Straight Chatting from the Library: Patricia Leavy

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Patricia Leavy will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

10 Lessons Learned about Life from The Location Shoot

1. No one’s life is perfect. Everyone has challenges, fears, failings.
2. Laughter is key.
3. Be brave in art and in life.
4. Art imitates life.
5. Life inspires art.
6. Life is temporary. We can’t escape our mortality. We all reach the same inevitable conclusion, sooner than later. Yet there is so much beauty in this glorious life too.
7. Nature holds lessons.
8. Great sex is great.
9. True love has no reason.
10. Love is everything.

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Controversial filmmaker Jean Mercier is shooting a film on location in Sweden. While spending the summer creating his latest work of cinematic art, he lives in a nearby inn with his lead actors: Albie Hughes, British veteran of stage and screen; Charlotte Reed, British indie film queen; Michael Hennesey, American TV heartthrob; Willow Barnes, fallen former teen star looking to make a comeback; and Finn Forrester, legendary Hollywood movie star. Mercier invites his friend Ella Sinclair—a beautiful, bohemian-spirited American philosopher known for her provocative writing—to stay with them for the summer. When Ella arrives, Finn is instantly enchanted by her, and soon they fall madly in love. Finn wants to plan a life together, but Ella harbors fears and convinces him to wait until the film wraps to decide their future. In a case of life imitating art, the film they are creating explores “the big questions” and prompts the stars to reflect on the crossroads they face in their own lives. How will their experiences on location affect them when they return home? The answers won’t come until months later, when the cast and crew reconvene on the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival—but their revelation will make for one unforgettable night.

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She paused and said, “Albie, tell them about how you met Margaret. It’s such a wonderful story. I’m sure everyone would love to hear it.”

“I would,” Finn said as he and Ella exchanged a smile.

“Me too,” Charlotte added. “In the many years we’ve known each other, I don’t think I’ve ever heard this story.”

Albie smiled. “All right,” he said. The waitstaff returned and passed around plates, each with a slice of tart and generous dollop of freshly made whipped cream.

They all began eating and Albie said, “I met her at a party in London thrown by some aristocrat. Completely pretentious. I was the lead in a play on the West End, and the director invited me. You know how that blue-blooded set loves to have a celebrity in their midst, something to gab about when they’re at their holiday homes.”

Everyone laughed.

Albie took a bite of his tart and continued, “I brought a girl with me, some actress, can’t even remember her name. We were all dressed in absurdly formal attire, could hardly tell the guests from the waitstaff, eating catered, crustless watercress sandwiches or some such rubbish. All of a sudden, in walks a stunningly beautiful woman wearing a simple, sky-blue frock and holding a pie. It’s hard to overstate how extraordinarily out of place she looked. I was immediately transfixed. She had the biggest, most beautiful eyes, and her hair fell in waves.” He paused, as if reliving every detail. “Anyway, the host’s wife ran over, greeted her, and ferried the pie over to the dessert table. I couldn’t take my eyes off this woman. The way she moved, her smile, the way her eyes sparkled when she laughed. I watched her for hours. I asked someone about her, and they said she was an elementary school teacher who happened to know the sister of the host. Eventually, I saw her standing alone at the dessert table and decided to make my move. The table was covered in mile-high meringues and fancy chocolate tortes encased in sugar domes, no doubt from the finest bakery in London, and there was her humble homemade pie off to the side. I sidled up to her and said, ‘Everything looks good.’ She smiled at me and I felt like I was struck by lightning. I picked up a plate and a serving utensil and said, ‘I think I’m going to try this one,’ and I took a slice of the blueberry pie. She looked at me and said, ‘I made that. To tell you the truth, I feel like a bit of a fool. I didn’t know what kind of party it was.’ I said, ‘I’m Albie, what’s your name?’ In her angelic voice, she said, ‘Margaret.’ I’ll tell you, I fell completely in love with her then and there.”

“What about your date?” Michael asked.

“Broke up with her at the party. I called a car for her and sent her home. Felt terrible about it, but when you meet the one, you can’t let anything stand in your way. True love is the greatest gift in the world; one mustn’t squander it or be foolish enough to think it will simply wait until it obliges our schedules.”

