Beyond the Books

Richard Tillotson on Acts of God While On Vacation Virtual Book Tour 2012

admin — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 22:24:51 +0000

Pump Up Your Book is pleased to announce Richard Tillotson’s Acts of God While on Vacation Virtual Book Tour 2012 beginning February 6 and ending on February 29 2012. Richard will be on hand during his worldwide tour talking about his book in candid interviews and guest posts! Lots of fun along the way as Richard stops off at blogs around the world to give his fans a chance to ask him questions and to find out more about this talented author.

About Richard Tillotson

Richard Tillotson has been a Peace Corps volunteer in Borneo, a playwright in New York, a copywriter in Hawaii, and is a relative of an English Lord, all of which helped him write Acts of God While on Vacation, a National Semi-Finalist for the 2009 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award and named “Hawaii’s best fiction book of 2011” by The Honolulu Star-Advertiser. He works in Honolulu and vacations in Washington DC.

About Acts of God While on Vacation

ACTS OF GOD WHILE ON VACATION begins with a death threat received by a philandering general manager of a lavish Hawaii resort, jumps to an anthropologist researching headhunters in the jungles of Borneo, then to a demonic, scandal-mongering paparazzo in New York, and on to a gorgeous, party-loving English aristocrat in London. Alternately desperate and hilarious adventures draw them all to Waikiki, where their arrival coincides with an international conference on shamanism and a catastrophic, force-five hurricane. ACTS OF GOD WHILE ON VACATION was a National Semi-Finalist for the AMAZON BREAKTHROUGH NOVEL AWARD.

“A rollicking page-turner … This is Hawaii’s best fiction book of 2011.”

- HONOLULU STAR-ADVERTISER

“A shamanically-skewed romp of brilliant insight and slapstick comedy”

- HAWAII PUBLIC RADIO

“As entertaining as it is enlightening”

- PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

“Laugh-out-loud funny, while also ringing true”

- HONOLULU WEEKLY

“It’s a comic novel with serious edges. Even more remarkable: It’s one of the few fictions set in Hawaii that gets all the details right.”

- HONOLULU MAGAZINE

About Pump Up Your Book

Pump Up Your Book handles all the aspects of virtual book touring from pre-buzzing your book before the tour starts to making sure buyers will find your book long after the tour is over. If you are the author of a newly published book, have an upcoming release or just want to give a previously published book new life, a virtual book tour with Pump Up Your Book is the answer. We welcome traditionally published, electronically published and self-published authors. Our esteem list of clients include Claire Cook, Caridad Pineiro, C.W. Gortner, Barbara Bretton, Cody McFayden, James Hayman, Karen White, Kathleen Willey, Lisa Daily, Lisa Jackson, Mary Burton, Nancy Thayer, Randy Sue Coburn, Ray Comfort, Sandi Kahn Shelton, Sheila Roberts, Therese Fowler, Hope Edelman, Wendy Wax, Jon Meacham, Shobhan Bantwal, Pat Williams, Jane Green, Judge Glenda Hatchett and cook show personality Paula Deen. We also represent Random House, Abingdon Press, Zumaya Publications, WND Books, Sheaf House Publishers, New Hope Publishers, Guardian Angel Publishers, Genesis Press, and Moody Publishing. Contact us to find out what we can do for you and your book!

If you’d like to interview Richard or review his book, contact Dorothy Thompson at thewriterslife(at)gmail.com. Pump Up Your Book is an innovative public relations agency specializing in online book promotion for authors. Visit us at www.pumpupyourbook.com.

Selwyn Mills on Confessions of a Color-Blind House Painter Virtual Book Tour 2012

admin — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 19:16:04 +0000

Pump Up Your Book is pleased to announce Selwyn Mills’ Confessions of a Color-Blind House Painter Virtual Book Tour 2012 beginning February 6 and ending on February 29 2012. Selwyn will be on hand during his worldwide tour talking about his book in candid interviews and guest posts! Lots of fun along the way as Selwyn stops off at blogs around the world to give his fans a chance to ask him questions and to find out more about this talented author.

About Selwyn Mills

Selwyn Mills served an apprenticeship in decorative painting before starting his own business in 1956, which lasted until his retirement in 1992. He worked as a craftsman painter, wrote for the National Paint Journal, served as President of the National Painting Contractor Association in Nassau County, New York, and taught faux painting. While painting professionally, Mills earned his doctorate in psychology and operated a successful private psychotherapy practice.

Dr. Mills practiced psychotherapy in Great Neck N.Y. for twenty-five year, specializing in couples therapy, family reconciliation and Men in Transition groups. His psychotherapy practice overlapped his forty year career as a decorative painting contractor. He painted in the mornings and counseled patients in the afternoon and evenings. His research into the left/right brain phenomenon, and its impact of personality development, led to a unique discovery of why opposites attract. Active in live theater, he wrote and produced a musical comedy called, “Love Torment and Lollipops”. An accomplished photographer, his black and white prints are part of the permanent collection of the Bibliotech Nationale in Paris, France. He currently works at the Sugden Theater in Naples, Florida as director of faux painting. Mills married in 1949 at the age of 19 and has four children and four grandchildren.

