MarketingNewAuthors.Com Wishes You A Happy New Year!

Traditional Publishing vs. Self-Publishing: Do You Know The Difference?

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Merry Christmas From MarketingNewAuthors.com!

Happy Hanukkah From MANA!

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Happy Thanksgiving From MarketingNewAuthors.Com

Book Trailer: Revelation, Resignation, Restoration: A Woman's Story of Triumph For All Women

Check out the book trailer for MANA's latest release: Revelation, Resignation, Restoration: A Woman's Story of Triumph For All Women by Cherisa Allen: 

REVELATION, RESIGNATION, RESTORATION

To preview the book, Revelation, Resignation, Restoration: A Woman's Story of Triumph For All Women, click on the title of the book.  

Read our blog post , A Q&A with MANA Author Cherisa Allen .

A Q&A With MANA Author Cherisa Allen

"We no longer have to live in that dark place where secrets are kept!"

Cherisa Allen has published her first book, Revelation, Resignation, Restoration: A Woman's Story of Triumph For All Women. 

Ms. Allen tells her personal story of overcoming abuse, starting from childhood and continuing into adulthood. Through it all, Ms. Allen earned a bachelor's degree and a  Master's of Social Work from Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, Michigan. She current ly works as an Outpatient Therapist at a woman's correctional facility. In addition, she is the Owner and Operator of Do You See What I See, LLC? Ms. Allen uses her experience to help women who have experienced all facets of abuse to face the tough issues that prevent them from moving forward with their lives. She is the mother of three children and a grandmother of one. 

Q. Is this your first time publishing a book?
A. Yes it is; a lifelong dream finally fulfilled.

Q. Why did you title your book, Revelation, Resignation, Restoration: A Woman's Story of Triumph For All Women?
A. Actually the title was dropped in my spirit after I began to identify areas in my life that caused me so much pain. I realized that I had a "Revelation" of all those things that kept me in a dark place; now it was time to do something different. The next step was to submit my letter of "Resignation", by this I mean I had to begin to take action, address the situation, do something different – promising myself never to return to that place. Once action was taken, "Restoration" could begin to take place. I began to feel good about myself, I was being put back together, gaining strength and confidence; that is when I gave myself permission to live again.

Q. Why did you decide to write this book?
A. Initially this was not a book. I began writing because God told me I would be the vessel used to tell the story of women everywhere. As I shared my work, a close friend reminded me that I had a story to tell and it was time to put it in black and white. A few months later it took off; every day that I wrote I began to feel a little bit more liberated. I became excited about sharing; a weight was lifted and at that very moment, I knew my sharing would help someone else. We no longer have to live in that dark place where secrets are kept!

Q. What do you want readers to take away from Revelation, Resignation, Restoration: A Woman's Story of Triumph For All Women?
A. I would like readers to be inspired, knowing that their past does not define them. I want readers to be encouraged, knowing that their current situation is not their final destination. I want women to pay it forward, no more judging, no more "crab-in-the-barrel" mentality, lifting as we climb because truly we don't know the next woman's story. Let's begin this journey of Self-Love together; LOVING ME, Loving You!

Q. What is your advice to people who may feel intimidated about telling their story?
A. Do not be afraid; do not second-guess yourself. There is greatness inside each of us–inside of YOU. Move forward with a zest and a zeal like never before. If you don't believe in yourself, who will?

Listen to an excerpt of a chapter from her book titled, "Suicide," read recently at a book signing for Ms. Allen:

Announcing "Revelation, Resignation, Restoration: A Woman's Story of Triumph For All Women" by Cherisa Allen

MANA is pleased to announce its latest book release, Revelation, Resignation, Restoration: A Woman's Story of Triumph For All Women by Cherisa Allen.  

Ms. Allen shares her journey of overcoming sexual molestation which began when she was a child. In an attempt to cope with the traumatic experience, Ms. Allen turned to alcohol to alleviate her pain. As a young mother, Ms. Allen found herself in relationships that resulted in domestic violence. 

