Betty Collier, author interview, Living Inside The Testimony

1. What led you to write your book(s) and was there a pivotal event you can
share?
I wrote the book after being divinely inspired by the Lord to share my testimony with
others. The book is obviously based on my faith, and I wrote it well aware that not everyone would share my faith, but I am sharing my faith with anyone who chooses to believe. I never wanted to be an author, and if you had asked me prior to January 2009 if I would ever write a book, my answer would have immediately been "absolutely not," and that would have been the end of the discussion. I've never had a desire to write a book, so you're likely wondering why I wrote it and why I am trying to share it with others now. Perhaps my honesty will make you wonder if the book is even worth purchasing. However, this one thing I do know...I am an author. I became one overnight, and in fact, I know the exact night it happened. It was after midnight when January 9, 2009 turned into January 10th, the night I dreamed about this book. I am confident that if you allow me to share my journey with you, you will understand perfectly, but only if you have the faith to believe.

2. How do you approach the creative process?
I simply started in front of a blank computer screen and began typing. Because my book is a journey through time from when I was in middle school up until the time my husband and our 2 children moved into our dream home, I simply wrote from my heart based on things that have occurred in my past. I believe my urgency and obsession with writing the book allowed me to complete it very quickly. It only took one month to write, but that is because I was totally and utterly consumed and obsessed with getting all of my thoughts and ideas down on paper. I had suddenly realized that I did have a story to tell, so I stayed up until 2:00 AM for a month sitting at the computer screen to tell my story.

3. Are there any influentials in your life that have encouraged you to stay the course as an author?
Since my faith is what made me become an author overnight, it is that same faith
that encourages me to share my journey with others.

4. Can you explain the basic premise of your book?
My story comes from an everyday person who realized how God’s amazing love and
abundant blessings have always surrounded my life. Because of that realization, I am
sharing my life inside the testimony while helping others realize they too live inside
testimonies meant to encourage and inspire others.

It's like watching a Lifetime Movie...You'll go to bed and dream about the real-life characters
in the book...It's a beautiful, heartfelt love story...It's funny, amusing, and entertaining...
It's very emotional and inspirational...You'll laugh on one page and cry on the next...

5. What do you hope to teach your readers?
My purpose is simply to encourage and inspire readers to discover that we all live inside testimonies meant to be shared with others, but I have been just as encouraged and inspired by readers comments. It confirms my original belief that the Lord wanted me to share my journey of faith. As one reader told me, "It's like being on a roller coaster. I didn't know what to expect next. I was laughing on one page and crying on the next...This book is a masterpiece! Thank you so much for sharing. I have been truly blessed."

6. Apart from writing, what other endeavors, or hobbies are you involved in?
On the back of the book, I wrote that I am a wife, mother, daughter, sister, nurse, author, and child of the King. That summarizes my life and everything else that I am involved in. Of course my family is my number one priority on this
earth. I have been married to the absolute love of my life for 24 years, and we have 2 boys, ages 16 and 11. That in itself is a full-time job, just keeping up with the 3 of them. I am also a full-time RN; I work as a nurse case manager during the day, and share the journey inside my testimony as an author whenever I can - morning, noon, and night.

7. What would you say to someone thinking about becoming a writer?
All of us have something to share with others, and if we would simply take the time to begin the writing process and stay committed to it, we could all write something to share.

8. Do you have any plans for the future- work related and/or personal?
My plans are simply to share my journey with others, and I will go wherever this book takes me in order to do that. This is only the beginning. Although I had no prior plans to write a book, after literally becoming an author overnight, I know that this is something that I will never give up now. I am passionate about my story, and it’s my desire to reach as many people as I can to inspire and encourage them. There is more to come, but I will have to wait on divine inspiration to figure out what that is.

9. Describe a typical day in your writing life.
Because I have so many other “job titles,” writing became a way of life after-hours. If I had waited until I actually had time to write, it never would have happened. So I made time each and every day, and squeezed in time whenever I could, ensuring that I wrote something each day. I believe I am probably one of the most sleep-deprived people you will ever meet, but when you are consumed and obsessed to write and share your story, you cannot sleep anyway.

10. Tell us something about yourself outside of the job of writing- your interests, an experience you want to share, something you are proud of / or have overcome.
My greatest accomplishment is that I have accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, and I am committed to doing the work that he has called me to do. My greatest joy and satisfaction comes from the life I share with my husband and our two children. And if you read my book, you will discover there are a tremendous number of things that I can share with you, things that I believe will help inspire and encourage you. A luxury to me is to find time on a Saturday afternoon to watch a Lifetime movie. I believe if you use one of your Saturday afternoons to read this book, you will feel like you have watched a Lifetime movie.



