating IS NOT like ordering a pizza!

The Arbor Day Foundation has decided to pick one tree in your honor because of your writing brilliance. What kind of tree is it and why did they choose that tree in relation to your book?

They would plant an apple tree, because one tiny seed sprouts a tree filled with beautiful fruit and leaves that grows for many years to come. With Internet dating, the seed is the act of logging on to an Internet dating website with the desire to find someone special. The fruit, leaves, and branches are the love you find, the color it adds to your life, and the development of a new family.

President Barack Obama has become the author of several books and he has requested your presence at a special hush hush meeting to discuss ways to promote it. Through luck of the draw, you were chosen. What would be the first thing you would tell Barack?

I think President Obama would probably do just fine with book promotion! But if he needed a couple tips, I would tell him to hire the best possible marketing team he could so people who would most enjoy his book the most would be able to find it.

Finally, you just got word that your book has received the 2009 NY Times Bestselling Book Award and you have to attend the ceremony at the Four Seasons Hotel in Manhattan. Anyone who’s anyone will be there and it’s your shot for stardom. On stage, you must give an acceptance speech. What would you say and who would you thank?

I would thank God for giving me strength and guidance and blessings beyond my wildest imagination. I would tell my husband that his love and support mean everything to me. And I would tell anyone who doesn’t believe that dreams really do come true!

Thank you for playing, Cherie! What a good sport…everyone go out and pick up a copy of her latest book, Internet Dating is Not Like Ordering a Pizza!

Book Preview: Shattered Reality Kimberly Cheryl

I just wanted to give everyone the heads up on a review I have scheduled on Monday. The book is called Shattered Reality by Kimberly Cheryl.

The book is about child sexual abuse, which is a very sensitive subject as we know. I’d like to devote this post to letting you get to know Kimberly and on Monday, I’ll have my review ready.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Kimberly Cheryl is a master public speaker, successful sales person, business owner and author of three novels. In addition to writing her own books, she contributes articles to various magazines and news columns.

After a school career that included years of failed chemistry classes that began too early in the morning, she switched from a pre-med career to one of business administration. She graduated with an MBA and, later, a Ph.D. in Criminal Justice.

Born into a family of readers, Kimberly had never known a time that she wasn’t reading or making up stories. Therefore, after a major life altering auto accident, the need for back surgery, a long recovery period, no respite in sight and a dwindling supply of chocolate, she decided to pull out a pencil and notebook and began to write about her experiences and share some of the knowledge she had gained throughout her career.

Kimberly lives happily in Missouri with her amazing husband, two spirited children and a “zoo” of animals including a Newfoundland, three cats and a rabbit. She enjoys traveling, swimming and reading.

For more information please visit http://www.kimberlycheryl.com/

ABOUT THE BOOK:

A wonderful read for all parents, teachers, counselors…we need to open our eyes to child sexual assault and help put a stop to this silent epidemic. The sexual abuse of a child creates a devastating family crisis. Parents want to know what to do and say to help their child but they also want to know how to respond to and heal their own emotional turmoil. As a parent, you need to know it’s okay and natural to act with disbelief and denial. This is my story, a mother’s story, about the abuse of my daughter and my struggles to overcome. I thought I could trust my family members. I thought I knew and could trust the legal system. I was wrong. As a parent, I couldn’t find help for ME…what to expect on this journey with my daughter and her recovery. I didn’t know how much pain I would suffer as well. This is my story and my struggle toward recovery. Somehow, some way, I hope it gives you hope for your journey as well.

With one strange twist of fate, my life was changed,

This morning, when I woke and saw the sun mocking me, I realized what a National Football League running back must feel as he heads toward the defensive line. Don’t get me wrong. There isn’t a three hundred and fifty pound opponent of unnerving muscle waiting for me, but a petite and sweet one hundred and ten pound dynamo that I call daughter. It goes to show that all things in life aren’t of the physical realm. One can get trampled and mangled in life without once having a bruise to show. Despite recent events, deep inside I still have hope that life isn’t made only of slings and arrows. I’m just not ready for another day to slay the dragons again. My mind ponders the state of my life and how it has arrived at this chaotic state. Am I only moving within “life” and in fact being operated by the vengeful and barely caring gods? Try as I might, it seems I can only slightly alter my life’s path. I remember a time when the important thing in my life was wondering whether I might make it through that mud puddle down the dirt road while remaining atop my bike. I miss those days.

