Author

My Three Years Blogging On WordPress? FABULOUS!

Catherine Lyon Author/Writer A Writer's Thoughts, Just A Blog Post, Posts , , , , , ,

HELLO RECOVERY FRIENDS AND WELCOME ALL! 

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Happy Anniversary Catherine on WordPress.com!!! 

You registered on WordPress.com 3 years ago. Thanks for flying with us.
Keep up the good blogging.

3 Year Anniversary Achievement
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So, it has been 3 years ago today that I started this little thing called “Blogging.”


All I wanted to do was continue my recovery journey with others who may be suffering from gambling addiction like had. It was my way of sharing and continuing my recovery journey from my book titled,  “Addicted To Dimes, Confessions of a Liar and a Cheat.”

It was MY way to advocate, raise awareness, and inform the public about the dangers and devastation of this addiction, of this cunning disease. But when I started out I had no idea how others would take my blog about gambling addiction. There were very few blogs here on WordPress about addiction and recovery that I could find, and I was scared if people would “judge me?” I figured, “what the hell,” my whole life is out in the world in book form, so I had no secrets anymore.
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I felt it deep within my heart and my faith that it was the right thing to do. To blog and advocate about this awful addiction and see what kind of feedback I would get. I can honestly say, everyone in the past three years that have come followed my blog here and left comments have been mostly Spectacular! The WordPress community embraced me with open arms, open hearts, and understanding. So, what more could I ask for?

Well, I will tell you. Currently, my recovery community is at 7,414 followers and my visitor count as of today is 34,964 Visits! SO, in the words of “Sally Fields at The Oscars? They Love Me! They really, really love me!!” LOL …

Now, of course, I am NOT that vain, but I feel that my recovery blog here on WordPress is an important blog. Again, there are many recovery blogs here on WP, but very few are about Recovery from Gambling Addiction …

As the first year or so went on, I finally also opened up and shared here on my WordPress blog about my mental health challenges as I am “dual diagnosed,”  meaning I live in recovery from addiction and battle mental health challenges. I was getting tired of reading about how STIGMA was hurting and holding back many from seeking treatment for mental health issues. Not to mention all the news reports of mass shootings that were happening all over the US. So I decided to step out of the shadows of shame for having mental/emotional disorders and challenges. And again? My WordPress community embraced me once more.

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Again, I wanted full disclosure as to my mental health so I could advocate that there is no shame in being diagnosed with mental health illness. Be it mental or medical, it is time for those who don’t suffer have more empathy and understanding of what is like living with mental and emotional disorders. It can for many be very debilitating and painful.

So we don’t need to add more in the mix by having to include shame, embarrassment, or stigma, to make those who suffer feel worse. I always say, “kindness is a choice” and takes much less energy than HATE. Because sadly, those who don’t understand or even want to, and there are many, need to back off  ….

So many recovery blessings have happened here while I have been blogging here on WordPress! After my book released, so many awesome things have come. Too many to list, but a few are:

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A Four Part Article Interview about my me on MyAddiction.com: My Gambling Story & Recovery

Interviewed and written in a major media release by Columbia University Epidemiology Dept. 2×2 project Gambling With America’s Health

Was invited as Guest Expert Gambling Addiction Blogger on Addictionland of Author and Founder, Cate Stevens: Expert Blogger of Gambling Addiction at Addictionland
Where I continue to blog.

And now most recently a brand new Recovery Author Columnist for a fantastic Premier Recovery Mag called: In Recovery Magazine ~ “The Author’s Cafe”  which my first column
debuts in this June’s 2016 Issue!! We have over 25,000 recovery subscribers and mailed we mail out and can be purchased at over 800 locations worldwide.

So come subscribe today and be ready to read my Secret Special Premier Guest Author whose book will soon be in our magazine’s “The Book Stand.”

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Now year two here on WordPress was a growth year as I took on the world by storm with a new venture into  Lyon Book & Social Media Promotions here on WordPress!

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“Sharing The Magic Of Written Words Within Your Books!”

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And what a year it was! My little online bookstore and promotions business keep growing and growing. I now have over 17 authors I book promote for and more on the way! So drop by my book promo blog here on WP above and come meet your new book!

I offer a little something different from other book promotions. I enjoy helping and teaching authors how and where they need to promote their fabulous books. I do all the social media legwork for them by setting up authors social media accounts, add their books to many free book sites for exposure to large readerships.

