Tuesday, July 30, 2019

Party in the Sky by Keisha Sheronia Campbell


July 30. 2019

Last weeked was a whirlwind as I was involved in writing, shooting, and editing a short film during the 48 Hour Film Festival in New Orleans. Wow! Talk about fast paced fun in the movie industry, I will cherish the time spent with the cast and crew. Our team leader, David Kirtland, of New Guy Films did a remarkable job in assembling a cast and crew that worked extremely well together. It was one of he smoothest sets I've been on. Did you have situations that we had to conquer? I'd say. Before the competition began, one of our lead actors, slipped and fell on his hip. He insisted he was all right and wouldn't go to a doctor. He worked through the pain for two days. Once we chose our category, our writing team wrote in his character as handicapped and ill. Finally after filming, he went to the emergency room where he learned he had broken his hip. I've heard breaking a leg before, but breaking a hip. his dedication to his craft, is unsurpassed, "The show must go on!" Get well Jerry.

We also encountered a flat tire on our main vehicle that was established. Luckily for us, our Director of Photography was also a former race car driver so a pit crew went into action and changed the tire in no time as we shot another scene.

If you ever get a chance to work on a 48 Hour Film Project, I highly recommend it.


Today old and young alike are in for a real treat learning about a children's book that addresses a scary subject -- rain and lightning. Now that we are in the midlle of a full blown Hurricane season, I completely understand the need for a book. Bad weather can be frightning for children. Author Keisha Sheronia Campell worte a wonderful book, PARTY IN THE SKY, that addresses this issue in a very cute book for children. Here is her author interview.

Keisha Sheronia Campbell

Party In The Sky






Tell your readers a little about yourself, where you grew up, where you live now, where you went to school etc. Let them get to know the personal you.

I was born on the beautiful island of Jamaica. As a young girl I remember being known as a story teller in school lol, I would ask the kids what they wanted to hear and I would belt out stories after stories, this went on from a young child to a young girl in high school. Eventually I moved to the US and attended high school in the Bronx, New York and now reside in Florida, the home of Mickey Mouse. 


What inspired you to author this book?


My niece and nephew are my inspiration. They are ten, but at a young age about four or five when it rained, they were scared. My niece has autism, and it scared her quite a bit. I just imaged a story in my head to calm them down, and it worked.


Where did you get the inspiration for your book’s cover?

It's a children's book about the weather and what better way to show what the book is about than to have kids on the cover enjoying the rain. I wanted a cover to engage the kids to read and even though the  weather can be frightening, its also wonderful. Who doesn't love playing in the rain.


Who has been the most significant influence on you personally and as a writer?
I would say myself because I love telling stories and with the addition of my niece and nephew to the family, I found my creative juice flowing. Kids are fun to watch and they give great ideas on what kids do, like, not like, etc. They are my judges.


What were your struggles or obstacles you had to overcome to get this book written?

I had to believe in myself, to know I was capable of getting it done. The cost to get a publisher was an eye-opening feat, but through research, I found Fiverr, and the rest is history.

Tell your readers about your book.

The book is about Jeffy a young boy who's afraid of nature's wonder and the journey he goes on with the help of his aunt Stacey to realize that nature's wonder can be scary but fun at times. The lightning and thunder is scary for kids of all ages and some adults, but with the illustrations of music, pool, pictures, etc., creates more of a magical understanding for kids.


Who is your target audience, and why?

Daycare to grade three and beyond. Kids are innocent and not aware of what nature is as far as the weather goes, they just see and hear frightening sounds and sights of the weather which they are too young to understand.

Take a peek at one of the illustrations for the book. It is so cute.






What do you consider your greatest success in life?
My greatest success in life is continuing to work hard and achieving goals I have set for myself. There's many more for me to tackle and succeed at. Also being the best Aunt.


What one unique thing sets you apart from other writers in your genre?

Hmm. I just love creating and telling stories.


