People Behind Sunnex: an Insider Speaks

written April 2006 for the Sun.Star Network Online

Sometimes unnerving. Never nonchalant. Essentially xenophilous. That’s how I perceive Sunnex to be. It took me a while to get the hang of the work here and even longer to get to know the people behind it. For someone who has been with the Sun.Star Network Exchange for a year and 10 months, I would say that I have become quite familiar with the people who make the network “work” and ensure the exchange is incessant.

The Sunnex team is composed of people who come from different backgrounds –- with varied abilities and skill sets, and each person, like the many facets of the Sun.Star website, has something to offer that makes the online news network function like a well-oiled machine.

Take for example our Sunnex head, Nini Cabaero, who oversees everything. She’s the one who connects us to the outside world, voices our concerns to higher management, and makes deals with business people and companies to usher in improvements to the website. In that context and in Sunnex terms, she would be our Internet broadband connection because she provides a flow of information from one source to another and vice versa.

Our online editor, Marlen Limpag, to me is like our top network (banner) story. The banner story is the first thing visitors to the website will see and it has to be effective enough to entice the readers to browse beyond the homepage. And that’s how I see her –- an efficient gatekeeper who always makes sure that people who come to the website linger longer.

As for Mildred Galarpe, our network coordinator, I’ve come to know her as a people person. I think that’s why she’s the one coordinating exchanges between Sunnex and the Sun.Star newspapers all over the country. Because of her interpersonal skills, she is able to gather relevant data, which she then shares with us in the department to keep us informed. She’s like the breaking news feature on the website.

Online writer Joy Flores has a bubbly personality that seems to be a potent neutralizer to the stronger personalities in Sunnex. She’s like our e-magazine because she has the right combination of serious and fun and she’s got loads of fresh ideas in her head. She is easy to get along with and always effervescent.

The technical department is headed by supervisor Ivan Rodis. He is like an online firewall, as he’s the one responsible for the overall technology and security of the Sun.Star website — keeping the bad stuff (and sometimes people) away from the sensitive and significant data, programs and other technologies that the office holds dear.

Behind him are technical assistants Dave Tangarorang and Victor Sotto. The former is the self-confessed heartthrob, in charge of archiving. The latter is a newbie on the fast track of learning the tricks of the trade and works on programming.

Over at the Luzon bureau, we have bureau head Gem Cabreros and reporter Jonathan Fernandez, who are fun to have around and are an essential part of the Sunnex team.

Finally, we have administrative assistant Leah Ybañez who seems to be like a computer processor because of all the things she processes during her work day. She handles and facilitates office functions, which helps assure a smooth flow of work in the department.

These are the people who make the Sun.Star website work. These are the people behind Sunnex. I got to know them more over the course of 22 months and I’m hoping to get to know them more in the coming years (God willing).

But what about the writer of this article? Isn’t he part of the team? Well, if I’m still here for next year’s Sunnex anniversary, you just might read someone else write about me.

Matter of Time

written in November of 2004 for a Japanese magazine called "Wordsworth"

The Japanese economy hasn't been as robust as it was several years ago. Though still experiencing some growth in its gross domestic products, there has been a steady decline in the percentage of such growth. Despite this fact though, Japan remains the world's second largest economy, and to me that says a lot. To me, it indicates resilience in the face of challenges. It shows strength of character as a nation. It signifies determination against adversity.

But recently, the economy has encountered several obstacles over the past few years. And several questions have come up to confound the country's economic state. These are questions that needed purposeful pondering--questions that needed serious answering.

Can Japan's economy rise up again? How will she fare against other Asian and global economies? Will she be able to maintain her international status?

Land of the rising sun

I've always had Japan in my peripheral view, being one of my Asian neighbors and all. As a country, it has always been interesting and intriguing to me because of its cultural identity, rich history and economic prosperity. I believe these are also the same reasons why Japan is known the world over.

Throughout the years, I have come to know the "land of the rising sun" as an inventor and innovator of electronic and high technology equipment, a producer of imaginative and artistic movies, and as one of Asia's more prominent and powerful countries.

Lately though, circumstances compelled me to give Japan a deeper, more thorough look and I found out there was so much that I didn't know about her.