Through it all, however, the author managed to graduate from high school with honors, earned a bachelor's degree and a Master's Degree in Social Work. At the same time, Ms. Allen had to navigate the stations of pain and learn to walk down the path of healing. As her life began to change due to her faith and reliance on God, Ms. Allen was able to help other women overcome similar obstacles in their lives.

During a particularly painful time in her life, Ms. Allen tried to commit suicide but fortunately, was not successful. Listen to an excerpt of a chapter from her book titled, "Suicide," read recently at a book signing for Ms. Allen:



In her book, Ms. Allen shares lessons that women can learn and she provides concrete strategies for those who are traveling her former path or know of women who are traveling that path and are trying to find their way out and become a whole person. 

To find out more about the book, Revelation, Resignation, Restoration: A Woman's Story of Triumph For All Women, click on the book title. 

MANA Salutes Our Veterans

Source: HappyVeteransDayImages.com

MANA Honors Our Veteran Authors

MANA is honored to publish and promote books written by veterans. MANA would like to honor our veterans who have served as soldiers on the field and soldiers of literature:

Thank You, Mr. Richard S. Rose

Mr. Rose served in Vietnam and honored MANA by submitting his work in our 2013 Writing Contest for writers of short stories and other prose. He won first place with his unique collection of short stories, Did You Ever Try to Melt A Lemon Drop: And Other Tales of Life Seen Through Rose-Colored Glasses.

Thank You, Captain Adrian Massey

Captain Adrian D. Massey has served his country with two deployments in Iraq. And he continues to serve. He is the voice for himself and other soldiers in A Soldier's Poetic Response: A Slice of His Life.

Thank You, Dr. Clarence C. Straham

Dr. Straham has now passed. However, his service to his country can never be forgotten. He has made a lasting impact on so many with his work, A Collection of Prayers By An Alpha Man.

For the month of November, MANA is calling for manuscripts written by military veterans. If you want to have your manuscript published, contact MANA today at info@marketingnewauthors.com or call us at 734-975-0028.

To preview the books, click on their titles.

A Call For Manuscripts From Military Veterans

This month, MANA is calling for manuscripts written by military veterans. If you are a military veteran and want to have your novel published, contact MANA before November 30. This MANA MONTH is dedicated to our veterans who have served our country. 

As an author of a work of fiction or non-fiction, you will receive a 20% off the cost of any MANA self-publishing plan. MANA has plans to meet every budget. We can also customize a plan for you. To get the discount: 

1. Choose a self-publishing plan on MANA's web site. MANA can customized a plan to meet your budget. 

2. Visit the MANA Month to make your $250 non-refundable down payment. 

3. Submit your manuscript in a Microsoft Word file via email to: info@marketingnewauthors.com.

4. MANA will review your manuscript and contact you.

So, get started today. Get the discount, get your work opublished – ebook or hard copy! It's your choice.

Now, you are on your way of becoming a published author. Thank you for your service. 

Questions? Contact us at 734-975-0028 or email us at: nfo@marketingnewauthors.com.

Get Ready for MANA's Black Friday And Cyber Monday Sales!

MANA is offering the Sale of Sales on Black Friday Weekend, November 28 - November 30 and Cyber Monday, December 1, 2014. 

On Black Friday Weekend, November 28 - November 30, take: 

• 25% off any books (as long as supplies last) on MANA's website, www.marketingnewauthors.com. Pay NO shipping and handling! Choose a rebate check to cover the 25% discount  or MANA will donate the 25% discount to one of its designated charities (see below for list)*

• 25% off the cost of any self-publishing plan. The only requirement is a $250 non-refundable downpayment to lock in the discount price for 1 (one) year.  You will have 1 (one) year to pay the full cost for publishing.  We can tailor a publishing plan to meet your budget! Contact MANA at info@marketingnewauthors.com if you have questions. 

• 25% off the cost of MANA Minute for authors who want podcast advertising. 

• 25% off the cost of Private Tutoring for business owners, staff of business owners, other professionals, and children.

From 12:01 AM to 11:59 PM on Cyber Monday, ONLY--50% OFF the cost of any MANA publishing plans: 

November Is National Novel Writing Month

Image Courtesy of National 
Novel Writing Month

Writers from across the globe will begin the tasks tomorrow of writing their fiction novels with the goal of completing them by 11:59 p.m. on November 30.

