VILLAGE HOMES PROGRESSIVE COMMUNITY IN DAVIS, CALIFORNIA

03/12/2015 by Sally Ember, EdD

ALL communities should be like this one!

In 1972, Judy and Michael Corbett were inspired to build their eco-friendly dream community. Their dream was met with opposition, criticism, and financial roadblocks. The visionary concept focused on ecology and sociology to establish a balance between environment, economics, and human needs for sustainability. The emphasis was on conservation as residential areas were embedded within expansive open space.

Persistence paid off when the first phase of construction began in 1975. Passive solar energy was captured by homes that were oriented to face the rising sun. The landscape was designed for effective, natural resource management. Many of the residents were in the planning process and formed work parties in a “community-built process”.

SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY: The Corbetts vision was completed in 1982 as an Ecological Living Community. The community was composed of 242 single and multi-living units housed on 60 acres with bike path, swimming pool, community center, nine bedroom co-op, commercial…

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4 p’s- post concussion, parenting, publishers

03/12/2015 by Sally Ember, EdD

I am also dealing with PCS (almost one year, now) to my frontal lobe and areas behind (face plant against a wall; broken nose, etc.). I find myself having LOST functionality, speed, effectiveness, efficiency with: vocabulary, memories (short- and long-term are both adversely affected), typing skills, grammar and proofreading for first drafts (have to re-read and fix EVERYTHING), mental math; people’s names; facts; ability to meditate (at all, at first, then for prolonged or sustained periods with my advanced practices which took years to develop); stamina for mental activities (I used to be able to sit and work at my computer for hours writing, researching, connecting on social media; now, about 1 – 2 hours and I’m fatigued) and physical exercise (I used to be able to go an entire day without a nap, but can no longer do that; I used to swim 45 – 60 minutes 4 – 6 times /week, but now, 3-0 – 35 minutes, 3 times/week).

I have GAINED aversion/sensitivity to: bright, artificial light and high-pitched or thrumming/buzzing droning sounds; stupidity and irresponsibility in others; stories or “entertainment” that is boring or pointless (to me).

I also feel and display more irritability and impatience, but have less access to sorrow and grief, laugh less, enjoy things less (anhedonia).

I am still partly aphasic, slower to articulate and less able to be “on” than pre-concussion. It should be explained that I was functioning in the top 10% of humans, intellectually, so my “fall” still puts me above average in most areas and therefore, is untestable as a loss by ordinary neurological tests. I just started 6 sessions of “Cognitive Rehabilitation Therapy,” which may or may not help me regain some or all of the functionality and speed, etc, that I have lost. Unclear, now, as to outcomes.

My CAT scan and MRI, similarly, show NOTHING (which is typical for concussions). Unless you received the still-experimental DT-MRI (Diffusion Tensor), you’re likely also to see NOTHING in your MRI. This does NOT mean you have no damage; just that that test won’t show it.

I have written and researched other aspects of concussions, how having one relates to meditation, DT-MRIs and other stuff on my site: http://www,sallyember.com/blog just put in keyword “Concussion.”

Best to you.

Sally

**Where #Words Cross Paths: Pre-writing to #Change Your #Writing Habits,** Guest Blog Post by Connie Dunn

03/11/2015 by Sally Ember, EdD

Where #Words Cross Paths: Pre-writing to #Change Your #Writing Habits

by author and publishing consultant, Connie Dunn,
Guest Blogger and former guest on CHANGES conversations between authors
(Episode 3): https://sallyember.com/changes-videocasts-by-sally-ember-ed-d/

Here you are, sitting at the crossroads of Write and Don’t Write.

You keep saying that you have this novel or short story or true story or even some sort of non-fiction you want to write, yet something keeps you from putting an actual word or sentence down on paper. Whether you are “old school” and use pad and pen or “new age” and use a computer or a tablet, it’s all the same.

If two people cross paths, they meet. Your words must cross paths with other words to meet and create sentences. Sentences then lead to paragraphs. Paragraphs turn into chapters. Chapters turn into books. Voilà! A book is born!

Well, theoretically, this is what happens. The truth is that a little Pre-writing can go a long way.

The first step even before thinking about your story at all is to think about who your readers are going to be.

Once that is established, the non-fiction writer should write a good outline that resembles a Table of Contents, which may have a paragraph or so of writing that specifically outlines something in this section. Novelists, in particular, need to do quite a lot of Pre-writing.

Pre-writing is simple in concept:
1) Write the backstories of all of your characters and
2) Plot out all the plot points.

Pre-writing includes developing your characters and all your plot lines. Yes, I said plot lines.

In any good novel, you should have more than one plot going. There is your main plot but there are also interactive plots that help you get to know some of the other characters and what is going on with them. You also need to know how they interact with your main plot.

The easiest way to develop your characters is to interview them and write down everything about them. Ask the same questions of each character, making sure that you delve into their backgrounds to give you something unique about the character.

Here are some of the questions you might ask your characters:

What color is your hair?
What color are your eyes?
What gender are you? What sexual preference, if applicable?
Do you have any distinguishing facial features, such as scars, dimples, etc.?
How tall are you?
Do you have a distinguishing walk (such as a limp)?
What sort of clothing would you wear?
How do you act (in public? in private?)?
What do you do for a living/what type of school do you attend (grade, private/public, etc.)?
Are you honest or dishonest? How can we tell that?
Are you more of a hero or villain? Why?
How do you spend your time.
Do you have any hobbies? What are they?
When you are not at school/work, what do you spend most of your time doing?
What else can you tell me about yourself?

Some authors like to use index cards to keep track of characters and plot points. Some color-code them according to what plot they belong. Many now use writing software, such as Scrivener, to keep track of everything in a book or series. Some use spreadsheets.

Now, let’s talk about those plots! Plot points are the junctures in each story for which the plot/action is critical. However, some authors use each scene as a way of plotting. It makes sense to use the scenes as plot points, because that is what puts together your story. Of course, these are usually just the high points. There can be many more scenes that support the plot points‘ scenes.

In every story, there is a beginning, a middle and end. But there is actually much more going on in those three pieces of a story. In fact, it is a better to dissect or construct a story looking at it in this Five-Point Plot, which is still a very abbreviated plot formation.

Rather than dive into more complicated plot points, we’ll look at this abbreviated version before we begin looking at things like Scene Development.

Of course, we know that each PLOT is built upon SCENES and SCENES are dependent upon CHARACTERS, CONFLICT and ACTION.

Here is a general idea of what you need to put into your Plotting, using the Five-Point Plot plan:

I. The Hook/Problem: This is an introduction of a problem or conflict that is basic to the entire story. This is the conflict that slowly plays out and is resolved in some manner by the end of the play, screenplay, novel or story. This needs to be compelling and draw the audience into the story; otherwise, there would be no need to write the story.

II. The Complication: This is where the original conflict described in The Hook gets more complicated.

III. The Protagonist’s Goal: At this stage of the story, the goal of the Protagonist (main character) has been clearly defined and the Protagonist is clearly setting out to achieve it.

POINTS IN BETWEEN

Turn of Events: Protagonist now has an obstacle to overcome.

Protagonist’s New Goal: Protagonist now establishes a new goal.

Major Reversal: Protagonist appears to have lost all goals.

Redefining of Protagonist’s Goal: Protagonist must redefine goal into what showdown is about.

IV. Climax: This point is the highest point in the story.

V. Resolution: This is the very last scene where all the loose ends get tied up. Whatever needs to be resolved gets resolved at this point.

Another Pre-Writing task that may be helpful is to think about the entire story, considering these or similar questions: What did you find the most compelling? What problem or conflict will you choose to be first? Pick one that can establish the tone of your book, while making sure you have clearly established a problem or conflict.

For example, instead of starting a story with the birth of the Protagonist, start with two or more of your characters arguing. Make sure that your compelling opening is relative and essential to the story, of course.

Once you’ve developed characters and plots, you have mapped out your entire book.

One more essential part of Pre-Writing: look at your storyline and determine if you need to do research on any aspect. Even though it is a fictional story, you want to be accurate. If it is non-fiction, every aspect must be fact-checked.

So now that you’ve done all your Pre-Writing, you are ready to begin writing. Instead of standing at the crossroads of Write or Don’t Write, you are standing at Ready to Write.

You have developed your entire book. Okay, so these are just bare bones that you’ve developed, but now comes the creative flow.

It is much easier to get the juices of imagination going now that you’ve done a lot of Pre-Writing.

Some Writing tips:
—Avoid long descriptions; instead tuck smaller pieces into your paragraphs, especially ones in which the character is speaking.
—Make sure that you paint pictures with your words and include all the senses. Let us know what your character is smelling, feeling, hearing, etc.

So, the next time you are sitting at the crossroads of Write or Don’t Write, don’t just say, “I’ve got this great novel or short story or true story or even some sort of non-fiction I want to write.” Instead, begin your adventure with something that will help you put actual words and sentence down on paper.

Connie Dunn‘s Information

Connie Dunn is an award-winning author, speaker, and educator.

She specializes in developing a community of writers from which she helps fiction and non-fiction writers take their books from wherever they are to getting them published. To get more information on coaching and courses, go to http://publishwithconnie.com, where you can find Character Development Book/E-Book or course and Plot Development courses, as well Accountability Group Coaching Calls.

Also:
Like Connie on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/publishwithconnie

Follow Connie on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/wiseconnie

Connie writes both fiction and non-fiction books as well as courses. Her goal is to help her students and coaching clients reach their next goals. As part of her initiative to help authors, she founded

Weeping Cherry International Review : http://weepingcherryinternationalreview.org

10 Ways to Develop Characters:
http://publishwithconnie.com/10waystodevelopcharacters2

Character Development Course: http://publishwithconnie.com/courses-2/character-development-2/
Plot Development Course: http://publishwithconnie.com/courses-2/plotting-your-plot/
Accountability Group Coaching Call: http://publishwithconnie.com/coaching-services/once-a-week-accountability-call/

Sally Ember, Ed.D., is the author of the sci-fi/romance/utopian ebooks in The Spanners Series. Volume I, This Changes Everything, is permafree. Volume II, This Changes My Family and My Life Forever, is usually $3.99. Look for Volumes III and IV in 2015.
All reviews, info, excerpts, links: http://www.sallyember.com/Spanners

BOUGHT Movie: The Truth Behind Vaccines, Big Pharma & Your Food

03/10/2015 by Sally Ember, EdD

watched about 15 minutes of this and want to watch the rest.Chilling, upsetting, important. Share! Make fun of Jenny Garth all you want; she’s not incorrect about the dangers of vaccines. The question is not whether or not to vaccinate; the questions are :when (at what ages) to vaccinate? against what? how many to give to one child at once?, with what ingredients/ formula?, and, also, what to do about GMOs, pesticides and other chemical pollution which are contributing to sensitivities in some children and who is to pay for their care when they are harmed?

