Author Interview: Scarlett Archer & 1001 FIRST LINES

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Scarlett Rugers (writing as Scarlett Archer) has just released a book 1001 First Lines which is now available at Amazon! You can purchase a paperback, .lit, .epub, .mobi and PDF versions here: http://www.1001firstlines.wordpress.com.

She has been writing for over fifteen years, completed over eleven novels, and her main drive is in speculative fiction or its contrasting opposite romantic comedic novels. She has a passion for studying the art of story telling and is a grand lover of movies. Her focus in work is book cover designs which enables her to put all her energy in to the area she loves most- literature.

You can visit her website at www.scarlettarcher.com.

Twitter: www.twitter.com/scarandthetwit

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Scarlett-Rugers-Design/186669264687668

Thank you for this interview, Scarlett.  Can you tell us briefly what your latest book, 1001 FIRST LINES, is all about?

Scarlett: My latest book is 1001 First Lines. It’s exactly as it sounds! A collection of first lines- and not just the classics. From the best and the words, categorized in genre for easy access.

What’s your favorite first line in all the book?

 

Scarlett: That would have to be Stephen King’s “The Dark Tower”: The man in black fled across the desert, and the gunslinger followed.

Who or what was the inspiration behind your book?

Scarlett: I wanted to write a really good first line. That’s it. One of the best things I learned was if you want to be the best, do world’s best practice. Experience the average, the worst, and the ones that can’t be pigeon holed. That’s how 1001 First Lines came about.

I wanted to compare different genres, not just display the best. Everyone can Google the best, there are multiple sites that’ll give that up. But what if you want to see the norm of your own genre? If you write chic lit, horror, or science fiction- what’s the standard opening line that so many others use?

Is this your first published book and if so, can you tell us your experiences in finding a publisher for it?

Scarlett: I self-published. My graphic design experience put me in that position where I could do the design and layout from front to back. I’m pedantic so it was important to me to have the say on everything. As a book cover designer for self-published authors I get a pretty detailed industry view. As a business woman I felt obliged to take it into my own hands. I never try and miss an opportunity!

Where do you live and if I were coming to town, where would we go to talk books?

Scarlett: I live in Melbourne, Australia. And talking books should definitely happen at Acland St in St Kilda- on the beach. At one of the many cake and coffee shops, or Big Mouth – a fantastic cafe on the corner which fantastic food and comfy seats, or even down on the Parade where there are some places on the beach to have a coffee.

 

Having said all that if you’ve ever heard of National Novel Writing Month, Melbourne has an explosive gathering of writers that try and meet up throughout the year. In November the numbers triple at drinks, but if you want THE place to hang with writers that’s it!

When you’re not writing, what do you do to relax and have fun?

Scarlett: I work, isn’t that pathetic? I sort of have a compulsion to productivity, and my brain always has to be ticking over. So I design. I get creative. Sit on the couch with my laptop, a movie on in the background, a good cup of tea, I’m in bliss!

Do you have any words of inspiration for other writers?

Scarlett: Best piece of advice I ever heard for writers was: There’s no such thing as a good writer, only a good rewriter. Everyone’s first draft is a piece of liver pie so you had better accept that. The faster you do, the better writer you’ll be.

What’s next for you?

Scarlett: The first is Oscar & Josephine, a love story about death. A quick fic novella about a brother and sister who, through desperation, end up cursed. They’re forced into immortality in their six-year-old and nineteen-year-old bodies. The story is how they cope through the decades, trying to adapt, doing what they can to kick start their aging once again. This will be published between July-September 2012

The second is a dark retelling of The Wizard of Oz, in a modern environment, which involves organ transplants, dirty alleys and a Guy Richie/Quentin Tarantino-style narrative. I’m aiming for this to be ready for publication by 2014.

 

Thank you for this interview, Scarlett.  Do you have any final words?

Scarlett: Thank you for this opportunity, I loved being interviewed!

