A huge  thanks to all of you who purchased my books. All of my doctor offices purchased some. Longhills Dental bought one for every woman working there and then sent me a thank you note. Wow.

What’s surprising is how many men tell me they are reading it, liking it, and recommending it to others. Thanks fellows!

If you purchased one from Amazon, Books a Million, Apple, or Barnes and Noble, please, please go back into their website and leave a review.  Reviews definitely count a lot. However, if you purchased one directly from me, none of the places will let you leave a review. They say too many were trying to leave them without ever buying a book anyplace.

I’m now working on a book about prayer and how God always wants to tell us, “YES.” It’s going slow as I have so much to learn.

Thanks again for you support.

How to Support Your Favorite Authors

Because I will #launch two books, once my cover is ready, I am posting ways that I could use your support.  My cover is being developed by an artist in Australia whose work I love (isn't the internet wonderful for connecting). One book is a #Christian nonfiction about marital relationships (#Women Talk, #Men Walk: #Keep Your Man Connected, God Tells How & Hormones Tell Why) and the other is a Christian fiction (#The Socialite) that's a combination love story and mystery that occurs in Little Rock. The supportive article below was written by  

Cindy Tansin

Be More Than a Reader: How to Support your Favorite Authors

Read any good books lately? I'll bet you have. What did you do afterwards? Sigh in satisfaction, put it on the shelf, and hope that another one as good comes along? There are so many books in the world, but finding a good one can sometimes be elusive. So when a good one comes along, why not return the favor to the author who took the time and trouble to entertain or educate you by supporting them. There are a number of ways you can do this -- some very simple -- and all would result in a grateful author who would hopefully be encouraged to do more writing.

1. Host a #Book Launch                                                                                                                     Invite every person on your email list to a book launch party. Invite them a couple of weeks before the set date and send a reminder the day before. Send post card invitations to others. It’s more fun than giving a shower because you aren’t asking friends to bring a gift.  You are only asking that they stop by and meet an Author you support. You or the Author will furnish small refreshments, give guests a token for coming (such as a book mark with the book/author’s picture on it) and enjoy chatting with friends you may not have seen in some time. There is no pressure for them to purchase the book, but it is available if they want a signed copy. If the Author’s book is also an ebook, perhaps the Author will offer a discount to those attending. Once a crowd gathers, introduce the Author and let the Author read the first chapter or a mini-section from the book. A book launch party provides the maximum support for a new Author. You are helping the Author get his/her name and book in front of others.

2. #Buy the Book
At the risk of sounding obvious, if you know a book is going to be good -- a keeper -- buy it. Don't borrow it or lend it. If someone else wants to read it based on your recommendation and you feel so inclined, buy them a copy as a gift.

3. Like The Book
"Like" and "follow" them on social media. When you do, your contacts can see what you are reading, and it gives the Author more exposure.

4. Visit Their Website
If they have an Author website, they have put a lot of time and thought into it, and it didn't appear there for free even though you don't pay a dime to look at it. If they post a blog or newsletter subscription, sign up. It's very encouraging to them, and you might enjoy the occasional emails they send you. Also, if they invite commentary on their blogs, write a comment. Even "Interesting article, thanks," is encouraging. Again, they took the time and trouble, and it feels good to know someone cares.

5. #Review The Book
Goodreads is one of the most popular book review sites, and many authors interact on the site. Go to Amazon and review the book.  Reviews influence sales. Amazon and Barnes and Noble, the two largest online booksellers, rank books by a number of factors, including the number of customer reviews a book received. Even a simple line and an appropriate assignment of stars is appreciated.

6. Post Pictures Holding their Book
Authors love to see people with their books. It's what they live for. Go ahead, post your picture holding their book on Facebook and send them a copy. Why not leave a copy laying on your desk at work? It might get noticed and commented on. #Talk about the book.  Bring the book or the Author up as a topic of conversation; at work, at lunch, at parties, while riding the train or the bus or any other social situation.  Word of mouth has always been the Author's best friend. No amount or type of marketing is more direct or persuasive than "I just read this book, you have to read it."

7. Do a YouTube Video Review
Okay, this one's for extra credit. Not everybody can or will -- but if you do have it in your heart to post a video/commentary about a book on YouTube, it's a BIG WOW. (and thanks)

8. Write in the Book
This is a personal favorite -- or maybe a personal quirk -- but when I read something that speaks to me or just sounds beautiful, I underline it. Sometimes I write in the margins. I might put a star or smiley face. If it's something I want to remember, something meaningful, writing in the book makes it stick and easy to refer back to. To me, when I find a used book that's been written in, I know it was loved, and I want to own that book. Even writing your name in cursive and the date on the inside page personalizes it and says you care. It's a beautiful touch that any author would be proud to see.

If you gain one pearl of wisdom or a small chuckle or shed a tiny tear when reading a book, do more than just sigh. Take a next step.

CHOSSING THE RIGHT PARTNER FOR LIFE

According to #John Van Epps, author of #How to Avoid Marrying a Jerk, you need to decide among five other attributes before dating another on a regular basis.  Remember #you marry someone you date -- at least in the US.  Try rating each person you date on a scale of 1-100 with 100 being always good and 1 being extremely disappointing. 1. Knowing Him:  How well do you really know the person?  Does he share private concerns or do always feel he holds something back?  How well do you know his family?  What do his friends say about him?  And probably the most important is #how do prior girlfriends describe him?   2. Trusting Him:   Do you trust him fully?  Would you be willing to tell him something you would never want another to know? Would you trust him with your last dime and know he would repay it?  Is his work record reliable or does he frequently make excuses to be absent? Is he honest in all areas?  Has he ever told you a ‘little white lie?”  3. Relying on Him: Can you rely on your date?  Does he always phone when he promises?  Does he remember your birthday?  Does he take the lead in ensuring you get to worship on time or has he ever suggested you miss to do something else?  #Can you rely on him to put God first?   4. Acts Committed:  Does he act fully committed or is he glancing at other women when in public?  Does he put you before all others?  In a crowd does he stay by your side and pay you compliments in front of others? Has he ever said something in front of others that embarrassed or hurt you?  When he’s with other guys, does he degrade and make negative jokes about women?  5. Touches Lovingly:  Does he touch you in gentle, tender ways?  Has he ever hit you or had you fearing he might?  Does he mind holding hands in public?  Does he try to touch you in ways that make you uncomfortable?  Does no mean no to him?

            Ten attributes (including the important ones in the prior post) that research shows determines if you #choose the right man for a marriage partner and prove you will more likely #stay married for a life time.  Where do you stand?  #Living with someone 24/7 proves challenging for the most committed couples and more so when one doesn’t value the things that mean the most to you.