National Novel Writing Month, which begins on November 1 of  each year, challenges authors to write a 50,000-word fiction novel in 30 days. 

Authors who choose to accept the mission sign-up on NaNoWriMo's website. To encourage the authors to reach their goal on or before November 30, NaNoWriMo will have six published authors to write pep talk letters to mentor these storytellers. The authors include Veronica Roth (The Divergent trilogy), Jim Butcher (The Dresden Files), and Tamora Pierce (The Song of the Lioness). In partnership with We Need Diverse Books, NaNoWriMo is also providing resources to participants interested in writing diverse representation into their novels. 

Questions To Ask While Writing Your Novel

While your focus will primarily remain on your novel, it's important to think about whether or not you want to publish your work.  If you plan to eventually publish your novel, ask yourself these questions as you are writing your novel:  

Presenting Podcast of Poet Elesia K. Powell, MANA's 2014 Poetry Contest Winner

Elesia K. Powell Is MANA's 2014 Passion For Poetry Poet Contest winner. For winning the Passion For Poetry Poet Contest.  MANA published her work titled, Sweet Ache: Poetry of the Soul. To find out more about Ms. Powell, read a Q&A with Ms. Powell on our blog. 

Ms. Powell recently gave a lecture at Mott Community College in Flint, Michigan. We posted a recording of her presentation that we hope you will enjoy. Ms. Powell's quotation of the poem, Sacrifice/For the Fallen-And those that die tomorrow comes 17 minutes and 7 seconds (17:07) into her lecture. 

Sacrifice/For the Fallen-And those that die tomorrow

Elesia Powell

Surge the wave of murderous intent. Genocide/Homicide coupled with the hunt for your head. Skittle carrying N]]]]]]] disturbing the peace.-Travon Martin-Rampant Johnsons’ swinging in white chicks.-Oscar Grant-Mongrel makers of the common sort.-Eric Garner-Sick to death of your poor black/rich black-Nicholas Heyward Jr.-ignorant/educated black. Why are you still here?- Look at the teeth on that beast.-Patrick Moses Donismond-He’ll sell for a mighty price.-Amadou Diallo-Call for the Patty Rollers(Patrolers) my boy got away.-Malcolm Fergurson-Two days labor lost, cotton rotten on the vine. -Ousmane Zongo-Make me a buck when I get him back.-Tim Stansbury-Never mind, I’ll breed em’ myself.-Sean Bell- Spit in your cup, sooner than pick you up. Want you under my feet where you belong.-Romarley Graham-Poking out your black chest.-Tamon Robinson-Don’t you dare lift your eyes to look at me.-Kimani Grey-I’ll lock you up and swallow the key.-Kendrick Johnson-Now, pay me for your labor.-Jordan Davis-You lazy brute.-James Byrd-Too docile to ever conquer me. Have/will crush the head of your unborn/born seed.-Gang/Bang-Bang-Thank god for Thug life. Go and sing your songs. Carry your signs. March a march-Garrick Hopkins-and march a march again.-Carl Hopkins Jr.- I still own you. Mind my mind and coon to my tune/toon, or watch me tax your black/you better ask somebody. Hire you out to war- fields and shoot you in the back. Your righteous indignation fazes me not. I prey, and watch you pray, as I devour your offspring.-Timothy Russell, Ervin Jefferson, Orlando Barlow, Arron Campbell, Victor Steen, Steven Eugene Washington, Alonso Ashley, Wendel Allen, Travares McGill, John Crawford III, Mike Brown…Et al.

Click on the title of the book to preview, Sweet Ache: Poetry of the Soul

Just In Time For Halloween, MANA's New Book Trailer: "Killer Toe"

 To preview "Killer Toe," visit http://marketingnewauthors.biz/killer-toe/

Bowker Report: Self-Publishing Continues to Grow In The United States

Writers have more publishing options today than ever before. There was once a time when writers sent their manuscripts to large publishing houses in hopes that the company would publish their inaugural novel. While this remains true to a certain extent today, more writers are choosing to self-publish their own works than face possible rejection from large publishing companies. 