Global niche

Japan has a distinctive global niche. Being the second most technologically powerful economy in the world certainly warranted that. It is something other Asian countries can't say they have, yet. As I learned this for myself, I also discovered that one of the country's advantages in the international market is its ingenuity in the technology industry, particularly in the areas of electronics (computers and such) and robotics (with reports saying Japan possesses 410,000 of the world's 720,000 working robots). Another area of prominence, although not exclusive to your country, is the car manufacturing industry, which is also one of your major exports. With manufacturers like Toyota, Mitsubishi and Nissan, moreand more people are demanding automobiles from Japanese productionlines.

And then there's your film industry, which I particularly like! Japanese movies have often gained global acclaim because of their artistry and imaginativeness. Directors like the late Akira Kurosawa, actors like Academy Award nominee Ken Watanabe, and films like 'Zatoichi' and 'Ju-On' have helped bring Japan to the international limelight.

These are but some of the facets that contribute to Japan's global popularity.

Asian perspective

In Asia, I see that things are looking better for Japan as compared to her neighbors. Yes, China is fast becoming an economic giant; yes, India is fast becoming the region's information technology hub; and yes, North Korea is about to go mega-nuclear (I hope not!), but Japan has already gained global reputation--economically, technologically and culturally--way ahead of other Asian countries. It's something your country has enjoyed shortly after the end of the Second World War.

Politically, there may be some Asian country that's not quite in agreement with Japan, but it's nothing a good round table discussion can fix. As far as I know, your country has been friendly with her neighbors--past excluded (let's not go there). Economically, it is apparent that Japanese transactions within Asia have met much success. Speaking from where I am (Cebu, Philippines), I know this for a fact.

In my city, a lot of Japanese-owned businesses have flourished. In recent months I've even noticed the proliferation of Japanese restaurants, convenient stores, and the like flocking in a single district. Throughout my country, there has also been big Japan-based companies that have set up shop here and have not only helped generated jobs but also, I believe, nurtured Japan's relationship with the Philippines in some way.

However, there is one thing I think you need to work on for you to become more competitive in the region. Japan as a nation needs to be more proficient in the use of English as a medium of written and oral communication. Case in point: Call center jobs. A lot, if not majority, of call centers establish businesses in countries like the Philippines, India and even China because many people in these nations have exercised the common use of the English language. It is also
important in dealing with foreigners--businessmen or not. If this is adapted in Japan, I know the country would be even more competitive in the Asian region and in the world, more businesses would now be looking to your shores to invest. Imagine what that would do for your economy.

And that brings us to the main question here.

Revitalization

Back in June this year, Prime Minister (PM) Junichiro Koizumi presented policies for structural reforms in economic and fiscal management, saying Japan has made a breakthrough from its long economic stagnation. In that statement made by the PM, he said that the government will work intensively and concentrate its effort on economic revitalization.

I believe this is an indication of change. And it's a good thing because what Koizumi and the government is doing is equivalent to giving cardio-pulmonary resuscitation to an unconscious person (okay, my analogy is rather extreme, but you get the idea).

That statement ended with PM asking for understanding and cooperation from the people of Japan--something I know isn't really a stretch for you guys since you do have that sense of "keiretsu", which hopefully will increase to a national level.

Will Japan see better days? Will her economy recover? Will there be another Ju-On sequel?

The sun will rise again

Japan has had a long history of economic success. And although there has been a decline in the annual growth rate, growth has been maintained nonetheless. What the government, economists and the business sector should do (perhaps they're doing this already) is to learn from the country's past, both the recent and ancient. Assessment should be made on the nation's strengths and weakness and acquire new insights from them so they can be applied to the state of the economy.

You have a strong export market, while at the same time investors still come to your country to establish businesses. Japan has already established itself and proven its capabilities as a nation not only to the whole of Asia but also to the entire world.

The global community has seen Japan's resilience and determination in the face of adversity time and again. We've seen how you've managed to pick your nation up from disasters like earthquakes and storms. We've seen you at your best in whatever field of endeavor you are in.

These are the characteristics of a winner. These are the characteristics that Japan has. I for one believe that with this on your side, your country will recover and rise up again, and even reach greater heights of success.

