Official Relaunch Press Release for Author, Rusty Blackwood & “Willow’s Walk”…

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Official Press Release of Willow’s Walk!

 

Canadian Novelist Rusty Blackwood Announces New Release Of 5 Star Rated Romantic Fiction Novel, ‘Willow’s Walk’, Classic Romantic Fiction Set In Modern Day Context

Rusty Blackwood’s 5-star romance novel follows ‘Passions In Paris’, written in the tradition of Bram Stoker’s ‘Dracula’ and ‘What Dreams May Come’. . . .

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Romantic fiction author Rusty Blackwood

[Wilmington, NC, & TucsonNews, Tucson AZ]
September 27, 2016]  PR RELEASE:  Canadian Indie novelist Rusty Blackwood, author of the romantic fiction saga ‘Passions In Paris’, has announced the re-release of her newest romantic fiction novel, ‘Willow’s Walk.”  .  .  .  .

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Her first romantic fiction book, ‘Passions in Paris: Revelations Of A Lost Diary’ is a sweeping saga written in the tradition of Bram Stoker’s ‘Dracula’ and ‘What Dreams May Come’. It has been compared to Erich Segal’s ‘Love Story’ and Nicholas Sparks’ ‘The Notebook’.

‘Willow’s Walk’ takes Blackwood’s storytelling skills to a new level – the storyline hits home with readers as they are partially based in reality and real world situations that readers find highly relatable. The end effect of this approach is that readers can often put themselves squarely in the stories she presents. ‘Willow’s Walk’ presents a story of an Internet meeting that goes tragically wrong.

Set in the city of Ottawa, Canada in 2003, the story centers on the life and times of a woman determined to prevail at all costs, regardless of what is set before her, the result of which is certain to leave the reader reeling in its wake.

The path each person walks is entirely their own. The pitfalls along that path, as well as the way in which they are dealt with, are entirely up to the individual. But Willow Sutherland Crosby walks a far different path, and with her own agenda.

Abuse, deception, intrigue, and a never ending quest for happiness and love – will she find these, or will her blind determination be her downfall?

“I cannot express how pleased and proud I am to re-release this riveting and meaningful story to my readers,” Rusty Blackwood stated. “The ideas behind a story, whether they are based on fiction or fact, can often result in the success it finds when brought to print and released before the public’s eyes. But the basis for Willow’s Walk is one that I not only had an inside track on, one that I felt needed to be told.”

Miss Blackwood further stated, “The Internet can be a wonderful place where anything can be discovered, questions answered, and solid friendships formed and enjoyed. But it can also be a place of darkness, extreme upheaval, and endless heartache. It is my hope that Willow’s unfortunate plight will help light the way for others standing on the sadly realistic brink of possible destruction. A writer can only hope that the words they form into stories are words that both entertain and educate. I hope this can be realized in my newly modified Willow’s Walk.”

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While in pre-release, ‘Willow’s Walk’ received a number of 5-star reviews from professional reviewers. Maria Beltran stated,
“I highly recommend this book.” Gisela Dixon said, “. . .
I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the life of a person presented in such a wonderful manner.”

‘Passions In Paris’ has also received rave reviews. Link Kula Kane said, “Passions in Paris I think stands its ground with these other powerful romantic stories like ‘The Notebook’ by Nicolas Sparks. A long kindled love, which finds its place from a romantic spark in the mind of one to a mounting real life experience between two different worlds, brought together by an ongoing wave of circumstances, doubts, mystery, and intrigue, that sets ablaze forbidden emotions on a roller coaster ride of endless desire, and surmounting obstacles, that test the strength of their determination to prevail. Miss Blackwood has a rare talent to bring this and more into the minds and hearts of those who have had the privilege to be transported into her wonderful world of storytelling.”

Reader Fred Pifer stated that ‘Passions’, ”  . . .is a fascinating book of a love story that seemed to be written with me in mind. In the book ‘Love Story’ by Erich Segal, he told of a deep abiding love story that reminds me of Cullen and Joy’s in Ms. Blackwood’s book, but the twists of intrigue and mystery that she adds keeps the reader on edge throughout.”

Other reviewers have praised ‘Passions In Paris’. Reviewer Cat Howard said, “Eternal love, finding your true soul mate, and how echoes from past lives can influence the present, this story has it all . . . ” Another Reader’s Favorite reviewer stated, “Enjoyable and exciting, this is a book for people who have romance flowing in their veins.” ‘Passions In Paris’ has a 4-star rating on Amazon.

Information on the new romantic fiction release, including a new book trailer, is available at Blackwood’s site on the ‘Willow’ page. Readers can download paperback and Kindle versions of both books now on Amazon sites worldwide.

Rusty Blackwood is available for interview in the Toronto and Niagara areas and can be reached using the information below or by email at writerrusty@hotmail.ca. More information is available at her website at http://www.rusty-blackwood.com.


Author Profile:

Rusty Blackwood is a prolific Indie author of romantic fiction, short story comedies, contemporary and traditional poetry and children’s books. Her first love is romantic fiction, but she crosses genres with ease.

Rusty who chose her plume de nom by combing both the colour of her russet hair with her husband’s great, great, Scottish grandmother’s maiden name, was born in St.Thomas, Ontario, Canada on October 5,1949 to Celtic heritage, and grew up on her paternal grandfather’s farm in the County of Elgin, located in the south-western portion of the province of Ontario. She acquired her love of literature while still in elementary school where she entered her original compositions into county fairs, school contests, and whatever venue allowed participants in the writing field.

She has carried that love ever since and has put it to use many times since becoming a professional writer in 2001. From the time of youth she has loved the Arts in their many unique forms, and is a graduate with honors in Interior Decorating & Design. She spent many years on the south-western Ontario stage performing with her family’s country music band: The Midnight Ramblers, followed by the country – rock – blues band: ‘MIRAGE’ as an accomplished vocalist, bassist, and rhythm guitarist. She now resides in the cultural city of St. Catharines, Ontario, and when not at her desk enjoys art, music, nature, gardening, and spending quality time with family, friends, and her loving cat, Tipper.

