31 October 2009

Dare To Dream



Overcomers, Inc: True stories of Hope, Courage, and Inspiration had a magnificent launch day on October 22nd, hitting #1 best-seller status in 3 categories (motivational, inspirational and spiritual) on Amazon.com and #43 in the Amazon top 100. This remarkable success was engineered by a huge team lead by brilliant online marketer Kathleen Gage of Street Smarts Marketing and Lynne Klippel of Love Your Life Publishing.

Reaching published author status was a dream come true. Reaching best-selling author status was beyond my wildest dreams. It hadn't even occurred to me to dream this big and it happened anyway.

Less than a week after Overcomers, Inc. hit best-seller status, a publisher in China contacted the publisher to inquire about purchasing the rights to print it there.

I share my experience to make this point: Dare to dream your wildest dreams. As best you can, release all limitations. Take strategic action steps EVERY DAY toward your goal; you'll get there. If you imagine, it (whatever 'it' is) can be yours.

In my personal experience, I just kept the image alive and took the appropriate actions so it would eventually have a place to manifest. It took years. But finally all circumstances, people and events were aligned to bring this book to life.

I wish for you the courage to dream big. And then dream even bigger!



21 October 2009

An Author's Perspective On Realizing a Dream

This is better than a childhood Christmas morning!

Today, October 22, 2009 my 37 co-authors and I will have achieved our personal goals of becoming published authors. Personally, the deep sense of satisfaction I'm feeling comes from so much more. To have my first published book be of such extraordinary caliber is way beyond what I ever allowed myself to dream. The blessings and benefits just keep coming.

Overcomers, Inc: True Stories of Hope, Courage and Inspiration is the perfect book to read not only when you need a lift, but when you're in a good place and want to connect to the power of the human spirit. Filled with gripping stories from all walks of lie, Overcomers, Inc. will make you smile, move you to tears, fill you with the strength you need to face life's challenges, and equip you with time-tested tools to empowerment.

To get your own copy and receive dozens of bonus gifts go to http://www.overcomersbook.com/booklaunch


Julio Blanco's Excerpt From New Book, Overcomers, Inc.

Decide and Go Seek: Overcoming Life’s Chronic Little Challenges to Let Your Purpose Shine Through


I’m amazed looking back because my life is so different now. Today I enjoy purpose-filled days in a business of my own that enables me to help others create purpose-filled lives through their own conscious businesses. I don’t even feel like I work anymore, really, because what I’ve chosen to do with my time feels more like play.

My journey taught me that God will work perfectly in our lives if you bring but one grace to the table: desire. The journey required traveling a rocky road filled with my own fears and doubts to arrive at clarity about how I wanted to live, but my desire carried me through until I was able to embrace my true life and make an unshakable commitment to living it. From there it was a matter of mustering the courage to jump in with full faith that Spirit would be there to catch me.

I also came to know that if you crave your best life, your purpose will seek you. At times we might be too busy, afraid, or distracted with the rest of life to hear our purpose calling. But if you show just an ounce of desire to live that purpose, the Universe will work like water to wither away the stone of whatever stands between you and its fulfillment.

From Overcomers, Inc.; True Stories of Hope, Courage and Inspiration. To get your own copy and receive dozens of bonus gifts go to http://www.overcomersbook.com/booklaunch

Overcomer's Book Excerpt by Tomar Levine

Growing Up After Fifty: It’s Never Too Late to Bloom

Several factors contributed to my delayed adulthood. Being an artist, single and childless, I bypassed the rites of passage and responsibilities of most adults. My Depression-era parents’ version of responsibility made adulthood look unappealing anyway. Looking young, acting young, thinking and feeling young helped create the illusion that time was barely passing, and aging did not apply to me. Finally, having a small amount of family money – enough to barely get by on – was a double-edged sword. On the one hand it allowed me to paint, write, read, and pursue the spiritual studies I was drawn to. On the other, not having to earn much income allowed me to act out my insecurities by rejecting ambition, not taking risks, and living a far smaller, more protected life than another part of me longed for.

Hiding my light under a bushel was never my plan. I wanted to be a recognized artist. Hiding one’s light is simply what happens when fear is stronger than the desire to have one’s light seen and to add value to the world. I exhibited my art for years, maintaining a miniscule career that reflected my comfort zone. But when I discovered a spiritual calling, the heat was turned up on my inner conflict and my suffering intensified!

Now it was not just for my own glory, but for something greater that I wanted my light to shine. I knew I had something to share that filled me and could inspire others – if only I could find the form. I searched for my true work the way others seek true love. Many times I thought I’d found it, yet I continued to fear risk and rejection even more than I yearned to be of service. I remained a perpetual student long after I should have been teaching, as I waited to be invited to take my place onstage. Like a corked volcano, I was full of blocked energy. I tried to convince myself that being invisible was more spiritual than releasing my life force, but secretly I felt shame. I feared I would waste my life and the gifts I had been given.