A new analysis of U.S. ISBN data by Bowker, the official ISBN Agency for the United States and its territories and Australia, shows that the number of self-published titles in 2013 increased to more than 458,564, up 17 percent over 2012 and 437 percent over 2008. Print titles were up a very strong 29 percent over 2012, indicating the format’s continuing relevance to self-publishers. While self-publishing continues to grow, the pace appears to be normalizing after several explosive years.

Beat Barblan, Bowker Director of Identifier Services, said the company's "general conclusion is that self-publishing is beginning to mature. While it continues to be a force to be reckoned with, it is evolving from a frantic, wild-west style space to a more serious business. The market is stabilizing as the trend of self-publisher as business-owner, rather than writer only, continues."

Bowker's analysis also found that print books have strong value to self-published authors and help authors to read a broader audience, often through independent bookstores. Publishers,   media companies and individual authors have also set up online bookstores to specifically promote and sell their books on the Internet.

A Call For Horror and Mystery Manuscripts

This month, MANA is putting out a call for manuscripts in the mystery and horror genre. In recognition of Halloween, MANA is offering authors of mystery and horror 20% off the cost of any MANA self-publishing plan. 

To receive the discount:

1. Choose a self-publishing plan on MANA's web site. MANA can tailor any plan to meet your financial needs. 

2. Visit the MANA Month to make your $250 non-refundable down payment. 

3. Submit your manuscript in a Microsoft Word file via email to: info@marketingnewauthors.com.

4. MANA will review your manuscript and contact you.

So, get started today. Get the discount, get your work of horror or mystery published – ebook or hard copy! It's your choice.

Questions? Contact MANA at info@marketingnewauthors.com.

A Little Child by Della Frye

Poem from Della's Writings, A Senior Citizen's Poetry and Short Stories. Preview at: http://marketingnewauthors.biz/dellas-writings-a-senior-citizens-poetry-and-short-stories/

WE WILL NEVER FORGET

Source: http://www.freegreatimages.com/september-11-facebook/

MANA Calls For Manuscripts on Improving Student Learning And For Children's Books

Do you have a manuscript on how to improve student learning? Or do you have a children's book that you want published? If you do, then take advantage of MANA's special offer this month. 

MANA is offering a 20% discount off the cost of any self-publishing plan on our web site. To take advantage of this offer, go to the MANA MONTH page on our website and make a $250 down payment. Then e-mail your manuscript to info@marketingnewauthors.com. The non-refundable down payment goes toward the cost of the plan you choose. So, you receive a significant savings. So, you receive a significant savings.

MANA has several self-publishing plans available, including our Print-On-Demand package and have your published within four weeks. 

MANA's plans include editing, proofreading, an author's web page, e-commerce services, digital marketing, printing, cover designs and color covers. You do not have to have all of the services offered, MANA can tailor a plan that meets your need and your budget. Authors who choose not to have digital marketing can earn 100% royalty.

So, if you have a manuscript on improving student education or if you have a children's book that you've always wanted published, then contact MANA to self-publish your manuscript. Visit our MANA MONTH web page to submit your downpayment. 

Questions? Contact MANA at info@marketingnewauthors.com or call us at 734-975-0028.

Offer expires: September 30, 2014

Empowered Women Small Business Owners Do More Than Just Survive—They Thrive!

Editor's Note: MANA is offering a new program called "MANA's Consultation Services." for women who want to launch a small business . To find out more about the service, visit our blog post: http://manasunriser.blogspot.com/2014/07/mana-offering-business-consulting-for.html Recently, MANA's owner, Dr. Fairy C. Hayes-Scott wrote an article for the Better Business Bureau's blog on empowering women small business owners:


Statistics report that most businesses, owned by men or women, have less than a five-year professional life (U.S. Department of Commerce, 2010, Oct). Small businesses owned by women have a shorter life span. Why is that? There are some basics that any small business owners must fulfill, such as being able to do just about every task employees do. However, why do women have more obstacles than men when it comes to running a business?

