Internet Dating is Not Like Ordering a Pizza by Cherie Burbach

Have you become frustrated with Internet dating?If you've tried online dating and given up, or even if you thought the Internet wasn't right for you, this book will give you the courage to try again, this time armed with specific illustrations on what really works - from the profile through the dating stage. Don't waste another minute wondering why some people seem to have Internet dating success while you're still waiting for a response to your online ad. Through dozens of concrete examples, dating expert Cherie Burbach will show you how to write an eye-catching profile, search for, and meet the right person online.





Cherie Burbach used her experience with meeting her husband online to pen At the Coffee Shop, a humorous look at the world of Internet dating. Cherie went on over 60 coffee dates in just six months. She met lots of great people and one of those turned out to be the guy she would marry just one year later.

She is the Dating Feature Writer for Suite101, an online magazine with over 10 million views monthly, and also the author of three poetry books, including A New Dish and The Difference Now. Her latest, Father's Eyes, has received the 2008 Editor's Choice Award by Allbooks Review. Cherie blogs at Jennifer Lopez, Jessica and Ashlee Simpson, Career and Kids, Celebrity Apprentice, Gossip on Sports, and Diabetes Notes.

For poets looking for a review of their book, check out Cherie's new site Bonjour Poetry Reviews.

Readers have resonated with Cherie's honest and inspirational "This I Believe" essay, which is the second-most popular out of over 32,000 entries on the NPR website. For more information, please visit Cherie's website at www.thedifferencenow.com or www.datingdatingall-things-dating.blogspot.com.

I was lucky enough to be able to interview this author. This is what she had to say:

Could you please tell us a little about your book?

Certainly! Internet Dating is Not Like Ordering a Pizza shows daters how to succeed with meeting people online. It provides concrete examples on how to write an eye-catching profile, set up coffee dates, end dates, and email matches. It's a handbook for anyone new to Internet dating, or those who have tried it and given up.

Did something specific happen to prompt you to write this book?

I met my husband online, and have written hundreds of article on the subject of dating and relationships. I've also had the opportunity to hear from Internet daters and find out exactly what they are frustrated about when it comes to meeting someone online.

Who or what is the inspiration behind this book?

I thought Internet dating was a great way to meet someone special, and I want to encourage other daters that they can find the right person for them. People get very frustrated with Internet dating at times, but there is a process that will help them out. With the right approach and right profile, anyone can succeed. They just need to know how to do it. My book doesn't just tell them how to do it but shows them how.

Who is your biggest supporter?

My husband, hands down. He's very supportive of new ideas I have and is always the first reader of my books.

Your biggest critic?

Myself!

What cause are you most passionate about and why?

I'm passionate about research and funding for diabetes. I got Type 1 Diabetes when I was at my healthiest. I was actually training for a biathlon at the time I got sick. It is a disease that is hard on the body and costly. People have a lot of misconceptions about the disease, and I hope to educate people as well as inspire them. In fact, my new book is diabetes-related. (Stay tuned... :)

Do you have any rituals you follow when finishing a piece of work?

First, a silent celebration that consists of smiling, feeling happy, and thanking God for allowing me to do what I love. So often writers are very critical of their own work, and I can certainly fall into that category.

After my brief celebration, I put the work aside and let it "rest." After that, I go back and read it again before sending it on for edits.

What is the most important thing in your life right now?

My husband and our happy marriage. I'm very proud of what we have and thankful to God for bringing us together.

What are you currently working on?

I have a diabetes-related book I'm finishing and another relationship-related book due out in 2009. (It's still in first draft form right now.)

What do you feel is your biggest strength?

My faith. God has led me through some very difficult things in my life, and I've survived because of Him.

Biggest weakness?

Being critical of myself. Not sure if this is something a lot of other writers deal with or if it's a lingering effect from my childhood. Maybe a little of both. It's something I'm always working on.

What do you feel sets this book apart from others in the same genre?

It has several real examples to show someone what it means to "be more descriptive" in their profile or "send a short email" to someone that's interested them. I've been in their shoes and know what works, and want to show them - not just tell them.

You know the scenario – you’re stuck on an island. What book would you bring with you and why?

Just one? That would have to be the Bible. I would need it for inspiration and lessons in faith. Plus, it also has the poetry of the psalms, and I couldn't survive without poetry!

If you could go back and change one day, what would it be?

Oh how tempted I would be to change things in the past! But the truth is, if you change one thing many other things might change as well. Since I like my life now, I'd have to keep everything the same.

What is the most important lesson you have learned from life so far?

