This Is My Life

17 Saved!

2010-08-23T06:41:00.000-07:00

Last night, our team went out and spoke at a local county lockup. The message was given by my husband, John. He spoke about the power of righteous living. The way he tied Proverbs 3, Matthew 6, Colossians 3 and 1 Peter 3 together was magnificent. Then he ended it with Romans 8 and Romans 10. There was hardly a dry eye in the house. All came up for prayer, but seventeen (17) men turned their hearts over to Christ. I glorify God for moving upon the hearts of those broken brothers. May the Holy Spirit continue to minister to them.

The Journaling

2010-08-21T09:39:00.000-07:00

As most of you know, I've been journaling since the beginning of my prison ministry career. Well, I counted notebooks and I've filled 28 notebooks and I'm half way through the 29th one. I believe it's time to go digital and seek out publication. There's so much in it to help those who have been down the wrong road.

Whether you've been in trouble or not, we will suffer as a society if we don't do better with hiring ex-cons. We can't simply put them in a facility and forget about them. They're going to get out and if we don't rehabilitate and help them, we may very well be their next victims. It just makes good sense to assist them.

Just a Thought

2010-08-20T06:40:00.000-07:00

What would happen if every person who claimed to be Christian on Facebook posted an invitation to Christ just once a day every day that they were signed on to Facebook? I bet a revolution would begin.

New Look, New Start

2010-08-19T11:36:00.000-07:00

This blog has a new look and I'm getting on a new start. I plan to blog at least twice weekly to begin so as not to overload my brain. I know you missed me but I'm back!

Savvy Market Masters

2010-08-10T07:10:00.000-07:00

In need of book marketing? How about branding yourself?

Savvy Market Masters, a new business endeavor by Lacresha Hayes, helps authors improve book visibility across the net and offline.

Lacresha, one of my long time friends and an all-around great businesswoman, began this business out of necessity when authors kept asking her for marketing assistance. In fact, at one point, she reports she was doing more to market the books of others than she was to market her own.

The aspects that set this company apart from others in the business is the genuine creativity used, new programs that no one else is doing right now, including the upgraded blog tours that boast higher ratings in Google searches. The fact that Lacresha is an author herself helps tremendously. The people at SMM are wonderful to work with and don't mind explaining their programs in detail and helping authors make informed decisions about their marketing dollars.

New Dog for Us

2010-07-30T13:03:00.000-07:00

We have a dog now for the children. It's a Labrador and his name is Potato. We mistakenly told the children they could name him and for some odd reason, they finally agree upon something and that was giving that dog such a horrible name. So far, Potato fits quite nicely into the family.

Terrible Public Parenting

2010-07-09T13:56:00.000-07:00

Our family was at Sears awaiting our turn for family portraits. I noticed this black lady snatching on her 2 year old. Finally, she pulled her out from the crowd a bit and proceeded to curse the little girl out. She called her stupid and basically said she slap her in the mouth if she opens it again with many explicatives used.

Women, it makes you look like a terrible parent if you are cursing, pulling, dragging and dogging your children. It makes a person wonder what can you possibly love if you don't even love those who come out of your womb?

Different Roads by Joyce Scarbrough

2010-06-22T07:04:00.000-07:00

This week I am digging into a Joyce Scarbrough feature entitled DIFFERENT ROADS. I've just completed the first four chapters and my mind is already abuzz with ideas. Great read. Jaycee is one of those complex characters that will make you take a look at yourself. I will keep everyone posted!

Becoming: My Personal Memoirs - Not Just Poetry

2010-06-02T08:52:00.000-07:00

I like poetry from time to time, but it isn't something I purchase often. Sometimes, the poetic mind is hard for me to understand. I am confused by all the wordiness. But, after promising Lacresha Hayes I'd really read all of her poetry book over and over again, I had to make good on my word.

I was so impressed with how true-to-life these poems were. Each one told a story and painted a portrait of her more clearly than any mere writing could have done. Somehow in rhyme, she showed her strengths and vulnerabilities, her power and fears, her triumphs and her failures. Somehow, this book showed me a woman I'd been knowing but never fully knew. That is the beauty of poetry. It captures the soul.

