Domingo Ivan Casanas
California

 

What is your book, writing or book idea about?

     My book, “Cuba, The Tarnished Pearl” is based on a journal that my father left me. He only asked for me to wait 30 years after his death to publish it. It is about Cuba, how we got out of Cuba and my family struggles. It needs to be read by so many who take freedom for granted.

Tell us about your background.

     My family immigrated to this great country (USA) in 1965 with only what each of us was wearing at the time. At the age of nine, I was already an entrepreneur at a local flea market, was recruiting neighborhood kids to collect unwanted returnable bottles and had a paper route. In high school, one day I was called into the office and told I needed to get home because of an emergency. When I got there my father was being wheeled into an ambulance. He had a stroke and 18 days later passed away. I was very concerned about my mother and baby sister. I was given a “free ride” to attend several universities for my soccer and football skills. During my university years from 1976 to 1980 we won two NCAA Division One championships. At the end of my four years I was given the highest award a soccer player may receive: The Gus Donahue Soccer Award.

     In 2005, I became a realtor. I also write for several newspapers and internet periodicals. I am full of life and a “people person.” My faith helps me very much. In March 2004, I drove myself to the hospital and had a successful five by-pass open heart surgery. God knew my children needed me and my book had to be finished. People will see my playful ways, my sincerity, my struggles, my motivation and my patriotism for this country.

Stephen Michael Verigood
Pennsylvania


 

What is your book, writing or book idea about?

     “My World’s View” is how I viewed the world as a deaf child written in poetic style.

 Tell us about your background:

     I have been working in the retail industry ever since I was old enough to work. I have worked various jobs. I have been trusted with various responsibilities. I try to make those around me enjoy the things that they have a little bit more. If something makes someone happy, I will do what I can to make it happen for them. I have hosted poetry events at a few local venues. I have spoken as a guest speaker to a school for the deaf.

     I am a unique person with a personality that would not be considered that of an author or even a poet. Many people express surprise when I share with them that I have written two books, “My World’s View” and “To Chase a Heart.” I don’t like to be bound by stereotypes, and I don’t fit the mold that other authors are generally typecast as. It’s who I am. I want to show that despite a “disability” that anything is possible as long as there are dreams and desires to pursue.

Sherry Payne

What is your book, writing or book idea about?

     “Birth Outside the Box: A Labor and Delivery Nurse’s Experience of Homebirth” is about the impact and experience of homebirth. It is about a woman’s experience of birth and how it impacts her life and being and the politics of birth. I am passionate about women’s health and reproduction. I believe my issues are timely and relevant. I have much to offer on the discourse of healthcare as it is delivered to women and the politics of birth. This book is a part of my life purpose. I believe I have equipped and prepared myself to be an excellent representative for these issues.

   
Tell us about your background:

     I work full time running my own company, a safety training firm, The CPR Lady. I am also a labor and delivery nurse. I was pregnant as a teen and became an instant social outcast. I had to learn to hold my head up and move through the world taking care of business without approval or social support. I had to become self reliant. At age 26, I had a homebirth. I took a risk and stepped out in faith, doing what I thought was best against the advice of others. It was a glorious experience that changed my life. I learned to listen to myself.

Michael Sebastian
California

 

What is your book, writing or book idea about?

     “Trust Yourself: Master Your Dreams, Master Your Destiny” is about self-empowerment. The methodology used for attaining self-empowerment includes dreams, intuition and omens.

Tell us about your background:

     (“The Dream Dudes” are Nicole Sebastian and Michael Sebastian. Michael is representing the co-author duo as an applicant.)

      “The Dream Dudes” have worked with dreams, omens and intuition for over 20 years. We are co-authors of “Trust Yourself: Master Your Dreams, Master Your Destiny.” It is the modern day bible on dreams. We conduct workshops and private consultations. We have appeared on TV, radio and print including “Dream Talk” and “Star Talk” segments.