“So, it really was love at first sight,” Charlotte said wistfully.

“Indeed. Anyone who tells you that love at first sight isn’t real, well, those unlucky bastards have just never experienced it. Take it from an old fucker like me: when you get hit by lightning, you surrender to it. All the details, the little things you don’t know about each other, you’ll learn those over time, and if you really love each other, most of it won’t matter. There’s no replacing that inexplicable, inconvenient, all-encompassing feeling of love. Standing there in that moment, holding that slice of pie, I knew I couldn’t live without her. These days, people court each other like they’re applying for a job or running through a checklist. But this is where the artists—the poets, the novelists, the filmmakers—have always known better: true love has no reason.”

MEET THE AUTHOR

Patricia Leavy, PhD, is an award-winning, best-selling author. She was formerly Associate Professor of Sociology, Chairperson of Sociology & Criminology, and Founding Director of Gender Studies at Stonehill College. She has published more than forty books; her work has been translated into many languages, and she has received more than forty book honors. Her last novel, Hollyland, was featured on She Reads in “The Most Anticipated Romances of Spring 2023” and was the 2023 Firebird Book Awards 1st Place Winner in Pop Culture Fiction and 1st Place Winner in Summer/Beach Read. Patricia has also received career awards from the New England Sociological Association, the American Creativity Association, the American Educational Research Association, the International Congress of Qualitative Inquiry, and the National Art Education Association. In 2018, she was honored by the National Women’s Hall of Fame and SUNY-New Paltz established the “Patricia Leavy Award for Art and Social Justice.” Patricia lives in Maine. In addition to writing, she enjoys art, reading, and travel.

Location Shoot: https://www.amazon.com/Location-Shoot-Novel-Patricia-Leavy/dp/1647425670
Hollyland: https://www.amazon.com/Hollyland-Novel-Patricia-Leavy/dp/1647422965

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Straight Browsing from the Library: Legacy of Evil by James Peyton

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. The author will award a $25 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

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A banished detective. A body drained of blood. Mexico’s vampires are all too human.

After graduating from Harvard, Artemas Salcido is determined to transform Mexico’s justice system and joins the federal police. He begins solving crimes committed by the rich and powerful and is banished to the village of Bustamante.

On a college field trip to Bustamante’s nearby caverns, the daughter of a US senator is brutally murdered. The FBI, the international media, and a Mexican hit squad tasked with making the problem go away descend on the village. When Mexico’s attorney general tells Artemas his career depends on his cooperation, Artemas realizes his life is at stake.

As other grisly murders occur, Artemas’s investigation uncovers an ancient blood cult connected to a powerful financial cabal that stretches from mediaeval Europe to Mexico's most influential politicians and businessmen. When he disputes his violent colleagues’ bogus solution to the crime, Artemas is marked for death.

Can Artemas’s determination to bring fairness to Mexico’s justice system prevail against the overwhelming power of his government—or will it prove fatal …?

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The National Security Council meeting was breaking up when a White House aide approached the president and handed him a note. He scanned it, read it again, and his jaw muscles began to clench and twitch.

Those remaining in the room noticed the telltale signs of fury and quit their banter and paper shuffling. The president's eyes left the slip of paper and focused on Jonathan Sharp, Director of the FBI. "I'm glad you're still here Jonathan. I just learned that Senator Conners’ daughter has been murdered in Mexico—someplace called Bustamante—and quite gruesomely. It seems all the blood was drained from her body." He handed over the note.

"See what you can find out, then get some agents down there. Ask the attorney general to coordinate with the Mexicans. Tell him I said not to take ‘No’ for an answer.” He focused his gaze on the Secretary of State who instantly decided this was neither the time nor the place to voice his objections.

MEET THE AUTHOR

Award-winning author James Peyton’s intriguing settings and memorable characters in his thrillers come from his years of international work and travel. The first two editions of his four-part thriller Artemas Salcido series are now available on Amazon; Legacy of Evil and Terror Crossing, to be followed by La Buchona and Not For Sale. Peyton’s stand-alone adventure thriller, The Royal Fifth, was released in 2022. James has had five acclaimed books published on Mexican cooking, history, and culture. Peyton's writing reflects a depth of understanding and a unique perspective that sets his work apart.