 

 

Excerpt from: Your Average Joe Unplugged by Joseph Schneller

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Title: Your Average Joe Unplugged
Author: Joseph Schneller
Genre: Christian devotional/humorous devotional
Hardcover: 116 pages
Publisher: Nordskog Publishing
Language: English
ISBN-13: 978-0983195719

Joseph writes for those tired of the canned answers for everyday believers desiring to live in faith amidst the joys and pains, the responsibilities and tragedies of life. Through 30 daily devotionals and a half-dozen humorous articles, he presents honest, often humorous encouragement for our Christian pilgrimage through this fallen world.

BOOK EXCERPT:

Trash Talk*
(Women Are Not Allowed To Read This)

OK, now that it’s just us guys, let’s get down to business. You are a newly married man. While this is a great thing in many regards, you’ve quickly learned that your bachelor ways are Downright Wrong.

Living with your new bride is not the same as rooming with Al and Pigpen. In fact, every rule of communication, time management, and cleanliness is currently undergoing a Drastic Overhaul. Tearing up a little? It’s OK. We’ll handle these one at a time. Today’s topic: garbage.

At some point after the honeymoon (usually Day #2), your wife addressed the Division of Household Responsibilities. One of yours is taking out the trash. Why are you responsible for the garbage? Because it’s in your genes, just like it’s in your wife’s genes to decorate the house with tiny books entitled Friendship Is Forever, Precious Puppies, and Fuzzy Things That Squeak. (Side Note: At some point, you will be tempted to place one of these books beneath the short leg of the kitchen table. But unless you enjoy indoor cold fronts, leave the books alone.)

Excerpt from: Peter: Rock Star from Galilee by Sherree Funk

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Title: Peter: Rock Star from Galilee
Author: Sherree Funk
Genre: Christian nonfiction/Bible study
Paperback: 136 pages
Publisher: WinePress Publishing (June 2, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-13: 978-1414119830

If the New Testament were a Broadway musical, Peter would be one of the stars. He lived life loud, while making his best effort to be one of the best disciples. Peter was like a modern day rock star, but his struggles were just like ours. If Jesus could shape Peter into a solid rock of a disciple, he can surely do the same for you.

From his first call to follow, Peter was acutely aware of his own sinfulness. He wanted Jesus to go away, but ended up following. What makes people push Jesus away today? What makes them decide to follow? These are the kinds of “chew on this” questions you’ll find in Week One of Peter: Rock Star from Galilee.

Music always speaks to a deep place in the heart. Let music accompany your Bible study. Peter: Rock Star from Galilee will guide you through the ups and downs of Peter’s life story with a playlist of songs and hymns paralleling each chapter.
To better understand the feelings Peter had after denying Jesus three times, listen to Josh Wilson’s “Before the Morning.” Feel the love Christ had for all people even as he died by listening to the lyrics of “Amazing Love” by Chris Tomlin. By the end of the eight week study, you will create your own playlist of at least eight songs to bring back all you learned about Peter.

This eight-week study includes:
• Interactive questions for personal study and “chew on this” questions for small group discussion
• Photographs, maps, and informative sidebars for historical and geographical context
• Hands-on mission activities and discipleship challenges to encourage teens’ growing faith

Book Excerpt:

If the New Testament were a Broadway musical, Peter would be one of the stars. The superstar was Jesus Christ, but Peter would be a rock star. Peter attracted attention by doing outrageous things; he was a “sinful man” by his own admission. Emotional, impetuous, and edgy, Peter spiced up the stories of Jesus. He thought he could be the best disciple, but even his best intentions led to miserable failure. Then following the resurrection, after a special beach breakfast with Jesus, Peter’s career took off. He performed miracles, drew crowds, preached to
thousands, got busted by the Pharisees, and broke down the Jew-Gentile barrier. And he did it all for the sake of Jesus. From a rickety fishing boat on Lake Galilee, to the grand courts of Herod’s Temple, to the villages of Joppa and Caesarea, Peter rocked the world around him.

We love Peter as much for his fears and failures as for the times he got it right. If impulsive Peter could become a rock-solid disciple, maybe there is hope for us too. Join me as we explore Peter’s bumpy road to stardom in light of his tight friendship with the God-man, Jesus.