His latest book is the autobiography, Confessions of a Color-Blind House Painter.

You can visit his website at www.selwynmills.com.

Website | Amazon| Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble l Official Tour Page

About Confessions of a Color-Blind House Painter

“Confessions of a Color-Blind House Painter” (ISBN 1466342013), a collection of autobiographical writings by Selwyn Mills, offers an account of the author’s life as well as his ruminations on painting, psychotherapy, friendship, romantic love, poetry, prison, philosophy, relationships and cats, among other topics.

Mills split his professional life between two concurrent careers – he worked as a decorative painter in the mornings and led psychotherapy sessions in the afternoon. Although these types of work might appear quite different, Mills describes how each profession deals with depression and renewal. He offers an eclectic collection of musings on various topics, each one weaving personal narrative with opinion and insight. “Confessions of a Color-Blind House Painter” reveals a portrait of a life made up of equal portions of intellectual, creative and emotional elements.

“Once the reader learns from the author’s examples of overcoming so much, the reader is prepared to take on any challenge. Thank you to the author for taking the time to write this truly unique and inspiring literary work!”

– D.C. Blackbird, author of Jekyll Says…Good Deeds Cats Do That You Should Too!

“I know Dr. Mills as a devoted friend, artist, writer, photographer and a psychotherapist and philosopher. I also know how difficult some of his challengers have been and how amazed I was at how deftly he overcame them. Dr. Mills “confessions” is good for the Soul.”

– Rev. Dr. Samuel O. Sewell

“A crazy life and if my own were not so bizarre and unusually full I would envy him, but I know him now as a friend and fellow traveler collecting riches for the end so we can smile as we pass to whatever comes after life, knowing we lived well.”

– William T. Greystone

About Pump Up Your Book

If you’d like to contact Selwyn for an interview or review his book, contact Dorothy Thompson at thewriterslife(at)gmail.com. Pump Up Your Book is an innovative public relations agency specializing in online book promotion for authors. Visit us at www.pumpupyourbook.com.

Interview with Middle Grade Fiction Author Fiona Ingram, author of ‘The Secret of the Sacred Scarab’

admin — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 22:29:15 +0000

I can’t remember NOT having a book in my hand. My schoolmates called me a bookworm, and nothing’s changed since then. I was brought up on the children’s classics because my parents are also avid readers. My earliest story-telling talents came to the fore when, from the age of ten, I entertained my three younger brothers and their friends with serialized tales of children undertaking dangerous and exciting exploits, which they survived through courage and ingenuity. Haunted houses, vampires, and skeletons leaping out of coffins were hot favorites in the cast of characters. We also acted out the stories for my long-suffering parents! I graduated from the University of Natal, Durban, South Africa, with a double first in my B.A. (French & Drama). After completing my Honors in Drama at Natal, I then went to the University of the Witwatersrand to do my Masters degree in French-African literature (graduated cum laude). I also studied drama at The Drama Studio in London and mime at L’Ecole Jacques le Coq in Paris. Upon my return to South Africa, I immersed myself in teaching drama at community centres, and became involved in producing community and grassroots theatre with local playwrights and performers in Natal for several years. A move to Johannesburg took me in a new direction—that of journalism. I have written freelance for the last fifteen years on everything from serial killers to relationship advice. Writing a children’s book—The Secret of the Sacred Scarab—was an unexpected step, inspired by a recent trip to Egypt. The tale of the sacred scarab began life as a little anecdotal tale for my 2 nephews (then 10 and 12), who had accompanied me on the Egyptian trip. This short story grew into a children’s book, the first in the adventure series, Chronicles of the Stone. I have already completed the next book in the series—The Search for the Stone of Excalibur—a huge treat for young King Arthur fans. Although I do not have children of my own, I have an adopted teenage foster child, from an underprivileged background who is discovering the joys of reading for pleasure. My interests include literature, art, theatre, collecting antiques, animals, music, and films.

Fiona’s latest book is the middle grade adventure novel, The Secret of the Sacred Scarab – Book 1 in the Chronicles of the Stone series.

Purchase ebook for $2.99 here!

Website l Blog l Twitter l Facebook

About The Secret of the Sacred Scarab

A 5000-year-old mystery comes to life when a scruffy peddler gives Adam and Justin Sinclair an old Egyptian scarab on their very first day in Egypt. Only when the evil Dr. Faisal Khalid shows a particular interest in the cousins and their scarab, do the boys realise they are in terrible danger. Dr. Khalid wants the relic at all costs. Justin and Adam embark upon the adventure of a lifetime, taking them down the Nile and across the harsh desert in their search for the legendary tomb of the Scarab King, an ancient Egyptian ruler. They are plunged into a whirlpool of hazardous and mysterious events when Dr. Khalid kidnaps them. They survive terrifying dangers in a hostile environment (such as a giant cobra, as well as sinking sand), pursued by enemies in their quest to solve the secret of the sacred scarab. They must translate the hieroglyphic clues on the underside of the scarab, as well as rescue the missing archaeologist James Kinnaird, and their friend, the Egyptologist Ebrahim Faza, before time runs out. They must also learn more about the ancient Seven Stones of Power and the mysterious Shemsu-Hor. With just their wits, courage, and each other, the boys manage to survive … only to find that the end of one journey is the beginning of another!