This and That

This video is only available to watch free untill March 15, 2015. Scroll down to get the link to the BOUGHT website. Excerpt from below the YT video. ……”The BOUGHT documentary takes viewers deep “inside the guts” of this despicable conspiracy…
Featuring exclusive interviews with the world’s most acclaimed experts in research, medicine, holistic care and natural health… Bought exposes the hidden (and deadly) story behind it all.”

https://www.boughtmovie.net/free-viewing/thank-you.php?AFFID=197258&optin=1

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Book Marketing Timeline

03/10/2015 by Sally Ember, EdD

Thanks, Darla, and Thanks, Ape!

Darla G. Denton | Author Platform Coach

Today I wanted to share an infographic I found on Pinterestthat breaks down a Book Marketing Timeline.

The infographic coincides with the article “Why A Book Marketing Timeline Is Important” by Stefanie Newell on TheWriteOneBlog.

In the article they have included a great video titled “What They Don’t Tell You About Successful Product Launches” by Darren Rowse that is definetly worth listening to.

Enjoy!

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PEN/Faulkner Finalists Announced

03/10/2015 by Sally Ember, EdD

Mazel Tov to finalists for the 2015 #Pen/#Faulkner #Awards for #novelists!
Jeffery Renard Allen, author of “Song of the Shank”

Jennifer Clement, author of “Prayers for the Stolen”

Atticus Lish, author of “Preparation for the Next Life”

Emily St. John Mandel, author of “Station Eleven”

Jenny Offill, author of “Dept. of Speculation”

BookPeople

Finalists for the 2015 PEN/Faulkner Awards have been announced! Congratulations to these terrific nominees. Are you rooting for a favorite?

Jeffery Renard Allen, author of Song of the Shank

Jennifer Clement, author of Prayers for the Stolen

Atticus Lish, author of Preparation for the Next Life

Emily St. John Mandel, author of Station Eleven

Jenny Offill, author of Dept. of Speculation

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#AUTHORS – 50 Book Awards Open to Self-publishers…

03/09/2015 by Sally Ember, EdD

Book #award opportunities for #Indies. Via The Story Reading Ape. Thanks.

Solar Eclipse 20 March

03/09/2015 by Sally Ember, EdD

Someone posted this as being on a full moon day, which is incorrect, but it is a “supermoon” day (a day the moon is close to earth) and will be awesome!

Explaining Science

Some of us living in the Northern Hemisphere will be able to view a solar eclipse on Friday 20 March 2015. Most people will only see a partial eclipse, but some lucky people living in a particular region will experience a total eclipse. When this happens the Sun is completely obscured and it goes dark during the period of time that the Sun is covered.

Throughout this post I will use the term “eclipse” to mean an eclipse of the Sun or solar eclipse. I will talk about eclipses of the Moon in a future post.

The path of totality, where a total eclipse can be seen is shown as the dark band in the map below

As you can see from the map, most of this area is uninhabited, with the notable exception of the Faroe Islands (population 50,000) where a total eclipse lasting over 2 and half minutes will be visible. This…

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My Responses to the mid-year “Scorecard” for USA Primetime TV shows, 2014-15

03/09/2015 by Sally Ember, EdD

My Responses to the mid-year “Scorecard” for USA Primetime TV shows, 2014-15

As some of you know, my mom (82) and I (60) watch a lot of TV shows together and some separately since I moved here in August. We usually have the same or similar tastes, but, once again, we are apparently not the target demographic for primetime USA TV shows.

Execs repeatedly cancel what we like (intelligent, entertaining, even unusual dramas, romantic dramas or dramadies, some with a touch of the paranormal), often without tying up loose ends or finishing an ongoing story (which is just plain RUDE to viewers of a series). These networks’ “brain trusts” continue to add on or retain what we detest (most half-hour sitcoms, “reality” shows, and other drek).

Sigh.

Here are the lists of RENEWED, “ON-the-BUBBLE” (meaning, fate is uncertain), and CANCELLED shows for the 2014-15 season’s shows, from TVLINE: http://tvline.com/2014/10/28/renewed-tv-shows-2015-renewal-scorecard-cancelled-series/, and my responses (with some of her comments as well).

I’m only reporting on the status of shows we watch. If you want to know more about other shows, go to the link, above.

Also, TVLINE doesn’t include cable networks’ shows, such as TNT‘s, USA‘s, BBC‘s, VHI‘s, A&E‘s or ABC Family‘s, some of which we watch, so I list them below.

ME = Only I watch this one.
MOM = Only Mom watches this one.
The rest, we both watch.

TVLINE uses this list of status possibilities, in descending order:

♦ Officially renewed
♦ A sure thing
♦ A safe bet
♦ Could go either way
♦ A long-shot
♦ Essentially cancelled
♦ Officially cancelled
♦ Too early to tell

Allegiance: Officially cancelled. WHY? This is an excellent show, with great writing, original characters and excellent acting. Stupid Execs.

ME TNT’s The Americans: Don’t know. Currently running a new season. I like this show a lot but I have to fast-forward through the torture and gory stuff. Amazing acting and great writing.

Ascension: Don’t know. Mom didn’t like this at first, but I got her into it and then she got hooked. Now, of course, she’ll be mad if they don’t continue, since they left it all unresolved.

Battle Creek: Premiered March 1. Don’t know. My mom and I were both unimpressed with this but will watch one more Episode, just to see if it really is that mediocre.

Bones: A sure thing. We LOVE this show: great writing, great relationships, fun to watch (but Mom doesn’t look at the gory parts).

The Blacklist: Officially renewed. We liked this a lot at first, but it has gotten darker and bloodier every week, it seems. I fast-forward through a lot of it, now.

Blue Bloods: A safe bet. We both like this, but Mom LOVES this show so much that she watches re-runs multiple times. Is it Tom Selleck’s moustache?

Castle: A safe bet. We LOVE this show: great writing, great relationships, fun to watch.

ABC Family’s Chasing Life: Don’t know. Currently running a new season. I got Mom to watch this (I watched Season 1 last year) and she likes it, usually, when the show doesn’t devolve into soap opera-type adolescents’ and young adults’ dramas.

MOM Chicago Fire: Officially renewed. One of my upcoming guests on my almost-weekly (Wednesdays, 10 – 11 AM Eastern USA time) CHANGES conversations between authors talk show (https://sallyember.com/changes-videocasts-by-sally-ember-ed-d/, poet James Gordon, is also an actor who has a guest-starring role on this show (which is the reason we changed his show date from 3/11 to 4/1!), so I guess I’ll watch his Episode, but otherwise, this one is Mom’s.

MOM Chicago P.D.: Officially renewed. I’ve never watched this but Mom is loyal.

CSI: Cyber: Premiered March 4. Don’t know. It’s not getting good reviews, but we really liked the first Episode. Probably cancelled, then, right?

ME BBC’s Downton Abbey: Don’t know. Probably renewed; even though Mom doesn’t watch most BBC shows, many do and it’s very popular. Disturbing look into last century’s English elite and their servants: classism at its best/worst.

Elementary: Could go either way. We like this show a lot, but sometimes it’s very hard to understand Sherlock because he talks so softly and quickly and with a British accent.

Forever: Season 2 is a long-shot. Of course it is; we really like this show, especially the relationships between the lead character, Henry, and his son and Henry and his detective partner.

Galavant: Season 2 could go either way.

The Good Wife: A sure thing. We LOVE this show. I worked with Julianna Margulies’ mother back in the mid-1980’s, so I feel related.

ME Grey’s Anatomy: A sure thing. Really? I thought this was its last season…. Mom stopped watching it years ago, but I’m loyal.

MOM Hawaii Five-0: Could go either way. I never got into this, but Mom loves it.

ME Hart of Dixie: Season 4 finale airs March 27; Season 5 is a long-shot. This is mostly an awful show, but an acquaintance/author friend of mine’s older son is one of the stars (and, even though his part is hugely ridiculous, he does an awesome job!), and I like Rachel Bilson (usually), so I still watch. It is so insipid, though…. Sigh.

VHI’s Hindsight: Don’t know. Mom watches this with me because I like the premise, but it has devolved into a soap opera with twenty-somethings; neither of us likes it now all that much. Great music, though!

How to Get Away With Murder: Season 2 is a sure thing. We like this, but it’s a bit like watching a train wreck in the dark which keeps reversing and starting over. The writing could be less confusing and the production values could be better (MORE LIGHT!): We need to SEE, please. And, stop using text messages to advance the story, because we can’t read them!

TNT’s The Librarians: Don’t know. Started out strong and we really liked it, but it did get even weirder than we expected. We hope it continues, though. We loved Warehouse 13, and this is very similar. Fun cast.

A&E’s The Listener: Don’t know. Seems to be cancelled, but we watch re-runs on an off-channel, hoping we’re wrong. Great show with original and very Canadian crime-fighting.

Longmire: Cancelled, but continued on Netflix (which we do not have). Too bad; we liked this show a lot, but we didn’t want the apparent romance between those two main characters to actually occur. Hope it doesn’t.

Marvel’s Agent Carter: Too early to tell. We like this show a lot, especially the lead character. Probably means it’s cancelled.

Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.: Too early to tell. We watch this but it’s harder to understand with the new season’s just beginning again. We’ll see if we continue (even if does, we may not).

Madam Secretary: Officially renewed for Season 2. This show is EXCELLENT! Glad it’s continuing. Awesome acting and writing.

TNT’s Major Crimes: Don’t know. Season is in two parts. First part just ended; second part starts in June. Then, Don’t know. We like it a lot. Liked The Closer even more, which this spun off from a couple of years ago.

ME Modern Family: A sure thing. I mostly fast-forward through this since it’s devolved into silliness, but some of it is still funny.

The Mysteries of Laura: Too early to tell. We did not like this at all, at first, but kept watching and it kind of grew on us. Wouldn’t miss it if it got cancelled, though.

ME Nashville: Could go either way. I really like this show, but the writers seem to have painted themselves into several corners and the music hasn’t been consistently great.

NCIS: A sure thing. We both like this a lot, especially the characters/actors. Miss Ziva, though.

MOM NCIS: Los Angeles: A sure thing. I never got into this one, but I like the original.

MOM NCIS: New Orleans: Officially renewed for Season 2. I didn’t like this (tried a couple of Episodes).