We also have loads of good things for readers too like books reviews, excellent new book releases, and author spotlights so readers learn more about our fine authors I promote. Let’s face it, many of us brand new authors are not always computer savvy, and navigating the inner works of social media sites to sign up maybe intimating to some authors  …

So I do that and much more for affordable pricing that won’t “break the bank.”
And WordPress gave me everything I needed to get my new book promotions blog up and going by using all the free services they have here. So I would never host my blogs anywhere else!

So I will wrap up this WordPress Celebratory Anniversary post by saying a very Big Thank You to WordPress and to all my WP friends, family, followers, and all new visitors!!
Thank you for making my 3 years here on WordPress Special …


CHEERS!
Author Cat Lyon

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So, What Is The Real Deal About The .99 Cent Book Promo?

Catherine Lyon Author/Writer Book Promotion Tips For Authors, Featured Guest, Posts , , ,

Hello and Welcome friends,

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So I came across a new article over on BookDaily.com by: Donna Brown, a book promoter and book lover. And many of my own book clients and friends happen to do Kindle E-book promos for just .99 cents. So when I read this article? I knew I had to share it for all of you and get to the bottom of “The Real Deal about the .99 Cent Promo Deal.” . . .

The Real Cost of The .99-cent eBook Offering:

I have nothing against 99-cent eBooks. I’ve bought them, I’ve read them and I appreciate that now it is easier than ever for authors to put their work out there and pricing is at an all time low. Whether books are priced $0.99, $2.99 or $4.99, it’s hardly a financial risk to try something different. When you can get 100 titles on your Kindle or Nook for a couple of hundred dollars instead of a thousand dollars, that has to be something to smile about.

However is the true cost of 99-cent eBooks all about the sales? Do they take away from higher priced authors? Or is it actually something much more insidious and sinister: do they diminish the quality perception of eBooks altogether?

I recently posted a customer review of a story I loved on Amazon. The writing was excellent, the story flowed beautifully and it was wonderful to read. It cost me five times less than a glossy magazine and was perfect alongside my morning coffee. I gave it a well deserved five stars. Unfortunately not everyone was so generous. The reviews ranged from cynical to scathing then to downright nasty.

But why? Simply put: it was not a 200-page novel but a short story. They felt like they were ripped off because they paid 99 cents for a short story; about 0.0005 cent per word! Hmm… when you look at it like that…

If an author receives just 35 cents from each eBook sold for 99 cents. Once you factor in tax, marketing, writing time, formatting time, preparing or paying for a cover image, hiring an editor/proofreader and so on, an author has to sell an awful lot of copies to even make their money back. So who’s selling who short?

When authors are kind enough to share quality fiction with us, how do we respond? Not by considering that we got a great piece of writing for less than the cost of candy bar but by insulting them and making them feel that they’re ripping us off?
Drinking instant coffee at home can be just as fulfilling as the three dollar cup of coffee at the local café bar. We appreciate the quality, we appreciate the treat, and we appreciate the value in something we enjoy. Is it so difficult to apply the same principles to eBooks?

So, authors, I implore you: the next time you see a 99-cent short story listed for the same price as a 200 page eBook, don’t feel that you have sold yourself short. Feel lucky that there are still passionate book lovers, like me, out there that take pleasure in quality pieces of fiction. At least you’ve given someone the chance to try something distinctively satisfying for less than a dollar.


About the Author:
Donna Brown is a self-employed Social Media, Blogging and Promotions Consultant living in Yorkshire, UK with her author husband and six naughty rescue cats. She works with bestselling author Terri Giuliano Long and has also worked with a number of other authors. Find her on Twitter or visit her website.

 

 

 

“A Cover Reveal Sneak Preview of Author, Kevin Coughlin’s New Book Coming Soon!”

Catherine Lyon Author/Writer Author News, Featured Guest , , , , ,

Releasing Soon on Amazon! Special Cover Reveal  for Author, Kevin Coughlin’s New

Book Titled; “Addictions: What All Parents Need to Know to Survive the Drug Epidemic.”

Parents, do you know what your teens are doing? This will be the book you’ll need to read to know.