      Our tools and techniques provide a methodology for opening a window to personal transformation and spiritual evolution. Michael is a sociologist and has taught at numerous universities throughout the country. We have spent five rewarding years developing skills, presentation and delivery of the messages contained within our book. We have become media savvy and sound-byte specialists in order to further the acceptance of our message.

      Our passion for the “Trust Yourself” message is reflected in the response of our audience. We have witnessed the impact of our work as it changes people’s lives. Our mission is to bring the study of dreams and intuition to the forefront of people’s attention and focus. Our ultimate goal is to uplift humanity through showing people how to trust themselves and instill personal empowerment. Our passion, energy and it are reflected in our sincerity and love for the mission… “Trust Yourself”!!!

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Bryan Buss
California

 

What is your book, writing or book idea about?

      “Until September” is about a boy falling in love with another boy for the first time. Love between parent and child, siblings, best friends and a circle of friends.

 Tell us about your background:

     I have a double major in telecommunications and film and technical writing with a minor in literature. I was on the Dean’s List and involve in many groups: Golden Key, Stoic Society and English Club. I was a movie critic and features editor for the student paper. I am now an editor. I am interesting, interested, sharp, funny and goofy. I’m not afraid of a challenge and don’t embarrass easily. I play hard, take chances, am confident and can deal with pressure. I know my strengths and how to market them. I’m accessible, likeable and fun. Most of all, I truly believe in my novel. It is my heart. And I have so many stories to tell.

Janice Reaves
California
 

What is your book, writing or book idea about?

     “Hidden Reality” and “The Cry of the Woman: Where Do We Go From Here?” about relationships and the choices we make when we feel that we are running out of time. Both books are self-published.

     I want more inner city children to start reading. My goal is to write books about them to create an interest to get them to read. I write about women’s issues and encourage women to love themselves. I want to leave behind a legacy that my family can be proud of. I like writing stories that are informative and intriguing, they keep you guessing. 

Tell us about your background.

     I grew up in the inner city where my formative education wasn’t the best. But I went on to college to earn a bachelors degree in health and safety. My many careers have been in sales, real estate and insurance. I had a friend that was writing a book. I said, “Oh, anyone can do that.” My friend replied, “Then do it.” So I did.

Dallas Woodburn
California

 

What is your book, writing or book idea about?

     “Ghost Fingers” is a novel that centers on a teenage girl, Dani, struggling to find her place in the world. Readers learn more about her and her family’s secret through the short stories she writes and the journal she keeps at the request of her therapist, Cheryl.
 

 Tell us about your background:

     I am a “Trustee Merit Scholar” at the University of Southern California majoring in creative writing with a minor in business. I am a 2005 “USA Today” All-Academic Team Member (national). I am a regular columnist for “Family Circle,” a contributing writer to “Justine” magazine and published in “Writer’s Digest,” “Listen,” “Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul IV,” and “The Real Deal: School.” I self-published two books of short stories: “There’s a Pimple on My Nose” at age 10 and “This Summer, 3 a.m.” I want to show that young people can accomplish great things and to help my nonprofit “Write On!” foundation to grow and expand. I am a frequent speaker at schools, service groups and writing conferences. I was a guest on “The Early Show” on CBS and local radio.

Courtney Carini
New York

What is your book, writing or book idea about?

     “Annie’s Visit to Norfin Land” is about a little girl who gets mad at her brother and is whisked away to a magical land where she learns the value of love. This is for children in elementary school and parents. I originally wrote this book for my high school senior project in collaboration with my father as the illustrator.

   
Tell us about your background:

     I have been training for musical theatre since I was 5, but after high school I went to college and transferred to a musical theatre academy. I graduated with a B.E.A in musical theatre. I have been a college student full-time since high school. Moving to NYC has given me all of the opportunity I’ve always wished for. Now the true test is my skill and attitude, which will lead to my success. Seeing my family in enormous pain from diseases has taught me to take care of myself and enjoy every second of my life. I am friendly, outgoing and cooperative, so people would have a great time working with me.

