"Ask Nikki Leigh" - Answering Your Promotional Questions

I've thought it would be fun to be an advise columnist for years. But, I would have to do that under an unknown identity :) Today, it hit me that it might be fun to add a promotional advise column to my Muze's Musings blog. So, I want to extend an invitation to people to send me their questions about writing, publishing and especially promoting. Once I start getting regular questions, I'll feature one or two on my radio show - Book Promo 101 - Write, Publish and Promote. Seems like that could all work together.

So, I invite you to send me your writing, publishing and promoting questions. But, I need to give you give you two warnings -

1 - I reserve the right to chose which ones to answer - and when to answer them
2 - I reserve the right to give you an honest answer - I should mention that I can sometimes be blunt, but I will make every effort to be kind and I will make an effort to make all the answers helpful.

The good news - I will leave the comment option on my blog and I invite others to share their thoughts. If the Ask Nikki idea really takes off, I'll move it to another blog. For now, the questions and answers will be posted at www.muzesmusings.blogspot.com and please submit your questions to AskNikkiLeigh@gmail.com That is the address for your questions. I look forward to hearing what people want to learn more about.

Nikki Leigh --- Send questions to ---- AskNikkiLeigh@gmail.com

Book Promo 101 - http://www.nikkileigh.com
Follow Me on Twitter - www.twitter.com/litekepr
Nikki Leigh Promotional Services - www.nikkileigh.com/promo.htm

Genesis: The Untold Story

Start With The Facts

Genesis: The Untold Story

By: Dr. Lisa Aiken and Dr. Ira Michaels

Price: $24.95

ISBN: 0-9779629-1-1

Cloth Bound, 6x9,

265 pages, includes chapter summaries

Published by: Rossi Publications

1 - How did you get interested in the topic that's featured in your book?

Like many Jews, I read the Five Books of Moses when I was young. When I grew older, the stories about a talking snake in the Garden of Eden, Noah and the Flood, the Tower of Babel, and the like no longer made a lot of sense to me. By the time I was in graduate school, I realized that I had a grade school education in Judaism, and I wanted to be as informed about Judaism as I was about psychology and other secular topics. There were no good books in English that reconciled reality with the stories in the Torah, and which explained how these stories spoke to us as modern people.

The stories in the book of Genesis seem especially simplistic or enigmatic. Why does Genesis say that God created the world in 6 days, when science shows that it took billions of years? Can we believe Genesis' account of Creation in light of evolutionary theory? Was there ever a couple named Adam and Eve, from whom all people descended? How do thinking people understand a Garden of Eden with a tree of life, another tree of knowledge of good and evil, and a talking snake? How do we know if Abraham really existed? If he did, what kind of a world did he live in? Did anyone write about him besides the Jews? Most importantly, can a rational person really believe that a Divine Author wrote Genesis and the other Five Books of Moses?

Many people simply dismiss Biblical stories as outdated or ridiculous. I believed that there must be great beauty and wisdom in them, and I tried to uncover it by learning from teachers who had studied ancient commentaries and understood how to explain them.

I believe that if Torah is the Owner's Manual for every Jew, it had to make sense and be relevant and accessible to people who were not scholars. Most Jews can't understand the original Torah, because it was written in ancient Hebrew, and in a kind of shorthand. Its Author did this so that we would have to rely on spiritual mentors who had studied traditional commentaries who could explain what the Five Books of Moses really mean. They would also guide the person who studies Torah to put it into practice in their daily lives.

Judaism teaches that understanding the Five Books of Moses is critically important to our spiritual development. If so, I wanted to understand these books better myself, and be able to share that knowledge with others.

Around 25 years ago, I started listening to audiotapes of lectures given by rabbis whom I had never met. They explained the Torah (Five Books of Moses) in such amazing ways that it made me want to learn more and more. Their explanations of these stories were so wise, so insightful, and so relevant, I wrote down their ideas so that I could share them with others.

In time, I convinced my husband to listen to these tapes as well. He was so moved and excited by what he heard that he took over writing down the ideas instead of me.

Over the next 14 years, I reworked the original notes. My husband and I each added our own understanding and insights about the various topics brought to light in the Genesis stories, based on our research and knowledge of many fields. These included biology, physics, archaeology, history, psychology and modern life. The result was a book that integrated the wisdom of Genesis with modern knowledge. Every chapter also tells us how we can apply the moral and spiritual insights of each story to our daily lives.

2 - Tell us a bit about your background. What have you done in the past that relates to your book and that topic?

I am a psychologist, Israeli tour guide, author of 8 Judaica books, and am an international speaker on topics of Jewish interest. My husband has a Ph.D. in physical chemistry, is a medical doctor, and studies Torah, Talmud and their commentaries. We have traveled the world and have studied many fields, including art, music, history, political science, literature, languages, world religions, and biology—to name a few. Together, we blended our knowledge in these many areas to draw out insights from the stories of Genesis, and suggest how readers can apply those ideas to our spiritual growth.