 

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Cover Reveal for “Addictions”

 

About The Soon To Release Book:

Addictions: “What All Parents Need to Know to Survive the Drug Epidemic” has been used successfully by numerous individuals, residential recovery programs, out-patient programs, professional recovery coaches, aftercare professionals, counselors, therapists, probation officers, ministries, recovery retreats, sponsors, sober companions, and family members to help them to get a deeper understanding of the disease of addiction, the solution to the problem, and the program of action that promotes change in the substance abuser.

A Support system for family and friends of substance abusers that will help to provide clarity, understanding, education, prevention, and awareness. PLEASE VISIT: The Addiction Expert  for other books written and published by Rev. Dr. Kevin T. Coughlin Ph.D., there you can join his mailing list for advanced notice on his next book.

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About The Author, Rev. Dr. Kevin T. Coughlin Ph.D.,

Rev. Kevin T. Coughlin Ph.D., DCC, DDVA, DLC, DD, NCIP, NCAMP, IMAC

Reverend Coughlin is a Founder and the Director of New Beginning Ministry, Inc., an evidence-based, twelve-step residential addiction recovery program for adults that is accredited by the A.A.C.T.. Rev. Coughlin has helped thousands of people to change their lives over the past eighteen plus years. He is an Addiction Expert, Author, Blogger/Writer at Addicted Minds and VIP Interventions, Sober Services, Inc., Contentwriters.com, Fromaddictict2advocate.com, Twodropsofink.com, small press, newspapers, magazines, websites, and he is a member of The International Association of Professional Writers and Editors. Rev. Coughlin was the Editor in Chief of  Joel’s House Publications from 1997 to 2005. He has been a Professional Associate member at Gemini Behavioral Health.

He is a two-time World Champion and nine-time National Champion and State and National Record holder power lifter, a gentle giant who has championed many in his career. Most call him Rev Kev, they enjoy his lectures and workshops on addiction, recovery, and life. Rev Kev has been very successful with pastoral counseling and recovery coaching with both those addicted and their families. Reverend Coughlin has trained many recovery professionals that have interned at the ministry. He is considered an expert on addiction and recovery. Many have utilized him as a consultant. Rev… Coughlin is a member in good standing of the A.A.C.C., The American Association of Christian Counselors, The Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling, and The National Council on Problem Gambling, NAADAC, USAPL, and IAM Minister’s Fellowship, and The International Christian Coach’s Network.

Rev Kevin is also an internationally published poet and writer, mostly on Addiction and Coaching subjects. To date, he has had over five hundred poems published. He is the founder, CEO and President of Phase II Christian Coaching, LLC, the company operates structured assisted living homes for clients in recovery. Rev Kevin is also a Nationally Certified Recovery Coach and Anger Management Specialist, a Nationally Certified Family Recovery Coach, a Nationally Certified Christian Recovery Coach and Family Recovery Coach, and a Nationally Certified Gambling Addiction Coach, Nationally Certified Case Manager, Life Coach.

Kevin also is an International Master Addictions Coach, Sexual Addiction Coach, Life Recovery Coach and Trainer. Rev. Coughlin is also a Nationally Certified and PA credentialed Interventionist. Rev Kevin also works with The Addictions Academy in Miami, Florida where he designing recovery coaching courses and manuals and is an instructor for the Academy and is now the Program Director.

Author, Kevin Coughlin volunteered his services with Break of Dawn International, Inc. He continues to further his education with The Light University, NAADAC and the Christian Coach’s Network taking several courses and webinars. The Reverend has been awarded ‘Doctorates and Diplomatic’ status: A Doctorate in Christian Counseling and a Doctorate in Divinity, a Degree in Life Coaching, in Domestic Violence Christian Advocacy, and a Ph.D. in Philosophy in Psychology. He also has a BS and an MS in Christian Counseling. He is Board Certified with DIT Seminary in Christian Counseling with specializations in Grief, Substance Abuse, Alcohol Abuse, Family, and Developmental. He is a licensed Domestic Violence Christian Advocate, a licensed clinical Christian counselor, an AACT-DCU Associate Professor. He also is the Northeastern Vice President of the Administrative School Board.

