SPOTLIGHT: Soul Intent by Dennis Batchelder

Soul Intent  is author Dennis Batchelder’s newest book.  It was launched on 9/9/9 and  had already sold over 700 copies during pre-release on  Amazon.com .   This is the highly anticipated sequal to Dennis’ book,  Soul Identity
and is already showing signs of becoming a Bestseller on Amazon’s list of Bestsellers!

It is released in paperback and Kindle formats.  Right now, the Kindle price is 1¢….Kindle users, why are you still reading this?!.. head on over to Amazon for the download!

So what is this book about?  What is all the excitement?  I’d like to share Dennis’  blog as he gives his readers a synopsis of his newest book, Soul Intent;

A VILLAIN’S REQUEST
In 1946, soon-to-be-executed Nazi General Hermann Goering asks young Soul Identity overseer Archibald Morgan to take his looted gold and deposit it in a soul line collection, there to await his soul’s rebirth.

A GRIM RESISTANCE
Flora, a seventeen-year-old Gypsy girl whose father died in the Dachau concentration camp, is sure that Goering stole the gold. She struggles to persuade Morgan to reject the Nazi’s deposit, but Morgan prevails.

A MYSTERIOUS THEFT
Sixty-four years have passed. A repentant Morgan opens Goering’s collection and discovers the gold is gone. In its place lies a cryptic journal. Morgan asks security expert Scott Waverly to find the thief and recover the gold.

A THRILLING ADVENTURE
Scott must race through Europe to uncover the elusive secrets of what really happened in Nuremberg… secrets that threaten to reopen old wounds, settle old scores, and lead to the gold’s—and his own soul’s—recovery.

I have not had the opportunity to read this book yet to give a review, but I have read some fantastic prelimenary comments from some very knowledgeable people, other authors who were given advance copies.  The comments coming in have ranged from glowing comments about writing style to  fantastic plot development.   I just can’t wait for my copy to arrive…

A little about Dennis Batchelder, the author of Soul Intent.  This information is taken from his Amazon.com web page.

Biography

Dennis Batchelder is a computer security architect. He lives with his family in Bellevue, Washington, and spends his off-hours working on the next Soul Identity novel.

 

If you are a fan of Dennis Batchelder and his books, please take the time to comment on this post.  I will be passing along the info to Dennis.  I’m sure he might pop in from time to time to answer your questions!  I also hope to add his web site links to this blog for his fans. 

Thank You For Your Visit And Comments!

 

 

Shamelessly Promoting Bestselling Amazon Authors and Their Books!

Image via CrunchBase

Anyone who has been around me knows, I am an addict when it comes to books. Don’t get between me and a good book, it could get very dangerous!  This addiction started when I was quite young and continues today, (I hate to say it but..) almost a 1/2 Century later.   Although I was a very good student in school, I really wasn’t that bright.  I could remember what I read and comphrehend the meaning.   This combination has been the real secret to my success in life.

On to the other love of my life, browsing the Internet for absolutely useless tidbits of information. If you ever want to play a trivia game, just call me…I’m the partner you need. I never lose at Trivia games. I’m forever picking up all those little tidbits that everyone else just takes for granted. I’m also the one who sends them to you fills your email box with these interesting facts you discard before reading because you actually have real work to do!

One night, while combining my two interests, browsing Amazon books! Whoa..Nirvanaville for me… I have lost a small fortune on Amazon.  In the wee hours of the morning, buying books of all sorts to read, even though I just bought about 10 from Borders because I had the coupon.  I just had to buy them, they were ‘on sale’!   This day while browsing I found a very interesting site.  It was a forum of authors who had formed the group to ‘Shamelessly Promote’ their books.  I had to stop and take a look at the postings.

I was absolutely enthralled!  Being an avid reader, listening to the author talking about their books and how  the why they created the characters, the thoughts behind the story line, really brought these books to life!  I had not heard of some of the authors before, but I found some now that write in my area of interest, I cannot wait to get a copy of their books!