Dave Sherman
Arizona
 

What is your book, writing or book idea about?

     In 2003, I self published my first book called “The Networking Guy’s 50 Top Tips, A Simple Guide to Networking Success.” In 2004, I self published my second book called “Breaking the Ice, 306 Great Conversation Starters.”

     On the show I will focus on my third book, “Elevating Your Elevator Speech, A Powerful Way to Answer the Question ‘What Do You Do.’”

     Hundreds of times each year, people are asked the question “what do you do?” Unfortunately, the way that most people answer this question is doing more to hurt their businesses than it is to help their businesses. This book talks about 45 simple to apply tips that will help people meet more people, create more connections and potentially do more business than ever before. Once they understand the importance of developing a powerful “elevator speech,” they will never answer the question “what do you do” the same way again.

Tell us about your background:

     After working an internship at a weekly newspaper during my final semester of college, I was immediately hired to sell advertising for them after I graduated. One of my clients owned a retail business that sold leather jackets and baseball caps. After considering going into business with him, I decided to leave the newspaper and start my entrepreneurial path.

     In 1993, I opened The Cap Company – Arizona’s Largest Cap Store. During my time in the retail world, I was awarded the 1998 Blue Chip Award for Small Business Excellence, was named a Top Five Small Business Person by the Tempe Chamber of Commerce and Top Ten Small Business Person by Phoenix Chamber of Commerce. After five years, I knew I had more to offer the world than just a perfectly fitting cap. So, I sold my business in 1998 to become a professional speaker.

     After spending the first half of 1999 trying to figure out what the heck I wanted to speak about, I decided that networking was going to be my niche. I titled myself “The Networking Guy.” To let people know about me, I even produced my own bobblehead doll. I spent the next three years traveling around the country speaking to large companies and over a dozen Chambers of Commerce all over the country.

Susie Paige
Pennsylvania
 

What is your book, writing or book idea about?

      “Don’t You Need Some Rest? 52 Sabbath Reflections for Stressful Living” is stories and quotes on how Sabbath (rest) has been and can be observed to reverse the trend of time poverty in America. Sabbath is the prescription for rest needed in society thereby improving lives.

 Tell us about your background:

     Graduate of Cal State University, B.A. degree in Mass Communication. I am an analyst, news monitor and freelance writer. I have a great message. I have a needed message. I learn quickly and adapt well.

Deborah Juckes
Oklahoma
 

What is your book, writing or book idea about?

     Meesha, Guardian of Grand Mountain. A group of youngsters who find out their destiny is to become guardians, dragon protectors of the people. They must then fight to defend the land from a bloodthirsty enemy.


Tell us about your background.

     I have a small woodworking business. The work started as a hobby and became so popular that I had to quit taking orders and only complete special projects on consignment or to have time to do a project that I want. I worked for a major oil refinery. I was the first female field officer. I did graduate school in spite of myself. Fortunately, I am not to the old dog stage yet and have been adept at self-learning such as computers, software, Intarsia, MIG welding, etc. Tomboy since I was able to dress myself (or not). I always tried to keep up with my older brothers and, yes, if they jumped off a bridge, I was soon to follow (good thing I grew out of that). I love the outdoors and animals. I enjoy riding horses and my Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

 

Debra Beryle Winkler
Michigan
 

What is your book, writing or book idea about?

     My book is filled with over 109,000 intriguing words blended together describing a fascinating, moving love story. It is filled with adventure, love, sex, the value of friendship, humor and song. Dena Weitzman faced much adversity in her life with the men she chose. Dena survived a frightening con man, which she refused to let destroy her. Dena’s nerves broke down after she left her husband, then her best friend married her second husband. Dena made a deal with her third husband. She had to promise him she would cook in the bedroom and never in the kitchen. Hold on to your seat while you enter the extraordinary life of a woman who will take you on the ride of your life, where you can expect the unexpected.