Please visit Kevin’s Rev. Kevin Coughlin – Amazon Author Page for a list of all his books. You can also connect with Kevin on Goodreads Author on Goodreads.
His Website: WELCOME TO REV KEV’S RECOVERY WORLD

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*Cover Reveal Presented by Lyon Book Promotions of Author, Catherine Lyon* 

Welcome New Author~Aaron Emerson & His New Book Release

Catherine Lyon Author/Writer Featured Guest, New Book & Author Press Release , , , , , ,

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“We are honored to share a brand new author and his new book with all our friends and readers! Please meet Author, Aaron Emerson, and his new book release, “To Hell and Back: Heroin and Recovery” . . .his personal story.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
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I was born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania but have lived in Mason, Michigan since I was two. Mason is a small town outside of Lansing and is a place I have grown to love. I have a dog named Charlie that is around 11 or 12 years old and I love sports and reading. I have a girlfriend named Alison, a five-year-old daughter, and a wonderful, supportive family.

My fascination with books began about five years ago, actually. I started out reading a lot of mystery books, mainly James Patterson. I really got interested in them and now I am an avid reader. It was around that time that I started journaling, as well. I really fell in love with the ability to put my thoughts on paper and it became a positive outlet for everything I felt and thought. My interests are all Michigan sports, again, reading and all about Recovery.

A lot of people don’t understand that addiction to drugs is a disease, and the person that’s addicted turns into someone different and almost unrecognizable. Though the decisions to take drugs in the first place are usually horrible, life changing mistakes, no addict goes into experimenting with drugs thinking they would become addicted.

My addiction took me to jails, rehabs, and almost killed me several times with overdoses and accidents. I lived a life of regret, but I finally turned to God and made the decision to do whatever was necessary to get sober. It was a very long, intense, and hard journey, but I pulled through. I really hope my new book will help people not make the same decisions I made, raise awareness on addiction, and show readers that if you are alive, hope is alive, as well.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Product Details
(click book to buy on Amazon)

Aaron Emerson grew up as the son of a successful minister in Mason, Michigan. Blessed with a loving, caring family, he had the makings of a great life. At 14, however, his dad was unexpectedly fired from the church he helped build, right after the tragic passing of his cousin.

Aaron turned to marijuana and alcohol, finding pleasure in covering up the pain he was experiencing. A year later, he was introduced to prescription pills and eventually became addicted to oxycontin. Once oxycontin became too expensive and hard to find, he made the decision to switch to a cheaper, more potent drug: heroin.

Heroin would take Aaron through a life of hardcore addiction, lengthy jail stints, and several near-death experiences. After years of addiction that saw a once middle-class teenager turn into a felon and become homeless, a journey to find recovery transpired.

That journey took Aaron to several rehabs and through many heartbreaking relapses. However, recovery from his addiction was ultimately found, and now he shares his story around the state to raise awareness and spread hope.

Throughout his addiction and recovery, Aaron journaled and wrote about all of his experiences. He has now published his journal entries full of addiction, jail, rehab, overdose, relapse, and recovery. This book is the collection of all of those writings that shaped his life for several years . . . .

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AAron Emerson
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So, many of my readers know I just ask all my authors a few questions about them and about their writing, and here is what Aaron had to tell us.

1) How did you become a writer, and made you decide to write, publish, and share your testimony of addiction and recovery in written form?
“About four or five months into my recovery from addiction, I got an overwhelming desire to share my story with people. I have always loved writing so I came up with the idea to start a recovery blog. The main goal in all of this was to simply let others know that recovery from addiction is a reality and a possibility. I wanted to spread hope and raise awareness. People seemed to get a lot out of it so I have been doing it ever since.”

2) What do YOU think is the most important “Skill or Tool” that aids you in recovery?
“I think my most important skill or trait in recovery is my ability to lean on my support system. That was so crucial when I first got sober and I’m certain that without my recovery coach, my family, and my girlfriend, I would not be sober today. I also was heavily involved in 12-Step groups. I still do all of those today, but in early recovery, support groups and my support system were pretty much my whole life. Being able to open up and know when and how to ask for help was vital.”

3) Now I know you are a brand new Author, has there been one thing you can share exciting that has happened to you as an Author?
“Yes, I am a very new author. “To Hell And Back” is my first book and it has definitely been the most exciting thing to happen in my writing career. However, getting a significant amount of positive feedback on my blog has been the next best thing. It really makes my day to read, or hear someone tell me that they got something out of my posts.”

4) And lastly, what ONE word in ‘recovery terms’ is your Favorite to use?
“I’m not sure if this will technically count as a “recovery term,” but the phrase ~ “let go and let God” has always inspired me. Leaning on God throughout my recovery has been overwhelmingly comforting. Hearing or seeing that phrase always reminds me that, no matter what, things will be okay if I just let God take over my life.”