Each week of the Bible study begins with a list of songs whose lyrics pertain to the week’s study. Listen to them if you can. Five days of guided study follow. It works best if you answer the questions on your own before gathering weekly with your small group. And each week ends with a set of discussion questions for your group. Pray that God will speak to you personally as you study.

Before you begin, take time to get to know the others in your study group. Write everyone’s name on the blank page opposite and jot down whatever short prayer each person requests.

Excerpt from Goddess Mother Speaks by Blanca Beyar

Title: Goddess Mother Speaks
Author: Blanca Beyar
Genre: Mind/Body/Spirit
Paperback: 186 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace (March 15, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-13: 978-1461009146

The Goddess Mother is speaking to us in a way she has never done so before!

The Omega aspect of the GodHead shares with us vital information about the changing times we are living in, the future creation, the Children of the Light, Sacred Relationships and so many other vital areas of our lives.

In this incredible and divine dialogue from the Goddess Mother, she reaches out to all the children of the world with a spark of hope, of healing and renewal.

In this epic time of change and transformation, our beloved Goddess provides vital insight, guidance and love that will assist each of us to heal our spirit and to become part of the collective whole that will lead the new ascension of earth!

Read an Excerpt

There is no denying that Earth has gone through many changes; primarily due to the condition in which this sacred “womb” has been treated and neglected. The Mother Earth has been punctured and injured through the ages as she has been severely neglected and abused with both external toxicity and energetic poison. Many eons ago, the children completely forgot that the Earth was a breathing and living vessel that was literally sustaining, supporting and nourishing every molecule of existence. Gone, became the days and rituals that many of the Ancient Ones sacredly offered to the Earth in gratitude for all of her love and blessings.

With time, there was no longer even a subtle recognition to all that the children had to be thankful for. As technology and the desire to expand external development grew, the Earth slowly became an experimental ground for many toxic energies and waste. The greatest violation occurred in the lack of reverence and nourishment that a once healthy Earth received from the many Ancient Ones and Shamans that has almost ceased to exist now. The consequences of these actions and neglect are now sorely being felt in the future of the Earth’s atmosphere and core.

The Ancient Ones were precise when they predicted that in a time near, there would be great shifts and changes in the Cosmos and on Earth. These predictions have been known to the Ancient Ones for all eternity and the original blueprint of this shift was considered to be a “natural and normal” shift in the Galatia sense of the word. However, filled with wisdom and knowingness, the Ancient Ones also sensed that the predominating energies that would exist on Earth during the shift would surely engage with the natural course of events and would also have a monumental impact on Earth.

Still, true masters that they were, the Ancient Ones did not completely reveal all that they knew and for many today, this mystery is most intriguing as the masses are anxiously searching and waiting for the rest of the mysteries to be unveiled. What the Ancients Ones did not share—and what the little ones are waiting to discover regarding the approaching time of 2012, lays dormant and silently within each of you!

Excerpt from My Heart Stopped Beating by Chamed

Title: My Heart Stopped Beating: A True Story, Teen Survivor Memories of Horror Mad Houses in Italy
Author: Chamed
Genre: Survival Memoir
Paperback: 142 pages
Publisher: MindLeaves; 1st edition (July 15, 2011)
Language: English (Translated from Italian)
ISBN-13: 978-8890597701

Fourteen year old Italian girl, Chamed, is a living miracle after fighting illness since birth to live a normal life. Now fourteen years old, she feels a thrill of freedom when she convinces her parents to let her stay home alone while they go on holiday. She soon regrets that decision when she receives a call from her aunt Patrizia that the worst has happened: her parents have died in a car accident.

Things only get worse for Chamed as she mourns the deaths of her parents and suffers under the care of her aunt and uncle. Her aunt repeatedly abuses her and convinces others that she is an evil child. When Chamed’s best friend’s father sexually harasses her, the blame is placed on Chamed. Deeply depressed, she attempts suicide, only to find herself waking up in a mental hospital. Her nightmare is only beginning as she is subjected to electroshock therapy against her will – and worse from the nurses and doctors.

