I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author and military veteran Richard Sherman shares this powerful collection of images and passages surrounding the cemeteries and monuments depicted to American soldiers who never came home in the book “Never Home: Remembering the Military Heroes Who Never Returned”.
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The Synopsis
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“Never Home: Remembering the Military Heroes Who Never Returned” by Navy veteran and professional photographer Richard Sherman takes you on an emotional journey to all 23 of America’s overseas World War I and World War II cemeteries managed by the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC). The book includes powerful images coupled with more than 50 biographies of individuals who perished during the wars and, even in death, have still not made it home. From Normandy to Manila, from Tunisia to Florence, and from Luxembourg to Provence, this book honors those who sacrificed everything to ensure our freedom.
The Review
This was such a powerful book. While the majority of the book is infused with photographs, the depth of emotion and history that each photograph brings to life on the page not only speaks to the author’s unique vision and eye for detail, but the power and sacrifice so many people fro m the United States military have endured around the world. No matter a person’s party or political affiliations, or their preferences for each war in general, the respect and gratitude that so many feel for those who gave their lives for us all can be felt on every page of this book.
The honesty and conviction that the opening passages from the author gave allowed the reader to feel the personal connection the author had to this subject matter. Of all the images, each with its own title and location, the image of the veterans in Normandy really spoke to the WWII era that a person can only read so much of in school, but cannot experience in life what the soldiers endured in that time.
The Verdict
Thoughtful, memorable, and engaging, author Richard Sherman’s “Never Home” is a must-read picture meets history book. The exploration of American soldier’s impact on overseas wars and the special exploration of specific graves and the soldiers who inhabit them gave the reader a sense of humble respect and emotion as the author perfectly brought these photographs and the people behind them to life. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
When I was four or five years old, my Dad purchased Time-Life’s books on photography, bought a Minolta SLR camera and built a darkroom in our basement. Since that time, photography has been a part of my life.
I even remember the giant, heavy flash that ran on D-sized batteries and the smell of the leather case for his manual light meter. In my teens, Dad taught me the basics of photography on that Minolta. And today his photographs remain among our family’s most prized possessions. Though my father passed away a few years ago, I feel a special connection with him every time I pick up my camera bag.
I hope you enjoy the images here and that you find peace and tranquility in them. Perhaps your mind will drift to days gone by, or trips you have enjoyed with your family and friends; perhaps it will make you think about your next vacation. Thanks for visiting today, and please come back soon.
1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?
Hi! I’m Erika MacDonald, the CEO & Founder of Engaging New Media. My journey into writing began with my passion for storytelling and video production. I’ve always loved creating content that resonates with people and drives results. Writing a book felt like a natural extension of my work, allowing me to share my insights and strategies on a larger scale.
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2) What inspired you to write your book?
I wrote “Effective Video Marketing: How to Make Videos That Sell” because I saw a gap in the market. Many businesses struggle to create videos that truly engage their audience and drive sales. I wanted to provide a comprehensive guide that combines data-driven strategies with the art of storytelling to help businesses succeed.
3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?
The core message of my book is that effective video marketing is about more than just creating content—it’s about creating the right content that tells a story and connects with your audience. I hope readers walk away with practical strategies and a deeper understanding of how to leverage video to boost their brand and sales.
4) What drew you into this particular genre?
Video production and marketing are my passions. This genre allows me to merge my creative and analytical sides, offering readers a unique blend of storytelling techniques and measurable results. It’s a perfect fit for my expertise and interests.
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5) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?
LinkedIn has been incredibly valuable for me. It’s a great platform for connecting with professionals and sharing insightful content. It has helped me build a community of readers who are interested in video marketing and business growth.
6) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?
Start with a clear vision of what you want to achieve and who your audience is. Consistency is key—write regularly and keep honing your craft. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there, and leverage social media to build your platform and connect with your audience.
7) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?
I’m excited about the future! A second edition of “Effective Video Marketing: How to Make Videos That Sell” is set to come out in 2025. This edition will focus on nonprofits and using video content to help them fundraise effectively. Additionally, I’m exploring opportunities to create more educational content and workshops to help businesses and nonprofits thrive.
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About the Author
Engaging New Media is the brainchild of Erika Mac Donald, an award-winning writer and producer with 15 years of experience in managing promotional production from concept to completion. She has partnered with renowned commercial and non-profit networks throughout her successful career, including Sirius Satellite Radio, MLB.com, PBS, and TruTv.