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Aaron’s book is available on Amazon Kindle Store. Where can you connect with Aaron on social media? Most everywhere! LOL. I am sure he would like you to visit and connect with him.

His E-book: E-book of “To Hell And Back”
His Blog: Sharing Hope And Spreading Positivity
Facebook: Lets Connect on Facebook
Goodreads: Come Connect on Goodreads
Twitter: Come Follow on Twitter


“Presented by Lyon Book & Social Media Promotions of Author, Catherine Lyon”

“We Welcome Author, Kim Carter ~ Writer of Suspense and Mysteries to Lyon Book Promotions”

Catherine Lyon Author/Writer Featured Guest, New Book & Author Press Release , , , , , ,

Welcome and Happy New Year Avid Readers and Friends,

 

 

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We have a brand new author to the family of fine authors and book line up here at Lyon Book Promotions! We are honored to welcome Kim Carter and her collection of Mystery Reads . . .

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About The Mystery Author:

Kim Carter, Author and prolific writer of Contemporary Mystery, Suspense and Thriller books, is a fan favorite among her avid readers with her array of released mystery titles like; “When Dawn Never Comes,”  “Deadly Odds,”  “No Second Chances ,” and now her new release, “Sweet Dreams, Baby Belle.”
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Product Details
(click to view on Amazon)

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Kim has been writing mysteries for some time and has a large reader fan base who enjoys all her mystery, suspenseful books, and it shows with the many 5-Star book reviews given by her readers. She continues to write for her mystery fans, as she enjoys interacting and engaging with all of them.

Kim and her husband have raised three successful grown children and have vested in retired greyhound dogs as they enjoy attending the many events held annually for them, as well as educating others about their need for great homes and what great pets they make after retirement.

Kim, a college graduate of Saint Leo University, she has a Bachelor Degree of Arts in Sociology. She has worked in Human Services in the Grant Division before becoming an author and writer. She lives in the Atlanta, Georgia area. Between reading and traveling with her beautiful family, she will continue to write mysteries for some time for all her avid reader fans. You can visit and connect with her now on Goodreads: Kim Carter Mysteries On Goodreads .
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About Her New Book:  “SWEET DREAMS, Baby Belle”

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(Kim’s son Austin and his doggie reading her mysteries)

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“Lizzie, a small-town waitress, thought she’d finally met her prince charming in Dr. Grant Chatsworth. She was young and in love, and the quick courtship ended with the four-carat diamond engagement ring of her dreams.”

Now residing in one of Buckhead’s finest estates, Lizzie soon learns all that glitters is not gold. Her handsome husband, renowned cardiac surgeon, and developer of a new congestive heart failure drug was becoming cruel and controlling. Lizzie finds herself captive in the vast expanse of his estate without a phone or a car, and under the watchful eye of Flossie.  When Lizzie discovers that her husband’s drug development company is a Ponzi scheme, she realizes that her life could be in danger if she doesn’t somehow escape the gated mansion on the hill.

With her parents deceased, her only hope is to get to Biloxi, Mississippi and seek refuge with her sister, Maggie. Maggie and her husband Leland quickly find a safe harbor for Lizzie in a house on the bayou. However, the house at the end of the street might not be the quiet retreat Lizzie was hoping for.

The confines of her hideaway soon get to Lizzie so she begins sneaking out in the middle of the night to walk in the historical cemetery next door. One night a damaged, carved lamb on top of the tombstone of a small child catches her eye, and the story of the child immediately captures her heart. Just when Lizzie Chatsworth thinks her world can’t get any more complicated, she finds herself in the middle of a mystery from the 1800’s that is pulling her in and demanding she seek justice.

As her husband’s empire begins to crumble, he’s more determined than ever to find Lizzie and kill her. But, will the mystery of Baby Belle’s death end Lizzie’s life first?
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Now I can tell you Kim has had some amazing Amazon 5-Star book reviews for all her mystery reads. I asked Kim a few questions about her writing and being an author in a little interview with her. Her is what she had to share with all of us.

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1.) When did you start writing? And how did you come to be a writer and publish your work?
I’ve always been an avid reader but an illness in 1999 made me homebound. It was then that I started writing for therapy more than anything. Years later, family and friends encouraged me to pursue publication.

2.) What type of career did you have before becoming a published author?
“I worked in many capacities in county government, but lastly in grant writing before my illness.”


