'Writing Habit Mastery' by S. J. Scott $0.99 Countdown Special 1/13-1/19

LEARN:: How to Forever Eliminate Writer's Block and Write THOUSANDS of Words a Day

Do you struggle to write every day? Many people dream of becoming a successful author, but can't *find* the time to write. The truth is this: Great writers don't have more time than you do. They make time to write. Not only do they make time, they also follow specific routines that help them avoid writer's block altogether.

By developing the "writing habit" you'll have the confidence to sit down in front of a computer every day, knowing the words will come.

YOUR GOAL:: Write 2,000 Words a Day -- Every Day!

One of the key factors to effectively developing ANY habit is choosing a specific, measurable goal. So if you want to become a prolific writer, then you'll need to choose a specific word count for each day. While I *suggest* 2,000 words as a goal, you can pick any number that fits in with your busy schedule. You might choose 500 or 1,000 words a day. Or, you might have more time than I do (or write faster than I do) and choose to write 3,000 or 10,000 words each day. The important thing is to establish a daily word count goal and then stick to it.

In "Writing Habit Mastery" you'll learn how to incorporate writing into your daily routine. What you'll get is a strategy and list of tools that will help you develop a sustainable writing habit and demolish writer's block.

DOWNLOAD:: Writing Habit Mastery - How to Write 2,000 Words a Day and Forever Cure Writer's Block

"Writing Habit Mastery" contains a step-by-step blueprint of habits and routines you can use to develop this routine.

Inside this guide you'll learn how to:

• Establish the PERFECT writing routine and environment
• Find the time to write--even if you have a full-time job
• Minimize distractions and interruptions
• Crank out PUBLISHED works on a consistent basis
• Create an energized state where you're ready to write
• Make money from your completed books or screenplays
• Follow a simple seven-step process that prevents writer's block

You can write thousands of words every day. All you need is a strategy to develop this habit.

Available on Amazon

S.J. Scott believes that the way to improve yourself is to set achievable goals and develop daily habits that move you towards these outcomes. That's why he publishes actionable books that help you immediately develop positive habits.

Meet Anne Greene, author of 'Marriage by Arrangement'

What was the inspiration behind this book?

Masquerade Marriage inspired Marriage by Arrangement. This is the second book in the Scottish Marriage Trilogy series. The Golden Goddess of Castle Drummond, Lady Cailin MacMurry, is the older sister of Lady Megan MacMurry. Lady Cailin and the Duke of Avondale turned out to be such compelling characters in my first Scottish book, they insisted on a book of their own. Marriage by Arrangement is that book. Fiona MacCauley, Brody MacCauley’s younger sister, will star in her own book which may be titled Marriage to a Rogue.

How much do you have in common with the main character?

I have almost nothing in common with Lady Cailin MacMurry. I am not rich, not a first born, not accustomed to living in a castle filled with servants, and was not compelled to marry a man I had met but once. Nor is my personality like Lady Cailin’s in the slightest. She’s a nurturing, loving person whom everyone adores…that’s why she’s so confused when her new husband doesn’t love her. Lady Cailin is beautiful and content to live out her life in her ancestral home. When she faces the difficulties of her marriage she discovered depths in herself she doesn’t like. She reaches a point where she must decide if she should have her husband murdered. Not like me at all.

What is one of your favorite scenes?

Some of my favorite scenes are the ones behind closed doors where Lady Cailin learns what marriage is all about. I also love the over-the-top scenes where Duke Avondale does crazy things.

What kind of research did you have to do?

Most of my research was already done with Masquerade Marriage. I spent three weeks in Scotland, took pictures, and recorded the ambiance. I fell in love with the country, with the people, and with the story I started in Masquerade Marriage and continued in Marriage By Arrangement. Both stories relate the Scottish side of events, but Marriage By Arrangement spends more time with the English perspective of events. I’m of Scottish ancestry so I’ve done a great deal of research into my background and roots. I love the sound of bagpipes and include them in both stories. It is possible to read Marriage By Arrangement and enjoy the book and understand it completely without first reading Masquerade Marriage, but I recommend for maximum enjoyment that you read both.

What is so appealing about historical romance for writers? For readers?

I dearly love doing the research for historical romances. I think readers find reading historical romances especially fulfilling because they not only get a fine story, they also receive a good bit of information about the era, the customs, and the history of a time period. I also love going back to a simpler time without the noise and interruption of social media.

If you could go back in time, where would you go and why?