Erika has also developed top-notch television, radio, and web promotional video content that has reached over 20 million viewers across the New York metro area.
Her vision for establishing Engaging New Media was sparked by her passion for connecting the masses to the resources they need to change their lives and community. With the support of her highly skilled team, she aims to help businesses and brands connect with their target audiences across multiple platforms, increase their community engagement and accelerate their growth. Our team consists of experienced professionals well versed in their trade, dedicated to helping you connect with your ideal audience.
The queer poet, Sappho, renowned for dubbing the term “lesbian” since she was from the island of Lesbos, is remembered for saying, “Someday, someone will remember us.”
A lot has transpired for queer folx in the two thousand years since Sappho dreamed our possible realities. And with 500 proposed bills against LGBTQ+ rights awaiting rulings across the United States, the world has never needed our wisdom more.
Did you know that LGBTQ+ authors only account for only 16% of published books?
As a queer woman, this isn’t simply a statistic, but my lived reality. And after I had my first seven books published with four different presses, it dawned on me that it didn’t have to be this way. I didn’t have to be the only one my publishers represented, or the one who made it to the final round with a publishing company only for them to respond, “We really believe in this book, but we don’t know how to market to queer audiences.”
I was sick and tired of seeing straight, white men thrive with mediocre books because their advances, royalties, and stories had an advantage from the very start, because when they looked around at the presses that represented their books, they saw a bunch of other straight, white cis dudes staring back at them. What about our queer dreams?
The world was missing out on the precise perspectives and stories we need most.
In writing and publishing Queering the American Dream, I was able to create and imagine a different world, a world where women, queer folx, and BIPOC have equitable access to publishing, to fulfilling our dreams.
Queering the American Dreambegins the day the Supreme Court ruled our marriage legal, my queer little family traversing the American landscape for two years in a camper named Freya, following in the footsteps of revolutionary women from history and myth. Amid our wanderings, I grappled with the loss of faith, addiction, death, and what it means to reimagine the so-called dream promised to so many. With unapologetic grief, humor, and radical imagination, I created a new dream, not just for myself, but for all marginalized people living in America.
One of my favorite writers, Gloria Anzaldúa, inspired this dream. This queer Chicana feminist claimed: “The world I create in my writing compensates for what the real world does not give me.”
The “real world” has given us, on the whole, an old-school, white, male, predatory publishing industry that, at best, doesn’t understand the nuances of queer and feminist writing, and at worst, preys upon us for capital gain. So, I created Tehom Center Publishing to compensate for what the real world has not given us. Tehom Center Publishing is a press publishing feminist and queer authors, with a commitment to elevate BIPOC writers.
Publishing Queering the American Dreamwith my own press was not only empowering, but it also galvanized me to coach other marginalized authors in the power of living the authorpreneur dream. Yes, Tehom Center publishes authors at absolutely no cost, but we also offer just and equitable coaching programs empowering authors in creating entire businesses aligned with their books, thereby sustaining a financially abundant life.
Traveling throughout the country with my queer little family taught me that the world not only needs queer authors to be published, but we deserve to live abundant lives. This is our iteration of the American dream.
*****
To join us in queering the American dream and stay connected with book and publishing events, visit www.tehomcenter.org/booktour
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Book Summary
Beginning the day the Supreme Court ruled her marriage legal, Angela Yarber’s queer little family traversed the American landscape for two years in a camper named Freya, following in the footsteps of revolutionary women from history and myth. Amid her wanderings, this queer clergywoman grapples with the loss of faith, addiction, death, parenting, and what it means to reimagine the so-called dream promised to so many. With unapologetic grief, humor, and radical imagination, she creates a new dream, not just for herself, but for all marginalized people living in America.
Rev. Dr. Angela Yarber is an award-winning author of eight books and a highly sought public speaker. She is the Founder of Tehom Center Publishing, an imprint publishing feminist and queer authors, with a commitment to elevate BIPOC writers. With a Ph.D. in Art and Religion and over a decade serving as a Professor of Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, five of her books were listed in QSpirit’s Top LGBTQ Religion Books. Her work has been featured in Forbes, HuffPo, Ms. Magazine, Tiny House Nation, and more at https://angelayarber.org
Join us at WOW’s blog The Muffin as we celebrate the launch of Dr. Angela Yarber’s memoir Queering the American Dream. You can read an interview with the author and enter to win a copy of the book.