Finally she finds hope again in Dr. Franco, but will he be enough to save her from this living nightmare?

Read the Excerpt

“Why am I here? I am in a mental hospital! Dad, would you have thought it? Help me.”

I dragged my body out of that mortal icehouse.

With great effort I started walking, but my energies abandoned me and I ensconced myself on the ground.

Don’t remember where, but I was out, in the garden.

A man approached me, staring at me and crying. In his eyes I could see his soul shining.

He said: “You fell from the sky. And men have cut your wings!”

Weeping, I replied: “I’m afraid! Tell me why I’m here. How do I go?! Can you help me?”

“Angels are not afraid.” And he went away.

I am totally naked before a man, the nurse laughs, she looks at my eyes and laughs. My body, pierced with humiliation. What did more harm to me was their sense of superiority. They swelled with pride, before my eyes full of shame.

She said: “Come on, get into this pool, I do the hydrotherapy so that you calm down. You’ll thank me after that.”

There was a heavy blanket and they made me lie down over there. They made me put my head in that hole. Totò said, “Girl, you’re lucky that I put the ice here, usually we fill the tub with ice water and you soak for several hours and then we let the water flow drop by drop on your little head, and you have saved the job of cropping your head, as you have already shaved it.”

They wrapped me and poured buckets full of ice, until they covered my entire body, I was submerged in ice. Immobilized. And hibernated.

I cried. I thought, “here I am in hell, since I had committed suicide!” Panic again. I screamed: “Mooom… Daaad…”

Then I heard a sweet voice.

“I love you baby. I’ll take you home! I promise you girl.”

The numbness had spread to the legs, and, later, increased throughout the body.

As my mind drifted in the darkness, I heard again that voice that came from within.

“Did I tell you today that I adore you?”

Daddy’s voice!

In my mind, the past blends, overlaps with the present.

I think, “Where are all those people who had promised to be close to me?… Maybe they are out there! They’re worried about me! They are worried for me.” I like this thought.

Book Excerpt: The Virgin Mary in the Light of the Word of God by Dr. Labib Mikhail

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Title: The Virgin Mary in the Light of the Word of God
Author: Dr. Labib Mikhail
Genre: New Testament non-fiction
Paperback: 153 pages
Publisher: Nordskog Publishing (March 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-13: 978-0982707494

The Virgin Mary in the Light of the Word of God fills a tremendous need for a concise, elegant, Biblical treatment of Mary. Dr. Labib, as he is affectionately known, gives Mary her due full honor while fending off the many faith-damaging myths perpetuated about her.

For those not well acquainted with but interested in Christianity and its true historic beliefs, you will find a straight-forward declaration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This is the Gospel that leads to the eternal and abundant life our God always intended for mankind, through the saving and sanctifying work of Jesus Christ. For the committed Christian, you will find an edifying presentation of the true Gospel and of sound doctrine.

The book is a balanced and Biblical portrait of the Virgin Mary. It is a relevant study clarifying Mary’s role and significance.

BOOK EXCERPT:

All generations of true believers agree that Mary is blessed among women because she was the vessel that God the Father used to prepare the body of His Son, Jesus Christ, who would complete by His death on the cross God’s plan for man’s salvation.  The virgin Mary is blessed among women because she believed in the possibility of this most unprecedented event in all human history…that a virgin girl can give birth without being touched by a man. 

Now let us look at the specific words of Elizabeth that have caused a lot of controversy… “But why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” (Luke 1:43) The traditional churches have built on these words of Elizabeth the teaching that Mary is the Mother of God.  So what was the intention of the Holy Spirit when these words were recorded in Scripture? 

It is logical that any mother precedes her son as far as time is concerned; but is that the case as far as the relation between Mary and Jesus?  Did Mary precede Jesus as far as time?  Certainly not! In fact, Christ was eternal with God the Father before creation.         