I would only want to go back in time if I were going back as a wealthy person. Poor people, and especially women, had a tough life back in historic times. So as a wealthy person, which I am not, I would choose to return to the roaring twenties. The majority of people were prosperous, after WWI and before WWII. New inventions brought easier living and women lived with less social restrictions. Jazz music and dancing, light hearts and great expectations for the future prevailed. Life opened up for women with the chance to vote. And, I would know about the coming stock market crash, so could get my cash out and invest it in land. Wouldn’t it be fun to go back to almost any time in history and know how to make a fortune because you knew future events?

You love to travel, and have even visited Scotland, where this book takes place. What is one of your favorite travel memories?

We spent the night at a bed and breakfast in Scotland out on the moors. We watched two border collies round up a herd of sheep and take them to their home pasture without any assistance at all from their owner. That night we slept with the windows open. Outside that herd of sheep pastured just below our window. We were lulled to sleep with the baa, baa of sheep under a moonlit night. So very different from anything we experience here in Texas.

Where else would you still like to visit?

I’d love to explore South America. I watch the travel channel all the time, but there is not much on showing South America. We speak Spanish fairly well and love some of the Spanish artists and the architecture. And of course love Spanish food. And I’d love to learn some of those Spanish dances. Did I tell you I learned Belly Dancing while I was in Turkey for six months?

I was also born in Ohio. I always loved the countryside and the Toledo Museum of Art. What are some of your recommendations for visitors to the Buckeye State?

Beautiful Ohio. I just love driving through the country and seeing the golden waves of grain and the tall stalks of corn. But then, here in Texas we don’t see that. They say they have trees here in Texas. I call them bushes privately. Texas is a grand state, but Ohio is beautiful. I suggest visitors stop at the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and visit the museum there. I write about WWII and the planes women flew and tested, so that museum is especially interesting to me.

You currently reside in Dallas, Texas. Again, what are some of your recommended destinations?

Hmmn. Where to go in Dallas??? Dallas has a fantastic night life. I don’t join it, I just read about it. The restaurants are fabulous. The best museums are in Ft. Worth which is part of the Dallas-Ft Worth metroplex. I love visiting Ft. Worth because that’s the cowboy side of DFW. Look for anything cowboy and western and you go to Ft. Worth. Anything upscale, romantic, and artsy you find in Dallas. Our churches are the best in the world. We are the buckle of the Bible belt, and we have mega-churches with any kind of music you want. We have a gorgeous arboretum and aquarium. But the best thing you’ll find in Dallas is the people. Talk about southern hospitality. People here are the main attraction. Wonderful people who have transported here from every state in the Union and adopted our welcome you’al, come on over and visit philosophy.

Please tell us about your other publications.

Beside Masquerade Marriage and Marriage By Arrangement, A Texas Christmas Mystery is also published by Pelican Book Group. The mystery is set in Galveston, Texas. A lady Coastguardsman searches for a killer. An oil rig troubleshooter accused of murder races to clear his name. The murderer strives to silence them both.

As Amber seeks to arrest Derrick, sparks fly.

Amber Meredith needs to solve her first case. But the handsome Cajun suspect makes her heart race and her toes tingle.

Derrick Darbonne worked all his life for his high-paying, adventurous job. When his past threatens his future, will he endanger the woman he loves?

What is something readers may be surprised to learn about you?

Like most writers, I’m an introvert. How else does a person spend hours alone in a room with a computer and only the characters in her head as companions? But I do enjoy teaching writing and giving classes in writing. You’ll find an on-line writing class with a new lesson every two weeks at http://www.anneswritingupdates.blogspot.com.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I’d love for you to join me either at http://www.christianfictionhistoricalsociety.blogspot.com. Or at my writing class. I love talking with fans at both places and I give opportunities to win one of my books. You can also visit me at http://www/AnneGreeneAuthor.com.

Thank you so much for your time!

Marriage by Arrangement
by Anne Greene

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BLURB:

A MARRIAGE COVENANT

Why does a handsome, powerful noble of the highest rank in England stoop to marry a mere Lady of Lowland Scotland?

A GREAT SECRET

Are the whispered stories about him true? With his shadowy past and strange behavior, what awful secret does he hide? Each change of clothes transforms him into a different man.

AN IMPOSSIBLE CHOICE

Can Lady Cailin keep her vow to make her marriage happy and successful, unlike that of her parents, or must she arrange for the Duke's accidental death?

Read an excerpt:

Avondale sauntered from the smoking room after deliberately losing a game of whist to his father-in-law and, as was now his habit, headed for Loch Drummond.

His nightly trek to the loch gave him time to reflect. Two weeks had passed since he made his vows and surely God had abandoned him.

He opened the back castle door. A burst of cool night air washed over him. He lifted his chin and pulled in a deep breath filled with the taste of bracing, country air. How could he face his beautiful bride? Each night brought more torture.