You can visit Jan’s blog for her review of Queering the American Dream. Plus read a guest post by Dr. Angela Yarber about disenfranchised grief, particularly as it pertains to losing someone to addiction.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author Candy Wolff shares with readers the purpose and hope she found in the wake of loss and grief in the book “Lost and Found in Mexico: A Widow’s Road to Recovery”.
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The Synopsis
In Lost and Found in Mexico, A Widow’s Road to Recovery, delve into the heartfelt narrative of Candy, whose story is an intricate tapestry of love, faith, and resilience. Her romance with Ross is not a fairy tale but a reflection of real-life struggles and triumphs, offering solace and wisdom to those navigating their own relationships.
Candy’s unwavering faith in brighter days ahead serves as a beacon of hope amidst the storm, a testament to her profound love for Ross and his unwavering support. Yet, when tragedy strikes and he is taken from her, Candy’s endurance becomes her most potent weapon as she navigates the emotional tempest that follows.
Through the depths of grief and uncertainty, Candy’s story becomes more than just a narrative-it becomes a lifeline for readers grappling with their own losses. From the tender moments of love to the harrowing depths of grief, Lost and Found in Mexico is a poignant reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and a source of invaluable insight for those facing similar trials.
The Review
This was a heartfelt and emotional read. The author powerfully brings readers into the heart of her struggles, honing in on the emotional and mental struggles that she faced in those days after her loss. The depth of the author’s writing style allows the reader to feel immersed in these memories and experiences, and the intricate detail the author puts into her writing brings the visceral and shocking realities of loss to light in a very real way.
The author’s book highlights the honesty that the author writes with and the realities of love and relationships. While many people get lost in the fairytale aspect of love, especially in a relationship’s early days, most people realize that true love comes with its struggles, as no one is perfect. The author expertly shares these realities and hones in on the good and bad moments that made up her relationship. The spiritual nature of the author’s journey through grief will resonate with many who turn to faith in times of struggle.
The Verdict
Heartbreaking, thoughtful, and engaging author Candy Wolff’s “Lost and Found in Mexico: A Widow’s Road to Recovery” is a must-read nonfiction memoir meets inspirational book. The relatability of the author’s journey and struggles, the hopeful overtones as the book progresses, and the guidance that her book brings to readers will stay with the audience long after the book finishes. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
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Candy Wolff is a dynamic professional with a diverse background in marketing, sales, event management, writing, and public speaking.
As the CEO and President of “Irreplaceably You,” Candy is dedicated to empowering individuals and families to have open financial conversations, be prepared for the unexpected, and thrive in the face of adversity.
Candy’s approach is unique and pragmatic. She understands that losing a significant other is a very emotional and stressful time, and she helps people deal with it in a practical and compassionate way. Candy is a great listener and has an incredible ability to connect with people on a personal level. Her talks are inspiring and motivating, and she leaves her audience with a sense of hope and renewed energy.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author Angela Yarber seeks to redefine what the American Dream means to marginalized people and the LGBTQ+ community as a whole in the book “Queering the American Dream”.
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The Synopsis
Beginning the day the Supreme Court ruled her marriage legal, Angela Yarber’s queer little family traversed the American landscape for two years in a camper named Freya, following in the footsteps of revolutionary women from history and myth. Amid her wanderings, this queer clergywoman grapples with the loss of faith, addiction, death, parenting, and what it means to reimagine the so-called dream promised to so many. With unapologetic grief, humor, and radical imagination, she creates a new dream, not just for herself, but for all marginalized people living in America.
The Review
What a compelling and thoughtful read. The author did a fantastic job of highlighting the personal struggles and obstacles she faced in going on this personal journey to find herself and her family in the process while also acknowledging the privilege she was born into, helping to shine a light on other marginalized groups aside from her own, from people of color to people who identify as different genders and so much more. The author’s balance of personal and professional writing in this book allowed the reader to connect with her experiences much deeper.
The heart of this narrative rested in the author’s path that she found herself on. In our current landscape, the need to “define” things like family, love, and society has become a centralized debate worldwide. The reader can see no clear-cut definition of family through the author’s story. Instead, family and love can look like anyone and anything, with white picket fences being equal to living on the road in an RV or having an apartment overlooking a major metropolitan city, as well as a mother and father being equal to two mothers or two fathers. The personal nature of the author’s other struggles, from loved ones struggling with addiction to feelings of self-doubt and more, really kept the reader engaged.
