Just received a review copy of Oni Vitandham Fan Page book "On The Wings of A White Horse". This book is an inspirational account of the authors journey from the jungles of Cambodia, surviving the Khmer Rouge Genocide, to the streets of California. Featuring in an upcoming issue of Authors & Artists Magazine, as well as including complimentary in the April 15th E-blast. Oni Oni
On the Wings of a White Horse
A Cambodian Princess’s Story of Surviving the Khmer Rouge Genocide
WHAT BEGAN AS a search for her godmother, developed into a quest for her
own survival. At the tender age of four years old, she witnessed the murders
of both her godparents by Khmer Rouge soldiers, and spent the next seven
years of her life as a refugee in her own country, wandering the brutal terrain
of Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam and Laos. She was captured by foreign
armies on several occasions and placed into labor camps, but miraculously
was able to find the means to escape each time. Nonetheless the innocence
that is in the heart of every child was taken from her and in its place remained
the fear of mortar fire, land-mines, starvation, disease, and violence. Death
was something she witnessed every single day...
THROUGH PERSEVERANCE Oni arrived at a refuge camp in Thailand
from which she was able to immigrate to the United States, at the age of eleven—
but her dreams of a new, peaceful life in America would not be realized for many
years to come. Although free from the immediate threat of war, as an orphan
and immigrant she was far from freedom. During her teenage years, Oni
was faced with the challenge of adapting to the culture of a new country
without the support of family or friends. Her guardians in America were
abusive and cruel and it began to seem as though she was losing her will
to survive. The obstacles she faced began to loom larger and larger before
her, pushing her to the breaking point. After years of struggling, she finally
managed to establish a productive life on her own here—although it would
be many more years until Oni would truly come to terms with her past.
In so doing, she learned to embrace her future, and become a voice for
the country and people she left behind
ONI’S STORY IS TRULY a story of survival in two very different worlds. It is
an account of unspeakable human rights abuses and violent acts of genocide,
but at the same time, it is a message of unlimited compassion, unconditional love,
and heartfelt forgiveness. This is Oni’s story, but it is not hers alone; it is the story
of every single Cambodian man, woman and child who suffered in silence under
the Khmer Rouge and who still suffer under the appalling third-world conditions
present there today. But all is not lost for the Khmer people, for on the horizon
of Oni’s dreams the silhouette of a magnificent White Horse appears, bringing
with it justice and peace to Cambodia. L LEA
Letting My Pen Bleed is a collection of evocative writings that capture feelings of fear, pain, anticipation and love.
The life of Beverly Jones Davis, an African American, single mother of two and published poet, resembles a roller coaster in slow motion, inching slowly up, only to roll back down. At times in her 27 years, Davis has risen above her circumstances. Despite being diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, she continues to be upbeat, controlling the condition and not allowing it to control her life.
Davis has dreams, of publishing her poetry, starting a clothing design company, sending her children to college.
Check upcoming issues and our monthly Authors & Artists Magazine for scheduled readings and signings. Purchase book today at Amazon.com.
Stedman Graham
As a sought-out speaker and lecturer, Stedman Graham presents to corporations, organizations and nonprofits. He has authored a number of books including two New York Times bestsellers, You Can Make It Happen: A Nine-Step Plan for Success and Teens Can Make It Happen: Nine Steps to Success. He is working on new book Identity Passport to Freedom, the process of gaining freedom by becoming the leader of your own life.
In this exclusive interview with Suite101 he shares his thoughts on leadership, self development and his new book, Identity Passort to Freedom: Nine-Step Success Processwhich is expected to be on the market in the fall of 2010.
Q.You are working on a new book,Identity Passport to Freedom- What do you want readers to take away from this?
What I want readers to take away is the following: it’s the individual that really is in charge of their own life and there is process of being in charge. You can’t take control over your life if you are doing the same thing over every day.
Take a chance to think and evolve by learning how to take knowledge and information by making it relevant to you. You have to be able to define yourself and not let other people assign labels to you. It’s not an easy process. It takes a lot of work to be free. It’s a lifelong journey to gain freedom at all different levels of your life.
Q. There have been thousands of books written about successful leadership and development often focusing on competencies like communication, vision and interpersonal skills. How does your approach differ?
My approach differs because our work focuses on developing one’s identity and we try to go deeper by exploring and establishing a person’s purpose is life. What we like to do is build a strong foundation based on who they are. From there one can begin to organize his or her life into different segments and interests; identify different passions which allows one to become an expert in their field. It's about freedom to achieve their full potential.
You don’t become a leader based on being smarter or working harder, or able to be more organizationally developed than anyone else. In my opinion, leadership is deeply rooted in being connected to the work one does personally. To me that’s the best form of leadership. Sure, you can be a leader in title, by someone selecting you, or you can be a leader based on your position. What separates my leadership approach is to find out what you should be doing for the rest of your life, because that’s who you are.
Q. What particular experiences have convinced you that the Nine Step Process is the best approach?
It’s my own personal experience of looking for freedom in life. It’s about being able to not let other people define me but take control and define myself. It’s rooted in the fact that we have been programmed to memorize, take tests and get grades; then we realize we forgot most of what we learned in school.