BBC’s New Tricks: Probably continuing. Just got into this recently (it’s been on for several years already) and enjoy the “cold cases” these retirees and their kick-butt female boss(es) solve. Some of the British-isms are hard for Mom to understand, but I translate (she’s not as into BBC shows as I am).

The Night Shift: Season 2 premiered Feb. 23. Too early to tell. A medical drama I just got Mom into, so we’ll see if she likes it. I watched the entire first season and enjoyed it immensely: great writing, acting, unique situations.

ME BBC’s Orphan Black: New season starts this week. Too early to tell. Very oddball show with amazing, Emmy-awarded acting by the lead actor, Tatiana Maslany, who plays multiple roles (some simultaneously!?!), and the show has awesome hairstylists!

Perception: Too early to tell. New season just started. We really like this show. Interesting, likeable characters and unusual crimes to solve.

Person of Interest: A safe bet. More and more bizarre each season, and we miss Shaw, now, but well worth watching. We do wish the main character, John, would STOP WHISPERING.

Red Band Society: Too early to tell. Essentially cancelled. This was a great show but they didn’t capture the younger audience well enough; it’s too bad they didn’t continue it.

ME Resurrection: A long-shot. But, I probably won’t continue watching even if it continues. It got too Christian-y for me.

Revenge: Could go either way. This show was good for a while but it got repetitive and stranger each year. Deserves to go.

TNT’s Rizzoli and Isles: Too early to tell. New season just started. We really like this show: great writing, not too bloody, fun interplay among characters.

MOM Rookie Blue: Season 6 premieres Summer 2015.

USA’s Royal Pains: Restarts Season 7 or 8 (I can’t keep track) this summer. Fun, very weird medical dramedy, second only to The Night Shift for doing medical procedures in odd places (“in the field”) with jerry-rigged equipment and found objects.

Scandal: A sure thing. This show has gotten into some horrible areas, but last week’s Episode (with Courtney B. Vance as the grieving Dad) was amazing. Glad it’s continuing.

Scorpion: Officially renewed for Season 2. We LOVE this show.

USA’s Suits: Season is in two parts. First part just ended; second part starts in June. Too early to tell. Not sure how they’re going to continue with things they way the left them this week with Donna and with Mike’s ongoing untenable situation.

ME BBC‘s Sherlock: Next season is scheduled to start soon. BBC just started running the entire series again this week, if you want to catch up! Very different take on the Sherlock-Watson relationship than previous British or American Sherlock’s and not the same at all as Elementary‘s, either. Plus, Benedict Cumberbatch. Yes.

State of Affairs: Season 2 a long-shot. Also liked this show a lot, at first, but it’s gotten very dark and convoluted. Difficult to see where they’re going with it, now. Probably deserves to be cancelled, but it’s had some great acting, especially by the President (Alfre Woodard) and Katherine Heigl with several unique situations.

ME Under the Dome: Officially renewed for Season 3. But, I probably won’t continue watching. Didn’t like where this went towards the end of Season 2 and too few of the remaining characters are likeable. Also, the premises are quite bizarre, even for Stephen King.

Unforgettable: Officially cancelled. Possibly renewed by A&E for Season 4. We really like this show and if it does continue on A&E, that will be this show’s third network! Amazing tenacity of producers? Poppy Montgomery is adorable.

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The Sunday Show – Defining Moments with Author and Broadcaster Sally Ember Ed.D

03/08/2015 by Sally Ember, EdD

Thanks, Sally Cronin, for hosting me on your “Defining Moments” spot this Sunday! I hope readers will visit, comment, argue, share!

Best to you all,

Sally Ember, Ed.D.

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Congratulations #Authors – One battle won against #Copyright #Infringement – UPDATE…

03/07/2015 by Sally Ember, EdD

Important copyright info for authors and bloggers. KEEP THIS POST HANDY! It has language for sending an email to infringers. Thanks for posting, everyone!

Chris The Story Reading Ape's Blog

To keep you posted after my post about CONFIRMED COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT NOTIFICATION yesterday and to let you see that you are NOT ALONE in the battle against it, here are the statistics on the post at the time of writing THIS post:

373 visitors viewed the post published at 20:12 pm last night.

TEN of them re-blogged it, thereby spreading the word FAST.

To see the all responses, look at the comments under the article HERE, however, here is a rough timeline of significant events:

At 21:56 pm, The following comment was received:

Update: I also sent them a message through Facebook demanding they remove it. They responded:”hi ******, all book grab automatically from many source. we are apologize if your book published in our site. please contact us via http://www.e-bookdownload.net/contact-us/ with your book title list and we will remove it in 1x24hours. thanks” I informed them I…

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PRACTICE AS A PLACE IN THE UNIVERSE

03/06/2015 by Sally Ember, EdD

I am so pleased to be able to enjoy a *CHANGES* conversation in about 10 days with author and meditator, Jhana Hodson, writing here about practice, one of my favorite subjects on Episode 24, Wed., 3/18/15, 10 – 11 AM EDT USA LIVE conversation on Google+ and Youtube, and learn more about and get yourself or recommend someone to be scheduled as a guest on *CHANGES* conversations between authors. Check back here in about a week for the URLs for Episode 24: https://sallyember.com/changes-videocasts-by-sally-ember-ed-d/

Watch conversations with my previous 22 *CHANGES* guests any time: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPbfKicwk4dFdeVSAY1tfhtjaEY_clmfq

Jnana's Red Barn

As I said at the time:

Along the way, the “creative process” is a phrase I’ve come to detest. “Poetic” is another, especially when applied to another art. Whatever “creative” really means or as though the resulting work always occurs in a given sequence. Perhaps “artistic problem-solving” or “artistic exploration” comes closer, except that “artistic” still carries too much excess baggage.

“Process” sounds too much like ritual for my taste. Or a formula, “If you add L to M you’ll end up with an original poem.” Which sounds too much like a dogma or a creed to recite. Like a corridor through a shopping mall. Like a secret code to be disclosed, a joke to be retold in some variation.

For universities, “creative process” can even be seen as the teaching of mistrust and technique. “Absolute skepticism is one of the powers,” Richard Foster writes in Money, Sex & Power

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Anna Comnena

03/06/2015 by Sally Ember, EdD

More to celebrate women throughout history this month right here! Thanks!

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International Women’s Day – Sunday March 8th – #MakeItHappen

03/06/2015 by Sally Ember, EdD

I don’t usually blog on Sundays, except for reblogs, so GET READY for International Women’s Day this Sunday, March 8, and do something #feminist!

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The Truth about Corporal Punishment

03/05/2015 by Sally Ember, EdD

The Truth about Corporal Punishment #Children/ #Parents /#Caregivers: It does not work. Stop doing it. http://wp.me/p1DWDm-Zt via @garyullah

Liberty Today

On upworthy.com today, a website which claims to engage about 50 million people a month, I came across the first infographic (below) that I know of that summarises the scientific evidence against spanking (corporal punishment) as an effective parenting technique . This is great. The truth about spanking continues to spread. Research suggests that the vast majority of parents still believe in spanking, but mostly only because they think there is no alternative. This is perhaps one of the most harmful and tragic beliefs of our time. The still widely accepted wisdom in regard to child rearing hasn’t yet caught up with the science. Most parents are still parenting as if spanking benefits children when the reality is that it harms them, now and later on in life.

The best hope for greatly reducing violence against children is the general acceptance of the reality that spanking is harmful and wrong, as this will lead to the…

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MailChimp 1 – Signing up for MailChimp

03/05/2015 by Sally Ember, EdD

Thanks for posting. Answers a lot of my questions.

LibroEditing proofreading, editing, transcription, localisation

Welcome to the first in a series of walk-throughs that will show you how to set up a MailChimp account, set up templates and lists, and send out a MailChimp newsletter. You can start to set up your subscriber list in MailChimp 2 and create a sign-up form in MailChimp 3 …

What is MailChimp?

MailChimp is a web-based service which allows you to send out newsletters to a list of people who have signed up to receive them. There are other services out there, but MailChimp is very popular, often recommended to newbies and is free as long as you have under 2,000 subscribers and send out fewer than 12,000 emails per month. You can upgrade in order to get extra features and also if your list goes over the 2,000 mark. Please note right here and now that I’m not being sponsored by MailChimp for doing these posts…

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WRITING AND PROMOTING A SERIES: Series authors, Nicholas C. Rossis and Charles Yallowitz

03/04/2015 by Sally Ember, EdD

WRITING AND PROMOTING A SERIES:

by series authors, Nicholas C. Rossis, Pearseus series, and

Charles Yallowitz, Legends of Windemere series

Guest bloggers and former guests on CHANGES conversations between authors
(Episodes 7 and 9), http://www.sallyember.com

PEARSEUS: VIGIL NOW AVAILABLE ON AMAZON

This joint post was made possible by the invitation of Sally Ember, who has been gracious enough to allow us to speak on her blog. She has done this knowing that Mr. Rossis and Mr. Yallowitz have a history of crazy antics. Indeed, some of these antics occurred on Sally’s very own LIVE video show *CHANGES* conversations between authors, which you can find online. Thank you to Sally Ember and we hope everyone enjoys this post on writing a series.

Check out Nicholas’s newest release, Pearseus: Vigil, by clicking on the above cover art and
prepare for a March/April debut of Charles’s next book, Legends of Windemere: Sleeper of the Wildwood Fugue.

Charles: First, I would like to say that I’m happy to be working with Nicholas again and on a post this time. Our back and forth on our blogs is a lot of fun and he has a very sharp, creative mind that keeps me on my toes. This carries over into his writing, which impressively spans several genres.

Nicholas: Same goes for me. I’m very impressed by Charles, both as an author and as a person. Plus, it’s great to have someone who gets my weird sense of humor!

What is the hardest part about promoting a series?
Charles: It’s really easy at the beginning because you can play around with teasers and you only have one book out. Then you get the second and try to find ways to promote without revealing everything in the first book. Around the third book, if you go higher than a trilogy, you get caught between avoiding big revelations in the earlier books and spoilers for the next one. It’s a really hectic balancing act because you don’t want to say too much. Yet, you have to say enough to keep people interested and lead to them to the rest of the series.

I’ve found that you have to make sacrifices in this, for example, revealing a minor spoiler to promote the next book while keeping the big stuff secret. A teaser helps, too, because it isn’t so much a spoiler, but a hint that something is going to happen or a foreshadowed event is coming to pass. Oddly enough, I found that Twitter is the less nerve-wracking social media site to promote a series on because the 140-character limit means you can’t say much and it’s hard to tiptoe around spoilers like that; you have to stick to catchy blurbs or small quotes from the book.