I know it is only a matter of time.

Xlibris Book for Kids Chosen Finalist in Non-Fiction Category of USABookNews Awards

written November 27, 2007

The Xlibris children’s book “Monique ‘Sweetie Pie’ Walton”, authored by Janet Spann-Walton, was named finalist in the Children’s Non-Fiction category of the National Best Books 2007 Awards.

Monique “Sweetie Pie” Walton is the story of how a cat adapts to her new life with the Walton family after being separated from her birth mother and siblings. The narrative is told from the perspective of Monique, the cat, whose life events – from 1999 up to the present – unfold like exciting chapters of someone’s personal memoirs.

This self-published book describes how Monique finds acceptance and forms a relationship with a woman named Janet, whom she would later call Mommy. The engaging tale also shows how Janet overcomes her fear of cats by forming a bond with Monique, as she feeds and plays with her.

Janet Spann-Walton wrote Monique “Sweetie Pie” Walton after realizing how much her life has been impacted by the presence of Monique. The story is mainly for children, but pet and cat lovers of all ages will also find inspiration in the pages of this book.

Monique “Sweetie Pie” Walton is available at Xlibris.com.

The National Best Books Awards was created by USABookNews, an organization that delivers information and gives recognition to new and noteworthy releases in the world of books. Its goal is to widen the awareness of booksellers and readers to the literary success of independent publishers and their authors. Now in its fifth year, the National Best Books Awards is one of the largest literary competitions in the United States.

New Feature on Xlibris Website Gives Authors a Preview of Their Book

written November 20, 2007

If seeing is believing, then the latest feature on the Xlibris website is sure to make many believe in what the leader in the self-publishing industry has to offer. Take a Look Inside allows authors to experience and get an idea of what their book will look like even before they begin the publishing process.

This new interactive feature, which previews Xlibris books published in full-color and in black-and-white, gives authors a visual representation of how the elements of their book – the text and images – will be laid out and designed, from cover to cover.

Whether authors wish to publish a memoir, a book of poetry, a children’s book, a fiction or non-fiction novel, a book of photos, a self-help book, or a cookbook, Take a Look Inside is a practical way for them to see what their finished book will look like. This feature will certainly be a huge factor in their decision to self-publish with Xlibris.

Learn more about this innovative feature at www.xlibris.com.

Xlibris November Christmas Wish List Offer Makes It Even Easier To Self-Publish

written November 16, 2007

In line with its objective of helping writers become authors, Xlibris, the leader in the self-publishing industry, is giving aspiring authors an early holiday treat this November that will make their publishing wishes come true.

For the whole month of November, authors who publish with Xlibris will have the opportunity to choose among great pre-Holiday offers and then some.

Second Submission Free. Authors with a second book lined up for submission can have it published with their first one, free. This two for one promo gives writers an incredible opportunity to save 100% on their second book. That’s two books for the price of one.

Discounted Publishing. Big discounts off any of the Xlibris Publishing Packages are also up for grabs and can give authors up to $2,600 in savings. These savings can mean more spending money for the holidays, or for other publishing or marketing services that can help writers with the promotion of their books.

Free Publishing Upgrades. Xlibris also allows authors to get a free upgrade of their publishing package, which means they get the benefits of the next higher-level package at no extra cost.

On top of these, authors who avail of this November promo get a special Holiday Gift certificate and up to 50 Holiday e-cards with each publishing service that Xlibris will send to the author’s friends and family.

To know more about these Xlibris promotional offers, get in touch with a publishing consultant today at 1-888-795-4274 for more information, or e-mail to publishtoday@xlibris.com.

Xlibris Adventure Novel Named Finalist in Gay/Lesbian Category of USABookNews Awards

written November 12, 2007

The Xlibris release “Shalom Tower Syndrome”, written by Albert Russo, was named finalist in the Gay/Lesbian Fiction category of the National Best Books 2007 Awards.

Shalom Tower Syndrome is the story of how a young man reconciles himself with the complexities of his identity. Having been born to a Jewish Italian father and mother of African descent, Alexis contemplates his ethnic and religious roots in pages of this exciting novel.

