Guest post on writing about Chinese female spies by Mingmei Yip

Novelist Mingmei Yip, author of The Nine Fold Heaven, is here today to share some insight into female Chinese spies - characters she uses as protagonists.

Bio: 

Mingmei Yip has been writing and publishing since she was fourteen years old and now she has twelve books to her credit. Her five novels are published by Kensington Books and her two children’s books are published by Tuttle Publishing.

Mingmei is also a renowned qin (ancient string instrument) musician, calligrapher and painter. In Hong Kong, she was a columnist for seven major newspapers. She has appeared on over sixty TV and radio programs in Hong Kong, Taiwan, China, and the US. 

Chinese Female Spies

by Mingmei Yip

When I decided to write about a woman spy in 1930’s Shanghai, I read every book I could find on the subject. What I discovered during my research is that spies usually end unhappily. Spies, no matter how cautious, smart, scheming, or ruthless, usually in the end could not beat fate. The world in which they lived was dominated by turmoil and malevolence.

Most female spies in China did not enjoy long lives. They were either caught and killed, or discarded once their mission was accomplished. As in the ancient Chinese saying “After the rabbits are caught, the hounds are cooked.”

A spy is like a yehu, a chamber pot: When the master needs to pee, it is needed right away. But when he doesn’t, the pot is but a stinking eyesore.

An example is the Chinese prostitute spy sent to Harbin to spy on a Russian general. She succeeded in stealing his map, on which were marked the soldiers’ positions, their supply lines, and their planned attack route. The government received the map, but never sent anyone to rescue her. Instead, they joked about her as  “the sakura blossom without root,” and left her to die alone in a prison in Siberia.

Female spies had to endure many humiliations like what I describe in my novel:

“Because every time before I was allowed inside Lung’s bedroom or hotel room, I’d be stripped naked and searched thoroughly by Gao his head bodyguard. I was even asked to jump up and down in case a weapon – small knife, razor, poisonous pill -- had been hidden inside my vagina. Of course, he’d also scrap my mouth for possible pills wedged between teeth. Was I humiliated? No, because acquiring a thick skin was part of my training. I had learned not to be distracted by pointless feelings such as humiliation, or embarrassment. It was just part of the job.”

Many spies failed at their last step to succeed because at the last minute, they could not pull the trigger. We imagine this is especially true for women. They may fall in love with their target and find themselves unable to kill. This is what happens in Eileen Chang’s novel, Caution, Lust (made into a popular movie by An Lee). When the female protagonist finally lured her victim to the place planned for his assassination, she didn’t have the heart to kill him and told him to run.

A Chinese saying, “It’s difficult for a hero to resist a beautiful woman’s love.” Thus the ever-popular honey trap. But this also applies when a women meets a handsome, caring man. 

Come along with an ex spy as she returns to Shanghai where she’s a wanted woman – but she has to search for her baby and her lost lover. Is her baby really alive? Will she be able to find her lover? Can she elude the police long enough to find them? 

Learn much more about Nine Fold Heaven and Mingmei Yip at http://www.mingmeiyip.com and get your copy of this exciting and exotic novel at http://www.amazon.com/The-Nine-Fold-Heaven-Mingmei/dp/0758273541/.

Video trailer.

Guest post on time travel in Time Fall by Timothy Ashby

Today I'm featuring a guest post by Tim Ashby on time travel in his new novel Time Fall.

About Time Fall

Lt. Art Sutton’s team of six US Rangers parachute into Nazi Germany… but they vanish in 1945. They land, a few minutes later, in 2011. The Rangers are unaware of the passage of time all around them and the valiant, misguided soldiers begin to attack “enemy” targets.

They face the age old question - What is good? What is evil?

About Tim Ashby

Timothy Ashby's life has been as thrilling as one of his action/adventure novels. Visit his author blog at www.timashby.com.

An international lawyer, businessman, and writer, Tim Ashby worked in Washington DC as a counter-terrorism consultant to the U.S. State Department, and then as a senior official - the youngest political appointee of his rank - at the U.S. Commerce Department, responsible for commercial relations with Latin America and the Caribbean. He held two Top Secret security clearances and worked with a number of colorful characters, including members of the U.S. military's Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC). He has lived in the Caribbean and Europe as well as various places in the United States. An avid historian, he published widely on military history, archaeology, business and international relations. A licensed attorney in Florida and the District of Columbia, Tim Ashby has a PhD degree from the University of Southern California, a JD from Seattle University Law School, and an MBA from the University of Edinburgh Scotland.