3 - What advice would you give to someone who is interested in your topic?

The best way to become informed about the Torah is to study it with a guide that knows how to understand its deeper meanings. Today, people can study Torah in online classes, download audio lectures or MP3s, attend local Judaism classes, or study more intensively in a yeshiva or women's seminary.

After reading my book, people can also contact me on my blog if they want to ask questions, or seek further information about resources. [ADAM, PUT THE BLOG INFO HERE]

4 -Who is the ideal person to read your book?

Someone who wants to gain a deeper understanding of the book of Genesis. Someone who is interested in putting aside simplistic ideas that they might have learned in Sunday School or even in university, or who wants to gain deeper insights even though they are knowledgeable about traditional commentaries.

Judaism teaches that God gave the Torah to the Jewish people, and Christians also accept the Five Books of Moses as divine. God is able to speak to every person--children and adults, intellectuals as well as people who learn with their hearts. Readers of our book could include observant or non-observant Jews, totally secular people, and non-Jews. They would all be curious and want to expand their knowledge about how God's Book is eternal, and still speaks to us today. Readers will be able to see how science, archaeology, history, and the like inform our understanding of Genesis, and how Genesis deepens our understanding of ourselves, the world and its Creator.

5. If each person who reads this was going to recommend your book to one person, what sort of person would they want to chose?

Someone who likes intellectual stimulation and who wants a deeper relationship with God, who seeks moral or ethical guidance, or who is interested in spiritual growth.

6 - What have you found to be the biggest stumbling block for people who want to start writing?

They either don't believe that they can do it, or they aren't willing to invest the hard work that is required to write and rewrite a number of times before they write well enough to get published. Many people don't want to make the effort if they aren't sure that they will succeed. The thought of failing keeps many people from trying.

7. How would you suggest they can overcome that?

Read and practice the exercises in The Artist's Way. (My sister gave me The Artist's Way a few years ago, and I started to read it. I never finished because I was too busy writing.)

Find a mentor who will encourage and help you. Work with a therapist or coach who can help you believe that you can do it.

My first book was never published. I wrote a novel, and sent two chapters to an English professor who taught how to write novels. He read the chapters and told me that it was a terrible book, but that it would make a great expose if I would rewrite it. I never rewrote the book, but he taught me a valuable lesson. I can't write fiction, and I don't waste my energy trying. I try to concentrate my efforts on writing a broad spectrum of Jewish non-fiction works.

8 - What do you find is the biggest motivator for people to succeed? Is it money, security, desire for fame or something else?

People define success in many different ways. Some people are motivated by money, others by a desire for admiration or acclaim. Western society defines success by how visible someone is, how much money they have (as in "how much is he worth?"), how many degrees they have, and so on.

Many people who define success based on their emotional wants are motivated by material comfort, getting physical pleasure, and/or getting validated by others.

Many women are motivated by a desire for popularity, acceptance and/or nurturing in personal relationships.

Truly religious people are motivated to do what they believe is God's will for them. They tend to define success far more by what they give than by what they get.

Many people, whether they are overtly religious or not, feel that success is fulfilling their potentials. They are motivated by finding meaning. They feel that they have talents or resources that they need to express or share with others.

9.- Who is the "perfect" person to read your book?

Someone who appreciates an easy-to-read book that provides a deeper understanding of the world and our role in it, that gives guidance about to how to live a meaningful life, and who seeks the divine wisdom in the stories of Genesis.

Scott Zema - Three Steps to Investment Success

1 - How did you get interested in the topic that’s featured in your book?

It's really an compilation of the knowledge that I have received throughout my academic and professional career.

2 - Tell us a bit about your background. What have you done in the past that relates to your book and that topic?

I have lived and breathed art, antiques and collectibles for the past 40 years as a dealer, appraiser, and academic. Currently I am a full-time professional appraiser, trained and certified by the International Society of Appraisers. I am based in the Pacific Northwest but have a national clientelle; my clients include the University of Washington, the Seattle Art Museum, local municipalities, corporations, numerous other institutions, and many private investors.

3 - What advice would you give to someone who is interested in your topic?

Know what it is you are buying before you buy it, if you care where your money goes.

4 - What do you see as the benefit to participating in groups and organizations? My first thought would be networking opportunities and the chance for personal and business growth. What are your reasons?

Yes, those reasons are fine, but my primary interest is to keep up with the most current state of professional knowledge and practice.

5 - Who is the ideal person to read your book? If each person that reads this was going to recommend your book to one person, what sort of person would they want to chose?