Please visit her official poetry site “Inspiration in Thought” and her Official Author website below. Connect on FACEBOOK  and  TWITTER  .  .   .  .

Contact:

Rusty Blackwood
Web: http://www.Rusty-Blackwood.com
Amazon Kindle: Willow’s Walk
Email: writerrusty@hotmail.ca

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Presented To Readers by Lyon Book and Social Media Promotions”

Lyon Book Promotion News, Updates and Events of Our Fine Authors.

New Apple Award

Welcome Readers and Friends! I have so much to share about some of our fantastic authors and their books. I enjoy keeping readers updated with the many events, news, and promo happenings with the authors I have the HONOR of Promoting.

Let’s start with my good buddy Author, Ronald E. Yates and the fabulous news of his 2016 “New Apple Summer E-Book Awards MEDALIST WINNER for Book Two of his amazing action packed adventures of his  “Billy Battles Trilogy!” . .  .  .

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The Improbable Journeys of Billy Battles

 

ACTION / ADVENTURE – NEW APPLE OFFICIAL SELECTION

The Improbable Journeys of Billy Battles

by Ronald E. Yates

The Finding Billy Battles trilogy tells the amazing story of a man who is born in 1860 and who dies in 1960. In between Billy lives an improbable and staggering life of adventure, peril, transgression, and redemption. Then Billy mysteriously disappears. For several decades his family has no idea where he is or what he is doing.

Finally, with his life coming to an end, Billy resurfaces in an old soldiers’ home in Leavenworth, Kansas. It is there when he is 98 that he meets his 12-year-old great-grandson and bequeaths his journals and his other property to him — though he is not to receive them until he is much older.

Available Formats: eBook, Softcover, Hardcover
Publishing House: Xlibris
Author’s Website: http://ronaldyatesbooks.com/
Available for purchase:
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What wonderful news and “Congratulate” Ron for this accomplishment. I just finished Book Two myself and will be placing my reviews very soon! Ron did an exceptional job with his trilogy and I can not wait for the Book Three. Here is a wee bit more about Ron. You can see all the Winners, including Ron here 2016 Summer New Apple E-Book Award.

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About Author, Ronald E. Yates:

Ronald E. Yates is an author of historical fiction and action/adventure novels, including the popular and highly-acclaimed Finding Billy Battles trilogy. His extraordinarily accurate books have captivated fans from around the world who applaud his ability to blend fact and fiction.

Ron is a former foreign correspondent for the Chicago Tribune and Professor Emeritus of Journalism at the University of Illinois where he was also the Dean of the College of Media.

His book, “The Improbable Journeys of Billy Battles,” is the second in his Finding Billy Battles trilogy of novels and was published in June 2016. The first book in the trilogy,“Finding Billy Battles,” was published in 2014. He is currently working on Book #3 of the trilogy with an intended publication date in spring or early summer 2017.

Ron has been a presenting author at the Kansas Book Festival and the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, among other venues. He is also the author of The Kikkoman Chronicles: A Global Company with A Japanese Soul, published by McGraw-Hill. Other books includeAboard the Tokyo Express: A Foreign Correspondent’s Journey through Japan, a collection of columns translated into Japanese, as well as three journalism textbooks: The Journalist’s Handbook, International Reporting and Foreign Correspondents, andBusiness and Financial Reporting in a Global Economy.


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Before leaving the world of professional journalism where he toiled 25 years, Ron lived and worked in Japan, Southeast Asia, and both Central and South America where he covered several history-making events including the fall of South Vietnam and Cambodia; the Tiananmen Square massacre in Beijing; and wars and revolutions in Afghanistan, the Philippines, Nicaragua, El Salvador and Guatemala, among other places

His work as a war correspondent resulted in several awards, including the Inter-American Press Association’s Tom Wallace Award for coverage of Central and South America; the Peter Lisagor Award from the Society of Professional Journalists; three Edward Scott Beck Awards for International Reporting, and three Pulitzer nominations.

Ron is a proud graduate of the William Allen White School of Journalism at the University of Kansas and a veteran of the U.S. Army where he served in the Army Security Agency.

Come connect with Ron on Social Media and you can visit his website for more about his trilogy and purchase his books!

Ronald Yates Amazon Profile
Ronald Yates Author Profile on Smashwords

Ronald Yates Books & Blog
Awesomegang In-Depth Interview
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

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Now next author has been getting herself ALL OVER THE PLACE lately! She is in PW Weekly Magazine, Booklife, and received a 4+ Star Book Review from Online Book Club.org! And if you have NOT read her fabulous “Hot Steamy Romance Thriller” yet? OH MY are you missing out on this new novel release titled; “BEHIND The DOOR” and the book reviews are pouring in.

PR.Com has just published her ‘Press Release’ all about this prolific romance thriller Author, A. (Adriana) Gavazonni as she  works on the follow-up. Here is more about Adriana and her new novel!

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( Available Now On AMAZON )

(Courtesy of PR.com)

“Behind the Door” – the New Book from Writer A. Gavazzoni is More Than a Psychological Erotic Thriller, It’s the Perfect Blend of Mystery, Sensuality, and Intelligence.

New York, NY, July 06, 2016 –(PR.com)– “Behind The Door” brings to the table – or the chaise longue – mystery, romance, and humor, packed with high doses of eroticism.

A.Gavazzoni debuts with the page-turner, heart-racer book “Behind The Door.” This thriller novel is full of mystery with the death of Lara, a beautiful architect, at lawyer Mark’s hands during a sex game. For Mark’s defense – Carl – his defense attorney – hires Simone, a renowned psychiatrist specialist in sexual behavior, to help him buttress his argument that Lara’s death was accidental. Taboos are exposed, and the readers learn about Mark’s steamy yearlong affair with Lara, through his memoirs.