Time Travel in TIME FALL by Timothy Ashby

In my new thriller, Time Fall, I chose to treat time travel as a "natural" freak of nature – a severe electrical storm as portrayed in the book. The plot device that causes the World War II soldiers to “fall” through time is therefore neither supernatural nor some advanced sci fi technology. I introduce this in the book’s opening scenes:

The transport’s teenaged flight engineer ducked inside the cockpit. “Radio operator just picked up a weather report,” he said. “Severe electrical storms northern France, southern Germany. Low cloud ceiling.”

Soon afterwards, as the military transport enters the storm, the crew experience the beginning of the natural phenomenon:

“What the hell?” Woody yelled. Cal’s eyes swept the windshield, widening at a kaleidoscope of sparks flecking the glass. Beyond, the aircraft’s nose was bathed in an eerie glow. He glanced out a side window, seeing the same bluish flame flickering along the port wing.

“It-it’s only St. Elmo’s Fire,” he said, quavering voice betraying his doubt. “Happens when you’re flying through a charged atmosphere like this thunderstorm. Nothing to worry about.”

Woody continued to watch, mesmerized by the ghostly display.

“Glad you think so,” he said hoarsely.

Then, as Lt. Art Sutton and his Rangers team prepare to jump into Nazi Germany on their sabotage mission, they begin to feel the effects of the electrical storm that will propel them into another time:

Heart pounding, Sutton shuffled forward, the bulky parachute pack jouncing against his thighs. Then he was at the doorway, fingers hooked into the perforated jambs, hunched against the shrieking gale outside. He could see the tip of the aircraft’s horizontal stabilizer shimmering with phosphorescent light. The metal skin of the aircraft hummed ethereally, rising in volume like a celestial chorus.

An uncanny prickling raised the hairs on the back of Sutton’s neck. He wondered if it was a premonition of death.

The moment that the “time fall” takes place is described from the pilot’s perspective:

An enormous thunderclap shook the aircraft. At that moment the electric blue glow shrouding Bouncing Betty intensified along with the humming sound. Sparks crackled throughout the cockpit. The aircraft’s radio went dead and the compass spun like a demented top. Cal’s jaw fell open, fingers tightening on the control yoke as the airplane seemed to plummet into a void. Ears ringing, he frantically scanned the instrument panel, watching its gauges fluctuate. A spasm of nausea wrenched his gut.

“Woody!” he gasped, glancing at the copilot before returning to the instrument panel. His eyes widened. The banks of red-lighted instruments were now functioning perfectly, every needle steady.

“Wh-what was that?”

Woody bit his lower lip to control its trembling. “Felt like we took a direct hit!”

Cal shook his head, feeling vertigo like oxygen deprivation. He figured that the phenomenon had lasted several seconds, roughly the length of time it took for the parachutists to leave the aircraft.

“Dunno,” he said, “but that weird St. Elmo’s Fire is gone.”

Although the aircraft and its crew safely return to their wartime base, the effects of the phenomenon linger:

From the corner of his eye, he saw Woody shake his left wrist, then lean forward and rap on the instrument panel clock. “Hey,” the copilot said, “let me borrow your watch. Both mine and the aircraft’s have stopped.”

Cal pushed up his sleeve. Surprise tightened his features.

“Mine’s stopped too.”

“Hey,” added Ward, “so’s mine.”

Two days later, Bouncing Betty’s crew gathered in a country pub. Cal rambled drunkenly about the strange phenomena and instrument failure while Woody watched a trio of WAAFs at the bar. But Jim Ward drank quietly, wondering what had caused every timepiece aboard the aircraft on the Bandstand mission to irreparably stop at 11:08 P.M.

Later in the book, I offer a hint about what had caused Sutton’s team to land in Bavaria in 2011 after parachuting from their aircraft in 1945:

Leafing through the paper, he noticed a story in the Science section: “Magnetic Convulsions Behind Sun Storms.” The article said that solar storms causing massive convulsions of magnetic energy were exceptionally powerful that spring. Physicists were speculating that solar flares could influence weather patterns and even affect the space-time continuum. Yeah, sure, Eddie thought cynically before closing the paper.