I feel so moved by this group, I asked if I could write about them, their books and let others in on this fabulous group. All of these authors are so genuinely appreciative of their fans and what their fans want, I  suggested putting together a page where I could show the authors and their books. I plan to set up an authors corner where the author can come and talk about their book and answer their fans questions and comments.

We will start with one book at a time for each author and spotlight on them for the post.  Make sure and bookmark this blog and come back often to see if your favorite author is being spotlighted.

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New Page Mage an Interactive eBay Listing Tool!

Now, you have to remember, my experience with Page Mage; I heard the name Page Mage, I looked at the Web site. I then received a Welcome beta tester letter. I went to the web site and 20 mins later, through mistakes and not knowing what I was doing…I created my first listing:

Is eBay Becoming a Buyer’s Market?

Image via Wikipedia

I’ve been selling on eBay since 1998. I recently (2006), made eBay my full time job and love. I started out by selling what I love most, books. I found a pallet of books I bought for $70.00 and quickly turned that investment into over $2000.00!

I knew I did something right! I am now into the collectible and glassware categories and enjoy what I do very much. I shop estate sales, garage sales, thrift stores, anywhere I can find these type items at the right price for resell.

Up until 2009, I found it almost impossible to find items on eBay for a good price to resell. Most items were priced right. At least in the collectibles and vintage glassware categories. I very rarely found any items worth my while after paying shipping, etc. I could make money to resell.

All of that has changed! Since the change in policies, fees, etc. on eBay and more eBay sellers leaving to other sites…eBay has become a Buyer’s Market! Items on eBay right now have become so low on items it is almost impossible to browse eBay without finding at least one or two items that are priced so low, you just can’t NOT buy them!

The reason is simple. The older more experienced sellers who have learned selling basics, how to price their items to the market price, how to use auction strategy to sell their items, have left eBay. There are newer more inexperienced sellers arriving everyday. It is a shame for them. There is help for them on every ’street’ corner of the Internet, if they are willing to listen. Lots of experienced sellers are offering tips and tricks to help them along. Not that many are willing to admit they don’t know, or don’t know what they’re missing.

Now, I’m not suggesting that there should be a run on unsuspecting new sellers. But the items are there to be bought. If I find an item that is grossly under marked, I do my best to give the seller the info needed. Sometimes they do get angry, but most do appreciate the help.

For those of you antique buyers, just an example. I watched a bronze tray, signed by the artist (French). The auction started at 500.00, this price was actually very low for a very highly collectible artist who also did sculptures in bronze. No sale, next listing, down to 450.00, no sale…375.00, no sale. I continued to watch as this seller lowered the price all the way down to a starting bid of 199.00.
I don’t believe this is a sign of the times, I just sold a cabinet plate for $500.00…It is the absence of buyers in a buyer’s market!

This same tray would’ve sold on Amazon for much more than 500.00 in the first listing. With that said, I will label Amazon a seller’s market.

So now we know, to sell an item…go to Amazon, try your hand…but to find really good prices to buy, right now…go to eBay!

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What is this Rock Star’s Secret to Success?

This Rock Star was sighted recently as she was getting ready for her trip to eBay Live! 2008, in Chicago, June 19-22! Want to know the secret to her success? Want to know how to live the Rock Star lifestyle like visionaire, author and creator of OSI Rock Stars, Janelle Elms? Watch this video for some important clues about how you can become a Rock Star!

What is the buzz surrounding eBay Live! 2008…Listen to Uncle Griff’s eBay radio , June 12th broadcast to learn more…

Are you attending the eBay Live! convention in Chicago? You will not want to miss information on the upcoming ‘Spot the Rock Star’ contest that will be held at eBay Live! this year. Make sure and go to Spot the Rock Star and learn how you can win some fabulous prizes and learn more about OSI Rock Stars!