From Overcomers, Inc.; True Stories of Hope, Courage and Inspiration. To get your own copy and receive dozens of bonus gifts go to http://www.overcomersbook.com/booklaunch



20 October 2009

Interview with Charlon Bobo of EditCopyProof.com re: authorship of new book Overcomers, Inc.

  1. How did you get started writing?

    I have loved words since childhood. Writing has been my favorite activity in every professional position I have ever held, but my passion was ignited when I realized I could do it to serve others. My business focus is on inspiring and empowering female entrepreneurs with a conscious approach to wordsmithing solutions, e.g. copywriting, copyediting, ghostwriting, online marketing, etc. With a clear understanding of the responsibility of using my talents to enhance the success of others, it makes the exercise of writing a pure joy.

  2. What do you do when you are not writing?

    I am told my interests are eclectic and unusual, but I wouldn’t know because it’s just me being who I am. I love diversity and it definitely shows in my colorful tapestry of activities. When I’m not writing, I can be found making soap, in the kitchen concocting delectable desserts, creating dinner for friends from farm-fresh ingredients, having tea or wine with my girlfriends, reading at the beach, walking in a forest, enjoying cultural activities, gardening or napping.

  3. What would readers like to know about you?

    I live my life as a means of enjoying the gift it is, but I am also crystal clear that modeling overcoming behavior is one of my primary purposes. There isn’t any particular magic to it; it’s simply a matter of deciding that every experience will serve a high purpose. Living that helps others find a way to do it in their own lives.

  4. What inspired you to be a contributing author in Overcomers, Inc.?

    Simply? The power of the message. When we share our life experiences as a means to support and empower each other, the possibilities are limitless. I have spoken about transparency for years and it is only in sharing the rawness of life, our low points, our challenges, our moments of heartbreak that we realize we’re not alone and some how, some way, we, too will find a way.

  5. Why is the topic of Overcoming important to you?

    Because it’s human. Not one person on this planet will escape the necessity for overcoming something. I am here to assist others in recognizing that overcoming is a choice. Circumstance has no inherent power to dictate our future. We can chose to be overcomers in spite of external circumstance.

  6. Why are you specially qualified to write about this topic?

    Because I’ve proven I’m an overcomer; my life experience clearly shows that. The best way to learn how to do something is to learn from someone who’s already done it. I have moved beyond childhood sexual molestation and anyone in that same situation can be empowered by the conscious choice to use the experience to propel them toward health, wholeness and happiness.

  7. How many books have you written?

    This is my very first book published by a publisher, although I have two works-in-progress to be self-published in early 2010.

  8. What are the titles of your books and what genres are they?

    The genres are self-explanatory given the titles. My two soon-to-be-self-published books are:

    1. Write Your eBook Using a Trusted and Proven System
    While Maintaining Your Busy Life:
    a comprehensive step-by-step guide to ensure a marketable and income-generating eBook using reliable insider copywriting,
    ghostwriting & online marketing techniques

    AND


    2. From Trauma To Triumph:
    Beyond Childhood Molestation
    Proven Techniques to Ignite Self-Healing in 30 Daily Explorations

  9. How do you manage to keep yourself focused and on track when you’re writing a book?

    With strict adherence to the plan I establish at the beginning of the book writing process. Accountability is a key to success!

  10. Do you write to make money, for the love of writing or both?

    Definitely both. To me, writing is like breathing; I need it to live. And I also need money to live so my writing serves me on that level, as well.

  11. What makes you proud about your involvement with Overcomers, Inc.?

    I am most proud to share what makes so many people uncomfortable. Unless we begin talking openly and honestly about topics our society considers to be taboo--like childhood sexual molestation--we cannot move beyond and live with the understanding that it’s only external circumstance. It has no true power over us.

    I am not minimizing the impact. I am simply saying it does not define me and it doesn't have to define others who have had the same experience.

  12. Will you write more books?

    Absolutely! There are volumes inside me bursting to come forth!

  13. What do you have in the works now?

    Besides my two other books? A growing list of topics for which there are very few experts, including the new relationship paradigm and women truly understanding the nature of standing in their personal power.

  14. What does the future hold for you and your books?

    Greater and greater opportunities to serve others with the insights and inspirations that come directly from the divine.

  15. What makes this a book that other people MUST read and WHY?

    It is raw. It is real. And it cuts to the heart of HOW to overcome. These aren’t polite, politically-correct stories of trivial life matters. They are hard-earned lessons from people who have gone through the fire, come out the other side, and are genuinely grateful for the experience because it showed them how strong and resourceful they truly are.