While studying Mark’s memoirs, Simone continues to treat her psychiatric patients and researching for her next book, while her attraction to the enigmatic lawyer increases. As the readers move from chapter to chapter, the normalcy in Simone’s life ends when a serial killer starts torturing and killing women in her town, and new details from Lara’s and Mark’s life unveil to show the readers this underground, not-so-talked-about lifestyle of the rich and influential people.

Many mind-twisting chapters and surprising detours lay ahead of the reader who chooses to adventure themselves into the world of “Behind The Door.”

Come Connect With The Author Here:

Learn more about the writer. Visit the Author’s Website.
Buy the Book On Amazon.
Visit the Facebook Fan Page.
Visit the Twitter page.

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NEW BOOK Release by Author, Diane Olsen and we welcome her to Lyon Book & Social Media Promotions! Her amazing book will have you looking at Religion and Human Creation in a much different and unique way her book:

 

‘Ancient Ways: The Roots of Religion’

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About The Book:

“In order to enjoy this book, you may have to suspend current beliefs since some of the concepts may seem quite foreign at first. Hopefully, you will find precious gems to take with you.”

What if monotheism always existed, and revelations were given to all human forms. There are hints to that effect. We should not assume primitive peoples were not smart enough to grasp the concept of a single Creator!

Too often we tweak religion to reflect our personal thoughts, rather than dealing directly with the Word of God. Today monotheism is represented by at least nine living faiths, yet praying to God alone is not enough, for many. Instead, we pray to Prophets, angels, saints, ancestors, deities, and the universe.

This creates a chain of “Paths” and “Ways” which become stained by human desires for control and material benefits. And as darkness and materialism overtake one Faith, another is born, through the intervention of the Holy Spirit, clothed in a different form, with a new name, and very familiar teachings.

Monotheism can be visualized as a chain linking prehistory and history, entwined with human additions, wisps and twists that produce an undulating, ultimate Yin and Yang. This constant interaction of complementary, as well as conflicting, forces and energies, exhibits both organic unity and dynamism even war. Those who suspect there is a unified core of basic beliefs should enjoy “Ancient Way’s”  .  .   .   .

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About The Author:

Diane Olsen, prolific writer and first-time indie author of her debut book release titled; “Ancient Ways:The Roots of Religion.” Her book is thought provoking and an informative look at the development and evolution of religion throughout time and a well-considered concept – the idea of a connective thread of monotheistic faith throughout the history from the birth of human creation.

Born in Colorado Springs, Colorado she now lives in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Diane was an Undergrad at Colorado State University Ft. Collins: Pre-vet med, Anthropology, then attended and received her BA and MA at the University of Montana, Missoula: Anthropology, Archaeology, and Paleontology. She was a Graduate Teaching Assistant for two years.

Diane has proudly raised two sons Andrew and Gavin, has four grandsons Dylan, Brayden, AJ, and Asher. She is an animal lover and enjoys living in Washington State with her two girls, (doggies) “Ladybug and Charlie” along with two ancient “retired” Zebra, finches, one African Blackfooted Cat. She has raised sheep and goats and about 40 other species of critter over the decades.

Diane enjoys writing, reading good books and cooking. A few of her favorite books are ‘The Book of Certitude (Kitab-i-Iqan), The Upanishads, and The Great Initiates.’

Connect with Diane on Twitter @Author_Dolsen
And on Facebook
Buy here new book on Amazon

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And lastly? A reminder that we have several Book Promos going on as well. One for Author, Steve Hauptman and his Book One of “The Monkey Trap” Series right here on  Amazon & Kindle Store

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AND? Right Now our Author, Nancy LaPointe’s E-Book titled; “Living in God’s Rest: At Peace in a Chaotic World” is now only  $3.99 with all 5-Star Reviews on  Amazon Kindle!

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REVIEWS:

Amazing, true to the Word of God book!

“Thank you, Nancy LaPointe, for sharing your life and Christ’s wisdom. This book is a blessing! I’m hoping your write more! Highly Recommend.”

Very insightful read

“This book makes you rethink your position on why you feel the way you feel. It provides wonderful methodology for finding peace in your life amidst the turmoil. Love this author and hope she has more books forthcoming.”

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HAPPY FALL READING FRIENDS!!

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Lyon Book Book & Social Media Promotions by Author, Catherine Lyon”

 

 

Novel Launch For: “The Truth She Knew” By Author, J. A. Owenby.

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*NOVEL LAUNCH FOR AUTHOR, J. A. OWENBY~A PACIFIC NW WRITER*


About The New Novel ~ Press Release:

Publication Date: Monday, September 12th, 2016.
Title: The Truth She Knew, book 1
J.A. Owenby, Author

“This really is an extraordinary story and a must-read for 2016.”
~Brittney Sahin, bestselling Amazon author.

For eighteen-year-old Lacey, life at home is a rollercoaster. She doesn’t think she’ll ever be good enough to truly deserve Mama’s love.

But when Lacey enters college and meets Walker, everything starts to change. Suddenly, Lacey is face to face with the realization that maybe what she’s always seen as normal really isn’t. Her entire life—and everything she’s ever believed about herself and her family—is abruptly hanging in midair.

Lacey is left facing two paths, and she has to make a choice. The first means walking away from everything she’s ever known or finally discovering the truth.

The Truth She Knew offers an honest and powerful glimpse into mental illness, the meaning of true love, and the psychological waltz that a daughter dances as she endures her mother’s unpredictable emotions, manipulation, and abuse.
The Truth She Knew is available:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2cINkd2

Barnes & Noble http://bit.ly/29NX8DL

iTunes    http://apple.co/29LelKx

Kobo http://bit.ly/28RjthM

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About J.A. Owenby:

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A prolific writer of award-winning short stories, J.A. Owenby now introduces her newly released full-length novel titled;  The Truth She Knew ~ Book One in this Series.

She’s a published author of six short stories, and she is currently working on her third full-length novel. She also runs her own business as a professional resume writer and interview coach—she helps people find jobs they love by day and a night owl writer by night.

J.A. is an avid reader of thrillers, romance, new adult, and young adult novels. She loves music, movies, and good wine. And call her crazy, but she loves the rainy Pacific Northwest; she gets her best story ideas while listening to the rain pattering against the windows in front of the fireplace.