The target audience is the generally educated and intelligent reader who has an interest in valuable properties to begin with, but who has literally no guidance beyond 'Buy what you like!' to insure that his economic sense is consonant with his tastes in these properties. IT IS NOT meant to convert Mr. Average Investor with NO interest in art and antiques to the investment cause, because this type of person doesn't really have the knack for making the best investment choices in these properties. Incidently, this problem in the past has impeded clear understanding of the investment potential of these properties, because the analysis is conducted by investment experts who have no knowledge of or interest in these properties to begin with, a major handicap in presenting any argument for investing in valuable objects.

Both experienced investors and beginners--the book is actually tailored to beginners--can find much of use in the book.

6 - What do you think ignites a person’s creativity?

From necessity to serendipitous inspiration, and everything in between.

7 - What have you found to be the biggest stumbling block for people who want to start writing?

Deciding on what to do and carrying the project to completion.

8 - How would you suggest they can overcome that?

Focus, focus, focus.

9 - What do you find is the biggest motivator for people to succeed? Is it money, security, desire for fame or something else?

Probably a desire for respectability at some level, both from other people and from oneself.

10 - Who is the “perfect” person to read your book?

The target audience is the generally educated and intelligent reader who has an interest in valuable properties to begin with, but who has literally no guidance beyond 'Buy what you like!' to insure that his economic sense is consonant with his tastes in these properties.

Post a comment for Scott on Thursday September 27th and be entered for a chance to win a copy of his book.

Judi Moreo and Kim Baccelia - Virtual Tour Stops

Promotional Interview with Judi Moreo

This is the first author promotional interview that I've posted on my Self Promotion blog on the Inspired Author site. This is the first interview in a series that I'm doing with Kathleen Gage. She is posting some on her blog and I'll be posting all of the interviews on my site. To read about Judi Moreo's promotion - visit http://inspiredauthor.com/v3/promotional-interview-judi-moreo-0

~ and ~

Kim Baccellia - Young Adult Author - Earrings of Ixtumea

Join Nikki Leigh and Muze as they interview young adult author Kim Baccelia about her book - Earrings of Ixtumea.

This is the opening question of the interview -

Nikki & Muze – I was reading the synopsis for your book and was intrigued by the inner struggle that your character faces. It’s also interesting that she is confronted by the same cultural problems in the fantasy world. Can you give us some information about how you came up with this idea and what sort of problems she deals with in the story?

Kim –As a bilingual teacher in the later ‘80’s and early ‘90’s, I saw a lot with my second language students. I taught in a LA county school district, close to East LA. I also was researching my own family history at this time. I was bothered how each year my students would draw themselves blond, blue-eyed, and fair skinned. Click here to learn more about Kim and Earrings of Iztumeahttp://muzesmusings.blogspot.com/

Nikki Leigh – Fiction Author – www.nikkileigh.com
Book Promo 101 – www.nikkileigh.com/book_promo_101.htm
“Coastal Suspense with a Touch of Romance”

Robin Jay - Art of the Business Lunch

1 - How did you get interested in the topic that’s featured in your book? I sold advertising (TV, RADIO & PRINT) for 18 years. Because of the nature of my work, I usually had a business lunch booked three or four days a week. Put that together with breakfasts, mixers and networking events and it wasn’t long before I was booked weeks in advance.

When it came time to write my first book, I decided to write about that. I wanted to help other people by sharing what I know about building high-level business relationships by introducing a social aspect – usually lunch – into the relationship.

2 - Tell us a bit about your background. What have you done in the past that relates to your book and that topic? I sold advertising for 18 years. During that time, I learned a lot of tricks and techniques that I knew would be helpful to other business professionals. I had been on more than 3,000 client lunches and I saw my sales increase by more than 2,000%! My clients started calling me “The Queen of the Business Lunch.”

3 - What advice would you give to someone who is interested in your topic? I am a professional speaker. I enjoy speaking to all types and sizes of groups and helping others to discover “The Art of the Business Lunch”! With preparation, people can learn how to build solid, long-lasting relationships. Relationships are, by nature, sequential. There is nothing more sequential than a meal. Learning how to be prepared to socialize with clients is knowledge that will help anyone in any business. There is a lot of infor ma tion in my book on how to conduct a successful business lunch, as well as what anyone should know about a job interview business lunch, networking luncheons and events and even basic business etiquette.

4 - What do you see as the benefit to participating in groups and organizations? My first thought would be networking opportunities and the chance for personal and business growth. What are your reasons?

We become valuable for WHO we know. The more people in your network, the more successful you will be. No one succeeds all by themselves. And it’s a wonderful experience to meet and share with like-minded individuals.