These OSI Rock Stars choose Success and are living the Rock Star lifestyle! They look forward to seeing you at eBay Live! They will have the information about OSI Rock Stars and how you can Choose Success!

and the ‘Style Statement’ Book winner is…

First of all, thank you to all who entered and posted comments in this forum featuring the ’Style Statement’ book giveaway. I for one, have enjoyed reading your comments and felt the excitement for everyone who had a chance to win. I do have to confess though, my personal book is not autographed…so I am maybe a little (OK, a lot!) jealous!

Everyone who commented to reveal their individual style received an entry into the bowl and a winner was drawn. The drawing was held and moderated by the prestigous board of Drei Katzen Media: Keira, Jesus and Susie. This was a very somber affair, no catnip allowed while conducting business!

and the winner is… (insert drum roll here!)

Jennifer Smith of Precisionbluing!

Jennifer’s name was selected and her address given to Karryn, Marketing Director with Carrie & Danielle, the very talented authors of  ’Style Statement’. They will be mailing her personal autographed book to her soon!

Jennifer left the most fabulous comment for her entry into the Style Statement book giveaway:

Wow! Mary – after reading your blog, if I’m not rustic, NO one is! I so thoroughly enjoy my family and all things described in your definition. It felt like someone had just written a few paragraphs about me in particular!

So, I would have to say Rustic would also be my foundation word. My Creative Edge word would have to be persistant (although I have yet to read the book). I am often described as stubborn, but I really like the sound of persistant better! Just try telling me I CAN’T do something!!

Excellent review! You’ve most certainly gotten my attention!

Jennifer Smith
http://www.PrecisionBluingPlus.com

Make sure and visit Jennifer’s website and look at the fantastic items she and her husband have to offer! If you are like me, you’re probably saying to yourself, ‘What in the heck is Bluing?’ Go to her website and find out about this process. Great stuff for collectors!

I would also like to thank the following entries into this giveaway. Everyone submitted great comments:

Pam….her website: http://ComfyCottageCrafts

JanieRuth…her website: http://janieruths.com  Janieruth’s Fabulous to Funky Finds

Brandy Tipton…eBay seller, you can visit her items for sale, ID: bcalbr01

Alice…her website: http://www.aliceinstitches.com  Alice in Stitches

Marlene…her website: http://www.savvyseller.com The Savvy Seller

Jim & Barbara Nelson…their website: http://grandpastradingcompany.com Grandpas Trading Company

Rina…her website: http://www.nichemarketplace.com  Absolutely loved your post!

Thanks to everyone for posting. I wish we had copies for everyone! You can pick your copy up on Amazon by clicking on the photo below. By the way, I have found out this has officially become an Amazon bestseller!!

Congratulations to Carrie McCarthy and Danielle LaPorte on their new Best Selling Book!

Mine, Yours and Our Style Statement Revealed!

Make sure and read through the following post for a chance to win your own autographed copy of ‘Style Statement, Living by Your Own Design by Carrie McCarthy & Danielle Laporte’!

I had so much fun introducing everyone to this wonderful book, Style Statement, Living by Your Own Design, that I missed my opportunity to reveal my own style to my readers. The journey to learning your unique style statement is the most intriguing and thought provoking part, even more than the final result!

By following along with the chapters of the book step by step, you learn how to arrive at your two words to describe your style. When you discover these words you are then introduced to how to apply the words to your everyday life and business. The process is about empowering you to lead an empowering life.

First, you learn how to define your style statement, remember it is all about you! The principle is 80/20…80% is your inner self, then 20% is what moves you forward and gets the results. You will then learn how to design your life, See it-Feel it-Be it. Carrie & Danielle then give us 50 ways to express your style statement. Finding your two words is definitely not the end of the journey but the beginning. You learn how to continue to define yourself for life using a Lifestyle Map or checklist of how to apply your style.

In this post, I would like to talk about how to use your Style Statement for success in business. I reveal my two words, Rustic/Dedicated. At first glance, I can hear you say “How in the heck can you use these two words in business?” With just a short walk through, you will see how I can apply these two words for Success!