Thursday, July 25, 2019

Live Debt Free


My life stays extremely busy in my writing, editing and publishing world and I am thrilled because of it. After years of the 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. grind working outside my home, I retired from all of that and decided to work from home. At first I was scared how everything would work out. I had plenty of questions. What I discovered is that working from home gives you freedom. I also found that it gives me freedom to work from anywhere I want as I frequently travel. I bring this up because being able to do so also means that I have to have some sort of financial freedom. I worked hard for years to get this point in my life at 61-years-young. To frank, savings and investing was the key for me. In 1987 I made up my mind that one day I would be debt free. At that time I had debt, credit card debt, and my husband and I were paying our mortage and for two cars. We paid off the cars and eventually paid off the mortage. Do you know what else I did? I cut up all of my credit cards and paid them off. Today, we are debt free!


I mention all of this because I read an article today that most americans are up to their ears in debt and some owe more on credit cards than they make in a year. Ouch! If you want to do something about that, start researching how you can get out of debt and make a budget. Above else, don't spend what you don't have. That's my advice.


BUY NOW
Here is something else for you if you live in Florida, where there are many retirees. I came across a book by Jodi Hockinson called LOW RISK INVESTING IN FLORIDA TAX CERTIFICATES.  Find out how to invest YOUR money in Florida taxes! There are millions of dollars in tax certificates sold every year. With this low cost, informative booklet, receive a basic, working knowledge about investing in Florida delinquent tax bills! The author, a long-time employee of a county tax collector's office, discusses a variety of topics involving this lower risk, higher yield type of investment. Learn about: Tax Deed Sales - Tax Certificate Sales - What is a Tax Certificate? - How Do I Buy Tax Certificates? - How Does my Investment Work? - What are the Advantages? - What are the Disadvantages? - How to Get Started! This publication is intended to offer basic information about making a solid return with Florida property taxes. It is not all inclusive. For exact details, rules, statutes and fees, please contact a Florida Tax Collector's office, or refer to Florida Statutes, Chapter 197. This is not a get a get-rich-quick scheme. Any opinions expressed in this presentation reflect the personal opinions of the author. Please consult your tax advisor prior to making any investment, tax certificate, tax deed, or otherwise. The information offered in this publication is general knowledge based on Florida Statute that is designed to help you in your decision to make money by investing in Florida property taxes.







Wednesday, July 24, 2019

Leadership Skills and How to Develop Them in Your Child


Good morning, or I though it was until I received a phone call from one of my daughters who borrowed my car last night. "Mom, first I didn't wreck your car." Whoa! My thoughts raced. Was she hurt? Are the grandchildren okay?" After she assured me that she didn't wreck my car and no one was injured, she informed me that someone slashed two of my tires and tried to steal my hubcaps off my Jaguar.

Do you know how expensive tires and rims are for a Jaguar? I feel like I need to start a Go Fund Me page. Just kidding about that, but what is wrong with people? Get a job and quit stealing and vandalising other's property.


BUY NOW
Now that I vented and calmed down thanks to the tricks I learned from C J Kaleb's book HOW TO CALM DOWN that I had the honor of editing and publishing, I called Triple AAA so that they could tow my car to to my favorite tire service. Here is where God's plan intervened. I have to accept the fact that God doesn't put on us anything we can't handle. I should know this very well since in the last four weeks I have had gallbladder surgery, hurt my back and had to go back in the hospital two weeks later for that, Hurricane Barry came my way, my mom went in the hospital, my sister went in the hospital twice, and my nephew went into the hospital after falling of a roof and is facing surgery. Wow Nelly! Like I needed one more thing on my plate. This is how God intervened for me today. While I was on the phone with Sally, the Triple AAA representative, I asked her if she liked to read books as I never miss an opportunity to pitch any of my novels. That's when her voice perked up. She not only loves to read, she is writing her first novel. Now, guess who gets to edit and publish it? ME! So, even through diversity God has a plan. I would have never have met Sally, if it weren't for the rotten scoundrals. Life lesson here, through evil there will be good in God's plan.

I did get a smile on my face when I discovered that the book I edited, published and promoted I AM A LEADER: A 90-DAY JOURNAL FOR KIDS is still listed as the #1 New Release on Amazon and it is also on sale for the next couple of days. You should grab a copy of that today while you can.