Here's a big one I've learned recently: That everyone is responsible for their own happiness. Some people will guilt you into jumping through hoops to make them happy. In the end, we are all responsible for the way we view and interact in life.

What is your favorite past-time?

Reading, writing, drawing, scrapbooking, crocheting. Anything creative floats my boat!

Is there anything else you would like to share with us?

Thanks for taking the time to talk with me!
If anyone has a question on online dating, feel free to email me. My contact information can be found at my website, www.cherieburbach.com.

Keoni's Big Question by Patti B. Ogden

Join Patti B. Ogden, author of the Christian children's picture book, Keoni's Big Question (Capstone Productions), as she virtually tours the blogosphere in April on her first virtual book tour with Pump Up Your Book Promotion!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

As an enthusiastic Sunday school teacher, there was only one thing Patti Ogden did not enjoy about the teaching experience; too often, her lessons would end with the children not grasping the concepts that they were intended to teach. With a genuine heartfelt desire to reach children’s soul realm, she unleashed her God-given creativity and began to break down her lessons into simple terms – added excitement and drama - and suddenly she saw the "lights go on!" Soon the kids were asking questions and wanting to know more!

With a background in journalism and a sincere burden to help kids seek their own spiritual growth, she is now the author of Keoni’s BIG Question and two other Christian children's books due to be released in 2009.

She was born and raised in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Patti is a devoted wife to her husband Jeff, of 35 years, mother of two and grandmother to five darlings that fill her life with joy. She and her husband Jeff enjoy life on their eleven acre hobby farm in Oregon, Illinois.

You can visit Patti's website at www.capstone-productions.com

ABOUT THE BOOK:

A boy who seeks answers about God’s presence in everyday life, finds his friend held the key to his revelation all along. This gripping tale follows a pair of dear friends on a fishing trip that turns dangerous, then miraculous, and leaves Keoni with more answers then he ever dreamed possible! Every child wonders why we can’t see God. Keoni’s Big Question makes the answer easy to understand.

I was lucky enough to be able to interview this very talented author. Here are her answers:

Could you please tell us a little about your book?

Keoni’s Big Question is a 32 page fully-illustrated children’s book that follows the journey of a little boy who is extremely curious about God. The story is about Keoni’s question and his quest to find the correct answers. In the end, he finds that an old family friend held the key to his revelation all along. Every child has questions about God at one time or another, this book helps make the answers easy to understand.

Did something specific happen to prompt you to write this book?

Yes, I am a Sunday school teacher and I had a few very disappointing experiences where the children were not grasping the basic Bible concepts that I was trying to teach. I realized that many of the studies aimed at children were presented far above their level and they couldn’t relate to the words and examples that were used. I decided something had to be done to reach them and when I was successful at doing so, the idea for a book came to mind.

Who or what is the inspiration behind this book?

William Branham told a story about a little lad and a grandfatherly gentleman "Old Fisherman" in some of his sermons. That was my inspiration. My challenge was to name the boy and fill in the gaps with fiction.

What cause are you most passionate about and why?

I am very passionate about reaching out and spreading the gospel to the uttermost parts of the earth. It’s a treasure we are not to keep to ourselves. You know, let your light shine!

In the last year have you learned or improved on any skills?

I have improved on sentence structure and learned that less is more.

Who has influenced you throughout your career as a writer?

On my first book I am very thankful to my friends George Smith as well as David and Sharon Buckley. They have given their utmost assistance with constructive analysis, wonderful suggestions and editing; all of it has helped me "think outside of the box".

What do you feel has been your greatest achievement as an author?

When I received comments, reviews and feedback that hit me right at the goal I wanted to reach. My book moved not just people, but entire families. That was an awesome moment.

What do you feel is your biggest strength?


















The ability to discern what children are needing and saying without them ever speaking a word.

What do you feel sets this book apart from others in the same genre?

It doesn’t have just one message or meaning. A parent or teacher can take this book and teach at least seven different Biblical messages, virtues or lessons from it.

Is there anything else you would like to share with us?

I would like to invite everyone to our website www.Capstone-Productions.com to learn more about our books. We would love to have you stop by! My new blog will begin in a couple of weeks.

Also, we have two other books coming out this year. Shamgar and the Ox Goad and Momma, Am I Pretty?

Our book trailer for Keoni’s Big Question will be out in May.

It’s been great to be here, I would like to thank you for hosting me. Blessings, Patti

WIN PRIZES!!!