3.) Do you have a favorite writer or author that inspires you as a writer?
“Most definitely, Sue Grafton.  She is a great mystery writer but also injects so much humor. You feel as though you know her characters personally.”

4.) Since you have a great reader following of your mysteries, what can you tell your readers about yourself that they may not know about you?
“Oh my goodness, I think the most important thing for them to know about me is how humbled I am to have them read my work.  I never take for granted anyone’s time or the money they’ve spent purchasing a book.  There are so many wonderful writers out there and the fact that they choose to read my novels is quite astounding.
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Here’s what readers and book reviewers have to say about Kim’s new book release, Sweet Dreams, Baby Belle .. . and keep in mind she has 20 5-Star reviews already for this New Mystery Read!

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5.0 out of 5 starsBE PREPARED TO NOT BE ABLE TO PUT IT DOWN!
By Amazon Customer  on December 13, 2015

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

“This is by far one of the best books I have read in a really long time. The storyline is captivating and intriguing. Always something to keep you wanting to read more and lots of surprises. You will be glad you read this one. A really good read for sure!! ~ SO highly recommend this one!”

Another great page turner by Kim Carter

By cvintl on December 6, 2015

Format: Paperback

“I have read all of Kim Carter’s books and this one is my favorite by far! Within the first few chapters, I was completely sucked in – I could not put the book down! The book was suspenseful, at times funny, and overall a great read. The book reads fairly fast thanks to the short chapters, which motivate me to keep reading. I was constantly surprised by the plot’s twists and turns… even ’til the end. I fully recommend this book – you won’t believe how it ends. I can’t wait for the next release.”  Highly suggest this mystery!
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So there you have it! Fantastic book reviews for Kim Carter and there are many more for all her thriller, suspense mysteries. Want to connect with Kim to see what she maybe working on now? These are some place I suggest you go connect with her on social media as she loves to interact with all her fans and readers. And again, we are Proud and Honored to have Kim Carter Mysteries here on “Lyon Book & Social Media Promotions!”
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Connect with Kim Carter Mysteries:


Author Facebook Like Page: Her Fan Facebook Like Page
Goodreads:  On Goodreads ~ Kim Carter Mysteries
Twitter:  Follow Kim on Twitter
Amazon Author Page: Amazon Author Page & List of Mysteries
Google+ Community:  Readers add her to your Google+ Circles

 

*HAPPY READINGS! ~ Lyon Book & Social Media Promotions*

 

“Congrats To My Dear Friend Author, Dustin L John On His First Book Release! “

Catherine Lyon Author/Writer Author News, Featured Guest, New Book & Author Press Release , , , , , , , ,

Hello and Welcome Readers and Book Lovers,

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Just in time for the holidays, I welcome my dear friend and now first time Author, Dustin L. John and his book release of: “A Walk in his Shoes” . . .

Now if this is not exciting enough for my best recovery supporter of mine, but he also contributed some of his addiction and recovery story in another new book release with other authors along with Author, Jake D Parent…
It is titled; “Hearts and Scars: 10 Human Stories of Addiction” . . .

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Product Details
(click book to Amazon).About Hearts and Scars:
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We lose more than 350 people every day in the United States to addiction. This collection of stories shows how the deadly disease is a conflicted struggle, not simply of broken people, but one that encompasses the human condition that affects us all.  The book consists of two sections. The first is a series of short fictional stories that portray individuals suffering from active addiction. The second is made up of real life tales of recovery, written by the people who experienced the journey themselves.
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For those directly affected by this horrible affliction, these stories will help you make sense of your journey, both where you came from as well as where you are going. For advocates, policy makers, and others with the power to help, this collection will help humanize the issue. Because, while addiction may be a cunning, baffling disease, it is ultimately one that affects real people.

Only by understanding the humanity within those who suffer from it – as buried as it may sometimes seem to be – can we as a society find the courage and will to finally do what needs to be done to end the suffering.
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We have known each other now for about 2 years. We met on social media and he did a very nice Book and Author Interview on his fantastic blog My Sober Life after my recovery book was released was released late Nov, 2012 ~ Here is more about Dustin.”

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About Dustin The Author:

Dustin John was born and raised in Gallup New Mexico. At age 11, he moved to a small town in Southern Utah. Leading a seemingly normal lifestyle after graduating high school, Dustin’s life took a turn for the worse. A short time after a divorce lead him to bankruptcy, his life began the slow dive into addiction.