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/216986.James_W_Peyton
http://www.jameswpeyton.com/

Buy the book for only $0.99.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Legacy-Evil-James-Peyton-ebook/dp/B0CMK71YNM

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Straight Browsing from the Library: Carrie Can Fly Too by Ashley and Breanna Bolliger

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Ashley and Breanna Bolliger will be awarding a $10 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

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Carrie Can Fly Too is an optimistic and inspiring rhyme for the entire family. It affirms that being different shall never prevent us from achieving our lifelong dreams. All we need is a little confidence and our imagination can suddenly become a remarkable reality.

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MEET THE AUTHORS

Ashley and Breanna Bolliger are identical twin sisters born and raised in Canada. Growing up, they have always cherished creating new projects together. Their passion for writing flourished when they launched a wellness blog called Twinlife. Through the creation, they hoped their personal wellness experiences would propose positive change, motivating young adults to develop their own wellness routines to support personal mental health needs.

Ashley and Breanna created "Carrie Can Fly Too" to continually raise mental health awareness, targeting younger audiences. Self-confidence is an attribute that is often not taught, yet it is a motivating factor which drives many towards achieving personal goals. Self-confidence is also fostered when the world is a more accepting place, and everyone has the opportunity to embrace their unique differences. This is Ashley and Breanna's first children's book publication, and they wish to continue writing and illustrating books in the future.

Ashley Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleybolliger/
Breanna Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breannabolliger_/
Ashley & Breanna Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialtwinlife_/

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Carrie-Can-Fly-Ashley-Bolliger-ebook/dp/B0CKBXVV2L/ref=sr_1_1

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Straight Browsing from the Library: Outsider by Monica Buchanon

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Monica Buchanan will be awarding a $10 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

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Monica Buchanan grew up in Jamaica. She revisits her lived experiences of abuse and neglect in early childhood and her younger adult years. Buchanan takes the reader on a palatable path that allows for reflection on one's own life. She writes about her survival journey, while looking through descriptive lens, she carefully details how exposure to early childhood abuse and neglect within her family helped form patterns, influenced choices, and shaped decisions in her adulthood.

By chronicling familial stories, the roles of parents, siblings, and community, she employs a story-telling and meaning-making approach, that is both painful and entertaining. Even though as a young child I was told I was the problem, I knew intuitively that I did not cause all my problems. I now know that what happened to me within the context of familial (and other) relationships had a name--emotional abuse and neglect.

Growing up I wished there were more people and resources that could help me make sense of my life as I struggled with low self-esteem, insecurities, felt lost, craved attention, and an overall sense of not belonging--I felt like an outsider and desperately wanted to be on the inside.

Buchanan reaffirms that: childhood experiences of abuse and neglect does not mean one has a commutable life sentence of pain and suffering. It does not matter where you are on your healing journey, you can set that stuff aside and reclaim your life. This book is for anyone who grew up in a toxic, abusive, and unhealthy home environment where they felt like they did not belong within the family unit. It is also a book about making changes, forgiveness, and letting go.

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Numerous girls (and women) survivors historically have been mistreated, abused, neglected, ridiculed, shamed, blamed, and made to feel guilty about the treatment dished out to us. We believe this is our lot in life. Eventually we internalize such treatment, and as women we either repeat such internalized patterns with our children or repeat them with ourselves. I know this internalized process extremely well; I have experienced all the above. It is from this place of knowing that I write.

I often ask myself who would want to hear what I have to say. A small inner voice tells me that I must speak my truth, I must write. The prompting empowers me to harness my voice and use it. It says to me that my story might just be your story too. This is the story of our mothers and their mothers before them. Most importantly, it is our daughters’ story. Writing about mistreatment in childhood is all of our stories interwoven in an ugly, yet beautiful, telling of what we survived.

