My Writing Portfolio

Author Spotlight Article on Greg Pappas

2009-11-24T17:52:00.000-08:00

“I believe that the reality that we see is important, but so is that which is unseen.”

If something is ensconced deep in your soul, it will but naturally come out in all that you say and all that you do. This pretty much sums up the essence of Greg Pappas’ work on his book, SoulBound, which he translated from the unseen corners of his mind into the tangible pages of his self-published work.

In June of 2006, after expressing disappointment over a book his nephew suggested to him, Greg started to write out a story that he felt could be better than what he had just read, birthing what would become SoulBound in a matter of hours.

“It wasn’t a brash reply in my view, because I just knew that there was a very creative soul within me, and a story was almost bursting to come out. The plot formed rather quickly, and by the following day, I had a general concept written down,” Greg says of the creation of his book.

Although he had not initially taken his novel seriously, he did find positive response to his work from people who were close to him during the spring of 2008. These same people encouraged him to finish writing his book and by summer that year, he did.

Greg then went on the Internet and searched for online publishers. He came across many options but found Xlibris’ presentation to be the most impressive. He says his publishing experience as a first-time author was “a rather difficult process for me… but in the end, when the job was finished, the final product looked great.”

It was a long journey converting his thoughts into words and his words into the pages of his book, but Greg’s creativity and hard work paid off. The result is SoulBound, his first self-published book, which does not only look great but was also received well by its readers. “Every single person has expressed an overwhelming sense of ‘wow!’ I’ve been genuinely excited that the book has been so well received and in a fashion that has them clamoring for more,” he says of the success of his book.

Greg shares this success with his family and the people closest to him who give him inspiration. From them he has learned to receive and give unconditional love, always had a helping hand when he needed it, and found joy and happiness in his family. He expresses this heartfelt inspiration through his interactions with his loved ones.

“I am inspired by the beautiful humanity displayed by those I love, and am loved by. My mother has always been my biggest supporter, and her love for me has shown no boundaries. My father has taught me how to be a man. My daughter is the single truest joy in my life… and I am overwhelmed that she rises ever upward as a human being, and is a far better person than I. There’s something beautiful in that.”

With enough inspiration to go around, Greg now looks forward to writing the follow-up books to SoulBound, which he plans to turn into a series. He also plans to share his book of poetry entitled Whispers, Shadows & Dreams, written from the perspective of Jimmy Kassakatis, the main character of his book. On top of that, the 44-year-old author is gearing up for upcoming book signing engagements in Maryland and is considering the option of having his series translated into movies or a television series.

The accomplishments that he achieved as the author of SoulBound, which the people around him and his readers now see and enjoy, all started with an unseen concept inside his creative soul. Greg’s success is evident and it stemmed from his philosophy: “I believe that the reality that we see is important, but so is that which is unseen. I am just at the beginning of believing in a universal essence… and that ‘beyond’ is remarkably closer and more wondrous than one can imagine.”

Author Spotlight on Adilah Barnes

2009-11-24T17:49:00.000-08:00

“I believe that all is possible with a vision, hard work, focus and a very specific plan of action and follow-through.”

If you look up the word ‘journey’ in any dictionary, you would probably get this definition: ‘the process of travelling from one place to another.’ That pretty much sums up what life is all about – making transitions from one place or circumstance to another until we reach our intended destination or, more appropriately, our destiny.

If you look into the life of Adilah Barnes, you will certainly find a similar definition of the word journey but with more depth and substance. Throughout her lifetime, she has been on a series of transitions from her humble beginnings in a small agricultural California town to becoming an award-winning actor, producer, acting and writing instructor, retreat proprietor and self-published author of the book, On My Own Terms: One Actor’s Journey.

In her self-published book, Adilah recounts her life story and the important lessons she learned. Growing up in a single-parent, seven-sibling household in Oroville, California – close to where she worked in the dusty prune fields in Marysville – presented life lessons and blessings for her. Having descended from a grandmother who was born a slave gave her inspiration and fortitude. Moreover, through the determination of her mother, she received an impartation of wisdom, tenacity and leadership – qualities that enabled Adilah to flourish in life.

In the course of her youth, Adilah was inexplicably struck with petit mal epilepsy, causing her to retreat within herself. It was not until Project Upward Bound came into her life that she transitioned from having absence seizures to moving towards leadership, having a successful college life and embarking on a journey to a future career in acting.

Completing her formal college education at the University of California, Santa Cruz, where she gained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theatre Arts, Adilah then began a series of transitions from acting to producing, from instructing to writing, all of which lent themselves to the development of her craft as an artist.

In the middle of 1980s while in one of her acting classes at the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco, Adilah received a blank notebook from her students. She was told that the gift was a reminder for when she was ready to write a book on acting where she could share everything she learned and experienced in life and as an actor.

“At that time, I had no desire to write an acting book but by 2004, I felt it was time. I initially began with the notion of writing a linear ‘how-to’ acting book but did not feel I could say anything the masters such as Stanislavski, Uta Hagen, Lee Strasberg and Sanford Meisner had not already said,” she relates, on making another transition on her journey.

In 2008, Adilah released her book On My Own Terms: One Actor’s Journey where she shares her personal account of her life and career as an actor. The book focuses on her battles, triumphs, frustrations, and joys set against historical events such as the Civil Rights Movement, Vietnam War, Black Power Movement, assassinations of public figures, and the unrest of the 1960s. But at the heart of it all, Adilah says her book "is about an ashy-kneed country girl with big dreams who has many angels along the way who support her in making her dreams come true."

One of the angels who have helped make Adilah’s dream of telling her exceptional journey come true is Xlibris. She had heard of the self-publishing company from one of her former acting students and eventually chose to have On My Own Terms published with them. “Quite honestly, I met a number of challenges along the way. However, in the end, we turned out a well-presented book of quality. I did have a team at Xlibris who supported me along the way until my book was completed and printed,” she says of her publishing experience.

Adilah points out the importance of being purposeful, hard working and staying focused in every step of the publication process: “Make sure you are clear on what your book is about, that there is an audience and market for your work, do the research needed, have an editor and allow the time to complete the process with excellence.” And excellent it was!

After the release of On My Own Terms, Adilah reports that her book has not only been received well by the reading public, but it has also been critically acclaimed and positively reviewed. Among these accolades, her book received a third place ranking in Essence Magazine’s Bestseller list, right behind President Obama’s books, which took the first and second spots. She also received a recent nomination in the 2009 African American Literary Awards, as well as five-star reviews from many of her readers on the Amazon and Barnes & Noble online bookstores.

Adilah continues to be overwhelmed with the success of her book and the recognition it has garnered. She experienced many transitions, obstacles, and triumphs on her journey to this destination. What got her through her challenges is summed up in her philosophy: “I believe that all is possible with a vision, hard work, focus and a very specific plan of action and follow-through. I also believe strongly in a spiritual base, supportive relationships and taking care of oneself through spirituality, diet, exercise, visualization and positive thought and actions.”

All these have come full circle in the life of Adilah Barnes. From humble beginnings to noble accomplishments, she has become a living testimony that one can be victorious over seemingly insurmountable odds, while holding on to the positive attitude of gratitude. She has proven that she has journeyed thus far on faith and her own terms.

Digital Reading and the Publishing Industry

2009-05-07T01:29:00.001-07:00

Everything that can be turned digital will be made digital. Or at least that’s what we are seeing nowadays.

Music has become digital. The advent of mp3 players has made music more accessible and more portable for music lovers. Movies have become digital. The mpeg format, among others, has made watching and collecting movies more convenient. Communication has become digital. The innovations in mobile phone technology have drastically enhanced the way people get and keep in touch with one another.

If the digital age has ushered these and other great improvements in the arena of media and telecommunication, what implications does it have for books and the publishing industry?

In the last few years, electronic books and digital reading have made radical changes in the presentation and availability of books and the way people read them. Technology has made it easy to access the latest bestsellers by downloading them from online retailers and onto a digital reading device. Digital technology has also made books more accessible, more portable, easier to collect and more convenient for people to read. However, the same technology that facilitates the circulation of e-books also raises concerns among publishers whose bread and butter is the production of actual books.

The publishing industry has relied heavily on the printing and publication of books and on the people who go to bookstores to buy them. This is how the industry has thrived for years. If more and more people preferred digital reading devices and download books instead of going to book shops to buy actual books, the publishing industry would experience a dramatic change in the way it carries on its business. Publishers will have cope with the emergence of new technologies that steer the reading public towards books in digital format. But how?

The digital age has shaken, brought change to and revolutionized many existing technologies. When cassette tapes were invented, vinyl records were rendered obsolete. When CDs came out, cassette tapes were rendered obsolete. The mp3 player is more or less doing the same thing to compact discs. And yet the music industry has managed to evolve and find ways to ride the wave of technology, one innovation at a time. The publishing industry can do the same.

Electronic books and digital reading are still relatively at their infancy stage. Their presence, however, have indicated that the rules and tools of the publishing game have changed. Publishers with good business acumen would be wise to start finding ways of getting on the digital bandwagon and begin steering their business, or parts of it anyway, toward this emerging trend. The publishing industry can innovate and reinvent itself. It has to.

Digital books may be the future of reading but it has yet to reach a certain level of popularity before it can totally take over actual books and the publishing industry, or even render them obsolete. Nevertheless, it is also never too early to start looking at the possibilities presented by modern technology and how it may change and revolutionize the publishing industry.

Author Spotlight on Connie Houser

2009-05-07T01:27:00.000-07:00

“I have deep faith and a deep and abiding confidence in myself and those around me that we will continue to create good works and share them with others. Our riches are the rewards of joy inherent in that philosophy.”

Connie Houser is no stranger to creativity. As a professional writer, an award-winning artist and an acclaimed author, she has been well acquainted with varied forms of creative expression that has not only enriched her life, but has also enhanced her experience of it.

Through her resourcefulness, she has exhibited the possibility of pursuing different artistic endeavors passionately and bringing them together successfully. It was this character of creativity that prompted her to produce ‘The Letters: Portrait of an Artist, Jim Houser’.

“I thought it was time to chronicle the events in our creative lives for others to share since we have achieved a degree of success,” Connie says of her inspiration behind her self-published book. The creative life she is talking about is the one she shares with her husband, renown painter Jim Houser.

The Letters is a testament to the lifestyle of creativity espoused by the Housers – a lifestyle that is captured beautifully through photographs of Jim’s paintings and the words of Connie’s imagined letters. The paintings included in the book are some of Jim’s best work, which have been displayed in the artist’s gallery of Who’s Who in American Art.

Connie compiled photos of Jim’s paintings to visually represent the couple’s artistic life, while her words imaginatively expresses the passion she shares with her husband for life, love, art and each other. “I decided to present our creative journey succinctly in imagined letters to each other rather than the usual dissertation on the art”.

The innovative presentation of the Housers’ creative journey in words and images is matched by the author’s idea for the design of her book. “I wanted to present a new concept in art books with the reproductions at each chapter and the size – 8 1/2 square – smaller than the usual huge coffee table book so that it can be easily read as well as displayed.”