I rise and follow her down stairs. Picking up the paper, I read about yesterday’s football game. What a sad and depressing game it was. If my life is anything like my favorite team, it makes me wonder at the futility of my existence. Twelve points ahead in the fourth quarter. Then, those two fumbles take all thought of winning right out the window.

Somewhere, somehow, I also seem to have fumbled the ball of life. I’m glad I don’t have pizza left over from that game. Who would want to finish yesterday’s stale leftovers and be reminded of how horribly games can end. To again show me what little control I have over the small things in my life?

Never mind the large things…like Child Sexual Assault.

The sexual abuse of a child creates a devastating family crisis. Parents want to know what to do and say to help their child but they also want to know how to respond to and heal their own emotional turmoil. As a parent, you need to know it’s okay and natural to act with disbelief and denial.

This is my story, a mother’s story, about the abuse of my daughter and my struggles to over come. I thought I could trust my family members. I thought I knew and could trust the legal system. I was wrong.

This is my journey, my lost “game”, and my steps toward recovery. Some how, some way, I hope it gives you hope for your journey as well.

Book Trivia: Interview with Inspirational Author Sheri Kaye Hoff

It’s time to play Book Trivia! Periodically, we scour the Internet for interesting authors who would like to play Book Trivia with us. By answering our book trivia questions, we get to learn things about the author no one else knows! So, let’s get ready…let’s play…Book Trivia!

Today our guest author is Sheri Kaye Hoff, author of the inspirational book, Keys to Living Joyfully. Inspirational author and life coach, Sheri Kaye Hoff resides in Parker, CO with her husband and three children. She teaches college classes as an adjunct faculty member. Her new inspirational book, Keys to Living Joyfully, offers a way of living a meaningful, successful and joy filled life. Ms. Hoff is a personal and executive life coach. Spirituality is a vital part of her life’s work. Prayer and meditation are integral pieces of her daily ritual, which enables her to pursue her life’s passions and live a truly joyful life. Her words on faith are derived from her own Christian walk and spiritual self-discoveries. Her action steps mix faith and years of leadership training, mentoring, and management. Sheri Kaye Hoff suffered the tragic death of her younger brother when she was a teenager and struggled for years to rediscover the capacity to feel joy and to enjoy her successes. She has a heart felt desire to pass on her knowledge and discoveries that have led to a truly transformational life. The inspirational book, Keys to Living Joyfully, offers the techniques and insights that move people towards peace, joy, energy, and passion in everyday life.

Thank you for playing Book Trivia with us, Sheri! Here are your questions:

If Tom Hanks, in the movie Cast Away, unearthed a copy of Keys to Living Joyfully, how would that help Tom find a way off the island?

Tom would be able to use my section on living abundantly to visualize a successful rescue off the island. Tom would start by writing his perfect rescue in the sand, and then he would meditate and think about his perfect rescue. Part of his abundant living plan involves being generous, so Tom would give some of his food to other animals. Tom also would cultivate a peaceful existence and accept his circumstances, which opens the way for God to act in his life. Miraculously, an airplane spots him and sends in a rescue team.

Everyone knows rock star idol Brittany Spears is always in trouble with everything you can think of. In what way could your book help her and set her life back on track?

Her story definitely demonstrates that outward things do not necessarily create more joy in life. I have a chapter in my book that describes the importance of being able to control thoughts. Many people think that they are helpless over the thoughts that they think. In reality, we are able to harness much of the energy of our thoughts and use them to a positive end. In Brittany’s case, I would have her start with gratitude for all she has and has been given in her life. Then, I would ask her to envision her idea of a perfect life. Who would be in it? What would she be doing? What would it feel like? What would it look like? Obviously, her idea of what she wants out of life is not matching to what she is getting out of life right now or she would not be so unhappy. Then she could write out her idea and think about it. She could fold up the piece of paper, take it with her, and read it whenever she needed to remind herself of the new direction. The important thing to remember is that people, for the most part, write their own scripts for life. If a person does not like his or her life, then rewrite the script. Individuals create most of their own misery and are their own worst enemy. Accept and use the power of your thoughts.