THE KEONI'S BIG QUESTION VIRTUAL BLOG TOUR '09 will officially begin on April 1 and end on April 30. You can visit Patti's blog stops at www.virtualbooktours.wordpress.com in April to find out more about this talented author!As a special promotion for all our authors, Pump Up Your Book Promotion is giving away a FREE virtual book tour to a published author or a $50 Amazon gift certificate to those not published who comments on our authors' blog stops. More prizes will be announced as they become available.

Kissing Games of the World by Sandi Kahn Shelton

About the Book:

Jamie McClintock, an artist who already has a precarious life caring for her asthmatic little son and struggling to pay the bills, doesn’t have time for love or romance. She and her son live in an old farmhouse with an elderly widower who is raising his grandson—but when her beloved elderly landlord dies of a sudden heart attack, her life is thrown into chaos.

When the late landlord’s estranged son Nate arrives in town to settle his father’s affairs and claim his son, Jamie discovers that the spirited old gentleman devoted to raising his young grandson was actually a philandering, deadbeat dad in his day. At least, according to Nate, a widower whose late wife’s accident left him bereft and entirely incapable of caring for the boy.

Jamie and Nate can’t stand each other from the beginning. He’s a self-absorbed, charismatic, world-traveling salesman who thinks being a dad means just letting his five-year-old son come along with him on his many business trips until he can convince his business partner girlfriend to marry him. He’s sure Jamie is just the latest of his dad’s girlfriends, and he’s only too happy to kick her and her son out of the house so he can sell it and get back to his life.

But then he discovers that being an instant dad isn’t so easy after all, especially when he’s blindsided by feelings of grief over the death of his father whose transgressions he never forgave. And even while he and Jamie are fighting over everything from children’s nicknames to Jamie’s odd-ball fashion choices to Nate’s home renovation methods, they discover that they have two little boys looking to them to ease their grief and loss. It’s not long before Jamie’s defensive self-preservation and Nate’s blustery bravado crumble under the laws of attraction.

In a story that is as much a humorous, poignant contemporary romance as it is the tale of a man coming to terms with his father’s desertion, readers will discover new twists to the modern-day mating dance. Sometimes, Jamie and Nate discover, the person you can’t stand is also person you also can’t stand to live without.

About the Author:

Sandi Kahn Shelton is the author of three novels, all contemporary novels about relationships and family, including What Comes After Crazy, A Piece of Normal, and the latest, Kissing Games of the World. She’s also the author of three nonfiction humor books about parenting, and is a feature reporter for the New Haven Register. For years she wrote the “Wit’s End” column for Working Mother magazine, and she has been a contributor to Redbook, Salon, Reader’s Digest, and Woman’s Day.

She’s been a writer for longer than she can actually remember—but she does remember her first sale. When she was 6 years old, her mother wouldn’t give her money for the ice cream truck, so she ran home and wrote a story and sold it to the neighbors for 20 cents. It was called “The King Who Slept For Three Hours and Forty-five Seconds” and she saw this as the beginning of a promising career path that would keep her in frozen desserts for the rest of her life.

You can visit her website at http://www.sandishelton.com/,and her blog at www.sandishelton.com/blog.

I was fortunate enough to be able to ask the author a few questions. Here's what she had to say:

Could you please tell us a little about your book?

I’d be delighted! Kissing Games of the World is a love story between two unlikely people who find themselves thrown together at the heart of a family tragedy, and who can’t STAND each other.

When Jamie McClintock’s elderly roommate, Harris Goddard, suddenly dies of a heart attack, she is left not only to grieve the loss of her dear friend, but to figure out how she can bear to part with the child she has been helping to raise, Harris’ grandson Christopher – and how she can explain to her own son, Arley, that they have to leave their home and send Christopher off to live with his father.

To make the situation worse, once Christopher’s father Nate rolls into town in the middle of the night, Jamie is overwhelmed with her dislike for him and her fears for Christopher’s fate. Jamie was warned by Harris about Nate’s irresponsibility – Nate did, in fact, leave his son to be raised by his grandfather after the untimely death of his young wife, and now leads the freewheeling life of a world-traveling salesman.

But this isn’t Jamie’s only point of contention. Nate thinks parenthood is going to be a breeze and that Christopher can just tag along on plane rides and hang out in conference room meetings. Jamie, of course, knows this will never work with a five year old, and in the few days she and Nate spend together packing up and planning the funeral, they fight passionately about that point and nearly everything else.

But once they've gone their separate ways, they come to see just how much they need what the other has to offer. Nate, stunned by loneliness and the sometimes hilarious difficulties of being a single parent, sees what he's thrown away by leaving his old home town, while Jamie learns to put aside her dismal romantic history and let herself trust again.