For the publication of The Letters, Connie researched on various print-on-demand publishers and decided that POD publishing was the only avenue where she could exercise the creative freedom to finish her book the way she wanted. After ascertaining that Xlibris would provide her with what she needed for the production of her book, Connie went ahead with the publication process.

Of her experience with the Xlibris creative team, Connie says she was “lucky enough to encounter several young employees whose knowledge, help and enthusiasm got me through the early days of signing on and into production. I also wanted quality reproductions [of Jim’s paintings] and although that was harder to achieve from a distance, the company’s CEO, John Feldcamp, made it happen as well as he could. Over all, it was a very pleasant experience with several outstanding employees helping along the way."

Connie’s pleasant publishing experience complemented her passion in marrying the art of painting with the art of writing. The result is a sumptuous concoction of creativity that represents Connie’s achievements as an acclaimed writer and her husband’s accomplishments as a renown painter. The Housers’ passion for life and the arts was translated well into the pages of a book that shares their spirit and talent to enable others to experience their resultant creative work. This has made The Letters into a work of art that the reading public and lovers of art have enthusiastically received and valued.

The Letters also garnered acclaim and honorable mentions in book festivals in California and New England in the US, and in London in the UK, which has certified the quality of the book and the creativity of its author.

Aside from enjoying these recent successes, Connie keeps up with the promotion of The Letters through local sources, newspapers and contests. She still pursues her passion for writing by working on another book and she continues to paint. She continues to enrich her life and enhance her life experiences by keeping herself acquainted with creativity.

The Letters: Portrait of an Artist, Jim Houser is for sale at Amazon, Xlibris, Barnes & Noble and Borders.

Get your free Publishing Kit now to start your own journey to publication.

Chinese Economy Evaluated in Self Published Book

2009-05-07T01:26:00.001-07:00

Economist Fengbo Zhang assesses the growth factors that led to the rise of the Chinese economy.

China has become the world’s third largest economy, and in the midst of a global financial crisis, that says a lot about the resilience and strength of the Chinese economy. Revised figures of the country’s gross domestic product released Wednesday show a 13 percent expansion in China’s economy.

Economists are saying that with continued growth at its current rate, China could overtake the economies of Japan (in three years) and the United States (in 18 years). Reports say that China’s economy is on track to have a positive gross domestic product in 2009.

A study on the factors that led to healthy condition of China’s economy is presented in the self-published book, Analysis of Chinese Macroeconomy. Dr. Fengbo Zhang definitively depicts the development process and the existing state of Chinese economy, and provides materials for comprehending modern China and the future for economic reform.

This Xlibris release includes an evaluation of the country’s different economic sectors, the impact of foreign trade on the national economy, and an assessment of investment and macroeconomic policies – factors that have contributed to China’s current economic condition. The analyses presented by Dr. Zhang in this book are valuable guidelines in predicting the future of Chinese economy.

Dr. Zhang has helped Chinese top leaders in policy-making and led China’s economic research since 1980s, and his self-published book is going to be a valuable guide for those who want to learn from the country’s economic fortitude.

Analysis of Chinese Macroeconomy is available on the online bookstores of Xlibris, Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Development Strategies for US Economy Proposed in Self Published Book

2009-05-07T01:25:00.001-07:00

Certified Economic Developer Don Holbrook presents an approach to improving the American economy in light of its current financial condition.

The United States House of Representatives has recently approved the $819 billion economic stimulus package. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, according to Democrats, is the immediate attention needed by the rapidly failing US economy.

The bill includes $544 billion in spending and $275 billion in tax relief, and is intended to reinvigorate the American economy amidst recession, job cuts and business closures.

With companies like Starbucks, Boeing and AOL experiencing the effects of the economic downturn, the approval of the stimulus package offers a ray of light in the financial condition of the US and indicates a change of direction needed for economic development.

Certified Economic Developer Don Holbrook presents a blueprint for change that will stimulate the US beyond its current financial woes and propel the nation further as a global economic superpower in the book ‘The Little Black Book of Economic Development’.

Holbrook’s self-published book focuses on the economic struggles of the United States in responding to global pressures and competition. With the likes of China and India on the rise, the author looks at the impact of sending jobs overseas on the local economy, emphasizing that the global economy is a 21st century war for survival. Holbrook urges our economic decision makers to adopt a sweeping program of reforms and comprehensive strategies he calls ‘Prosperity with a Purpose’.

The Little Black Book of Economic Development proposes solutions that can revive the economic fortunes of America, down to the towns and cities level. Holbrook points out that building world-class economic communities from this level is a mindset not determined by geographic location or population, and can therefore create unparalleled new opportunities for America’s future.

The Little Black Book of Economic Development can be found at the online bookstores of Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, Borders and Xlibris.

Self Published Release Explores the Moral Implications of Terrorism

2009-05-07T01:24:00.000-07:00

The Xlibris published book Terrorism and Moral Condemnation delves into the arguments and theses behind the validity or vileness of terrorism.

The Interior Ministry of Saudi Arabia released a list of 85 wanted terrorism suspects last Tuesday. Soldiers of the Sri Lankan army captured the largest training base for suicide bombers. Former US vice president Dick Cheney warns America of the probability of a biological or nuclear terrorist attack in the coming years. Since the day of the terrorist attacks on the United State on September 11, 2001, the world has become more acquainted with the force of terrorism in a global scale.

Terrorism has been depicted in books and media over the years but the reality of it has never been so tangible with the increased incidences of suicide bombings and other acts of terrorism in many parts of the world. In the last seven years, the issue of international terrorism has become a common fixture in every day news reports.

There are many opinions and arguments on the nature and purpose of terrorism. Many people throughout the world would contend that some acts of terrorism cannot be morally condemned for varied reasons. The self published book ‘Terrorism and Moral Condemnation: Why Indiscriminate Lethal Terrorist Acts Are Evil’ takes a look at those different theses and viewpoints.

John S. Pletz presents a comprehensive assessment of the arguments that are being made in attempts to justify or excuse terrorism, explaining why terrorist acts, which indiscriminately cause the death of innocent noncombatants, should always be called evil. The author explores the noble ends that terrorists are supposedly seeking and the oppressive conditions in which they have been living as some of the reasons for perpetuating acts of terrorism.

Pletz emphatically concludes that since “an evil act is one in which significant unjustified harm is caused by someone who is highly culpable for it, indiscriminate lethal terrorist acts are evil.”

Terrorism and Moral Condemnation is available at the Xlibris and Amazon online bookstores.

Self Published Titles Featured on Online Christian Bookstore

2009-05-07T01:23:00.000-07:00

CP Books, the online bookstore of The Christian Post network, provides exposure for Christian books and authors.

The Christian book category is one of the fastest-growing genres in the industry of book publishing. With more and more divinely inspired writers putting out their written works for people to read and be inspired by, it is no surprise that this genre has captured the attention of many booklovers, regardless of religious background or denomination.

Releases like William P. Young’s ‘The Shack’, Rick Warren’s ‘The Purpose Driven Life’ and John Eldredge’s ‘Walking with God’ have proven that there are literary treasures – hidden or otherwise – in the genre of Christian books and readers all over the world catching on to this worthwhile find.

Helping this genre make more waves in the Christian community is the existence of online bookstores and websites promoting Christian books. CP Books (at http://cpbooks.christianpost.com/) is one such site.

As the online bookstore of The Christian Post network, CP Books supports the genre by featuring the latest and the best releases from the Christian books category. The site bolsters the proliferation of Christian-themed literary works by showcasing traditionally published, independently published and self published books.

Among the self-published titles featured on the online bookstore are the Xlibris books ‘Son of God, Son of Man’ by Eduardo P. Olaguer, Jr., ‘Suffering - A Biblical Study’ by Charles P. Arnold, Jr., Ph. D., ‘Entering into Heaven’ by John Lyndon Green, and ‘Along the King’s Highway’ by Bryan Corbin.

CP Books also gives focus on Christian authors while posting breaking news relevant to the genre and providing deep insights on Christianity. The Christian Post network serves to provide direct and current news information to the general Christian public and this is echoed in the service rendered by CP Books online bookstore.

Self Published Book Explores Plans for Mitigating Possible Effects of Sea-level Rise

2009-05-07T01:22:00.000-07:00

Sandor Istvan Biczo highlights the importance of mitigating the effects of sea-level rise in his self-published book, Dragon Hunting.

About 2,000 climate change scientists gathered in Copenhagen last week to discuss the results of the 2007 report on the impact of global warming on the Earth's climate. Among the conclusions they arrived at is the increased likelihood of the global climate reaching a dangerous tipping point in the next two centuries.

Elmar Kriegler of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, lead author of the study in the US journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences said there is concern about the risks of massive changes in the global climate system. "These events are really massive changes to components of the Earth system," Kreigler said. "But what we found is scientists do not consider them to be low-probability events."

Of these high-probability events, the melting of the Greenland ice sheet was named as the most possible climate catastrophe by the year 2200, under high global warming. This would make the island largely ice-free and raise sea levels by 7 meters. The second most probable event was a death of large tracts of the Amazon rainforest followed by the initial disintegration of the West Antarctic ice sheet, which would raise seas by about 5 meters. Other possible tipping points include a collapse of the system of Atlantic currents including the Gulf Stream and a shift towards a constant El Nino warming of the Pacific Ocean.

The growth in the number of global climate scientists who point to a building body of evidence that support the possibility of sea-level rise is a warning for all humanity and a signal to begin mitigating the effects of possible sea-level rise. This concern is raised and addressed by author Sandor Istvan Biczo in his self published book, 'Dragon Hunting: an Holistic Strategy to Mitigate the Effects of Sea-Level Rise Due to Global Warming'.

Biczo presents his book as a Global Insurance Policy for people who shares his concern – and that of the world's climate change scientists' – on the impact of sea-level rise due to global warming. The author highlights the importance of looking to the world’s vast expanses of deserts, addressing the looming population pressures that threaten our fragile world, and mitigating the effects of sea-level rise.

Sandor Istvan Biczo is an applied thinker. Dragon Hunting is the product of his innovative thought process and is a road map for the future for the whole world. This book brings a holistic approach to lessening the outcome of sea-level rise as a result of global climate change.

Dragon Hunting is published by Xlibris Corporation and is available on their online bookstore, as well as on Amazon, Borders and Barnes & Noble.

Controversies in Adoption Process Highlighted in Self Published Book

2009-05-07T01:21:00.000-07:00

The self-published release, 'Chronicle of an Adoption', reviews the process of adopting a child to look at its pros and cons.

The recent efforts of international pop star, Madonna, to adopt another child from the nation of Malawi has yet again placed the issue of celebrity adoption on the spotlight. The singer has drawn criticism from human rights groups, adoption officials and people questioning her morality and capability to take care of more children.

Last year, Madonna adopted Malawian baby boy David Banda Mwale amid much controversy as Malawian law requires would-be parents to reside in country for one year before adopting. A similar contention has arisen in light of the star's recent efforts to adopt another Malawian child.

Concerns such as the prospective adoptive parents' moral standing and ability to provide emotional security for children being adopted are but some of the issues raised against Madonna's attempt to adopt four-year-old Chifundo "Mercy" James.