Now back to the Go Fund Me page that I was kidding about. You can help me recoup the cost of the vandals by purchasing any of my fabulous eBooks, paperback books or audiobooks. In fact, if you want a free code to download either one of my audible books the first ten people who email me at drmelcaudle@gmail.com and tell me they want a copy, I'll send them a free promp code for them. I know that seems counterintuitive to my plight, but I want people to enjoy the books. I only ask that if you do, please leave me an honest review on Goodreads and Amazon.

Take a look at the trailer for each of my books. And, if you have already read any of them and haven't left an honest review on either Goodreads or Amazon, please do.

THE KEYSTROKE KILLER: TRANSCENDENCE 


AUDIOBOOK IS COMING SOON NARRATED BY SCOTT ELLIS




NEVER STOP RUNNING

BUY NOW IN EBOOK, PAPERBACK OR AUDIOBOOK

Email me if you want a free promo code to the Audible version of NEVER STOP RUNNING to drmelcaudle@gmail.com. The first fifteen will receive them. Please tell me what country you are from so that I can send you the correct code. You have to listen to Jessie Drumm who narrated this book for me. 






A.D.A.M. THE BEGINNING OF LIFE


AUDIOBOOK FORTHCOMING NARRATED BY REBECCA ROBERTS





HOW TO LAUNCH AND MARKET A BOOK

AVAILABLE IN EBOOK, PAPERBACK AND AUDIOBOOK

Email me if you want a free promo code to the Audible version of HOW TO LAUNCH AND MARKET A BOOK, narrated by Timothy Burke, to drmelcaudle@gmail.com. The first fifteen will receive them. Please tell me what country you are from so that I can send you the correct code.







Tuesday, July 23, 2019

Extraordinary Love Series Title: E Love Series Book 4 by Danyelle Scroggins


I want to introduce you to a fabulous author, Danyelle Scroggins. We have something in common -- we both reside in the great state Louisiana; so we have a kndred bond between us. Danyelle has authored numerous books and writes with a Christian flair. Here is her interview below.


DANYELLE SCROGGINS


Tell your readers a little about yourself, where you grew up, where you live now, where you went to school etc. Let them get to know the personal you.
My name is Danyelle Scroggins. I was born and raised in Shreveport, Louisiana. After a seven-year duty tour as a military wife, I moved back home, divorced, and now live in a small town called Gloster. I am the Senior Pastor of New Vessels Ministries North in Shreveport, Louisiana. I am the author of both Christian fiction and non-fiction books.I studied Theology at Louisiana Baptist University, have a Psychology Degree from the University of Phoenix, an Interdisciplinary Degree, and a Masters in Religious Education from Liberty University. I am the owner of Divinely Sown Publishing LLC.

What inspired you to author this book?
This is book 4 of a wonderful series entitled The E Love Series- inspired by my new granddaughter Emiya’rai. This entire series is so special to me because it's my first series and it has done quite well.



Where did you get the inspiration for your book’s cover?
My cover model on this particular book is my son. On book 1-3 are my daughters. It has been a blessing to have them on my team, and they encourage me so much.

Who has been the most significant influence on you personally and as a writer?
I would have to first give this credit solely to the Lord. I have been gifted with the art of telling stories, and it has been a blessing from the Most High for sure. Lately, I've also been influenced by a wonderful author who goes by the pen name Liz Isaacson. She's been the perfect example of pushing through and doing what you are put on earth to do.

What were your struggles or obstacles you had to overcome to get this book written?
To be honest, I have no struggles writing the books that are sown into my heart, it's the promotions for me. The struggle of having to promote and write at the same time can be overwhelming. But as with all things, I've been praying about this too.

Tell your readers about your book.

Dwight loves all things female, but he’s not settling down until he finds someone who fits the category of extraordinary. 


She has to be all the things he’s seen in his mother and more, but until then, he has his mindset to keep doing what his Uncle Butter suggested; give the rats some cheese.


The only woman he might have settled with, Jamecia, is now wearing white boy Jacob on her arm. Little does Dwight know, he’s about to come face to face with the next best thing to Jamecia, her sister Jayla.