Do I think that “time travel” as described in my novel is possible? While the story is fictional, I describe – in a dialogue between two Vietnam veterans – an actual incident that inspired me to write Time Fall. During the Vietnam war a military helicopter mysteriously disappeared after flying into a strange cloud during the monsoon season. Hundreds of military personnel witnessed the phenomenon, a high-level investigation took place, but no trace of the aircraft or its crew was found. Perhaps one day that helicopter will land in a very different Vietnam with its unsuspecting crew of young American soldiers.

Filled with historically accurate details, Time Fall is a complex military tale that keeps readers riveted through every surprising twist. Read an excerpt and to enter to win a FREE copy of Time Fall, visit http://www.timefallbook.com/. For your copy, visit http://amzn.to/190ZMwe. You can also get your copy at all major book retailers.

Interview with Dr. Friedemann Schaub

Today’s guest is Dr. Friedemann Schaub to talk about The Fear and Anxiety Solution – A Breakthrough Process for Healing and Empowerment with Your Subconscious Mind

Bio:

Friedemann Schaub, MD, PhD, is a physician specializing in cardiology and molecular biologist who has helped thousands of people to overcome fear and anxiety with his breakthrough and empowerment program that combines his medical expertise with NLP, Time Line Therapy™, clinical hypnotherapy, meditation, and more.

Please tell us about your current release and what inspired you to write this book?

Anxiety is the most common mental health challenge in the U.S. More than 50 million people have been diagnosed with anxiety disorders. Countless others continue to struggle with low self-esteem, isolation, insomnia, and other debilitating effects of anxiety. Most people who suffer from anxiety feel powerless in the face of these overwhelming emotions. They feel flawed and stuck. The Fear and Anxiety Solution introduces a new, self-empowering perspective on fear and anxiety, one that helps readers understand and connect to the innate wisdom and healing potential of these emotions. This book is a step-by-step guide that explains how to transform fear and anxiety into powerful allies, messengers, and healing catalysts that lead to greater confidence, self-worth, and success.

Excerpt:

Is Anxiety a Biochemical Problem Requiring a Biochemical Solution?

Medical research has focused largely on a physiological solution to emotional problems such as anxiety and depression. The most prescribed antianxiety drugs are either benzodiazepines (such as Valium and Xanax), which are often used for anxiety, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs, such as Zoloft and Prozac), which are more commonly used for depression. While benzodiazepines directly affect the amygdalae by reducing their activity, SSRIs increase the level of serotonin in the brain, which is associated with mood improvement.

The good news is that using prescription drugs to alter the brain’s physiology and chemistry can indeed successfully dampen fear and anxiety and make these emotions more manageable. However, this “improvement” often comes with a price. One of the challenges with antianxiety medications—besides their common side effects, such as drowsiness, nausea, constipation, and lower sex drive—is that they potentially lead to physical addiction, and you must wean yourself carefully when you want to stop taking them.

Many of the clients I have worked with complained that their medication didn’t only reduce their anxiety; it also dulled or even turned off their emotions in general. It appeared to my clients as if their minds had been wrapped in cotton or a lid had been placed on their ability to feel anything. But what still hadn’t vanished were their deep-seated insecurities and the limiting core beliefs they had struggled with for a long time. Beliefs such as “I’m not good enough” or “The world is not a safe place” still remained a part of their mind-set, even though they didn’t have the same emotional impact. As a client put it, “I basically still have the same issues, but I don’t feel them as intensely. They seem to be further out of reach. It’s a relief, but not really a resolution.”

Unfortunately, the development of effective pharmaceutical treatments fostered the belief that emotional challenges are mainly caused by neurotransmitter imbalances in the brain and are therefore more a biochemical than a psychological problem. More and more people subscribe to a “let’s get it fixed” attitude, which has been reflected in the fact that the use of antidepressant drugs in the United States doubled between 1996 and 2005. At the same time, the number of people who visited psychotherapists declined.

There is no doubt that changes in the brain chemistry are connected to different emotional states. There is also no doubt that antianxiety medications have helped countless people disrupt the downward spiral of fear and anxiety and escape a state of emotional paralysis and entrapment. But what came first—the chicken or the egg? Are neurotransmitter imbalances in the brain the root cause of fear and anxiety, or are they a consequence, a biochemical symptom of our emotions? If the latter is true, does restoring the biochemical balance really address the root causes of fear and anxiety?