We learn in childhood to strangle our voices and embrace silence—but who can really silence us but ourselves? We learn to give our power away at a noticeably youthful age. For instance, as newborns when we cry and scream out to our parents or caregivers, they may respond with “Hush, hush. Don’t cry.” Why must we not cry when we are frightened of the big world outside and missing the safety and security of the womb? Maybe some of us knew as newborns the truth of the ugliness that awaited us. We probably had the insight that the world is a cold, harsh, dangerous place even at that tender age.

MEET THE AUTHOR

MONICA BUCHANAN has a PhD in psychology, as well as a master's degree and a bachelor's degree in Women's Studies. Buchanan is semi-retired, after a long and rewarding career in counseling, psychotherapy, and coaching, she now follows her passion and live a purposeful lifestyle. She continues to be enthusiastic and committed to development of strength-based community resources for adults and youths from marginalized and under-served communities, thus she remains an active volunteer. She focuses on mindfulness and relaxation and loves to read, write, garden, and take long meditative walks.

Website: https://www.monicabuchanan.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_monicab
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drmonicabuchanan
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmonicabuchanan
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/TheDrBuchanan

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Straight Chatting from the Library: Traci Wooden-Carlisle and D. Tina Batten

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Traci Wooden-Carlisle and D. Tina Batten will be awarding $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

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TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF

My name is D. Tina Batten, one half of the writing duo of this phenomenal book The Prayer Warrior. I’m a mom, wife, sister, daughter, cousin, friend and MIMA to my grandchildren. I consider myself to be a visual storyteller of stage, film and now books. My motto is to encourage, and inspire readers and viewers with every project. I love storytelling!

I’m Traci Wooden-Carlisle the other half of that writing duo. I reside in San Diego, CA where I write, help others publish their books, create jewelry and take care of a special needs gentleman and love on my husband as much as I can.

IN WHICH GENRE DO YOU WRITE?

D. Tina Batten: As a person of faith, I write in the Christian Fiction genre.

Traci Wooden-Carlisle: I write women’s Christian fiction, contemporary Christian romance, romantic suspense and Christian speculative fiction.

HOW MANY PUBLISHED BOOKS DO YOU HAVE?

D. Tina Batten: A big total of three for me to date.

Traci Wooden-Carlisle: I am currently working on book number 15.

WHEN DID YOU FIRST REALIZE YOU WANTED TO BE A WRITER AND WHAT IGNITED YOUR FLAME?

D. Tina Batten: For some people, they know early on. It didn’t happen that soon for me. As a Christian, I’m inspired by the Lord. It is my destiny to be a writer, but it took me a while to realize it. As a child, I enjoyed writing short stories. I won a few essay contests here and there, but sports and performing arts always came first. I thought I would be a professional dancer/attorney or veterinarian. It wasn’t until I turned my life over to the Lord in my adult years when my writing truly manifested. I’ve been strengthening my craft ever since, branching out as a playwright, then screenwriter and now novelist. In doing so, I am fulfilling my purpose in life.

Traci Wooden-Carlisle: When I was six I was misdiagnosed with a reading problem, when in actuality, I couldn’t see. I was enrolled in a reading tutorial program that gave me the tools to read at the 9th grade level by the time I was eight. I became a voracious reader and when I couldn’t get a new book, I would write stories to myself. Even today when I begin a story, it is for me first.

WHAT IS AN INTERESTING QUIRK YOU HAVE, THAT WE WOULDN’T KNOW BY READING YOUR BIOGRAPHY?

D. Tina Batten: When I get really sleepy I get silly, especially if I am on the phone with Traci at that time. We had so many late night giggle fests as we sorted out plots.

Traci Wooden-Carlisle: I love writing during the fall and winter. One reason is because I love wearing fingerless gloves when I’m typing out a scene.

WHAT DOES YOUR IDEAL WRITING SPACE LOOK LIKE?

D. Tina Batten: My ideal writing space has scenic panoramic views, a desk, chair and cozy recliner so if I happen to fall asleep in the middle of writing, I can wake up to finish writing that same sentence in comfort. Don’t laugh. This has actually happened to me more than once or twice. Except, I wasn't writing while sitting in a comfortable cozy recliner. It was a normal office desk chair. That crick in my neck lasted a few days thereafter. I really need a recliner in my current writing space.