Jayla has had her share of dudes, but this time, she’s made a promise to her sister and to God to stop searching for the right guy. After a few failed relationship, she almost believes that love is not in the plan for her.


That doesn’t stop her from being all in with making sure her cousin Nathan’s bridesmaids have the best wedding shoes her hands can make.


What Jayla doesn’t know is the guy she’s instructed to escort to the groom’s dressing room, could very well be the guy who is going to change her life completely.

Who is your target audience, and why?
I believe that those who love sweet romance and inspirational, but Christian books are my audience, but I welcome anyone who loves to read, and I will tell you why. When writers look for their niche audience, they look for those who like their genre, but I also would like to reach those who may have never tried the genre of Christian Fiction. So, because I have sense enough to know that everyone is not my audience, I'd definitely put my energies into targeting those who love the Lord.

What do you consider your greatest success in life?
My greatest success is raising three wonderful children who are college-educated and love all things books.

What one unique thing sets you apart from other writers in your genre?
The one thing that sets me apart is knowing that I write exactly what the Lord has placed on my heart. It was the one thing that kept traditional publishers from accepting my books, but also the same thing that has caused me to be in the business for over eighteen years and thriving.


OTHER BOOKS BY DANYELLE SCROGGINS






FOLLOW DANYELLE







Marketing Your Book For Maximum Sales on Amazon


I woke up this morning bright and early ready to go to work; that is, in my home office. I've grown rather fond of working from home. I remember the grind of getting up at 5:00 a.m. to get ready and get my children off to school so that I could at my desk by 6:45 a.am. I did that for more than twenty years. What was I thinking? It is true, that if you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life; and frankly, I love authoring books, writing my blog, editing other author's work, and marketing books. Yes, I said that dirty work that most authors hate to do -- MARKET.

Truth be told, if an author doesn't market their book, or have somone else market it, you are most likely to only sell a couple of hundred books. Just last night, one of the fantastic authors I am working with to help her publish her book asked, "How many books do you think I will sell?"

"Wait a minute." I took a deep breath and paused before I answered her. "I will have to be honest with you. It depends on the reader's interest, if they like your topic and genre, how well the book is written, the cover, and how much exposure the book gets." That was a mouthful with a long conversation that needed to be followed. That is why I decided to write this Author Tip today.


It is not longer good enough to author a fantastic book, self-publish it, which by the way I don't recommend, and sit back and hope you generate sales. That method simply doesn't work. Why? Today's book market is drenched with millions of millions of books and if a reader doesn't know about your book, they can't buy it. How do you get them to learn about your book? The critical key is to market, market, and market it. Oh, did I say you must market your book? Afraid so.

I know what you're thinking, "I'm an author and I don't want to be bogged down with marketing. I want to write my next book." I get it. I love the craft of authoring a book. It is exhilerating. The only thing that can match that is seeing your book launch as the #1 New Release on Amazon; and that doesn't come easy. It takes work, effort, time, and a formula. It was only after I published several of my books that I finally figured out the formula to marketing so that I could launch my books as the #1 New Release on Amazon and I share that strategy in my new book HOW TO LAUNCH AND MARKET A BOOK: THE SIX MONTH COUNTDOWN. This book is only $4.99 in paperback and just yesterday it became avaiable as an audiobook narrated by Timothy Burke. My tip for you today is to purchase this book in any format your desire, and follow the methods if you want to launch book as the #1 New Release on Amazon or if your current book isn't selling and you want to boost your sales. It is filled with step-by-step actions and comes with six checklists to keep you targeted and on track with your marketing. Also, if all else fails, and you really don't want to market your book on your own, your in luck. I have a service for $450 and I will market your book using the strategies in my book. Take a look inside the book below.




LISTEN TO AN AUDIO EXCERPT FROM HOW TO LAUNCH AND MARKET A BOOK NARRATED BY TIMOTHY BURKE.




Not convinced you should purchase the book. Look at the success stories. What are you waiting for?