I highly recommend you get a copy of Becoming: My Personal Memoirs because it isn't poetry. It's life. It's a true memoir. It is also a mirror that can more clearly reflect your soul. Please use the links in this post, or visit Amazon.

Broken Marriages

2010-05-20T06:46:00.000-07:00

What happens when a person spends all their time doing everything for the world but ignore their family? Brokenness happens. A young, ambitious couple are separated because neither of them ever showed the passion and commitment for one another as they did for their careers and friendships. It was sad to sit and hear their story as my husband and I tried to lend solid marital advice. What can you say to 2 people who are bent on blaming one another rather than looking at themselves?

If you are married, the church, your social calendar and your career all take a backseat to that marriage. Please read 1 Corinthians 7 in its entirety.

Amsterdam

2010-04-27T07:31:00.000-07:00

I had a fabulous time in Amsterdam and North Holland. I only regret we could stay just two and a half days. Everything was so beautiful there. The houses were so narrow, but beautiful inside. The canal was great. We had to pack a week of activities into just a couple of days so now I need a vacation from my vacation. I slept the whole day after we got back. John had to work, poor baby. If you get any opportunity, visit. It's a wonderful place.

Challenging Times

2010-04-20T12:51:00.000-07:00

Challenging times are those times when the answer doesn't rest in flesh, but is found only in and through God. They won't last always. They are there to teach us to make God our first choice rather than our last resort.

We Have Toddlers, Times Two

2010-01-15T17:59:00.000-08:00

We have two toddlers now knocking into everything around the house. Picking up stuff, going different directions, and being a regular handful. Pray for us.

The Mouth of a Toddler

2009-12-20T10:36:00.000-08:00

Seems everything he gets go directly to his mouth. What does that mean?

100 Donated Bibles

2009-10-20T14:52:00.000-07:00

I'm so proud to be a part of a great group of women on Facebook and even on Goodreads. My online life sometimes feels like a whole new world. The people are helpful, intelligent and willing to do whatever they can to help you succeed.

One of my friends wrote me about our prison ministry. She happens to work at a Christian bookstore and was able to get 100 bibles, good quality study bibles, donated to our work in the justice system. That is what I call a God-connection.

Babies

2009-01-23T19:44:00.000-08:00

The babies are a handful of joy, and a headache. It's hard being a new mom, but I'm grateful for a husband who is truly helpful.

Lazy Days

2008-11-10T09:14:00.000-08:00

I can't believe I'm saying this, but I've had many, many lazy days lately. I'm not posting here like I should. I'm tired all the time. We'll see if I can play catch up.

Husband Issues

2008-10-10T13:19:00.000-07:00

I wrote an article for a local newsletter about marriage. I've read so many marriage books, but somehow nothing prepares you for marriage like marriage. So anyway, while writing the article, my husband, John, told me that he'd prefer if I didn't given anyone marital advice because it's a surefire way to draw demonic attacks. LOL! I should have listened. No sooner than the article ran, John and I began arguing every five minutes. LOL! We actually had a big tif at the grocerers. I left out crying. When I look back, it's quite funny. However, I learned that even perfect marriages are not perfect. My husband is a wonderful man, but he gets on my last nerve most times, especially since I'm pregnant.

I guess we'll call this entry "Husband Issues" because he's the reason I cry so much. He's either too nice, not nice enough, always there or never there enough. You know those pregnancy hormones. So, I told the publisher that I didn't want to do any more marriage articles until I got these extra surging hormones under control. Actually, I probably should have called this "Pregnant Wife Issues" - LOL!

Terrible Pains

2008-09-30T23:16:00.000-07:00

Today, I tried to work on my writing but the pains were so great that I couldn't focus. I finally went to the hospital only to find out that they were only Braxton Hicks. The pain was terrible, but it's subsiding now. Thank God!

Lacresha Hayes on My Blog ~ Truth and Intimacy Tour

2008-09-28T10:18:00.001-07:00

Today, I interview Lacresha Hayes about this great marriage book she and her husband wrote together. We will be giving away a $100 gift basket to one commenter who purchases the book. Without further ado...

Lacresha, tell us more about yourself.