Albert Russo takes readers through the progression of Alexis’s life, as he and his American wife vacation in Israel. There, he runs into a major crossroads when his past catches up with him. Alexis also comes across some young Israelis, a Palestinian and a German professor who all add to the intricacy of his journey.

Shalom Tower Syndrome is a largely autobiographical adventure/mystery novel and is available at Xlibris.com.

The National Best Books Awards was created by USABookNews, an organization that delivers information and gives recognition to new and noteworthy releases in the world of books. Its goal is to widen the awareness of booksellers and readers to the literary success of independent publishers and their authors. Now in its fifth year, the National Best Books Awards is one of the largest literary competitions in the United States.

‘Katie’ bats for more by expanding its outreach programs

written November 8, 2007

After hitting a homerun with the commencement of its youth outreach program, the Katie at the Bat Team gears up for the next phase in broadening its scope. With the success of the Katie at the Bat Basketball Program in West Philadelphia, the non-profit organization now sets its sights on other sports activities as a venue for improving the lives of inner-city youths.

In the past summer, the Katie at the Bat Team launched a tennis program in Grays Ferry – sending 12 girls to a tennis camp in the suburbs – and a basketball camp at Villanova University, where another batch of girls were sent. These programs are designed to provide low-income, school-age girls extra curricular activities that enable them to find success in their endeavors, which will eventually empower Katie athletes to make positive contributions to their respective communities.

Moreover, the organization’s founder and president, Lisa Hoffstein, recently announced that the Katie at the Bat Team is developing a partnership with Temple University to set up a softball program in North Philadelphia for the spring and summer of 2008. The group is also planning to introduce a martial arts program in the near future, which will further establish Katie’s niche of bringing city and suburban young girls together through sports.

As one of the means to support these goals, Hoffstein continues to donate proceeds of her illustrated children’s book, Katie at the Bat, to the organization. Self-published through Xlibris, the book depicts the story of a female baseball player who is called to the plate for the hit that will decide the fate of the entire game. Hoffstein’s Katie at the Bat also features illustrations by gifted young artists from Philadelphia schools.

The success of the Katie at the Bat Team in reaching out to youngsters and providing them with new opportunities and improved levels of support and quality of life is a reflection of the challenges overcome by the protagonist in the book Katie at the Bat.

Author Spotlight: Howard Shapiro / ‘Hockey Days’

written October 31, 2007

“I find inspiration from many sources like music, books and even in everyday conversations. As a writer, you always want to have your eyes and ears open for any inspiration that comes down the road.” – Howard Shapiro


Howard Shapiro is not your typical children’s book author. Having published three books in the last three years, he has achieved his goal of writing characters that adults and kids would be able to relate to and care about. His stories have has also helped children deal with issues (understanding and accepting ones heritage in Hanukkah Counts Too!; dealing with bullies in a non-violent way in Destructo Boy & Spillerella...We Are Who We Are!) that he himself went through as a child. In essence, he has accomplished his objective of creating stories that have something relevant to say.

As with his first two books, Hockey Days has an important message for its intended readers. This book is the heartwarming story of how Tom (the main protagonist of Shapiro’s books) and his dad are brought together by the sport of hockey. Shapiro illustrates the significance of timeless values such as teamwork, self-discipline, friendship and hard work in the pages of Hockey Days, emphasizing that hockey – or any sport for that matter – is more than just winning or scoring the most points.

Hockey Days, according to Shapiro, was written as a tribute to the sport, and to his own dad who passed away in 2005. Upon finishing the book, he went on the Internet, researched on self-publishing companies, and, having read several favorable recommendations, decided to self-publish his third book with Xlibris. He was pleased with the outcome of his decision. “It was good overall. Everyone I worked with there was very professional and dealt with any issue in a prompt and courteous manner. The quality of my book is excellent.”

So excellent, in fact, that Hockey Days has received nothing but good reviews on Amazon.com. And Shapiro has himself to thank for that because not only has he come up with a wonderful, feel-good story that parents and kids can relate to, but he also put much effort in the promotion his book. “Work at marketing [your book] on your own. Do not count on the publisher to help you. They can assist you, but the bulk of the work – like the phone calls, emails – will have to come from you.”