HOW TO LAUNCH AND MARKET A BOOK REVIEWS ON AMAZON


Monday, July 22, 2019

How to Launch and Market a Book: Make More Sales on Amazon


BUY NOW
I know it is very rare that I do two blog posts in one day, but I can't help myself because my new audiobook HOW TO LAUNCH AND MARKET A BOOK: SIX MONTH COUNTDOWN, narrated by Timothy Burke, just became available hours ago. Are you kidding me? This is exciting news because now, authors who are on the run can listen and learn how I market my books as the #1 New Release on  Amazon. I am actually hitting a great batting average, not only with the books that I authored but also with the books I have edited and published with my publishing company Absolute Author Publishing House. The formula I present is real and it works. Just this weekend, Peter J. Liang, author of  I AM A LEADER A 90-DAY LEADERSHIP JOURNAL FOR KIDS launched his book and guess who marketed it? Me, using the strategies I presented in my book.  It opened as the #1 New Release. I have to give him a shout out because the book is awesome.



Other authors have had the same success using the methods and techniques in my book. L. A Davis, and her book WHERE ARE MY CHILDREN?! not only made the #1 New Release but also in four categories. Wow! That's a huge congrats!



The system I outline in HOW TO LAUNCH AND MARKET A BOOK works. In fact, my books have consistently launched as the #1 New Release not only in paperback, eBook but as recently as last week in audible when NEVER STOP RUNNING launched as the #1 New Release in audible. Oh, it also opened as the #1 New Release in paperback last January. So what are you waiting for? If you are an author about to launch a book or need to market it, grab my book HOW TO LAUNCH AND MARKET A BOOK: SIX MONTH COUNTDOWN now! 



NEVER STOP RUNNING IN AUDIBLE, PAPERBACK OR EBOOK ON AMAZON



I'm not finished! I want to introduce you to the narrator of HOW TO LAUNCH AND MARKET A BOOK, Timothy Burke.



Before I introduce you to Timothy, listen to an excerpt from the book HOW TO LAUNCH AND MARKET A BOOK: SIX MONTH COUNTDOWN narrated by him.




Tell your readers a little about yourself, where you grew up, where you live now, where you went to school etc. Let them get to know the personal you.


I grew up and went to school in the Detroit, Michigan, area. I first aspired to be a musician and obtained a bachelor’s degree in music on the classical organ. After several years I realized how difficult it is to make a living in music and I found I was talented with computers. I then spent several years as a system administrator, software/hardware QA analyst, and as a desktop support/PC technician. After I found myself unemployed due to a merger/downsizing at the company I worked for, I decided to get into radio. I’ve often been told, “You have a radio voice,” and so I went back to school to become a radio news/anchor reporter. After spending several years at that job, I once again found myself unemployed due to upheavals in the radio business. It was at that point that audiobooks were becoming accessible and technology had advanced such that producing studio-quality audio at home was possible. I’ve always loved to read (I don’t even own a television, and I have not actually sat and watched TV in more than 12 years) so, with all the other factors taken into consideration, I built a home studio and have been narrating audiobooks for nearly two years now.

What inspired you to become a narrator?

The fact that I love to read, I’m told I have the voice for it, and once I tried it, I was hooked. I find that I get more “job satisfaction” out of narrating audiobooks than out of any of my previous occupations. Moreover, I get to work from home and set my schedule.

Do you have a preferred genre?

I do not. The majority of my work so far has been in non-fiction (i.e., self-help books, history books, books on spirituality, etc.) but I have done one fantasy/fiction novel and am currently working on a murder/mystery novel. I love fiction and plan to do more of it, but I find it is a lot more work than non-fiction. I must also confess that I have never had any voice coaching or voice acting lessons – that is on my to-do list as I pursue more fiction work.

What has been your favorite section or chapter you narrated from any book?

That would come from “The Light of Supremazia (Afterlife Lessons)” by Alana (Siegle) Mag. The premise of the book is a young girl who finds that she can see and talk to ghosts. She finds herself in a special school, the Vita Postmortem Academy, where she is taught how to deal with her special talent. The teachers in the school were all ghosts of famous people from history, so I got to voice JFK, Alber Einstein, Sammy Davis Jr., and more. Even Marylin Monroe!