Tell us about your background

     Vivacious, fun loving woman who finally knows who she is. I continue to be a professional woman in business. I am a loving wife and a valuable friend to my loved ones. Having multiple corporations, many personal interest and a loving husband has made it possible for me to enjoy my life to its fullest.

 

Lindsy Rae Wise
Ohio
 

What is your book, writing or book idea about?

     Grey is a Sci-Fi tale of a girl who has premonitions. It is based on my theory of time being in the 4th dimension and brain evolution sensing it the way the brain sense the first three dimensions.


Tell us about your background.

     I grew up in suburbia and graduated with honors. I am studying journalism. I have been taught to never settle and I don’t. I want to show people that dreams are reached at any age, especially in the writing world where talent is usually older. I published a book at 14 and again at 16. The both of them are like my babies.

 

Rose Nave
Pen name: Angela Starr
Pennsylvania
 

What is your book, writing or book idea about?

     I have written two novels that are yet to be published including one that is tales of my parents. I am also writing children’s stories. Being the grandmother of twins, I try to instill within each of them to find their own free spirit. Each one of my children’s stories has its own unique way of expressing life’s lessons, thereby, enabling the reader to have a sense of humor, searching for friendship and maintain a joy for reading. The children’s books teach small children you can become whatever you want to be.

Tell us about your background

     I am a first generation Italian. Life was tough growing up in the 1940s and 1950s. I had a beautiful mom. She taught us the value of life. I married at 22. With the death of a family member, I found material things don’t mean much, just treat everyone with love. I realize life is short and we never know what’s going to happen. I am now trying to be more positive in my ways.
 

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Neil Tepper
Georgia  

What is your book, writing or book idea about?

    By revealing the secret of creativity that I have discovered during my career as a creative executive and as an award-winning song writer, photographer and television programming creator, my book will teach anyone how to be more creative in solving problems and overcoming blocks that keep them stuck inside the box of their self-imposed limitations. I believe creativity lives in everyone. It’s simply a matter of connecting to the source of infinite creativity. I help the reader open his/her creative channels and attract creativity.

Tell us about your background.

     I always have and still am curious and creative. I love sports. After 10 years as a photographer in Hawaii, I took a job that would be the best I ever had as a creative director for The Coca-Cola Company. I traveled to Europe, Africa and regularly from New York to L.A. I successfully managed the $7 million Coca-Cola Centennial Celebration, replete with original films, music and live stage productions. I left Coke for Hollywood. I took a job as VP, creative services, for Universal Television. I returned to Atlanta as a communications director for the 1996 Olympics. After the Games, in fall of 1996, I continued my life’s adventures taking an 8-day hike and rafting trip into the Grand Canyon. I found my center. I vowed for the rest of my life and career I would follow my heart. For the last eight years I’ve been focusing on my creative work: writing songs (one of them, “My Love is a Natural Thing,” was recorded on an album that opened #2 on Billboard’s World Music chart); exhibiting and selling my photographs; creating television shows (none on the air yet) and home video series. And, of course, writing my book.
 

Karen Childs
California

What is your book, writing or book idea about?

     “Rocket Baby” is about a young girl growing up amidst the excitement of the “space race” in Cocoa Beach and friendships with other “NASA Brats.” It’s also about my own private hell living with a mother who was depressed and suicidal (she grew up in Paris during the Nazi occupation) and trying to deal with my obsessive/compulsive engineering father whose demands were so outrageous. There was so much stress put on him and others who worked at the Cape that he finally ended his own life. Sounds like a tragedy, but I always found the comedy in life. And finally it’s about my own mission to launch my own career and get the hell out of that little beach town. Success in life is supposed to happen later in life and many failures are to be expected. During Apollo I, three astronauts died during a pad test. But, we reached the moon shortly thereafter.