You can follow the progress of her upcoming novels at New Author Website and on her  Author Facebook Page. Also Connect on Twitter @jaowenby.

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Editorial Reviews:

“A bittersweet story of young love, independence, and soul-crushing manipulation. J.A. Owenby shines a light on the impact that mental illness can have on a family.”
—Dr. Sheri Kaye Hoff, PhD., Professional Life Coach

“I’m in love!! I could NOT put this down and I read the entire book in half a day! Lacey and Walker are so authentic and easy to relate to. I could see the entire book unfolding, like a movie, in my head. The plot was easy to follow, but not predictable. The descriptions were clear and not long winded. This book, this Author, made me cry, laugh, get angry and get happy. All the emotions you expect and want in a moving, wonderful love story. Great job!
–Nancy Harvey
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Now released and available in both Paperback and the E-book is only $1.99 for a limited time!


** “Presented By ~ Lyon Book and Social Media Promotions of Author, Catherine Lyon” **

New Book Release and Author Interview With Nancy LaPointe,”Faith’s Illusions.”

“It is not every day you come across a person that is bursting with joy, faith, and kindness. This is what you will find within my new friend and Author, Nancy LaPointe. You will also read this throughout all of her wonderful books including her new release, “Faith’s Illusions.”  .   .  .  

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About The New Release:

Newspaper Reporter Laurel Kingston leaves everything behind to begin a new life in Phoenix, Arizona. Planning her wedding to fellow reporter Carter Bradley is exciting, but life in Phoenix is a big transition for this southern girl. The strong faith Carter shares in her bring’s hope and promise for wedded bliss.

But questionable practices in the church arise to cause tension and a blanket of darkness that seems unexplainable. Conflict builds as each examines their own personal beliefs and realizes how strongly they stick to their convictions. Can their love survive the conflict? As family crises, wedding plans and career stresses challenge the couple, God steps in with interesting and inspiring solutions. A story that will encourage readers to examine their own personal beliefs and foundation of faith.

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About The Author:

Nancy LaPointe is a pastoral counselor, certified life coach, and ordained pastor. She has written for newspapers, newsletters, blogs, and magazines for about twenty years, always with a focus on the power of God’s healing. Her books carry a central theme of spiritual growth, inspiring even through fiction. Leading women’s retreats and Bible studies, she is passionate about helping people find emotional healing and learning to walk in freedom. Nancy enjoys living with her family in the beautiful mountains of New Mexico.

 

 
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My Interview With Nancy .  .  .  .

1.) How did come to writing and publishing books?

I have always enjoyed writing, as far back as grade school. A few years ago I decided it was time to write more seriously. I had published magazine articles and newsletters with my different places of employment, including regular newspaper articles, but I wanted to write a book. I believe God was in it as He was continually putting ideas in my heart. Then I knew it was time to take the plunge and just go for it!

2.) Are there authors or books that have influenced you and your writing?

I have been strongly influenced in my writing life by Julia Cameron, whose books on creativity stir up the passion in me. Her book, “The Artist’s Way,” to me is a book all writers should experience. I’ve worked through the workbook portion several times. My spiritual life and writing are definitely influenced by Francis Frangipane and also Ann Voskamp’s “One Thousand Gifts.” There are more, but these are probably the top contenders.


3.)  What is your “Motto about Life”?
“Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle. ”


4.) How many books you have written?

I have written three books. The first, “Living in God’s Rest…At Peace in a Chaotic World,” shares some valuable life lessons about slowing down and resting in God, which brings peace to all areas of life. My other two books are Christian novels which carry underlying themes regarding living the Christian life in a sometimes confusing world.


5.)  What are your Favorites:

Favorite Books: Bible , The Artist’s Way

Movie: Steel Magnolias

Foods: Green chile, pecans, coconut and of course, chocolate

Color:  Purple

Animal: Dogs


6.)  We know a little about you from your Amazon Author Page, but what are some hobbies and interests?

I enjoy oil painting, reading, playing with my puppy and spending time with friends and family. I’m a flea market junkie, and DIYer so enjoy refurbishing old furniture. HGTV is my inspiration.


7.) Lastly, how about family life? Do you have grown children? A grandma?

I have one daughter, a talented writer and website developer, who is building a tiny house right now. She has one daughter, my only grandchild, who of course, is gorgeous, brilliant and a gymnastics star. We lost my husband to cancer in April so our little family has had much to deal with, but we are blessed with a huge extended family who brings lots of joy and support to our lives.

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Now we all know a little more about Nancy. I hope you will do yourself a big favor and visit her wonderful Author Website and Blog called;  Nancy’s View
You may also connect with Author, Nancy LaPointe all over social media.

Let her know Catherine sent you!
Connect with Nancy  On Facebook  –  on Twitter –  on Google+  –  and on GoodReads
For a list of all Nancy’s books, visit her  Amazon Author Page.

Honored To Welcome Author, Ronald E. Yates and His “Billy Battles Trilogy” To Lyon Book Promotions

“Lyon Book Promotions Welcomes Author, Ron Yates and his “Billy Battles Trilogy,” Book One and Book Two just Released” . . . .

 

 

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“I am a former foreign correspondent for the Chicago Tribune and Dean Emeritus
of the College of Media at the University of Illinois where I was also a Professor of Journalism.

My “Finding Billy Battles Trilogy,” Book One is the first in a trilogy of novels. Book Two has now been released. As Book 2 of the Finding Billy Battles trilogy opens, Billy is far from his Kansas roots—and his improbable journeys are just beginning. He is aboard an ocean liner sailing to the Mysterious East (Hong Kong, French Indochina, and the Philippines), among other places.

I am also the author of The Kikkoman Chronicles: A Global Company with A Japanese Soul, published by McGraw-Hill. Other books include Aboard The Tokyo Express: A Foreign Correspondent’s Journey Through Japan,
a collection of columns translated into Japanese,
as well as three journalism textbooks: The Journalist’s Handbook,
International Reporting and Foreign Correspondents, and Business and Financial Reporting in a Global Economy.”