Foundation Word: Rustic (as defined and copied from the book, Style Statement)

SPIRIT: Rustic is the salt of the earth and as genuine as the day is long. Warmhearted, devoted, and loyal, they place family at the center of their lives. They invest their resources close to home and weave a close-knit circle of friends, relishing the strength and vitality of their own community, as well as others they visit in their travels. With their feet planted firmly on the ground, Rustic is a no-nonsense decision maker who is in it for the long haul. Their bounty is homegrown and handmade. Domesticity and nesting are their forte. Sometimes they can become too settled and need to push themselves to venture beyond familiar territory-both emotionally and physically-to keep learning and truly growing. Incredibly nurturing, and supportive, Rustic is the friend who shows up to help hold down the fort, fix what’s broken, or offer some old-fashioned tender loving care. They adore tradition, holidays, and any reason to bring good people together. Rustic enjoys tranquillity when they find it, but fully embrace the beauty and richness of sometimes chaotic full living.

LOOK & FEEL:Country, rural, small town. Homespun, handmade, craftsmanship. Roughly finished woods, textured appearances: heavy textiles and materials like stone and wrought iron. Earth tones, terra cottas. Natural. Charmingly simple, agrarian, agricultural, austere, bucolic, charming, countrified, homey, honest, natural, pastoral, picturesque, plain, pleasing, primitive, rural, simple, sylvan, unaffected, unpolished, unrefined, unsophisticated, verdant. 

OK, so I’m a great neighbor that is dedicated to nuturing and fixing your stone and wrought iron fence around the holidays…right?! I don’t think so, not by a long shot!

I’ll show you how I have unknowingly already applied these two words to my business and business style.

                                                                                                                                                                      

My eBay store is Drei Katzen Media. That is German for 3 cats. You can read the complete story by going to my ‘About Me’ page on eBay. In short, I have a German  ancestory and two daughters. (tradition, family) We began to make homemade all natural soap together. (handmade, natural) I really wanted to have a venue to sell the soap on eBay and came up with the name, 3 of us and German heritage. I also had the models ready to go for the logo, my 3 cats! (what’s more rustic than 3 cats?)

                                                                                                                                                                       

I’ve worked as a manager for a few companies in the past and my management skills were always based on the golden rule and common sense. First of all, ‘Do unto others…’, ‘Honesty is the best policy’  and the homespun (there’s that word again) motto’s, ‘Don’t sweep your neighbors porch..’ when listening to others talk about someone else, etc. I have found by following these simple, basic rules (are you beginning to see a pattern here?) You can succeed in business.

                                                                                                                                                                       

The items I sell are based on Rustic as well…vintage collectibles. I absolutely love finding items that have been around for awhile and cared for by someone. I often pick it up and wonder about its origins, where did it come from? who used it? where has it been? I am in my element when learning the history of a particular item. All of this ties back to Rustic.

                                                                                                                                                                        

Today with my eBay store, it is exactly the same rules that help me succeed. Whenever I’m faced with a challenge, I go back to the simple, basic rules of life. Even though my Foundation word is Rustic, don’t let it fool you…I absolutely adore a trip into New York City for a Broadway play and a wonderful gourmet dinner at a 5 star restaurant! I get a chance to enjoy myself with the play, taste the good life, be sophisticated…and go home to my comfortable rural setting in the hills!

                                                                                                                                                                   

The Creative Edge word is: Dedicated 

Dedicated: (as defined Dictionary.com)

ded·i·cat·ed –adjective

1. Wholly committed to something, as to an ideal, political cause, or personal goal: a dedicated artist

2. Set apart or reserved for a specific use or purpose

If you were to take a poll of my friends and associates, I am sure this word would be at the top of  everyone’s list in describing me. My life foundation has been dedicated. Whatever I do, I do it to the fullest. I am like a dog with a bone when it comes to my causes, beliefs and whatever I decide I want to accomplish. I won’t be deterred. I set goals for myself and even find I make little challenges for myself on a daily basis. While working, I set my goal in ‘To Do’ lists and try to do one better, just to show myself I can do it.  I have my 2 year, 5 year and 10 year goals set for my business. I am dedicated to doing the best I can. I also have my dream vacation tacked to the wall in front of my desk. I know I will be on my European cruise soon!