Malawi's child welfare chief, Simon Chisale, said, "We do not only look at the material issues, but also the moral standing of prospective adoptive parents, because we do not want our children's morals to be corrupted," he said.

Warren Panem, author of the self-published book 'Chronicle of an Adoption' is no stranger to controversies and issues that prospective adoptive parents face. Although the stories in his book are not as controversial as the Material Girl's scenario, they are nevertheless just as time-consuming and testing. The experiences of couples who went through the adoption process are tools that Panem hopes will enabled many to understand that adopting a child may not be as easy as it seems.

Panem details the ins and outs of getting in touch with different agencies, sifting through lies, and endless meetings in the process of putting a family together. People who are thinking about adoption, going through the process, have had a failure or success, or have anything to do with adoption, you will enjoy reading about it in this Xlibris published book.

Chronicles of an Adoption recalls the frustrating times, the moments of hope, the crushed aspirations and the final success in adopting a child.

Xlibris Supports Published Authors in Annual LA Bookfest

2009-05-07T01:20:00.000-07:00

Self-publishing company supports its authors in the 2009 Los Angeles Times Festival of Books.

Xlibris, the pioneer in the self-publishing industry, is taking part in the upcoming Los Angeles Times Festival of Books from April 25 to 26, 2009. The book publishing company is supporting its authors by hosting exhibits and book signings during this annual event, which will take place at the main campus of UCLA.

The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books is an opportunity for people who appreciate books to associate and make connections with people who write, publish and sell books. Xlibris is giving its published authors this occasion to meet supporters of their book and expand the exposure of their work. At the same time, book lovers will also get a chance to meet and greet Xlibris authors.

The book festival has become the most respected and biggest book fest in the US drawing in over 130,000 lovers of books to the yearly gathering. The Los Angeles Times Festival is expected to attract even more participants this year as a diverse line-up of talent, storytellers, celebrities, musical performances and literary giants await those who will be at the event.

Among the celebrity authors slated to be in the book fest are TV host Tom Bergeron, actors Michael J. Fox, Tori Spelling and Academy Award winner Marlee Matlin. Xlibris published authors -- like Arnold Patrick Parker, Susan Lee, Peter Chapel and Maureen Santora, who authored the book 'My Son Christopher' -- are also set to make an appearance at the exhibits and book signing booths.

Festival participants can visit the Xlbiris exhibit at Booth 238 and meet Xlibris authors at booths 1 and 2 for book signing.

The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books will start Saturday, April 25 at 10 a.m. and will conclude Sunday, April 26 at 5 p.m.

Publishing Your Book in the Midst of Economic Woes

2009-05-07T01:19:00.000-07:00

The economic downturn should not be a hindrance in publishing your book. People have done it before. You can too.

The world is talking about only one major issue today: the global economic crisis. From the loss of confidence by American investors in the value of US securitized mortgages back in 2007, to the worldwide shockwave of this economic downturn, the reality of a weakening global economy has impacted every company from different industries and every individual from all walks of life.

With corporations downsizing and households economizing, what are authors to make of the global financial crisis? How are writers, who are looking to get their books published, respond to this economic downturn? Is the current state of the world’s economy a blessing or a curse to one’s publishing dreams?

To answer that, let us take a quick look at one of history’s pivotal economic moments: the Great Depression. During the 1930s the world was plunged into unprecedented economic woes, which gave the era its well deserved name. Much like today, the Great Depression threw a great shadow of uncertainty over every aspect of human life, including the publishing industry.

However, a deeper look into this period of history shows us that there were many authors who have had their books published, and a few have even achieved critical acclaim. The Great Depression produced great written and published works like John Steinbeck’s ‘The Grapes of Wrath’, Charles Nordhoff and James Norman Hall’s ‘Mutiny on the Bounty’, and Ernest Hemingway’s ‘A Farewell to Arms’ to name a few. If these writers achieved their dream of publishing their books in a time of financial uncertainty, why couldn’t today’s author do the same?

If anything, there should be even more reasons for writers to become published authors today. With all the innovations in the industry, the wide selection of publishing services available, and the health competition between publishers that result in multiple benefits for authors, achieving one’s publishing dreams is made easier to attain. Recession or no recession, writers who wish pursue the publication of their books can go ahead and do so.

The global financial crisis should not necessarily be a hindrance to your publishing dreams. If you are determined to pursue success as a published author, or looking to publish another book, you will find many avenues to take on the way to your desired goal. Publishing companies like Xlibris offer many options from which aspiring authors can choose.

Among these are the various publishing packages that cater to the specific needs of each author, the discounts given on these packages, the monthly promotional offers on marketing and publishing services, and the special rates for specialty publishing. These are all designed to make publishing your book more attainable even in the midst of economic woes.

The Great Depression produced great works of literature. The current global recession should not cause the proliferation of literary works to recede. Rather, times like these should becoming a challenge and a stepping stone for writers to become published authors.

Self Published Author Gives Practical Tips on Preventing Spread of Viral Diseases

2009-05-07T01:18:00.000-07:00

Health Lifelong Project is a self-published book that presents preventive and natural measures in warding off diseases and viral sicknesses like the swine flu.

With most of the world getting wary of the swine flu outbreak, one can just wonder if it is only a matter of time before they too can be infected by the H1N1 strain of the swine influenza virus.

Recent reports have indicated that locations as remote as China, Mexico, Colombia and New Zealand have either had confirmed cases of the swine flu or are already affected by the looming threat of the virus. In the United States, cases of H1N1 flu virus outbreaks have been reported in the state of Wisconsin, while the state of Minnesota is awaiting for confirmation of suspected cases.

This is not the first time an influenza scare has taken a grip of global awareness. A few years back, the world faced the threat posed by the avian influenza virus or the H5N1 flu strain. In much the same way, the swine flu has put people in a state of awareness and fear of catching the virus. However, the same preventive measures used against the avian flu can be used in preventing the spread of H1N1 virus.

Aside from the obvious use of vaccines against the swine flu virus, health experts have recommended practical methods such as the washing of hands with soap and water in preventing the spread of the virus.

In the book ‘Health Lifelong Project: With Healthy Recipes, Beauty Secrets, and More’, author Marina Marcetic presents several preventative measures that solves health problems with natural cures. She shares her knowledge of natural products and cures that were collected from her education and experiences around the world.

Marcetic suggests that “eating right and using alternatives, such as natural cures, does not have to be expensive or complicated. Whether we realize it or not, most of us have kitchen stocked with food. All we have to do is prepare and eat them properly to protect ourselves from illnesses and give our body more energy and a healthy glow.”

Although the H1N1 strain vaccine is still in development, boosting the human immune system through natural and alternative methods can help fight the swine flu virus or any other diseases that may threaten the human body.

The book author adds that, “vitamin supplements are certainly useful. However, in this book I will show you a simple, healthful, time-tested ways to protect yourselves from diseases and nourish your body to stay fit and beautiful.”

Health Lifelong Project is a self-published book, which Marcetic hopes will enable the readers to discover some alternatives, natural practices, and ideas to enrich their own life and overall health. Whether preparing preventive measures against the swine flu or just simply boosting one’s health, this book is a practical guide in finding inexpensive and natural ways to ward off viruses and diseases.

Health Lifelong Project is published by Xlibris.

Royalties Newsletter 1

2009-01-18T16:48:00.000-08:00

My first issue of the Royalties Newsletter. The article I wrote is the top story.

Royalties Newsletter 2

2009-01-18T16:44:00.000-08:00

My second issue of the Royalties Newletter. The articles I wrote for this issue are "A Step Toward a New Direction" and the Author Spotlight on Connie Houser.

Howard Shapiro’s Success in Publishing Books for Children

2008-12-17T17:41:00.001-08:00

Life for independent author Howard Shapiro just keeps getting better with his fourth children’s book.

After finding success with his first three children’s books, author Howard Shapiro seems to have nowhere to go but up. Having accomplished his goal of writing characters that adults and kids would be able to relate to in his stories and also achieving self-publishing victory with Hockey Days, Shapiro continues to pursue his love for the written word and the sport of hockey in his new book.

Hockey Player for Life, which was released in October, has garnered positive responses not only from critics but also from people who have read Hockey Player for Life. Shapiro relates: "The feedback I have received from folks at the signings, from the hockey blogging community and from the many pro hockey teams who I have had the privilege to work with has been phenomenal and I couldn't be more appreciative and thankful for their collective time and support.”

Reviews for Hockey Player for Life from The Hockey News, New York Sportscene and Pittsburgh Magazine are nothing short of supportive, with critics calling it “a delightful ode to the love of the game”, an “instant classic”, and a “must-read for all soon-to-be hockey stars.”

Shapiro’s success has also reached the Amazon.com Sales Charts for Children’s Books (People & Places Fiction) and Teens Books (School & Sports Fiction), with Hockey Player for Life ranking top 50. The book has also been nominated in the category of Middle Grade Fiction of the Cybils Award, which is selected by a talented panel of children's and young adult book bloggers.

All these indicate not only the quality of Shapiro’s latest work of sports fiction but also his success as a writer and independent author.

Self Published Author Signs Her Love Letters to Jesus

2008-12-17T17:40:00.002-08:00

Felicia LaGrant schedules signing of her self published book in December in South Carolina.

The self published book, Love Letters to Jesus, was initially written as a journal of author Felicia LaGrant’s thoughts of joy and sorrow to Jesus. At first feeling strange and foolish about the exercise, she later on realized that there was a greater purpose for writing her correspondence to the Almighty.

Continuing her letter writing and developing a routine for it helped LaGrant find focus and rhythm in her task of finishing her divine assignment of expressing gratitude to God. However, as she pursued this course, she was met with opposition in the form of pressure, frustration and discouragement – all designed to make her give up writing letters to Jesus.

In pursuit of her goal of encouraging others, LaGrant eventually found herself guided toward the completion of her book. Love Letters to Jesus became the result of the compiled pieces of correspondence she had written, which she published with the book publishing company, Xlibris.

LaGrant is currently enjoying the blessings that resulted from her obedience to writer her letters of gratitude. The release of her self published book signaled the release of the encouragement that comes with her book. Her love letters have now become other people’s love letters of joy and comfort.

Love Letters to Jesus is available at the Xlibris online bookstore.

Felicia LaGrant will have a book signing engagement at Walden Book Store on December 13, 2008 from 12:00 to 6:00 pm at Jasmine Mall in Sumter, South Carolina.

Discounts in Book Publishing, Marketing Services Offered by Book Publisher for November

2008-12-17T17:40:00.001-08:00

Xlibris unleashes a set of discounts on their publishing packages and marketing services for aspiring authors.

As Christmas is just around the corner, it is neither too early to start making a wish list nor too late to check it twice. Aspiring authors need to make sure they have added a treat for themselves in that list. With a bunch of discounts Xlibris is taking off of their publishing packages and marketing services, writers are sure to find something nice for themselves as a gift for the holiday season.

The book publisher is offering a 50% discount off their publishing packages for the month of November. This is available for writers who want to publish in their works of fiction, biographies or self-help books in black-and-white; for photographers or children’s books writers who wish to publish in full-color; and for authors with a specific target audience who wish to avail of the specialty packages offered for poetry, science fiction and Christian writers.