This is a way of reversing the learning process and understanding how to take the information and make it relevant to your own development. I was programmed to believe a number of things that kept me in the box. So I was never able to think or grow beyond the box that I was in. The Nine Step Process personally was a path that allowed me to create freedom for myself. Learn more about My Life Is About at CLICK HERE. Visit Mr. Graham's CLICK HERE.
Gina Smith
Marketing & Promotions
Marketing authors and artists through print, television, radio and online promotions, scheduling and coordinating bookings, as well as other services. "My job is to help you and your product become known to a larger audience". Rates as low as $250.00/monthly.
Gina Johnson Smith is the founder of Smith Publishing & Media Group,the author of several books, numerous articles, and an Author & Artist Marketer. To retain her services, contact her at (888) 841-7779 or email her at smithpublish@yahoo.com.
God never intended for His creation to misuse, abuse or pervert their bodies sexually. Christ wants to be fully formed within you. And it is only through your body that He can reveal His power and glory.
"Can’t Touch This" is a blatantly candid, revealing and awe-inspiring testimony of a young woman’s struggle between obtaining sexual gratification and God’s will and purpose for her life. Buckle your seat belts because you’re going on a real ride to freedom, victory and liberty in Christ Jesus. It will shock you, inspire you, and provoke you to do things “God’s Way.” To purchase this book or to book Dominque for your group, visit Can't Touch This (click here).
Quest for Recognition of a Father’s Invention
Herman L. Grimes, Jr.
ISBN #978-0-9815783-1-6 U.S. $13.00
“Quest for Recognition of a Father’s Invention” is about an unsung African-American hero. It is a son’s journey to uphold his father’s legacy. Hermon L. Grimes, Sr., is one of the nation’s best-kept secrets. Mr. Grimes developed the official patent for FOLDING WING AIRCRAFT. U.S. Patent Office Number 2,137,486. The new folding wing aircraft was used extensively in the Pacific theater during World War II. Upon the attack of Pearl Harbor, it was made clear that the Japanese Navy had gained air superiority over the U.S. Navy. This handicap was quickly overcome by the implementation of folding wing aircraft on naval carriers. Hermon L. Grimes helped to revolutionized aviation.
Herman L. Grimes, Sr. received a Purple Heart, yet he died with a broken heart without receiving recognition or compensation for his invention. This is a must-read book for all who seek to right the wrongs of history. Available through Milligan Books (click here).
Here's our monthly newsletter from Goodreads—giving you the latest and greatest in our quest to connect people through reading!
Your love affair with a book doesn't have to end on the last page. Join a Goodreads book club to find fellow readers. Here is a sampling of some of our 10,000 book groups. Find an online group or search for local groups in your area!
How to Work With Your Book Marketer
These are great suggestions from a top marketer!
From Gina Johnson Smith - Author Marketer
Do’s
Tell them your schedule & where you’re speaking.
Give them ample time to process your requests and return your phone calls.
Tell them things that come across your desk or emails that would help them get the word out for you. They can’t be everywhere all the time.
Tell them if you get a good response from an interview.
Tell them your “wish” list of media interviews and hosts you’d like to talk to and WHY.
Give them as much background on you as possible: schools, awards, speaking engagements, places of employment (any place where there have been gatherings of people that know you or about you).
Help other author friends. You reap what you sow. Look out for others.
Keep a database. Everywhere you go and speak – start a mailing list.
Send personal thank you notes to the media. Keep in touch with them – but don’t be annoying.
Give them ideas. Discuss new publicity angles. Marketers work with a variety of clients and they appreciate clients that are engaged in their marketing process and can see natural opportunities that they might miss.
Give them good materials to work with: a great book cover, a good head shot, a great book title and great endorsements. Have a good business card too (with photo if possible).
Be nice to the media and get rid of the “entitlement” attitude.
Remember to say your book title and website several times during the interview.
Follow the advice, suggestions and recommendations of your marketing team.
Let your Marketer know your expectations right from the beginning.
Be consistent!
Make a positive confession about your marketing campaign and ask for prayer from your “inner circle”. They’re your “cheerleader” and intercessor.
Research & know your market and ask them what “buzz” they have heard about your book and what you could do to improve.
Critique your interviews and constantly improve your “sound bites.”
Don’ts
Ignore interview requests.
Don’t take credit for your “media” success – know that it’s God that orchestrates everything and a team that helps you LOOK good.
Don’t lie or over exaggerate the truth to the media. They check you out anyway.
Assume that the media will give you copies of the story or the interview. Ask before the interview begins, or better yet, tape them yourself and/or subscribe to their periodical/newspaper via the website.
Be a lone ranger. Connect with other writers/authors/speakers. Go to other author’s book signings. You reap what you sow.
Smith Publishing & Media Group's Author & Business Marketing services will help you implement your marketing plan and garnering media coverage. From drafting and distributing press releases to limited following-up with media contacts. With our services, we can help you successfully launch a regional, national or local marketing campaign for your Book, Project or Business at economical rates. For more information, click here - Pay4Ads.
Letting My Pen Bleed
Cheryl Iszard, Inspirations From the Heart