By age 22, he was jobless, homeless, running from the law, and searching for his next shot of heroin. Travelling across the western states in search of a safe haven, Dustin landed himself directly in the midst of a massive underground drug ring. After a decade of playing on death’s doorstep, Dustin made a miraculous escape into sobriety. Dustin and his father, Dallas documented Dustin’s drug riddled history in a uniquely written, father/son memoir titled “A Walk in his Shoes”.

Dustin’s father Dallas, passed away from an aggressive illness just months before the book’s final manuscript was published. Dustin has been sober since February 1, 2012 and continues to help in the fight against addiction. He resides in Southern Utah with his wife and their many reptiles.
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About Dustin’s New Book Release:

Dustin’s life was once full of joy, happiness, security, and success. With a lucrative job, a wife, and a home of his own, he was destined for a life of fortune, prosperity and comfort. That was before heroin. This unique and gripping tale is the first of its kind to tell the story of addiction through the eyes of both father and son.

Together, Dustin and Dallas shine a blinding light on the dark life of a junky. As Dustin decides to travel across the western states in search of a safe haven, Dustin wanders within a few footsteps of his own demise. Instead of finding freedom, however, his addiction cascades into corruption, deceit, and evil. As alcohol and drug abuse continues to ravage every community in America, this groundbreaking memoir offers important insight into the inner workings of an active user, as well as the pain of those loved ones who must helplessly stand by as the family structure disintegrates from addiction . . .
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Now of course I am NO James Lipton from ‘the actors studio’ but I had a few burning questions for my old friend to make him feel like he was “sittin on the HOT SEAT” a little bit. LOL.
But he handled the answers pretty damn well! …
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My Burning Questions for Dustin:

1.) I know you are a fantastic blogger and write there, but what made you come to be a writer and share your recovery? — “The main reason I became a writer is because I knew my story needed to be told. Studying addiction issues in the US made me realize that my experience with addiction could help other families and the only way I could get my story out to the world was to put pen to paper.”

2.) Who inspires you in your recovery? (Writer, Author, etc.) —  “My father was a great inspiration. He was not in recovery but he co-authored my latest book and told the family side of my addiction to heroin. He died of an aggressive illness months before we were able to publish the final manuscript. He was a photographer and a columnist at a newspaper for many years. I decided to dedicate the book to him.”

3.) Was there any fear around sharing your life in book form for the world to read about your addiction and recovery? —  “There is massive amounts of fear in publicizing my story. Many times in the editing process I felt like minimizing what I did while telling my story. Once I realized that my fear was a boogeyman and a great gauge for honest writing, I began to embrace that fear.”

4.) What can you reveal personally about yourself that readers may not know about you and any advice to others in recovery? —  “As a second hobby I breed exotic reptiles. I can also say my ABCs faster backwards than I can forward. One piece of advice I would give to the recovery community and to everyone as a whole would be to learn who they are and where they came from. There is nothing more helpful for gaining happiness in the world than self-knowledge. Taking an objective view of your childhood is the most powerful practice towards freeing yourself from dysfunction and other harmful human attributes.
Dig deep. Be open and honest. Connect. As Socrates said “know thy self!”

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Dustin John
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So I am again so happy for my good friend and now fellow author! Dustin can tell you himself how long I have bugged him to write a book and share his story and testimony. He is also a great blogger like I had mentioned earlier, so take a visit to his blog at ‘My Sober Life, and . . . HE has a special Giveaway going on over at Goodreads to, so get the details on his blog: Goodreads – Autographed Book Giveaway | My Sober Life on how to enter.
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You can also connect with Dustin on Twitter  @DustinLJohn – Lets Tweet!
and over on LinkedIn & Goodreads too!
Connect with Author, Dustin John on LinkedIn
Connect and Follow on Goodreads

So please support us addiction & recovery authors and go grab a copy of Dustin’s new book today and read an Amazing Story and a Beautiful Life in Recovery!

I really appreciate the honor of sharing my dear friend Author, Dustin L John with all of you . . .
His book is available below on Amazon and Barnes & Noble, so just click the book to purchase Today! :-)

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fpo            Product Details
(click book for B & N)        (click book for Amazon)

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Happy Holiday Season & Blessings All,
Author, Catherine Townsend-Lyon