Young explorers will enjoy an interactive journey through Egypt, following Justin and Adam’s exciting adventure on www.secretofthesacredscarab.com. Readers can also browse the first chapter of the book. Those who survive the journey and manage to translate the Curse of Thoth will be able to read the first chapter in Adam and Justin’s next adventure—The Search for the Stone of Excalibur—as they hunt for the Scroll of the Ancients.

The Secret of the Sacred Scarab has received the following awards:

Book Award Nominations & Wins:
Finalist Children’s Fiction USA Next Generation 2009 Indie Book Awards
Finalist Juvenile Fiction USA National Best Books 2009 Awards
Winner Pre-Teen USA 2009 Readers’ Favorites Awards
Number 2 in the USA Children’s & Teens Book Connection Top Ten Favourite Books of 2009 for Kids, Tweens & Teens
Winner Silver Medal Teen Fiction 2010 Nautilus Book Awards
Finalist Children’s Fiction 2010 International Book Awards
Winner Bronze Medal Pre-Teen Fiction 2010 Moonbeam Book Awards
Finalist 2011 Rubery Book Awards
Winner Gold Award Mystery Pre-Teen 2011 Children’s Literary Classics Awards

The Interview:

Thank you for this interview, Fiona. What is the name of your most recent book and if you had to sum it up in 20 or less words, what would you say?

My latest published book is The Secret of the Sacred Scarab, aimed at ages 9-13. A thrilling adventure for two boys, whose holiday to Egypt turns into a dangerously exciting quest to uncover an ancient mysterious secret.

Do you have plans for a new book? Is this book part of a series?

I do have plans for a new book. The Secret of the Sacred Scarab is the first in a middle grade adventure series entitled Chronicles of the Stone. I have completed Book Two, called The Search for the Stone of Excalibur, and I am about to begin Book Three, called The Temple of the Crystal Timekeeper.

What or who inspired you to start writing? And how long have you been writing?

I began my writing career at age ten, making up adventures to entertain my three younger brothers and their friends. My four brothers and I would then write plays and act them out for my long-suffering parents. I graduated from university in theatre studies and actually went into theater and teaching drama. However, to the relief of my anxious parents, I finally gave up performing and got a ‘real’ job in journalism. I only wrote my first book after a trip to Egypt with my mom and my two young nephews. The Secret of the Sacred Scarab began as a short story to entertain them and then grew into a book and finally a book series. In the interim I have written two historical romances and collaborated on an historical Viking novel.

How did you come up with the cover? Who designed the cover of your book?

I had an idea that I discussed with the artist. The image of the scarab is based on a famous Egyptian artifact. The hardcover was designed and painted by Steven Felmore, a South African artist. The e-book cover was designed and painted by Lori Bentley, also a South African artist. Lori drew the interior illustrations and maps, as well as the visuals for the website. Lori is busy with the second book cover.

How did you come up with the title for your book?

The scarab beetle is sacred in ancient Egyptian mythology and culture so it seemed appropriate. Egypt is a land of mystery and secrets, a place where curious kids would have the most fantastic time.

Is there anything you would change about your book? And why?

No, I love it just as it is.

Do you have a book trailer? And what are your thoughts on book trailers?

Yes, I do have a book trailer and I am very proud that I managed to create it by myself! I love book trailers. It’s a chance for the author to add a creative touch to their book/s.

Do you prefer e-books, paperbacks, hardcovers or audiobooks?

I am traditional and love either paperback or hardcovers.

Are you a self-published / Indie author?

Yes, I am self-published. After being rejected by 35 British agents (who will naturally all regret turning me down when I am rich and famous!) I was so naïve I thought the only option left was self-publishing. However, I think I have learned about publishing from the bottom rung up!

Have you ever read a book more than once? And if so what was it?

My books are like old friends and I often reread them.

What book are you reading at the moment? And in what format?

I am reading two books right now. The Winds of War by Herman Wouk and Sourcery by Terry Pratchett. Both paperback.

Do you have any advice for other writers? And what’s the best advice that you have been given when it comes to writing?

Don’t look back and don’t give up is the best advice I have been given. My publicist once said to me (when I was moaning about getting people to read my book), “All you need is one person to read your book. The right person.” He was correct. That one person can be the agent or the publisher or the movie maker who loves what you have to offer.

Patience, persistence, and self-belief are what you must cultivate. Cement the vision of success in your mind. Do not even contemplate the faintest idea of failure.

Make sure your book meets the industry’s standards. No one will bother with a poorly written, badly edited manuscript. Read other people’s work and subscribe to newsletters offering writing tips.

Above all, write your own story. You can pick up tips and advice from other people but your story is unique to you so keep it that way.