You have a chance to appear on the hit talent show for authors, American Book Idol, with judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson, and Kara DioGuardi determining whether your book will make it to Hollywood and become a big screenplay. What would impress them more – your book cover, an excerpt or your best review – and why?

Content in a book is the most important, just as singing talent should be the most important on American Idol. I believe that though my reviews and my book cover are very good, my overall message is the most impressive. People can live more joyful, peaceful, passionate, and energetic lives. It is a choice every day. My book helps people move forward and embrace living a joyful life.

Hulk Hogan, the famous wrestler and star of his own reality show, has invited you and your book to appear on his show. One catch. You have to read a passage out of it to convince him you are star material. What part would you read?

“This is a book about living joyfully. I truly believe that every person can live an inspired, joyful life. I want this for you. Do you think you deserve a joyful life? There was a time when I did not think that I deserved to experience joy. What if life could flow and not be such a struggle? I want this for you.
There are just too many negative messages in not only the media, but inside people’s minds. We have to counter this negativity and really apply focused thinking in order to live joyfully and intentionally. In this book, I describe the methods that work for my family, my clients, and me. Open your heart and open your mind to change, real change, which comes from the inside.”

They’ve invented a board game using the theme of your book. What would the title of it be that would be different from your book and which retail store would they place it to make the most sales?

It would be called, Who Wants to be a Life Coach? It would be available in stores like Staples, Office Max, and Office Depot. The main audience would be corporations who want to use it as an employee training or team building tool. Participants would take turns coaching and receiving coaching as they move around the board drawing cards with real life scenarios.

The Arbor Day Foundation has decided to pick one tree in your honor because of your writing brilliance. What kind of tree is it and why did they choose that tree in relation to your book?

The Arbor Day Foundation chose a palm tree to honor my writing and my book because palm trees seem happy and are resilient to the forces of nature. I love beaches and vacations are joyful times. Whenever I see palm trees, my mind goes into vacation mode. Of course, if I lived in a tropical climate I might not think about vacations every time I saw one.

President Barack Obama has become the author of several books and he has requested your presence at a special hush hush meeting to discuss ways to promote it. Through luck of the draw, you were chosen. What would be the first thing you would tell Barack?

I would tell President Obama that he should proceed with promoting his books the same way he effectively promoted his campaign by using the internet (twitter, Facebook, and other social networking sites). He should have a website for each of his books with a blog. He should conduct a virtual tour of high profile blogs that match his topics. He should also definitely recognize the importance of author promotion and not just rely on the publisher.

Finally, you just got word that your book has received the 2009 NY Times Bestselling Book Award and you have to attend the ceremony at the Four Seasons Hotel in Manhattan. Anyone who’s anyone will be there and it’s your shot for stardom. On stage, you must give an acceptance speech. What would you say and who would you thank?

Thank you for this great honor. My whole life, I have loved books and writing. Standing here today is a dream come true. To all of the aspiring writers out there, if I can do this, so can you. Dream big. I would like to thank my family for believing in this project from the start. I would like to thank Michele Caron for writing the foreword and being supportive from the very beginning. Thank you to inspirational writers everywhere. You truly do make a difference in people’s lives. Thank you to my readers and my clients. You truly inspire me. God bless you all.

Book Trivia: Interview with Women’s Fiction Author Shaila Abdullah

It’s time to play Book Trivia! Periodically, we scour the Internet for interesting authors who would like to play Book Trivia with us. By answering our book trivia questions, we get to learn things about the author no one else knows! So, let’s get ready…let’s play…Book Trivia!

Today our guest author is Shaila Abdullah, author of the women’s fiction novel Saffron Dreams. Shaila is an award-winning author and designer, based in Austin, Texas. Her creative work focuses on the strengths and weaknesses of Pakistani women and their often unconventional choices in life. Her debut book, Beyond the Cayenne Wall, is a collection of stories about Pakistani women struggling to find their individualities despite the barriers imposed by society.

