Plagiarism

Another in my series of strips, this time about an issue that I often faced as a university lecturer

Writing Talk 1

Writer Writer Review

I found a gem today when I was trawling through some writing blogs. It’s called Writer, Writer, and it’s run by Suzanne James. I’ve met Suzanne before online and she has been a mine of information on anything to do with writing and publishing. As an editor and a published historical novelist, she knows the business inside out. Add to that her knowledge on promotion and you have a very useful blog indeed. Here are a few posts that caught my eye.

• Grandfather stories
• Why Publishers Buy Books
• How To Get Published
• Parenting and Writing

The blog has been going for a few months and it contains some great information. Definitely one to watch. It’s also worth following the links to Suzanne’s other blogs, which are also useful for writers.

Bloodstone Castle – Author’s Site

I’ve been checking out a new blog recently. It’s an author site for a forthcoming novel called Bloodstone Castle. It’s set in Genoa, and the site has a lot of information about the history of the city and some of the locations used in the book.

I especially like the post about pesto sauce. The site is still growing, but it’s one to watch. Check out the on-site profiles of some of the leading characters. It’s a great place to get some ideas for how to promote your book with a site.

I’d like to see slightly more information there, but I realise that it’s a work in progress. I’ll stop by to check it out again.

Book Talk: Dyan Garris

Dyan Garris is the author of Money and Manifesting, a book that goes beyond The Secret to help people achieve success with manifestation. I’m pleased to welcome her for an interview here today. A

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you came to write this book?

“Money and Manifesting” was a natural consequence of the body of work that I’m finishing up building. I’m building a toolbox filled with tools that anyone, anywhere on their journey can pick up, find something that they resonate with, and then use as a platform for spiritual growth and change. I’m a psychic, teacher, energy worker, healer, lightworker, musician, and author. That is many words to say that at a core level I am a clairvoyant counselor. I help people move forward on the path.

There is a new-ish book out called “The Secret” that is about the same thing. It has become a phenomenon and has been featured on Oprah. What makes this book different?

“Money and Manifesting” picks up where “The Secret” left off. We have a lot of people out there trying to manifest with just the power of their minds and not understanding why that isn’t bringing them what they desire. The power of positive thinking and utilizing the laws of attraction are but one step in the process of manifesting. And it was important that the information contained in “The Secret,” which never was a secret, filter into mass consciousness and resonate as the truth. “The Secret” is a foundation. “Money and Manifesting” isn’t about the Law of Attraction. It’s about how to activate and integrate the power of creation rather than just think about it. If someone wants to tell Oprah that there is more, that would be fine. However, with or without Oprah, the principles in “Money and Manifesting” will also someday become as widely utilized as the basic principles in “The Secret,” because they are also true. If “The Secret” was the foundation, the information in “Money and Manifesting” can be used to build the house.

What’s your writing process and when’s your best writing time?

I write a Daily Channeled Message on my main website www.voiceoftheangels.com So, I’m always writing in the morning after prayer, meditation, and a long swim. As for the writing process, everything I write is channeled and co-created and that information flows continually if I’m open to it. I do find that the creative process of writing music flows better in the evening.

Who or what is your best source of inspiration or advice when writing?

I’ve counseled a lot of people over the course of my lifetime here. There is always inspiration in that and particularly if you are open to the reflection. Everything happens for a reason. So I like to take information and events and figure out what they mean in a “bigger picture” framework. Everything I write, both books and music, is channeled and co-created and just being open to that divine inspiration is completely joyful.

What’s the best advice you have received about writing or publishing?

I really wish someone had given me some advice. I’m sort of just walking on the path and seeing what happens next.

For much more information about Dyan Garris and Money
and Manifesting, visit
http://inspiredauthor.com/promotion/Dyan+Garris for
complete tour details. To learn about the products
Dyan offers, visit her website -
www.voiceoftheangels.com. You can order your copy of
Money and Manifesting from her website or from
http://www.amazon.com/Money-Manifesting-Dyan-Garris/dp/0977614069

An extended interview will also be published tomorrow on the Reiki Voyager blog.

Happy Fifth

Today is my daughter’s fifth birthday. Here’s something I wrote for her this morning.

Today is the day that you were born
My precious baby.
Today is the day that you were born.
My precious girl.

I don’t know what star I wished upon
My precious baby.
I don’t know what star I wished upon
My precious girl

But my wish has come true
My precious baby.
But my wish has come true
My precious girl.

Because now I’ve got you
My precious baby.
Because now I’ve got you.
My precious girl.

Happy Birthday, Miss T

© Sharon Hurley Hall, 2007

Check, Please

What do you look for in the perfect checking account? The question came up in some research in the UK about what people liked and disliked. While most people liked the convenience of online banking, there were many who liked being able to reach someone when it was necessary. I have no complaints about my bank – they have been perfect in the ten years I’ve been with them, and despite a couple of wrong turns, they’ve managed to maintain a good rep.

Spanish Talk

How many Spanish words have made it into English? A dozen? A hundred? More? Find out about Spanish loan words in an article on Daily Writing Tips. It’s one of a series of articles I’ve done there recently.

Writing News Is An Art

Well, some people think so. It’s a skill you can learn and in The Art Of Writing News, my guest post on Daily Writing Tips, I tell you how to do it:

News writing is a key skill for journalists, but it helps with other types of writing as well. That’s because news writing is about telling a story quickly and concisely. Anyone can learn to do this, with a bit of help. Here’s how you can write the news and get your story across. The technique also works well for writing press releases.

Check out the site. It’s got writing tips from lots of writers with expertise in different areas.

Ritz Crackers And Inner Peace

Could Ritz Crackers be the key to Inner Peace? is the latest from the Blissful Thinking blog. The title cracked me up, but as I read the post, I found myself identifying with the sentiments expressed. I, too like, to have time to hear my own thoughts and to lie in quiet contemplation – and I love Ritz crackers too. Lisa asks you what gives you inner peace. Why not stop by and answer?