          In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1)

Book Excerpt: Chasing Zebras: The Unofficial Guide to House, M.D. by Barbara Barnett

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Title: Chasing Zebras: The Unofficial Guide to House, M.D.
Author: Barbara Barnett
Genre: Television Nonfiction
Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Ecw Press (September 1, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-1550229559
ISBN-13: 978-1550229554

Medical students are taught that when they hear hoofbeats, they should think horses, not zebras, but Dr. House’s unique talent of diagnosing unusual illnesses has made House, M.D. one of the most popular and fascinating series on television. In Chasing Zebras: The Unofficial Guide to House, M.D., Barbara Barnett, co-executive editor of Blogcritics magazine and widely considered a leading House expert, takes fans deep into the heart of the show’s central character and his world, examining the way this medical Sherlock Holmes’s colleagues and patients reflect him and each other; how the music, settings, and even the humor enhance our understanding of the series’ narrative; what the show says about modern medicine, ethics, and religion; and much more. Complete with an episode-by-episode guide and quotes from her numerous Blogcritics interviews with cast members, producers, and writers, Chasing Zebras is an intelligent look at one of television’s most popular shows.

BOOK EXCERPT:

“It is an axiom of medicine: “when you hear hoofbeats, you think horses, not zebras.” Dr. Gregory House and his elite team of diagnostic fellows chase medicine’s “zebras” — the anomalies, the odd presentations, the diseases so rare that most doctors would not have encountered them in a normal medical practice.

House, M.D. is, itself, a zebra in a herd of horses. It is a rare find of a show blessed with consistently sharp, intelligent writing: densely packed and multifaceted. It features one of the most complex characters ever to have been written for the small screen, Dr. Gregory House, brought to life through Hugh Laurie’s brilliant and nuanced performance.

I grew up on TV. By age nine, I was hooked on The Man From U.N.C.L.E. and by 11, I was addicted to Star Trek classic. Nowadays, I have little time for series television. But when I get hooked on a television show, I really get hooked, and so it is with House, M.D.

Whenever the media say that women are attracted to House because he’s a “bad boy,” I tend to cringe first and then shake my head in disagreement. I don’t like “bad boys” — real or fictional. I like my heroes, well . . . heroic. Heroic, but tragically flawed: equal parts Mr. Knightley and Edward Rochester; Mr. Spock and Rick Blaine.

House has a “public persona” and also one he keeps tightly under wraps, reluctant to reveal — to anyone. Publicly, he’s a brilliant diagnostician, intuitive, deductive, and eerily smart. He’s also a risk taker and more than a tad reckless.

In many ways he’s an adolescent boy constantly hatching his next manipulation or elaborate game. He’s crude and rude. House’s closest associates tell us that House cares only about the puzzle. No messiah complex for him; he has a Rubik’s complex instead. But how does this image reconcile with the times we’ve seen him gazing yearningly from behind the glass into patient rooms, watching them with their families? How often do we observe the arrogant and egotistical Gregory House late at night, alone in his office or apartment, desperately searching for answers inside himself long after everyone else has gone home? Like the show that bears his name, House is as complex and rare as the medical cases he takes on: a zebra amongst the horses.

This book is a highly subjective look at a great television series through one fan’s perspective. Another writer might focus on the medicine, the humor, or the mysteries. But I view House, M.D. fundamentally as a detailed character study: House’s journey, his struggles, and the people in his orbit. This is the lens through which I enjoy House — and through which I understand it.

There are chapters here on the writing, the structure, and the elements that make House, M.D. such a fascinating series. There are chapters on each of the characters and some of the show’s oft-visited themes viewed through “closer looks” at key episodes. I’ve also included an extensive six-season episode guide.

Although there are episode guides all over the Internet offering episode recaps and credits (and even in-depth analyses, including my feature at Blogcritics), this guide is slightly different. It’s a road map through the series, showing you the highlights from six seasons: memorable scenes, House’s patented eureka moments, clinic patients, relationship highlights, music, and more — all from a fan’s perspective.”

Visit Barbara Barnett on the web at www.barbarabarnett.com.

Book Excerpt: The Second-Half Adventure by Kay Marshall Strom

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Title: The Second-Half Adventure: Don’t Just Retire – Use Your Time, Skills & Resources to Change the World
Author: Kay Marshall Strom
Publisher: Moody Publishers
Genre: Nonfiction

PURCHASE HERE!

