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.