It boils down to a very fundamental question: what is a human being actually? Are we just an accumulation of cells controlled by neurotransmitters and hormones? Are our emotions, thoughts, and beliefs nothing but random biochemical and electrophysiological signals? Or are our minds and bodies, with all their connections and interactions, much more complex than that? And does what we call “consciousness” transcend far beyond our current scientific understanding? I believe the answer to both of the last questions is yes and that the human mind is simply unable to wrap itself consciously around its own complexity and vastness. To quote Albert Einstein, “Do you remember how electrical currents and ‘unseen waves’ were laughed at? The knowledge about man is still in its infancy.”

I like to look at antianxiety drugs as a form of emotional painkiller. The purpose of pain medication is not to mend the fracture or close the wound that causes the pain, but to make the time it takes to heal more tolerable. It would be denial or plain ignorance if you would drown out the pain without tending to its root causes. If fear and anxiety are like physical pain, then their natural purpose must be to call your attention to the deeper emotional and mental wounds they are caused by. What if tending to these inner wounds—whether they are unresolved traumas, self-sabotaging patterns, or limiting beliefs—could lead to greater peace, wholeness, and self-empowerment? Would it still be enough for you to just fix and get rid of fear and anxiety? Or would you want to take advantage of their true meaning, heal yourself from the inside out, and gain access to your true potential? This is what I call the healing power of fear and anxiety. As you’re moving step by step through this book, bridging the conscious with the subconscious and higher consciousness, you will learn how to address fear and anxiety and take advantage of their healing power.

Now don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying that you shouldn’t take antianxiety medication or can’t work on the deeper root causes of fear and anxiety while you’re on it. Taking medication can be a first empowering step. Just don’t let it be the entire journey.

One final note on this subject—something taught to me by my father, who was a truly amazing physician. To paraphrase him: “Remember, it’s the patient who does the healing, not the doctor or the drugs.” Our potential to heal is much greater than we believe or have been led to believe. In fact, the power of belief is a major key. Clinical studies have shown that placebos, sugar pills without medicinal value, can significantly reduce moderate depression and anxiety. So just believing that you will feel better can be as effective as using a drug that is designed to alter your brain chemistry. Imagine what is possible when you apply the same trust and belief in your own power to heal, change, and thrive.

What writing project are you working on next?

I am working on two projects – one on developing confidence and self-worth, another on discovering and healing the root causes of chronic illnesses.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

As a physician and molecular-biologist I became increasingly fascinated by the role of our emotions when it comes to health and healing. Studies have shown that positive emotions can boost the immune system, decrease diabetes, and improve heart conditions. On the other hand, negative emotions, such as stress, anxiety, and depression, have the opposite effects and can cause serious health problems.

The problem is that we usually interpret negative emotions such as fear and anxiety, as flaws and weaknesses that need to be overcome, managed, or suppressed, rather than trying to understand their deeper meaning. In other words, the real problem is that we don’t know how to listen or relate to our emotions, let alone consciously guide and work with it. This is why it is so important to learn how to consciously work with the source of our emotions – our subconscious mind.

Do you write full-time? If so, what's your work day like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?

I am working with clients all over the world via Skype or the phone on breaking through physical or emotional challenges. But I dedicate at least twice per week several hours to work on my writing projects.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?

I share information that is beneficial for you and your loved ones in The Fear and Anxiety Solution. People who read this book and implement the step by step program will find a difference in their lives by the time they reach the end of the book. For more details about The Fear and Anxiety Solution, visit my website. Order your copy from Amazon. Connect with me on Facebook or through Twitter.

  

Interview with author David LeRoy

Today's guest, David LeRoy, did extensive research on the German occupation of France for his debut novel The Siren of Paris. This historical novel follows the journey of one American from medical student, to artist, to political prisoner at Buchenwald Concentration Camp during World War Two.  

Bio:

David LeRoy is an accidental author. On his way to becoming an artist, he suddenly came down with an incurable condition and began to write instead of paint, to the horror of his instructors. He holds an undergraduate degree in philosophy and religion, which are recurring themes through out his first novel. Aside from writing, he continues to paint and draw on a regular schedule, while holding down an unspeakable day job in telecommunications.

Welcome, David. Please tell us about your current release, The Siren of Paris.

The story is a unique experience of World War II, told from the perspective of a French-born American art student who becomes trapped by the war. This transforms the protagonist from an innocent and rather naïve young college student into a physically, emotionally, and spiritually wounded member of the French underground resistance. Ultimately, he is faced with the task of overcoming his own sense of survivor’s guilt as he re-enters the world after his release from Buchenwald concentration camp. This is when faces the loss of his comrades and struggles with facing his betrayer.