For authors who have already published their book, Xlibris offers a 33% discount on their marketing service when writers choose any of the promotional and publicity tools the book publishing company has to offer. These marketing tools will help broaden the exposure and garner more attention for the authors’ books.

Writers and photographers with a desire to publish a book or market their published work can take advantage of these November offers as an ideal gift for themselves. It’s the perfect time for an early and well-deserved holiday treat.

Book Publisher Launches Science Fiction Trilogy Publishing Package

2008-12-17T17:39:00.000-08:00

Xlibris introduces publishing package for the science fiction writing community.

Xlibris, the leading book publisher in the industry, recently launched a publishing package tailor-made for science fiction writers. The Science Fiction Trilogy Publishing package is available to writers in the genre who have completed their imaginative tales, giving writers the means to put their work in print and reach their specific audience.

With three options to choose from, writers cannot go wrong with the Xlibris Science Fiction Trilogy Publishing. Choices start with the Sci-Fi Solo, which allows writers to publish a book for only $533. For authors who have conjured up a two-part story, the Sci-Fi Duo is perfect for publishing two books at only $1,000. Finally, the Sci-Fi Trilogy, the zenith of the three packages, enables the writer to publish their trilogy for only $1,333.

The Science Fiction Trilogy Publishing package also includes amazing features. The registration of their books with online resellers (Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Borders), targeted science fiction marketing, and a book review on the Yellow30 Science Fiction website are just some of the elements of the sci-fi publishing packages.

More information about the Xlibris Science Fiction Trilogy Publishing package can be found at www.xlibris.com.

Life with Parkinson’s Disease Chronicled in Self Published Book

2008-12-17T17:38:00.002-08:00

Author Bonnie McCollough Broadhead recounts her husband’s experience with Parkinson’s disease in this Xlibris published book order to help other who suffer the infirmity.

The Xlibris release, Calvin’s Journey with Parkinson’s, chronicles Calvin Broadhead’s life and his efforts to survive Parkinson’s disease. Author Bonnie McCollough Broadhead brings full attention to her husband’s story and the degenerative disease that has beset Calvin and people in their twilight years.

Parkinson’s disease impairs a person’s motor skills, speech and other motor functions due to the degeneration of the central nervous system. The manifestation of this disease can range from movement disorders to high-level cognitive dysfunction to subtle language problems. It is these symptoms and other experiences that Bonnie details in this self-published book.

Calvin’s Journey with Parkinson’s also highlight’s the title character’s strength and courage throughout his experience of failing health. It is the Bonnie’s intention to bring wisdom pertaining to Parkinson’s disease, so others who suffer the illness can learn from similar circumstances that Calvin went through.

Calvin’s Journey with Parkinson’s is a helpful resource for individuals with Parkinson’s disease and people who have loved ones who suffer from the illness.

Self Published Book Reveals the Susceptibility of Men to Osteoporosis

2008-12-17T17:38:00.001-08:00

The Xlibris book “B.O.N.E.S.: Beating Osteoporosis Naturally, Easily, Sensibly” recounts the story of a man who was diagnosed with and overcame osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis has long been known as a woman’s disease that affects their bone mineral density. However, the Xlibris book “B.O.N.E.S.: Beating Osteoporosis Naturally, Easily, Sensibly” reveals that osteoporosis is no longer just a disease that affects women but can also develop in men.

Author Robert Pirello relates his experience with osteoporosis, which is considered a major public health threat for over 44 million Americans beyond the age of 50. In this self-published book, Pirello narrates his encounter with the disease, detailing the impact of the osteoporosis on his life – from diagnosis to cure.

B.O.N.E.S. also follows Pirello’s successful story in beating osteoporosis – from enlisting the help of his doctor, Bernardo Merizalde M.D., to changing his diet – and how he recovered his athletic lifestyle after being cured. He overcame the disease without the help of pharmaceuticals and he believes others can do the same.

This Xlibris release encourages women who are afflicted by osteoporosis and men who are discovering their susceptibility to the disease to face the challenges posed by this ailment. B.O.N.E.S. shows that by improving bone mineral density, one can regain strong bones naturally, easily, sensibly.

Xlibris Published Book Dissects HIV/AIDS and Other Sex Related Diseases

2008-12-17T17:37:00.000-08:00

Proper information and prevention considered key in fighting against sexually transmitted diseases in the Xlibris self-published book ‘Know the Dangers of Your Sexual Life’.

‘Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are not rare and with worldwide travel, they spread rapidly from one country to another.’ This is the belief advocated by William S. Brothers in the book ‘Know the Dangers of Your Sexual Life’.

Dr. Brothers, in this Xlibris published book, scrutinizes 14 notorious diseases that can be spread by sexual contact, which include gonorrhea, herpes, syphilis and HIV/AIDS. With the aim of providing knowledge on the detection and prevention of STDs, this book is presented in non- or semi-medical terms that the general public and medical professionals can both understand.

‘Know the Dangers of Your Sexual Life’ stresses the significance of early diagnosis, proper treatment and prevention of spread in addressing the prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases. The necessity of education, information and awareness is crucial in finding success against STDs, which is why emphasis is given to the recognition of signs and symptoms that cause a person to seek medical attention.

This book promotes prevention and proper information as a weapon against the worldwide spread of sexually transmitted diseases.

Life and Loss after Abortion Gets Focus on Xlibris Published Book

2008-12-17T17:36:00.000-08:00

The drop in US abortion rates may indicate that fewer women choose to terminate pregnancies, but the book “Motherhood Interrupted” shows that the physical, emotional and ethical impact of abortion still remain.

Abortion is one of the biggest issues that has created a great divide between Americans. On one side stands the pro-choice camp, who advocates the reproductive rights of women and their control over their fertility and pregnancy, including access to safe and legal abortion. On the other side stands the pro-life camp, who value human life from the time of conception, and who advocates the right to life of the unborn and the eradication of abortion.

Although the rift between these two groups has become wider in the past years, there are indications that the advocacy of one group has reached its intended target and produced desired results. A report released by the Guttmacher Institute – an organization conducting research, policy analysis and public education of sexual and reproductive health issues – supports this observation. Researchers state that abortion rates in the United States have decreased 33 percent since 1974, attributing this to a drop in teenage pregnancies and the accessibility of affordable contraception and contraceptive methods.

However, there still exists higher rates of abortion in Hispanic women (three times higher) and African-American women (five times higher) that cannot and should not be ignored. And on top of that, there are physical, emotional and ethical ramifications of abortion that leave a lasting impression on the lives of women.

A chronicling of the experiences of women who have had abortion is found in the book “Motherhood Interrupted: Stories of Healing and Hope after Abortion”. In this Xlibris book, Jane Brennan compiles sixteen narratives from women who offer their personal experiences on how abortion affected their lives. The stories reveal the impact of abortion on the individual, relationships and families, and the obstacles they overcame after having gone through an abortion.

This self-published book zeroes in on America’s secret sorrow – abortion – and paves the way for women to find healing and hope after experiencing what they now call the darkest moments of child loss through choice. Every woman – and their loved ones – can learn the valuable lessons these sixteen women have had to live through so that no one else will have to.

Insider View of Fibromyalgia Detailed in Self-Published Book

2008-12-17T17:35:00.000-08:00

Marilyn Sue chronicles her life with fibromyalgia in the Xlibris book, Fibromyalgia Syndrome.

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a physical disorder characterized by chronic, widespread pain and sensitivity to light touch. Symptoms to this disease can include moderate to sever fatigue, painful response to gentle touch, muscle aches, chronic sleep disturbances, functional bowel disturbance and nerve pain.

Although FM is not contagious or life threatening, studies have suggested that people suffering the disease may be predisposed genetically. Stress, sleep disturbances and dopamine abnormality are some of the possible causes that may bring the onset or worsen fibromyalgia.

At the moment, there is no generally accepted treatment for FM. Although many in the pharmaceutical and medical fields have claimed to have found a cure for the disease, only Lyrica, a nerve pain drug manufactured by Pfizer, has been approved as a treatment for fibromyalgia.

The symptoms identified with FM may vary in severity and their fluctuating intensity can cause light discomfort to sever pain in people diagnosed with the disorder.

One such case of a woman who is living with fibromyalgia is documented in the book “Fibromyalgia Syndrome – Fighting the Devil with the Patience of Job: a Victim's Point of View and Survivor's Guide”. In this Xlibris release, author Marilyn Sue describes her efforts to learn as much as she could about FM and how she came to terms with the fact that knowledge of the syndrome wasn’t enough in gaining control of her personal situation.

Sue presents her personal views, experiences and opinions on the fibromyalgia from a patient’s point of view, therefore giving readers of the book and other sufferers of FM an insider’s vantage point of the disease. The author’s extensive research on the disease, as presented in the self-published book, will surely benefit not only those who are inflicted with the physical disorder, but also those who are in close connection with people who have FM.

Fibromyalgia Syndrome is a helpful resource for persons battling the disease, an indispensable guide for individuals wading their way through the symptoms of the syndrome, and an encouraging story of determination and perseverance in the face of a great challenge.

Pirates Depicted Honorably in Xlibris Children’s Book

2008-12-17T17:34:00.000-08:00

Al Katar, in his children’s book “Captain Scratch: The Island of Sirmarj”, presents a different kind of pirate story with a different kind of pirate.

Everybody enjoys a good pirate story every now and then. There is something mysterious about these seafaring legends that make them interesting characters in books. Their reputation as looters and raiders of other sea vessels also lend to the popularity – and notoriety – of pirates, even in films.

Literature and media have mostly depicted pirates as ruthless and often two-dimensional characters, but in the Xlibris book “Captain Scratch: The Island of Sirmarj”, author Al Katar seeks to portray pirates in a different light.

Written as a book for children, Captain Scratch: The Island of Sirmarj tells the story of an 18th Century pirate who, unlike most of his contemporaries, is armed with a willingness to help people – children in particular – with their daily needs. Captain Scratch is an adventurer of the seas and his crew of four, which include an orangutan named Joe, aids him in his travels. The titular character is also a well-respected sailor and trade merchant who moves goods from one island to another.

This self-published children’s book presents an adventure story and a pirate with a twist, as Captain Scratch demonstrates trustworthiness, intelligence, reliability and helpfulness – character traits that are not usually identified with pirates.

Captain Scratch: The Island of Sirmarj is available on Xlibris.com. A portion of the sales of this book will go to classroom material funding.

Author Spotlight on James Sunwall

2008-10-20T23:32:00.000-07:00

Many factors in life influence who we are and help shape our opinion of things that happen around us. What we learn from our educational background, glean from our career choices and realize from our life experiences form part of our character and mold our belief system.

In the case of self-published author James Sunwall, his training as a writer and the time he spent as a combat medic in the South Pacific during the Second World War lent themselves to the creation of his first self-published book.

Escape of the Unicorn is one part play and one part poetry collection. The play is set in 14th Century France and focuses on Robert de Chanson, a troubadour who is imprisoned in the tower of a castle. The poems are glimpses into the author’s experiences as a boy growing up in a Midwestern town, and a glance at his thoughts on war, art and literature. The book encapsulates James’ observations on war and politics, women’s rights, the significance of art, the purpose of religion and the importance of life.