But tonight he would return to Cailin, otherwise the woman wouldn’t sleep. And he would again permit the sweet innocent to read the Bible to him, but he would sit across the room in the shadows.

At first he’d been angry when he discovered the strength of Cailin’s faith, then he’d felt indulgent. Why not allow her this pleasure when he must deny her so many others? He lengthened his stride until his boots thundered over the marshy moor. Her faith had yet to be tried, so, of course, she held to her naive belief. He fisted his hands. But reading the Bible couldn’t help him. Nothing and no one could.

His frown softened. Yet her turquoise eyes sparkled and her creamy complexion glowed when she defended the faith he questioned. And he’d grown to appreciate the intelligence behind the beauty of her angelic face. He beat one fist against the other. Why could he not be like other men?

She knew exactly who she was. She was bright and shining, inside and out. Sure of herself. Secure in her world, whether inside the castle or out with the common folk. He heaved a sigh. Would that he had that ability. He growled deep in his throat. Since he’d wed, the darkness had grown worse. How much longer could he hide his past from Cailin?

He’d silenced her questions with anger he barely controlled. And turned a stony face from her hurt.

He’d hoped being away from court and living inside the MacMurry castle would help. Of course it hadn’t. He walked a tightrope. One wrong step and he’d tumble to his death. And he’d take sweet Cailin with him. He should never have married.

Yet he must produce a legal male heir.

Available on Amazon

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

ANNE GREENE delights in writing about wounded heroes and gutsy heroines. Her second novel, a Scottish historical, Masquerade Marriage, won the New England Reader Choice award, the Laurel Wreath Award, and the Heart of Excellence Award. The sequel Marriage By Arrangement released November, 2013. A Texas Christmas Mystery also won awards. She makes her home in McKinney, Texas. Tim LaHaye led her to the Lord when she was twenty-one and Chuck Swindoll is her Pastor. View Anne’s travel pictures and art work at http://www.AnneGreeneAuthor.com. Anne’s highest hope is that her stories transport the reader to an awesome new world and touch hearts to seek a deeper spiritual relationship with the Lord Jesus. Buy Anne’s books at http://www.PelicanBookGroup.com. Or at http://www.Amazon.com. Visit http://www.anneswritingupdates.blogspot.com for information on writing an award-winning novel. Talk with Anne on twitter at @TheAnneGreene. Visit Anne’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/annewgreene?fref=ts

Anne will be awarding a digital copy of Masquerade Marriage – book one in the series, to a randomly drawn commenter at each stop during the tour, and a Grand Prize of a 20.00 GC to the Pelican Book Group website to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour. Follow the tour for more chances to win!

'Life in Half a Second: How to achieve success before it's too late' by Matthew Michaelwicz

Blurb:

What if there was a proven path to success? A path supported by science and research? A path that led to your goals and aspirations in less time, with less risk?

Would you take it?

Truthful and hard hitting, Life in Half a Second is the first "fact-based" formula for achieving success in life and business. Proven through thousands of studies and decades of research, it presents the five doors you must walk through to achieve success in your career, business, or personal life.

Gimmicks, mind tricks, fairy tales, and wishful thinking NOT INCLUDED. Just facts.

Read an excerpt:

Fear is a tranquillizer, a sedative; it prevents action and holds us back from living a full life. Fear is the reason that we don’t takeaction, the reason we don’t pursue dreams, start a business, change jobs, change countries, get married, get divorced, go back to school, and more. When fear is present, the safest thing to do is stand still, do nothing, live in suspended animation.

**Read the first chapter here.**

Available on Amazon

Matthew is an international expert in entrepreneurship, innovation, and success psychology. He has established boards that include former heads of state, Nobel Peace Prize winners, and Fortune 500 CEOs, and has a track record of starting businesses from scratch and selling them for tens of millions of dollars.

From 2005 – 2012, Matthew was the co-founder and CEO of SolveIT Software, a supply chain optimisation business he grew from zero to almost 180 employees and $20 million in revenue before selling the business to Schneider Electric. Under his leadership, SolveIT Software became the 3rd fasting-growing company in Australia in 2012, as ranked by Deloitte. The company won numerous awards, and counted among its customers some of the largest corporations in the world, including Rio Tinto, BHP Billiton, and Xstrata.

From 1999 - 2003, Matthew was the co-founder and CEO of NuTech Solutions in the USA, where he raised more than US$15 million in venture capital and grew the business to almost 200 employees in six international offices. Matthew established an “A-list” board of directors, which included former President of Poland and Nobel Peace Prize winner, Lech Walesa, former National Security Advisor to the President of the United States, Zbigniew Brzezinski, former Bank of America Chairman and CEO, Hugh McColl Jr., and world-renowned fraud expert and subject of Steven Spielberg’s blockbuster “Catch Me if You Can,” Frank Abagnale. NuTech Solutions was acquired by Netezza Corporation, which was subsequently acquired by IBM Global Services.

