Struggling With Family Secrets and Broken Relationships?

Martha Ashwell worked as a childcare officer, administrator and support tutor in university education and a counselor.  She is also a member of the long-established writer's group, Manchester Irish Writers.

Her memoir, Celia's Secret: A Journey towards Reconciliation, helped her to analyze and evaluate her life experiences to work through a process of reconciliation.  Broken relationships.

Her story shares the impact family secrets can have on your life.

Are you struggling with the dynamics of a family secret or with broken relationships?



Martha's memoir is full of memorable quotes but the one that sums up the book is Voltaire's, "Love trust and pardon error."

Have You Considered Being a Romance Novelist?

Rebecca Owens has been a writer since she was a little girl.  After 298 rejections from literary agents, she never gave up.  In 2013, she was able to successfully fulfill her dream and publish her first novel.  She is now a member of the Romance Writers of America.

Her stories are inspired by her Native American southern American roots.

In her interview, she shares tips on the steps to take to fulfill your dream of becoming a romance novelist.

Here is a snippet from A Sister's Love

Two North Carolinian sisters, Flo and Priscilla Oxendine are entangled in a web of betrayal, grief, and loss that has spanned over the time of ten years. The entanglement started when the sisters become estranged after Priscilla did the unthinkable and betrayed Flo. Nine months later, Priscilla dropped another bombshell or two after Flo had begun to rebuild her life.

Jack Winston, Priscilla's New York attorney, and friend has been given the chore of calling her family late one autumn night with sad news of her accident. In search of Priscilla's family contact information, he finds a forgotten two-year-old letter asking him to agree to an arrangement with Flo that knocks him off his feet.

NO Excuse For Bullying - EVER!

Monica Perrett lives in Australia and is the mother of six children.  She is currently writing a book on changing the law giving more rights for parents of teenage runaways.  

Monica won the Mother of the Year award.  While she was out of town, receiving the award, her three-month-old son died.  

Because Monica's foster son died at home, she was stripped of her rights as a parent and not allowed to attend his funeral.  

With anger and determination, she single-handedly was able to get that LAW CHANGED.

The Will to Live - A Daughter's Story

Author Darcy Leech was born to Jo Lyn Bartz, who genetically carried myotonic muscular dystrophy. Darcy's brother, Dustin, was born with the same disease. He had a high enough frequency of protein repeat mutations that of his thirteen years of life, every day defied prior medical knowledge! 
He lived far beyond what anyone expected.  Darcy shares how inner strength, a strong love of family and God sustained him.

Darcy's mother lived ten years after Dustin passed and Jo Lyn was the strongest woman Darcy ever will meet. The life lessons she taught Darcy will be passed on to future generations.  This story will touch your soul.



Her memoir, From My Mother, is a moving narration of loss and the deep resilience of the human spirit as the body weakens.

If You Are Not Stretching and Growing, You Are Not Really Living

Jon Stolpe is an author and active blogger. Jon Stolpe's Stretched is focused on "stretching" and challenging others to get out of their comfort zones. 







He has a passion for family, leadership development, missions, and personal growth.

Jon's organization, H.O.P.E. Helping Other People Everywhere, is doing just that.  In his interview he shared how we can all pay it forward.  As a construction engineer, Jon has helped build homes in Guatemala for those widows with children who were homeless.  On his blog he gives each of us the opportunity to be involved with this mission.

During the interview, Jon shared the results of a survey Dr. Anthony Campolo, speaker, author, sociologist took of people who were over the age of 95.  He asked them if they could live their lives over...."What would you do differently?"

When Aging Parents Die, Sibling Rivalry Lives

 


Deborah Carroll, a former educator and educational publisher has written a book on a subject that is not easy for families to discuss.  The subject is the death of aging parents.  Her book, Tales from the Family Crypt:  When Aging Parents Die, Sibling Rivalry Lives is a must read!

There is nothing that can tear families apart faster or uglier than estate issues.


 

In many families, there are difficult, dysfunctional and even despicable siblings who want to grab money and power at a time when they should be communicating and pulling together as a unit. 