What inspired you to write this book?

A single statue inspired me to research this book. It is located in a small plaza in Antibes, France and captured the sense of crushing oppression that members of the resistance faced. I wondered if Americans living in Europe had become trapped by the war and if any had joined the Resistance. My initial research confirmed that both were the case. Forty-six books later, along with countless other documents, I had the details that contribute to the story The Siren of Paris.

What exciting story are you working on next?

The Flower of Chamula, which explores the effect of complex trauma upon a young child who becomes an orphan twice before she is 12 years old. The book is about that curious condition of being young, yet old and mature at the same time, which is common in children who lose their childhood innocence due to tragedy.

Writing life:

In my fantasies, I only write a book once, and it is brilliant. In reality, after I have written the book once, I am condemned to a purgatory of re-writing and editing for at least another 10 drafts. But my friends all seem to think I just sat down and wrote it on a weekend, and I sometimes foster that fantasy if I think there is a chance they actually will take the bait.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

After my very first really shitty first draft, when I was staring at a huge collection of 50 to 60 thousand words full of spelling errors and punctuation problems, I knew then I had become a writer. Not because anyone could actually read the beast, but because I took it out 30 days later and worked towards the next shitty draft that was slightly better than the previous one. Some call this persistence and others an addiction, and I will let you decide.

Do you write full-time? If so, what's your work day like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?

My day job does deal with writing, but it is legal contracts. When I am working on a draft, I set aside time every day to work towards at least 3,000 words. I am a goal driven “type A” personality in recovery, so I keep track of everything on an excel worksheet so that I know exactly where I am in the process and how much more I need to complete. Each draft of The Siren of Paris took me, on average, 22 working days to complete. Then I take a 30-day break from it all, making sure not to read the text at all until the time is up. During this time, I terrorize the world finding something else to obsess over.

Fun: When not writing, I am painting or drawing. It is another form of the same creative process, but it quiets my mind.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I incorporate some of the same design principles I use in composing a painting into my writing. Underneath my stories, I often use numerical principles to construct scenes. But that is not the only crazy thing I do. I choose music that captures the mood of the story, and I listen to the music over and over again until it is in my consciousness. Then I imagine the scenes of the book that go with this music. It sounds crazy, but I am using the music to match my own emotions to the mood I am trying to create in the story.

Since I am confessing my crazies, I have been known to use a candle. I will take a candle and place it into the bottom of a large bronze Tibetan singing bowl, (you will only get this show here folks), and then I will rhythmically tap the bowl, focusing on the flame, and imagine the life of my characters. I would just use pot, but it is boring compared to a flame in a Tibetan singing bowl at midnight.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I was obsessed with the dream of joining the merchant marines and working on some ship. How I ended up studying philosophy and religion is a mystery to me, but maybe it has something to do with the fact that my college was on the ocean.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?

Dream. Use your imagination and dream before you write, and when someone shakes their finger and says, “You can’t do that,” then jump on it until you have done it like no one else. 

Thanks, David. Readers, you can purchase The Siren of Paris in Kindle e-book format from Amazon -- http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0088CA098 and learn more about this author and novel at http://www.thesirenofparis.com/

For more information about this virtual book tour, please visit -- http://bookpromotionservices.com/2012/05/22/siren-of-paris-tour/

Interview with novelist Shobhan Bantwal

Please welcome author Shobhan Bantwal to Reviews and Interviews. She's in the midst of a virtual book tour for her novel, The Reluctant Matchmaker.

Bio:

Shobhan Bantwal is an award-winning Indian-American author of several multicultural women's fiction books with romantic elements, branded as "Bollywood in a Book." Her articles and short stories have appeared in The Writer magazine, Romantic Times, India Abroad, India Currents, and New Woman. The Reluctant Matchmaker is her sixth novel. Visit her online at www.shobhanbantwal.com to learn about her books, trailers, contests, photos, recipes, and more. And also visit her on Facebook.

Welcome, Shobhan. Please tell us about your current release.

The Reluctant Matchmaker starts with a bizarre accident.When young and petite Meena literally collides with her strikingly tall boss, Prajay, she takes a nasty fall, but doesn't count on falling in love with him. So imagine her dismay when he makes an astonishing request: He wants her to craft a personal ad that will help him find a suitable wife—a statuesque, sophisticated Indian-American woman who will complement his remarkable height. Despite Meena's attraction to Prajay, she can't refuse his assignment, or the generous fee. While balancing the complications of work and her "marriage consultant" role, she comes to some surprising realizations about love, tradition, and the sacrifices she will—and won't—make to win over her giant.