What were your struggles or obstacles you had to overcome to produce an audiobook?

Mostly overcoming self-doubt and accepting that no one person's voice is good for every kind of narration. I’ve learned not to take rejection personally, even when I’ve been told that I didn’t get the contract because my voice sounded “too polished and professional” and this has happened more times than I like.

What production companies do you work with?

ACX and Beacon Audiobooks, so far.

What one unique thing sets you apart from other narrators?

That is a difficult question to answer because I believe every narrator is unique. We each have a unique voice, narration style, and a unique way of doing business. However, when I am narrating for a client, I see myself as part of a team rather than “just the narrator” and, as part of that team, our goal is to produce the best audiobook possible. I also try to establish an excellent professional working relationship with my clients, which, I believe, has lead to many repeat customers.

How do you prepare your voice before narrating?

I simply sing a few lines from whatever song pops into my head at the moment. I find this sufficient for loosening up my voice for narration.

Do you have a preference for fiction or non-fiction? Why?

I find that, like many things in life, there are advantages and disadvantages to both. I like narrating non-fiction because it is relatively quick and easy and I’ve found some pretty interesting non-fiction books to narrate, such as “Leif Erikson: A Captivating Guide to the Viking Explorer Who Beat Columbus to America and Established a Norse Settlement at Vinland.” I found the subject matter interesting, and it was challenge learning how to pronounce Norse and Norweigan name! I do find that fiction is a lot more work (keeping track of character voices, aiming for the right emotion, etc.) but it is a lot more fun!

How do you go about marketing your audiobook?

Until just recently, I left the marketing chores to the publishers and authors or rights holders. I realize that this is not going to further my career as I would like, so I’ve begun posting samples of my audiobooks on my web site and doing my best to keep my ACX samples list and my SoundCloud account up to date. I’ve also begun producing video trailers for my books (and other narrators as an add-on service) and am just learning how to use them as an effective marketing tool. I believe that, like many other narrators, I stink at marketing and I have a lot to learn.

How do you choose the books you want to narrate?

I simply see what is available on ACX and choose what piques my interest and has a decent pay rate. I’ve recently signed with Beacon Audiobooks, and they assign the books that they feel you would be good at, but that is how I got my first contract for a murder mystery. I also, on occasion, will audition for something that is outside my comfort zone. That was how I got the contract for “The Light of Supremazia.” I auditioned for it not expecting to get the contract – mind you the story is told in the first person from the point of view of a 14-year-old girl. I have a bass/baritone voice, but after I submitted the audition, the author said, “Love, love, love it! I love the way you bring my book to life!” Who’d have thought it?

Describe what your recording studio? Also, please submit a picture of it. Attached

My studio is a DIY project measuring 7’ high by 6’ wide by 4’ deep. I built it by combining aspects from a number of DIY audio booth plans that are out on the web. It consists of a 2 x 4 frame with 5/8” drywall on the outside, acoustic insulation between the joists, and the inside is covered with 1/2 soundboard and acoustic foam.

What is your preferred equipment in microphones, headsets, software, etc?

I’ve used various pieces of equipment as my narration career has evolved, and I suspected that would continue. However, I’m currently using a Rode NT1 mic running through a Focusrite Scarlett Solo USB Audio Interface, and I use Adobe Audition as my DAW with a number of plug-ins for audio processing and mastering. I have a set of Sennheiser HD201 headphones, but I only use them if I need to do some very detailed editing. Usually, I listen through a set of Edirol MA-15D studio monitors, and I don’t use my headphones while recording. When I first started in radio, and very experienced news director (whom I admire to a high degree) advised I not use headphones while recording. He explained that most people tend not to speak naturally when they can hear themselves through headphones and, in my case, I’ve found this to be true.

What one piece of advice do you have for new narrators.

I would tell new narrators several things, including to keep in mind that no one voice fits everything and don’t take rejection personally. However, if I had only one piece of advice, it would be one of my favorite quotes…

“Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not: nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not: the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.” – Calvin Coolidge, 30th President of the United States

Tell your readers anything else you want to share.

I think we pretty well covered it.