Traci Wooden-Carlisle: Mmmm. An ergonomic chair that allows my feet to lay flat on the floor at a desk that is just the right height for long bouts of writing on a laptop, situated next to a window overlooking a small town. I don’t want to be on Main St because that would be too distracting but just far enough away to make out people’s movements. The room would be sound-proof so I could write with music or nothing at all.

WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY READING?

D. Tina Batten: A variety of TD Jakes books. I jump around a lot depending on the mood and need. Also, financial and wealth building books written by John Hope Bryant. Most recently “Up From Nothing.”

Traci Wooden-Carlisle: I am currently reading “Critical Threat” by Lynette Eason

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SEASON AND WHY?

D. Tina Batten: My favorite season is fall. I love cozy comfy clothes, changing of the seasons, the color of the leaves. It’s not too early to start drinking hot apple cider. It makes daily walks outside tolerable. I just love it!

Traci Wooden-Carlisle: I love Autumn. We don’t really get the change of the leaves but I love how the weather dips down and I have to put on a sweater. I also seem to be my most creative during this time of year.

WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN NOT WRITING OR MARKETING YOUR BOOKS?

D. Tina Batten: Most likely I will be binge watching movies. I love the Hallmark Channel, especially during “Countdown to Christmas.”

Traci Wooden-Carlisle: I am creating jewelry or swag for other authors, helping other authors publish their books, sitting back with a good book or binge watching a show with my husband.

WHAT SONGS HIT YOU WITH A WAVE OF NOSTALGIA EVERY TIME YOU HEAR THEM?

D. Tina Batten: Music that I heard and/or listened to from my youth makes me extremely nostalgic. That’s music from the late 70s, 80s and 90s. For instance, when I hear the song “Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now” by McFadden & Whitehead, I immediately remember moving into our new apartment in a new neighborhood. I shared the room with my little sister and we were unpacking as I looked out of my room window while it played. I remember it as if it were yesterday, even right now. I remember falling to sleep every night in junior high or high school while listening to Patti LaBelle’s hit song, “If Only You Knew.” I still love that song.

Traci Wooden-Carlisle: I listened to Adele while writing a particularly intense part of a book a few years ago and whenever one of her songs from the album I was listening to at the time plays now it takes me back to the emotions swirling through me while I wrote.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE TIME OF DAY AND WHY?

D. Tina Batten: My favorite time of day is dusk. If I time it just right, I get a chance to see the sun right before it disappears below the horizon. The colors in the sky are breathtaking.

Traci Wooden-Carlisle: All is quiet by 9:00 p.m. with the two men in my life tucked away in their beds. The night is mine.

HAVE YOU EVER HAD ANY DO IT YOURSELF DISASTERS?

D. Tina Batten: Prayerfully not.

Traci Wooden-Carlisle: I don’t think so.

WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY WORKING ON?

D. Tina Batten: A feature screenplay entitled “The Christmas Donor.”

Traci Wooden-Carlisle: I am currently working on the latest installment to my Promises to Zion series. This will be book 6 in the overall series and book 1 in the subseries.

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There is a thin line between the natural and the spiritual realm. Ms. V., a humble servant of the Lord, has been placed on assignment at Center of Hope Christian Academy.

By day, she serves as a trusted counselor for students, giving them a safe haven to pour out their innermost feelings while providing professional and honest truth wrapped in a firm kindness and love that inevitably draws them closer to Jesus. Not to be outdone, the faculty also bends her ear from time to time.

By night, Ms. V. enters the spiritual realm and takes her place on the battlefield as one of God’s faithful prayer warriors. She wields her whispering sword, slicing through the enemy’s plans to bind the precious hearts under her charge.

Her assignment’s burden on her physical body is taxing, but can she withstand the strain and remain victorious?

Saving souls is her true mission, but at what cost?

Readers are in for a journey of spiritual intrigue and biblical insight as they experience the ramifications of each character’s life-altering decision.

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“You’ve been talking about your relationship with Kevin, and I understand your struggle, but what have you been talking to Jesus about lately?”