This attitude has enabled Shapiro to pursue the self-publication of his three children’s books in three consecutive years. He believes one has to be prepared to work extremely hard if they want their books to be successful. “There is only so much the publisher can do. The bulk of the marketing/promo/publicity will have to come from the author.”

Another factor for the success of Shapiro and his works is his belief in the Golden Rule – “treat others as you would like to be treated" – something he practices and abides by. With his children’s books, he set out to help kids deal with difficulties in their young lives and, in return, others have helped him succeed as a published author. It has all worked out well for Shapiro.
Now, that’s anything but typical.

Guidelines for managing life after retirement offered in Xlibris release

written October 22, 2007

Getting old is inevitable. It is a fact. Every one – no matter who they are, how rich, or how healthy they may feel – will grow old and reach retirement age someday. No one is exempt. The best thing to do is to prepare for it, and the Xlibris book, “Choices: Planning the Rest of Your Life,” shows exactly how to do it.

Choices is a self-help book written by Leslie Baldwin designed to help young people prepare for the inevitability of life after retirement, and to provide senior citizens with guidelines for managing their life in retirement and beyond. The author emphasizes the importance of planning in changing people’s view of the aging process.

Baldwin presents strategies that lead to physical, emotional and financial health and well-being by pointing out the necessity of maintaining good physical health in old age, preparing contingency plans for possible hospitalization, and arranging for personal care whether at home or in a hospital. The author goes a step further by advising his readers to prepare for their own funeral, making Choices a comprehensive retirement planning book.

This self-published title helps readers shift from complete independence to partial assistance to custodial care when slowed or limited by certain disabilities. In essence, Choices is all about “choices” – informed ones – and discovering how to age with wisdom and grace by learning from the experiences of others, without relinquishing the right to make personal decisions.

Know more about Choices: Planning the Rest of Your Life and how to prepare for life after retirement and beyond by visiting Amazon.com and Xlibris.com

Yellow30 Names Xlibris Title as Best Book in Sci-fi, Fantasy Genre

written October 4, 2007

Yellow30 Sci-Fi recently named the Xlibris fantasy novel, The Oneprince, as winner of its Charon Sci-Fi Award. The announcement was made on October 1, 2007.

The self-published book, by Bill Hand, was recognized as the best book published in the science fiction, fantasy, or alternate history genre between 1999 and 2005. The Oneprince beat out three other finalists in the category, including another Xlibris title, The Mushroom Circle by Clare C. Newbury.

The Oneprince is set in the time of sword and sorcery and follows the tale of prince Quad in his quest to restore peace to the kingdom of Redaemus. The book has been described as “a challenging fantasy, with excellent description and characterization, and an impressively devious story line.”

Meanwhile, the Charon Sci-Fi Award was created by Yellow30 as a one-time recognition for the best sci-fi, fantasy, or alternate history book published between 1999 and 2005.

Visit www.xlibris.com for details on The Oneprince, and www.yellow30scifi.com for more information on the Charon Sci-Fi Award.

O.J. Simpson murder trial dissected in Xlibris title by Rosenthal

written September 21, 2007

If the media frenzy over the recent arrest of O.J. Simpson still has not sated appetites for all things notorious and controversial, then the Xlibris release, The Juice: Killer on the Loose, surely will.

Of the numerous O.J. Simpson-themed books released since his acquittal in criminal court in 1995, this self-published title by Saul Rosenthal offers the most comprehensive coverage of the infamous murder case.

The Juice: Killer on the Loose provides an in-depth look at the most media-intensive criminal case in American history. Rosenthal explores the impact of the O.J. Simpson murder case on race relations, awareness of activism against domestic violence, investigative procedure, and law enforcement, among others.

Rosenthal sets this book apart from the rest, by providing a thorough chronology of the criminal and civil trials – covering the span of three years – and commentaries on important events prior to and after the murders and the trials.

Although initially published in 2003, The Juice: Killer on the Loose retains its relevance today, as it presents an exhaustive study on the O.J. Simpson murder case and on Simpson himself. Students, scholars, professionals and anyone interested in learning about the implications of infamous crime can use this book as a resource.