Did something specific happen to prompt you to write this book?

My books tend to come to me from the characters who inhabit them rather than from specific events. I was a single mother for a while after my divorce, and so often the women who come to me as protagonists are single moms who are trying to fashion a life for themselves but are uncertain how to accomplish that and often think they’d just be better off sticking it out by themselves.

Jamie came to me first; she arrived one morning while I was taking a bath, and she just started telling me about this little boy of hers, and the old man she lived with and about his little grandson whom she loved so much. I suddenly just knew the old man was going to die, and that Jamie would lose her home and that her struggle was going to be to come to terms with that loss and learn to trust in love again.

Then I got fascinated by Nate, the young man who has run away from his home town and now must return to deal with the past and his family homestead, and to mourn his relationship with his estranged (and now deceased) father. Everyone in this book is suffering from grief and loss and lack of strength—and yet through each other, they come to recognize their own courage.

Who or what is the inspiration behind this book?

Our human need for love and connection—and our fears of exposing that to other people. I’ve always been struck by the many ways we humans have of disguising our true feelings and trying to pretend that we don’t need each other, and the ways in which we finally can come around to discovering our true selves. I also love stories about people finding families.

Do you have any rituals you follow when finishing a piece of work?

People imagine that finishing a book is probably the most glorious moment on earth—that writers must experience a kind of "ta-daaa!" in their hearts as they’re writing THE END at the bottom of the last page. Instead, it’s kind of like the end stages of childbirth; you’re pleased to be done, but you’re also sweaty and exhausted and almost shaking with the effort. Tying up those last few details and escorting those characters to the finish line is NOT an easy thing to do.
Lately, my books have reached completion in the middle of the night, when I’ve found myself unable to sleep. I think when I actually get there, I am a bit stunned. I sit there blinking at my desk, and wait for either the soaring feeling that tells me that it really, really is done…or else the nagging feeling that the characters just haven’t quite gone away, they have one or two little things more they’d like me to type for them.

But when it’s really, really done—well, I stand up and do my Novel-Ending Happy Dance. (Luckily for me, nobody’s filmed that yet.)

What are you currently working on?

I am writing a new novel, The Year You Think of Nothing Else, and it’s a love story about a middle-aged marriage with a secret at the heart of it that threatens its survival.

Do you have any advice for writers or readers?

To writers I would say DON’T GIVE UP! My first novel (What Comes After Crazy) took me 17 years to write. It was the thing I worked on only when everything else was done in my life (and how often does that happen?) Really, it lived in the drawer and occasionally I’d hear it calling out to me, or hear the characters begging me to come back and do their typing for them. I must have written and rewritten that thing five times in trying to get the story down just right…but once it was done, it sold in two weeks!

What are some of your long term goals?

Really, writing novels is the greatest experience I can ever imagine. I feel as though I’ve been given a chance to have more than one life. I go and live in another character’s head and experience life through someone else, and it’s the most wonderful thing in the whole world. I am never happier than when I have created a little world of my novel and can go around and play there and write to see what happens next. If I can just keep doing this—and getting better at it—I will be so happy!

WIN PRIZES:

KISSING GAMES OF THE WORLD VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR '09 will officially begin on January 1 and end on January 30. You can visit Linda's blog stops at http://www.virtualbooktours.wordpress.com/ in January to find out more about this talented lady!

As a special promotion for all our authors, Pump Up Your Book Promotion is giving away a FREE virtual book tour to a published author or a $50 Amazon gift certificate to those not published who comments on our authors' blog stops. More prizes will be announced as they become available.

No Experts Needed by Louise Lewis

About the Book:

Losing a job always delivers a hard blow, but it was especially hard for forty-something author Louise Lewis, one of many victims of the technology industry's dot-com implosion. No Experts Needed: The Meaning of Life According to You! tells the story of how she pulled herself together and discovered a new life of meaning.

Just minutes after being "set free", Lewis, a single woman with a mortgage to pay, sits in the San Jose, California, airport panicking over her future. While toying with the option of giving into depression, she receives a powerful message from God that instantly releases the weight of her worries. "This is just a new chapter in your life. You hold the pen, I'll guide your hand, and together we'll write one hell of a chapter." Through Spirit's continued involvement, Lewis is inspired to ask normal, everyday people to answer Spirit's question: what is the meaning of life?

No Experts Needed: The Meaning of Life According to You! weaves through a vast collection of spontaneous, thought-provoking answers and inspirational stories that demonstrate how the simple act of listening to Spirit can add meaning to every moment of your life.