  16. What people NEED to read this book and WHY?

    This book is for the human race. No matter who you are, where you live, your annual income, your gender, your profession, your age, your ethnicity, your religion… you will be inspired by the stories in this book because rising from the ashes is a human experience.

  17. What sparks your creativity? Any tips to help others spark their own creativity?

    Water and nature spark my creativity. Also, a necessary break. There is no shortage of ways to get the creative juices flowing, but when I’m stuck and cannot seem to get into the flow, I take a break to do something completely unrelated to the task in front of me. It consistently provides a ‘reboot’ so I can jump in again with a fresh perspective.

  18. What do you think motivates people to become authors?

    I cannot speak for other authors. For me, it’s the opportunity to positively impact peoples' lives.

  19. What motivated you to get into this unusual industry?

    Because it’s time in the evolutionary course of this planet to move from a patriarchy to a system influenced by the female divine. Compassion, openness, communication, collaboration… these are the crucial elements to bring humanity into full alignment and propel us forward to unity.

  20. If a potential reader thinks that your book wouldn't interest them, what would you say to convince them to buy?

    I don’t believe in convincing people of anything. I trust absolutely that people know when something resonates for them. When that happens they will make a purchase.

  21. What is your final message to our readers?

    Within you lies a vast well of resources to live the life of an overcomer. As the authors of Overcomers, Inc. we have done it. Now’s YOUR turn! Join us.


From Overcomers, Inc.; True Stories of Hope, Courage and Inspiration. To get your own copy and receive dozens of bonus gifts go to http://www.overcomersbook.com/booklaunch




The Weed That Broke Through the Sidewalk

by Marifran Korb

Starting over has resulted in both of us being happier beyond our wildest dreams. We found the delight and self-expression we wanted. Once apart for five years, now we have been back together for twelve delightful, fun-filled, precious years. As a Joint Adoration Society, our motto is:

Together we evolve, joyful, healthy, triumphant partners in the dance of life!

Here are some things I learned through my journey:

· Staying in an unsatisfactory marriage kills your spirit and your spouse's, no matter who is the primary cause.

· You cannot take responsibility for a spouse who refuses to address his health issues. (Chronic depression is a physical problem manifesting emotionally).

· The universe is always supporting you, even though you often resist the next step.

· You own your life, and must take responsibility for your happiness and satisfaction.

· Despite the fact that you have not lived on your own for decades, as a single person again you can find your talents, support yourself financially, and experience full satisfaction.

· Friends are everywhere. Many old friends and new people show up.

· Separating can result in blessings you never imagined.

· Eventually, you may support others who have similar experiences.


Every marital situation is different. My story is not a prescription for other unhappy marriages to follow. It is an example of what may be a possible solution in some situations. What I recommend is applying courage whenever needed. At every juncture in your life, tune into your courage by listening to your inner guidance.

From Overcomers, Inc.; True Stories of Hope, Courage and Inspiration. To get your own copy and receive dozens of bonus gifts go to http://www.overcomersbook.com/booklaunch





19 October 2009

Getting Older (and Over!) The ”Not Enough” Syndrome by Marlene Oulton

Shortly before my 49th birthday I decided to boldly go where many had dared to go before me and become an entrepreneur. On April 15, 2006, my company, Write Choice Virtual Assistants, was born. I had tons of administrative experience to draw upon and based my services on these skill sets. Yet in the back of my mind I kept thinking, “You know, I really love to write and proofread. Wouldn’t it be cool if I could manage to get some work along those lines?”

By this time the Universe, God, and I had formed a formidable triangle of mutual respect and love, so I shouldn’t have been surprised when requests to proofread/edit and write articles, ebooks, website content etc. started to flow into my inbox. I had finally become “enough.”

I have now redefined ”enough” in my world today as follows:

  • If I treat people with love, kindness and respect, that is “enough.”

  • If I have a roof over my head, clothes on my back, and food on my table, that is ”enough.”

  • If I can help another human being on this journey called life, that is ”enough.”

  • If I do my work conscientiously, with care and love, that is ”enough.”

  • If I am at peace with and within myself, that is ”enough.”

May you be more ”enough” than you ever imagined possible!


From Overcomers, Inc.; True Stories of Hope, Courage and Inspiration. To get your own copy and receive dozens of bonus gifts go to http://www.overcomersbook.com/booklaunch


From Trauma To Triumph: One Woman’s Empowering Journey From Fragmented Child To Conscious Entrepreneur (excerpt from book Overcomers, Inc.)