He shares his conviction: “I saw a remarkable similarity between the last year of the Crusades and the present war in Iraq – the futility of a far off war; the cost; the losses in human life; the suffering; all for no avail.” It was this opinion that prompted him to put his knowledge and his belief in a book for all to examine and evaluate.

For the publication of Escape of the Unicorn, James turned to the book publishing services of Xlibris. After seeing an advertisement for the print-on-demand company and upon further investigation, he decided to self publish his book. Of his completed book, James has this to say: “I thought Escape of the Unicorn was well done, so I had a second book (Dodge County Fair) published by Xlibris, which was equally well done in my opinion.”

In fact, the quality of Escape of the Unicorn combined with James’ effort to promote and advertise his work became a factor that led to the wide exposure and acclaim of his book. He put his belief on marketing his self-published book in action when he endeavored to circulate information about Escape of the Unicorn to let people know what it has to say, and why it should be read. James relates, “I have done my best to get my books advertised in book fairs and other means within my power. This includes present and future book fairs.”

Consequently, Escape of the Unicorn garnered praises from the writing community, which received readings of the poems and the play very well. Reviewers also welcomed James’ book positively, with Kirkus Discoveries calling the book a “thoughtful social commentary tossed with a dash of imagistic flare.”

James Sunwall used his observations to form his social commentary, his writing experience to wield his imagistic flare; his understanding of war to make a compelling story; and his persistence to make sure word gets out on his book. These factors helped form Escape of the Unicorn into a self-published masterpiece and the outcome says a lot about the author’s principles, character and belief system.

Author Spotlight on Maureen Crethan Santora

2008-09-03T00:24:00.000-07:00

“I believe that it is not the road blocks or the tragedies that define us but the way in which we handle and overcome them.” – Maureen Crethan Santora

Triumph over tragedy is a huge concept to grasp. The human mind does not always understand why disasters happen and how any good can come out of them. The September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks is one such tragedy that has confounded many Americans, and seven years after this event, many have yet to come into terms with its impact on their lives.

If coping with the effects of 9/11 is difficult as it is for adults, how can the notion of triumph over tragedy be properly explained to children? It was this complex situation that led Maureen Crethan Santora to create the books, The Day the Towers Fell and My Son Christopher. She explains: “I wanted to share the tragedy of September 11, 2001 with young students. I wanted them to see what hatred does. I wanted them to know that sometimes bad things happen to good people and that if you love someone you love them forever. I wanted the students to learn about hatred and learn how detrimental it is to everyone.”

Apart from making the younger generation understand the after-effects of 9/11, Maureen’s work on The Day the Towers Fell was also motivated by something closer to home. She herself lost her son, firefighter Christopher Santora, to the collapse of the World Trade Center towers. It was this very same loss that gave her the inspiration to pen My Son Christopher.

It took Maureen a while, however, to get started on The Day the Towers Fell and My Son Christopher. This was due to the hesitation of her daughter to do illustrations for the books. She relates: “It was hard for her to work on a project that explained why her brother had been killed.”

Maureen was nonetheless determined to turn this personal tragedy into a triumph. Once she completed her books and decided to have them published, she researched on publishing companies looking for the best option she can find – one that gave her full creative control and ownership of her books. After realizing that self-publishing was the way to go for her, she wrote to several companies, including Xlibris, who immediately got in touch with her. And the rest, as they say, is history.

Maureen only has positive experiences to share about her publishing with Xlibris. She relates: “Throughout the process each person I spoke with at Xlibris made me feel that I was not bothering them. They patiently listened to my concerns and acted upon them. I am very happy that I chose Xlibris to publish my books. Getting immediate feedback was very important to me. Speaking with knowledgeable individuals who were understanding and patient was also important. The staff at Xlibris has helped me immensely. I certainly would recommend them to other authors.”

Although public reception of The Day the Towers Fell has yet to be determined, early indications and the book’s content itself point to a triumph for Maureen. Several schools in Queens have already ordered copies of her book for each class. She also hopes that her work will help teachers and parents guide children in the discussion – and comprehension – of the September 11 terrorist attacks and the effects of hatred on society.

Maureen has achieved success in many areas of her life even after having gone through the tragedy of 9/11. From overcoming her personal loss and using her life experiences to benefit others, to accomplishing the publication of her books, Maureen has shown through her life and through The Day the Towers Fell that indeed, it is not the tragedies but the way we respond to them that define us.

The Day the Towers Fell may be purchased through Xlibris Corporation, Barnes & Noble and Amazon. All proceeds will go to the Christopher Santora Educational Scholarship Fund.

Xlibris Releases ‘Butterflies, Purple Tulips & U2’, Drawing Attention to the Plight of Those Suffering From Epidermolysis Bullosa

2008-08-12T19:24:00.000-07:00

Epidermolysis Bullosa affects many people in varying degrees of severity, while posing a challenge for families in terms of medical and financial support. ‘Butterflies, Purple Tulips & U2’ tells the story of Aimee, one such individual who never stopped fighting.

Imagine...

a child with painful wounds similar to burns covering most of his or her body.

having to wrap each tiny little infant finger with Vaseline gauze and then cover it with gauze to prevent the hand from scarring, webbing and contracting.

never being able to hold your child tight because if you did, their skin would blister or shear off.

a child who will never know what it's like to run, skip or jump, or to play games with other children because even the slightest physical contact will injure his or her skin.

a child who screams out each time it is bathed because the water touching its open wounds creates incredible pain.a diet of only liquids or soft foods because blistering and scarring occur in the esophagus.

an active baby with his knees soaked in blood from the normal act of crawling.

a teenager with stumps for hands, the affected fingers scarred/healed together.

These are the day-to-day battles that face those suffering from Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB).

Epidermolysis Bullosa is a rare genetic skin disease that is marked by the extreme fragility of the skin and the recurrence of blister formations caused by minor friction or trauma. Individuals born with the disease lack the ‘anchors’ that keep the two layers of the skin – the epidermis (outer layer) and the dermis (inner layer) – from moving independently from one another. Since the two skin layers are not held together, any minor friction between the layers, from rubbing or pressure, will cause sores and painful blisters, which people with EB liken to third-degree burns.

It is estimated that in 1 million live births, 50 are diagnosed with Epidermolysis Bullosa, though the disease is not always evident at birth. Approximately 2 to 4 out of every 100,000 – or up to 12,000 – people in the US have some form of EB. The disease is indiscriminate as it occurs in all ethnic and racial groups, and equally affects males and females.

The disease becomes more evident as a child begins to crawl, walk and run, or as a young adult gets more involved in physical activities. When the disease becomes full-blown, people with EB are faced with the challenge of protecting their skin from any form of friction.

This prevents children from enjoying simple physical activities like running, skipping, jumping and playing with other kids, as any minor pressure on the skin can cause blisters. In some cases, even the simple act of a parent carrying or hugging a child can cause wounds on the skin or, at worst, the shearing off of skin. Parents of EB-diagnosed children have managed the disease by preventing and protecting wounds of their kids by covering their skin with gauze and ointments.

Because it is such a rare condition, families of EB patients are hard-pressed to find doctors and medical practitioners who are knowledgeable in handling and treating individuals with this disease. Another challenge attached to this medical condition is the fact that most health maintenance organizations do not cover the healthcare expenditures of EB patients who have the medical necessity to bandage wounds and protect healthy skin from harm. This leaves families with health maintenance costs that reach up to several thousand dollars in a month.

One case of an EB patient and the challenge faced by her family is presented in the Xlibris book ‘Butterflies, Purple Tulips and U2’. Author Sandra Silveira describes the dilemmas she and her family faced in trying to find support for her daughter, Aimee, who had lived with Epidermolysis Bullosa.

After her daughter lost the battle with the rare skin disease, Silveira decided to honor the memory of Aimee’s life by sharing their experiences in managing the disease and how it impacted their lives as a family. Silveira hopes that people suffering from EB or have loved ones battling the disease will find Aimee’s story inspiring and heart-warming. Silveira describes Aimee as a remarkable young woman; who rarely ever complained and worked hard at balancing her disease and the life she loved. She would want people to remember her accomplishments and her enjoyment in each day. She had great faith and loved those around her and in return was loved by many.

Research continues into EB in an attempt to find a cure, scientists at the University of Minnesota have found indications that a bone marrow transplant may be a solution to finding a cure for EB. Current research efforts are focused on the area of genetics and how gene mutations, gene therapy and gene defects contribute to the disease and to a possible cure for the disease. Research assessing the effectiveness of using proteins called cytokines and new kinds of dressings to heal blister wounds are also being conducted.

On another front, families of children and individuals with Epidermolysis Bullosa have come up with a petition for a Wound Care Bill that would make financial support available to EB affected persons in every state. Once supported by Congress, the Wound Care Bill could mandate insurance companies and HMOs to provide coverage for expenses related to the care and treatment of people who suffer from EB.

To support the ongoing fight against EB and to be a part of finding a medical and financial solution for those who deal with this disease everyday, visit http://ebanusa.org/petition.htm or http://www.debra.org/index.php and help improve the quality of life of EB sufferers.

Mother Self-publishes Memoir and Tribute for Remarkable Daughter

2008-08-12T19:23:00.001-07:00

Sandra Silveira puts together a compilation of poems, stories and memories of her daughter in the Xlibris book ‘Butterflies, Purple Tulips and U2’.

Memories expressed in the written word draw attention to the beauty of a life well lived. This is what Sandra Silveira did for her daughter, Aimee, in the Xlibris release ‘Butterflies, Purple Tulips and U2’.

After her daughter lost the battle with a rare skin disease called Epidermolysis bullosa, Sandra decided to immortalize the memory of Aimee’s life as a child and an adult in an inspiring and motivational book. Sandra features her daughter’s short stories, writings and poems in this self-published title along with her own recollections of Aimee’s life as a remarkable young woman who endeavored to balance the life she loved and the disease she fought.

‘Butterflies, Purple Tulips and U2’ focuses on the challenges the Silveiras faced in finding help for Aimee and the joys they felt whenever help would come. The author hopes that readers who are suffering from Epidermolysis bullosa or have loved ones battling the disease will find benefits in Aimee’s story, and in the information and resources mentioned in the book.

The expression of faith, hope and love in the pages of ‘Butterflies, Purple Tulips and U2’ is not only a moving memoir of Aimee Silveira’s well-lived life but is also a fitting tribute by Sandra Silveira for a daughter she will forever love and remember.

‘Butterflies, Purple Tulips and U2’ is now available at the Xlibris.com online bookstore.

About the Author
Sandra Silveira is retired and still lives in the beautiful Napa Valley in California, where she and her husband David, raised their daughter Aimee.

About Xlibris
Xlibris was founded in 1997 and, as the leading publishing services provider for authors, has helped to publish more than 20,000 titles. Xlibris is based in Philadelphia, PA and provides authors with direct and personal access to quality publication in hardcover, trade paperback, custom leather-bound, and full-color formats.

For more information, please visit www.xlibris.com, e-mail pressrelease@xlibris.com or call at 1-888-795-4247, to receive a free publishing guide.

