An Amazon.com Book Review…

Happy Friday, everyone! I’m in a bit of a tizzy today- where did the time go? because I’m preparing to spend the weekend with my daughter and help her get settled in her new house. I’m going to share with you guys an earlier review I’d written at Amazon.com.

Eloisa Ramos is a student and teacher of Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) or tapping, which she uses in her work. I’d vaguely heard of tapping via webinars, newsletters and such, but Eloisa explains the technique in more detail as a stimulus process used much in the same way as acupuncture on key areas of the body to,”unblock stuck energy showing up as negative emotions and beliefs- releasing them from our energy system.”

This book is deep and I initially thought too conservative in its writings for me, but, you’ll see from reading my review- I had, as Oprah would say, “aha.” moments during the read.

My amazon review:

Self-Esteem: Discovering Your Boundless Self-Worth (Volume 1) (Paperback)
When I downloaded a free copy of Beyond Self-Esteem, from Story Cartel. admittedly, I began my initial read of the author’s work, with bit of a closed mind, as I had preconceived notions of what to expect in regards to self development, enlightenment and spiritual self awareness- some of the the criteria for which my own work is based. The author’s work started to read like a college term paper at first, but, when I returned with a sincere determination to finish the book and give an honest review, I allowed myself to read, without prejudice and harbored no perceptions of what I thought the message should be. Overall, I found the book to be stimulating, interesting and humanly intriguing.

It was interesting to find out more about EFT and how it works when exploring the true ‘self.’ I was also encouraged by the author’s take on self-images and how we find our truths by recognizing what’s lies beyond our externals. I enjoyed letting go of limiting beliefs and opening up to the positives the author have to share. Important lessons to learn!

P.S. Let this be a lesson to all creatives- never assume anything until you’ve read the fine print:)

How about you guys- ever thought a book ‘difficult’ only to find it was really worth the read?

eclasses For The Smart Freelance Writer

Image by Susan NYC via Flickr

I’m loving this early midwest morning. A bit of a cloudy overcast coupled with the aftermath of an early morning rain…The simplicity of nature. Anyhow, good morning readers! In the spirit of Literacy and knowledge, I’m enthused about a new Fall beginning. While the children are back in school to get their learning on, adults have no excuse for not picking up some of this extra mind fill for themselves. Recently, I’ve been taking a few email courses. This route of educating myself and adding to my writing portfolio is the best way for me to go because I’m still in the workforce. Those days I do come home all beat up & trampled upon, I’m not looking to do any assigned homework.

E-classes/courses are gaining more momentum with the savvy writer, whether they’re teaching a class ,or taking one. Susan Jonhston wrote on her blog, The Urban Muse recently that she is taking a class with author Steph Auteri called “Five Weeks To Freelance Awesome.” Susan says she is confident in this author’s ability to carry the class and warns that it all starts with the instructor, because not everyone is who they say they are on their blogs and so forth . I’m confident in the e-classes I have signed on for as well and I’m enjoying & learning some new information from everyone of them. Well, the Copywriting class 101 is a lot of information to digest, but when it comes to copywriting, you gotta set the pace for learning about a fast paced industry. 

Srinivas Rao teaches from his personal development blog. His courses are timely, informative and filled with his personal journeys to achieving his writing  dreams. His course also includes guest posts from other writers. This course from Srinivas I sort of happened into, but once I read all of the inspiring posts for writers, and bloggers, I decided to stay with it. Srinivas is generous with his time, asking for feedback from participants and sending information of importance to aid your personal development.

My all time favorite e-class at the moment is “Think Like an Entrepreneur: Transforming Your Career and Taking Charge of Your Life”. The course is based upon the author’s book of the same title. I’ve just completed part 4 of Deborah Bailey’s e-class. I love the motivational approach and lessons she offer for writers on their journey to becoming solopreneurs! An actual coach who teaches many entrepreneur classes, Deborah shows you the strategy from start to finish on how to accomplish and grow your business.  Deborah can be reached at http://www.dbailycoach.com for info on her classes and her book of the same name.

Ok, in the spirit of full disclosure, I must tell you: There’s another e-class I’m curious about. It’s called ” Social Media Simplified for Small Business Owners and Solopreneurs” by Chrisitne Gallagher. Whew, got that off my chest:)

 Writers, don’t forget the short fiction contests! Zoetrope: All-story is open for business. Visit www.all-story.com/contests.cgi  and Writers Digest 6th Annual short story contests in Romance, Horror, Thriller/Suspense and Mystery/Crime Fiction.  Are you entering any contests?

Related Articles

• The Freelancer’s Guide to Professional Development (freelanceswitch.com)