Porch bit her lower lip for a moment, a sign Ms. V. had come to understand as Porcha’s way of considering whether or not to exaggerate the truth.

“I can’t help you if you don’t tell me the truth.” Ms. V. reminded her softly.

Porcha let out a deep breath.

“I haven’t really been talking to Jesus. I mean. I say my prayers in the morning and before I go to sleep, but He’s gone quiet. I don’t hear Him like I used to.” Porcha’s sniffles turned back into sobs.

“Sshh, honey calm down. Why does this make you cry so hard?”

“I think He’s left me. It used to be so easy to talk to Him.”

“Ahh. No. God has promised never to leave us nor forsake us, and He has yet to break any of His promises. I am absolutely sure He wouldn’t begin with you, especially if you’ve been wanting to talk to Him.”

“Then why can’t I hear Him?” Porcha asked in a near whine.

MEET THE AUTHORS

D. “Tina” Batten is a loving mother, wife, sister, daughter and Mima to her grandchildren. She is a gifted visual storyteller who is passionate about bringing encouraging messages of inspiration and hope to the world. Tina Batten, a writer for over eighteen years of various dramatic works of performing art via stage, and film, encompasses unique ways of creating fascinating story concepts that touch the heart of most who view or read her work. She is both honored and thrilled to have teamed up with long-time friend, sister in the gospel and co-author Tracy on this phenomenal collaborative book project. With such a humble heart and desire to bring people together in love and unity, Tina Batten will continue her work as a visual storyteller spreading the good news of Jesus Christ one project after the other.

As Always, D. “Tina” Batten gives God All the Glory!

You can find her at the following social media platforms:

Website: http://www.sisterbatten.com
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Sister-BattenCom-Sister-Batten-Productions-157650117630075/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/tina.batten.18
IG: https://www.instagram.com/sisterbatten/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/sisterbatten
Subscribe to Sister Batten YouTube Channel: shorturl.at/lsxA4
Walking in the Spirit Trailer: https://vimeo.com/ondemand/sisterbattenfilms
If Not For The LORD, Where Would I Be? Delicious Episode Trailer: https://vimeo.com/ondemand/sisterbattenproductions

Traci Wooden-Carlisle

Traci Wooden-Carlisle began writing to publish in 2011 and enjoys writing stories that provoke thought and evoke emotions. Her desire is to draw readers into the lives of her characters and share messages of God’s love, His faithfulness and peace. The messages in her books speak to her way before they speak to her readers.

Traci lives in San Diego with her husband, David. When she isn’t writing she does some light traveling or assists people with their physical fitness, creates graphics, designs pretty things for her jewelry business and swag for authors.

You can find her on the following social media platforms.

Website: http://www.tawcarlisle.com
Newsletter: http://www.tawcarlisle.com/subscribe
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Traci-Wooden-Carlisle/e/B00OIAS208/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/Author_TraciWCarlisle
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/traciwoodencarlisle
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/tawcarlisle
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/traci-wooden-carlisle
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/traciwcarlisle
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/tawcarlisle
Book Video: https://youtu.be/lw3DiS_-E0A

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Straight Browsing from the Library: Unbred by Oscar Valdez

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Oscar Valdez will be awarding a $20 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

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Entrepreneurship is considered one of the most ancient professions in human history. So, why then, is entrepreneurship so difficult to break into for minorities? What are the social and economical roadblocks and what can you do to tear them down and make a mark for yourself as a true corporate misfit?

As a managing partner of seven separate multi-million-dollar businesses operating in twenty-three States, I've discovered there's no single formula to becoming a successful entrepreneur - but there are certain rules, especially for minorities, that must be abided by to avoid operational blunders. Any book can tell you it all comes down to planning and having the right mindset, but these gross oversimplifications are precisely why many fail to grasp the true keys to success.

Throughout these nine chapters you'll learn all aspects of the minority entrepreneur's journey, from starting a venture to ensuring its success. You'll break down the balance between structure and flexibility necessary to grow and flourish as a minority entrepreneur. You'll decode the complexities of the rules and uncover what obstacles stand before you - and how to rise above them, steadfast and unbred.