Living Inside The Testimony is a collection of anecdotes compiled by author Betty Collier. In reading these stories, you will share in her journey and experience the inspiration, faith, hope, humor, romance, and love she experienced. The stories in Living Inside The Testimony revolve around Betty’s experiences with her family, friends, and other individuals who have contributed, often unknowingly, to the path God has chosen for her. You will hear the story of how Betty fell in love at age fourteen (with her future husband), about her husband’s near-death experience with emergency brain surgery a week before high school graduation, their experiences in New York a week prior to 9/11, and the frustrating ordeal she and her husband overcame when trying to build their dream home.

Betty attributes her success and her great love to God, and she shares with readers how God has orchestrated her life’s path every step of the way. Betty’s prayer is that you will see and feel Proverbs 3:5-6 come alive and speak to your heart as you take a walk with her, inside her testimony. She hopes you enjoy the journey and discover that we all live inside testimonies meant to be shared with others.




BIO

Betty Collier is a wife, mother, daughter, sister, nurse, author, and child of the King. Married to William Collier since 1986, they live in Bartlett, Tennessee, with their sons, Jordan William and Brandon William.

Book Giveawy: Be the first to leave a comment on Betty's fanpage and win a free copy of her book: www.facebook.com/livinginsidethetestimony


website links

http://livinginsidethetestimony.com

http://www.facebook.com/livinginsidethetestimony

http://twitter.com/BettyCollier

book trailer- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9R57Q3H954&feature=channel




Where is the book sold? (not sure if you need all these sites or not) Of course the main 2 are Barnes and Noble and Amazon.com



barnesandnoble.com
amazon.com
booksamillion.com
cokesbury.com
lifewaystores.com
crossbooks.com
parable.com
christianbookstore.net
promiseangels.com
infibeam.com

Dreamshield :An Interview with Alysa Braceau

1.What led you to write your book(s) and was there a pivotal event you can share?

Meeting a “man of Knowledge’ who taught me the art of mastering conscious dreaming and suggested sharing this knowledge.

2.How do you approach the creative process when you decide to write?


My book is non-fiction and I didn’t work with an outline or anything before I started, so the writing-process went quite organically. During the years that Running Deer, my dreaming teacher, taught me the art of mastering conscious dreaming, I carefully recorded my personal experiences which has finally led to this book.

3.Are there any influentials in your life that have encouraged you to stay the course as an author?


The Art of Dreaming is one of the teachings of Totality I write about. My dreaming teacher, Vidar explained there are four practices that guide the apprentice into the totality: the art of dreaming, stalking, hunting and the art of the warrior. He said: “Gradually you will learn to master all of them, but because you are a dreamer the art of dreaming is the most important one for you. On the way to the totality you will learn to master your dreaming, which means that ordinary dreams will come to a halt and will be replaced by the dreaming of the spirit. Ordinary dreams come to a stop, disappear because they are primitive, and take up too much energy. As you master your dreaming, you will have medicine dreams and visions that guide you into the totality.” More about that you will read in my first book.

To answer your question: my learning process continues and my second book will be about the art of stalking, as I explained, one of the next teachings of Totality.


4. Can you explain the premise of your book?


The premise is usually an open question in the form of ‘what would happen if… ?’

The premise of my book is about finding the totality of the Self. Here the question is ‘what would happen if you find the Totality of The Self.’ What else in life is there except for this material reality because there is also a dreaming reality. In my book I explain more about these separate realities and finding the Totality of the Self.


5.What have been some of your high and low points in being a writer, and in the process of promoting your book?


I explained before that the writing process was organic(non fiction) and because of that I guess I didn’t t know low or high levels. I loved writing this book. But it wasn’t always easy to transform my experience into words. However, I managed:)

About promoting the book: every independent writer knows that it is a lot of work, and you have to make the right decisions to promote your book and sometimes that’s difficult. But I trust that there are people interested in the topic of conscious dreaming, shamanism and the sorcerer’s world and that my book finds the way to the right audience.

6. Apart from writing, what other endeavors, or hobbies are you involved in?


I’m doing different things at the moment: I am a (freelance) journalist and publisher and besides that I have a healing practice and I give workshops about the Art of Dreaming. And of course I write, but not full time, so you can call that variety:)

I write throughout the week because I love it and make time for it in the evenings and also a few hours in the weekends.


7. What would you say to someone thinking about becoming a writer?


Go for it!