Xlibris Book Presents Practical Exercise Plans

2008-08-12T19:21:00.000-07:00

Exercise Anytime, authored by R.P. Dickey and Mary K. O'Brien, is a practical book presenting exercise methods that fit into one’s busy schedule.

Fitness enthusiasts and health buffs who are interested in keeping those extra pounds off by exercising a half-an-hour a day will have to work doubly hard to keep flab away. This is the finding professor John M. Jakicic and his team at the Department of Health and Physical Activity at the University of Pittsburgh came up with.

The study – published in the July 28 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine – reports that it is necessary for overweight and obese women to exercise approximately an hour a day, for five days in a week to maintain weight loss. It also reinforces the importance of exercise and a strict diet in losing weight. The study only covered women but Jakicic thinks the same findings would apply to men.

However, some health and exercise experts are concerned that this study might discourage people from exercising; indicating that the additional half hour a day might be too much for some who may have a hard time finding time to exercise.

Good thing authors R. P. Dickey and Mary K. O'Brien came up with the book “Exercise Anytime: The Complete Don’t Take Time Out to Exercise Plan”. This Xlibris release is a general exercise book, which puts forward a revolutionary and complete plan that allows the health conscious all the exercise they need without taking any time out.

This self-published title is a must-have for people who may or may not have much time to spare for exercise – people from fitness fanatics and to the average Joe. Exercise Anytime presents 65 well-known exercises that can be executed while doing something else – at work, at home or at school. The hypothesis and practical applications of this book supersedes the concepts espoused by status quo exercise plans that states one needs to set aside time, place, companions, and have proper supervision to be able to exercise regularly.

Exercise Anytime is a book that will change the fitness and exercise habits of many, and because of the flexibility of the exercise plans and methods presented by Dickey and O'Brien, readers are presented with diverse possibilities in approaching their 60 minutes of daily required exercise time.

Exercise Anytime is available at the online bookstores of Barnes&Noble, Amazon and Xlibris.

About the Authors
R.P. Dickey, Ph.D., is the author of The Little Book on Racism and Politics, The Basic Stuff of Poetry (a college textbook), eight books of poems, and an English version of The Tao Yung Hui by ancient Chinese philosopher-poet, Tu Li.

About Xlibris
Xlibris was founded in 1997 and, as the leading publishing services provider for authors, has helped to publish more than 20,000 titles. Xlibris is based in Philadelphia, PA and provides authors with direct and personal access to quality publication in hardcover, trade paperback, custom leather-bound, and full-color formats.

For more information, please visit www.xlibris.com, e-mail pressrelease@xlibris.com or call at 1-888-795-4247, to receive a free publishing guide.

Book of Poetry Bring Comfort to Grieving Family

2008-07-27T21:55:00.000-07:00

Self-published book of poetry helps a family express their grief and appreciation of murdered poet Carlos Rivera.

One should never underestimate the power of written or spoken words to give life, inspire, comfort, and bring healing. This is true in the life of Maria Elena Balcazar and her family, who found consolation in the words of poetry in “Breaking Down the Wall of Silence”, her son Carlos A. Rivera’s book of poems.

Balcazar, who published the book of poetry after the murder of her son, says, “Carlos was a very gifted person,” adding that the book shows the true nature of Rivera – a sensitive poet, artist and student of life.

Her son’s reflections on love, pain, addiction and God are revealed in Breaking Down the Wall of Silence. Apart from being a collection of Rivera’s poems, visual artworks and pictures, this Xlibris published title also includes thoughts on Rivera himself from his mother and brothers.

Balcazar testifies in the book that Rivera was more than a son to her and that he was her best friend and someone she could always count on. One of Rivera’s younger brothers, Hugo, relates that Carlos was the head and the heart of the family.

The poetry in Breaking Down the Wall of Silence has not only brought words of comfort to the family, but is also uniting Balcazar and her three other sons as they celebrate the life of a “very gifted person.”

More on Carlos Rivera’s story at http://www.canada.com/windsorstar/news/story.html?id=c1ee0a52-62ea-4fb0-afae-18652c7512bc.

Breaking Down the Wall of Silence is available at the online bookstores of Target.com and Xlibris.com.

About Xlibris
Xlibris was founded in 1997 and, as the leading publishing services provider for authors, has helped to publish more than 20,000 titles. Xlibris is based in Philadelphia, PA and provides authors with direct and personal access to quality publication in hardcover, trade paperback, custom leather-bound, and full-color formats.

For more information, please visit www.xlibris.com, e-mail pressrelease@xlibris.com or call at 1-888-795-4247, to receive a free publishing guide.

Xlibris Children’s Book Author Named Winner in New York Book Festival

2008-07-11T01:31:00.000-07:00

B.J. Moesner’s self-published picture book wins children’s category in New York book competition.

Xlibris author B.J. Moesner was among the honored few to be named winners in the 2008 New York Book Awards, an award-giving body honoring books that deserve greater recognition.

Moesner’s self-published book, Monty, the Traveling Cat, was announced winner in the Children’s Book category of the competition. This children’s picture book, illustrated by Kevin Scott Collier, tells the story of a cat who goes on a cross-country trip across America with his Mom and a dog named Tootsie.

Other titles that competed with Monty, the Traveling Cat in the same category include Emerita by Cindy Mauro Reisenauer, Sunny Bunnies by Margie Blumberg and June Goulding, Trains and Real Locomotives by William Trombello, and How A Real Locomotive Works by William Trombello.

The New York Book Awards 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.

Winners in the different categories will be appearing on June 28 at the 2008 New York Book Festival in Central Park from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

To read more about the festival, visit http://newyorkbookfest.brinkster.net/portal. For more on B.J. Moesner and Monty, the Traveling Cat log on to www.xlibris.com or check out http://montythetravelingcat.com.

About the Author
B.J. Moesner has traveled for a year in a motor home across the United States with her cat, Monty, and Shih Tzu, Tootsie. Originally from Southern Indiana, Moesner now resides in Berks County, Pennsylvania. Her experience as a newspaper reporter, travel agent and librarian have prepared and inspired her to write Monty, the Traveling Cat.

Moesner adopted Monty in Indianapolis, Indiana while attending a family gathering at the Indianapolis 500 race in May of 2000. The book is based on the true story of his experiences in the motor home. While traveling and seeing sights across the United States, Monty transformed from being a scaredy-cat to being a traveling cat.

About Xlibris
Xlibris was founded in 1997 and, as the leading publishing services provider for authors, has helped to publish more than 20,000 titles. Xlibris is based in Philadelphia, PA and provides authors with direct and personal access to quality publication in hardcover, trade paperback, custom leather-bound, and full-color formats.

For more information, please visit www.xlibris.com, e-mail pressrelease@xlibris.com or call at 1-888-795-4247, to receive a free publishing guide.

Xlibris Offers Library of Congress, Copyright Registration in July

2008-07-11T01:30:00.000-07:00

Self-publishing promo for early sign-up made available for writers

Writers who wish to become authors with the publication of their book will have more reasons to get excited when they choose to self-publish with Xlibris.

The leader in the self-publishing industry will be including Library of Congress and Copyright Registration in every publishing package, at no additional charge, when authors sign up to publish before July 16.

These free registrations are on top of huge July savings of up to $2,650. Even with an unfinished manuscript, writers can take advantage of Xlibris’ unbeatable offers by signing up on or before July 16 and submit their final manuscript when they are ready. With black & white and full-color publishing services starting at just $299, Xlibris is making it even easier and more attractive for writers to realize their dream of becoming a published author.

For more information, visit www.xlibris.com/promo.html.

About Xlibris
Xlibris was founded in 1997 and, as the leading publishing services provider for authors, has helped to publish more than 20,000 titles. Xlibris is based in Philadelphia, PA and provides authors with direct and personal access to quality publication in hardcover, trade paperback, custom leather-bound, and full-color formats.

For more information, please visit www.xlibris.com, e-mail pressrelease@xlibris.com or call at 1-888-795-4247, to receive a free publishing guide.

Conflict between Homosexuals and the Church Analyzed in Self-published Book

2008-06-22T19:43:00.001-07:00

The institution of marriage – that is, between a man and a woman – gets a serious challenge from gay and lesbian couples who headed to California this week to get marriage licenses after the state’s Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriages.

Reactions to the court’s decision are as varied as the couples who come to California to get married. This comes as an encouragement to same-sex couples who have long waited to make their union legal. For conservative and religious groups, however, it is a different story altogether.

Some religious leaders applaud the decision as a step toward equality while other say this move will have negative effects on children. One pastor from Chino Hills, in response to the issue of the legalization of same-sex marriage, said the judges of the California Supreme Court have ”crossed over from the realm of judicial or legislative powers into the church. They stepped inside of our churches, inside of our pulpits, inside of our Bible and redefined marriage for us.”

This predicament is not only depicted by the rallying of gay and lesbian couples to California but also in the Xlibris book “The Church vs. Homosexuals: a Christian Response to the Contemporary Conflict”. Author Frederick C. Osborn puts a microscope on America's culture war between the church and homosexuals – and issue that is ever-present in newspapers, magazines, on talk radio, and on television every day.

The Church vs. Homosexuals delves into the roots of the advocacy for gay rights and the extent of the demands and goals set by gays and lesbians in the United States. Osborn also traces the shift of the conflict’s venue from the streets into the pews and pulpits of mainline Christian denomination, with the threat of Federal courts forcing ministers and pastors to officiate the marriage of gay and lesbian couples.

Osborn presents his observations on both sides of the conflict and produces a distinctive viewpoint on the argument between homosexuals and the church.

The Church vs. Homosexuals is available on the Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Xlibris online bookstores.

Xlibris Launches New Website

2008-06-22T19:40:00.000-07:00

Xlibris, the self-publishing industry leader, has announced the launch of its new website design and interface. The recently unveiled redesigned Internet home of the print on demand company presents an eye-catching design and more user-friendly features that make www.xlibris.com easier to navigate.

With the intent of providing better online service to writers who desire to become authors, photographers who wish to publish a collection of their photos, and book lovers who wish to purchase self-published titles, the new Xlibris website combines the salient aspects of its previous incarnations with innovative elements to enhance the effectiveness of the company’s online business.

For a more detailed look at the new image of the Xlibris website, visit www.xlibris.com.

Finding Success and Fulfillment in Self-Publishing

2008-04-21T21:08:00.000-07:00

Those who say there can be little or no success in having your book self-published obviously have not met Doris Washington or heard of the triumph she has had with her book, “A Blessing, Caring & Sharing.” Nor have they heard how her poetry – drawn from her personal experiences – has led her to not only bless and inspire others, but also to find commercial success, as she recently became the latest recipient of Xlibris’ Best Seller Program award.

It was after a painful episode in her family life that Doris found inspiration to create her book of poetry, which she filled with words on her closeness with God, spirituality, autism awareness, her inspirations, positive thinking, social issues in our world and greetings. Doris found peace and healing through her poetry.

She also found a publishing partner in Xlibris and in 2004 decided to have her book of poems self-published. With the release of A Blessing, Caring & Sharing, Doris found herself in a path that has led her from one form of success to another.