There are challenges that have been the kryptonite for women small business owners. Let's examine a few. To continue reading, go to: http://easternmichbbb.tumblr.com/post/96617220754/empowered-women-small-business-owners-do-more-than-just

MANA Announces Three New Book Releases!

MarketingNewAuthors.com (MANA) presents three new books by for your reading pleasure: 

Della's Writings, A Senior Citizen's Poetry and Short Stories by Della Frye

Author Della Frye created a collection of short stories and poems. Each one teaches lessons that both adults and children can learn. The section, Short Stories for the Young and Young at Heart are stories that even children will enjoy.  The poems cover every facet of life and some have been put to music. There are poems that convey, The Special Love & Strength of the Mother and Grandmother, followed by The Sorrows, Hopes & Joys of the Heart. Every work in this collection is memorable and well worth the read. 

Killer Toe by Anthony Witcher

Killer Toe is a major character in author Anthony Witcher's fictional narrative based in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The narrative carries a theme of  right and wrong regarding love and redemption. The main female character works in a morgue. She is experiencing personal pain due to a bad breakup with her boyfriend. She remains unconsolable over the breakup and cries frequently at work. Her constant sobbing is heard by the Toe of one of her morgue patients. After hearing her story about the breakup, the Toe, which comes to life on its own, has compassion on her. In time, the Toe plays a key role in teaching a significant lesson on how to treat others in relationships. One cannot find peace until  Killer Toe gets its way!

The 2 of Me: Preparation for Separation by Sarah McChristian 

Sarah McChristian takes her readers on the spiritual journey that changed her into the person she is today. The author describes a point in her life where she realizes her two identities which she describes as a "physical me and a spiritual me." She was not satisfied with the "physical" side of her life and explains how events in her life caused her to see herself as a person "with whom" she was not pleased. It wasn't until she became aware of God's "Law of Love," that the she began to see her "spiritual" side. The author describes her spiritual change which came as a result of her continuing "to satisfy my hunger for truth." The 2 of Me is a roadmap for readers who are going down a life path that they want to change. 

To preview the books, click on their titles. To discover other books that MANA has to offer, visit MANA's website http://marketingnewauthors.biz and click on "List of Publications" in the menu. 

MANA Announces The Launch of Its New Website

MarketingNewAuthors.com (MANA) has a digital makeover and we're inviting you to take a look. We are launching our new website at http://MarketingNewAuthors.com. 

Visit our website and discover all the services we have to offer.  Click on the menu bar at the top of the Homepage to see what is offered under those headings, that include:

1. !0 Most Recently & Popular Publications

2. MANA's List of Publications

3. Services offered by MANA

4. MANA's Publishing Plans

5. Business Consulting for Woman-Owned Businesses

6. Private Tutoring -MPEC

7. MANA Writers' Group

8. The MANA Sunset Newsletter

9. MANA Blog

10. MANA Minute

MANA is more than just a self-publishing company. MANA offers unsurpassed, unique, and unparalleled self-publishing, marketing and distribution services and more! Visit our new website today at http://MarketingNewAuthors.com. 

Questions? Contact us at info@MarketingNewAuthors.com.

MarketingNewAuthors.com Joins ALS Ice Bucket Challenge

Check out Today Show host Matt Lauer take on the ALS Bucket Challenge!

Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Have you seen Matt Lauer, Bill Gates and other celebrities having a bucket of cold water poured over their heads recently? It's not that they enjoy feeling cold water on their heads. They are raising awareness of ALS. 

ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. Eventually, people with ALS lose the ability to initiate and control muscle movement, which often leads to total paralysis and death within two to five years of diagnosis. There is no cure and only one drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration that modestly extends survival. Veterans are twice as likely to be diagnosed with the disease. 

The ALS Association was MANA's charity for 2013. This year, MANA has designated funds for The Women Veterans Project sponsored by Swords to Plowshares, a community-based, not-for-profit veteran service organization.  Through The Women Veterans Project, Swords to Plowshares works to improve its programs, including housing, benefits and health and social services, to meet the needs of women veterans most of whom have served in Iraq and Afghanistan. 