 

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“The Billy Battles Saga Begins Here”
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“When a great-grandson inherits two aging trunks and a stack of meticulously detailed journals penned by his great-grandfather, he sets out to fulfill his great-grandfather’s last request: to tell the story of an incredible life replete with adventure, violence, and tragedy. The great-grandfather’s name is Billy Battles–a man often trapped and overwhelmed by circumstances beyond his control.”

For much of his 100-year-long life, Billy is a man missing and largely unknown to his descendants. His great-grandson is about to change that. As he works his way through the aging journals and the other possessions he finds in the battered trunks he uncovers the truth about his mysterious great-grandfather–a man whose deeds and misdeeds propelled him on an extraordinary and perilous journey from the untamed American West to the inscrutable Far East, Latin America, and Europe.


As he flips through the pages of the handwritten journals penned by his great-grandfather, he learns of Billy’s surprising connections to the Spanish-American War, French Indochina, and revolutions in Mexico and other Latin American countries. But most of all he learns that in finding Billy Battles he has also found a long-lost and astonishing link to the past  . . . .


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“Even though the trilogy is fiction, there are many historical facts within the pages of Ron’s action-packed adventures of Billy Battles. As we begin book two, it seems that Billy finds mystery and more adventures unfold as Billy starts to travel the world.”

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“The Billy Battles Book Two Begins”

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“Billy Battles is definitely not in Kansas anymore.”

As Book 2 of the Finding Billy Battles trilogy opens, Billy is far from his Kansas roots—and his improbable journeys are just beginning. He is aboard an ocean liner sailing to the Mysterious East (Hong Kong, French Indochina, and the Philippines), among other places.

The year is 1894 and aboard the SS China Billy meets a mysterious, dazzling, and possibly dangerous German Baroness, locked horns with malevolent agents of the German government, and battled ferocious Chinese and Malay pirates in the South China Sea. Later, he is inadvertently embroiled in the bloody anti-French insurgency in Indochina–which quite possibly makes him the first American combatant in a country that eventually will become Vietnam.

Later, in the Philippines, he is thrust into the Spanish-American War and the anti-American insurgency that follows. But Billy’s troubles are just beginning. As the 19th-century ends and the 20th century begins, he finds himself entangled with political opportunists, spies, revolutionaries and an assortment of malevolent and dubious characters of both sexes. How will Billy handle those people and the challenges they face?

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Another one of Ron’s earlier book release’s sounds so interesting.
I know I have used Kikkoman products most of my life as many of us have.
But I had no idea of the history behind the products. But Ron does and
wrote about it in “The Kikkoman Chronicles.”


About The Book:


The Compelling Saga of One of the World’s Oldest Companies.Combining ancient craftsmanship with modern technology and marketing innovations, Japan’s Kikkoman Corporation has quietly become a $2 billion market leader.

The KikkomanChronicles is the fascinating story of how Kikkoman changed the course of international marketing, shrewdly adapting to 20th-century realities while never turning their backs on centuries of tradition; how one man envisioned the future of the global enterprise, spearheading the first Japanese manufacturing plant of any kind on U.S. soil; and how generations of Mogi family leadership have produced one of today’s most formidable global competitors.

More than an authoritative how-to international business, The Kikkoman Chronicles is the spellbinding story of Shige Maki, the tough and resourceful woman who narrowly escaped the 17th-century siege of Osaka Castle to sow the seeds to today’s Kikkoman Corporation. Kikkoman’s survival and adaptation across more than 300 years of social and political upheaval in Japan.

Innovative strategies Kikkoman has followed to become the world leader in the production and marketing of soy sauce – an Asian staple.The Kikkoman Chronicles is a one-of-a-kind corporate biography. By combining anecdotes and stories about Japan’s amazing history wth hands-on tips and recommendations for proven international business success.

Ronald E. Yates has produced an entertaining book that should become required reading for business persons and students throughout the world.

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I am very pleased and honored to introduce Author, Ron Yates to all my readers and book blog friends. Ron and I met over on LinkedIn. He sent me an invitation to join him on another social media site, one I hadn’t explored before. But, soon after he sent me a nice email asking about my book promo services. Now, after I took a gander at his bio, I said to myself, “I could I ever promote such a seasoned and professional journalist?” Yes, ok, I will admit and own the fact that I was crazy nervous! Then I thought? I can never make one mistake! LOL. LOL.

The fact of the matter is, Ron is a fabulous down to earth guy. And here I am book promoting for my new buddy. LOL. Let me share more about this fantastic writer and see if we can find out more about him and his new trilogy series. Book one and now book two has just released. Here is an interview with Ron via Smashwords.  .  .  .

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Product Details Product Details Product Details

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“An Intimate Author Interview via SmashWords” . . .

 

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

Probably when I was in the sixth grade. I loved writing stories and I had a teacher (Mrs. Gooch) who encouraged me. My mother also bought me books and took me often to the library–a place that I found mystical and magnetic. She often read to me and I could “see” the story unfolding before me. When I could, I began to read everything I could get my hands on. As I used to tell my journalism students at the University of Illinois, if you want to be a good writer, be an avid reader.


What was your inspiration to write the Finding Billy Battles Trilogy?

I grew up in Kansas and was always fascinated by what life was like there in the 19th Century when the state was still pretty wild. At the same time, I spent a lot of time in the Far East as a foreign correspondent and I was equally intrigued by what life must have been like in the 19th Century colonial period in places like French Indochina, The Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, etc. Then one day I got the idea to blend the two using a character from 19th Century Kansas who goes to the Far East in search of himself.

 

What advice would you give to someone who wants to become a published author?

Try to write as much as you can from your own experiences. They are real and uncontrived and if you incorporate those experiences in your fiction your work will have a truthful ring to it. Beyond that, KEEP AT IT! Don’t let anybody (editors, agents, etc) discourage you. At the same time, be willing to accept constructive criticism from those who have experience as authors, editors, agents, etc. Notice I said CONSTRUCTIVE criticism. Some people criticize just to be criticizing–or to be malicious. You must believe in yourself, your work, your vision and your story. If you don’t, who will?