I had the opportunity to interview Louise - this is what she had to say:

Could you please tell us a little about your book?

I narrate the amazing story of my Spirit-led adventure that began just minutes after getting "set free" (also known as getting laid off) from my cushy job in high tech. After an inspiring collaboration between Spirit and Oprah (yes, Oprah Winfrey), I began traveling the world asking folks to answer the question: What is the meaning of life? The book is light-hearted and entertaining, given the topic. And weaving through the book is a vast collection of spontaneous,thought-provoking answers and inspirational stories that demonstrate how the simple act of listening to Spirit can add meaning to every moment of your life ... especially through the tough times.

Did something specific happen to prompt you to write this book?

Minutes after losing my job, I sat in the San Jose, California, airport, panicking about the bleak prospects of future employment. While toying with the option of giving into depression, I received a powerful message from God that instantly released the weight of my worries. He said: "This is just a new chapter in your life. You hold the pen, I'll guide your hand, and together we'll write one hell of a chapter." From that day on, I walked through life with his Words in my heart and my journal and pen in my hand.

Who or what is the inspiration behind this book?

Once again I have to give credit to Spirit and to Oprah. Throughout my journey, I continued to receive 'messages' from Spirit that inspired me to move forward, trust, and live out my adventure. I got really good at shutting down my Ego so that Spirit's words can through loud and clear. As for the theme of the book, I have to thank Oprah and one of her shows for giving me the life-changing ah-ha idea.

Who is your biggest supporter?

That's easy...my Mom. I always have to giggle at my Mom's response after she read my book. Looking at me with a sense of amazement in her eyes, she said: "I never knew you were this smart."

Your biggest critic?

Another easy one...myself. I hold myself up to very high standards. But fortunately, now that I'm in my 'wisdom' years, I've learned how to accept and forgive my shortcomings.

What cause are you most passionate about and why?

Helping kids. I've volunteered with kids for over a decade. Right now I volunteer at a local children's hospital. A certain experience that I had at the hospital has inspired me to put my books to work to help raise money for kids' charities. That's why for my second book of the "No Experts Needed" will be on"bikers" -- the motorcycle kind -- and the meaning of life. There's wonderful story behind this book. And I also have many celebrity bikers involved with the project. At the end of the day, I will donate net proceeds to children's charities. It's all about helping the kids...

About the Author:

Louise has two decades of experience in marketing and advertising, having held senior-level positions on the client, advertising agency, and ad sales sides of the business.

She considers herself a self-growth junkie, continuing to seek light, love, and wisdom in her daily life.

With an innate passion for spiritual growth, she has a strong desire to give back to the world. Along with the inspiration and direction received from Spirit, Louise continues to touch the lives of all she meets.

She volunteers at Children’s Hospital of Orange County.

Louise earned a bachelor’s degree in Communications at California State University in Fullerton.

Born and raised in Louisiana, she resides in Southern California.

To learn more visit http://www.noexpertsneeded.com/

WIN PRIZES!!!

NO EXPERTS NEEDED VIRTUAL BLOG TOUR '09 will officially begin on January 5 and end on January 30. You can visit Louise's blog stops at http://www.virtualbooktours.wordpress.com/ in January to find out more about this talented lady!

As a special promotion for all our authors, Pump Up Your Book Promotion is giving away a FREE virtual book tour to a published author or a $50 Amazon gift certificate to those not published who comments on our authors' blog stops. More prizes will be announced as they become available

Amazing Grays by Maggie Rose Crane

About the book:

Balanced somewhere between a memoir and a how-to, AMAZING GRAYS is a uniquely refreshing and candid look at midlife for those unwilling to become feeble old women with boobs in their laps, dreams on the shelf, and Memory Lane their only destination. As a leading edge boomer, Maggie uses her own journey through midlife to shatter stereotypes about aging. At the core of her message, she exposes the fears and anxieties that often haunt maturing women and reveals how to mindfully navigate the turbulence with wisdom, perspective and practice. She encourages women to relish their roles as Amazing Grays and not waste time and energy trying to hang on to the past.

For women who are entertaining the possibility of life without hair dye, Maggie shares her story of going gray. She outlines several strategies to take you from colored to natural and includes photos and stories of women who have taken the plunge.

Hers is not an anti-aging message. This book is a little about going gray and a lot about aging mindfully and joyously (with a healthy dose of kicking and screaming) from an everyday womans perspective.

I was lucky enough to be able to ask Maggie some questions. This is what she had to say:

Could you please tell us a little about your book?