 Tell us about your background:

     I grew up in Cocoa Beach, Florida during the “space race.” My father was an engineer for NASA. I had a very tough childhood and surfed and played music for sanity. I attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, moved to LA and went on the road as a keyboard player with Bette Midler, Cher, Gap Bank, Gino Vanelli and lots of metal bands in the 80s. I wrote music for several films — one nominated for an Oscar. Fed up with the music businesses, I went to Hawaii for a two-week vacation and stayed a year. I moved into a house in the country with five other surfers. I had a four year relationship with a surfer named John. Fast forward…twenty years later we reunited and were instantly attracted again. He was in love with my but never told me! Anyway, it’s a love story in the making…we’ll see what happens. I’d like to share my life story and experiences with others to help people get out there and go after their dreams.
 

Nick Shelton
Georgia

What is your book, writing or book idea about?

     “The Devotional Tales” is a four book series of inspirational stories that inspire others to live better lives. (Think of a cross between “Chicken Soup for the Soul” and “A Purpose-Driven Life.”) I currently have 160 different stories comprised to complete four books. “The Coming Age” is a fictional novel that used one of my title characters in “The Devotional Tales.” This character goes on an epic journey during the end times. (Think “Lord of the Rings” with a “Left Behind” aspect.)

Tell us about your background:

     At nineteen years of age, I studied medicine and business at Mercer University. My dreams are to become a recognized author, but I am studying to get a medical degree. (I plan to use my medical knowledge along with my writing skills to one day write a book about diet and exercise.) Along with being a distinguished scholar, I have also been an outstanding athlete. I currently hold the record for the fastest time in the 5k run at my high school. In baseball, I held the state record for having the most wins by a pitcher in a season. I was also to be on the All-Region and All-State teams in those sports. I have also spent a great deal of my life being a Christian – a characteristic about myself that I commonly share with many other Americans.
 

AlexSandra “Sandy Lynn” Lett
North Carolina

What is your book, writing or book idea about?

     “Going Crazy…Getting Sane” is a portrayal of a country bumpkin who goes to the city, becomes “citified” and is awed by the rich and powerful people. She occasionally returns to her rural roots to deal with “krazy kinfolks” who think she has gotten “above her raisin’.” The central character creates a public relations company called CAT (her initials) and becomes a clever tiger clawing her way to the top only to eventually discover her life is superficial and unfulfilling. Characters in the book are colorful individuals and even exaggerated stereotypes. Her friends reflect various flavors of Americana including high brows, egomaniacs, ball-busting women and effeminate men who give new meaning to the country word “quar” (meaning queer). Her family and friends back home include white trash, rednecks, blue collars, bubbas, good ol’ boys and a few shade of Southern – bluebloodsand lily whites (debutantes and Southern belles).

Tell us about your background:

     As a child I loved to sing and wanted to be an actress, but teachers urged me to use my writing talents. I became an editor of the newspaper in high school and president of the honor society. After graduating high school, I worked as a reporter for the hometown newspaper. Later, I received a distinguished journalism scholarship to attend UNC – Chapel Hill and worked in various aspects of media – newspapers, magazines and television – from 1976 to 1990. Then I became a free-lance writer, developed a successful marketing/public relations company and worked with various prestigious clients, while embracing an executive lifestyle. Several years ago I longed for “something more” and moved to a cabin in the woods to reassess my life. I sold one article about my Grandpa’s country store that received so much attention I started writing a weekly newspaper column, “Lett’s Set a Spell,” which has led to the publication of three nostalgic books.
 

Chet Cunningham
California
 

What is your book, writing or book idea about?

     Shows how to tell when aging parents need help. Spells out in detail how to help relocate parents and deal with their money, bills and health. Gives guides how to select a nursing home. Could mother move in with us? How to handle all of the problems of aging parents to the end.

 Tell us about your background:

      I was born in Nebraska, grew up on Oregon, went to New York and worked in California. I spent two years in the army, have a MS degree from Columbia in Journalism. I worked in three newspapers and earned my living by freelancing fact articles for ten years, then by selling novels for the past 20 years. I have 308 books published – 15 are fact books and the rest are novels.