MANA has joined the ALS Bucket Challenge, but we aren't going to pour water over our heads! We are instead making a special offer: 

1. For any one who purchases a publishing plan, 10% of the plan's cost will go to The ALS Association and the other 10% will go to the Women Veterans Project. 

OR 

2. You may accept 20% off the cost of your chosen self-publishing plan. 

Another way to help the Women Veterans Project is to contribute to the MANA Blog Continuous Short Story. For every 20 posts of five sentences or more, MANA will donate $10 to The Women Veterans Project. Contribute to the short story by visiting: http://manasunriser.blogspot.com/2014/02/contribute-to-continuing-short-story.html

For more information about The ALS Association's Ice Bucket Challenge, please contact Carrie Munk at cmunk@alsa-national.org.

Call For Manuscripts On Vacations or Travel

Are you a travel expert with tips to share? Can you recommend great vacation destination or do you have hilarious vacation stories to tell? MANA is seeking manuscripts this month in the areas of travel and vacations. If you have a manuscript that you would like to have published, contact MANA by August 31 and receive 20% off the cost of any MANA self-publishing plan.

MANA's self-publishing packages include editing, proofreading, printing, book cover designs, color covers, e-commerce services, an author's web page and digital marketing. We can also tailor a plan to meet your needs if you do not need all of the services included in the self-publishing package. We can also tailor a plan to meet your budget. 

Take advantage of this offer by:

1. Choosing a Self-Publishing Plan on our website. Click here to visit the site.

2. Go to the MANA Month page to make your $250 non-refundable down payment. 

3. Submit your manuscript in a Microsoft Word file via email to: info@marketingnewauthors.com.

4. MANA will review your manuscript and contact you.

Take advantage of this offer to see your dream realized of publishing your historical or non-historical fiction. 

Remember, MANA tailors its self-publishing plans to meet the needs of each author. Questions? Contact MANA today at info@marketingnewauthors.comor call 1-734-975-0028.

Offer expires: August 31, 2014

Submit Your Poetry To MANA's 2015 Passion for Poetry Poet Contest

MANA is accepting entries for the 2015 Passion for Poetry Poet Contest.

The winning poet will have his or her work published as a hard copy book and an e-book  with professionally designed front and back color covers.

The poet will also receive:

1. Recognition on MANA's web site.

2. One year of free digital marketing service.

3. Free e-commerce services.

4. Two free copies of the book. 

As the author, you will retain full copyright and you will receive a royalty for all sales of the work via MANA. 

To have a collection, you must submit 50 to 150 poems. Submit your entry as a Microsoft Word file. Deadline for entries is 11:59 PST, October 25, 2014. There is no entry fee. 

To submit your entry, email us at info@marketingnewauthors.com.

"Sweet Ache" by Elesia Powell

Surrounded by the beauty of lush valleys,

The tropical breezes blow large green leaves,
Exposing the fruit hidden beneath.
I choose the just ripe
Mango, papaya, and star fruit;
I slice them into jars,
The mango and papaya in the center,
The star fruit toward the outer edges of the jars.
I fill each one with coconut water and sugar.
I want it so sweet
That their teeth will ache,
Like my insides do from wanting you.
I seal the jars and tie them with a bright ribbon
Before I take them to market to sell.
I call it Sweet Ache,
Homemade love in a bottle
with all I have for you
Locked in these jars.
Only the tourists buy my treats.
The natives hear my solitary songs in the night and 
Make wide steps around me.
My own voice returns as an echo in darkness,
Sweet Ache I call out,
Homemade love in a bottle.
With each jar sold,
I pray my aching will end.
I return to the valley with Sweet Ache lingering,
Along with the sugar that creases my fingers.
The rain falls on my zinc roof,
Each drop ringing a thousand small bells,
Just a little more sugar.
Sweet Ache.



Poem from Sweet Ache: Poetry of the Soul by Elesia Powell.
CLICK HERE to preview the book.

MANA's Book Review: Teenagers Unlocking Personal Power by Midge Patzer

Also available in Spanish

With teenagers having to navigate the their personal lives in uncertain times, they need all the help that parents and other adults can give them.