The Verdict
Memorable, heartfelt, and thoughtful in its delivery, author Angela Yarber’s “Queering the American Dream” is a must-read LGBTQ-driven nonfiction book that readers won’t be able to put down. The book’s relatability for so many LGBTQ readers looking to find their family in this world and the dedication to representing and giving voice to many different cultures and viewpoints allowed for a well-rounded discussion and heartfelt dive into what family truly means. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Rev. Dr. Angela Yarber is an award-winning author of eight books and a highly sought public speaker. She is the Founder of Tehom Center Publishing, an imprint publishing feminist and queer authors, with a commitment to elevate BIPOC writers. With a Ph.D. in Art and Religion and over a decade serving as a Professor of Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, five of her books were listed in QSpirit’s Top LGBTQ Religion Books. Her work has been featured in Forbes, HuffPo, Ms. Magazine, Tiny House Nation, and more at https://angelayarber.org
Join us at WOW’s blog The Muffin as we celebrate the launch of Dr. Angela Yarber’s memoir Queering the American Dream. You can read an interview with the author and enter to win a copy of the book.
You can visit Jan’s blog for her review of Queering the American Dream. Plus read a guest post by Dr. Angela Yarber about disenfranchised grief, particularly as it pertains to losing someone to addiction.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author Nick Mirisola shares his journey to Eastern Philosophy, Metaphysical religions, and science as he seeks to bridge the gap between the two schools of thought in the book “Metaphysical Sherpa: Misunderstood Mystic”.
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The Synopsis
Dive into the extraordinary life of Nicholas David Mirisola in Metaphysical Sherpa: Misunderstood Mystic. This anthology unveils Mirisola’s captivating journey through an unpublished condensed autobiography complemented by biographical entries from friends, family, and professionals. Explore his diverse talents through a collection of thought-provoking lyrics, captivating artwork, and forty pages of insightful and humorous memes. This book received four 5 Star editorial reviews from Readers’ Favorite, and was ranked #1 in Zen Buddhism, #1 in Shamanism, #2 in Mysticism, #3 in Unitarian Universalism, #3 in New Age Mysticism, #4 in Earth Based Religions, and #5 in Buddhism on Kindle’s “Hot New Releases” lists at one point.
Mirisola, a modern renaissance man, challenges Western pop psychiatry’s understanding of him, offering a unique perspective on religion and science. In this anthology, he shares a philosophy of science paper first published in a peer reviewed journal, showcasing his profound insights. As a uniting voice for religion and science, Mirisola celebrates diversity, pluralism, and individuality, weaving a narrative that resonates with seekers of wisdom and understanding. Join this misunderstood mystic on a journey that transcends boundaries and bridges the gap between the spiritual and the scientific.
Nick is a lay Zen monk, DIY shaman, ordained Dudeist priest, and professional musician, visual artist, and philosopher. His story describes a spiritual awakening and the journey of his soul over the course of his life that is inspirational and profound. His storytelling is also educational, with science backing a diverse tapestry of paranormal phenomena. He speaks of mental health struggles which many people can relate to and identify with, and his methods of dealing with struggles are informative and luminary. He is a visionary with strong ideals, and a down to Earth philosophical perspective that enables him to put his ideals into practical applications. He is also backed up by a veteran friend’s intimate knowledge of declassified military and government secrets, as well as a neighbor’s eyewitness account of a seemingly miraculous event, and a nursing practitioner’s story of a “medical miracle.”
The companion Meditative Animal music album is titled Metaphysical Sherpa: Dirty Fractal Sacrament, and is a 16 song Avant-Garde album with a complementary narrative, and Mirisola’s poetic lyrics, alongside the presence of other talented musicians, not limited to features by Grammy Award nominee G. Love and Killah Priest from the living legends The Wu-Tang Clan. Meditative Animal has a timeless original sound, and a unique indie alternative folk rock style with influences from jazz, blues, funk, soul, reggae, hip hop, world music, and sound healing therapies. The critically acclaimed music has ranked high on multiple international indie music charts, and is produced and published by Nick’s indie record label under Moonlit Creative Works.