Amazing Grays is written for baby boomer women. It’s about aging mindfully, no matter what ones hair color may be. Balanced somewhere between a how-to and a memoir, I share my story of deciding to live without hair dye – and the ensuing battle with all my fears and expectations about getting old! Rather than allow my fears to run my life, I decided to face them head on. I explored the social, physical, psychological and spiritual dimensions of aging, and finally came to appreciate that I could age with grace, gratitude and gusto – or take the journey kicking and screaming while hanging on to the past. Either way – I was still getting older! I chose the first option, but I admit I did some kicking and screaming, too!

I’ve come to understand that life is not lived by regretting or hanging on to the past, or worrying about the future. Life is lived in the NOW, moment by moment. By taking it a step at a time and engaging with the people, activities and events that bring a smile to my lips and a song to my heart – I can guarantee I will create a life that reflects the woman I am today. It’s actually the key to living longer. You don’t really add years to your life – you just live those years so fully grounded in the present moment that it feels like a very loooong time.

Did something specific happen to prompt you to write this book?

I had a life changing epiphany in a hair salon where it became clear I would never color my hair again. Little did I know it was the start of a very bumpy journey? Going gray was the precipitating event that threw me up against all my expectations about aging. While not every woman decides to go gray – the effects of aging show up for everyone. Children leave home, careers wind down, bodies change, relationships evolve, values mature and the seeds of unrest begin to bloom.

After wrestling with my fears, compiling stacks of research and going on a 3-month spiritual retreat, it "came" to me. I realized that as a leading edge boomer, it might be helpful to chronicle my experience and share what I had learned so that women who were just starting their journey into midlife might have a guidebook as they began to traverse these waters. I wanted to extend a hand to help them not only go through it, but also mindfully explore these purposeful changes in a woman’s life and better appreciate the circle of life.

What cause are you most passionate about and why?

I am most passionate about encouraging women to embrace the second half of life as a fresh start. By becoming an Amazing Gray (again, it has nothing to do with hair color!) I’m hoping that the gigantic pool of talent and experience that lies in the sweaty palms of baby boomer women can help to remedy many of the key issues facing our society today.

So many of us have put our personal dreams on the backburner for any number of valid reasons. ALL of us have wisdom and experience we can bring to the table. Now is the time to reawaken slumbering dreams and uncover what we value. We can take steps to heal old wounds, forgive, and let go of the parts of ourselves that we’ve outgrown, summon our courage and move on to live mindfully and authentically as the amazing woman we’ve become.

In the last year have you learned or improved on any skills?

YES! In an effort to challenge my own fears and expectations about aging I’m trying new things. I had forgotten how much I love to dance, so I took a dance class. My teacher encouraged me to try out for my cities ‘Senior Follies’, a variety show featuring folks over 50. I was petrified, but tried out anyway and was offered a role as a dancer and…get ready for this – a showgirl! At 60! It was great fun and I learned some things about myself.

I also went to a spa that provides a challenge course and walked unaided across a 30-foot telephone pole suspended 40 feet in the air. (Yes, I had a belay line so if I fell I wouldn’t die!) It was terrifying - but so empowering. I was also harnessed and hoisted 40 feet into the air holding on to a small rope, which, once I let go, allowed me to freefall and swing in huge arcs. I got to see how hanging on with fear was hard work – and just keeps me stuck in a standstill. Things tend to open up when you let go.

I also took an online course in Social Marketing – so I can communicate with 21st Century tools. Frankly, I’d rather walk across the telephone pole!

What is the most important thing in your life right now?

Connecting with midlife women and opening up the conversation about what’s going on with our bodies, our emotions, and the unrest many of us are feeling. I want to explore how we can reclaim our vitality, reawaken slumbering dreams and support one another in making decisions that allow us to live with grace, gratitude and gusto!

Do you have any advice for writers or readers?

I would encourage readers to take the time to answer the questions scattered throughout my book. They have been crafted to facilitate awakening the unconscious mind and help us look beyond the norm. Hopefully, they inspire contemplation and awareness - which is necessary for change.

What do you feel sets this book apart from others in the same genre?

There are several books about aging and midlife written by celebrities. While they are wonderful women, most of them live very privileged lives. They have notoriety, personal stylists, hairdressers, drivers, cooks, personal trainers and the money to purchase any product or treatment they desire. While I see no problem with that – most of us can’t relate.