CLICK FOR AMAZON SITE
Cover Art by Jason Pedersen

Nicholas: I agree with Charles that Twitter is a great promotional medium for a series, as my marketing relies on a short quote and a link.

One of the best things about having a series is that you can have a different book on sale each month and it will help the others’ sales as well. However, unlike Charles, I have also made a book bundle available. This contains all the books published so far in Pearseus. Obviously, when this is on sale, no one buys the rest of the books. However, it does attract a lot of attention as it offers great value for money. So, it’s all a bit of a balancing act.

How difficult is it to maintain continuity in a series and what tricks do you use to accomplish this?
Charles: I once switched one of my main character’s eye colors and a minor recurring character lost his hair. So some of the details can be messed up if one isn’t careful. Perhaps the biggest challenge to story continuity is that you can forget some foreshadowing or you do something that alters a previously established rule. Middle books can also have events that change the finale because what you plan in your head might not always be what comes out on paper. It really is a game of memory and concentration or like putting together a 5,000-piece puzzle with no picture to guide you.

There are two tricks that I use. One is that I keep notes on a lot of things that I believe I will forget. For example, I had some minor characters who step into the spotlight in a later book and I never gave them much description in their first appearances. There was just enough that they stood out and I had to make sure I had those identifiers written down. The other trick is never to be afraid to look back at your earlier books to confirm information. If you have even an inkling that you’re off on a fact, then jump back to the book where you know the information has already been written. This helps with plot lines, character descriptions, world-building and anything else that carries over from book to book.

Nicholas: LOL—I love the idea of “a 5,000-piece puzzle with no picture to guide you.” Indeed, it can feel that way at times.

I have a .doc file that includes all sorts of minor details, from names to subplots. Also, when I write, I always have my older books open as well. That way, I’m instantly able to jump back and forth and check things out. For example, a lot of the action takes place in a place called the “Chamber of Justice.” Every now and again, I’ll catch myself typing “Chambers of Justice” (plural) instead, so I have to remember it’s actually singular. I have no idea why some days it feels self-evident it’s singular and others that it’s plural, but that’s just how it is.

Pearseus Bundle on Amazon

Do you have any suggestions for readers who wish to get into reading a long series?
Charles: I’m a fan of starting from the beginning, but I know many who start at the most recent book. If you do this, then I highly suggest that you read the earlier books at some point for more context and to see events that don’t get mentioned again. Also, one must be patient with a series because the story is stretched out and every book will have an opening. Also, not everything gets cleared up at the end of the earlier books. That understanding helps a reader accept that questions will remain. The only other tip I have is that you have to trust that the author knows what he or she is doing. I see a lot of readers try to demand that certain events happen in a story, but those desires might not fall in line with what the author has planned.

Nicholas: This is a typical “patience is a virtue” situation. Writing a series is a serious responsibility. Reading a series is an investment of both time and money, so we have to make sure that each and every book not only meets the readers’ expectations, but exceeds them. We owe them as much. That is why I’m grateful to all my readers, but those who have invested in Pearseus hold a special place in my heart.

There are several things we can do to make it easier on the reader, of course. For example, all my Pearseus books have a map with the cities and places that have been revealed so far, plus any new ones. Also, I have a character list at the beginning (and in “X-ray,” if reading on a Kindle), with a two-sentence description of who that person is. Another good idea is to offer a quick reminder each time a minor character first appears. For example, you can say something along the lines of:

“Parad walked into the room. He spotted Angel, his daughter, and smiled.”
This helps people who may have forgotten who Angel is.

Yet another trick I use is to give names to as few people as possible. For example, a minor character may be safely referred to by their property or occupation. Readers don’t need to know the name of every healer that tends a hero’s wounds or every blacksmith that sharpens his weapons.

Finally, the best thing to do is to make sure each book can stand on its own. That means no cliffhangers and no obscure references—at least not without a reminder.

Sadly, this is not always possible. Mad Water, the third book in the series, ends on a cliffhanger because the subplots raised there are not resolved for another 400 pages. So I could either have an 800-page-long book or two 400-page ones, the first of which ends on a cliffhanger.

Obviously, I chose the latter, which brings me back to readers’ patience. 🙂

CLICK FOR AMAZON SITE
Cover Art by Jason Pedersen

Charles Yallowitz‘s Information

Blog: www.legendsofwindemere.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/cyallowitz
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/CharlesYallowitz
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Charles-E-Yallowitz/e/B00AX1MSQA/
Website: www.charleseyallowitz.com
Jason Pedersen, Legends of Windemere‘s Cover Artist: http://www.jasonpedersen.com/

Nicholas Rossis‘ Information

Blog:http://nicholasrossis.me/ .
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Nicholas-C.-Rossis/e/B00FXXIBZA/
Goodreads: Pearseus: Schism can be read for free on Goodreads.
Twitter: www.twitter.com/Nicholas_Rossis
Google+: https://plus.google.com/+NicholasRossis
Facebook: www.facebook.com/NicholasCRossis

Sally Ember, Ed.D., is the author of the sci-fi/romance/utopian ebooks in The Spanners Series. Volume I, This Changes Everything, is permafree. Volume II, This Changes My Family and My Life Forever, is usually $3.99. Look for Volumes III and IV in 2015.
All reviews, info, excerpts, links: http://www.sallyember.com/Spanners

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Posted in Blogging and others' content, Science Fiction and Fantasy, Writing | Tagged action, adventure, authors, blogging, books, dark fantasy, dragons, ebooks, epic fantasy, fantasy, guest post, high fantasy, humor, interview, Legends of Windemere, magic, Pearseus, sci-fi, science fiction, series, sword & sorcery, vampires, warriors, Windemere, wizards, writing, zombies | 45 Comments |

Diverse Books Contest

03/01/2015 by Sally Ember, EdD

MG LGBTQIA2S authors, take note! Submission opportunity, here!

Writing and Illustrating

If you write MG and have a diverse background, including (but not limited to) LGBTQIA, people of color, gender diversity, people with disabilities, and ethnic, cultural, and religious minorities, you may be interested in submitting a short story to We Need Diverse Books. They are putting together an anthology of children’s literature to be published in January 2107.

Phoebe Yeh, VP/Publisher of Crown Books for Young Readers/Random House, has acquired publication rights to this Middle Grade WNDB Anthology, working title “Stories For All Of Us.”

The anthology will be in memory of Walter Dean Myers and it will be inspired by his quote: “Once I began to read, I began to exist.” Every new story contribution to this anthology will be by a diverse author.

WNDB is proud to announce that the anthology will have one story reserved for a previously unpublished diverse author. WNDB will fill that slot via…

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Bon Voyage Leonard Nimoy

02/28/2015 by Sally Ember, EdD

The little-known Jewish history of the Vulcan greeting. We already miss you, http://widdershinsfirst.com/2015/02/27/bon-voyage-leonard-nimoy/

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Time Travel In Science Fiction

02/27/2015 by Sally Ember, EdD

http://goo.gl/ulUNMe
Want to read more books about #TimeTravel and discuss it with #authors? Join us for Episode 23 of *CHANGES* and participate with me and Lorrie Farrelly ! Wed., March 4, LIVE, 10 – 11 EST USA on G+ https://plus.google.com/u/0/events/clf7dlkpim0p4dg1qe40ag0jpe0 or Youtube, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eiSOPuxVHXc any time. Find Lorrie here: https://sites.google.com/site/yourbestreads or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LorrieFarrellyAuthor .

Shelf Talk

~posted by Dave H.

One of the most enduring concepts in science fiction is that of time travel and its consequences. From Ray Bradbury’s famous short story “A Sound of Thunder” to the BACK TO THE FUTURE films and beyond, time travel has remained a core idea in the science fiction genre. The concept itself dates back even before the creation of the genre: both Charles Dickens (A CHRISTMAS CAROL) and Mark Twain (A CONNETICUT YANKEE IN KING ARTHUR’S COURT) used it in their work. However, most science fiction fans date the first full use of the idea to H.G. Wells’ famous novel THE TIME MACHINE. Published in 1895, Wells’ novel follows an unnamed time traveler into the far future where he discovers a human race that has diverged into two different species: the peaceful, childlike Eloi and the brutish, light-fearing Morlocks. Originally meant as a commentary on class…

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Giveaway Directly from Amazon.com? Now You Can.

02/27/2015 by Sally Ember, EdD

still have to follow all state and federal tax laws, but go for it: Amazon now hosts givewaways!

chrismcmullen

No purchase necessary. See official rules: http://amzn.to/GArules

NEW AMAZON.COM GIVEAWAYS

Now you can give away free physical products, like printed books, directly from Amazon.com.

Amazon hosts the contest:

Amazon hosts the giveaway.
Amazon determines the winners.
Amazon ships brand new products directly to customers.

How does it work?

Find the US product page for a physical product available directly from Amazon.com.
Scroll down to the bottom of the page. Look for Set up an Amazon Giveaway. Click the gray Set up a Giveaway button.
Select Lucky Number or First-Come, First-Served. A Lucky Number giveaway will last longer.
Select the number of winners. For a Lucky Number giveaway, also select a number for which entrants (like every 25th entry) will win the contest.
You may add your Twitter account and require entrants to follow you on Twitter. This is optional.
Click the yellow Next button.
Complete the welcome page. If you…

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**** 4 Stars for This Changes Everything from Dee Fox!

02/27/2015 by Sally Ember, EdD

**** 4 Stars for This Changes Everything, Volume I, The Spanners Series by Sally Ember, Ed.D.
Reviewer: Dee (Devorah) Fox

Some books are like a train. I hop on and let it take me for a ride, I just go where it goes. Spanners asked me to get in the engine compartment and help the conductor. I felt that I had to sign on to the concepts and by believing, be part of the story. I liked what the author was trying to do by writing in the present tense. It never stopped bringing me up short. However every time I had to reorient myself I found myself thinking about time and how it’s just a construct. I also appreciated the humor in the depiction of how throughout history our society’s thought leaders and innovators were participants in the Many Worlds Collective. Of course they were! The series is ambitious and thought provoking. Not an easy read. I’d even say it takes a little work but well worth it for the experience.