The Review
This was such a thought-provoking and engaging read. The profound insight and clarity with which the author speaks keep the reader invested in the overall journey, exploring the path that brings both science and faith into a connective road we can all travel. The exploration of allowing each and every person to live their life the way they want, respecting one another’s beliefs, and seeing the world from their perspective made this book so engaging.
The book also highlights the struggle to follow one’s path, with so many trying to instill their beliefs or scientific path and mindset onto others. The need to question things and explore the universe on one’s terms was brought to life, and how government officials, major corporations, and the evolving mental health system all try to control and change people’s perspectives on spirituality as a whole kept the intrigue and insight alive on the page.
The Verdict
The compelling writing style, mixture of autobiography and biographical writings, and philosophical debates this book creates make it a must-read nonfiction book. The engaging way the author presents his journey to the reader and the mind-blowing experiences that he has had make this a compelling book to get lost in. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Nicholas David Mirisola, known as Nick Mirisola, is a lay Zen monk, ordained Dudeist priest, and a multi-talented artist. He refers to himself as “Duddha.” As a singer-songwriter, he performs under the name Meditative Animal, and his music is an eclectic blend of indie alternative folk rock with hints of jazz, blues, funk, soul, hip hop, reggae, and world music.
Mirisola is a versatile musician, playing guitar, hand percussion, harmonica, guitarlele, melodica, singing bowls, bass, keyboards, and Native American flute. His songs are noted for their poetic and thought-provoking lyrics, showcasing his unique musical style.
A professional music producer, visual artist, and published philosopher, Mirisola has earned recognition for his intelligence, with a tested IQ at genius level. His philosophy of science paper, “Points About Points with a Point: Nature of Smallest Scale Universals,” offers groundbreaking insights into some of nature’s deepest mysteries.
Beyond his artistic and philosophical pursuits, Mirisola has a playful side, writing humorous and insightful memes, often quoting himself as “Duddha.” His ability to combine intellectual depth with lightheartedness adds a unique charm to his diverse body of work.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
One parent shares the experiences and tricks they learned to help end difficult situations with their child without “fixing” a child’s behavior in the book “Secrets to Parenting Without Giving a F^ck” by Sue Donnellan.
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The Synopsis
Are you tired of yelling, punishing, and reminding, yet experiencing no change in your child’s behavior?
What if you could learn the transformative mindset that allows parents to get results without “fixing” their child’s bad behavior?
In Secrets to Parenting Without Giving a F^ck, Sue Donnellan, parent mentor, author, mom of four (including triplets), and entrepreneur shares 20+ years of experience cultivating the effective thought process for successful parenting. She delivers a proven playbook for turning misbehaving kids into happy, respectful, well-adjusted young adults.
End tantrums by learning how to respond to them
Eliminate back-talk by knowing how to avoid provoking it
Minimize lying with trust-creating strategies
Neutralize sibling fights using one simple method
Establish curfews and boundaries both you and your child are happy with
Increase your ability to prevent bad behavior, before it even starts
Directly influence your child’s great decision-making capabilities
Nurture a strengthened relationship so deep it provides a lifetime of your kids wanting to share everything with you
Secrets to Parenting Without Giving a F^ck is the definitive book on parenting. Written as a no-nonsense action plan, this book covers ages 2-20 and all the necessary subjects in between, using humor and wisdom.
The Review
What a compelling and engaging book! The author’s connection with readers early in the book is the perfect way to draw the reader in naturally. The author struck just the right balance between educational and entertaining with this book’s material, not only giving parents guidance on working with their children in a healthy way on behavior but also infusing humor and wit into the writing style itself.
The main draw of this book is the insight into parenting this author brings to the table. The guidance appears simply put, yet holds the complexities that parents often overlook when struggling to find that balance with their children. Not only does the book give details on how to form a working partnership with their child and learn to teach them how to put decision-making skills into practice, but the book also highlights the need for parents to develop mantras and learn to let go of guilt altogether, giving readers a depth and valuable hook to draw parents into the book more and more.
The Verdict
Memorable, heartfelt, and engaging author Sue Donnellan’s “Secrets to Parenting Without Giving a Fck” is a must-read nonfiction book on parenting that all parents will want to grab for themselves. The reader’s connection to the author herself and the close examination of what drives a child’s behavior and what works to help curb any negative emotions will have readers returning to read this book time and time again. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Sue Donnellan is an entrepreneur, wife, mother of four (including surprise triplets), and International #1 Best Selling author. As a one-time reluctant parent and reformed yeller, Sue understands the sheer stress that is parenting! Sue has been advising parents, transforming households, and reducing overwhelm for over 20 years with her results-based, no-nonsense method of raising kids.