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As a minority entrepreneur, I’ve always advocated the idea of diversity within a business. Diversity, especially in upper management, can have an enormous impact on the outcome of the business. It brings a variety of ideas, strategies, and policies that can be explored and experimented with, and thus, a joint venture or a ‘partnership’ can be beneficial, especially when you’re a minority entrepreneur.

To survive in the modern-day business world, you need a supporting friend who will not only help you grow but also ease the entrepreneurial processes for you. Although this may not be for everyone, a good entrepreneur should evaluate their options. Partnership is crucial to the growth of any business venture. Merchants and traders have always made use of the principle of a strategic partnership to conduct their businesses, and the trend is still very much applicable today.

A partnership manifests itself in different forms, ranging from business owners cooperating to invest in a project to sharing technical knowledge and ideas between firms.

Whatever any business does, it’s important to look for the right partnership agreement that benefits both parties. I personally have two other Managing Partners who are some of my closest friends. We understood that to achieve the level of success we dreamed of, it was going to take each one of our skill sets. One of my partners is great with finances and is a tech wiz. The other partner is a wonderful operator and very organized. My main strengths are in sales, and I’m creative and an "out of the box'' thinker, which is helpful in today's business world. Together, the three of us now own and manage seven companies that operate in twenty-three States.

MEET THE AUTHOR

Born in Guatemala and raised in Los Angeles, Oscar dreamed of becoming a successful business owner. To become a successful entrepreneur seemed unattainable and a far-out dream. Oscar worked his way up the corporate ladder of successful companies gaining several awards along the way. He started several businesses only to witness those businesses fail.

At the age of 43, Oscar suffered multiple health scares, causing him to retire. With newfound time on his hands, he joined childhood friends to start a business venture. His past business failures were a lesson in finding a successful entrepreneurial path. This new venture resulted in a multi-million-dollar conglomerate, which continues to grow every year.

Oscar still lives in Los Angeles with his family and in his spare time he works towards helping the less fortunate through philanthropy and education.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Unbred-unconventional-journey-minority-entrepreneur/dp/B0CC3TH2HY/ref=sr_1_1

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Straight Browsing on the Boulevard: Reflections on the Boulevard by L.J. Ambrosio

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. The author will award a $20 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner and an autographed copy of the book to a second randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

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Michael's story continues from "A Reservoir Man" (2022) where we find him teaching at a university ready to retire. He unexpectedly meets a young man named Ron who becomes his protégé and journeys with him in a haphazard adventure throughout America and Europe. In Michael's final journey in life, each twist and turn of the road brings unexpected adventures. The journey taken is one of joy, friendship, and discovery.

READ AN EXCERPT

On one particularly bumpy part of the trail, Michael assured Ron.

"You look great and natural on that mule! Like Gene Autry!” Ron was falling over now, off the mule. Ron had some choice language for Michael. After a minute he also asked, “Who is Gene Autry?”

“He was the cowboy who sang 'Don’t Fence Me In'!”

The mule train proved to be extraordinary. The views were spectacular; being inside the canyon was the best. The formation of the rocks was either tilted, straight, or flat. The horizontal layers of rocks produced the colors yellow, red, and blue. The mule and Ron were no problem; he was a natural mule rider. Thank heavens he told the mule about his relationship with Rhonda - that was the key to their bonding. Ron had a wonderful time, even if his butt was in pain. He felt the saddle was still attached to his bottom even after they left.

They found a bench looking at their incredible view of the North Rim. Michael turned to Ron telling him how nice and cool their friendship was. Michael agreed.

“I had so many friends and partners, but I was never able to have as much fun and conversations as I have had with you, Ron.”

“Partners like Gail, your former business partner?" Ron asked.

Michael playfully responded, "No, like loving, and those other things.”

MEET THE AUTHOR

Louis J. Ambrosio ran one of the most nurturing bi-coastal talent agencies in Los Angeles and New York. He started his career as a theatrical producer, running two major regional theaters for eight seasons. Ambrosio taught at seven universities. Ambrosio also distinguished himself as an award-winning film producer and novelist over the course of his impressive career.

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