Thanks, Dee! Dee Fox was a guest on Episode 18 of CHANGES conversations between authors: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPbfKicwk4dFdeVSAY1tfhtjaEY_clmfq
#Authors, especially those in sci-fi/speculative fiction and who blog, learn more about and get yourself on CHANGES, and #Readers, recommend an #author to be scheduled as a guest: CHANGES G+ HOA https://sallyember.com/changes-videocasts-by-sally-ember-ed-d/

Read this and more reviews and download Volume I for FREE on Amazon:
http://goo.gl/0yN5GE

For other formats, Volume II purchase links, reviews, interviews and more, visit my website; look right and scroll down on http://www.sallyember.com

All logo and cover art for The Spanners Series by Aidana Willowraven.

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Posted in Reviews, Science Fiction and Fantasy, The Spanners, This Changes Everything | Tagged *CHANGES*, Book Review, Sally Ember, The Spanners Series, TheSpannersSeries, This Changes Everything, This Changes My Family and My Life Forever, ThisChangesEverything |

#Read about Guest #Author Sally Ember, Ed.D

02/27/2015 by Sally Ember, EdD

#Read about Guest #Author, ME, Sally Ember, Ed.D., via Chris Graham’s “The Story Reading Ape”‘s blog. Thanks, Chris! Visit, comment, argue, share. http://thestoryreadingapeblog.com/2015/02/27/read-about-guest-author-sally-ember-ed-d/

Chris The Story Reading Ape's Blog

I have been passionate about writing since I was nine years old, when I wrote and published my first story, a fairy tale about an inquisitive princess (see? I started out autobiographical). Always competitive, I’m absurdly proud that I won prizes for my poetry, stories, songs and plays early in life. Did I use up my creativity good karma too soon?

I was born Jewish on the cusp of Leo and Virgo, which seems to mean that my life has been infused with change. Currently, I meditate, write, swim, read and host my LIVE, almost-weekly Google+ Hangout On Air (HOA) *CHANGES* conversations between authors, Wednesdays, 10 – 11 AM EST USA, in St. Louis, Missouri. I have one older brother and two younger sisters (none lives in St. Louis but we’re in close contact) and I used to have seven step-sisters and two step-brothers (we’re not in touch).

I began…

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Why I write about #politics, #elections, #issues and support Emily’s List #feminist #candidates

02/26/2015 by Sally Ember, EdD

I WILL write about #politics, #elections, #issues and support Emily’s List #feminist #candidates…and so should you!

image from: http://www.list.co.uk

Maybe you think “social media” should just be for posting pictures that are funny or cute. Maybe you don’t want to offend or alienate anyone. Maybe you’re a coward. Maybe you’re undecided. Maybe you’re ignorant and don’t know enough about anything political to write about it. Whatever your reasons or rationales, cut it out.

If you are a USA citizen or a citizen of any country that allows you to vote and you do not exercise that duty and right for EVERY election, informing yourself (which is easier to do than ever before with information EVERYWHERE) and taking a stand on candidates and issues as adults who care are motivated to do, than I want you reading this post to inspire and educate yourself.

If you’re already politically active and savvy, great: SHARE!

First of all, there is a sea of candidates out there for almost every elected post and many campaigns of mis- and dis-information attempting to muddy the waters further. What’s an interested, concerned citizen to do? Utilize the groups that vet candidates and issues FOR us, that’s what. Find a group/entity who screens, analyzes, evaluates and presents, according to YOUR values and interests, those you’d want to vote for, complete with reasons, and information about whom and what to vote against as well.

image from: http://hockeyschtick.blogspot.com

Better yet, if you’re so inclined, RUN for office. Offer yourself to serve on a Board or Commission. Join/donate to/volunteer for a local or state chapter of the League of Women Voters, the National Abortion Rights Action League (NARAL), the National Organization for Women (NOW), or whatever else strikes your fancy. Start small and keep going, because city council members, school board members, mayors, sheriffs, judges and many others in local offices later become state or federal senators, congressional representatives for the state or federal government, state governors, Supreme Court judges, presidents!

As a life-long feminist committed to environmental, social, educational and other more radical values/components that mesh with my Buddhist, nonviolent foundations, I choose appropriate news sources (mostly nonprofits to boot) to help me learn and decide.

Here are a few I use and recommend:

Emily’s List http://www.emilyslist.org/, whose mission is: “We elect pro-choice Democratic women to office.”
Mother Jones magazine http://www.motherjones.com/, which has been analyzing and reporting from the center of core issues, reporting what many do NOT report and reporting truthfully, paid off by NO ONE, for decades
B*TCH Media, whose tagline is “Outsmart the Patriarchy,” which I love even though I do not like their name, and whose mission is to respond to “pop culture,” but does so much more than that http://bitchmagazine.org/
The Daily KOS, which has a weekly open thread on ELECTIONS, and with whom I often disagree but respect http://www.dailykos.com/
Amy Goodman, Juan Gonzales and the team at Democracy NOW!, independent, ad-free, on TV and public radio http://www.democracynow.org
Dissident Voice, which is “a radical [online] newspaper in the struggle for peace and justice,” that sees itself as providing “hard-hitting, thought-provoking and even entertaining news and commentaries on politics and culture that can serve as ammunition in struggles for peace and social justice.” http://dissidentvoice.org/
Upworthy.com, which is a curation site, gathering from many sources, including YOU, if you submit, to re-present “things that matter.” http://www.upworthy.com/
The Feminist Wire, with an inspiring and laudable mission: “to provide socio-political and cultural critique of anti-feminist, racist, and imperialist politics pervasive in all forms and spaces of private and public lives of individuals globally. Of particular critical interest to us are social and political phenomena that block, negate, or limit the satisfaction of goods or ends that humans, especially the most vulnerable, minimally require for living free of structural violence. The Feminist Wire seeks to valorize and sustain pro-feminist representations and create alternative frameworks to build a just and equitable society.” http://thefeministwire.com/

image made from John F. Kennedy quote

What else can we/should we do, if you believe, as I do, that change is necessary and that many important changes do occur via our elections and efforts in those directions? Here are some ideas. Comment and add your own, please! http://www.sallyember.com/blog

Some of you are lucky enough to have an alternative newspaper right in your area, still publishing in print and/or online (The Valley Advocate (New England, USA sites), The Bohemian (CA, USA, San Francisco Bay Area and Central Coast sites), The Boston Phoenix, Women’s Voices Magazine (many locations around the world) are some of my favorites).
Read them. Subscribe. Submit comments online. Submit “Letters to the Editor.” Tell others. Buy ad space. Distribute or allow your business to become a site for distribution.

Donate to and support National and local Public Radio, Pacifica Radio, other alternative online or actual broadcasting entities. They are fewer and further between than ever and are always operating on shoestring budgets with many volunteers. YOU could volunteer!
Maybe you want to get your news from a culturally, ethnically or group-specific source, like Al Jazeera, The Advocate (LGBTQIQ), Univision, The St. Louis Jewish Light, Black Press USA, or whichever you prefer.
Support them. Donate. Buy ad space. Volunteer. Comment online. Support their advertisers.

image from: http://mariamuir.com

Use my sources and ideas or get your own, but get informed and work for the candidates you support, for the issues that matter to you.

It is UNACCEPTABLE to be passive and silent, more worried more about being controversial than effecting necessary changes. Be bold! Just because you are an artistic sort doesn’t mean you get to hide!

image made from quote by Larry Neal

Get involved. March. Demonstrate. Speak. Donate. Host. Participate. Invite. Write. Solicit.

VOTE!!!!!

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Posted in Life lessons, Opinions, Personal stories, Support for Good Causes | Tagged candidates, Democracy, economy, education, elections, Emily's List, environment, feminism, feminist, military, peace, politics, vote, voting | 5 Comments |

Paper Pirates Possibility

02/25/2015 by Sally Ember, EdD

#Bookpirating info especially regarding print copies printed and sold on #eBay

Jo Robinson

Something’s got me seriously confused. I saw a post about getting your books taken down from some pirate sites, so as a matter of interest I googled mine again, and found that not only has African Me been loaded on to heaps more torrent sites for free or paid download, but that now Shadow People has joined the pirate party as well. The thing that’s got me wondering is that they’re both being offered on ebay too as paper books. I stopped looking after four different sellers there. (Click on pics to see them bigger)

At first I thought it could be a reader selling them second hand, but when I had a proper squiz I saw that they’re being offered as brand new/unopened. The sellers have multiple copies too – ten each mostly in stock, and they’re selling them for less than what Amazon’s charging for them.

I looked…

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A First Look at Advertising with Amazon

02/24/2015 by Sally Ember, EdD

If you pay or might pay for #book ads, read this first! #marketing

Nicholas C. Rossis

by meowmeowmeow21.deviantart.com

I’m sure you remember my step-by-step tutorial on how to advertise with Amazon. Three weeks later, I have some preliminary results, which, as promised, I’m sharing with you, so that you can learn from my mistakes.

In a nutshell: I’ve failed. The experiment has so far been a disappointment, albeit one offering fascinating insights.

You may remember that I had done my math and knew that, to make any profit, I had to bid under the proposed $0.50.

Now, for a peek behind the scenes: whenever Amazon is about to show a product page, a small bidding war will rage for a few nanoseconds. Amazon will check to see if that product is linked to any ads. If more than one ads want to be displayed, they will bid for that space, until they reach their cut-off threshold. So, if I have specified 5c as my maximum, then an ad…

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#Astrobiology, #Electrochemistry: Yes! These are #Scientific Fields of Study

02/24/2015 by Sally Ember, EdD

If you have any interest in #microbiology, #astrobiology, #electrochemistry, #alien life, general #science, check out these excerpts and then read the entire article.

MIND BLOWN! Amazing scientists! Excellent article. I LOVE THIS!

image from http://www.bibliotecapleyades.net

Dr. Shelley Minteer, Ph.D., electrochemist, University of Utah

discovered that mitochondria—–the power-generating units inside the cells of all complex cellular organisms, including humans—–can interact electrically with surfaces outside themselves. That fits with a well-accepted theory that mitochondria evolved as free-living bacteria that later merged with other cells, forming a permanent partnership. Even after a billion years, mitochondria may retain some of the capabilities they had in their days of independence. It is possible, then, that we all have a smidgen of electric alien behavior locked away inside us.

Dr. Kenneth Nealson, Ph.D., University of Southern California

discovered that Shewanella oneidensis can deposit electrons directly on minerals—”breathing” a solid substance—via tiny chemical wires.

image from techportal.eere.energy.gov

“Dr. Annette Rowe, Ph.D., a postdoc researcher in Nealson’s group, ‘… isolated a whole slew of electrode-oxidizing bugs,” she says—roughly a thousand strains in total. So far, she’s identified 30 of them, all previously unknown….Six of Rowe’s new bacterial strains can live on electrons alone.”