Respected in the field of parenting, relationship building, and accountable communication, Sue developed her trademark program while in the trenches. In the last 25 years, Sue has built and run three of her own full-time businesses, supported her military husband as he deployed five times, and managed a family of six.
With wisdom and humor, Sue teaches a transformative mindset that gives parents the skills to get positive shifts in behavior, while creating a relationship of lifelong trust and respect with their kids. She has captured her unique methods in her 1st book, Secrets to Parenting Without Giving a F^ck, where she tells you how she did it, and how you can, too!
In her ‘free’ time, Sue is also a mom to two dogs. She has discovered a cure for hiccups, created a family recipe for sleep dust, loves the ethereal and timeless singer Sade, appreciates great comedy, and is passionate about living healthy.
1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?What inspired you to write your book?
I first got into writing when I wrote a couple of memoirs regarding my life growing up with ADD. Those books were quick reads of only about 80 pages. I was testing the waters of the Amazon market to see how the books fared, and to see if anyone cared about the topic. They were not well received, nor were they properly advertised, but at least I could say that I had put a couple of books out there.
What really got me back into writing were two things: I had a friend that was released from prison for manufacturing, and using, methamphetamine and I my wife and I had him on our podcast to tell his story. Well, I couldn’t stop there; I needed to know the full story, so I pushed him to talk-to-text his story out from childhood, to adolescence, to blowing himself up producing meth, to his prison time, to life after. I motivated him by using the other part that inspired me to get back into writing. Another high school friend and just come out with his memoirs of growing up gay, and coming out “officially” with this book, and he snubbed me for an interview to promote his book. I told my recently paroled friend that “If this asshole could write a book, then people would leap over the shelves to read your story!” I would be his ghost writer on the project.
We made it to near completion of his book before his life was taken in a robbery. While waiting for him to complete his story for me to write for him, I wrote about my life as a personal trainer. I filled my book with all of my personal experiences, both good and bad, sexy and non-sexy, and it has worked out. I was motivated by anger and jealousy mainly, I believe, but it worked out well.
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2) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?
What I hope that readers take away from my writing is that life isn’t as glamorous as we perceive it to be, or how people lead us to believe it to be. In the Personal Training industry specifically, when you see someone who takes care of themselves well, you tend to think that they have it all together. The discipline, the money, the motivation, etc., but this is not always the case. I highlighted in my book several classes of people that trade either health for wealth, or vice versa. If you have ever heard the expression, “Be kind to everyone you meet, because you never know what they might be going through.” That was, and still is me and my life. I struggled, and while I am still struggling, I have a more positive outlook on things than I did after leaving my career as a personal trainer.
3) What drew you into this particular genre?
I was drawn to this genre, personally, because I could recollect the memories very well that made for a good story. There isn’t much imagination and storytelling involved if you live the tale that you are explaining. Plus, I like the idea of shocking people with events and situations that I have taken part in. I have a desire to write fiction one day, but this book required no fiction, as it I made sure to include every aspect that people would enjoy. Recounting a few sexual partners, explaining my attitude(s) on certain types of classes of people, and people in general is a writing style that I enjoy; the human psyche if you will. I didn’t hold anything back…except for actual names and locations- I don’t feel the real names were necessary.
4) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?
Instagram is where all the eyeballs seem to be these days, although I have put my name and book on Facebook, and YouTube as well. Posting and sharing is tough for me, as I don’t like to talk about myself in casual conversation. I prefer to be asked questions on how I feel about topics and/or situations. So, I am not that guy fretting about daily posts and trying like hell to get attention. I am of the idea that if your stuff is good, then people will seek you out- you shouldn’t have to be jumping and waving in their face every minute of the day. (Although the attention of people these days is just pathetic. This was discussed in the book as well)
5) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?
My advice to writers, who are in my genre that is, is write what you know to be true, and what you think should be true. Everyone hides behind fantasy and fiction because they’re afraid to offend everyone with their own, true thoughts. Those people that are so easily offended believe their opinions to be the only truth that people should believe, so why not stake your claim? If you feel as though you need to hide in another genre just so you can say what you truly feel, I guess that you can do that, but who knows, maybe you will get that “negative publicity” from the haters first, but then come out on top because you spoke your mind. David Goggins and Jordan Peterson come to mind. Goggins swears like the sailor he is and says whatever the hell he wants, but he’s just a man; a person who is entitled to their opinion. Peterson was hated when he first arrived on the scene, but now is regarded as a respected intellectual. Stay true to your thoughts and beliefs, but also hear out others who have different views than yours.