From touching people’s lives on an intimate level with her words to creating statewide awareness for autism, Doris found that her book has opened many doors for her to bless and inspire people. Her book and her poetry have also taken her on readings at nursing homes and residential home facilities, churches, and in the community.

Doris continues to do numerous book signings across the country, where she gets to meet and interact with people who have been touched by her poems. In fact, she has the most number of book signings among the roster of Xlibris published authors.

Doris’ success has led to her being inducted into the Xlibris Best Seller Program. This program was designed by Xlibris to recognize, celebrate and support authors who have achieved writing and selling success.

Authors who receive the Best Seller Program award will have their book advertised in the New York Review of Books, be granted Xlibris’ Bookstore Returnability Program, and are also given a wealth of printed materials to reinforce the market exposure of the authors’ book.

Doris Washington has come a long way with her book. The road of success paved by A Blessing, Caring & Sharing is one that colors the self-publishing industry with infinite possibilities – possibilities that include not only commercial success but also deep, personal fulfillment.
A Blessing, Caring & Sharing is available at Amazon.com and at the Xlibris online bookstore.

Causes, Solutions to Child Violence Presented in Xlibris Title

2008-02-21T20:39:00.001-08:00

Columbine and Virginia Tech are names of the most infamous cases of school violence to happen in the US in the last 10 years. The occurrence of these and other incidences of school shootings have left administrators and parents concerned about school safety.

With the recent shooting of a 15-year-old boy in E.O. Green Junior High School in California by another eighth-grader, and the killing of five students by an unidentified gunman in a Northern Illinois University lecture hall, echoes of the Virginia Tech massacre and the Columbine killings resurface and, again, raises the issue of safety – and guns – in schools.

While some of the school shootings are perpetrated by adults, many are carried out by teenage students who attend the respective schools where the violence takes place. This poses the question of the moral and psychological conditions of today’s youth and other external factors that would lead them to commit acts of violence.

Psychologist and author Michael Sefton addresses these issues and more in his Xlibris published book, “The Evil that Kids Do.” Taking a clinician’s view of deviant child behavior, Sefton digs deep and exposes the underpinnings of childhood violence. He points out at the beginning of his book that today’s children experience more stress and live more complex lives than their “baby boomer” parents did, and may be one of the reasons that fuel aggression in kids.

Sefton also points out specific issues (such as divorce and abuse) and practical ones (like having mentors and parent-school partnerships) in order to present a well-rounded analysis of violent behavior in children.

The Evil that Kids Do breaks down the different stages of child development, identifies key factors that shape a child’s perceptions and belief systems, and provides specific recommendations for change. This self-published book should be on the desk of every teacher, school administrator, principal, guidance counselor and parent, if they are to be equipped to handle – and curb – child aggression.

Michael Sefton’s The Evil that Kids Do is available on the Xlibris and Amazon online bookstores.

Tips on Raising Kids Presented in Xlibris Parenting Book

2008-02-21T20:37:00.002-08:00

An article on parenting posted at the Jamaican Gleaner News website states that the only job description parents get about raising children is that things can go wrong at anytime and parents are the only one responsible for it. Even so, the article provides some handy pointers for raising children.

Allison Anderson, chief executive officer of the Child Development Authority, named self-control, communication with children, affirmation of their worth, and prayer among the strategies parents can use in bringing up kids. Anderson put emphasis on parents setting an example of proper behavior for their children to follow.

Psychologist and counselor David Posipanka echoes similar tips and suggestions in his Xlibris published book, “The Book to Help Parents Raise Better-Behaved Kids”. With the intent of helping parents achieve their goal of raising well-behaved children, Posipanka takes a psychological and educational approach in presenting parental strategies for teaching new skills, replacing undesired behaviors with desired ones, and disciplining children through their every day and important aspects of their lives.

The Book to Help Parents Raise Better-Behaved Kids is an invaluable resource for parents of children of any age, especially families with hectic lives. This self-published book is also highly recommended for field workers, who counsel children and parents in an in-home setting.

The Book to Help Parents Raise Better-Behaved Kids is available online at the Xlibris.com bookstore.

Effects of Nicotine on Sleep, Human Behavior Analyzed in Xlibris Release

2008-02-21T20:37:00.001-08:00

“Smoking is dangerous to your health.” This warning found in cigarette boxes is not for naught and a recent study published in the February issue of Chest suggests yet another ill effect of smoking. According to Dr. Naresh M. Punjabi and his research colleagues, smoking can cause poor sleep quality.

Punjabi, one of the authors of the study, points out that those who smoke are more likely to feel tired when awake and they spend less time in deep sleep than those who do not smoke. This can be attributed to the fact that smokers go through nicotine withdrawal each night, therefore causing sleep disturbances.

Sleep patterns between 40 smokers and 40 nonsmokers were observed and the researches noted that 22.5 percent of smokers lack restful sleep, compared with only 5 percent of nonsmokers. The study also indicated that the effects of nicotine are strongest in the early stages of sleep, decreasing when the sleep cycle progresses.

Although this study may be the most recent one to make the connection between smoking and sleep quality, previous research has already charted the influence of nicotine on sleep.

In the Xlibris book “Advances in Nicotine Research: a Century of Progress, 1900-1999”, pharmacology and toxicology professors Peter P. Rowell and Laurence A. Carr chronicle the breakthroughs made in the 1900s in understanding the actions of nicotine, the most widely used drug in the world. Everything from the initial use of nicotine as a therapeutic agent, its chemical make up, its distribution to the brain, to its metabolism and elimination from the body is taken up in this self-published book.

Advances in Nicotine Research also follows the progression of the research on nicotine from the mid-1900s and onward, presenting significant discoveries about the drug and its effects on neurotransmitters in the brain. Rowell and Carr then address the way nicotine influences cognitive and non-cognitive behavior such as sleep, learning, muscle activity and self-administration.

Finally, Rowell and Carr conclude their research by categorizing the advances made in understanding the contribution of nicotine to tobacco use and cigarette smoking – further painting a not so lovely image of how this drug affects human behavior.

More on the interesting and informative Advances in Nicotine Research can be found at the Amazon and Xlibris online bookstores.

Author Offers an Insider’s View of Professional Football in Xlibris Title

2008-02-21T20:34:00.002-08:00

The outcome of last Sunday’s National Football League championship game – where the New York Giants beat the New England Patriots – will go down in history not only as the most-watched football event but also as one of the biggest upsets in Super Bowl history.

The Giants’ 17-14 victory over the Patriots has become a major point of discussion between avid football fans, sports commentators, the media and even politicians. It has also made the Giants bigger heroes in their hometown, New York, where they have been given a rare tickertape victory parade.

While the results of Super Bowl XLII may have surprised many in the sports industry, former quarterback and football official Fred Wyant may have anticipated the coming of last Sunday’s upset – or some such surprises in the NFL.

The Xlibris book, “Offsides! – Fred Wyant's Provocative Look Inside the National Football League“, presents Wyant as a reliable insider who knows the ins and outs of professional football. Author Rene A. Henry leans heavily on Wyant’s 19-year experience as an official in the NFL as he takes a deeper look into the world and culture of the National Football League.

Henry compiles his interviews of several football players, coaches and officials to reinforce Wyant’s comments on the issues and situations that make up the wide range scenarios in the NFL. Among the points raised in this self-published book are the existence of role models in professional football, the importance of instant replay, the reliability of sports announcers, and the credibility of NFL officials.

Offsides! is laden with funny anecdotes, details of the responsibilities of football officials and descriptions of the more than 1,500 decisions each member of the crew faces in every game. This is also a great read for NFL aficionados who want to get deeper into the world of pro football – and perhaps get a heads up on yet another possible upset in the Super Bowl.

Offsides! is a self-published release authored by Rene A. Henry, and is available on Amazon.com and on the Xlibris online bookstore.

Xlibris Title Explains the Intricacies of Suicide

2008-02-21T20:34:00.001-08:00

Recent information from Army internal briefing papers indicated that there has been an increase in suicide rates among United States soldiers. Data showed that in 2007 as many as 121 Army soldiers have committed suicide, which is 20 percent higher from the previous year.

The suicide rate is said to be the highest in 30 years since records began. Of the 121 deaths that happened in the past year, 34 occurred while the soldiers were in deployment in Iraq. Army officials also said that there was an increase of attempted suicides and self-harm: from 500 in 2002 to 2,100 in 2007.

Psychiatry consultant to the army surgeon general Colonel Elspeth Ritchie enumerated personal relationships, legal and financial problems and the stress of their jobs have been main factors in soldiers' suicides.

While the army is yet to make these findings final, the occurrence of suicide in the armed forces – or anywhere else for that matter – is a something that needs a thorough assessment and understanding. This is where Federico Sanchez and his Xlibris published book “Suicide Explained: A Neuropsychological Approach” comes in.

As the title suggests, Suicide Explained explains the intricacies of suicide, giving readers a clear idea of the magnitude of the problem. Sanchez goes directly to the important aspect by reviewing current psychiatric terminology and the diagnostic tools concerning mental disorders. The author presents the most accepted current theories and models of suicide to provide help for professionals who deal with mental disorders in general and suicide in particular.

Sanchez gives a few words of advice on various therapies and the rationality of their approaches and cautions against their limitations. Suicide Explained closes with important suggestions on how to lessen suicide rates, particularly among the young – and in this case, soldiers in the US Army.

This self-published release is an invaluable read for survivors of suicide who want to understand why it happens, and it is helpful for anyone suffering mental disorders. Suicide Explained is available at the Amazon and Xlibris online bookstores.

Health Care System and Policy Formation Underscored in Xlibris Title

2008-01-30T20:59:00.001-08:00

California State’s health committee has rejected a health care bill proposed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, which was intended to expand the coverage of California’s 3.6 million uninsured. The Senate committee stated budgetary woes as the reason for the rejection of the bill.

Although Schwarzenegger is undeterred in his efforts to see the bill passed, this recent obstacle to the realization of a reformed health care system is indicative of how the California – and the United States – looks at its health policy. There is a long history behind the US government’s current view of health care. The Xlibris book, “US Health Policy and Problem Definition: A Policy Process Adrift,” chronicles and analyzes this.

Written by health care analyst Frank Govern, US Health Policy and Problem Definition zeroes in on health policy formation in America and highlights the factors affecting the creation of health care policies. Govern underlines the impact of industrialization, labor issues and the employee-employer relationship on US health care system.

A self-published release, US Health Policy and Problem Definition points out how national health policy outcomes are determined by circumstances outside of the realm of health care. The book also presents an inductive and explorative case study of legislative debates on the health care issue to synthesize the roles and impact of external forces on the formation of national health insurance policy.

This book is something that would definitely encourage Governor Schwarzenegger, enlighten the California State health committee, and engage health care reform proponents.

US Health Policy and Problem Definition is available on the Xlibris and Amazon online bookstores.

US Presidents Assessed, Graded in Xlibris Release

2008-01-30T20:58:00.001-08:00

John McCain, Mitt Romney, Barack Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton are just some of the names making the news headlines these days. These presidential hopefuls are making the rounds, jockeying for the position of the most powerful leader of the free world – the United States presidency.