What inspired you to write this book?

Being a very petite woman and happily married to a small-statured man for over three decades, I have always wondered what kind of a relationship a tiny woman would have with a giant of a man.

All my stories have their roots in the concept of "what if?" The Reluctant Matchmaker started with "what if" a diminutive woman fell in love with a big man. To raise the stakes even higher and add some conflict to an already unconventional match, I needed my tall hero to want a suitably statuesque woman to complement his remarkable height, even though he is somewhat attracted to the tiny heroine. The Reluctant Matchmaker became the story of just such a conflict.

What exciting project are you working on next?

At the moment I don't have any books under contract since I am taking a hiatus from writing. I am enjoying my two small grandchildren and a retired life right now, but I probably will resume writing sometime next year.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

Writing was never on my radar and I had never considered myself anything more than a mediocre writer as far as school essays and dissertations were concerned. However, at the late age of 50, when my husband and I were empty-nesters, my husband started work on a long-term project out of town. As a result I took up creative writing to keep my evenings pleasantly occupied.

Do you write full-time? If so, what's your work day like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?

I took early retirement from my day job a few months ago so my husband and I could move to Arizona to be closer to our married daughter and her family. Nonetheless, my day job used to be quite demanding, allowing me limited time to write. My days used to start at 4 am in the morning and end at 11pm each night. Juggling two full-time careers was very challenging. Now that I am retired, I am taking time off from writing as well, just so I can recharge my creative batteries, so to speak. In any case, writing will continue to be a strictly part-time occupation.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I never have an outline when I start on a project. I am what writers refer to as a "pantster" and not a plotter. A plotter is organized and regimented, while a pantster works by the seat of her pants, and that is precisely what I am. I have a basic plot in my mind and I keep on writing, winging it as I go along, hoping that the end result will be a good story with credible characters, intriguing plot, and enough emotion and drama to keep my readers turning the pages.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

As a child I had assumed that I would grow up to be a doctor, because my father, grandfather, uncle and older sister were doctors. But once I entered my teens, I realized that I just wasn't cut out for the medical profession. I majored in sociology instead, and later got a master's degree in public administration. Ultimately I worked in a government agency in New Jersey for many years before retiring.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?

For more information about The Reluctant Matchmaker and my other books, visit http://www.shobhanbantwal.com or http://www.amazon.com/The-Reluctant-Matchmaker-Shobhan-Bantwal/dp/0758258852 to get your copy today. Here's the book trailer.

The full virtual tour schedule is available at: http://bookpromotionservices.com/2012/06/03/reluctant-matchmaker-tour

Thanks for stopping by Reviews and Interviews as part of your tour!

Interview with Dr. T. William Hefferan

Today's special guest author is Dr. T. William Hefferan, DBA, MBA, CCIM, CPM to talk about his book Jobs: How the United States Can Reach Long-Term Full Employment.

Bio: 

With over 23 years of experience as President/CEO of a 100 employee company, Dr. Hefferan decided to put his corporate work experience together with his academic background and solve one of our most significant societal problems. His unique approach to explore ways to end the persistent ups and downs of unemployment includes a peer reviewed research study he designed specifically to discover ways to solve the problem.

Dr. Hefferan shares with readers his life-changing event that compelled him to dedicate over three years of his life to find these sound solutions, creating a blueprint for America to reach long-term full employment.

Welcome, Dr. Hefferan. Please tell us about your current release.

In Jobs, I provide a compelling approach to how we achieve long-term full employment in the United States. I describe the 10 building blocks I created that will not only get us to full employment, but will also end the repeating cycles of high unemployment. This represents an essential shift in how we need to think about jobs and employment because it accelerates our timely transformation into a knowledge worker economy.

This profound shift also invigorates our heritage and foundation of innovation and entrepreneurship – restoring our global leadership in education and learning – leading to a dawn of new discoveries, creating exciting new jobs and unique careers.

I show how everyone benefits from this journey to a steady stream of rewarding jobs as I demystify our journey to long-term full employment using original entertaining real-life stories as examples.