8. Do you have any plans for the future- work related and/or personal?


I am exploring other worlds and I want to share that with ‘the world’ and because there is a lot more to explore in my perception, and my plan is to continue that process! But it is not only about knowledge, it’s also about wisdom. I can be very impulsive but that’s not always very wise, so my plan is to take it easy from time to time.

9. Describe a typical day in your writing life.


When I once start a ‘writing project’ I really want to continue, but I need to build in some stops. So I start the day (after breakfast) taking a walk in the dunes where the fresh air and the beautiful nature gives me new inspiration. When I come home I make a pot of coffee for myself and writing starts at about 10 o’clock. I take a short lunch after about three hours and continue to let’s say five o’ clock. I prefer non-stop writing but that’s impossible, however, after diner and after bringing my daughter to bed, I usually start writing a few more hours. I just love it!


10.Tell us something about yourself outside of the job of writing- your interests, an experience you want to share, something you are proud of / or have overcome.


My book is also a memoir and that is why I would love to share an excerpt with you and your visitors about something I’m very proud of during my apprenticeship, especially because I survived this ordeal:). I cite this one from my book after I took magic mushrooms in a special ceremony which is presented to those who are following the teachings of Totality. One of the features of this ceremony is experiencing an intellectual death and letting go your fears to be able to travel into the unknown and to reach the totality of the Self and finally discover you are the creator of your own reality:


‘My life has been scattered in hundred thousand pieces. My life, I have complained and nagged about it so many times, but I would die to return to it. From a distance I see myself lying motionless on my right side and finally realize I am dead. I have always been curious about how it would be and now I have come this far. Now I know your spirit just continues living. From a distance I watch my past life. I had a wonderful life, but I just did not see it and what was I worrying about? The worst thing is the fact that my daughter has a future without a mother. I feel guilty. What a way to say goodbye.

I have lost my physical body, but some way or other I have the sense that my torso has been turned and my legs are somewhere behind my head and I wonder how to get it back in shape. Slowly it dawns on me that I have left the world and ended up in the second reality.

My life passes by like a circus, only now I count my blessings.

Now there is nothing left but me and the extremely dull everlasting present. Only now I understand the meaning of the often heard expression ‘it doesn’t matter who you are or what

you do as long as you are happy and you mean something to others.’ No matter how small. It seemed a sort of platitude and a cliché, but it is true. I look back on a life in which I was very busy, fretted about the tiniest details and lashed out at everything.’



Synopsis

This autobiographical adventure is about a journalist who meets the enigmatic sorcerer, Running Deer, and her initiation into the sorcerer's world and mastering conscious dreaming. This book, that follows in the traditions of Carlos Castaneda and others, takes the reader through the magic realms of the unknown and gives a new approach to the traditional training of women sorcerers. It takes place not in some fantasy world, but in a contemporary society, and addresses the things we face on a daily basis in our everyday lives.


Bio: Alysa Braceau, Dreamshield

I live in the Netherlands (Europe) and I’m a mother of a 6-year old daughter. I've studied social work and the last ten years I have worked as a (freelance) journalist and publisher. Besides that I have a healing practice and I give workshops about the Art of Dreaming.


The Sorcerer’s Dream is my first book. The theme of the passed years have been the sorcerers tradition and mastering conscious dreaming. I have carefully recorded my personal experiences which has finally led to this first book.


And here’s a short pitch on where to buy my book, my web site, blog, etc.

The Sorcerer’s dream, an initiation into the sorcerer’s world and mastering conscious dreaming. Buy it at:

http://www.booklocker.com/books/4654.html


The book can be ordered on Amazon – http://www.amazon.com/Sorcerers-Dream-Dreamshield-Alysa-Braceau/dp/1609101561 and everywhere they sell books

Please visit my website: http://www.dreamshield.nl

Blog: http://dreamshield.wordpress.com

The Benefits Of Public Relations To Society

Check out this SlideShare Presentation:

The Benefits Of Public Relations To Society

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Shopping Made Easy

Shopping has always been one of my passions. Someone very wise once said, if you want to instantly lift your spirits, buy a new hat! Of course, if you don't have a milliner in your local area, you can check online Become.com

On Become.com you will find a variety of goods as well fantastic daily deals you won't be able to live without. Whether you love electronics, jewelry, or automotive products, you'll find what you're looking for by a simple click of a mouse.

I'm a book lover, and one of my favorite publishers, is Hay House. Become.com offers many Hay House titles at a generous discount through great coupons. Another marvelous feature are the monthly giveaways. I think a shopping spree is definitely in the cards today.