What do you think makes a good story?

A good story needs a strong plot and even stronger characters. Otherwise, it falls flat. The writer needs to be first and foremost, a good storyteller. If you build a good story, THEY WILL COME, to paraphrase Field of Dreams. Make readers care about your protagonist. Make readers empathize, cry and laugh with them. At the same time, keep them off-balance. Don’t be predictable and don’t be afraid to do terrible things to your favorite characters. Have you ever known anybody who has sailed through life without some turmoil, some pain, some suffering? I haven’t.

 

Do you have any writing projects you are currently working on?

I am currently starting Book Three, with Book Two just released of the Finding Billy Battles trilogy. It will be ready for publication in February 2016. Then I will start on Book Three. After that, who knows. I may finally get around to writing about my own life as a war correspondent.

If your book became a movie, who would be your first choice to play the lead roles?

Clint Eastwood as the elderly Billy Battles; Clive Owen as the middle-aged Billy Battles and Ashton Kutcher as the young Billy Battles. I would pick Saffron Burrows for Billy’s first love, Mallie McNab and Famke Janssen for the widow Katharina Schreiber who Billy meets on the boat to the Far East. (Why these choices? They are all tall. Billy is 6’3″ and Mallie is about 5’10,” as is the statuesque widow Schreiber).

 

Tell us about your new release.

Book #2 in the Finding Billy Battles trilogy begins this chapter in Billy Battles’ life takes him to the Far East of the 1890s and places like French Indochina, The Philippines, Hong Kong and Singapore. This phase of Billy’s life finds him mixed up with political opportunists, spies, revolutionaries and an assortment of malevolent and dubious characters of both sexes. In short, Book #2 in the trilogy takes Billy far away from his Kansas roots and out of his comfort zone. How will Billy handle those people and the challenges they present? It’s a question that you will have to read Book #2 to find the answer to.

Do you listen to music while writing? If so what?

Yes. I listen to Mozart, Haydn, Telemann, and Boyce when I am in a classical mood. When not, I listen to good “cool” jazz by people like Oscar Peterson, Dave Brubeck, George Shearing, Bill Evans, etc.

 

How do you develop your plots and your characters? Do you use any set formula?

I write from the seat of my pants. I don’t outline my books and I don’t write down plot scenarios. I just start writing and see where the story and my characters lead me. It’s a lot like life itself. We may have a goal in mind, but the route to it is often strewn with obstacles, surprises, and sometimes tragedy. I usually write 3,000 or 4,000 words a day and I edit as I go. In other words, I may write a few paragraphs and then rewrite them within a few minutes of creating them. I don’t write a ‘First Draft.’ For me, that seems like a waste of time.

When I finish writing a book it is finished. I may make a few tweaks with the plot here and there, or alter a little dialogue, or some action by a character, but there is no second or third draft. I know some authors write a draft and put it away for weeks or months and then go back and look at it with fresh eyes–OR they send it out to be critiqued by professional “readers” or “critiquer’s.” Those strategies may work for some people. They don’t work for me. I guess it’s my journalistic training: see it, report it, organize it, write it and then move on to the next story.

 

Say your publisher has offered to fly you anywhere in the world to do research on an upcoming book, where would you most likely want to go?
Back to Vietnam, Cambodia, and The Philippines–three countries I worked in as correspondent in the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, and three countries where Billy Battles is going to wind up living during the 1890s. While I know a lot of those places, having lived and worked in them, I would love to dig deeper into their colonial periods and learn more about life during that era.

 

If you could have dinner with 1 person, dead or alive, who would it be and why?

Winston Churchill. He was absolutely brilliant and I would hope by the end of dinner some of that brilliance would have rubbed off on me, though I seriously doubt it. ONE food you will never eat? Monkey Brain Sushi (yes, it is a real dish in China and I won’t tell you how it’s prepared). It is considered a cure for impotence (what isn’t?).


Another dish I will continue to eschew is Balut, which is a delicacy in The Philippines. It is fertilized chicken or duck eggs in which the developed embryo is boiled and eaten from the shell. Yum!

Which brings me to some advice an old Chicago Tribune copy editor named Spokely gave me when I was getting ready to leave Chicago for my first posting as a foreign correspondent. “You are going to places that serve strange food and you will be tempted to say ‘no thank you,’ when it is offered. Don’t do that. It will be an insult to your host. When somebody offers you something to eat that looks or smells horrible, just remember Spokely’s law: Everything tastes more or less like chicken.”


What was the scariest moment of your life?

There have been several. One was during the evacuation of Saigon in 1975. The last day was chaos incarnate. Russian made 122mm rockets were slamming into buildings, 130mm mortars were hitting Tan Son Nhut airport, and the U.S. Embassy was surrounded by frantic South Vietnamese desperate to get out of the country because they had worked for the American military or some U.S. agency. The city was all in full-panic mode. Several of us made our way to the sprawling Defense Attache Office building at Tan Son Nhut and we were finally evacuated by a U.S. Marine CH-53 Sea Stallion helicopter. It was a relief until the door gunner told me later aboard the U.S.S. Okinawa that the pilot apparently had to drop a flare to misdirect an SAM-7 (surface to air missile).

Another was during the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre when I and several Chinese students were pinned down near the square for 30 minutes or so by Chinese soldiers shooting in our direction. Several students near me were wounded and we were helping them get to a doctor’s house nearby so he could treat them. I was convinced I was going to wind up dead in the square. Then suddenly the shooting stopped and I was able to get my Red and White Sprick bicycle that I had chained to a lamp-post and peddle like crazy for the Jinghau Hotel where I was staying and from where I was filing my stories to the Tribune.