Among other accolades, the book won the Norumbega Jury Prize for Outstanding Fiction and the DIY Festival Award. Abdullah received a grant from the Hobson Foundation for her new novel, Saffron Dreams which is about the trials and tribulations of a 9/11 Muslim widow.

Abdullah has written several short stories, articles, and personal essays for various publications, such as Dallas Child, Web Guru, About Families, Sulekha, Women’s Own, She, Fashion Collection and a magazine of the Daily Dawn newspaper called Tuesday Review, etc. She is a member of the Texas Writers’ League.

A Pakistani-American, Abdullah is also a seasoned print, web, and multimedia designer as well. See a complete bio at http://www.shailaabdullah.com/bio.html.

If Tom Hanks, in the movie Cast Away, unearthed a copy of Saffron Dreams, how would that help Tom find a way off the island?

If he found a copy of my book, he might not get off the island faster, but he’d get some ideas about how to cook with coconut milk.

Everyone knows rock star idol Brittany Spears is always in trouble with everything you can think of. In what way could your book help her and set her life back on track?

One thing I hope this book will do for many people is to offer some perspective on the good fortune that most of us in the U.S. enjoy, and the importance of keeping a loving heart in the face of adversity.

You have a chance to appear on the hit talent show for authors, American Book Idol, with judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson, and Kara DioGuardi determining whether your book will make it to Hollywood and become a big screenplay. What would impress them more – your book cover, an excerpt or your best review – and why?

If my work cannot stand on its own, then the rest doesn’t matter.

Hulk Hogan, the famous wrestler and star of his own reality show, has invited you and your book to appear on his show. One catch. You have to read a passage out of it to convince him you are star material. What part would you read?

I will read the part where the veil-wearing protagonist was the victim of a racially-motivated attack at a subway station.

They’ve invented a board game using the theme of your book. What would the title of it be that would be different from your book and which retail store would they place it to make the most sales?

I can’t imagine this story as a board game.

The Arbor Day Foundation has decided to pick one tree in your honor because of your writing brilliance. What kind of tree is it and why did they choose that particular tree in relation to your book?

Ivy for its propensity to interweave in growth symbolizing long-lasting connections and bonds, such as what the protagonist of Saffron Dreams forms with her son and in-laws after the demise of her husband. The ivy is incredibly durable like the character of the novel and can withstand harsh conditions. The ivy is also known to flourish in challenging environments.

President Barack Obama has become the author of several books and he has requested your presence at a special hush hush meeting to discuss ways to promote it. Through luck of the draw, you were chosen. What would be the first thing you would tell Barack?

I will say, congratulations and then introduce him to my good friend and publicist Irene Watson.

Finally, you just got word that your book has received the 2009 NY Times Bestselling Book Award and you have to attend the ceremony at the Four Seasons Hotel in Manhattan. Anyone who’s anyone will be there and it’s your shot for stardom. On stage, you must give an acceptance speech. What would you say and who would you thank?

It all starts with one word. But it doesn’t become print until you type it out. Respecting that single word and allowing your mind to be receptive will allow others to follow it. Thanking a few people would be a disservice, because the journey of becoming a published author involves many. I want to thank all who have helped in big ways or small in getting me to this point.

FREE GIFT FOR READERS

You can find a wealth of information on my website at www.shailaabdullah.com including a reading guide, excerpt, reviews, and buying information. For those with comments and questions, I can be reached at shailaabdullah@gmail.com. If you mention As the Page Turn, you will receive a free e-book called A Taste of Saffron, containing recipes of dishes mentioned in Saffron Dreams. Readers who sign up for updates on my website will get a free excerpt of my 2005 book, Beyond the Cayenne Wall.

Book Trivia: Interview with Epic Fantasy Author R. Scot Johns

It’s time to play Book Trivia! Periodically, we scour the Internet for interesting authors who would like to play Book Trivia with us. By answering our book trivia questions, we get to learn things about the author no one else knows! So, let’s get ready…let’s play…Book Trivia!