About The Second Half Adventure

Whoever you are, whatever your skills and experiences, you can use what you have gained in life to help change the world. In connection with The Finishers Project, The Second-Half Adventure will enable you to analyze where you have been, where you want to go in the second-half of your life, and how to start preparing today.

Through the stories of individuals and couples who have found meaningful involvements—from business people to housewives, from engineers to artists—this book will help you infuse your special God-given years with purpose and eternal significance. The best adventure is yet to come!

An Excerpt…

The fact is, boomers are on the cusp of becoming senior citizens
(though they would never use that term!). Whether aching with disappointment
over the passage of time or proud of their accomplishments,
every seven seconds another one turns fifty. That’s 12,000
people a day. Nearly 4.5 million each year.As boomers enter the second half of life, because of their sheer
numbers, they are poised to rock society all over again. As I write this,
approximately 35 million Americans are age sixty-five or older. By
the year 2030 that number will have doubled to a whopping 70 million.
Some who look at this burgeoning population have raised a collective
gasp of alarm. “What are we going to do with all those old
folks?” they cry. “What will happen to our society? It’s only going to
get more and more decrepit!”

Those people underestimate baby boomers. Boomers have never
done anything in the same old way things had always been done before,
so why would they start now? The fact is, they are already in the
process of reinventing retirement. And without a doubt, they are the
ones to do it. Not only because of who and what they are, but because
they are approaching their second half healthier, more educated,
and more full of vigorous years than any generation that preceded
them. They may be getting older, but they definitely remain a vital
force to be reckoned with.

…

Now consider for a moment: What if boomer retirees, whose passion
is for God, were to take Christ’s teachings seriously? What if they
were to determine to use their acquired skills and expertise to demonstrate
God’s love to the world in practical ways? Imagine what could
happen!

“The unique values and sheer numbers of the boomer generation
have not taken God by surprise,” Don Parrott of Finishers noted. “I
believe He has been preparing exactly the kind of workforce He would
need from North America at this time in history.”

Watch the Trailer!

About Kay Marshall Strom

Kay Marshall Strom has written thirty-six published books, numerous magazine articles, and two screenplays. Four of her books have been chosen as book club selections, eleven have been translated into foreign languages, and one was optioned for a movie. Her writing is also included in numerous volumes and compilations, including the bestselling Conversations on Purpose for Women (Zondervan 2005) and various editions of the NIV Devotional Bibles.

In addition to her writing, Kay taught writing classes through the California State University system for ten years, and still teaches at writers conferences around the country. In 2008, she was invited to India to teach writing in order to give a voice to those not normally heard.

A sought-after speaker, Kay is in demand for retreats and special events throughout the US and around the world.

Kay and her husband Dan Kline make their home in the Pacific Northwest.

You can visit her website at www.kaystrom.com.

ANATOMY OF AN INFORMATION PRODUCT LAUNCH by Phyllis Zimbler Miller

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Author: Phyllis Zimbler Miller
Title: Anatomy of an Information Product Launch: What You Should Know About the Launch of an Online Information Product
Publisher: Miller Mosaic, LLC
Genre: Online Marketing
Language: English

PURCHASE HERE

If you had a great idea today for an online information product – something for which you’ve identified a definite niche market – would you know the steps to take to get the product launched online? Steps such as the right software, shopping cart, copywriting, and online promotion needed?

If there’s a possible online information product in your future – or if you simply want to learn more about internet marketing – come along with National Internet Business Examiner Phyllis Zimbler Miller as she explains in details the steps she took in a one-month pre-launch for an online information product.

Phyllis pulls back the curtain to reveal everything she knew and everything she had to learn to fulfill her goal. And after reading this ebook ANATOMY OF AN ONLINE PRODUCT LAUNCH, you’ll be able to use this accumulated knowledge for yourself.

Beware of Software Programs That Think Like Machines and Not Like People: Day 19

When you are setting up an information product launch that requires different software programs to work together, it’s important to remember that you are dealing with what I call “machine think.”