The Juice: Killer on the Loose is available at Amazon and at the Xlibris.com bookstore.

Xlibris book provides survival guidelines for singles

written September 11, 2007

Life for the single person is never easy these days, especially with the labyrinthine challenges of living in the 21st Century. Thankfully, Xlibris addresses this issue in the book, 111 Ways to Survive Being Single, by Elizabeth Cotton.

111 Ways to Survive Being Single is the summary of Cotton’s life experiences as a single woman and how those events helped her become independent, strong and spiritual. Having gone through emotional abuse as a child and several traumatic incidences – date rapes, miscarriages, an unwanted pregnancy, interracial dating – as an adult prompted Cotton to write this book as a caution to singles from doing things that may cause them regret in the future.

This self-published book provides wisdom and enlightenment for people in the various stages of singleness, and serves as a resource for those who want to feel better and go beyond the desperation of being single. Cotton shares her 20-year experience being single, including her relationships with men, and how these experiences affected her life.

111 Ways to Survive Being Single imparts many of the insights and knowledge Cotton has accrued over the years to give readers comfort and peace of mind as they go through life as a single person.

Elizabeth Cotton’s 111 Ways to Survive Being Single is available at Amazon, Barnes&Noble, and at the Xlibris online bookstore.

Xlibris Titles Top Finalists for Online Book Award

written September 6, 2007

Two Xlibris books – by Joan How and Jude Hatcher Bangs – dominate the list of finalists for Yellow30 Sci-Fi’s inaugural Pluto Award for books in the science fiction/fantasy genre.

One of the three finalists announced on September 1 is the self-published book, “Legend,” written by Jude Hatcher Bangs. Legend is the second book in the Elf King series, chronicling the adventures of the protagonist, Kai, as he discovers more about his Elvish roots.

The second Xlibris book in the list is “Bryre’s Jewels” by Joan How. Bryre’s Jewels is an epic adventure told through the perspective of three female characters endowed with different magical and physical abilities.

Legend and Bryre’s Jewels were among the Xlibris titles nominated for the Pluto Award. Included in the nominees list were “The Star Phoenix” by David L. Brown, “Child of Light” by Diane Bentley Baker, and “Adara and the Pirates” by Jerry Williston.

Yellow30 Sci-Fi is an independent online forum for science fiction and fantasy books that recognizes the literary achievement of authors who self-publish or publish through small presses. The winner of the Pluto Award will be declared on November 1, 2007.

To read more about the awards or the nominees, you can visit the Yellow30 Sci-Fi website or the Xlibris online bookstore.

Xlibris book explores the intricacies of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth

written August 20, 2007

The Xlibris book, Visualizing Middle-earth, takes an in-depth look at the elements and concepts envisioned by J.R.R. Tolkien in his epic saga, the Lord of the Rings.

Renowned Tolkien researcher Michael Martinez presents a collection of essays in this self-published book, discussing several of Middle-earth’s issues that include the economy of Bree, the holidays Hobbits observe, the portrayal of the Rohirrim, and the history and culture of Dwarves.

Martinez, in the essay “Tolkien’s Middle-earth Doesn’t Look Like Medieval Europe,” contends that the assumptions many fans have on the actual appearance of Middle-earth is not what Tolkien had in mind when he wrote the Lord of the Rings.

Meanwhile, in “Understanding Magic in J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth,” Martinez argues against the misconceptions and myths on the workings of magic in the realm of the Elves. This, and the rest of the book’s essays, makes Visualizing Middle-earth an indispensable and exciting complement to the Lord of the Rings books and movies.

A must-have for Tolkien aficionados, Visualizing Middle-earth is available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Xlibris.com.

Four Xlibris Titles Honored in 2007 Hollywood Book Fest

written August 13, 2007

Four self-published Xlibris titles were recently given recognition in separate categories of the 2007 Hollywood Book Festival.

Among the books that earned accolades from the said award-giving body was K.L. Vaniko’s Why the Dog Chases the Cat and the Cat Chases the Mouse, a tragic-comic tale about keeping promises. This book was honored in the Children’s Books category.