H.O.P.E. Here's One Possible Expectation

Warren Rodwell: former soldier, university teacher, hostage survivor, speaker, and songwriter, is the longest held Australian captive outside war. For more than fifteen (15) months, Warren was hidden and starved in island mangrove jungles with the constant threat of beheading if the terrorists’ original ransom demand for $US2 million was not paid.










When asked how he ever survived he responded with "resilience, adaptability, versatility, pragmatism, perseverance, and a dry sense of humor"

From Wikipedia:

Overcoming Fear on the Road to Stardom

Nancie Schipper is a 15-year-old singer and songwriter.  She started playing music at six years old, performing at the age of nine and was playing pubs at 13 years old.

She writes songs from her personal experiences and what she observes is happening in the world at large -- from a teenager's perspective.

As a shy person, she shares how she overcame the fear of performing in front of large groups of people and that when we face our fears, we can do whatever we want to accomplish!









You can purchase her songs on iTunes here

It's NOT Failure -- It's A Lesson

Glenda Thomas is a relationship and marriage coach who had brain aneurysm surgery May 2015.  In her memoir, The Next Chapter: Glenda's Brain Aneurysm Journey, she shares that journey.

This is a subject that most of us know little about but we need to be made aware.  Here are some facts:

It is estimated that six million people in the USA have an unruptured brain aneurysm - that's one in 50 people.  

The annual rate of rupture is approximately 8 - 10 per 100,000 - that is one every 18 minutes.  They are fatal in about 40% of cases.

Of those who survive, about 66% suffer permanent neurological deficit.  Approximately 15% of patients die before reaching the hospital.  

Glenda shares the importance of keeping your blood pressure DOWN and taking some precautions.

Glenda's Motto:

Do Something You've Never Done Before

In Glenda's book, The Change:  Insights into Self-Empowerment,  she is one of several 

I Deserved the Abuse.....And Other Lies

Roxanne Fawley went from longing for death to loving life, from debilitating depression to being extremely happy.  

In Roxanne's memoir But I Like It...And Other Lies, she shares her experience as a victim of physical, mental, and sexual abuse.  She wrote the book because she knows she is not the only one who believed the insidious lie that a woman likes or wants or even caused her own sexual abuse.

She shows us how she has been completely restored to health and freedom that comes from knowing the truth and rejecting all the lies that may hold us captive and hopeless because of abuse.

Were You Part of A Drug Company's Dirty Little Secret?

Shirley Ledlie wrote her memoir, Naked in the Wind -Chemo, Hair loss, and Deceit as a result of an unexpected battle she had to fight.

She was diagnosed with breast cancer at 47 and won the battle against the disease. BUT, after her treatment ended Shirley found herself in another seven-year battle with doctors and a drug company.

Shirley Ledlie had an unstoppable determination to win her conflict as she uncovered the truth about a little-known side-effect of a cancer treatment drug, Taxotere.

If You Have Been Bullied - You Are Not Alone

Teen Idol and pop star Meredith O'Connor is an anti-bullying icon who first rose to fame when her debut single "Celebrity" went viral on Youtube with over two million views the first two months of its release. 

It became a radio favorite, bringing her a fan base which became a cult-like following once she had established her anti-bullying platform. 

Her song "The Game," has touched the lives of thousands throughout the world, landing her a ten city tour as a headlining act for venues and schools.  Her next hit song "Just The Thing" was released on VEVO and Teen Nick gaining popularity on 17 radio stations in New York and over 400,000 views on VEVO. 

The Lighter Side to Vision Loss - Is That Possible?

Amy Bovaird is a ghostwriter, an author, educator and inspirational speaker.  She is an animal advocate and rescuer, working with domestic and international animal rescue groups. She has traveled the world teaching English and has been known to rescue camels on the side of the road who were left to die.  

Amy suffers from Retinitis Pigmentosa, a hereditary eye disease that progressively steals vision and eventual hearing loss as well.  

In her memoirs, Mobility Matters: Stepping Out in Faith and her second book, Cane Confessions:  The Lighter Side to Vision Loss, Amy shares her journey from denial to advocacy, educator, and optimistic motivator.

Amy shares her story honestly; it is inspiring to anyone who has suffered loss.  She walks us through each step from denial to being able to help others through their journey to acceptance.  