Amazing Grays focuses on my experience as an everyday baby boomer woman maturing in a youth obsessed society. I’ve been married, divorced, a single parent, fired, remarried, dealt with a blended family, and survived several careers. I drive my own car, do my own hair and makeup, cook my own meals, pick out my own clothes and go to the gym. I believe that many women will be able to relate to my journey and find insights and strategies on how to age mindfully, with style and grace - (and a little kicking and screaming!)

If you could go back and change one day, what would it be?

Funny, I thought about this long and hard – for 5 seconds! I would not change a thing, because everything that "was" had led me to what "is" – and I like what "is".

What is the most important lesson you have learned from life so far?

That changes in ones life are purposeful. It takes more time and energy to resist life than to simply let go and live it.

Is there anything else you would like to share with us?

Visit http://www.maggiecrane.com/. I’m currently offering a free bookmark with purchase of Amazing Grays. It features a wonderful quote for midlife women, affirming how powerful and amazing we truly are. After all, we become what we think about most!

About the author:

Maggie Crane was born on the leading edge of the Baby Boom generation, and has had the quintessential boomer experience: she worked her way through college, married, had a child, divorced, thrived in a few careers, survived as a single mom, remarried and struggled with blended family issues.

After traveling the country for nearly a decade delivering leadership and life skills workshops for women, the demands of her travel schedule and the onset of menopause collided with the big 5-0. She was moved to press the pause button on her life and reassess her priorities. She watched in astonishment as her skin began to lose its elasticity, and was mildly horrified when her tummy morphed into a permanent flotation device. Smile lines etched in deeper and she found it necessary to color her hair more often. When she made the decision to stop dyeing her hair, she came face-to-face with her fears about aging in a youth oriented culture. And so began her not-so-graceful quest to age mindfully.

Gradually, Maggie learned that her frustrations, fears and anxieties about aging grew quiet when she faced them directly. She learned to refocus her energies on the people, things and activities that brought a smile to her face and a song to her heart. By letting go of old identities and rediscovering new passions, she has gradually (but not always gracefully) hitched her rope to a growing movement of Amazing Grays.

WIN PRIZES!!!

AMAZING GRAYS VIRTUAL BLOG TOUR '09 will officially begin on January 5 and end on January 30. You can visit Maggie's blog stops at http://www.virtualbooktours.wordpress.com/ in January to find out more about this talented lady!

As a special promotion for all our authors, Pump Up Your Book Promotion is giving away a FREE virtual book tour to a published author or a $50 Amazon gift certificate to those not published who comments on our authors' blog stops. More prizes will be announced as they become available.

Easy Entertaining for Beginners by Patricia Mendez

Paperback: 176 pages
Publisher: Maple Heights Press (August 1, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0979956404
ISBN-13: 978-0979956409


Book Synopsis:

You don't have to be professional chef or nervous wreck to host great casual at-home entertaining. You will have all of your questions answered, from what to serve to what to do. Even if you have never entertained in your life, you can have a terrific time putting together a superb celebration. Included are 13 delicious complete menus with easy-to-follow recipes, full color photographs, ideas for music, activities and drinks. Checklists ease readers step-by-step through every phase of planning, preparation, and presentation. You will gain confidence and have a terrific time putting together successful celebrations. Occasions include: My First Cocktail Party, Family Fiesta, Dinner with Close Friends, Guys Night Out, My First Thanksgiving and more!


I have two true passions (besides my family) and that is reading and cooking. So, it was a pleasure to be able to ask Patricia some questions about her book.

Did you cook growing up, or is it something that you came to enjoy later in life?

I always helped my step-mother, Judy in the kitchen. Along with two other sisters, that was part of our chores. And it was a good thing because I learned a lot of good organizational habits that serve me to this day. Primarily, my cooking interest really took off when my children were young. I happen to like a lot of variety in my diet. I get bored with the same old thing. So the answer was to learn how to cook new and exciting foods. And I discovered that I really loved the whole process but especially the eating part!

Did you come from a family where entertaining was a common occurrence?

We hosted many larger family gatherings at the holidays. When my brother and sisters and I were young, we decided we wanted to throw a surprise birthday party for my step-mother. We pooled our allowance and came up with enough for a few bags of potato chips and even enough for dip! We went on the hunt for bottles to turn in for cash from the neighbors and came up with an additional drink kitty. We were so excited. We let our dad in on the secret plans and he decided to help us out a bit financially. The surprise party was a big hit with quite a bit more food for guests than just potato chips! This was my first party planning experience.

What is your inspiration when it comes to the recipes you use?