Generating News
**************************************************

Newsrooms across the country are on the lookout
for:

- How about the latest back to school gadgets and
supplies? What about eco-friendly products like
stainless steel lunchboxes? What will the average
family spend this school shopping season?

- 3D mania. What’s with all the 3D movies? Reports
say excessive 3D watching can make you sick: can
cause nausea, dizziness etc. Is that true? What do
you do about that? What the heck is excessive?

- Piggy backing off of hot movies is always a
great way to pitch. The new Drew Barrymore movie
on long-distance relationships is coming out.
Pitch newsrooms the pros and cons of long-distance
relationship. Throw in some stats on how often
soldiers get to see their families. Great story.

Reprinted from "ShawneTV Guide," a free ezine
that generates news stories and conversations that
grow your business, career and non-profit.
Subscribe and receive a free gift at www.ShawneTV.com.
© Copyright 2010 Shawne Duperon, ShawneTV Inc.

In light of the upcoming film, EAT, PRAY,LOVE many Americans will be inspired to pursue a spiritual journey. Jackie O'Neal, author of WOMAN PRIEST can teach your audience how to deepen their spiritual journeys along the way.

O'Neal has been featured on numerous media outlets including The J.P. Godsey Show, The Press of Atlantic City, The Huffington Post, USA Today.com, and NPR.

O'Neal says: "What is most important is that each of us are on our own individual spiritual journey, have the freedom to explore and even question the tenets of our faith without being labeled a heretic by others. Not to take this road of exploration will impede our spiritual growth, and the guilt imposed on us by others will do little to bring us to enlightenment."

"Although I've written a book that encompasses spirituality, I was not always a spiritual person. I wrote my book Woman Priest in order to share aspects of my journey as a minister in the church, and commentary on world affairs, I believe the faith communities and individuals should be aware of, in terms of helping alleviate some of the suffering in our world."

"Traumatic events can cause event the most religious person to question faith, doctrine, and dogma. After my grown son's unexpected passing, I felt drawn to re-define spirituality for my life as part of the grief process. Most of the dogma and doctrine most of us have been taught via our religious institutions, are nothing more than man- made ideas."

O'Neal can talk about:

*Spirituality: What is the difference between being spiritual and being pious in the religious sense?
*Stages of Spirituality: Non-Church Go-ers Can Be Spiritual And More Evolved Than The Average Church Go-er
* Why You Don't Have To Be A Christian To Be "Saved"

Website: http://onealmediagroup.presskit247.com/Woman_Priest
Book page: http://www.amazon.com/Jackie-Audrey-ONeal-S.T.M./e/B003LFJYBM/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

Bio:

Jackie O'Neal made history as the first woman at an Episcopal parish to be nominated for the priesthood and can inspire women to follow their passions and career goals especially in male dominated cultures.

Jackie O'Neal has been regular contributor to award-winning The Press of Atlantic City, The New York Amsterdam News , The Huffington Post, USA Today.com among others. She holds an M.F.A. in Poetry and Fiction from the renowned, Sarah Lawrence College. In addition, she holds a Masters Degree in Sacred Theology from Agape Seminary. O'Neal taught Developmental Writing as a Senior adjunct professor at Atlantic Cape Community College where she was nominated for an Excellence in Teaching Award 2007.

Originally from New York, O'Neal taught at York College of the City University of New York. Currently, she is an ordained priest and the only woman in 126 years to be nominated for the priesthood at her parish, The Church of the Ascension in Atlantic City, N.J. Her work includes being part of a chaplain's team at AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center,and collaborating with international ministries in the developing nations. She has been married for over a decade to Mason O'Neal, a retired NYC investigator.

My essay about why I write will be part of the world's first representative survey of what makes writers tick. As in: really tick.

I joined my narrative voice to a thousand authors answered who responded to four simple questions:

*Why did you write?
*How did it change your life?
*How did it change the life of others?
*What about people who can't read?

I'm thrilled to share this news and let you know what an impact it will make on literacy-with each copy sold of Why We Wrote a donation will be made to the Get Caught Reading campaign of the Association of American Publishers, of which PublishAmerica is a long-standing member.

"In four volumes of this book, writers who over the years joined almost fifty thousand other PublishAmerica writers to become a published author, open a thousand windows into their minds and hearts.

Together they issue a uniquely inspiring message of dreams, drive, and determination.

Over the span of only one decade, PublishAmerica's authors have touched a million lives, and then some. They are the ABC's most effective advocates. What they're saying is that America's readers and writers can, and do, change a world."


-Willem Meiners, co-founder of PublishAmerica



Pre-order your copy: http://www.publishamerica.net/product95074.html