Amy shares how she has learned to laugh her way

Love and Redemption: Overcoming Guilt and Moving On

Maggie C. Romero, M.A., taught English as a Second Language in northern Virginia for seventeen years. She and her partner retired from full-time teaching and moved to New Mexico where they have lived since 2009. Maggie is a member of SouthWest Writers, Story Circle Network, based in Austin, Texas, and National Association of Memoir Writers.

Maggie knows the pain of addiction and in this interview will bring awareness to a subject many don't want to discuss.  Yet, it is around us wherever we look.  It can affect any one of us.  Rich or poor, educated or not, it can strike anywhere.

Maggie shares her daughter's story. Before addiction, Angie was a world-class gymnast, a gifted artist and graduated from university with a B.A. in Journalism. But at 21, it all fell apart.

Maggie's purpose in writing her story was to heal from losing her daughter, Angie, to the Living Death of Heroin Addiction. She was determined to save her child from addiction and bankrupted herself in the effort to do so, had a breakdown and was forced into early retirement.

How to Save Money on Things We Use Everyday

Denise Seegobin is a blogger who teaches people how to save money on items we use every day. Her blog's focus is on ways to spend smarter and how to harness your creativity. She also works with companies in reviewing products and sharing those findings with social media, including giveaways.

Denise knows the pain of losing your family.  Her parents died suddenly and then she lost her younger sister and her best friend.  When asked how she coped with that, Denise said "I got my strength in knowing that they would not want me to give up. That no matter how many trials and tribulations, we have, life is a gift and we have to honor it by being the best we can be."

Denise loves researching and her blog is all about how to save YOU money.  She will research products for you and has dozens of products on her website she has researched for the best price and sometimes, free GIVEAWAYS.

Yes, You Can Laugh Your Way Through Cancer

Being diagnosed with cancer can be frightening, but it also gives you license to get away with a lot of things you wouldn't do otherwise. Laugh With Kathy takes you on a journey through breast cancer and finding humor in the diagnosis, treatment and survival of the disease. 

Kathy Lariviere uses humor to overcome any difficulties she encounters in life - including cancer.  Why? Crying gives her a headache. Therapy is expensive.  But...laughing always makes her feel better.

If you know anyone who is going through difficulty, especially with a cancer diagnosis, they will thoroughly enjoy this interview with Kathy. 

In her words: "Even though I didn't have a choice in the diagnosis I received, I did have a choice on how I got through it, and how I let my family and friends see me handle it."

She manages to find the humor in the worst of circumstances.  Here is her list of positives that came from her experience with cancer:

• I got to relocate my bustline (it has been moving south for years)
• I didn't have to shave my legs for months
• It took a lot less time getting ready in the morning
• I had a great excuse for buy new lingerie especially when all the pretty bras come in the smaller sizes
• I didn't have to buy any more expensive hair products - I didn't have ANY hair
• For the rest of my life, I got to blame forgetfulness on "chemo brain."
• You can shame bad drivers with your bald head

Laugh with Kathy as you listen to her humorous and inspiring

interview and why it is a GOOD to smash pumpkins and 

throw eggs:

Be Assured: There is Triumph After Pain

Phyllis Clemmons is a best-selling author of several books.  She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration and a Master's in Management, Human Resource Development and Leadership.

In life, each of us has a common goal:  To get through life's challenges, troubles, and trials as if it were a medicine that brings us to a healthy state of being.  A state of being that promotes strength, wisdom, resourcefulness, creativity, determination, and hope.

Phyllis states that it takes those trials to make our lives meaningful, colorful and complete, driving us to be creative, resourceful, determined, hopeful, and open.

Each of her books has a common thread:

• There is triumph after pain
• There is a key to unlock every door
• There is a small voice whispering behind every choice we make  

You will not want to miss her challenging and inspiring interview:

Give Yourself Permission to be Real

Jenna Forster is the founder of Women That Lead, an organization designed to help professional women achieve some really groovy things. 

Jenna is an Executive Coach, Motivational Speaker and Author of two books.

Jenna came to a point in her life when she was forced to deal with a physical diagnosis that changed everything.  As a result, she immersed herself into the field of neuroscience and is now a trainer certified in the Study of Brain and Neuroplasticity.