I had a set of German immigrant grandparents and a set of West Virginia-Appalachian born grandparents. Their cooking styles were as diverse as their personalities and I learned a lot about both styles. My German grandparents had a full dinner every day promptly at 11 AM followed by tea and a sweet snack in the afternoon and a simple sandwich supper in the evening. The 11 AM meal was always large and balanced and served on a beautiful table.My West Virginia grandparents were not as nearly as formal with their approach. My grandfather was a master gardener and we enjoyed a bounty of fresh fruit and vegetables every year from his garden. They made lots of large pots of green beans with salt pork and cast iron skillets of cornbread. My very favorite breakfast was biscuits with “Poor Man’s” gravy.Both of these styles have influenced my cooking and entertaining greatly. Since I have become an adult and I have had a particular interest in Mexican food and have cooked many Mexican- style meals over the years. I tend to love dishes with a lot of diverse flavor.

Do you have a favorite entree? Appetizer? Soup? Drink?

Even though I don’t eat this entrée very often, my favorite is probably a filet mignon steak. It is simple, yet effective. My favorite appetizer is the Shrimp Ceviche that I feature in my book, Easy Entertaining for Beginners. It is a deceptively simple luxurious concoction of fresh crunchy veggies, cooked shrimp with zesty and piquant flavor.I am a soup lover and make it often in the winter. I love all types of soup so it is hard to narrow it down to one. Chicken Tortilla Soup (also a featured recipe in my book) has lots of layers of flavor in a satisfying broth. You serve it with toppings like cheddar cheese, avocado, cilantro, fresh-fried tortilla chips and lime. I serve it with my grandmother’s cornbread and honey butter. Talk about a diverse combination! Yum.My favorite cocktail is a Cadillac Margarita on the rocks served in a salted rimmed glass.

What is your favorite kitchen utensil?

This is really an appliance, but the winner has to be the dishwasher. Whoever invented this should have won the Nobel Peace prize!

What is your favorite tip to give a host/hostess to ensure the party is a success?

Do a few things and do those well. Beginners should concentrate on three main things when they are learning to entertain. Attention to the food, the table and the tone that they set as host will ensure enjoyable and successful casual entertaining.

What question are you asked most frequently?

The most frequent question is “What do you do about frequent latecomers to your dinner party?” That seems to be a pretty common frustration for hosts. I believe that being on time shows respect for the host and other guests and a dinner should not be held up for habitual latecomers except in an emergency. I get so many etiquette questions that I have written a free downloadable e-booklet, Party Etiquette 101 which is available for on my website to visitors who sign up for my free monthly newsletter.

What pushed you to write a book about entertaining?

I had been thinking for a year about starting classes to help novice hosts. My son, Martin and his business partner, Rene approached me after attending a birthday party I had hosted. At that party we had been conversing about how difficult it is for newlyweds and new nesters to find a resource that teaches casual entertaining designed with beginners in mind. Rene and his wife had moved into a new home and had wanted to throw a party. They had very little cooking experience and zero entertaining experience. They shared how overwhelming their internet search had been. The week after the party Martin and Rene suggested that I write a book about entertaining that could be developed into an e-book. That planted the seed and things blossomed from there.

Who has been your biggest supporter?

Without a doubt it has been my husband, Augie. He had been encouraging me for years to write a book and has been a great practical help. Plus he loves his duty of being a recipe tester.

Are you currently working on anything?

My book, Easy Entertaining for Beginners just came out on August 1. So my full-time job has been to let people know that the book is out there and available. I also write, write, write. I write articles for magazines and internet sites, content for our newsletters, new recipes and I have a blog. Right now I am walking beginners through hosting their very first dinner party on my blog. I am always testing recipes in the kitchen and also speaking/demonstrating at local events for the library (Easy Holiday Entertaining) and for women’s groups. I was a guest chef on our local cable channel for their “Community Cooking” show that will air this fall. And I am having my very first author signing at a book fair for a fundraiser for Lincoln Elementary School at the Torrance Barnes & Noble bookstore in Torrance, CA at 4 PM on Friday, November 28. I hope any readers in the area can stop by and say hi. I would love to meet you.

About the author:

Patricia Mendez teaches beginners in her cooking classes and has catered and coordinated special events since the early 1990’s. A natural teacher, she has mentored many aspiring hosts and hostesses. She lives in Southern California and when she’s not writing or teaching, she is a home chef who loves to throw fun parties.

"I belive anyone can learn how to host fantastic at-home entertaining with a bit of direction, patience and practice. You have a lot to offer and I am confident that you are able."

For more information you can visit http://www.ezentertaining.net/