- Hi Erica. I'm not sure what to say. I'm a wife and mother. I love being with my family. I'm also a business woman and an author. I love writing because it gives me the opportunity to share what I've learned.

What was your inspiration behind this newest book, Truth and Intimacy?

- We've ministered to so many couples concerning their marriages. We've ministered to pastors and other ministers to stay and make their marriage work. The advice we've given has worked for them all. We felt that a book would get that advice out to more of the world. The divorce rate shows that marriages need more consistent building. Couples need more tools to get through the difficult spots of marriage.

Give us one piece of marital advice from the perspective of a wife.

- The best piece of advice I have is that you must learn to be prayerful, slow to speak and quick to forgive. It's important that we don't make mountains into molehills because marriage is a permanent thing. If we make a fight out of everything we don't like, all we'll have one day is a relationship filled with pain and frustration. We must be quick to forgive. It's no different than how a mother must adapt to her crying baby. You can't keep a baby from crying. You have to give them time. Same with your spouse. You can't stop disagreements from happening, but you can have patience with the things you disagree about. It works out with time, prayer and understanding.

Why should readers purchase this book above all the others on the subject?

- Well, I'm partial. I haven't read a lot of books that deal with the harder issues on marriage with grace and understanding. We dealt with real issues and gave real, applicable advice.

Lacresha, give us some contact and purchasing information.

- You can contact me at preacha1975@yahoo.com and visit my websites:
http://lacreshatheauthor.weebly.com
http://truthandintimacy.blogspot.com
If you'd like to purchase the book, go to http://store.livingwaterspc.com

Thanks for interviewing me, Erica. You're the best!

The Truth and Intimacy Tour Stops Here

2008-09-23T19:34:00.000-07:00

I'd like to announce that the Truth and Intimacy tour will be stopping by my blog on Sunday, September 28. Please stop back through here.

We will be giving away gift cards for commenters and purchasers. Don't miss it.

We have book tours stopping by all next month. Don't miss the chance to win some great books and prizes.

Broaden My Horizons

2008-09-16T22:38:00.000-07:00

Since I've been pregnant, I can't seem to focus on anything else. I've decided to change the title to my blog and broaden the focus. There's so much other stuff I want to do and write about, like Braxton Hicks and Charlie Horses... LOL!

So, I'll be more active now with this blog because we're going miscellaneous!!!

Leashing Your Man

2008-08-29T13:26:00.000-07:00

Man, this post was so good, I had to come and link to it. That messed me up. Lacresha got deep on me today! Read more about men that cheat and one reason why here.

My First 24 Hours in Hell by V.K. Sansone ~ A Scary Read

2008-08-20T13:53:00.000-07:00

I finally got my review copy of My First 24 Hours in Hell by V.K. Sansone. It was a wonderful book, scary and definitely a ministry tool. I couldn't believe how vivid the writing was. I found myself praying when I put the book down. Hell is a real place and this book is an outstanding outreach tool. Get your copy today. Ministry leaders, you need to get this book.

Order it at http://store.livingwaterspc.com or www.amazon.com

Petitions

2008-08-05T18:29:00.000-07:00

Today, we finished the first of some petitions we'll soon feature on about 10 blogs for download and signatures. We believe that living in a democracy awards the citizens a certain freedom that is shameful to waste. It's time for citizens to become proactive over the direction this country is taking.

You'll hear more as we get them all finished.

The Truth is Out in John Schroeder's recent book, "Why Monkeys are Monkeys and People and People"

2008-07-31T19:41:00.000-07:00

I have to thank Marie and Lacresha. They would not leave me alone about this book, Why Monkeys are Monkeys and People are People: The Case Against Dawkins, Hitchens and Hawking by John Schroeder. I'm glad I took a moment to read it.

In the beginning, reading what I could find on the book, I thought it would be some scientific babble with no clarity. Boy, was I wrong! It was a pure work of genius. Not once did I feel dumb (and John, being the smartie pants of the family, never felt condescended - LOL).