Midge Patzer loves teenagers. So, knowing that the teenage years are a complex—yet powerful time—Ms. Patzer wanted to help them—and their parents—in some way. 

Having raised two children of her own and a high school teacher for 30 years, Ms. Patzer decided to write Teenagers: Unlocking Personal Power.

In her book, Ms. Patzer shares her approach to understanding and guiding teens. According to the Ms. Patzer, her approach actually works and Teenagers: Unlocking Personal Power demonstrates this with case students that she has collected over her many years working with teenagers and their parents. 

The key to this success is teaching teenagers that they have “Personal Power.” So, what is Personal Power? According to Ms. Patzer: 

• Personal Power is the power that comes from within.
• Personal Power is internal confidence. 
• Personal Power is dignified, respectful, and responsible.

What is the benefit of Personal Power? Love of oneself. Patzer writes:

"Teenagers are capable of altering and developing their behaviors and their beliefs in a constructive way. Watching teens find and develop their Personal Power is both a joy and a privilege. The self-esteem and self-awareness that accompany Personal Power are just below the surface in most teens. Every teenager has the capacity to uncover his or her Personal Power."

If you are a parent, educator, or simply interested in helping teenagers through the hurdles of life, then check out Teenagers: Unlocking Personal Power available HERE on the website of MarketingNewAuthors.com.

A Q&A With Elesia K. Powell, MANA's 2014 Poetry Contest Winner

Elesia K. Powell, MANA's 2014 Poetry Contest Winner

Elesia K. Powell Is MANA's 2014 Passion For Poetry Poet Contest winner. For winning the Passion For Poetry Poet Contest, MANA published her work titled, Sweet Ache: Poetry of the Soul. 

Ms. Powell is an adjunct instructor of freshman composition at Mott Community College in Flint, Michigan. She graduated from the University of Michigan-Flint with a Master's degree in Composition/Rhetoric. Ms. Powell is also the winner of the prestigious University of Michigan Hopwood Award.  The program presents awards each year for creative non-fiction, fiction and poetry. 

Q. What drew you into writing poetry?  
A. Listening to the Last Poets, Nikki Giovanni and Dr. Maya Angelou, they were my inspirations. Poetry was a form of release as a teenager growing-up in the Bronx.  Essence Magazine published an opinion letter that I had written during that time, and I thought that was important, and I kept writing. However, it would be years before I had the courage to publish.   

Q. Who were your writing influences (writers, books, teachers)? 
A. I read often, and James Baldwin was one of my favorite authors. Eventually, I fell in love with others as well: Toni Morrison, Gloria Naylor, Alice Walker, J. California Cooper, and Flannery O’Conner are a few.  

Q. When and where do you write?
A. I would like to be a morning writer. I think it would be great to start my days with a few intense hours of creativity, but I find that I often can’t begin to write until after 7 p.m. I have also noticed that once I begin a writing session it becomes difficult to stop, which means I’m up until the early hours of the morning writing. Right now, I’m trying to stay on target toward my goals of completing a collection of short stories, and two works of non-fiction. I don’t actually work on all of these projects at the same time, but they are all at various levels of completion, and I remind myself that I don’t have forever to work on them.  

Q. What is your new publication, Sweet Ache: Poetry of the Soul about?
A.  Sweet Ache: Poetry of the Soul is a compilation of free-verse poems that I have been writing for a number of years.  There are several themes, but I find that it is mostly about the angst and the glory of relationships. There are a few poems, which touch on political topics and scenes of everyday life.  The poetry in Sweet Ache is often vivid and concrete, but there are a few ethereal poems as well.

Are You A Poet? Then Why Not Publish A Chapbook?

If you're a poet and want to publish your work, consider publishing your poems in a chapbook format.

Chapbooks are not new to the publishing industry, yet they are becoming more popular among poets who do not have hundreds of dollars to publish multiple full-length books.  

Chapbooks are similar to booklets (small books) and sometimes compared to pamphlets. The books are relatively inexpensive to produce which means that you can make as many copies of your work as you would like. You can arrange your chapbooks so that each one has a theme. For instance, if you have a collection of poems on several topics, such as love, life, parenting, friendship, you can produce a chapbook on each topic. 