Where can your readers follow you?

Blog: http://fionaingramauthor.blogspot.com

Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/fiona.robyn.ingram

Goodreads author page: http://www.goodreads.com/fiona_ingram

Twitter: http://twitter.com/FionaRobyn

Other: http://www.secretofthesacredscarab.com

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Secret-Sacred-Scarab-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B005CRRU5E/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1311106921&sr=8-3 (Kindle)

http://www.amazon.com/Secret-Sacred-Scarab-Fiona-Ingram/dp/0595457169/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1322830100&sr=1-1

(hardcover & paperback)

Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/72953

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/fionaingram

Watch the Trailer!

YA science fiction author Braxton Cosby at Pump Up Your Book Live! chat room tonight!

admin — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 18:10:32 +0000

Braxton A. Cosby, author of the YA science fiction novel, Protostar, is stopping off at Pump Up Your Book Live! Chat Room on Day 11 of his virtual book tour with Pump Up Your Book!

Chat with Braxton about his book, his uncle Bill Cosby, writing YA science fiction books and whatever else you’d like to ask at Pump Up Your Book Live! 8 p.m. eastern! Join us at http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/2011/11/26/the-cosby-kid-braxton-a-cosby-at-pump-up-your-book-live-chat-room-january-4-2012/!

ABOUT THE BOOK:

It Starts With Choice! What would you choose: love or irrefutable duty?

On the brink of Civil War, the Torrian Alliance continues with its mission to obliterate Star-children across the universe in order to suppress an intergalactic evil. Following the recommendations of his Council, King Gregorio Derry has agreed to send his only son on a mission to restore honor to his family. Bounty Hunter Prince William Derry has crossed thousands of light-years to planet Earth, in order to fulfill this age old prophetic practice. The quiet days of Madisonburg, Tennessee are officially over as Sydney Elaine now knows the full meaning of the phrase Be careful what you wish for when she is confronted by this strange visitor. As an unforeseeable event delays his assassination, William decides to study his target more closely and begins to form a connection with Sydney that challenges his inner being. But this conflict is the least of his problems, as a conspiracy back on his home planet Fabricius threatens the lives of those he loves and his father s royal legacy. Along with that, he must unravel a hidden menace here on Earth that seeks to secure a vested interest that threatens both his and Sydney s safety. Will William be able to complete his mission or will he choose love, sacrificing everything he stands for?

You can visit Braxton’s website at www.braxtonacosbygodson.com or connect with him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/cosbykid84 or Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000215860223.

‘Memories of Mom’ Author Alexia Fraser on blog tour January 2012

admin — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 01:41:38 +0000

Pump Up Your Book is pleased to announce Alexia Fraser’s Memories of Mom Virtual Book Tour 2012 beginning on January 3 and ending on January 27 2012. Alexia will be on hand during her worldwide tour talking about her book in candid interviews, you’ll be able to watch her first AuthorVid, and do stop off at Pump Up Your Book’s live chat room on January 27 where she will be giving away a copy of her book to one lucky attendee! Lots of fun along the way as Alexia stops off at blogs around the world to give her fans a chance to ask her questions and to find out more about this beautiful and talented author.

About Alexia E. Fraser

Alexia Elizabeth Smart-Fraser was born in the beautiful island of Jamaica. After marrying her high school sweetheart Edward, she migrated to the United States. She is the proud and loving mother of two children, son Sean and daughter Paige. Alexia studied acting at H.B. Studio. She worked as an extra on the set of “Cosby Mysteries” with Bill Cosby, “New York Undercover” with Malik Yubo, “Central Park West” with Lauren Hutton, and the series “Prince Street” with Mariska Hargitay. As well, Alexia Fraser has written and produced three original non-fiction one act plays both off-Broadway and off-off-Broadway. “The Ryans,” “Dope the Endeavor” and “Blind Trust.” Her fourth play “Our God is Awesome” is not yet produced, but will be in the near future. Alexia is the original founder and partner of her production company, Paige Unlimited, LLC (www.paigeunlimitedllc) of which she is the Creative Arts VP. Memories of Mom is Alexia Fraser’s first published book. She was driven to share her story after seeing her mom suffered unacceptable nursing home and hospital care. Her second book is already partially scripted. “Write what you know” is what she believes.

About Memories of Mom

Memories of Mom (M.O.M.) is a poignant story about an extraordinary mother, written by a daughter who loved and cared for her during her last lap of life. This story is written from the heart, and will inspire love and affection in millions of daughters and sons who will someday be caring for their elderly parents or loved ones. It is about undying love, unyielding sacrifices and compassionate role reversal. The circle of life.

For more information on Alexia’s blog tour, visit her official tour page at www.pumpupyourbook.com/2011/12/18/memories-of-mom-virtual-book-publicity-tour-january-2012/.

About Pump Up Your Book

If you’d like to contact Alexia for an interview or review her book, contact Dorothy Thompson at thewriterslife(at)gmail.com. Pump Up Your Book is an innovative public relations agency specializing in online book promotion for authors. Visit us at www.pumpupyourbook.com.

