Spiral Impact: The Power To Get It Done With Grace, By Karen Valencic

Posted by Dan Janal, Your Fearless PR LEADER

Pitch reporters with our up-to-date media databases:

Question: Who is the intended audience?
Answer: People interested in being able to create with conflict, eliminate struggle, or simply improve their relationships. The book is a useful tool for both business and personal lives.

Q: What is the book about?
A: This is a practical how to book. I blend concepts from the martial arts and science to create a simple method for people to apply to conflict, decision making, or just getting off ’stuck’ to finish something. This method is called: Spiral Impact. Spiral Impact contrasts the typical ‘just do it’ hammer approach with a spiral approach which requires less energy, has more stability and gives a better long term outcome–just like the difference between a nail and a screw.

Each section begins with an analogy from my personal practice of aikido, the Japanese art of reconciliation, which is based on position, not force. The power of aikido is created by moving in a spiral. To translate this spiral effect to regular life I have defined four quadrants, or primary areas of focus: Knowledge, Focused Energy, Intention and Support. Power is achieved through Quadrant Shifting. If you follow the model not only you do you achieve your desired outcome, you can do it with grace and ease.

This book is very practical and shares short stories, everyone can relate to, of people applying the concepts. It also contains detailed application maps in the last section of the book.

Q: Why are you the best person to write this book?
A: I have taught these concepts in organizations for over 17 years and have a wealth of experience in what works and what doesn’t when it comes to communication, relationships and conflict resolution. I apply these concepts to my own life and continually find it works! This year marks my twentieth year of aikido practice, so when I refer to the martial art it is from many years literally on the mat exploring relationship in a very physical and physiological way.

My first career and education was in engineering. I worked as an automotive engineer for 10 years. As one of the early women in this field, I certainly learned a lot about conflict, or I should say my inability to deal with it effectively. My engineering mind and training allows me to make this material very concrete for people. It matters very much to me that people get results.

Overall, my goal is to get people to think ‘Spiral Impact’ when they find themselves struggling or stuck. When they think ‘Spiral’ things begin to move easily.

I love this material because it takes a subject most of us would like to avoid and makes it entertaining and practical. Please join me in helping make ‘Spiral Impact’ a well known verb!

Q: How is this book different from other books on this topic?
A: This book is concise and practical. It doesn’t require you to read a lot of boring theory. It is written for today’s ADD mind, easy to read. And, easy to pick up, open and find something worthwhile on the page.

Q: Is there anything else we should know about this book?
A: Yes, there is a companion CD available titled, Spiral Impact: Strengthening your Balance and Focus while Driving. One of the Quadrants in the Spiral Impact model is Focused Energy. Here I teach a concept called centering in the martial arts. This CD teaches the concept and then provides a track for centering while on your way to work; and a track for the end of the day to debrief and refocus. There is lovely acoustical guitar in the background. This was designed for driving but also can be used while sitting or walking.

Also, the book is available in audio CD read by me. The audio version is only available through www.spiralimpact.com.

Here are a few comments from readers:

Spiral Impact is informative and useful desk reference for anyone who works or lives with other people. Karen has captured a lifetime of observations to help anyone stay centered and deal effectively with daily challenges.”
–Samuel Odle, President of Indianapolis Operations of Clarian Health

“Spiral Impact provides a road map to navigate personal and professional development with grace! Karen captures the essence of how to achieve great success. Every executive manager should have a copy!”
–Anthony Marmo, Administrator, Northeast Center for Special Care, Lake Katrine, NY and former CEO, Kingston Hospital, Kingston, NY.

“Through Spiral Impact, author Karen Valencic, takes on a topic the majority of us fear, Conflict. Valencic tackles conflict head on providing the tools for readers to shape it, mold it and ultimately dance with it!”
–Christine Van Marter, Corporate Communications Eli Lilly and Company and Creator of The Red Mask Foundation

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Talking Dirt: The Dirt Diva’s Down-To-Earth Guide To Organic Gardening, By Annie Spiegelman

Posted by Dan Janal, Your Fearless PR LEADER

Pitch reporters with our up-to-date media databases:

Question: Who is the intended audience?
Answer: Everybody! From teens going green to my 92 year-old aunt who is composting in her retirement home. And everyone in between who is looking for a safer way to grow food and flowers in their backyard, front porch or NYC fire escape!

Q: What is the book about?
A: From Booklist review, March 2010:
“While offering plenty of sound and sensible organic gardening advice, Spiegelman lightens the load with quippy and pithy observations that make the experience feel more like a casual conversation with a good, green-thumbed friend than a lecture from a stuffy horticulturist.

A transplanted Manhattanite who found herself gardening in California, Spiegelman wisely enrolled in master gardener classes before she killed so many plants she’d qualify for a ‘most wanted’ poster at the local nursery. She shares her hard-won knowledge glibly but with a great deal of gravity, too. Gardens are fun, yes, but the benefits they provide, from the aesthetic to the ecological, should be taken seriously.”

Q: Why are you the best person to write this book?
A: Because I was a really bad gardener and now I’m a really good gardener. Ta-da!

I am now a Master Gardener and a garden columnist for the Pacific Sun newspaper in California. I’m also a concerned, opinionated and outspoken parent. I’m passionate about passing on land and water that is safe and clean to the next generation. If we don’t clean up our act environmentally, they’ll think their parents were so lame!

Q: How is this book different from other books on this topic?
A: It’s written by an ex-New Yorker who works in the movie business and somehow, down the road, fell in love with soil. Go figure? If I can do it, anyone can.

