Speculative Fiction
Biblical Worldview
Biblical Worldview
Pressing through...
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I tire of political ads, speeches, campaigns wherein the focus centers on dissing opponents. Can’t recall when this became customary, but it has always struck me as poor taste. I hate few things. This is one of them. It might be the especially volatile climate of today and weighty bitterness and injustices witnessed cities-wide, a shaking pandemic, or that I’m just getting older and less tolerant of subjecting myself to this much negativity. Because I seem to have developed a recent habit of turning off the radio or television just as soon as a politician begins this focused rant—and it’s usually by the third or fourth word. I know I’m idealistic to a fault, but I just wish I could hear a passionate speech on proposals, personal principles, and persuasive stands with the strength to stand on its own merit without the use of harsh words ripping another by ugly comparisons and throw-downs.
Years ago, I’d served as a ghostwriter for political content. It can be well-paid, eye-opening work, but not for me I finally realized. I just couldn’t stomach it anymore. Am I tainted by the experience? Sure. I’ve had more than my share of exposure to those who like to rule with brutal words and iron fists. But I always end up asking: Do unsavory words for the purpose of propelling an agenda (or for any reason) add virtue or honor? Do they truly enlighten or inform us on the issues at hand? Yet, instead of growing harder, I seem to be softening under iron fists. I suppose I’m yearning for people, leaders, who dare to operate by a different slogan; one I’m trying--really trying to implement in my own circle: “Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.” (1 Peter 3:8). While I’m aware we will not all have unity of mind in this lifetime, on this earth, with such a range of discordant issues and beliefs, I think if we practice sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind (that is, putting the welfare of others before our own)—even just one of these—then maybe we’d behave a little better toward one another. Take better care with the words we use for each other, our fellow humans. We might even earn respect. Today, I value kindness to a much greater degree, and I beg, I beg it begins within me. Sounds like a bubbly beverage, but it’s the new effervescent French eBook sales channel which took over Tolino, the Belgium-based eBook distributor. This service largely expands distribution for authors in the Dutch, French, Belgian, and Swiss markets.
I switched distribution management a few years back—a favorable move I am grateful for which added sales channels. Don’t get me wrong: I love Amazon, but it’s not only about Amazon. I’m able to reach more readers through other sources and applications now. Here is a short list of additional vendors where my books can be found: Apple, Nook, Kobo, Scribd, 24 Symbols, Playster, !ndigo, Angus & Robertson, Mondadori, READIO, 2TigersLLC, and Google Play. Now that I’ve opted into Vivlio (Tolino), I have yet another avenue for a better reach. And as a gentle reminder, my books are each still cheaper than a single fancy-pants coffee at a café that rhymes with Barstucks. Bottoms up!  Click on the cover banner or the link below to go to my tour page with Goddess Fish Promotions. Scroll down to the bottom and you’ll find the particular sites I’m visiting. Enter for a chance to win a $50 Amazon Gift Card by posting a comment on any of the sites for this tour, as well as my Review Tour Feb 11-22—also with Goddess Fish. The more places you visit and comment, the greater your chances for winning. In the meantime, feel free to be smitten by Wind’s Aria. : ) http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2012/12/virtual-super-book-blast-winds-aria-by.html  Click on the banner for more details...
Or at: Pump Up Your Book! Virtual Book Tours “We must walk consciously only part way toward our goal, and then leap in the dark to our success.” ~ Henry David Thoreau
Sometimes the book industry seems nothing but an immense sea of writers all doggy paddling toward the same hard-to-reach beach. Going adrift to assess my position I found that I work diligently at certain marketing strategies and avoid others. Particular self-promoting canvassing efforts make me very uncomfortable. It feels so much like a rat race that I’m left yearning for a glimpse back into humanity. I’m also not convinced they’re that effective in reader/fan authenticity. But that’s just me (apparently). The differences in us (writers) might explain why certain marketing methods work well for some and not others. It’s said authors can’t afford to be choosy, but I doubt I’d rise to the NYT Bestsellers List by, for instance, like-fests, i.e., I’ll like your author page/tag if you like mine. I’d rather leave my future to providence, work hard at what’s right for me, and enjoy what I do and how I do it. It may be dark, but at least I’ve taken the leap. Besides, I’ve recently discovered the ocean of publicists who are dedicated to providing lifeboats, equipped with sonar, for those like me. |
TESSA STOCKTON, AUTHOR, BLOG -
Pressing through life, love, a few things that matter, and some that don't.
(I'm also a spirit-filled Messianic Jew, so you'll find a lot about that here too.)
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