As you may recall, in my article of June 9th I talked about the bundled offer I had decided to create:

People signing up in July for the Miller Mosaic Internet Marketing Program would get for free an ebook of this entire month’s articles on launching an information product. Then starting August 1st the ebook would sell for $19.95 on the MillerMosaicLLC.com site.

Now here’s how the integration of our shopping cart software and our membership software works:

As soon as a person makes the payment through the shopping cart software, the person is suppose to be taken to the registration page for the membership site.

But because I had bundled a digital download product – the ebook – with the membership fee, the shopping cart software did what it was programmed to do. It inserted a step into the process and first took a person who had just paid to a new page to download the ebook.

In small letters below that ebook download link appeared the sentence: Once you have completed your downloads, please click here to complete your order.

I realized that this was totally unacceptable because people would download the ebook and then miss the link to the registration page. Then this would cause lots of emails asking where was the registration page.

Employing “people think,” I thought about how the Miller Mosaic Internet Marketing Program is a membership program. This means that getting to the registration page after paying is the most important action for the new member. The download can wait a minute or two.

Thus I went back into the shopping cart software and removed the bundled offer, leaving the membership product by itself. This then automatically removed the ebook download page from the process and took a new member directly to the registration page.

Plus to make sure we don’t disappoint anyone, even for a minute or two, we added the information at the top of the registration page that, as soon as the registration is filled out, the person would get access to the ebook download.

Why have I gone into such detail on what it appears to be a minor detail?

Because it is not a minor detail. If I had left the bundled offer in the shopping cart I would have risked confusing many people.

One of the main tenets of the Miller Mosaic Internet Marketing Program is NOT to overwhelm people but instead to make things easy to understand. And this is why it was very important to make the immediate experience after paying for the membership program a pleasant experience and NOT a frustrating one.

The moral of this story? Whenever you create a process for customers/clients, put yourself in their point of view. Realize that they don’t know what you know – and figure out what they need to know/do to smoothly accomplish the “next steps.”

Sometimes focusing on the customer’s/client’s point of view will require finding a way around “machine think” – and your customers/clients will appreciate the “people think” process.

Phyllis Zimbler Miller started Miller Mosaic, LLC to provide the services she wanted for herself for online marketing. The publication of Phyllis’ MRS. LIEUTENANT: A SHARON GOLD NOVEL in April 2008 launched Phyllis into internet marketing, including using social networking such as Twitter and Facebook to market her book.

Phyllis hired her daughter Yael K. Miller – now the chief technology officer for Miller Mosaic, LLC — and together they have created the internet marketing company Miller Mosaic, LLC that helps people promote their brand, book or business.

In April Phyllis became a National Internet Business Examiner at ww.InternetBizBlogger.com, writing articles several times a week on effective internet businesses and internet marketing. Then in June Phyllis wrote a month-long series on the steps of an information product launch in anticipation of the July 1st launch of the Miller Mosaic Internet Marketing Program.

This article series forms the basis of the just-released ebook “ANATOMY OF AN INFORMATION PRODUCT LAUNCH: WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THE LAUNCH OF AN ONLINE INFORMATION PRODUCT.” In this ebook Phyllis has shared the trials and triumphs of launching an online information product.

Phyllis has a B.A in journalism from Michigan State University and worked as a journalist for several years. She also studied advertising design at the Philadelphia College of Art before earning an M.B.A. at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and working in marketing and web design in Los Angeles.

You can visit her website at www.MillerMosaicLLC.com to learn more about the Miller Mosaic Internet Marketing Program and you can read her Examiner.com articles at www.InternetBizBlogger.com.

