On Writing – Learning the Art of Presentation

We know how we present things is half the battle. We could have the greatest idea in the world but if we turn people off before they even hear the concept, we have lost. So to that end I’m attending The Mastery of Self Expression Workshop in Santa Monica this weekend.

This program will help me become a better presenter and speaker. Then when I take The Next BestSellers Event on refining pitching in January I’ll have the best chance to succeed in having my book picked up. I’ll let you know more as the weekend progresses.

I have also started on my novel for NaNoWriMo - write 50,000 words in 30 days. I’m a bit behind but still enjoy my story so will continue to the end. Check out their website for great information and fun activities.

Got to run. Time to pack. More later.

On Health – Water is Life

Today is Blog Action Day 2010. The topic most people will be writing about is the water crisis. I will add my two cents to this huge life threatening topic.

Human life requires water to survive. Clean water so diseases or other contaminates are not transmitted. Animals and plants need clean water to survive and we need them. The cycle is logical and simple. But man has interfered.

Man pollutes water accidentally and intentionally. The chemicals we use to improve our crops accidentally gets into the waters of the world. We can take care of this contamination by using fewer chemicals or creating ones that bio-degrade into non-contaminates. We must be able to raise safe quality crops for our animals and the people of the world.

The deliberate contamination of water is the crime against the earth. Chemicals that are created as by products of manufacturing diluted in water isn’t a wise decision. Ways must be found to clean the contaminated water so it can return to the natural cycle of life giving clean water. Wither it is chemicals, heavy metals or radiation polluting the waters, man is responsible for cleaning it up. Burying the evidence doesn’t put the water back into the cycle nor does it prevent further contamination. Any industry creating contamination should be held to cleaning and giving back clean water as part of their approval for developing their products.

Another problem in the US is our stupid use of water – making the deserts bloom! Now we even steal water from other states to meet the foolish needs of the more lucrative population. Bottled water is big business. A big wasteful business. Get a cup with a lid if you must carry it around. Stop drinking expensive stolen water in bottles that take hundreds of years to break down.

We all are part of the world’s water crisis. We must be a part of the solution.

Change.org|Start Petition

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On Writing – WriteOn! Show

We had a great show About Self-Publishing on WriteOn! today with guests:

Penny Sansevieri, President and CEO of AME, Authors’ Marketing Experts, Inc., renowned author and internationally recognized media relations professional, has taken all the guesswork out of the publishing puzzle. In her latest book, No More Rejections – Get Published Today; An Insider’s Guide to Publishing Success. For over 10 years, Author Marketing Experts (AME) has promoted authors online, getting them the publicity and media coverage they deserve. We are the leaders in book marketing online and off.

Jennifer S. Wilkov- Radio show host Jennifer S. Wilkov is a best-selling award-winning author and the creator of the “From Thought to Sales in 90 Days”™ Book Process. Jennifer has supported first time and seasoned authors and writers with the writing, getting published and marketing of their book ideas and projects as well as the building of their platform to raise their visibility to readers and the media. As the host of the “Your Book Is Your Hook!” radio talk show on the WomensRadio Network, Jennifer provides thousands of authors and writers each week with interviews with industry professionals, published authors and insights about what they need to know to make their book their “hook”. Join us for the “insiders” information.

Here is the link: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/about-your-book

Let me know what you think.

On Writing – Chance of a lifetime

The chance of a life time for a write has come. Learn from the experts to pitch and present your book. I have signed up and I’m going to Hollywood to learn even more.

Here is the connection to learn even more – The Next Bestseller Event

After you have read about this, let me know what you think.

On Writing

Today was Toastmasters and I gave my fifth speech out of 10. The title was “Non-Verbal Power.” I chose to demonstrate problem areas in non-verbal communication at the beginning and move to good practices for the ending.  It was fun and hopefully enjoyable.

As a young person I was frequently told – “It’s not what you said but the way you said it.” or it’s not what you said ,but how you looked.” I guess my n0n-verbal messages came out loudly. Even today I must watch what my tone and eyes say.

Even young children use non-verbal communication.

Bella's GleeOur Hams Haylee and Denigha

 

My Website

It’s growing, slowly. adding material to my website takes time and persistence. I hope to have it go live soon, but need some webmaster assistance before that can happen, like connecting my blogs to the site.
I also have lots of material but it is on different computers so moving between the others is great fun.

The latest news on the writing side is that I have two full proposals out to two agents at their request. So keep your fingers crossed.

The most exciting thing is I have a ticket to be a participant in The Next Bestseller Event!! It will begin Oct. 11 and be weekly training to hone my pitch for my book. Then a full three day weekend in CA at LaLive for more training and pitching to agents, producers, publishers and all of this is being taped! They plan to use this as a pilot for a new series. It is sooo exciting.
If you want more information contact Renee@stimulating-conversation.com and put Query Big Event in the subject line. This is a chance of a life time!
Got to run so much to do and always so little time. I’ll be back again soon.

About Writing

This is the first post for me on my new blog. I hope there will be many more but first I must get this blog set up so it will look good.

Health Care Survival

Like taxes and death, using the healthcare system is unavoidable. The healthcare system also is scary, hard to understand and has a language of its own, just like death and taxes.

I can help you out with some useful tips about the healthcare system. The other two you’ll have to handle on your own.

To survive the healthcare system you must become an educated consumer of the services. There are three basic keys to becoming a wise consumer.

One: Know your own body

Two: Learn to speak so the healthcare professionals will hear you

Three: Advocate for yourself and others

Let’s start with number one – know your body. You are smiling thinking “I know my body, better than anyone.” In truth that is exactly how you should feel, but that also means there are some things you need to know about your body.

• What health problems do you have? What rick factors do you have?
• Do you fully understand how this problem is manifested in your body?
• What medications do you take? Over the counter ones, too. Are there some you can’t take? Why?
• What is your family’s medical history?
• If you or a loved one has a healthcare problem have you researched the latest methods of caring for it?

You need to know the answers to these questions and the questions that are developed based on these. This information should be written down and stored safely.

Now that you do know your body better, how can you communicate your concerns and questions to a busy healthcare professional? The simple answer is “go prepared.” When you visit with a healthcare professional take the following with you:

• A list of all your prescribed medications, over-the-counter supplements and your drug and food allergies. Include medications from all your doctors.
• Make a list of all your symptoms and concerns with the time they started, how long they have been present, what you have done to care for yourself. Stay focused on the current issue unless this is your annual physical where you want to cover all of your health and wellness issues.
• Write down all your questions and leave a space to make note of the answers. Be sure you completely understand the answers and all directions. Keep asking questions until you do. They are the professionals, but they work for you.

Take these papers with you for all visits and keep copies filed safely.  These are the first step of learning to advocate for your-self in the healthcare system.

• The healthcare system is not user-friendly, so you must demand the information and attention to meet your needs – Politely.
• Keep good records, do your research, and ask questions just as you would if you were buying an expensive item. You are buying care for your body.
• Take someone with you, if the situation causes you any stress. Two heads are better than one and four ears hear more than two. Always have someone with you to advocate for you if you must enter the dangerous world of hospitals.
• Be an advocate for others – you will learn a great deal.

Becoming an educated healthcare consumer is in your best interest if you wish to survive the healthcare system. Learn all you can about your body and the bodies of those you care for, learn to speak so you will be heard by the professionals, expect and demand the care and attention needed.

Remember, You are Responsible for Your Health.

Become an Active Member of Your Healthcare Team.