The unemployed as well as employees wanting a better job learn how to secure their perfect job; employers learn how to attract and retain top-tier employees; and entrepreneurs feel personal growth as they discover new ways to put their ideas and initiatives to work.

I also discuss the value of ethics and authenticity in the workplace and why everyone in an organization can be a leader -- adding value to the company and the employee’s career growth.

I call this a contemporary revolution to a brand new America that will always have meaningful and rewarding jobs.

What inspired you to write this book?

I share with readers a life-changing event that compelled me to dedicate over three years of my life to find these solutions, and create a blueprint for America to reach long-term full employment. I describe in detail my 10 month expedition in the Caribbean to find opportunities for my company expansion from the U.S. into the region that served as the genesis of my book.

I had no expectations whatsoever that I would be side-tracked for over 3 years to embark on such an incredible journey to solve one of our country’s most significant social and economic problems. In my book, I call this turning point “Day 77.”

With over 23 years of experience as President/CEO of a 100 employee company, I decided to put my corporate work experience together with my academic background and solve one of our most significant societal problems. I made a personal decision that I was the person who is supposed to do this.

I began this project with a peer reviewed research study I designed specifically to discover ways to solve the problem. I interviewed job seekers, employees, employers, CEOs, and HR professionals all across the U.S. in 100s of hours of one-on-one interviews I conducted.

What exciting project are you working on next?

Besides writing my next book that focuses on innovation and entrepreneurship, I am promoting my new nonprofit organization, Wisdom in the Streets. This company emerged from the findings of my research study and my conclusions I discuss in the book.

I created this company, and completed a very successful pilot program, to focus on helping communities and businesses create meaningful jobs through innovation and education.

Once I create the infrastructure for the company, including the right personnel to make this nonprofit a national organization, I think I can get back to work after this temporary 4 year interlude! I will admit that living in the Caribbean during those four years has made my diversion even more memorable!

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

In my early 20s, I was very fortunate to be assigned as a writer for Army in Europe Magazine during my time in the U.S. Army. I traveled for two years to virtually every country in Europe writing human interest stories. I lived in beautiful Heidelberg, Germany. Not only did I learn to love writing full time, but I thought I was living in a dream world!

Do you write full-time? If so, what's your work day like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?

The best way to answer this question is to refer to my philosophy: I have never worked a day in my life. Since I was 18, if I ever determine what I am doing at any given time is not fun, I stop doing it.

If you observed me from afar, you would say I work 7 days a week, 18-19 hours a day; but in fact in my mind, nothing I do is work to me. So I end up with those hours to accomplish whatever I set out to do. So out of those 126-133 hours per week, I log-in tons of hours writing.  

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

Since I write in many different styles, primarily business and academic writing, I take breaks from the seriousness of that genre at unpredictable times.

I love writing humor! I think there must be some sort of supernatural power that takes me over as I have little control where these humorous sojourns might take me. Characters emerge, wild stories come forth, plots develop, and pages accumulate. I sometimes find myself laughing so hard with tears rolling down my cheeks, I can’t see the keys to type!   

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

An electrical engineer – I fell in love with technology when I was 8 years old. I started in college in electrical engineering, but I had already started buying apartment buildings when I was 18, and the love of that business trumped engineering. That is still my business today, designing, developing and managing commercial investment real estate.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?

If readers have only time to focus on just one chapter in my book, they need to read the chapter, Passion for Work. You will see not only how to find and develop your passion, but you will also see how important that is in not just your work-life, but in all aspects of your life.

Those of us who have passion for writing, for example, can integrate that passion with other areas of interest like I have done.

Employers place a high value on employees with passion for their work, which naturally aligns with the notion that employees with passion for their work do not feel as though what they do is work. In The World is Flat, Tom Friedman wrote that his dream for the United States is, “. . . that everyone is doing the work that he or she loves to do.”

Jobs and unemployment concerns are definitely some of the biggest issues facing the United States at this time. If you would like more information about Jobs or about my organization – Wisdom in the Streets, please visit my website. Order your copy of Jobs, How the United States Can Reach Long-Term FullEmployment today. 

Interview with writer and yoga master Gurutej Khalsa

Today's guest is Gurutej Khalsa. She's touring her book, The Moon She Rocks You, which talks about the moon's cycles and the effects it has on women and men.