Topics in the book:

• The secret to great soil (the only way to have a healthy garden)
• Organic rose care and flowers that invite the good bugs
• The least toxic ways to combat pests in your yard
• Learning to worship the worm and build a compost pile
• Tips and tricks for growing killer tomatoes
• A seasonal breakdown of gardening chores to stay on top of your garden year-round

Each chapter ends with a plant recommendation by Annie’s own Dirt Diva Royal Horticultural Society along with a rating system of how easy or difficult the plant is to grow and upkeep. Packed with tips for shopping, learning, and promoting environmentally sound garden practices, this one-stop handbook is ideal for anyone looking to grow their green thumb.

Q: Is there anything else we should know about this book?
A: Yes, these people are talking dirt about me:

It’s hard to resist a gardening book that’s both chocked full of information, and fun to read. It doesn’t matter if you are a novice gardener or more experienced, Annie, “The Dirt Diva,” shows the way to growing and enjoying a natural, sustainable, organic garden.
Nell Newman, Co-founder and President of Newman’s Own Organics

Annie Spiegelman (AKA the Dirt Diva) understands what gardening is really about: having fun…even when you aren’t having fun! This book is laugh out loud useful and smart. Frankly, it’s the best book on Organic Gardening that I’ve seen in 11 years (since mine came out). The Dirt Diva Royal Horticultural Society is the only gardening club I really want to be a member of.
–Maria Rodale, CEO of Rodale Inc.

Fun, factual, and filled with ideas. What sets Talking Dirt apart from all other organic gardening how-to guides is Anne Spiegelman. The information is presented with personality and wit making this book a must have resource for the aspiring organic gardener.
–Michael C. Metallo, President National Gardening Association

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Tao-Girls Rule! Finding Balance, Staying Confident, Being Bold in a World of Challenges By CJ Golden

Posted by Dan Janal, Your Fearless PR LEADER

Pitch reporters with our up-to-date media databases:

Question: Who is the intended audience?
Answer: The intended audience is teen and pre-teen girls – many of whom already call themselves “Tao-Girls”.

Q: Why are you the best person to write this book?
A: After great success with my first book, Tao of the Defiant Woman, the women who read the book and/or attended my seminars and workshops asked me to write a similar book for their daughters and granddaughters.

I began by traveling the country and working with girls; listening to their stories and starting a community of Tao-Girls.  I met with girls who were members of national organizations such as the Uniquely Me Councils of Girl Scouts of America, and community organizations, as well as smaller, individual groups of girls.

I learned much about these girls and found that they eagerly accepted my Tao and dynamic philosophy into their lives.  They listened to me, were comfortable spending time with me and telling me their stories.  And they participated in the writing of “their” book.

Q: How is this book different from other books on this topic?
A: Many books are out there for these young girls.  Tao-Girls Rule!, however, gives them a role model to follow – Tao-Girl – who understands that to grow in self confidence and travel the paths of their lives with strength and joy they need to be:

Tenacious, Accepting, Optimistic, Grateful, Imaginative, Radiant, Loving.

Q: Is there anything else we should know about this book?
A: As for there being anything else you should know about the book, I would like to quote part of the text from the back cover:
If you are the sort of girl who wants to find balance, be confident and act boldly, this book has all of the rules.

In Tao-Girls Rule! CJ Golden brings her guidance and insight to teen and pre-teen girls as they face the challenges of growing up in an ever-changing and  complex world. Combining the acceptance of the ancient philosophy of Tao with a healthy dose of boldness, Golden helps young girls grow in self-esteem  and confidence.

“Whether you are worrying about your BFF not liking you, struggling with the way your body looks, or just trying to deal with all of the homework your teacher gave you last night, Tao Girls Rule! is for you. Inside you’ll find simple, yet powerful ways to discover and appreciate your very best self and live life with confidence and boldness when faced with challenges. Tao Girls DO Rule!‘ -Leanne Gluck, Project Manager, uniquely ME! Girl Scouts of the USA”

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eBooks: Idea to Amazon in 14 Days, By Marnie Swedberg

Posted by Dan Janal, Your Fearless PR LEADER

Pitch reporters with our up-to-date media databases:

Question: Who is the intended audience?
Answer: Every author thinks about getting on Amazon, but this book validates the aspirations of a much broader audience.

• Speakers, trainers and consultants have information they would love to share with event participants, attendees and potential clients.

• Inventors, programmers and product development gurus have processes about which the public needs to know.

•  Professors, teachers and moms have book ideas for the students they serve.

• Pastors have sermon sets and grandmothers have the journals of a lifetime.

It has been said that there is a book in each of us, and the current publishing platforms make it possible for anyone, any author, to have their chance on stage.

eBooks: Idea to Amazon in 14 Days

Q: What is the book about?
A: eBooks: Idea to Amazon in 14 Days is ideal for how-to and business authors who want to take their words from private to public. This book reads like a personal journal, but is actually a guide for any author who is ready to sell some books.

The blow-by-blow progression of Marnie’s 2-week journey, from idea to publication, provides the shortcuts and success strategies you need to get published now.

David Sanford, Literary Agent. “Write and sell your first ebook. Marnie’s fast-paced book tells you virtually everything you need to know. Highly recommended!

Q: Why are you the best person to write this book?
A: I didn’t choose myself. A regional library directory chose me as the right person. I am the author of 11 books and eBooks, a pinch hit trainer, and a library lover. Once chosen, I invested every ounce of energy and every resource I could muster to put together the best training on the topic available right now. I hope I succeeded.

Q: How is this book different from other books on this topic?
A: Author opportunities are changing at a mind boggling rate. This book is definitely the up-to-the-minute resource for authors who are serious about getting onto Amazon with the shortest learning curve possible.

Q: Is there anything else we should know about this book?
A: I am a how-to author. I write virtually for real people, with real challenges, who live in a real world. My hope and prayer is that something I say, write, or do will have a positive affect on your life, or at least on your day.  Thanks for the opportunity to be here!

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