Meanwhile, Kevin M. Weeks’s suspenseful drama about living on the edge entitled The Street Life Series: Is It Suicide or Murder?, was recognized in the Wild Card category. The said book is the first of a collection of urban fiction/murder mystery novels penned by Weeks.

For General Fiction, Romina Wilcox’s murder-mystery novel, Cold Eyes, made it in the category’s top three, as did L.W. Berrie’s action-adventure tale, Strike at the Heart, for the Genre-based category.

The 2007 Hollywood Book Festival was held July 28 at Barnsdall Art Park in Hollywood, California. This is the only annual publishing event that gives recognition to books that deserve notice from the film, television and multimedia industries, with the intent of adapting print into different media.

Visit hollywoodbookfestival.com for more on the festival and the winners, and xlibris.com for more on the honored authors and their books.

Complimentary book in Xlibris publishing packages fosters support among authors

written August 10, 2007

Xlibris goes beyond helping writers achieve their dreams of publishing their work: it fosters prosperous relationships within the author community. The inclusion of a complimentary copy of any Xlibris title in its publishing packages enables authors to support each other’s work and book sales.

Authors who take advantage of any black-and-white or full color publishing package – from Basic ($499) to Platinum ($12,999) – get the privilege of choosing a paperback copy of any title from Xlibris’ library of self-published books. This is a feature available only from Xlibris.

When a book is chosen as a complimentary copy, the author of the chosen title receives a 25% royalty, which increases both the exposure and the book sales of the chosen author. The author who chose the complimentary copy gets an opportunity to appreciate another author’s self-published work.

This relationship promotes the supportive environment of the Xlibris self-publishing community, where authors and their work can thrive.

To know more about Xlibris self-publishing services, visit xlibris.com today.

Xlibris Authors Named Winners in the New York Book Festival

written August 6, 2007

Xlibris authors Kevin Weeks and L.W. Berrie were among the privileged few to be named winners in the 2007 New York Book Festival, an award-giving body that gives recognition to authors whose books highlight their story-telling abilities.

L.W. Berrie’s Strike at the Heart was named Best Science Fiction Book, while The Street Life Series by Kevin Weeks won in the Wild Card category. Both titles also received honors in the 2007 Hollywood Book Festival.

Other Xlibris titles that earned special mentions in different categories of the New York Book Festival are Romina Wilcox’s Cold Eyes for Fiction, Alexander Duvan’s Planet New York for Non-Fiction, and M. Almanza’s The Woods for Science Fiction.

The New York Book Festival aims to recognize the achievement of writers in the non-fiction, fiction, children’s books, teenage, poetry, how-to, audio/spoken word, comics, e-books, wild card, science fiction, romance and biography/autobiography genres.

The 2007 New York Book Festival is produced by the independent media company JM Northern Media and was held on June 23 in Central Park.

To read more about the festival and the winners, visit newyorkbookfestival.com or the Xlibris online bookstore.

Xlibris releases a tale of superhero struggles in The Fragile Light

written July 26, 2007

The struggles of a super-powered woman – and her team of misfits – in a society that rejects and hates superheroes are the focus of the Xlibris release, The Fragile Light: A Herotown Novel, by David Nurenberg.

The Fragile Light zeroes in on the life of Gayle Fellman, aka Gal Friday, and her efforts to continue living the superhero lifestyle in a world that has ostracized people with powers. Gayle has been living in the ghettos of Herotown, where super-powered individuals have been relocated after nuclear devastation was unleashed by a superhuman terrorist.

Nurenberg’s tale revolves around the character dynamics between Gayle, her vampire fiancé, an eccentric inventor, as well as a detective with a dark secret – and strong affections for Gal Friday. Together, they form a super hero team – the Friday Knights – in an attempt regain their rights to be real heroes and to defend the world from an international conspiracy that threatens humanity.

The Fragile Light is the first chapter of The Herotown Trilogy and is available at the Xlibris.com bookstore.

Xlibris launches book on achieving purpose and greatness by Ned Frey

written July 18, 2007

Everyone has a longing to know their purpose in life and find their way to get there. The Xlibris release Purpose: Achieving the Greatness for Which You Were Created, by Ned Frey, seeks to guide readers to a path of self-discovery that will ultimately lead them to the greatness for which they were created.