Anyway, if you are a Christian, or just smart enough not to believe in evolution and the Big Bang theory, you NEED this book. There is no doubt that this is one of those books that if atheists and scientists could have suppressed, they would. It was an eye-opener, full of scientific facts, common sense and a whole lot of laughter in between. LOL! Get this book at http://store.livingwaterspc.com or at Amazon.com TODAY, right now! You will not be sorry.

All of us here has DOTTYMANIA!!!

2008-07-25T10:36:00.000-07:00

Have you ever looked at yourself and saw everything that was different? Maybe you felt bad because you weren't as cute, your hair wasn't as good, your skin was darker, or lighter. Maybe you see yourself as too small or too large. Maybe you walk with a limp or one eye is bigger than the other. Well, Dotty has a problem too. She is a pink hippo. Don't sound like a problem? Sure it is when everyone else in your family is purple, when everyone that is a hippo at all is purple. Can you imagine being the only pink hippo to ever exist? Neither could she, but she's got a lesson coming. This is a book all children need exposure to.

Get your copy of Donna Shepherd's book today at http://store.livingwaterspc.com. See more at http://dottystopsytale.blogspot.com

Highlights~ Publishers I Recommend

2008-07-22T10:34:00.000-07:00

In my time of research and calls to various publishing houses, these are the ones that authors speak well of, whose books have good quality, who are courteous, and that I'd recommend without blinking:

~ Guardian Angel Publishing - their site is fun, informative and addictive; they have great authors and a great reputation for children's books

~ Star Publishing - their authors push them and push them; they publish genuinely entertaining material

~ Living Waters Publishing Co. - they have multiple sites and are very involved in the education of authors; their quality is good; they have an impressive sales team

~ Writer's Exchange - Sandy Cummins has a great reputation for helping authors and the store is like heaven online

~ Steel Waves Publishing Co. - they are the publishers for Brian L Porter and Graeme Houston, two of the most talented men of mystery, suspense, storytelling; they pace their books well and have great editors and illustrators on staff

~ Champagne Books - small publisher that is doing well with growth and attracting talented authors

Don't see your publisher listed here? No problem. Send me an email about how great your publisher is and it may be added to the list. My email address is enewton12@gmail.com

I Just Went Book Shopping

2008-07-11T12:45:00.000-07:00

I just went book shopping today. I'm home with 12 books. Since I only buy books about twice a year or so, I figured I'd make this trip a good one.

Of course, being pregnant and all, most of my books were kiddie books. I've started reading to my babies, even though they are still very small, I can tell they hear me. Seems they move more when I read certain kinds of books, or listen to particular music. Could it be they are already discriminating in their tastes? Wouldn't surprise me when compared to their dad.

Anyway, I just wanted to give everyone a quick update.

A Chance to Win More Than 27 Books

2008-06-03T04:43:00.000-07:00

After the recent storms in Arkansas, and the loss suffered by Lacresha Hayes and her church family, Joyce Anthony decided to collect books from various authors and sell chances to win it at $1 each, with all the funds going to Lacresha Hayes and her church family. Please see the list of books below and the link to send your money to for the opportunity to win these books:

1. It Had to Be Us by Harry and Elizabeth Lawrence http://www.bettyjotucker.com/

2. Susan Sarandon: A True Maverick by Betty Jo Tucker http://www.bettyjotucker.com/

3. Confessions of a Movie Addict by Betty Jo Tucker http://www.bettyjotucker.com/

4. Death By Candlelight by Billie A. Williams http://www.billiewilliams.com/

5. Knapsack Secrets by Billie A. Williams http://www.billiewilliams.com/

6. Storm by Joyce A. Anthony http://joyceanthony.tripod.com

7. Conduct Unbecoming by Nina M.Osier http://www.geocities.com/nina_osier/

8. Redemption by Judith Rochelle http://www.judithrochelle.com/

9. Shepherd’s Pie by J. D. Webb http://www.jdwebb.com/

10. Heal and Forgive: Forgiveness in the Face of Abuse by Nancy Richards www.healandforgive.net

11. Cherry Blossoms in Twilight: Memories of a Japanese Girl by Yaeko Sugama Weldon and Linda E. Austin http://www.moonbridgebooks.com/