Poetry chapbooks can range anywhere from 20 to 40 pages, are usually stapled on the fold and use card stock or plain paper for the cover. Of course, you can customize the size of the book and design your own cover. It's best to discuss your paper weight and cover design with your publisher or printer. You can decide how to price your book based on your production costs. 

As for what you should include in your book, Poemfish.com has a great article on selecting poems for your chapbook and how to prepare your manuscript for publication. Whatever you decide to include, chapbooks offer you a prime opportunity to introduce your poetry to people who may not normally read lengthy works. 

MarketingNewAuthors.com can help you set up a chapbook as a soft-cover publication or as an e-book as low as $100. Contact MarketingNewAuthors.com for more details. 

Celebrate Christmas in July With MANA!

MANA's Christmas in July is going on now. From July 5th to July 25th, get discounts off of: 

Worldwide Evil and Misery: The Legacy of the 13 Satanic Bloodlines by Robin de Ruiter and Fritz A. Springmeir (available in English, Spanish, French and German). 

This book is a about the development of a New World Order that aims to suppress the whole of humanity. Are the visible world leaders just mere puppets directed by an invisible power from behind the scenes? Are there invisible hands controlling the world? Is there a conspiracy? Who are the conspirators?

According to the authors, great nations are simply the operating fronts of behind-the-scenes, vastly ambitious individuals who have become so effectively powerful because of their ability to remain invisible while operating behind the national scenery. The authors expose their plans and their ultimate goal of controlling the world!

Unveiled: The Protocols of the Learned Elders of Zion by Robin De Ruiter. The political and socio-economic chaos that exists at the moment was described 200 years ago in The Protocols of the Elders of Zion. How is this possible? The author of the Protocols must have been a prophet who intuitively must have foreseen World War I, The Great Depression, World War II, and the Cold War.

This book is an attempt to provide some insight and to make it possible for people to act, which is something that is highly needed at this point in time. 


• All Children's Books in the MANA Online Store.

Visit our website at MarketingNewAuthors.com. Get a 25% discount and no shipping and handling fees off this promotion if you pay by check via U.S. mail. If you use your credit card, pay the list price and within 5 days, MANA will send you a rebate check that covers the 25% discount and shipping and handling charges. 

Self-Publishing Discount

Get 25% off any Self-Publishing Plan you choose by July 25th!  Use this significant discount to pay for a unique present--a published book or a gift card detailing a self-published plan delivered by December 25th. 

Make your dream, or the dream of someone you love, come true by becoming a published author. Either way, celebrate Christmas in July now with MANA!

Questions? Contact MANA via email at info@marketingnewauthors.com or at 734-975-0028.  Visit our website at www.marketingnewauthors.com.

"Help! I'm Stuck In The Middle of My Story! Now What?!”

By The MANA Staff

dfinnecy via Compfight cc 

There’s nothing as frustrating as getting stuck in the middle of your fiction novel and not know in what direction to turn.

Ideally, you should develop a story outline, but not all writers do this because they want to work out the plot as they go along. On the other hand, sometimes you develop an outline but then take the story into another direction. 

If you have written yourself into this predicament, don’t panic. Just breathe. Now, step back for a moment and see whether the following advice will help you get out of your hard place.  

Bring your story to a boil 

In the beginning, you introduced the characters and set up the conflict.  So, bring the tension and suspense that you’ve been building from the beginning to a boiling point in the middle of your story.

This is the perfect time to surprise your readers by revealing secrets about your main characters or have your characters experience tragic moments. For instance, you can reveal that your character is having an affair or just found out at 53 years old, that she was adopted, or have one of your characters falsely accused of stealing classified documents from his company and now “shadowy figures” are after him. 

Readers love finding out something about the characters that they didn’t already know. The revelations you create may even confirm what readers suspected about the characters all along. If readers did not suspect anything, the exposed secrets will prompt them to either flip a few pages back to see why they “didn’t see it coming” or continue reading to find out what happens next.

Revelations in the middle of your story also give you more material to work with as you move to the end of your story.