In addition, Jenna is:

When You Know Better, You Do Better

Robyn Hill is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). She has a Master of Arts Degree in Clinical Pastoral Counseling. Robyn has her own private practice where she provides culturally and spiritually sensitive counseling specializing in depression, anxiety, and trauma recovery.

Robyn is also an author of books to educate on developing coping skills to improve emotional wellness, including A Healing Conversation: Beginning Steps Towards Dealing with a Painful Past.

Robyn has recently launched her new radio show “Mind Healing Conversations” where she discusses various life stressors affecting mental wellness and also to inspire healthier habits for improving your quality of life.

In her interview here, Robyn shares tips and coping skills for those who don't know where to start on their journey to better mental health.  You will sense her empathy and compassionate desire to help those who are struggling.  Her organization reaches as far as women in Uganda who need an education and assistance in becoming self-sufficient.

Tips On How To Start A Writing Career

Marie Lavender is an award-winning best-selling author of 22 books, including Second Chance Heart.   She has been writing for over 20 years in a variety of genres.  

Second Chance Heart and A Little Magick  placed in the TOP 10 on the 2015 P&E Readers' Poll. 

Nominated for the TRR Readers' Choice Awards for Winter 2015. Poetry winner of the 2015 PnPAuthors Contest. Honorable Mention in the 2014 BTS Red Carpet Book Awards. Finalist and Runner-up in the 2014 MARSocial's Author of the Year Competition. Honorable mention in the January 2014 Reader's Choice Award. Liebster Blogger Award for 2013 and 2014. Top 10 Authors on AuthorsDB.com. Winner of the Great One Liners Contest on the Directory of Published Authors.

She has more works in progress than she can count on two hands. Since 2010, Marie has published 22 books in the genres of historical romance, contemporary romance, romantic suspense, paranormal romance, fantasy, mystery/thriller, literary fiction and poetry. 

The Most Beautiful People are Often Those Who Have Suffered the Greatest

Dana Goodman is a published author, grief counselor and inspirational speaker.  Her memoir is entitled, In the Cleft, Joy Comes in the Mourning, which won top novel at the Wildsound Writing Festival.

Dana's life was hard and unpredictable.  No mother should have to bury her 13-year-old son, at the same time her husband and mother-in-law died.  

Yet, Dana found love again and remarried.  Shortly after, her new husband was diagnosed with the same life-threatening cancer.  

It is one of the rarest cancers in the world and there have only been 200 known cases.  How could one woman lose three family members and yet, find her joy once again?






You will enjoy her interview as she shares how we often live in tension - beautiful and ugly mixing together like paint -- pain and joy kissing each other.  

Do You Know What You Were Meant to do? Are You Doing it?

Dianna Corcoran, Australian-born singer, guitar player, songwriter, producer, musical entrepreneur and two-time Golden Guitar winner in the Australian Country Music Awards including Artist of the Year, is one of Australia's most distinguished vocal and songwriting talents. 

She has earned over 400 awards with numerous #1 hits including an upcoming Hollywood movie opening theme.

This hard-working, genuine country girl has an almost 7th-octave vocal range, an infectious personality, and brings a fresh sound to country music.

She has driven over 46,000 miles, by herself, to promote her music and meet her fans in small towns across America. 



She has an unusual view of competition in this business, that can be related to any business.  She is in one of the toughest industries yet has accomplished incredible success - through tenacity and determination.  Humility and warmth are often foreign to achievement in the music industry, yet it is in her nature.  

You will not want to miss this young star's interview and her encouraging words to anyone working towards achievement -- in whatever you set your mind to do.

Her humorous and stimulating interview:

Did You Know You Can Love Yourself in Spite of your Abuse?

Maya Hope Kitwana wrote her memoir, Breaking my Silence, to share her powerful story but also in hopes of comforting those who have suffered in silence.  She shares why it is important to:

          Share Your Story
          Forgive Your Abusers 
          Face Your Abusers

          And......

FORGIVE YOURSELF

Many victims of abuse have a difficult time to forgive but also to love themselves.  They must realize they have NOTHING to be embarrassed or ashamed of -- they were the abused and often just little children.

She offers tips on how to break that cycle of abuse that many families endure.

She shares how your past helps you to be the kind of parent you desire to be.