12. I Romanced the Stone by Marvin D. Wilson http://inspiritandtruths.blogspot.com/

13. Different Roads by Joyce Sterling Scarbrough http://www.authorsden.com/joycelscarbrough1

14. True Blue Forever by Joyce Sterling Scarbrough http://www.authorsden.com/joycelscarbrough1

15. Gentle Journey by Elaine Lyons Bach http://www.shoutlife.com/profile_view.cfm?uid=39176

16. Angel’s Dance by Lynn C. Johnston http://www.lynncjohnston.com/

17. Bank Roll: A Max Stryker Mystery by Janet Elaine Smith http://www.janetelainesmith.com/

18. Dakota Printer by Janet Elaine Smith http://www.janetelainesmith.com/

19. The Rape of Innocence by Lacresha Hayes www.authorsden.com/visit/viewwork.asp?id=22774&AuthorID=73926, http://learntofeelpretty.blogspot.com

20. Becoming by Lacresha Hayes www.authorsden.com/visit/viewwork.asp?id=22774&AuthorID=73926, http://lacreshahayesfanclub.weebly.com

21. The Feeling Soul: A Roadmap to Healing and Living by Mark Linden O’Meara http://www.healingresources.org/

22. Crazy Thoughts of an Online Romance by Epstein LaRue http://www.epsteinlarue.com/

23. Arpetta Honor by Annette Snyder http://annettesnyder.atspace.com/

24. The Kahills of Willow Walk by S. K. Hamilton http://www.skhamilton.com/

25. Beyond Dancing by Anita Bloom Ornoff http://beyonddancing.tripod.com/

26. One Frog Sang by Shirley Parenteau http://www.shirleyparenteau.com/

27. Curley and Q and Me, Too Baby Album by Marcia Trimble illustrated by Kim Spanaugle http://www.clearblogs.com/kimsponaugle

One lucky winner will get a box that includes all the books on this list!!! In addition, there will be numerous additional drawings for a copy of one of the books, so the chances of winning a prize are numerous.

To enter the drawing, you can do one of two things:
a. Go to http://paypal.com and buy as many chances as you wish, using the email address: lacresha.hayes@gmail.com. Every one dollar donation gets you one entry in the drawing.

or

b. Contact Joyce Anthony at rainbow@velocity.net and I will send you information on where you can send a check or money order for your chances.

The drawing will be held on July 1, 2008 and winners will be notified by email by July 5, 2008.

Jim Copeland - Another Great Author

2008-05-27T13:53:00.001-07:00

Recently, I had the opportunity to read a fairly great book by an outstanding author. Mr. Copeland is one of the kind of authors that write about things that can literally change society. His experience as an educator and a correctional officer combines to give him great insight into the value system of this generation.

If you are in the market for a book soon, then pick up Life is a Game by Jim Copeland.

An Author Full of Love

2008-05-02T10:50:00.000-07:00

Recently, I had the pleasure to follow Lacresha Hayes on her blog tour. It was amazing, and everyone knows I'm going to say that because she's my friend. Nevermind that she has a great message to share.

However, during this trip, I had the joy of hearing about and reading more about another author who is just as wonderful and just as anointed. Her name is Joyce Anthony, author of the book, Storm.

Joyce Anthony, http://joyceanthony.tripod.com, is a woman of strength, character and giving. She works tirelessly for the literary field, to preserve its credibility. She does some of the most indepth author interviews around. She's a woman of many talents and great passions. My hat goes off to her. We salute you, Joyce Anthony. Keep up the good work.

Pregnancy, that great enigma

2008-04-07T11:17:00.001-07:00

The other day, John and I were at the mall. We saw, no lie, four pregnant women. They had to be about 5-8 months. Each of them had this really bad lean and I was suddenly terrified. I saw what I'll look like in about two more months. I don't want to have to hold my back while I walk.

Anyway, my doctor checked me today and I heard my baby's heartbeat. She said it sounded like two distinct sounds. So, I have an ultrasound next week. Hopefully, it's twins.

Great News!!!!!!!

2008-03-12T21:02:00.001-07:00

John and I are expecting. I wanted to keep it a secret until we knew for sure by hearing a heartbeat, rather seeing it, in an ultrasound. And, it's official! Hooray! We've tried for about seven months and we've succeeded!