“The vast majority of Rowe’s strains must be grown on a cathode, not in a petri dish. And they indicate an immense and largely alien ecosystem here on Earth. The National Science Foundation calls it the ‘dark energy biosphere’ and is funding Rowe to learn more about this parallel microbial universe.”

Because Geobacter metallireducens can eat waste and produce electricity, the bacteria could prove useful in microbial fuel cells.

Dr. Moh El-Naggar, Ph.D., also at USC, created a series of videos showing

electric nanowires stretch from the outer membranes of Shewanella oneidensis bacteria….[H]e [shot] a series of mind-boggling movies in which you can watch Shewanella reach out to an electrode in search of a place to deposit electrons. Sometimes the bacteria will link up with one another, possibly fobbing off electrons on cells that are able to accept them. [link to one video in original article, below]

How does this all fit together? Maybe this helps you….

image from http://astrobiology.nasa.gov

Or, just enjoy this:

image from http://biobasedpod.blogspot.com

The article’s author wrote: “Their Earth seems to be a world built on cooperation and sharing, a far cry from the more familiar world of cutthroat Darwinian competition. ‘Unless I miss my bet, that’s what we’re going to see when we get to the subsurface: little pockets of life with a socialist community, all working there together. But I won’t tell that to my Republican father because he won’t like it,’ Nealson says.”

Inspired by and drawn from HAVE WE FOUND ALIEN LIFE? MICROBES THAT EAT AND BREATHE ELECTRICITY HAVE FORCED SCIENTISTS TO REIMAGINE HOW LIFE WORKS—ON THIS PLANET AND OTHERS, by Corey S. Powell, in February, 2015, Popular Science, pages 32-39 http://www.popsci.com/have-we-found-alien-life

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Posted in Science, Science Fiction and Fantasy | Tagged #alienlife, aliens, Astrobiology, Geobacter Metallireducens, Popular Science, Shewanella | 1 Comment |

Saturday hippie: Tassels, studs, lace

02/21/2015 by Sally Ember, EdD

What did YOU have? Were you wearing “hippie” clothes last century (or still wearing them)? I had: tassels with tiny bells that jingled hanging from the bow I made with the drawstring tie of my Indian-print skirts; little mirrors on the bodices of my “Peasant” blouses; and, fringe (painstakingly created by hand-removing the weft threads from about 1″ of the cuff on each leg) hanging from the cut-off cuffs of every pair of dungaree shorts and long pants. Some of my jeans had studs but I wasn’t into those or lace.

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Posted in Writing | 1 Comment |

“Top 10 Scientific Benefits of Compassion” for #1000Speak for Compassion day

02/20/2015 by Sally Ember, EdD

“Top 10 Scientific Benefits of Compassion” is a reblog from Emma Seppala from December, 2013, that is still very timely.

http://www.emmaseppala.com/top-10-scientific-benefits-of-compassion-infographic/

Excellent! Everyone and the planet and all beings benefit!

Kindness Blog

To view correctly, please click the image and then click again to magnify!

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Posted in Blogging and others' content, Buddhism | Tagged #1000Speak, Buddhism, Buddhist, compassion, meditation |

Kobo Launches Emerging Writer Prize to Celebrate Debut Works by Canadian Authors

02/19/2015 by Sally Ember, EdD

#Canadian #debut #authors #contest

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“Be A Part Of A Movement: #1000Speak for #Compassion” 2/20/15

02/19/2015 by Sally Ember, EdD

from the organizers:

“Be A Part Of A Movement: #1000Speak for #Compassion” 2/20/15

“How cool would it be if we could get 1000 bloggers on the same day to write posts about compassion, kindness, support, caring for others, non-judgement etc.?
“We could call it 1000 Voices For Compassion.
“Who’s in?
“When: February 20, 2015

“How: Write a post TODAY on your blog or Facebook or Google + or LinkedIn or Instagram or any other social media you use about #compassion. What does it mean to you? How has it affected you? How can we bring more of it to those who need it?

“Really, there are no rules, just as long as it’s about compassion.”

From the Facebook group devoted to this event:

Let’s get 1000 bloggers to write posts about compassion, kindness, support, caring for others, non-judgment, care for the environment etc, and ALL PUBLISH ON THE SAME DAY (Feb 20th) to flood the Blogosphere with GOOD! Use the hashtag #1000Speak to promote this event.

I am one of the more than 1000, today.

My post about compassion:
As many of you know, I am a Buddhist (in this and many lifetimes, apparently) in the Tibetan Vajrayana Nyingma tradition. During the many times I’ve listened to teachers speak and I have read the writings of others on topic of compassion, the definition of compassion is what stays with me consistently. According to Buddhism, compassion arises spontaneously within us and moves us to do our best to alleviate the suffering of others.

For me, the companion to this definition is the Buddhist view of love. In the Buddhists’ view, when we feel authentic love, we are moved to speak, think and act in ways that would be most likely to bring about the circumstances that generate happiness for the object of our love and do our best to prevent their being unhappy, even when it means we put them first, above ourselves.

Furthermore, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama has been quoted repeatedly, as other teachers before and around him have, also, as giving advice along these lines: “If you want to be happy, focus on helping others be happy.”

Add in the multiple lifetimes component, or karma, and we hear this advice repeatedly throughout Buddhist teachings: “If you want to discover what your past lifetimes were like, look at your present behaviors, thoughts and words. If you want to plant the seeds of your future happiness, look at your present behaviors, thoughts and words.”

NOW is what matters most.

Then, there are the instructions and advice for daily living that arise from teachings on The 6 Paramitas (usually translated as “6 Perfections”), such as Pema Chödrön, an American woman who became one of the first Western Tibetan Buddhist nuns, teachers and authors, spoke about in The Places that Scare You, page 98

THE SIX WAYS OF COMPASSIONATE LIVING
Generosity. Giving as a path of learning to let go.

Discipline. Training in not caushing harm in a way that is daring and flexible.

Patience. Training in abiding with the restlessness of our energy and letting things evolve at their own speed. If waking up takes forever, still we go moment by moment, giving up all hope of fruition and enjoying the process.

Joyful enthusiasm. Letting go of our perfectionism and connecting with the living quality of every moment.

Meditation. Training in coming back to being right here with gentleness and precision.

Prajna (or transcendent wisdom). Cultivating an open, inquiring mind.

Putting that all together has given me a great blueprint for my life. I base my minute-by-minute and larger decisions on determinations of how I can be most effective in helping others be happy, especially those I love, by practicing the 6 Paramitas. I combine that with seeking what I am able to accomplish that might help alleviate others’ suffering, even that of strangers or beings I do not know or come into contact with in my current circumstances.

With those aims in my heart, I make it my daily spiritual practice to try to live my life imbued with compassion and love for others.

I frequently fail.

I am impatient. I am selfish. I get angry. I am self-centered. I forget my aims. I lose sight of my heart-centered, larger goals by getting trapped in minutiae and short-term satisfaction. I want what I want and too often I see everything as a zero-sum game I am determined to win. I have been trained in these values, these behaviors and these perspectives: they are second-nature to me.

That’s the reason it’s called spiritual practice: we have to keep trying, keep re-dedicating ourselves to the attempt, moment by moment, day by day. These attitudes do not come naturally to me; I was not provided with a lot of role models on how great it is to be kind, to be generous, to be diligent, to be focused on others’ happiness, to put myself second. I have to strive more sometimes than others, but I usually have to try. Hard.

It is difficult. Scary. Frustrating. Discouraging.

But, I am resolute. Committed. Determined. I have taken vows to this effect, starting with the most basic vow that all Buddhists take, the vow not to harm.

My best moments are characterized by a look back, comparing it to now, and noticing that I haven’t had to put in any effort to feel and act in compassionate ways. When these urges arise spontaneously, I am even more joyful. I know I have had a successful moment when the love I feel for someone really does inspire me to be unselfish and put them first.

When embodying the 6 Paramitas as best I can is making others as well as ME happy, it’s a good moment, a good hour, a good day, a good life.

Excellent moments are surrounded by many in which I am ordinary, selfish and ungenerous.

I re-dedicate myself and continue to practice.

Some days, some moments, my compassion and love practices seem to have taken root.

I hope yours do, also.

Participate in #1000Speak by following this link and the links within the following post.
http://driftingthrough.com/2015/01/16/be-a-part-of-a-movement-1000speak/

Very cool #Author moment report: Last month, as I was writing this blog post and looking for an image via Google’s free images, I put in: “‘Keep Going’ Buddhist,” and what came up?
The book cover for my own book, Volume I, The Spanners Series, This Changes Everything!!! It was pretty far down, but it was there!

It is part of my practice to write Buddhist-themed books with practicing Buddhists as characters, but how did Google know that? Wow!
http://goo.gl/ujmgns

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Posted in Life lessons, Opinions, Support for Good Causes | Tagged compassion, Political movements, social change, Social movements |

Happy #Tibetan New Year (#Losar)!

02/17/2015 by Sally Ember, EdD

Happy #Tibetan New Year (#Losar)!

Feb 18-19, year 2142, of the Female Wood Sheep/Goat: “Generosity, sustaining a strong and steady path toward goals, and keeping the peace are key qualities of Sheep Nature.”

“Challenges of Ram: locking horns, overly competitive, lawsuits, arguments, tempers flaring (your basic prickly behavior), making too many sacrifices, stubbornness and resistance.”

http://www.elephantjournal.com/2015/02/the-year-of-the-wood-sheep-an-astrological-map-of-the-year/

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Posted in Buddhism | Tagged Losar, Tibetan New Year |

Does Fiction Matter? Fiction, Fantasy & Social Change

02/17/2015 by Sally Ember, EdD

Best part of an excellent essay (loved the part about the “Radium Girls,” too; excellent analogy): “My bigger concern is that, when we package sociopathy as ‘romance’? Sadists as Alpha male heroes? That is a confusing message (and a dangerous one) for everyone, but most especially for those still forming opinions and identities. In fact, I probably would have had NO problem with FSoG had it been in the genre of psychological thriller or horror. But slap ‘ROMANCE’ on it? Whole ‘notha’ ballgame.”

I DID read ALL three 50 Shades books when they came out, just to see what all the fuss was about. It was as if I were watching a train wreck and could not look away. So, I know whereof I speak; I did review these pieces of junk: bad writing, ridiculous and insulting (to both males and females) characters, horrible plotting (what little there is of it), terrible underlying and overt messages.

Read Kristen’s post. She’s insightful and accurate.