Yet another memorable moment was during the revolution in El Salvador when I and two German correspondents were stopped in our car near the town of Suchitoto by Communist guerillas. They put cloth bags put over our heads and forced us to kneel alongside the road. We were sure we were going to be executed. But suddenly the “jefe” (leader) showed up and we were set free. “Don’t kill journalists–unless they are armed,” he yelled at his troops. I was greatly relieved that I had left the 1911 Colt Pistol I had purchased a few days earlier back in the hotel in San Salvador. I believe it is still there.

Ahhh yes, the life of a foreign correspondent…never a dull moment. But I still believe I had the best job in the world and I wouldn’t trade my career for anything.

What books have most influenced your life?

Scoop, by Evelyn Waugh; The Grapes of Wrath, John Steinbeck; The Quiet American, Graham Greene; The Jewel in the Crown, Paul Scott; Kim, Rudyard Kipling; Huckleberry Finn, Samuel Clemons (Mark Twain); A Passage to India, E.M. Forster; Sister Carrie, Theodore Dreiser; The Naked and the Dead, Norman Mailer.

Do you have a Website or Blog?

Yes, I have both. My website is Ronald E Yates Books and I am constantly updating it. My blog is http://ronaldyatesbooks.com/category/foreign-correspondent/ I try to post to it at least once or twice a week.

I also have an Amazon Author  page and a Facebook Author Like Page called Ronald E. Yates Books. I am also on Twitter @jhawker69 … Readers can also follow and connect with me over on GoodReads as well.

Do you have any advice for inspiring authors?

Don’t let anybody discourage you from pursuing this work if it is really what you want to do. Don’t be discouraged by rejection. You must believe in yourself, your ideas, your stories. If you don’t, who will? Certainly not that dense editor or literary agent who couldn’t see your potential or grasp your book’s storyline.

Is being a writer a gift or a curse?

It is a wonderful gift if you allow the process to come to you and don’t force it. However, don’t let anybody tell you it is not damned hard work. It is. The joy of writing for me is telling a good story. I don’t care about imparting a “message.” Nor do I care about creating any hidden “meanings” that some literature professor will hold forth about in a writing class when I am no longer around to rebut him/her. I just want to tell a good story. That, to me, is the ultimate gift of writing.

The curse is that writing can take over your life, isolate you from family and friends and turn you into a kind of sophistic recluse if you are not careful. Writers need to take breaks from working. If they don’t I believe they run the risk of becoming stale, self-absorbed, and misanthropic.

Where do you like to write?

I have taken over the upstairs bonus room in our house. It is about 500 square feet. In it, I have my rather prodigious library, a good sound system for playing classical music, a large screen TV for watching sports, the Discovery, History, and National Geographic channels when I need a break from writing. My window looks out onto a plant and boulder-strewn foothill that rises in front of my house. Another window looks down onto the Temecula valley some 2,000 feet below. It is quiet and soothing. Couldn’t have a better place to write.

What do you typically drink while writing?

Very cold iced tea.


What has been the toughest criticism so far?

None, so far. Though it is still early in the process. Someone did say they didn’t like the fact that the book is part of a trilogy because now they have to wait for Book #2. I like THAT kind of criticism.

And lastly, what has been the best compliment?

There have been several, but I will list just four here. You can find these and other reviews on the book’s Amazon page: “The is easily the best work of fiction I have read in some time.”

“There is something about this book that is almost impossible to explain, but it takes it from being a *good* book to a GREAT one.”
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Books can be purchased on Amazon and Amazon Kindle Store.
Finding Billy Battles – Book One
The Improbable Journeys of Billy Battles – Book 2                                              

The Kikkoman Chronicles: A Global Company with a Japanese Soul

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More about Ronald Yates on a more personal level . . .

Ron was born in N.E. Kansas, USA and is married to his lovely wife. They have raised two daughter’s who are both married with children of their own, which makes him a Grand Pop!
When Ron isn’t writing, he enjoys  hiking, biking, reading, swimming, history, writing (of course).

In his career as a journalist, Ron has won several awards which include, Three Pulitzer nominations; Society of Professional Journalists Peter Lisagor Award; Inter-American Press Association Tom Wallace Award for reporting on Latin America. His favorite color is blue and his favorite foods?  “Just about anything from Thailand, Szechuan China, and Italy. ”

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Author Spotlight Is Presented To You By “Lyon Book & Social Media Promotions” and Interview Courtesy of Smashwords ….

Lyon Book Promotions Welcomes Author & Recovery Coach, Roger Stark …

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Author, Roger Stark writes addiction/recovery books, with two under his belt so far. His first release is titled;  “The Water Fall Concept, A Blueprint for Addiction Recovery.” His most recent new book has just released early June 2016 titled; “Reclaiming Your Addicted Brain: A Recovery GPS:  How to find your path to recovery and not get lost.”  Both books are available in e-book and paperback and sold online on Amazon.com, Amazon Kindle Store, and on the author’s websites: The Waterfall Concept  &  Reclaiming Your Addicted Brain .

Now one of my favorite social media places believe it or not is over on LinkedIn! This is where Roger and I connected. He sent me a message ‘begging me’ to help him promote his new book, well, …. OK, he didn’t quite beg, but he did ask about my promotion services! LOL. LOL. Here is more about both of his books and a wee bit more about him and his co-author, Irwin Morse  ….

 

About The Book Waterfall Concept:

This is an addicts owner’s manual. It is truly a blueprint for recovery. It is a practical description of addiction and what must be done to recover. Whether the struggle is drugs, alcohol, gambling, pornography or any other sexual addiction, it is all covered in this book. It is written with the understanding that only an addict/clinician can have It is the book I wish had been given to me the day I realized, I was in fact, an addict.

In my own recovery from addiction, in my studies which qualified me to practice as an addiction counselor and in my ensuing work with addicts, I have been taught. What I have come to understand is presented here.

Are you seeking to understand addiction or looking to find recovery? Please, let us help. Our goal is to help you understand the mess addiction is.