Living Waters Publishing Company authors say farewell to a beautiful Woman

2008-03-12T20:56:00.000-07:00

By now, everyone knows Lacresha has determined to leave the baby she spent five years building, three years working.

So many authors have written in to me concerning my thoughts. I'm not quite sure when I became an authority, but I thought I'd give place for others to sound out about how they feel for Lacresha. Maybe we can convince her to stay. If not, we know she is a great asset and I'm sure it won't be the last we'll hear of her.

The comments are open for everyone's sentiments.

Upcoming Webinars You Can't Afford to Miss

2008-02-28T08:58:00.000-08:00

Book Writing Webinar, March 1 at 10 am ($45 per person)

Getting Important Book Reviews, March 10 at 7 pm ($27 per person)

Guide to Successful Book Signings, March 12 at 7 pm ($20 per person)

Book Writing Webinar, March 29 at 11 am ($45 per person)

My publisher, Living Waters Publishing Company, is sponsoring some very important webinars over the next few months. If you've wanted to write a book, or learn what to do with your published book, don't miss these webinars. Register now to reserve your spot. I will be there. Hope to see you too!

Clarification

2008-02-22T21:59:00.000-08:00

Several people have requested that I remove my former post, but I respectfully refused. My blog is here to serve the writing, reading and publishing community, and for me to learn. As my grammie used to say, "T'is there anything more beautiful?"

Some of you have tried to post some very ugly things about the Garys, and you will notice that I denied the comment. The point I'm trying to make is that neither they or you have the right to bash people. Bashing creates a negative atmosphere. What you must understand is the more negativity is spread, where there may not have been a problem before, there becomes one. Any publisher is going to go out of business if they are consistently bashed and shredded over nonsense that the larger houses do all the time. So, in essence, your decision to try to warn people create what you are trying to warn them about. I'm hoping this makes sense.

On the reverse side, I'm glad that Lacresha has taken the high road, rarely speaking and only dealing with facts. She consistently been very magnanimous toward them. Of course, this is no admission or denial of any guilt on anyone's part. But, a lot has been done and said in the public arena, which was a mistake on the part of the Garys. I cannot take that back. Whatever may have happened behind the scenes, there has been much contradiction. People who are writing have legitimate concerns on why there has been a sudden attack against the company, with the exception of her association with Aidana WillowRaven.

In conclusion, I am going to support my publisher and my friend. After speaking with all the clients and freelancers that I have, I know for sure that they are doing something right. Like any other house, it's not perfect. But, unlike most publishers, they are the first to admit it. Please, no more bashing of the Garys, as per the request of Lacresha. She was careful to tell me that the only help she truly needs is prayer and fellowship. This is God's way, and I salute her for choosing to do it His way!

The Whole Living Waters Publishing Company Situation

2008-02-18T14:34:00.000-08:00

So, I'm being drug, kicking and screaming, hollering and crying, into the middle of this mess. People have been trying to contact me all day long. I've purposely ignored a particular few of them. Others are persistently badgering me.

I don't have a really close inside track when it comes to money in LWPC's accounts. I don't do that kind of work. To answer everyone's question, I got my pay fine. I've not had a problem for five weeks, and hope never to have a problem. However, Lacresha did contact Jennifer, Holly, Marie and I sometime last week or so. She said they'd had a major problem with money missing and two expensive phone bills, plus a rather large IRS payment. So, she said she would be slowing down the pace for a month or so. We didn't ask for the information.

Because we have become friends, and because I have a legal background and am married to an attorney, she's been forwarding me everything: IM converstions, meetings, receipts, a few other things. I volunteered my husband's services. So, over the past three days, we've received enough for us to know that the company is not in any immediate financial jeopardy. However, though I can comment further about Robert and Marisa Gary, I won't. But, I'm staying with LWPC and Lacresha because everything a person swears is true isn't always. She is very honest, and very straight-forward.