Whenever I worked for a company, I often took a lower position to get my foot in the door. Usually, by the 6th month, I would be managing it. I made it my goal to learn everything I could about the operations so that I could run my position and everyone else’s positon if needed in a pinch.

Hopefully, now you can see how my unique style is applied to my business. This was a somewhat short tour, but you can get the idea.

Now its your turn! After writing my first post, I received a wonderful invitation from Karryn Ransom. She is with the authors Carrie McCarthy and Danielle LaPorte. They would like to sponser a contest on this blog! The winner will receive from them, an autographed copy of their book: Style Statement, Live by Your Own Design! How could I resist this opportunity for a lucky reader!

                                                                                                                                                         

OK, so down to the rules:

1. Please submit a comment to this blog describing your own business style. Try to come up with a Foundation word and Creative edge word that you would use now to descibeyour business style. Follow those words with a short blurb about why you choose those words. 

 

2. Submit your comments beginning today through 9pm EST, May 15th. The contest will be closed at that time.

 

3. All entries from comment posts will be put into the drawing to receive a copy of this (soon to best selling) book, signed by the authors Carrie & Danielle!

                                                                                                                                                                    

That’s all there is to it! What could be easier, especially to win such a great prize!

 

If you already own the book, you probably have a good start on your Style Statement. You can use it for your comment…then if you win, you have a great gift for someone else!

If you don’t have the book already, it doesn’t matter, in fact it will probably be fun. You just have to sum up what you think your words would be, then if you win the prize…get your book and see how close you were to being right!

 

Remember: Post a comment with your business style statement between now and May 15th, 9pm EST.  If your entry is drawn, you will receive an autographed copy of ‘Style Statement, Live by Your Own Design’!

 

Anyone can win, what are you waiting for?!  Post your comment…

  

 

 

 

What is Your Style Statement?…and Why Do You Need One?!

I was first introduced to Carrie McCarthy and Danielle LaPorte on my educational eBay success website, OSI Rock Stars, created by a very successful visionaire and mentor, Janelle Elms. Janelle invited Carrie & Danielle to give a podcast on this subject, What is Your Style Statement? The podcast was so intriguing, I went immendiately to Amazon to order their book that was not yet published, Style Statement, Live by Your Own Design. I pre-ordered it through Amazon and received it the next week.

I received my book and was just amazed! First of all, it was listed as a soft cover book. What I received was so much more than just another book! It has to be one of the best books I have seen in awhile. (I have to say, I looked at my receipt to see how much I paid and was amazed at the low price vs the actual book!) Every aspect of the book was created with such attention to detail. The pages are a semi gloss and almost every page is filled with beautiful works of art or photography. I absolutely fell in love with the book. I know Carrie and Danielle had a lot of input into the design of the book If nothing else, I could just look at photos all day!

Carrie McCarthy & Danielle LaPorte are two friends who discovered this very important concept to help people be successful by following their natural style and applying it to all facets of their daily lives. Once you find your own Style Statement, you can apply it to your personal and professional life. It will help you to brand who you really are…

About the authors: Carrie McCarthy has designed and styled for homes, magazines, and luxury hotels; she has been a wedding dress designer and a competitive track athlete. Carrie’s style is Refined Treasure. Danielle LaPorte has masterminded business and communications strategies to promote social visionaries and causes. She is the former Director of a Washington, DC-based think tank for global futures strategies. Danielle’s Style Statement is Sacred Dramatic.