Kristen Lamb's Blog

Image via Flikr Creative Commons, via Mikko Luntiala

We had a very lively and interesting debate over the 50 Shades cultural “phenomena” on Friday. I’m deeply grateful for all those commenters who posted such thoughtful opinions, even those who didn’t agree with me. I actually am not afraid of people disagreeing with me and I have zero interest in my blog simply being an ideological echo chamber.

Yet, there are a few things I’ve “heard” in the comments or even on Facebook which leave me flummoxed and I believe these assertions call for a closer examination.

It’s ONLY a Story. It is FICTION. JUST a FANTASY.

Image via Flickr Creative Commons, courtesy of Mike Licht

One argument that baffled me was this idea that 50 Shades is just a book and only fantasy. I do not begrudge James her success nor am I lambasting anyone who likes the books. To…

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Dun Writin’—Now Whut? – 42 Who, Whom, and other Word Misuses (A series by Susan Uttendorfsky – Owner of Adirondack Editing)

02/17/2015 by Sally Ember, EdD

Grammar geeks unite! Write on!

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Pros and Cons of #Writers’ Critique Groups

02/17/2015 by Sally Ember, EdD

Pros and Cons of #Writers’ Critique Groups
Reposting from one year ago, since it’s all still true and useful and I have new Followers/Readers

Everyone know the biggest drawback to #self-publishing is the isolation. Yes, every #author who doesn’t collaborate in their #writing writes alone. However, prior to the explosion in self-publishing, most books and ebooks that came to readers went through several other sets of eyes and had several editing and revision drafts done by others that helped polish and tighten the writing prior to publication.

image from vidyasury.com

Today more than ever before, pieces of writing from short stories, blogs and articles to full-length books, both nonfiction and fiction, are getting all the way to a reader with no other editor than the writer. This is not a great situation for most readers or writers.

Because many writers seek professional companionship and critiques as well as audiences for drafts and new ideas, writers’ groups have sprung up for many centuries, both formal and informal. These groups usually meet regularly. Size can vary from a pair to a large group of a dozen or more.

The activities in the group can include public readings and/or sharing of written material with participants’ immediate oral comments, pages returned with mark-ups and discussions of the shared pieces. Locations can vary and many are not available free, so some groups charge a fee or require members to pay dues to cover costs and perhaps invite a speaker/presenter to conduct a workshop or give a talk on occasion.

image from http://www.audreypress.com

Writers’ groups often appoint or hire a facilitator to guide and contribute to the critique. In better-run groups, this leader also keeps time and makes sure the comments are constructive and fair.

However, some groups are not well-run. The ground rules are not clear. Time is not equally distributed because it isn’t tracked well. Comments are not always fair and constructive. The facilitator dominates the discussion. Discussions veer away from the writing into personal stories and tangents introduced by participants. Suggestions are made that are not conducive to the writer’s intent, restrictions, topic, genre or format.

The diverse types of knowledge and experience among participants and in a leader of a writers’ group can be rich sources of varied perspectives OR generate too many irrelevant and unhelpful comments.

Pros and Cons of #Writers’ Critique Groups

CONS: An unskilled or distracted facilitator
— allows too many destructive comments to occur and this encourages more of the same
— allows the exposed author to experience immediate hurt feelings or bewilderment
— allows the writers to leave the critique session discouraged and confused by conflicting advice and too many off-topic remarks
— offers too many comments and dominates the discussion, shutting down, arguing with or interrupting other participants.

Writers in poorly-run groups can be led astray, which can causes them to depart from writing in their own voices and to lose sight of their personal or professional writing purposes. Many writers get discouraged or even “blocked” by attending poorly run writers’ groups.

BEWARE! Better to be isolated than to attend a group that operates negatively.

image from thewildwriters.com

PROS: An skilled or focused facilitator
— leads a well-run group peopled by dedicated, experienced writers as well as “newbies” who each feels comfortable sharing and contributing
— trains and supports members to utilize the time effectively for receiving and offering constructive critiques, with newbies learning from old-timers the most effective methods for delivering and receiving criticism
— can foster an atmosphere of professional support that provides many gems of advice and new points of view for each member, even ones who don’t share in every meeting.

These productive sessions are wonderful catalysts for the writers who share drafts and any who attend. Authors in well-run writers’ groups return from each meeting with new vigor for editing, revising and creating new content.

Tips for Writers’ Groups:
1) Productive critique sessions are NOT riddled with “we loved it,” “it’s great,” and “keep going” with little or nothing else.
Critics must provide reasons for their opinions, especially when they’re positive, so that writers learn what we do well and can replicate our successes.
Critics must also defend their opinions that tell a writer to make changes by offering suggestions for revision or reasons for the ways the writing doesn’t “work” for the reader/listener.

2) Without the prompting of a skilled, focused leader, opinions may be offered with insufficient or no reasons given. Offering positive or negative opinions without rationales is not useful to a writer and should not be allowed.

3) Focus, clear ground rules (e.g., the requirement to give reasons for opinions, taking turns, sharing time equally) and giving both emotional and cognitive responses to a piece of writing are all parts of a productive writers’ group.

4) If YOUR writers’ group is not productive and positive enough, make an effort to change it or leave it. Start your own or join a different group.

5) Networking has never been easier. http://www.Meetup.com is a source of in-person writers’ groups. You can also check your local library’s, college’s, county’s/parish’s, state’s/province’s and country’s organizational listings for professional writers’ groups in your geographic area or genre. Check Facebook, LinkedIn, Google, and many writers’ associations and genre-centered groups online and around the world for possible writers’ groups, critique opportunities and other networking options. Some groups are now meeting online and virtually via SKYPE, iCHAT, Google Hangouts, etc.

If you are a writer seeking a group, I hope you find or start a great one!

Best of luck in your writing.

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Posted in Writing | Tagged authors, editing, Sally Ember, self-publishing, Writers, writers' critique groups, writers' groups, writing | 6 Comments |

2015 Paterson Prize for BFYP

02/15/2015 by Sally Ember, EdD

YA, MG and mixed genre writers who write for youth: you have 1 month to prepare and submit your book for the 2015 #Paterson Prize.

Writing and Illustrating

Did you have a book for Young People published in 2014? You have until March 15, 2015 to submit your book for consideration for The Paterson Prize For Books For Young People. Scroll down to see last years winning books. The ones I viewed were not poetry books, just in case you thought that due to it being sponsored by the Poetry Center.

Here are the winners from last year.
Click Here for Application.

Talk tomorrow,

Kathy

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Happy Birthday, Judy Blume!

02/15/2015 by Sally Ember, EdD

One of the pioneer writers in the then-fledgling Young Adult genre is having a birthday. Thanks, Judy Blume, for so many great books for children and teens which adults also love.

Rachel Carrera, Novelist

If you are a female human over the age of twelve, and you’ve never read Judy Blume’s Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret, then you must look outside right now and see if in fact you are living under a rock.

When I was a kid, I loved the school days when we got those magazines (which were more like four page flyers) where we could select books to purchase. (Weren’t those Weekly Readers or Scholastic Magazines?) I also loved when the public library’s bookmobile would come to school or when school would have a book fair. Okay, the truth is, because I went to Christian school, a lot of what we got to read was censored and had to be on “an approved Christian reading list,” so I missed out on a lot of my friends’ favorites such as Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. …

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The Viridescent Investor

02/15/2015 by Sally Ember, EdD

Excellent post and great recommendations/inspiration to GO MORE #GREEN, especially in financial choices. I just joined a Credit Union: where do YOU #bank? Also, Inger (the post’s author) was my very engaging and LIVE guest on Episode 20 of *CHANGES*, which you can watch any time: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPbfKicwk4dFdeVSAY1tfhtjaEY_clmfq
#Authors, especially those in sci-fi/speculative fiction and who blog, learn more about and get yourself on *CHANGES*, and #Readers, recommend an #author to be scheduled as a guest: *CHANGES* G+ HOA https://sallyember.com/changes-videocasts-by-sally-ember-ed-d/

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11 Tips for Promoting your Book

02/14/2015 by Sally Ember, EdD

Great to-list for #marketing your #book, especially for #indies.

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International Book Giving Day is nearly here!

02/14/2015 by Sally Ember, EdD

I didn’t know about this: International Book Giving Day is this weekend! Buy a book and give it away!

Rhino Reads

International Book Giving Day is THIS WEEKEND! A whole day dedicated to giving books to children…what could be better?

If you are new to IBGD you can find out more here. You can also download beautifully designed bookmarks and bookplates to tuck into the books you donate. Find them here.

It was IBGD 2013 that inspired the first Rainbow Library. The Rainbow Library has expanded and developed in the last two years and for IBGD this year I will be concentrating on my new partnership with HomestartUK. They are a charity helping families with young children deal with whatever life throws at them. They provide one to one support for parents through their volunteer scheme. This is hands-on support right at the most crucial time in children’s development. I really believe in Home-Start and the difference they make to children’s lives.

Before Christmas I donated a big…

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Creve Coeur, MO (St.Louis)
*CHANGES* convos betw authors Episodes

+ *CHANGES* Episode 17 with Wendy van Camp

+ *CHANGES* Episode 18 with Dee (Devorah) Fox

+ *CHANGES* Episode 19 with Dr. Elizabeth Armstrong, Ph.D. (Jazzy Eco)

+ *CHANGES* Episode 20 with Inger D. Kenobi

+ *CHANGES* Episode 21 with Janet (J.L.) Oakley

+ *CHANGES* Episode 23 with Lorrie Farrelly

+ *CHANGES* Episode 24 with Jnana Hodson

+ *CHANGES* Episode 25 with Fran Connor

+ *CHANGES* Episode 26 with James Gordon, bka G.P.A.

+ *CHANGES* Episode 27 with Debbie Manber Kupfer

+ *CHANGES* Episode 28 with Mark W. Tiedemann

+ *CHANGES* Episode 29 with Raymond Bolton

+ *CHANGES* Episode 30 with Brian Guthrie

+ *CHANGES* Episode 31 with Mary Smith

+ *CHANGES* Episode 32 with Kerry J. Donovan

+ *CHANGES* Episode 33 with Stuart Aken

+ *CHANGES* Episode 34 with David F. Leopold

+ *CHANGES* Episode 35 with Melita Noël Cantú

+ *CHANGES* Episode 36 with Rob L. Slater

+ *CHANGES* Episode 37 with Vartika Singh Sikarwar

+ *CHANGES* Episode 38 with Sally Ember, Ed.D.

