Thursday, March 28, 2013

THE POWER OF STARTING SOMETHING STUPID by Richie Norton--Book Review & Interivew


THE POWER OF STARTING SOMETHING STUPID by Richie Norton
This book came into my life at a very interesting time. I agreed to review this book knowing that I probably wouldn't be able to get to it right away because our next child was due within a couple of weeks. Well, that child came and surprised us with some complications. He was soon diagnosed with a fatal condition, trisomy 13. Thankfully, we were able to bring him home and enjoy the time we had with him. I'm sharing this because THE POWER OF STARTING SOMETHING STUPID arrived on my doorstep the day we brought our baby home. A couple of days later, I picked the book up and began to read it while feeding my baby. The first chapter dealt with an experience Richie had of having to sign a Do Not Resuscitate order for their 10 week old baby. Having just had to do that with my baby, I closed the book and put it away. I couldn't look at it again until after my own baby's funeral (he spent 8 precious days with us). 

I know everything happens for a reason and felt like this book had been placed in my life to help me get through some things. I was right. This book is a wonderful read. It has helped me get re motivated to take charge of life and my dreams. I have begun the process developing ideas that had been pushed to the back burner. It's engaging, motivating, and exciting. I can recommend this to anyone and everyone. If you need a good pick me up, if you need motivation to get moving, if you need a guide on how to make things happen, this is the book for you. It has helped me have the courage take a step forward after a very difficult time in my life.



:) :) :) :) :)



"Richie Norton has written a book about courage. The courage to do work that matters and to do it with your heart and your soul. Go make something happen."— Seth Godin, author of The Icarus Deception
"Perfect book for these uncertain times." —Steve Forbes, Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of Forbes Media
What if the smartest people in the world understand something that the rest of us don't? (They do.) What if they know that in order to achieve success, they will sometimes have to do things that others may initially perceive as stupid? The fact of the matter is that the smartest people in the world don't run from stupid, they lean into it (in a smart way).
In The Power of Starting Something Stupid, Richie Norton redefines stupid as we know it, demonstrating that life-changing ideas are often tragically mislabeled stupid. What if the key to success, creativity, and fulfillment in your life lies in the potential of those stupid ideas? This deeply inspiring book will teach you:
  • How to crush fear, make dreams happen, and live without regret.
  • How to overcome obstacles such as lack of time, lack of education, or lack of money.
  • The 5 actions of the New Smart to achieve authentic success.
No more excuses. Learn how to start something stupid — the smartest thing you can do. Drawing on years of research, including hundreds of face-to-face interviews and some of the world's greatest success stories past and present, Richie shows you how stupid is the New Smart — the common denominator for success, creativity, and innovation in business and life.
(Back cover blurb and cover taken from deseretbook.com)

INTERVIEW
What made you decide to become a writer?
Someone once asked me, "How far can your influence go?" This question changed the way I approach life. I knew I had a message inside and I needed to pour it out into a book. I don't think I decided to actually be a "writer." Rather, I decided I wanted to share principles and stories that can influence the world for good--putting pen to paper was simply the method of delivery.
Who inspires you?
My wife, Natalie! My kids! People who embrace life with passion, authenticity and don't wait for things to be perfect before acting on ideas and making things happen.
What would you like your readers to get out of your writing?
Courage.
Where did this idea come from?
The Power of Starting Something Stupid was at one point going to be called The Power of START. During my six years of research, it became apparent that successful people started things. However, interestingly, I found that successful people didn't just start anything; they started something "stupid." Not that the idea was inherently stupid, but that people labeled it a such because of fear or because it was unconventional. Stupid as the New Smart really is the key to success, creativity, and fulfillment in life and business.
Any advice for aspiring authors?
Stop waiting. Start writing.
What can we expect next from you?
Wonderful things! I believe that there is power in focusing on the present and giving it your all. So in reality, this is the next thing. :-) That said, you may see all manner of randomness from me in trying to make noise and change the world.
Where can we purchase your book?

AmazonBarnes & Noble and Deseret Book.
THANKS, RICHIE!

Thursday, March 14, 2013

Multi Author Kindle Fire Giveaway





Kindle Fire HD Giveaway!