The Waterfall Concept, A blueprint for addiction recovery, is the new standard in LDS addiction recovery books. It provides insights that give understanding to addiction and well as solutions that lead to recovery. It was written by a recovering addict and trained addiction counselor who combines his life experience, education, cases studies and clinical best practices to produce a truly unique recovery guide.
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The Waterfall Concept
(click book to Amazon)

About The New Book Reclaiming Your Addicted Brain:

Inexplicable logic is normal fare in addict land. Friends and family are baffled by the behaviors, antics, and thinking of the addicted one. Their patience, tolerance, and love are depleted quickly. Eventually, their empathy and compassion exhausted, they say the inevitable, “He will just have to hit bottom,” as they shake their heads and walk away.

The tool of self-destruction so effectively wielded by the addict is his own mind. The addict takes a perfectly good brain and, by relying on thinking errors, rationalization, justification, and every form of denial known to man, creates an addict where a person used to be.

“Reclaiming Your Addicted Brain” reviews the return journey from addict land, the learning of how to leave our thinking errors behind. Written around the recovery story of one man from alcohol and sex addiction, clinical notes, and comments appear throughout the story helping the reader to understand this baffling disease. Addicts report being able to see their own behaviors that were previously hidden from them when they are manifest in someone else. Reading George’s (the book’s addicted character) story and misadventures creates ‘aha’ moments of understanding that can open the doors to recovery.

This is definitely a “How To” book. George presents his “legs of a stool” analogy that eloquently describe the needed steps to recovery. The clinician’s voice adds step by step directions on how to gain the key ‘Skills of Recovery.”

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Reclaiming Your Addicted Brain: A Recovery GPS: How to find your path to Recovery and not get lost along the way
(click book to Amazon)

 

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About The Author:

Roger and his wife Susan live in the Pacific Northwest in the great State of Washington.

Roger is an avid bicyclist. Married to his wife Susan for over 45 years, they raised seven children, have eight grandchildren with two more on the way. He and Susan love to travel and see the sites and cultures of the world. They indulge in the sport of Geocaching on their travels. Roger works as a licensed addiction counselor in the State of Washington, (CDP), and is Founder of The Waterfall Concept, located in Vancouver, WA. Visit his website for all the services he offers:  Waterfall Concept .

Roger also offers Mini-Camps through Reveille, Awaken To Recovery.

Designed specifically for addicts, their families and helpers, Reveille Speaking Engagements and Mini-Camps are intensive recovery experiences. The curriculum brings understanding by making sense of the addiction mess and provides the solutions that make recovery possible. These events are specially designed for those who have struggled to find healing or have experienced treatment failure.

Mini-Camps are cost-free and work on:

  • Education – Understanding the disease
  • Planning — Charting the Recovery Path
  • Goals — Outlining the goals of recovery
  • Change — How compulsions are extinguished
  • Helpers — The helpers role
  • Rules of Recovery — The rules that lead to recovery
  • Benchmarks — How we measure success
  • 12 Step Work – The key to spiritual healing
  • Skill Building — Raising the ability to change
  • Tool Gathering – Acquiring the tools of recovery

Usual Suspects — These guarantee recovery failure

“Bring your desire to change, we will show you how.”

About The C0-Author, Irwin Morse:

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“Reclaiming your Addicted Brain” is Irwin Morse’s first writing effort. Irwin writes about addiction and recovery from the perspective of his first-hand experiences. This book includes events from his life including his 26-year journey of recovery, some of those events successful, many not. He shares his experiences in an effort to be true to Step 12 of Alcoholics Anonymous: to reach out to the addict who still suffers. Irwin was born and raised in New York and has traveled extensively, including living overseas. He currently resides in the South and is an active supporter of both the AA and SAA communities there. You can learn more on his website: Reclaim Your Addicted Brain  . . . .

Now, I have been working closely with Roger for past the few weeks, and I can tell you he has a great sense of humor and down to earth. I just finished reading his first book, Waterfall Concept and my is it truly a guide to a successful recovery for those who are in early recovery. Great advice and resources in this book!  I also have just started his new book with Irwin, and so far it is an exceptional read. Here are a couple book reviewers take on just how well written and fantastic both books are!

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Book Reviews:


WaterFall Concept:  Packed with helpful suggestions

Format: Paperback

“This is an excellent book, filled with information and suggestions to help someone as they struggle with addiction recovery.

Roger Stark is not only an addiction counselor and a recovering addict himself. He approaches this book with the same attitude required of anyone attempting recovery — humility. He offers so many tools in this book and covers all the bases: spiritual, emotional, physical. His suggestions progress from the easiest to follow early recovery techniques to more challenging techniques in later stages and the maintenance phase.

Stark clearly defines what an addict is and describes how they got to their place of addiction. I found it to be a good book for any parent who may have a child that is beginning to use drugs or alcohol as a coping technique for their feelings. I think many of the suggestions could be used as preventative tools, not only as recovery tools.

Stark is positive and encouraging throughout the book. He helps put relapses into perspective so they can become learning experiences rather than stumbling blocks.

What I loved most about his book is that many of his techniques are helpful overall life skills. Anyone can benefit from learning and incorporating the suggestions for coping, self-care, and expressing feelings.

The book had a lot of grammar and punctuation mistakes that made the reader have to work a little too hard. But it was well worth the effort. I strongly recommend this book to anyone, those who are currently in addiction recovery, parents, or anyone looking to become healthier emotionally.

Review of Reclaiming Your Addicted Brain:  “Great Resource

Format: Kindle Edition

“This is a great book about the addict brain and the crazy rationalizations. The book does a great job of helping everyone see how an addict convinces him/herself to act out and not see anything wrong with it. The author offers great advice and sound steps on how to combat this faulty thinking and behavior. I would highly recommend for anyone suffering from addiction.”

.Connect With Roger on Social Media here:

Twitter: @author_RStark
Facebook: Waterfall Concept FB
Facebook: Reclaim Your Addicted Brain FB
Google+ Circle   and connect on Follow on GoodReads

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Again I Welcome Roger to “Lyon Book & Social Media Promotions!”
Author/Columnist, Catherine Townsend-Lyon