While these presidential candidates may have encountered criticism, opposition and scrutiny during the 2008 campaign and election season, they have yet to meet their toughest critique.

The Xlibris book, “Presidential Leadership by Example: A Presidential and First Ladies Report Card for the Future Millennium”, is an apt overview of what the new American president will dive into, once seated in the White House. Author Paul David Cook presents this self-published release as a report card that grades all the Presidents of the United States.

Presidential Leadership by Example stands out not because it measures up each President by their political achievements and failures, but because it evaluates each chief executive according to their personal values and how others perceive them as role models.

This book is an eye-opening read as it also features some unexpected quotations from famous and beloved former Presidents. Current presidential candidates will do well by flipping through the pages of Presidential Leadership by Example in preparation for a life lived under constant scrutiny – the American presidency.

Presidential Leadership by Example is available on the Amazon and Xlibris online bookstores.

America’s Culture of Corruption Exposed in Xlibris Title

2008-01-30T20:57:00.001-08:00

The Center for Public Integrity recently released the results of their exhaustive examination on the foundation of the Bush administration’s case for war with Iraq. The report concludes that President George W. Bush and several of his top officials have made 935 false statements about weapons of mass destruction and the security risk posed by Iraq in the two years after the September 11 terror attacks.

The organization’s report shows that “the statements were part of an orchestrated campaign that effectively galvanized public opinion and, in the process, led the nation to war under decidedly false pretenses."

Of the 935 false statements presented in the report, 260 came from President Bush; 254 from former Secretary of Sstate Collin Powell; and 109 from White House Press Secretary Ari Fleischer and Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld.

These results say a lot about the current moral and political condition of America. However, it may be something Toxie Myers has seen coming when he authored the book “The Pinole Syndrome – America's Culture of Corruption: The Conspiracies Between Our Judiciary, Enforcement Agencies, Government and Media”. Myers, in this self-published title, shows how different sectors of American government conspire against individuals who oppose the system.

The Pinole System is an exposition of how local and national politicians – much like Bush and the other government officials involved in the campaign against Iraq – can corrupt lives by stealing from the people and violating the Constitution. Myers is unabashed in shedding light on Congress and the Presidency, which according to him, the entire country now calls a “culture of corruption”.

For readers who want to know what is going on behind America’s downfall, The Pinole System is sure to get inquisitive minds thinking and questioning the scope of the influence government and the media has over the United States.

The Pinole System by Toxie Myers is available at the Xlibris and Amazon websites.

Xlibris Release Analyzes Abortion Controversy in America

2008-01-23T01:05:00.001-08:00

Abortion is one of the most controversial issues in the United States. Debates on whether it should be legalized or not has covered a long span of time and uncovered several other arguments that added complexity to the matter. A recent survey conducted by the Guttmacher Institute, however, indicates that incidences of abortion in the US have decreased.

According to their findings, the abortion rate in America dropped to 19.4 abortions per 1,000 women, ages of 15 to 44. This rate, the study concludes, is the lowest level since 1974.

The researchers gave several theories on the decrease of abortions in the country. The possible reasons stated for the trend are the easy access to contraception, decrease of abortion clinics, increase of sex education, and awareness of the horrors of abortion.

Many other reasons may have brought about the decline of abortion cases. Some are found in the book “One Life: How the U.S. Supreme Court Deliberately Distorted the History, Science and Law of Abortion” where author William M. Connolly thoroughly cuts through the issues and arguments surrounding abortion.

This Xlibris release scrutinizes the controversy that is abortion by digging deep into its history, the laws peripheral and pertaining to abortion, and its moral and legal implications. One Life also presents an exposition of the fallacies of celebrated Roe v. Wade case, which had a lasting impact on state and federal abortion laws.

Connolly makes the thesis of his self-published book a well-rounded one by offering several varied viewpoints on the abortion issue. The views and opinions of the Catholic Church and pro-choice proponents are all thrown in for a more balanced understanding of the controversy of abortion.

One Life: How the U.S. Supreme Court Deliberately Distorted the History, Science and Law of Abortion is a comprehensive tome of the abortion issue and the role played by the US Supreme Court in molding America’s concept of abortion. This book is available on the Amazon and Xlibris online bookstores.

Bush Presidency, Policies and Personality Highlighted in Xlibris Title

2008-01-21T18:57:00.000-08:00

US President George W. Bush’s recent tour of the Middle East has been met with responses ranging from cautious scrutiny to blatant mockery. Newspaper reports from countries like Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Syria have pitched in opinions on the purpose and efficacy of Bush’s trip to the region. One such report states that many Arabs are concerned about Bush as a leader, calling him “a disaster of a president.”

While these reports zero in on the US head of state’s faults and failures as a leader, the Xlibris book “George Walker Bush: Legacy for Reintegration, Rejuvenation, and Sustainability” does the opposite. Author Bamidele Ojo focuses on the credentials and character traits of the American president in this self-published book, giving readers perhaps a breath of fresh air from the barrage of Bush-bashing comments that come from everywhere.

George Walker Bush – the book – dissects the presidency, policies and personality of the incumbent US chief executive, presenting a comprehensive assessment of the administration of George W. Bush. Ojo highlights Bush’s qualities as a leader by examining his advocacy for human rights, contribution to the war against terrorism, and efforts to facilitate peace between Israel and Palestine. The author goes as far as calling Bush an effective leader, unique among American presidents.

The book might come across as pro-Bush propaganda for some, as it leans heavily towards the positive attributes of President Bush, but that’s where the book derives its appeal. The pro-Bush will certainly embrace the book’s dissertations, which showers praise on the president. The anti-Bush will most probably scrutinize its content to decide which is fact or fiction and what they will believe in or not.

George Walker Bush: Legacy for Reintegration, Rejuvenation, and Sustainability is available on the Amazon and Xlibris online bookstores.

Xlibris Release Analyzes Abortion Controversy in America

2008-01-21T18:56:00.000-08:00

Impact of the Internet on US Elections Dissected in Xlibris Title

2008-01-14T21:23:00.000-08:00

The 2008 general elections in the United States will be most unlike any that have come before. With the proliferation of the Internet and people becoming more tech savvy, the campaign and election season will be greatly impacted by the convergence of the Internet and politics.

A little over two years ago Karen A.B. Jagoda self-published a book through Xlibris that pretty much foretold the circumstances of the current election season. Her book, “Crossing the River: The Coming of Age of the Internet in Politics and Advocacy”, focuses on the use of online tools to better allocate valuable campaign resources, among other things.

Jagoda sees the importance of a junction between the Internet and politics for candidates who want to effectively raise funds for their causes, persuade voters with their political agenda, and mobilize teams for campaign support. The author also assesses the implications of the World Wide Web for the interactivity between politicians, the media and people during the campaign season.

Crossing the River is a collection of essays and research from political online strategists and insiders from both the Democratic and Republican camps. Areas of interest dissected in this self-published book are the use of the internet, the evolution of media, the expansion of online fundraising, the growth of money in politics, political online advertising, the propagation of blogs and the use of emails to reach more voters.

Candidates, political strategists, campaign managers, media planners and buyers, fundraisers, grassroots organizers, public affairs experts, Web publishers, political scientists, and entrepreneurs are sure to find Crossing the River an invaluable tool and an insightful read, especially in the current election season.

Crossing the River: The Coming of Age of the Internet in Politics and Advocacy is available on the Xlibris and Amazon bookstores.

Xlibris Title Imagines America Led by a Woman President

2008-01-08T21:07:00.000-08:00

Surveys pertaining to the Democratic presidential primary campaign indicate that Senator Barack Obama is leading in the New Hampshire primary, ahead of Senator Hilary Rodham Clinton. At this rate, the US could be looking at electing its first African American president.

However, many things can still happen and seeing Clinton elected as the first woman president of America can still be a possibility.

The Xlibris book, “1st Woman President”, looks at that possibility by presenting a fictional yet plausible – and quite possibly prophetic – scenario of what the United States would be like under the leadership of a woman.

A self-published novel, 1st Woman President follows the political journey of presidential candidate Martha Stetson from a talented, impassioned college student, to a highly skilled battlefield surgeon, all the way to her ascent to the highest elected office in the world. The book’s author, Stephen O. Hero, goes as far as describing Stetson as a superb model for America’s first woman president.

Hero uses the connection between the 2008 US Presidential elections and sensitive political issues – such as the war on terror and on Iraq, the September 11 attacks, and the deaths of US combatants in the Near East – as the springboard for his intriguing tale of politics and drama.

1st Woman President is available the Xlibris bookstore and Amazon.com, and is sure to pique the curiosity of the American voting populace.

Current Political and Social Conditions in Iraq Explained in Xlibris Title

2008-01-08T21:06:00.001-08:00

Even after the 2003 invasion of the American-led Coalition forces, Iraq has remained in turmoil coming from old and new problems. Events that have kept Iraq a mainstay in international news suggest that there is still a long way to go before true freedom and peace is established in Iraq. The Xlibris book “What is Happening in Iraq? The ABC of the Current Situation in Iraq” delves into these issues and the conditions of the war-torn nation.

Written by Munaf Yassiri, What is Happening in Iraq? presents an impartial assessment of the current social and political conditions in Iraq from the suffering of Iraqis under Saddam Hussein’s dictatorship to their cooperation with the occupation forces. This self-published book also takes a look at the unification of the Saddam Baathists and the al-Qaeda Wahhabi terrorist to intimidate the Shiite population.

Yassiri enables readers to understand what is exactly going on in Iraq not only by dissecting the existing social and political situations but also by thoroughly analyzing the country’s rich history. Being an Iraqi himself, Yassiri knows his subject matter extensively, which gives him authority and credibility in showing that there is a lot more going on in Iraq than the media is able to cover.

What is Happening in Iraq? is an interesting read for anyone – from historians to politicians to arm chair critics – seeking in-depth information beyond what the news and media has to offer about Iraq.

What is Happening in Iraq? is available on Amazon.com and on the Xlibris online bookstore.

People Behind Sunnex: an Insider Speaks

2007-12-04T18:00:00.000-08:00

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

2007-12-04T01:42:00.000-08:00

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

2007-12-04T01:38:00.001-08:00

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

2007-12-04T01:37:00.000-08:00

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

2007-12-04T01:36:00.002-08:00

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

2007-12-04T01:36:00.001-08:00

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

2007-12-04T01:34:00.001-08:00

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’

2007-12-04T01:32:00.000-08:00

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

2007-12-04T01:30:00.000-08:00

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

2007-12-04T01:29:00.002-08:00

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

2007-12-04T01:29:00.001-08:00

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

2007-12-04T01:28:00.000-08:00

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

2007-12-04T01:27:00.000-08:00

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

2007-12-04T01:26:00.000-08:00

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

2007-12-04T01:24:00.000-08:00

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

2007-12-04T01:23:00.000-08:00

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

2007-12-04T01:22:00.000-08:00

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

2007-12-04T01:20:00.002-08:00

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

2007-12-04T01:20:00.001-08:00

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

2007-12-04T01:18:00.000-08:00

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

2007-12-04T01:17:00.001-08:00

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

2007-12-04T01:16:00.001-08:00

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

2007-12-04T01:13:00.000-08:00

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.