As strange as it even seems to me at times, the lessons of my childhood journey are applicable to every aspect of my life, including the everyday operations of my soulful business. As a conscious entrepreneur, I pull from this experience often to guide me. I’d like to share with you the five key insights of my pilgrimage:


1. Protective mechanisms are in place whether or not I realize or acknowledge them.

I don’t always understand why a project fails to materialize or a serious prospect seems to change her mind. I do know there exists an over-arching structure and order that conspires on my behalf to bring about my highest personal and professional growth. Whatever that wisdom, I can trust it absolutely.


2. My ”story” doesn’t define who I am.

I am a vibrant business owner who grows every day, and occasionally stumbles and falls on my bum! Because I constantly create myself anew, nothing from my past can effectively define or imprison me. I consciously choose to “bring my best game” to every day and know that’s enough.

3. Innate wisdom effortlessly guides me to the most opportune time to take action.

When in doubt, I do nothing until ultimate clarity presents itself. Although daily action is a crucial component in accomplishing my goals, I can also watch nature and use Her guidance to positively influence my actions. Nature provides a silent, fallow season – winter – to turn inward to rest and restore. Using this model, I reap the most benefit from my efforts. Smart living requires me to balance action with equal inaction.

4. My history doesn’t determine my level of success.

I can accomplish any lofty goal I imagine regardless of any perceived limitations. The past doesn’t dictate my future. I gift myself the pleasure and freedom to envision a life of my design. Family-of-origin, childhood circumstances, real or perceived impediments, lack of skills, none of these compare to the capacity of the human spirit to realize dreams.


5. I choose victimhood or empowerment every day with my words, thoughts, and actions.

We do not control the actions of others and yet we may be drawn into their drama. Like cast members of a play, energetically we agreed to these roles to teach AND learn. No matter my external circumstances, my responses can only come from one of two places: damage or abundance. I choose abundance.



May you be profoundly blessed by reading my story and take from it any value that forever nourishes your soul.




From Overcomers, Inc.; True Stories of Hope, Courage and Inspiration. To get your own copy and receive dozens of bonus gifts go to
http://www.overcomersbook.com/booklaunch


12 October 2009

How To Maintain Your Article Marketing Campaign With Quick Article Writing Method



Article marketing is an important key to establishing and maintaining your expertise on the Web. It also goes a long way in ensuring your audience keeps coming back because you have interesting, fresh content.

With the daily demands on your time, however, your article marketing campaign often gets relegated to the background. It’s not that you think it’s unimportant, but somehow other tasks continually take precedence, with varying degrees of negative impact to your business.

What if you had an easy, proven system to producing lots of articles? Here’s how, and I promise it works because in less than one hour, this article was written using this very method:

1. Choose a topic that’s easy for you to write about without the need for research
2. Choose key words(s)
3. Choose key points
4. Set your timer for 20 minutes
5. Write or type without thinking, editing, reviewing or proofing. Just get the information out of your head
6. Wait a minimum of 30 minutes (start another article or do something else)
7. Set your timer for 10 minutes
8. Quickly restructure article for organization and logical flow
9. Strategically place or double-check placement of your keyword(s)
10. Wait a minimum of 30 minutes (start another article or do something else)
11. Set your timer for a maximum of 10 minutes.
12. Proofread for grammar and punctuation
13. Set your timer for 5 minutes.
14. Write as many dynamic titles for your article as possible
15. Choose the article title with the most impact
16. Review article one final time for organization, flow, grammar, spelling and punctuation (or delegate a final review to your virtual assistant or editor)
17. Publish or post article on article distribution sites like ezinearticles.com


Using this method is incredibly effective in producing articles in less than an hour, without compromising quality. If you did this daily, or even weekly, you could quickly accumulate 365 or 52 articles (respectively) every year. If you have one hour, you have one article to promote yourself, your products or services. Article writing doesn’t have to be daunting. Just get started with an effective system that delivers… every time.



08 October 2009

It Takes a Village To Overcome


Having a support network is vital to wholesome, healthy living.

In times of bounty and bliss, the company of others provides an opportunity to share our highs. It allows us a moment to be celebrated and honored by our community, which is actually a celebration of us all.

In life's more challenging moments, being surrounded by our tribe gives them the opportunity to encourage and support us until we recapture the magic of everyday living.

Sharing and receiving are components that create the vast fullness, the beautiful contrast of this physical plane. Life is a constant ebb and flow. There are highs, there are lows and there is so much in-between.

In times of hardship, having the unconditional and unshakable comfort of a village, whether actual or virtual, is the component that helps us get through; one more moment, one more day, one more week, until once again we have the capacity to help others overcome their own experiences.

We do not exist to struggle alone. The weight of life is made much lighter with the loving presence of an entire village of support.

Get your F*R*E*E eBook written by a village of inspired authors Overcoming Adversity With Grace.