I know that someone has broken into her personal and business emails, locking her out. Circumstantial, maybe? Maybe. Then, we took the bait to look over what is being spread as truth, and let's just say that my husband is fired up and ready to go on several points. Some of you know my husband and he is one of the best. When he says there is a case, there is a case. Lacresha is our only hold up. So, I deal with character first, and she's honest, even when it hurts her. I deal with skill next. She is talented, full of vision and Christian zeal to help. She knows this business. I know a little myself and an amateur couldn't fool me. Finally, I deal with motives. She's not getting rich in this business, so it has to be the people.

Please stop bothering me with this. I'm with the company I trust and believe in. Anyone can say anything about people today and ruin a reputation it took years to build. But, I deal with facts. Neither I, Jennifer, Holly, Marie, nor has Jessica or Christine ever had problems cashing our checks, nor getting our Paypal money within a week's time. So, draw your own conclusions.

Writers Write to Get Paid

2008-02-02T15:56:00.001-08:00

I ran across a site a few weeks back that said writers write to get paid. This is not always the goal of writers though. Some write for the sake of spreading a message. Monetary benefit is a secondary benefit. Who am I talking about? I'm talking about those who write about things that affect nations of people. I'm talking about nonfiction and Christian literature.

I believe that writers need to always be honest with themselves. I write under 3 pseudonyms that I won't mention here. Still, my first 2 books were published by a vanity house. It wasn't until my third book that I was ready to pursue a relationship with a traditional, independent publisher. Now, with 4 books on the market, all under various names, I've worked my way up to getting advances and selling my writing. In fact, the latest manuscript I wrote was welcomed at Living Waters Publishing Company and I was awarded with a nice advance. However, this is going to be my second book with them. The first one, which I signed with them about two months ago, received a minimal 10% royalty rate. I got no advance.

My point is this: writers are being duped on two sides of the fence. On one side, there are greedy vanity presses who charge authors thousands of dollars without any measurable results for their books. On the other side, there are those authors who tell them that paying anyone to publish their books is ALWAYS a ripoff, that every publisher who accepts money is a scam or a fraud. There is a middle ground. There are publishers who can make life easier for those who have not honestly learned enough or don't have the capability to pursue Random, S&S, Zondervan and more.

Please look at my list of publishing houses that offer great services, even though they may actually charge you for those services. These are publishers who offer some marketing, editing, or other services. Don't allow someone who has a writing career already to stop you from pursuing yours the best way available to you!

Understanding traditional publishing

2008-01-21T09:05:00.000-08:00

Right before I was given a traditional contract, I'd decided to do cooperative publishing. I'd actually submitted to Living Waters because I'd heard they had a cooperative program. I was actually shocked to get a traditional contract and an advance.

During my latter research, I found a new trend that makes authors more money in the long run. Through various research outlets, I found that many authors are moving into cooperative and self-publishing for various reasons: less wait time for release; to keep editorial and creative control of their work; to make more money from their book sales.

To all aspiring authors, before you count out cooperative publishing as vanity and unwanted, you may want to visits these sites:

http://www.marketingsource.com/articles/view/3909

http://www.jorlanpublishing.com/traditionalpublishing.htm

http://www.writinghelp-central.com/write-book-problems.html

http://hubpages.com/hub/Self-Publishing_Benefits_Outweigh_Traditional_Publishing

These are just a few sources of accurate information. Ultimately, it doesn't matter how you get published if you are fully invested in the marketing of your book. Help your publisher help you. Be prepared to work, and know that vanity does not mean untrustworthy. It means an alternative route to my dream. But ultimately, we know that traditional publishing is a great way to save money upfront and get into the stores. But, either way, stores will return your book if readers are not interested in them. Don't over-rate anything! Do your research!

An Author Speaks Out About Sexual Abuse

2008-01-20T21:28:00.000-08:00

Some of you have undoubtedly heard of Lacresha N. Hayes, the author of The Rape of Innocence: Taking Captivity Captive and Becoming: My Personal Memoirs. She's been busy compelling women to speak up about their sexual and domestic abuse. Her books are just an extension of who she is as a woman, a minister and a mother. The interview I conducted with her was candid. I asked the hard questions and she gave me straight answers. (This interview was conducted over the telephone.)

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E.N. ~ Lacresha, tell me what inspired you to put your experiences in a book.