In Purpose, Frey poses questions for deep evaluation of what is significant in one’s life, thus enabling readers to pursue endeavors that are aligned to their purpose. The book also teaches the importance of childhood messages, the significance of understanding dreams and hopes, and how to trust one’s inner voice.

Purpose: Achieving the Greatness for Which You Were Created goes from being a book that points out the real cause of anxieties, depressions and self-esteem issues that hinder people from achieving greatness, to becoming a guide to finding a path to success and attaining their impossible dreams.

To get a copy of Purpose: Achieving the Greatness for Which You Were Created, visit the Xlibris.com bookstore now.

Xlibris unveils These Audacious Maples, a book of poetry by Paul O. Williams

written April 30, 2007

Xlibris releases These Audacious Maples, a book of poetry by Paul O. Williams. A collection of 98 poems written in the tanka form, this book takes on different subjects and is the first of its kind from the author.

Tanka originated from China but was adopted as a form of love poem by medieval Japanese nobility. Williams, who has been a writer and publisher of 45 years, has inclined recently towards the use of tanka as an economical form of poetry. These Audacious Maples shows this inclination as the author uses tanka to comment on 11 various subjects.

These Audacious Maples is foreworded by Michael Dylan Welch with a short introduction by Williams himself.

To get a copy of These Audacious Maples, visit the Xlibris.com bookstore now.

Xlibris releases Prayer Stations, a guide to focused praying

written March 26, 2007

Xlibris releases a new book that emphasizes the importance of concentrated prayer in every person’s life. Aptly entitled, Prayer Stations, this is a guide created by authors Byron F. Ravenell and Georgia M. Hood to obtain what they believe God intends to give to His people. Readers will discover the twelve prayer stations – or states of mind – that believers can set up to commune better with their Creator. The book also enables prayer warriors to gain focus in their prayer life.

Prayer Stations provides proof of healing, deliverance, salvation, restoration and financial breakthrough from people who have been through the said stations of prayer. Ravenell and Hood specify what readers can expect – signs, miracles and wonders – as they go through each of the stations. The book is sure to not only be a good read but also a spiritually-enriching one.

Prayer Stations is available at the Xlibris.com bookstore now.

Spiritual Enlightenment Featured in New Xlibris Release

written March 19, 2007

Xlibris launches Master Sveta Znanja’s The Sacred Knowledge, which sheds light on age-old questions pertaining to man’s purpose and place in life. These questions are in relation to a grand scheme of existence, which people have sought answers to over the years. At the same time, this book allows readers to find enlightenment and purpose. Also discussed are the secrets of the cosmos, as well as discovering the human capacity in the paranormal field.

In The Sacred Knowledge, Znanja also explains the truth of the creation of the cosmos, the sources and places of Spiritual Power, and how cosmic energies can be used for the betterment of the human race. This book guarantees a mentally and spiritually stimulating engagement as it takes readers on a journey of discovering purpose, and attaining not just wisdom but enlightenment.

The Sacred Knowledge is now available at the Xlibris.com bookstore.

Xlibris launches Ducey’s The Secular Spirit

written March 12, 2007

For readers who are riding on the wave of religious controversies, Michael H. Ducey’s book, The Secular Spirit, will provide the needed fix to assure hours of contemplation on what is and what is not. The Secular Spirit talks about the decline of religion and the rise of secularism. Those whose faiths are merely passive may soon find themselves questioning their own beliefs after reading this book.

The Secular Spirit tackles the “dual character” of religion, and provides critical analysis of century-old religious traditions. Ducey not only focuses on Roman Catholicism, which has become the recent target of controversy and conspiracies, but on the entire institution of religion. His experiences as a former Jesuit priest, a teaching sociologist, and a meditating hermit breathe life to his writings.

Ducey notes in his book that human beings’ desire to affiliate with a religion is a “fix” to make the world more understandable to them. However, he discusses at length the consequences of this “fix” on the human psyche, and its primary remedy.

Copies of Michael H. Ducey’s The Secular Spirit are now available in the Xlibris.com online bookstore.