Literary Fiction Author Karen Glick begins blog tour January 2012

admin — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 19:34:37 +0000

Pump Up Your Book is pleased to announce Karen Glick’s Questions in the Silence Virtual Book Tour 2012 beginning on January 3 and ending on January 27 2012. Karen will be on hand during her worldwide tour promoting her book and giving us candid interviews and guest posts where we learn more about the author, she will have her first Twitterview and AuthorVid, both implemented by Pump Up Your Book, as well as giving her fans an opportunity to talk to her live via Pump Up Your Book’s chat room on January 27 where she will be giving away a copy of her book, Questions in the Silence! Lots of fun along the way as Karen stops off at blogs around the world to give her fans a chance to ask her questions and to find out more about this talented literary fiction author.

About Karen Glick

Karen Glick lives outside of Philadelphia. She is a clinical psychologist whose other interests include writing, painting, and acting. When not feverishly engaged in these pursuits, she enjoys spending time with her four children, husband, cavalier king charles spaniels and cats.

Karen has just published her first novel, Questions in the Silence.

About Questions in the Silence

Ari Rothman, born with psychic abilities, has a lifelong fascination with spiritual issues. Childhood visions and intuitions combine to make her a bit of an outsider in her peer group and she turns to religion to create meaning in her life.

Ari’s childhood experiences and her strong desire to help others make her a natural psychotherapist. However, the conflict between her intuitive abilities and a more rational approach to the human psyche intensifies when her first long-term client ends his sessions unexpectedly.

Visit her official tour page at www.pumpupyourbook.com/2011/12/17/questions-in-the-silence-virtual-book-publicity-tour-january-2012/. Win copies of her book, learn more about the author and be sure to join her on January 27 2012 in the Pump Up Your Book chat room.

About Pump Up Your Book

If you’d like to contact Karen for an interview or review her book, contact Dorothy Thompson at thewriterslife@gmail.com. Pump Up Your Book is an innovative public relations agency specializing in online book promotion for authors. Visit us at www.pumpupyourbook.com.

Legal Thriller Urban Fiction Author Chris Shella on blog tour January 2012

admin — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 15:14:12 +0000

Pump Up Your Book is pleased to announce Chris Shella’s Reasonable Facsimile Virtual Book Tour 2012 beginning on January 3 and ending on January 27 2012. Chris will be on hand during his worldwide tour promoting his book and giving us candid interviews where we learn more about the author, tips on writing legal thrillers and advice on how to become a published author as well as giving his fans an opportunity to talk to him live via Pump Up Your Book’s chat room on January 27 where he will be giving away a paperback copy of his book, Reasonable Facsimile. Lots of fun along the way as Chris stops off at blogs around the world to give his fans a chance to ask him questions and to find out more about this talented legal thriller urban fiction author.

About Chris Shella

Author Chris Shella is a graduate of Morehouse College and the University of Texas Law School and started his legal career in Long Island, New York at the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office. He is admitted to the practice of law in New York, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and North Carolina. Shella is also admitted to the federal court in the Eastern District of North Carolina, the Middle District of North Carolina, U.S. District of Columbia, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, the District of Columbia Circuit Court of Appeals, the Eastern District of New York, and the Southern District of New York.He is also admitted to the Bar Of The United States Supreme Court. He and his cases have been covered on Court TV, CNN, and in the New York Times, and other media outlets across the globe. He has represented everyone from lawyers to major drug traffickers to a serial killer in Baltimore. His two most famous case are the Vegan Baby Case and his defense of the Duke Lacrosse Case accuser for the alleged murder of her boyfriend.

Chris now resides in Durham, North Carolina, with his wife and son.

His latest book is the legal thriller, Reasonable Facsimile.

You can visit his website at www.reasonablefacs.com.

About Reasonable Facsimile

Can Jasper Davis pull himself from his life of loose women, liquor, and general debauchery in enough time to win a murder case and possibly save his own hide ? Jasper Davis is a criminal trial lawyer in Baltimore who has slowly but surely become like the drug dealers and lowlifes he represents. He spends more time with hookers than clients and more time drinking Jack Daniels than studying the law books. Simply put. he is a shade of his former self. In Reasonable Facsimile, Jasper is in the middle of a first degree murder trial when he becomes the suspect in the murder of a DEA agent who was set to testify against his client. Jasper is so far gone on women and liquor he sees his trial skills deteriorate right before his eyes. Jasper is confronted by the situation is he gonna continue to be a reasonable facsimile of a human being or is he gonna become the man he once was.

Visit his official tour page at www.pumpupyourbook.com/2011/12/22/reasonable-facsimile-virtual-book-publicity-tour-january-2012. Win copies of his book, learn more about the author and be sure to join him on January 27 2012 in the Pump Up Your Book chat room.

About Pump Up Your Book

If you’d like to contact Chris for an interview or review his book, contact Dorothy Thompson at thewriterslife@gmail.com. Pump Up Your Book is an innovative public relations agency specializing in online book promotion for authors. Visit us at www.pumpupyourbook.com.