+ *CHANGES* Episode 39 with M.P. McVey

+ *CHANGES* Episode 40 with Mario Cossa

+ *CHANGES* Episode 41 with R.L. Andrew

+ *CHANGES* Episode 42 with Bokerah Brumley

+ *CHANGES* Episode 43 with Michael Stephen Daigle

+ *CHANGES* Episode 44 with JF Dubeau

+ *CHANGES* Episode 45 with Cara (A.C.) Weston

+ *CHANGES* Episode 46 with Paul Inman

+ CHANGES Episode 1 with Dr. Shay West, 8/6/14

+ CHANGES Episode 10 with Stefan Bolz

+ CHANGES Episode 11 with Victoria Noe

+ CHANGES Episode 12 with Anna Faktorovich

+ CHANGES Episode 13 with Dr. Olga Nuñez Mirét, M.D., Ph.D.

+ CHANGES Episode 14 with John W. Howell

+ CHANGES Episode 15 with Krysten Lindsay Hager

+ CHANGES Episode 16 with Colette Vernon Black

+ CHANGES Episode 2 with Marianne Jones

+ CHANGES Episode 3 with Connie Dunn

+ CHANGES Episode 4 with Janice Ross

+ CHANGES Episode 5 with Tonya Moore

+ CHANGES Episode 6 with Charlee Allden

+ CHANGES Episode 7 with Nicholas Rossis

+ CHANGES Episode 8 with Chase Knightly

+ CHANGES Episode 9 with Charles E. Yallowitz

+ Episode 47, returning guest, John Howell, 1/20/16

+*CHANGES* Episode 48 with Michael J. Bowler 5/4/16

+*CHANGES* Episode 49 with Darian Wigfall, 6/1/16

+*CHANGES* Episode 50 with Jennifer R. Povey, 7/20/16

All Buy Links Vol III Is-Is Not

$ Vol III on Amazon

$ Vol III on iBooks

$ Vol III on Kobo

$ Vol III on nook

$ Vol III on Smashwords

All Buy Links, Vol II, TCMF&MLF

$ Vol II This Changes My Family & My Life Forever Amazon

$ Vol II This Changes My Family & My Life Forever iBooks

$ Vol II This Changes My Family & My Life Forever Kobo

$ Vol II This Changes My Family & My Life Forever Nook

$ Vol II This Changes My Family & My Life Forever The Spanners Series

$^ Amazon France Buy link

$^ Amazon Germany Buy link

$^ Amazon UK Buy link

All FREE links Vol I, TCE

$0 Amazon USA FREE TCE Vol I page

$0 iBooks FREE page TCE

$0 Kobo FREE page TCE

$0 nook FREE page TCE

$0 Smashwords all formats FREE page TCE

$^ Amazon UK buy page

$^0 Amazon France FREE page

$^0 Amazon Germany FREE TCE page

$^0 Amazon International FREE Page TCE Vol I

Author Pages

> Amazon Sally Ember Author Page

> Authors Database Profile Page

> Authors Den page for Sally Ember, Ed.D. and "The Spanners Series"

> Sally on Shelfari

>Books Radar Sally Ember page

Shepherd's Books Author Lists

~ ENovel Authors at Work Sally Ember page

Book Reviews Is-Is Not, Vol III

**** 4 Stars for "This Is/Is Not the Way I Want Things to Change"

Book Reviews TCE

** from James B. Garner for This Changes Everything

*** 3 Stars for "This Changes Everything"

*** Alexander Crommich's Mixed Review: "This Changes Everything"

*** Mrs. G Reviews This Changes Everything on AZ

**** 4 Stars from Reader on Library Thing for TCE

**** 4-Star Review of TCE by Peggy Farooqi

**** from Dee Fox for This Changes Everything

****"4 Solid Stars" from B.C. Brown for TCE

***** For TCE from "Raving in Alaska" on Amazon

***** For TCE from Quick Book Reviews

*****David ben Efraim Very Positive Review: "This Changes Everything"

*****from "Willowtree" for TCE: "a fantastic science fiction read"

*****Janice G. Ross 5-Star Review: "This Changes Everything"

*****Lynda Dietz 4- & 5-Stars Review: "This Changes Everything"

*****Rebecca T's Very Positive Review: "This Changes Everything"

*****Sandra Love 5-Star Review of TCE

****April on TCE on Amazon

****Carrie Shepherd 4-Star Review "This Changes Everything"

****Zach Tyo 8/10-Stars Review: "This Changes Everything"

xx DNF Samuel Alexander's Review of "This Changes Everything" (100 pgs)

xx DNF*** Samuel Alexander Review of TCE on Amazon

xx DNF: TCE non-review by "Every Free Chance" site's Melissa Ruiz

Book Reviews TCMF&MLF

**** 4 Stars for "This Changes My Family and My Life Forever"

**** for TCMF&MLF from Brenda

**** for TCMF&MLF from Brenda

***** 5 Stars for Volume II of "The Spanners Series"

*****5-Star Review of TCMF&MLF

Guest Blog Posts

% "How Does a Squeamish, Nonviolent Author’s Series Include a War?"

% 2015 #SciFi TV Shows: My Reviews with others' on SF Signal's "Mind Meld"

% 2016 #Speculative #Fiction upcoming releases: My Recommendations, with others' on SF Signal's "Mind Meld"

% Book Review featured on <em>The Buddhist Door</em>

% Guest Blog Post on Heather Jacobs' site

% Guest Blog Post on Indie Writer's Network

% Guest Blog Post on Ingrid Hall's site

% Guest Blog Post on Sci-Fi Romance Brigade

% Guest Blog Post on Signal Positive:

% Guest Blog Post on Susan Day's site

% Guest Blog Post on The Book Cove; Open Letter Part I

% Guest Blog Post on The Book Cove; Open Letter Part II

% Guest Blog Post on The Book Cove; Open Letter Part III

% Guest Blog Post on The Book Cover; Open Letter Part IV

% Guest Blog Post on The Indie Writer's Guide

% Guest Blog Post on Thoughtfulness Minds United

% Guest Blog Post on Writers' Village

% Guest Post "A Reluctant Buddhist" on Buddhist Door, by Sally Ember, Ed.D.

% Guest Post "Talking to My Teen Self" on Krysten Lindsay Hager's blog

% Guest Post "What is like to host a live talk show?" on Inger Kenobi's blog

% Guest Post on Charles Yallowitz's site "Skills I Don't Have"

% Guest Post on Krysten Lindsay Hager's site about CreateSpace

% Guest Post on Octopus Ink by Sally Ember, Ed.D.

% Tales of a Reluctant Buddhist Part II on "Buddhist Door"

Interviews with Sally as Author

! #Scifi Women Interviews on Natacha Guyot's site

! "Authors' Quirks" featuring Sally Ember on Keely Brooke Keith's site 5/1/15

! "Defining Moments" featuring Sally Ember on Sally Cronin's "Smorgasbord"

! Amethyst Eyes Author Interview Sally Ember, Ed.D.

! Author "Chat" as Monologue about "The Spanners Series"

! Author Interview Blog Talk Radio Indie Books Show

! Author Interview Sally Ember with Barry Eva

! Author Interview with Sally Ember in "The Write Stuff" series

! Author Interview with Sally Ember on Megan Cyrulewski's Site

! Author Interview with Sally Ember, Ed.D., on Back Porch Writer with Kori D. Miller, Blog Talk Radio

! Author Interview with Sally Ember, Ed.D., on The Shadow Portal

! Author Sally Ember, Ed.D., "A Book and A Chat" w/ host, Barry Eva, on New Visions Radio

! Author Sally Ember, Ed.D., Audio-only Interview, Censored2Celebrated w/ host, Melita Noël Cantú

! Author Sally Ember, Ed.D., Interview on "Authors Interviews" with Fiona McVie

! Author Sally Ember, Ed.D., Video Conversations, Censored2Celebrated w/host, Melita Noël Cantú

! Authors Show Interview April 1, 2014, only with Don McCauley

! Guest Feature on The Story Reading Ape's blog

! Jnana Hodson Author Interview with Sally Ember, Ed.D.

! Publish with Connie (Dunn) Author Interview with Sally Ember, Ed.D.

! Sally Ember, Ed.D., interview on Fantasy & Sci-Fi Network, by Kasper Beaumont

! Sci-Fi Romance Brigade "Meet the Author Monday" features Sally Ember, Ed.D.

! Shah Warton's Author Interview with Sally Ember, Ed.D.

! Tiffany Haisten Author Interview Sally Ember, Ed.D.

Sites featuring Is-Is Not

$ Vol III on Amazon

% Vol III, "The Spanners Series," and sale featured on The Story Reading Ape's (TSRA) site 12-15-15

% Vol III, "The Spanners Series," featured on author Dr. Olga Nuñez Miret, M.D., Ph.D.,'s site 11-20-15

% Vol III, "The Spanners Series," featured on author Sally Cronin's site 12-14-15

~ Vol III Book Trailer on Youtube

~ Vol III Release Announcement on Devorah Fox's site

~ Vol III Release Announcement on Tonya R. Moore's site

Sites Featuring TCE

Shepherd's Books Author Lists

~ "The Spanners Series" on Koobug

~ Book Marketing Network page for Sally Ember, Ed.D. and "The Spanners Series"

~ Brief Review and Praise for author and TCE on Bits, Bites, Books

~ BukFaze "This Changes Everything" Cover feature

~ Check It Out page for Sally Ember, Ed.D. and "This Changes Everything"

~ Kindle Boards "This Changes Everything" page

~ Lit Lovers Book Club Page for "This Changes Everything"

~ New Book Journal

~ TCE Book Pulse Minisite

~ TCE on Bublish

Sites featuring TCMF&MLF

! Author Spotlight on Sally Ember with The Book Cover

~ Vol II on Goodreads

~ Wattpad site for Sally Ember, Ed.D. and "The Spanners Series"

TV/Film Reviews

% Blog Critic Post: Film Review "Ricki and the Flash–Meryl Streep is Terrific!

% Blog Critic Post: Film Review "Woman in Gold" – A Very Personal Experience

% Blog Critic Post: Netflix Comedy ‘Grace and Frankie’ Starring Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda

% Blog Critic Post: TV Reviews Three New Summer TV Series – ‘Proof,’ ‘Complications,’ and ‘Dark Matter’

Videos

->> Book Trailer Volume II

->> Patreon Pitch by Sally Ember, 12/5/14

->> Sally's #Crowdfunding Song

–>Hayley's Reviews LOVES TCE!

~ >> Book Trailer for "This Changes Everything"

~ >> Book Trailer for Multiverse aspects "This Changes Everything"

~ >> Book Trailer, Romance of TCE

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