Your Style Statement consists of two words to live by, it defines your authentic self. This book helps you to find that statement and surround yourself with your true expression of those concepts. This book is laid out like a journey to discover your own style. It starts with a discussion of style, why it is so important to know and how to apply it to your life. It then takes you on a step by step ‘journey’ to organize your thoughts and ideas to arrive at your two words to describe your style.

Your ‘Foundation’ is your 1st word and is 80% of your style. It describes your spirit or inner foundation. It describes your being, what you are, your roots.

Your 2nd word is your ‘Creative Edge’ and accounts for 20% of your style. This word expresses your outer spirit or style. How you express your being, how you do what you do as expressed to the outside world.

To arrive at these two words, you take a series of questions that begin as a series of two words and you select the words you like the best. You continue towards some more challenging thought provoking statements for you to answer. The questions begin with you finishing the statement.

Throughout the book, there are examples of others that have already found their Style Statement and how they have applied it to their lives to enrich and bring them success.

This is such a wonderful concept to explore. If you believe in the positive forces in your life, you will certainly enjoy this book. The concept is so basic, yet so relevant to helping us discover not only ourselves, but a way to brand ourselves for success!

If you would like to learn more about Carrie McCarthy & Danielle LaPorte go to their website www.carrieanddanielle.com

Make sure and sign up for their newsletter, it is sent out on Fridays and is always filled with wonderful tips and information!

Are you a Ebay Seller or Entrepeneur Looking for Success?

I am so excited! Recently, I was introduced to a remarkable forum called ‘The Online Success Institute’. I ran across this site and forum, quite by chance and was introduced to a very amazing visionaire and entrepeneur, Janelle Elms. Not only is Janelle a very successful business owner. She is a writer, education specialist, mentor and visionary. I could go on and on about her credentials and knowledge!

Janelle is the founder of The Online Success Institute and a new site, OSI Rock Stars. That stands for, Online Success Institute Rock Stars. This new site is a place for learning. It features some pretty amazing members who have chosen success! There is so much learning on this one site…I find myself learning something new everyday! There are interviews from some of the top online business leaders, podcasts, video and audio and webinars. Not to mention, some pretty amazing members that go out of their way to answer questions, help identify items or just simply chat!

I have been to several sites looking for information on different ways to improve my online sales. There are quite a few sites that will give away free info in newsletters to try and get you to buy a costly membership. OSI Rock Stars is the only site I have found that actually delivers what it promises.

I joined in October, after being selected as one of the first users to help beta test this site. After a few weeks of testing (that went amazingly smooth, thanks to all the planning Janelle did BEFORE opening the site) the site opened to Rave Reviews by all who have experienced the power of this site. Just by joining this site, members have reported an improvement in page placement on the Google search engines…and increased traffic and sales to their online stores!

I have seen a 20% increase in my traffic and sales. I cannot say enough about this site. I always go back to what I learned at a very young age…If you want to be successful, do what successful people do. It’s a very simple plan. Find out what others are doing and emmulate their actions!

If you would like to know more, whether you are a new ebayer, PowerSeller or just someone that wants to know more about online business and how to get started…click on the banner below. It will forward you to OSI Rock Stars site!

 Awesome Collectibles Available from Drei Katzen Media

I have some great Royal Albert Old Country Roses pattern items available in my eBay store, Drei Katzen Media. This is a classic and very popular Royal Albert pattern. Beautiful red and yellow roses with heavy gold accents!

My favorite maker is Noritake. I truly enjoy vintage Noritake as well as the newer pieces and love to offer them in my store. Noritake is a Japan maker and the early items are so lovely. The modern Noritake items are still offered as figurines and China dinnerware. To learn more about Noritake, please click here! If you need help identifying your Noritake piece, please email me at chloeev@msn.com

Whatever your pleasure as a collector, Drei Katzen Media is sure to have something especially for you! I add new items daily. Be sure to bookmark my store and sign up for our newsletter.  You will be notified of new arrivals weekly!

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