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6) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?
Right now, as for the last 5 years, I will continue to tread water and push projects to completion in the hopes for a safe, and stable, financial future. All my worries and problems stem from lack of money at this moment, but that can’t last forever. I believe that I am never out of the fight, so it will be interesting.
Future projects for me will be to finish my friend’s book about his crazy life. It’s more a collection of stories along a timeline. I thoroughly enjoyed/enjoy writing for him, even after he is gone. When he would send me snip-its of what he would transcribe to a Word document for me, I would decipher his thoughts and attitudes so well that he would compliment me on numerous occasions by saying, “Man, it’s like you are in my head and know exactly how I think.” I know that I’m onto to something there, so I will pursue it, both for him, and his family.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author Jenell M. Jones, M.ED. shares with readers the painful journey of fighting to get the proper care for her adoptive daughter in the book “Shattered: Inspired by True Events”.
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The Synopsis
With the trajectory of today’s society, we can all agree that parenting is difficult. Choosing to foster and adopt proves to not be an easy feat. Parents are in constant competition with societal influences and sometimes feel it’s an uphill battle. These same parents are often told they will be supported in the rearing of their children and that adequate resources would be made available. But what happens when you discover the system that promised to help you, would betray you? What happens when you decide to enter into another realm of difficulty – fostering and adopting children who come with mental and physical baggage? Meet Jenell Jones, an adoptive mother who is still trying to find the answers to these questions. In these pages, you will see through a mother’s eyes as she shares her deepest pain for her daughter, “Mercy.” In the end, justice is necessary and peace is questionable.
The Review
This is such a heartbreaking and compelling read. The author finds the balance between telling her story, her daughter’s story, and how hospitals and the adoption system work as a whole. The detail and personal experience the author brought to the book allowed the reader to feel the stress and anxiety that this situation created and the shocking process that many parents have to struggle through trying to get their child, adopted or not, the help they need.
The true heart of this story is the emotional connection between the author and her daughter. Mercy’s tragic background and the struggles that the trauma she endured gave the reader a profound insight into the events that contributed to the young woman’s hardships. The heartbreak comes in the author’s personal story, as she does everything she can to get her child the help they need, even in the face of scrutiny from others, and her journey exposes so much of the lack of care and attention that many institutions give to parents who adopt children.
The Verdict
Author Jenell M. Jones, M.ED.’s “Shattered” is a must-read. It is heartbreaking, engaging, and thought-provoking. The love and care this family has to give to their children, and the tragic circumstances surrounding mental health care and help for adoptive parents and children will keep readers invested in the author’s story. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Jenell Jones is an education entrepreneur, currently operating 2 childcare and early learning centers, which specialize in providing high-quality learning experiences to children who experience trauma in low-income areas. Her education background includes earning a bachelor’s degree from Ottawa University, and a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis on autism. Being a Phoenician, Mrs. Jones has provided her expertise to adopting families for the last decade and currently hosts private discussions with other foster and adoptive parents on current issues affecting the non-traditional home.
In her spare time, Mrs. Jones prides herself on staying active in her church community in Peoria Arizona. Mrs. Jones enjoys sharing her time, talent, and treasure with all those in need and thoroughly enjoys sharing her experiences as a natural, foster, and adoptive mother through the lens of Christianity.
Jenell is committed to her family; she adores her 7 children. Her children are the loves of her life. Jenell is grateful that God allowed her to be the mother of each of them. She resides in Laveen, Arizona a suburb of Phoenix with her dogs, chickens, and fish. Jenell loves to be outside in nature and the garden. She takes pleasure in watching things grow. She is an avid traveler, sparing no adventure, and desires to experience the goodness of God in all she does.
Through her life experiences, passion is the source by which she governs herself to make a difference. The goal is not to be perfect but to assist others in rising through difficulties. Life does not always go as it is planned, but she believes God will work all things out for the good she knows she just has to stay in God’s purpose. Mrs. Jones’ blueprint of success can be summed up in a few statements: Be tenacious, be kind, be loving, but most of all….be forgiving.