The winner will have the option of receiving a 7" Kindle Fire HD (US Only)


Or $199 Amazon.com Gift Card (International)


Or $199 in Paypal Cash (International)





Sponsoring Authors

The Stone Guardian by Theresa McClinton



Blood Oath (Gabby Girls Adventure, #2)Return of the Dragon Riders: Book Two of the Dragon Stone Saga (Dragon Stone Saga, #2)Hidden HeartA Tale of the Other Kind (Therian, #1)AuraPrison NationFamily Magic (Hayle Coven, #1)The Conduit (Gryphon, #1)Shifting PrideFire Within (Guardian Witch #2)Fall of Sky CityReflectionThe Light of Asteria: Kailmeyra's Last Hope (Kailmeyra, #1)Kiss Me, I'm Irish (Time For Love #1)Grace DollThe Stone GuardianLegend UnleashedInnovera Yakov: The Journey of A Thousand EyesThe GiftedFor What It's WorthForbidden Temptation of a VampireOwlet (Society of Feathers, #1)Cascade Brides: The Complete SeriesTwenty-Five Years Ago TodayAlexander Drake's Extraordinary Pursuit


Giveaway Details
1 winner will receive their choice of a Kindle Fire HD (US Only), $199 Amazon Gift Card or $199 in Paypal Cash (International).
Ends: 3/31/13

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the authors. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

BAKED ALASKA by Josi Kilpack--Book Review & Interview



BAKED ALASKA by Josi S Kilpack. I love Josi's books and BAKED ALASKA is no exception. Since I've always wanted to take an Alaskan cruise, I found this book a treat. I felt like I was on the cruise with Sadie, Pete, and her kids. I loved the subtle twists and turns the story took, and the ending was perfect. I can't wait to see what the next installment will be. This is a great book for anyone who loves to travel, loves a good mystery, loves food, and/or loves to read. I'd recommend it for any and everyone of all ages.

:) :) :) :) :)

An Alaskan cruise is the setting for amateur detective Sadie Hoffmillers latest adventure. Sadie plans to spend time relaxing with her two grown children, Breanna and Shawn, and her boyfriend, Pete, while enjoying the luxury and cuisine of an elegant cruise ship and helping to plan her daughters upcoming wedding. But even as the crew prepares to leave port, Sadie has suspicions about the voyage ahead and the relationship between her normally easygoing son and a mysterious female passenger he obviously knows but refuses to discuss. When the woman is discovered unconscious during the second night at sea, Sadies apprehension escalates. Over the last few years, Sadie has developed an extreme dislike for secrets and it would seem her son is keeping one from her. *Includes eight new mouthwatering recipes, tested and approved by the official bakers of Sadies Virtual Test Kitchen.










What made you decide to become a writer?
Well, the totally honest but somewhat cheeky answer is that I decided to become a writer because I was on bedrest and dead bored! At least that's when I started my first book, but I don't think I made the 'decision' to become a "writer" until that book was done and I looked at it in awe and said "I wrote a book! By myself! Now what do I do with it?"
That was the beginning of a journey that has had a lot of twists and turns and potholes and vistas and yet at the end of each phase I find myself looking forward and thinking "Yeah, this is what I want to do." and I push on.
 
Who inspires you?
People who make sacrifices to achieve their goals, accomplish great things, and find joy in their journey. Whether it's in volunteer work or gardening or art or parenting--you can tell a difference in people who are making active choices toward doing what they love and that inspires me more than anything else. 
 
What would you like your readers to get out of your writing?
I hope they have a good time. I hope by the time they put down the book they have a smile on their face and enjoyed the journey they took. It would be awesome if they also led to world peace and puppies for everyone, but, really, my books are entertainment and I hope the readers are entertained. 
 
Where did this idea come from?
Since this is book nine in the series, it has eight books before it. I am always mindful of not wanting to tell the same story over and over again, which means finding something fresh and different for each book that I write. Setting this story on a cruise ship was the 'new' element and presented new challenges and opportunities that kept this story fresh. It has also been a few books since we have seen Sadie's family up close, so this story put them in the center ring. 
 
Who was your favorite character to develop?
There's a young woman named Maggie who has an interesting history and came into the story as someone with a lot of considerations. I absolutely fell in love with her and enjoyed seeing her grow as the story did. 
 
Any advice for aspiring authors?
Learn your craft, attend conferences, make writer friends, be a part of the writing community, pray for help finding time, pray for help finding missing elements, enjoy the process, celebrate successes, celebrate the successes of others. 
 
What can we expect next from you?
I am currently working on book 10, Rocky Road. It's set in Utah and has been a lot of fun to write. It should come out in the fall of 2013. 
 
Where can we purchase your book?
www.deseretbook.comamazon.combarnesandnoble.com, and most bookstores in Utah and Idaho. 

THANK YOU, JOSI!