Natural Treatment Solutions For Hyperthyroidism and Graves’ Disease by Dr. Eric M Osansky

admin — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 11:45:25 +0000

About Dr. Eric M. Osansky

Dr. Eric Osansky is a licensed healthcare professional who personally restored his health back to normal through natural treatment methods after being diagnosed with Graves’ Disease. He has also helped many others with hyperthyroidism and Graves’ Disease restore their health naturally, and is author of the book Natural Treatment Solutions For Hyperthyroidism and Graves’ Disease.

He also offers a free 42-page guide called “The 6 Steps On How To Treat Hyperthyroidism & Graves’ Disease Through Natural Methods”, which you can get by visiting www.GravesDiseaseBook.com.

You can visit his website at: www.NaturalEndocrineSolutions.com

About Natural Treatment Solutions For Hyperthyroidism and Graves’ Disease

If you have hyperthyroidism or Graves’ Disease and are looking for a natural treatment solution to get to the underlying cause of your condition, then this book will show you how to restore your health naturally…and avoid radioactive iodine.

In the United States, radioactive iodine is commonly recommended as the first line of treatment for hyperthyroidism and Graves’ Disease. While radioactive iodine is necessary at times, in most cases it should be the last resort. Antithyroid drugs may be necessary to manage the symptoms, but they of course do nothing for the actual cause of the disorder.

The author of the book, Dr. Eric Osansky, was diagnosed with Graves’ Disease and restored his health back to normal after following a natural treatment protocol. Ever since then he has been helping other people with hyperthyroidism and Graves’ Disease use natural thyroid treatment methods restore their health.

By reading this book you will discover the following:

* How natural treatment methods help with the actual cause of the disorder, rather than temporarily manage the symptoms
* Whether or not natural treatment methods offer a permanent cure
* Why Radioactive Iodine treatment should usually be the LAST resort
* Hyperthyroid diet tips which are essential to your recovery
* Nutritional supplements and herbs which are important for any hyperthyroid condition
* The truth about hyperthyroidism and iodine supplementation
* Why many people who have genetic markers for hyperthyroidism and Graves’ Disease can still have their health restored naturally
* Are natural treatment methods safe during pregnancy and lactation?
* How to find a holistic doctor who focuses on endocrine disorders

Read an Excerpt

Many people who have hyperthyroidism or Graves’ Disease might wonder why they should consider natural treatment methods. After all, if their endocrinologist or general medical practitioner has recommended antithyroid drugs or radioactive iodine therapy, then why question these conventional treatment methods? Since these doctors have been trained to help people with endocrine disorders it might seem to be foolish to attempt treating such a condition naturally.Plus, most endocrinologists label hyperthyroidism and Graves’ Disease as being incurable. Let’s not forget we’re talking about specialists who have received many years of training. So shouldn’t they know better than some “wacky” holistic practitioner who claims that someone with a hyperthyroid condition can have their health restored back to normal through a natural treatment protocol?

While it might make complete sense to follow the advice of your medical doctor without considering alternative treatment methods, one needs to keep a few things in mind. First of all, the reason why most endocrinologists advise their patients with hyperthyroidism and Graves’ Disease to take prescription drugs or receive radioactive iodine treatment is because this is how they have been trained. As you might have guessed, there is no holistic training class in medical school, as doctors are taught to treat most conditions through drugs, surgery, and other conventional methods. And the same concept applies with the endocrinologist specialty, as they go through extensive training to obtain these credentials, but they are taught to treat most hyperthyroid conditions with antithyroid medication, radioactive iodine, or thyroid surgery.

Of course there are times when conventional medical treatment is necessary. So I’m not suggesting that everyone with Graves’ Disease or other types of hyperthyroidism shouldn’t take antithyroid drugs, or receive radioactive iodine. Without question some people with hyperthyroid conditions do need to take medication to manage the symptoms, and some also will need to receive RAI. And sometimes even surgery is required. But the reason why I wrote this book is because while some people do need to receive conventional medical treatment, many people with primary hyperthyroidism and Graves’ Disease can restore their health back to normal through natural treatment methods. And many people who can’t have their health completely restored back to normal can still benefit from following a natural treatment protocol.

There Is No Official “Hyperthyroid Specialist”

While it’s safe to say that many endocrinologists see a fair share of people with hyperthyroidism and Graves’ Disease, they also focus on other endocrine disorders as well. This includes hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, diabetes, and numerous other endocrine disorders. This isn’t to suggest that these doctors aren’t competent with hyperthyroid conditions, but my point is that they have to deal with many different endocrine disorders, and as a result most don’t have the time to look into holistic methods to help their patients. And to be frank, most of these doctors probably don’t have the desire to use natural treatment methods on their patients.