Her book, Breaking My Silence, is available here or on

The Cancer Olympics is Everyone's Worst Nightmare

Dr. Robin McGee is a Registered Clinical Psychologist.  She has taught at the university level and has published in professional journals in the field of child psychology.

Dr. McGee was an active, fit woman in her forties when she developed frightening symptoms.  Four doctors either ignored her complaints or belittled them.  She waited TWO years for a diagnosis and by then, had stage three rectal cancer.

The Cancer Olympics is Robin's account of a gutsy, no-holds-barred middle-aged woman's fight against THREE formidable enemies:

          Late-stage colorectal cancer

          The Medical establishment

          Archaic government policies

The Cancer Olympics illustrates how a support blog for a cancer patient turned into an engine that challenged unfair drug policy. It illustrates how a community of ordinary people, connected by the internet via social media, formed a grassroots movement that tackled the government. And it illustrates how a supportive community can sustain the hope and even the life of those afflicted with catastrophic disease.

Helping You Reach Your Goals and Success as a Writer

Cindy Sproles is an author, speaker, managing editor for Straight Street Books and SonRise Devotionals.  She is the executive editor and co-founder for Christian Devotions Ministries.  

Her dream is to do nothing more than craft words that speak from the heart. 

Her best-selling novel, Mercy Rains, addresses the tough subject of child sexual and physical abuse.   Even though it is set in another century it will take you to places you may not want to go but must...... as it addresses a current problem.



Her best-selling 

Teach Yourself How to Love and Forgive YOURSELF

Lane Cobb is an author, speaker, and a life and wellness coach. 

Certified by Coaches Training Institute, WellCoaches, LLC, and International Coaches Federation, Lane is committed to teaching women and girls how to have healthy bodies, healthy relationships, and healthy mind-sets. 

With over 20 years of coaching experience, Lane brings a diverse and extensive body of knowledge to her speaking, coaching, and writing.

As a sought-after expert in the fields of transformation, motivation, and healing, Lane is an example to women who seek to ignite their passion, live their purpose and achieve their greatest potential. Lane is internationally certified in multiple coaching and healing modalities and is a graduate of Peak Potentials Train the Trainer Program.

Lane says:   "Take the time to listen to someone tell their story.  There is healing in sharing your story -- everyone.....has a story."  

Her services include individual and group coaching, virtual seminars, workshops and keynotes that provide women with a clear and powerful context for living each day with Her signature books, Be Your Biggest Champion and Heal Your Power Heal Your Life offer women and teen girls a formula for developing self-esteem and empowers them to embrace their power and express their gifts to make in impact.

Listen to her exciting passionate interview here:

Think You Are Indestructible? What Happens When Your Life is Put on Hold?

MaryLee MacDonald is an award-winning author, writing coach with a Master's in English/Creative Writing, and a caregiver advocate.

She thought she was indestructible until life took a sudden turn.  She knows the stress long-term care as the main caregiver for her son-in-law who was afflicted with ALS.

But that was not her first encounter with death of a loved one.  She knows the devastation of losing a spouse suddenly and the impact it makes on the entire family.

Listen to MaryLee's story and you will be inspired. Even more importantly, MaryLee will give you tips and coping skills to deal with these crises which can turn from a sprint into a marathon.





Marylee's novel Montpelier Tomorrow  has won the Gold Medal for Drama from the Readers' Favorites International Book Awards.  It was a Finalist for the Bellwether Prive, te Eric Hoffer Award and the Indie Next Generation Book Awards.

Build your Personal Brand to Leave a Legacy and a Life Purpose Fulfilled

Clare McAlaney, a best-selling author, has had a variety of careers before she found her true calling. 

She was a policewoman who later became a prosecutor.  From there, she went to the corporate life while still earning degrees and seeking her creative self.  

Clare has earned degrees in marketing, branding, and business law.  She established Creatavision Publishing while learning design, photography, and publishing on the job.

But there were dark times in Clare's life. There was a time when she did not want to live another day - when hope was gone.  

She is a pure example of someone who can turn their tragedies into victories.  She has only just begun her journey to pursue her dreams of success as a writer and publisher.

"Don't EVER Quit!

When you do what you are put on this planet to do - you will become driven until you accomplish it"