Today our guest author is R. Scot Johns, author of the heroic fantasy novel The Saga of Beowulf. Scot is a life-long student of ancient and medieval literature, with an enduring fascination for Norse mythology and fantasy epics. He first came to Beowulf through his love of J.R.R. Tolkien, a leading scholar on the subject. As an Honors Medieval Literature major he has given lectures on such topics as the historical King Arthur and the construction of Stonehenge. He owns and operates Fantasy Castle Books , a publishing imprint, and writes the blog Adventures of an Independent Author.

Thank you for playing Book Trivia with us, Scot! Here are your questions:

If Tom Hanks, in the movie Cast Away, unearthed a copy of The Saga of Beowulf, how would that help Tom find a way off the island?

He could burn it when a ship came near (although I’m sure he couldn’t bear to until he finished reading it). Actually, the Vikings were a great sea-faring race, so it might provide the motivation to build a ship as they did with little but their knives and axes.

Everyone knows rock star idol Brittany Spears is always in trouble with everything you can think of. In what way could your book help her and set her life back on track?

Reading any book would be a step in the right direction. Reading mine would keep her off the street for months on end (it’s 640 pages long). The Saga of Beowulf deals with issues such as loyalty and courage, love and honor, that might well prove instructive.

You have a chance to appear on the hit talent show for authors, American Book Idol, with judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson, and Kara DioGuardi determining whether your book will make it to Hollywood and become a big screenplay. What would impress them more – your book cover, an excerpt or your best review – and why?

My charming personality doesn’t count? Darn. Any of the three would impress them enough to take a deeper look, but of course, the writing is what would close the deal. All of my reviews thus far have been stellar, and I’m quite pleased with the cover art I did. But I actually wrote this novel as a screenplay first, and it shows in the highly visual style of my writing. More than one reviewer has said that it reads like a major Hollywood movie. It has action and romance, epic battles and characters that actors die for.

Hulk Hogan, the famous wrestler and star of his own reality show, has invited you and your book to appear on his show. One catch. You have to read a passage out of it to convince him you are star material. What part would you read?

For the Hulk I would read the scene in which a hundred Vikings battle to the death against a thousand screaming Frisians. Or, of course, the scene where Beowulf defeats the ogre Grendel by tearing its arm right out of the socket and beating the wailing creature with it. Or the scene where he scares away three Stone Trolls by hurling massive boulders at them. That’s a total Hulkamania scene.

They’ve invented a board game using the theme of your book. What would the title of it be that would be different from your book and which retail store would they place it to make the most sales?

Quest for Valhalla would be the name, and the players would battle to gain the most fame and gold before they died in battle and ascended to Odin’s hall of heroes in the afterworld. A guaranteed hit in every D&D gamer shop around the world.

The Arbor Day Foundation has decided to pick one tree in your honor because of your writing brilliance. What kind of tree is it and why did they choose that tree in relation to your book?

The ash tree, which was sacred to the Norse. The Cosmic Tree, Yggdrasil, is an ash, and its roots connect the three worlds of Heaven, Hell and Middle-Earth, and are watered by the Norns, the three sisters of Fate. It’s the only tree that Beowulf couldn’t easily uproot from the ground with his bare hands.

President Barack Obama has become the author of several books and he has requested your presence at a special hush hush meeting to discuss ways to promote it. Through luck of the draw, you were chosen. What would be the first thing you would tell Barack?

Start writing your next book. If you’re the President you don’t need to market your book. Promotion is only necessary for those of us the reading public doesn’t know.

Finally, you just got word that your book has received the 2009 NY Times Bestselling Book Award and you have to attend the ceremony at the Four Seasons Hotel in Manhattan. Anyone who’s anyone will be there and it’s your shot for stardom. On stage, you must give an acceptance speech. What would you say and who would you thank?

First I’d like to say that it’s an honor to become a part of someone’s life, if only for a week or a day. Writing is a shared experience that only finds fulfillment in the touching of the reader’s heart. I am greatly thankful to every one of you who read my work and pleased beyond belief that it somehow spoke to you. Thanks to all who bore with me through the long and arduous process that often made me insufferable to live with. I’d like to thank my landlord for not evicting me, and my boss for not firing me. Thanks to everyone who gave me needed inspiration, and most of all thank goodness I finally finished it!

R. Scot Johns welcomes any questions you have! Please leave comments and questions below!