Once again, these doctors simply aren’t trained in medical school to treat any endocrine disorders naturally. So when someone comes into their office with a hyperthyroid condition, or any other endocrine disorder, they don’t think to themselves, “what is the actual cause of this condition?” Instead, they will run their set of tests, and then based on the test results they will put the person on the necessary medical protocol. For diabetes, this frequently involves telling the person they will need to take insulin daily for the rest of their life, although they will also need to inform the person of modifying what they can eat and drink. For hypothyroidism, they will almost always recommend the patient to take synthetic thyroid hormone, rather than trying to find out why the person became hypothyroid to begin with (yes, natural treatment methods can benefit many of these people too!). And with hyperthyroidism and Graves’ Disease, they will either have the patient take prescription drugs to put the condition into a state of remission, which is usually temporary, or they will right off the bat advise the patient to receive radioactive iodine treatment.

Why Not Find The Underlying Cause Of The Disorder?

On the other hand, many holistic doctors take the opposite approach. While they might order the same thyroid blood tests and recommend other similar tests, a good holistic doctor will also try to determine the cause of the condition. Because by looking into the cause of the disorder, many people with a hyperthyroid condition can have their health restored back to normal by addressing that cause. And as I have already mentioned, for those people who can’t have their health restored back to normal, many can still receive some great benefits from natural treatment methods, and at the very least prevent their condition from worsening over time.

For example, it is agreed by numerous healthcare professionals that stress is a potential cause of hyperthyroidism and Graves’ Disease. And while there is no definitive way to determine whether stress has caused someone’s condition, one can get a good idea of whether stress is a factor by looking at the patient’s history, and also by measuring the health of the patient’s adrenal glands, which is almost never done by most medical doctors. And when they do recommend a test to determine the health of the adrenal glands, it is almost always a one-sample blood test of the morning cortisol levels, which in most cases isn’t sufficient.

In any case, if it was determined that stress was a probable cause of someone’s hyperthyroid condition, or at least a contributing factor, then one can help the patient to better cope with the stress in their life. Doing this alone probably wouldn’t cure their hyperthyroid condition, but without question it is an important factor in restoring someone’s health back to normal. And of course helping them cope with stress better can also prevent their condition from becoming worse over time.

The United States vs. Other Countries

The truth is that when compared to other countries, many medical doctors in the United States use invasive procedures on a more frequent basis. I’m not just talking about hyperthyroid conditions, but many other conditions as well. This would be fine if it led to a better outcome when compared to other countries, but this usually isn’t the case. For example, the most common surgery in the United States is the Caesarean section, which no doubt can save lives in many pregnant women. But the C-Section rate is much higher when compared to some other countries that have a much lower mortality rate. In other words, while some C-sections are without question necessary, many are done unnecessarily.

In fact, according to an article written in the New York Times, “The Caesarean section rate in the United States reached 32 percent in 2007, the country’s highest rate ever”. 1 A rate of around 15 percent would be ideal according to The World Health Organization. The article also states, “When needed, a Caesarean can save the mother and her child from injury or death, but most experts doubt that one in three women need surgery to give birth. Critics say the operation is being performed too often, needlessly exposing women and babies to the risks of major surgery.” 2

The same concept applies with the hysterectomy, as while this type of surgery is also necessary in some women, in many women this procedure is performed unnecessarily. Over 500,000 women receive this procedure each year. Don’t get me wrong, as in the case of uterine cancer or other serious health issues, a hysterectomy may be warranted. But just as is the case with C-sections, many women receive a hysterectomy when there are alternative options.

According to Elizabeth Plourde, author of the book “Your Guide to Hysterectomy, Ovary Removal, & Hormone Replacement”, “Though the first hysterectomies were implemented to save women’s lives, now only 10% are the result of cancer, and less than 1% for obstetrical emergencies. The other, approximately 89%, are classified as “elective” surgery, and are performed for conditions that are not life-threatening. 3

It’s a similar situation with the thyroid gland. And one can argue that the thyroid gland is much more important than the uterus, or any other gland or organ frequently removed (gallbladder, appendix, etc.). While one can live without a uterus, gallbladder, tonsils, appendix, etc., nobody can live without a thyroid gland. So while nobody wants to have any gland or organ removed, one can argue that the thyroid gland is one of the LAST parts of the body you would want removed.

Try To Keep An Open Mind

In order to benefit from this book, it is important for you to keep an open mind. I of course don’t expect you to agree with everything I say. In fact, I expect you to be skeptical. Just keep in mind that my goal isn’t to convince you to choose natural treatment methods and avoid conventional medical treatment protocols. Instead, my goal is to show you the benefits of natural treatment methods, including how such treatment methods helped with my autoimmune hyperthyroid condition, and at the same time discuss the different benefits and risks of all of the different treatment options out there.

While I’m obviously biased towards natural treatment methods, I once again do realize that there is a time and place for conventional medical treatment, and I ultimately want to provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision. If after reading this book you decide to choose a natural treatment protocol then that’s great. On the other hand, if you decide that conventional medical treatment methods are the best option for you, then that’s fine too. But as long as you have explored all of your options and feel comfortable with your decision, then I’ll feel as if I did my job.