From 1994 – 1999, Matthew was the founder and operator of Fitness Forever, a personal training business, and later, the co-founder of CFG Investments, a money management and financial planning company with more than $150 million under management.

Matthew’s business achievements have been featured in numerous television shows and publications, including Time Magazine, Newsweek, and Forbes. He was named the Pearcey Foundation “Entrepreneur of the Year”, Business Journal “40 under 40” list of accomplished business leaders, University of North Carolina “Alumnus of the Year”, and Ernst and Young “Entrepreneur of the Year” finalist.

Matthew is the author of several books, including “Life in Half a Second” (Oct 2013), “Winning Credibility”, “Puzzle-Based Learning”, and “Adaptive Business Intelligence”. He is a Visiting Fellow at the University of Adelaide where he lectures on the subject of technology commercialisation, and an investor and Limited Partner in Blackbird Ventures, an Australian early-stage venture capital fund.

www.Michalewicz.com.au

https://www.facebook.com/lifeinhalfasecond

'Believe' by Shelly Hickman

Blurb:

Believe. A message that still taunts her years after the passing of her daughter. In the days of her daughter's illness, she considered herself a seeker, open to the possibilities of prayer and faith. Now cynical and guarded, she is forced to reexamine her beliefs and relive her past when an old love resurfaces, with a sick child of his own. Believe is a story that examines fractures to our foundations in the face of tragedy. It is a story that asks if prayers are always answered, but often in ways we do not see.

NOTE: Despite the spiritual tone of this work, please be aware it contains strong language.

Read an excerpt:

Silent you left
With no goodbye
Don’t understand
Won’t even try
I cannot move
I cannot breathe
I cannot find
The will to grieve
A void of light
Is what you leave
I now know not
What I believe

Six years later, the words to that song still made her think of the morning she woke to find Sarah lying next to her, her spirit gone. She turned down the radio and remembered how determined she was to save the world at that time. It was simply unacceptable that children die, that parents sit by and helplessly watch their child suffer, and she was going to travel the world until she learned the secret to healing.

What a joke. Now her big contribution was taking her miniature Yorkie to the cancer clinic as pet therapy. Woo, hoo! You're really making a difference, Rachel.

It now seemed strange that she ever felt that connected to whatever it is out there, so watched over. It made her question if we're only allowed to feel that way during crisis, simply as a blind impulse. Or maybe it was all in her mind. Now all that remained was a somewhat detached confusion with occasional spurts of understanding—that is, until they fell away again. She sometimes felt guilty that she no longer made the effort to cultivate that relationship, that understanding.

She recalled the day in the coffee house with Cooper. How ridiculous the need for closure, even under the most ill-timed circumstances. What an idiot.  The memory prompted her to reflect upon some of her other bizarre behavior in the days immediately following Sarah’s death. After the people came to collect Sarah the morning it happened, Rachel went apartment hunting. Not seeking comfort in friends and family, but apartment hunting. A pleasant elderly lady drove her around on one of those little golf carts, showing her the grounds of one of the complexes she visited. “You’ll find that we have a very nice workout facility, clubhouse, and over here is one of our two swimming pools.”

Rachel nodded politely as she surveyed the women in their bikinis lounging by the pool. How can they just lie there like that, worrying about their stupid ass tans? I hate them! She continued to pretend like everything was perfectly normal as she journeyed on this little cart, when what she really wanted to do was scream to everyone within a five-mile radius, “I died this morning!”

A few days later, she found herself eating lunch alone at Sweet Tomatoes. It hadn’t even occurred to her, until she sat down with her food, that it was Mother’s Day. The place was busting at the seams with husbands, wives, children, grandparents. Everyone so happy, enjoying a family meal, again, as if nothing existed in this world that was evil or tragic. They never noticed the unaffected android mechanically spooning food into her mouth, failing to taste a thing.

Book buy links

Bio:

Living in Las Vegas since she was two, Shelly Hickman has witnessed many changes in the city over the years. She graduated from UNLV with a Bachelor of Art in 1990, and in her early twenties worked as an illustrator for a contractor for the Nevada Test Site. In the mid-90s, she returned to school to earn her Masters degree in Elementary Education. She now teaches computer applications and multimedia at a middle school in Las Vegas. She loves to write about people, examining their flaws, their humor, spirituality, and personal growth. Shelly lives with her husband, two children, and their dog, Frankie.

Links:

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