Is Your Ghost Holy? by Evangelist and Author Shay Bills

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book excerpts, Christian nonfiction, evaluating your walk in the spirit, inspirational nonfiction, Is Your Ghost Holy?, online book promotion, Shay Bills, virtual book tour

Author: Shay Bills
Title: Is Your Ghost Holy?: Eight Principles for Evaluating Your Walk in the Spirit
Publisher: Saint Paul Press
Genre: Christian/Inspirational

PURCHASE HERE

Discover how His Word shatters residue of doubt and uncertainty.  Learn how to walk in the POWER of the Holy Ghost, by applying the WORD of God and trusting His promises. His Holy Spirit will awaken and reveal the hidden crevasses of your heart, mind and soul and fill you with His wisdom. Called by some, “a spiritual journey,” Bills’ leaves no stone unturned when removing the superficial layers of spirituality. Once read, you will walk boldly and confidently in the knowledge that your inner man is holy, therefore, you are called to holiness, according to Scripture. From uncovering Truth, to understanding your Purpose, you will conclude this book having gained more wisdom, knowledge and power of the Holy Ghost that dwells inside of you.

Is Your Ghost Holy?, will transform your mind.
Is Your Ghost Holy?, will renew the right spirit within you.
Is Your Ghost Holy?, will teach you to take the road less traveled.
Is Your Ghost Holy?, will encourage you to rise up and stand firm on the Word.
Is Your Ghost Holy?, will make your heart receptive to the leading of the Holy Ghost.

 

“For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, the just shall live by faith” (Romans 1:17). 

The Bible records many instances where faith plays a vital role in the manifestation of healing and deliverance. To say, “it is impossible to please God without faith,” is so engrained in the minds of His children that the depth of faith’s importance gets lost in the mental quotation (Hebrews 11:6). From the outside looking in, you would assume Christianity to be recitation of Scripture, random acts of outbursts, and a conscious attempt to look filled with the Holy Ghost.  

So what does the Holy Ghost look like to you?  

One thing “church” does well is look holy. Reigning with Christ is not summed up in your appearance of holiness. The church dresses in the finest of linens and fabrics with top hats, clutches, and shoes to match. The church acts dignified and speaks authoritatively while clothed in designer three-piece suits. The church looks pulled together, a force to be reckoned with, and a body exempt from stain. The church is the physical building made up of all sorts of materials perfectly placed together and yet symbolically misrepresents the “church” body of Christ.  

His righteousness is not attained by your human ability to memorize the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, for He is much deeper than memorization.  

The Holy Ghost within you IS the likeness of the image of God. You are beautifully and wonderfully made in His image. He is Holy. He is Sovereign. He is Upright. He is Truth. He is Love. He is the Light of the world. He is the Salt of the earth. He is Lord, strong and mighty. Tongues can not capture His beauty and grace. Worship can not describe His presence. He looks like you, and you look like Him, a sacrificial Lamb of God, sold out for His service.  Only faith can bring you to this mind-blowing yet powerful revelation. 

Shay Bills is an anointed woman of God, born and raised in Paris, Texas by her late grandmother Bettie L. King. Bills and her husband Terry have three children. Recognized by many as a powerful speaker, teacher, and motivator, Evangelist Bills is truly a chosen vessel of the Lord. She shares her insightful and thought-provoking message to women’s ministries and speaks to the hearts of both young and old.

Gifted in many areas, she wears many hats well. She is a natural educator, holding a Bachelor’s degree in English, a Master’s degree in Education Administration with Principal Certification, both from Texas A & M University in Commerce. She taught high school English for eight years and has experience as an Assistant Principal. She is a Texas Licensed Realtor with Century 21 Harvey Properties and Lighthouse Learning Daycare Center owner with Directors’ Credentials from the State of Oklahoma. Evangelist Bills obediently makes full proof of her ministry and is currently promoting her  newly released book, Is Your Ghost Holy? Eight Principles for Evaluating Your Walk in the Spirit.

An entrepreneur at heart, Evangelist Bills continues to support the improvement and success of her community through the Lamar County Chamber of Commerce, the United Way, Diversity Task Force Committee, Leadership Lamar County, Paris I.S.D. Leadership, and the Paris Education Foundation. Bills is also the founder and director of ZION Daughters of Destiny, a mentoring program for young girls ages 15-18 that seeks to Instruct, Improve and Empower Young Girls to Excellence. 

You can find Shay online at http://www.shaybills.com