Bio:

Gurutej has known since she was six years old that she wanted to lead others to their greatness. She is a born leader, a creational genius, and a visionary thought leader. Her energy brightens your day, and her gift for lightness, comedy, and humor radiates with every breath and every word of her powerful message. A founding practitioner of Kundalini, Gurutej Khalsa is one of a handful of Kundalini Yoga Masters in the world. She has taught people for over 40 years to connect to their higher consciousness through healing, meditation, yoga, and chanting. She lives and breathes the meaning of her Sikh name, “the one who brings you from darkness into light at the speed of light.” Gurutej has created yoga centers throughout the United States and Canada. Her commitment to community outreach, philanthropy, the homeless, children, alternative education, and conscious living is tireless.

For more information about Gurutej, please visit http://bookpromotionservices.com/2012/02/27/meet-gurutej-kaur/

Welcome, Gurutej. Please tell us about The Moon She Rocks You.

What are Moon Center cycles and why should we as women care about them? Because these cycles have a direct and deep effects on us. Have you noticed that some days you feel strong and powerful and can take on the entire universe and other days someone looks at you cross-eyed and you want to find a bathroom to hide in? Why is that? This theory of Moon centers will shed some light on all this. This is not a shield to hide behind but information to make us more aware, informed complete with support tools that will make you more powerful.

Moon Centers Unveiling the hidden secrets to the inner workings of women. This is the next biggest leap after Men are from Mars Women are from Venus. Do you want to understand yourself as a women in your many aspects? Men do you want to be able to see and chart the emotional and devotional landscape of the women in your life? You will know when and how to support yourself and your women and when to move away from the firing line. Priceless information.

Moon Centers is a secret and sacred science:  Do you want Greater harmony in your life? If yes then skip the text and just say yes buy it now. If you need more information carry on. If only all women and men for that matter could learn of these moon centers in their teens what a wonderful world it would be. This is an ancient secret science unveiled, how the moon affects women each day.

This is the secret code to women’s inner states. The positive, challenged and neutral aspects within each center, within each women. The moon moves into a different part of a women’s body every 2.25 days. Learn how to utilize the gifts of each center and recognize the moods that come from the challenged aspects ahead of time. Then turn them into harmony. Utilize the gifts of each center. All this can be yours. 

What inspired you to write this book?

This is a very ancient system that really makes sense in these times. It gives women the power to see a road map of their inner selves, their emotional selves that will allow them to not feel crazy. They can see that every 2.5 days they will feel differently what they do with those feeling, is up to them. The book gives them tools to get the goodies of each center. It gives men tools so they can work with their women and not just want to run away or close off when their women are emotional. They can understand “why” and help their women get into their empower states. This helps with wives, daughters, sister, mother, their staff or team at work. It will give them priceless insights into WOMEN.

What exciting project are you working on next?

I’m making this information a program so people can learn and teach this information to others. I have another book and program coming out in September called The 13th Month How You Can Get an Extra 29 Days Each Year. Stay tuned it has great bonuses.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

In high school my English teacher told the entire class “Gurutej is an amazing writer but she can’t spell cat the same way twice.” Thank God for spell check. I never saw the need for spelling..... and then there was spell check a true gift for me.

Do you write full-time? 

Oh lordy no. First I am a spiritual teacher I write as a way to teach.

If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?

We will always find time to do what we love unless we have gone on auto pilot. Love fuels our sharing our gifts. My biggest gift is teaching, sharing what has come through me. What is coming through me. It happens to be a good channel to stay tuned to because lots comes through that can truly uplift people.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

That I get up and do handstands to clear my head then go back to work or go out and roller blade hills to clear my head.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to have my own spiritual group. Odd yes. I loved being in church and reading stories of Saints but I didn’t love all the politics. I told this to my mom at about 4-6 yrs old. I was very athletic but my heart and soul came first always. My heart and soul even came first when I was told I should model.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?

If you are a woman, knowing about The Moon Centers gives you power over your negative emotions. If you are a man, it gives you the key to understand women of all ages. You learn to listen to the voice of their emotions. Women – we can have control over those crazy emotional times in our lives. For more information, visit - http://gurutej.com/store/11-moon-centers/ and http://www.amazon.com/The-Moon-She-Rocks-YOU/dp/0615621678

Please feel free to come visit me. www.gurutej.com or join me on Facebook and stay tuned to all the new and wonderful things I will have for you but don’t miss out on taking advantage of this one The Moon She Rocks YOU will give you delight in who you are and such great ways to reclaim the power centers of YOUR life. Blessings.

Thanks for stopping by, Gurutej!