5 - Who is the ideal person to read your book? If each person that reads this was going to recommend your book to one person, what sort of person would they want to chose? Anyone in sales or who has a relationship-based business. My book offers nuts-and-bolts methods for creating successful, long-lasting business relationships.

6 - What do you think ignites a person’s creativity? I believe it’s finding one’s passion. We can try ma ny things to get our creativity going…but we ned to find that one thing that ma kes time fly for us. When we become so engrossed in what we are doing, we have found our bliss. If you can earn a living doing that thing, then you are engaged in the ulti ma te creative endeavor.

7 - What have you found to be the biggest stumbling block for people who want to start writing? As Yoda said, “There is no try; you do or you do not.” My brother Barry used to quote Star Wars logic to me whenever applicable. This phrase is brilliant. If someone wants to write, (or start writing, as you put it), then they need to start writing! They ma y decide to take a class if they are unsure about how to begin. They can write a page a day – or three pages a week. They need to learn to set goals and then meet them. The book is not going to write itself. The hardest part for me was writing while I was still working a 60+ hour week. I needed to be at my desk writing by Sunday at 12PM. It was a challenge, but it was the only way I was going to get my book written. Once you are able to write professionally, it actually gets easier.

8 - How would you suggest they can overcome that? For this, I will quote NIKE: “Just do it.” Designate a time each day to write. Get in the habit of writing.

9 - What do you find is the biggest motivator for people to succeed? Is it money, security, desire for fame or something else? We each have different hot buttons. For some, it’s obviously ego. For others, it’s the need to say something. If you’re writing for money, keep your day job and just write checks! That’s the fastest way to write for money!

10 - Who is the “perfect” person to read your book? Anyone in sales or who has a relationship-based business. Also, anyone who ma y be looking to change jobs. The chapter on the job interview business lunch is packed with helpful tips.

11 - Is there anything else you would like to share with us? If you’ve ever suffered through an awkward lunch or networking event the information in my book can help you. It’s universal. We all have challenges with social situations. I share easy, tangible ways to become more effective in business and in life.

You can visit her website at http://www.robinjay.com/ and her blog at www.robinjay.com/blog.

HOW TO SUBMIT

I recently made a change to this blog and it can be used to promote books or a product or service. The questions for the product or service are listed near the bottom.

If you would like to see information about your book featured on this blog, I need you to answer the questions below and send the answers to me. This works best if you copy the questions into a document, answer the questions, save as a RTF (rich text file) and email them to me at nikki_leigh22939@yahoo.com. Please list "Start With the Facts" in the signature line. You can also send a copy of your cover art if you would like me to include it with your post. I look forward to learning more about you and your book.


1 - How did you get interested in the topic that’s featured in your book?
2 - Tell us a bit about your background. What have you done in the past that relates to your book and that topic?
3 - What advise would you give to someone who is interested in your topic?
4 - What do you see as the benefit to participating in groups and organizations? My first thought would be networking opportunities and the chance for personal and business growth. What are your reasons?
5 - Who is the ideal person to read your book? If each person that reads this was going to recommend your book to one person, what sort of person would they want to chose?
6 - What do you think ignites a person’s creativity?
7 - What have you found to be the biggest stumbling block for people who want to start writing?
8 - How would you suggest they can overcome that?
9 - What do you find is the biggest motivator for people to succeed? Is it money, security, desire for fame or something else?
10 - Who is the “perfect” person to read your book?
11 - Is there anything else you would like to share with us?


To submit information for a specific product, service or topic - use these questions. You can feel free to replace the words "this topic" with the name of your product or service. I need you to answer the questions below and send the answers to me. This works best if you copy the questions into a document, answer the questions, save as a RTF (rich text file) and email them to me at nikki_leigh22939@yahoo.com. Please list "Start With the Facts" in the signature line. You can also send a picture of the product if you would like me to include it with your post. I look forward to learning more about you.


Topic to Discuss - ___________________
1 - How did you get interested in this topic?
2 - Tell us a bit about your background. What have you done in the past that relates to the topic?
3 - What advise would you give to someone who is interested in yourtopic?
4 - What do you see as the benefit to participating in groups andorganizations that discuss this topic? My first thought would be networkingopportunities and the chance for personal or business growth. What areyour reasons?
5 – What products do you offer would help a person who is interested inthis topic?
6 - Who is the ideal person for these products? If each person thatreads this was going to recommend these products to one person, what sortof person would they want to chose?
7 - What have you found to be the biggest stumbling block for peoplewho want to learn more about this topic?
8 - How would you suggest they can overcome that?
9 - What do you find is the biggest motivator to learn more about thistopic?
10 - Who is the “perfect” person to delve into this information?
11 - Is there anything else you would like to share with us? Those questions are only slightly different from what I had and I'mgoing to add them as an alternative way to post for this blog :)