Guest Post: Writing What You Don’t Know by Sheila Dalton

The Author — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 05:00:35 +0000

If you’re a writer, I’m sure you’ve heard the advice “Write what you know”. As advice goes, it’s not bad, but what do you do when you venture into areas you don’t know? This can easily happen, even if we start with material that draws on our own experiences.

For instance, my novel, The Girl in the Box, originated with a trip I took to Central America back in the seventies. The violent Civil War between the government and the guerrillas was underway, and my girlfriend and I saw things that shocked and disturbed us. For instance, when riding on the second-class buses, we were stopped by government soldiers. The fear in the eyes of the Maya was obvious, and we wondered what was going on. The soldiers took many of the male passengers away, and these men did not return. We learned later they had been killed or taken prisoner.

So we knew something of what was going on, but when I began to write my book, I quickly found I needed to include scenes I had never personally experienced. Part of the novel takes place in Guatemala during the Civil War, where a doctor discovers a mute Mayan girl held in captivity in the rainforest.

I was aware that the imagined sections could sound false. What to do? The need for research was obvious. I read everything I could get my hands on about the Civil War and its aftermath; I read up on the Maya. Then, when I wrote key scenes, I imagined myself into them by recalling times I had felt afraid or threatened, whatever was needed for the work.

From what I understand, this process is similar to what Method Actors are taught. You try to feel your way into a character or situation you have not experienced by using “what you know” in a different way – you draw on your life experience as a human being. Most of us have felt a wide gamut of emotions; we have also seen others in the throes of strong feelings.

Sometimes, I talked out loud to myself, taking on the role of my character. I found this helped me quite a lot. I just had to be careful I was alone, so my family didn’t question my sanity!

The last step, in some cases, was to have somebody read the scene and tell me if they thought I’d got it right. I tried to find people who had been in situations similar to the ones I was writing, but that wasn’t always possible. However, I did manage to connect with someone who had lived in Guatemala during the strife, and a lawyer who had dealt with refugee applicants to Canada at that time. It all helped.

It was not a perfect solution, but I because I believe writers have strong imaginations, I think it is entirely possible to write credible scenes you have never experienced yourself.

***

Sheila Dalton has written three picture books for children, a YA mystery, two novels for adults, a collection of adult poetry, and many non-fiction works for children. You can read more about Sheila and her books at her website:

http://sheila-anne-dalton.com

Pump Up Your Book’s 1st Annual Holiday Extravaganza Facebook Chat Party Friday Dec 16!

admin — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 03:31:42 +0000

WE’RE HAVING A FACEBOOK PARTY!!!!

Pump Up Your Book will be hosting the December 2011 Authors on Tour on Friday December 16, 2011 at 4 – 10 p.m. (eastern time – adjust to your time zone)! Tell your book friends that not only will this give them an opportunity to chat with their favorite authors BUT…

WE’RE GIVING AWAY ALMOST 100 PRIZES!!!!

All you have to do to be eligible to win any of our almost 100 prizes is to visit our Facebook page where the chat will be held. Ask an author a question and you’re in!

YOU CAN CHAT WITH OVER 60 AUTHORS!!!!

To find out which authors will be featured, click here.

SO WHERE IS THIS CHAT????

To access the chat, click here. Be sure to leave a comment to let us know you’re coming!

Beyond the Books

Richard Tillotson on Acts of God While On Vacation Virtual Book Tour 2012

About Richard Tillotson

About Acts of God While on Vacation

About Pump Up Your Book

Selwyn Mills on Confessions of a Color-Blind House Painter Virtual Book Tour 2012

About Selwyn Mills

About Confessions of a Color-Blind House Painter

About Pump Up Your Book

Interview with Middle Grade Fiction Author Fiona Ingram, author of ‘The Secret of the Sacred Scarab’

About The Secret of the Sacred Scarab

The Interview:

Watch the Trailer!

YA science fiction author Braxton Cosby at Pump Up Your Book Live! chat room tonight!

‘Memories of Mom’ Author Alexia Fraser on blog tour January 2012

About Alexia E. Fraser

About Memories of Mom

About Pump Up Your Book

Literary Fiction Author Karen Glick begins blog tour January 2012

About Karen Glick

About Questions in the Silence

About Pump Up Your Book

Legal Thriller Urban Fiction Author Chris Shella on blog tour January 2012

About Chris Shella

About Reasonable Facsimile

About Pump Up Your Book

Natural Treatment Solutions For Hyperthyroidism and Graves’ Disease by Dr. Eric M Osansky

About Dr. Eric M. Osansky

About Natural Treatment Solutions For Hyperthyroidism and Graves’ Disease

Read an Excerpt

Guest Post: Writing What You Don’t Know by Sheila Dalton

Pump Up Your Book’s 1st Annual Holiday Extravaganza Facebook Chat Party Friday Dec 16!

WE’RE HAVING A FACEBOOK PARTY!!!!

WE’RE GIVING AWAY ALMOST 100 PRIZES!!!!

YOU CAN CHAT WITH OVER 60 AUTHORS!!!!

SO WHERE IS THIS CHAT????

SEE YOU AT THE PARTY AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM PUMP UP YOUR BOOK!!!!