L.H. ~ I've been a writer all my life. I would write poetry. I even loved writing essays when it was on a topic I cared about. Writing is therapeutic for me. It was just a natural step.

E.N. ~ Do you ever feel, or have you ever felt, that you were to blame for the things that happened to you?

L.H. ~ Of course. I think that's just nature for victims to feel that way, especially if they were victimized as a child or if it was an ongoing thing. I know it wasn't my fault now, and I want to teach other women that it isn't their faults either.

E.N. ~ I have to ask this question, otherwise this interview would not be real. In your book, you mentioned substance abuse being prevalent in your family. How did you escape it yourself?

L.H. ~ Honestly, I was never tempted to use any kind of drug or alcohol. It wasn't my thing, so to speak. I guess looking at the effects of it on my parents was enough to send me the other direction. I believe God wanted to preserve me from that area of life. Of course, just because I didn't use drugs doesn't mean I didn't have a drug all my own.

E.N. ~ Please elaborate. I mean, most children who grow up in environments like you have some form of behavior dysfunction.

L.H. ~ I didn't say I didn't have some behavior dysfunctions, as you put it. I did. I was terrified to say no to sex, and even years later, sex was both comforting and disturbing. It's hard to explain, but it took years to work that out of me. I hated men, but I desired to be loved by one. I trusted not a soul. So, even when hundreds of people were around me, I still felt alone.

E.N. ~ Give us a candid look inside your book, The Rape of Innocence.

L.H. ~ As in details of something I wrote or...

E.N. ~ As in something that was written in the book that shows us why we should purchase it.

L.H. ~ To be truthful, this book isn't for everybody. Some people would never want to know the twisted minds that operate around them everyday. There are a lot of them out there too. Just look at the statistics. But, in one particular part, I discussed the way my stepfather approached me. I discussed what my great grandfather and great, great uncle did. Basically, a person can make a wise assumption that molestation comes from those closest to you and that just because a person is "old", does not mean they are trustworthy with your children. All of it is equally compelling to me. I lived through it.

E.N. ~ Are there parts people ask you about often?

L.H. ~ Yes. They ask me about when I stabbed my first husband. So many women who go through traumatic experiences often have something like a temporary amnesia hit them. I truly did not remember the event as it actually happened until months later. I was very young and very tired of abuse. I struck back. Some women have asked me where I found the courage. I need to please go on record and say this: that was fear that took me over the edge. It felt wrong. Courage would have been to pack up and walk away for good. That takes courage. Faith gives you that kind of courage.

E.N. ~ I'm sure someone will happen upon my blog that was sexually abused. What would you like to say to them?

L.H. ~ I'd tell them to build a relationship with God. Rather than blame Him for the terrible things that happened to them, trust Him to heal their hearts. He can do it. Sexual abuse can make a person feel so worthless and nasty inside. The anger, depression and hopelessness mixes and brings confusion. Just because you've been a victim does not mean you ARE a victim. We have strength inside us to pick up the pieces. We can decide just how much the perpetrator takes. He/she may have taken our bodies. We must stand up and say "No" when it comes to our minds, our peace, our esteem, our joy, and our power. My motto is "Make your pain your power" and I try to live by that. I don't feel great about things everyday, but I don't feel guilty when I grieve either. That's my right. That's your right, for those who are reading. You have the right to FEEL and deal with it and move on.

E.N. ~ It has been a pleasure to interview you. I went over my time, but it was worth it. You are a strong woman and I can see that your faith is important to you. I will definitely recommend your book, and I hope to hear more from you in the future.

L.H. ~ Thank you. I appreciate the opportunity!

Who is Erica Newton

2008-01-20T17:18:00.000-08:00

I salute all the visitors, browsers and readers, of my blog. It is quite a pleasure to have you here. As a newly contracted author with an advance and all to show for the two years of laboring over my book, I decided to start a blog. I've been studying publishing for years, trying to figure out how best to get my book into print and onto shelves around the world.

I invite you to share your experience with me. I will share mine with you. We will discuss authors and do interviews. We will do book reviews. We will do insider tips and information. I will list publisher recommendations based upon research and expert advice. Join in on the fun. Participate in the polls. Comment on the posts. I look forward to repeat readership!