Sally Ember's Blog, page 127

sallyember:

Happy to say I have none of these regrets, but in case other @newauthors might avoid them, SHARE and READ!

Originally posted on Savvy Writers & e-Books online:

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“If I would have known then, what I know now” or “why didn’t I listen to …” and yes there might be much to regret.  However, it is never too late and with your next book there is another chance to do the publishing and book marketing part much better planned and in time for the book launch. Authors are always “before the next book” so why not start today writing your prequels and use the content of your older books manuscript to create lots of short stories or blog posts, guest blogs or free chapters – in order to show off your writing and at the same time announce your next bestseller.

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These Are the Regrets I Often Hear or Read from Writers:

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Please, Please reblog and share in any way you are able!

Vote for #THISCHANGESEVERYTHING, Volume I in #THESPANNERSERIES, new #Booktrailer in the Get More Exposure Book Trailer Competition. The winner gets exposure on Twitter & Facebook (see below for details).

Voting closes March 23, 2014.

The Winner of the Get More Exposure Book Trailer Competition will reach a potential audience of 20,000 readers on Facebook, and 10,000 people on Twitter with their winning trailer!

You may have to sign in to vote, but it’s free. Scroll down the entries to find the trailer for This Changes Everything if you want to watch it, first. I’ve also embedded it here so you can watch it right now!

If you’ve already seen it or you already know you want to vote for it to support ME, Sally Ember, the author, you may vote as soon as you get to the page linked below. THANK YOU, and thanks to HMC, whose Official page of Australian author, Hayley M. Clearihan, is running the competition.

http://www.hmcwriter.com/book-trailer-competition/

Filed under: The Spanners, This Changes Everything, Volume I of The Spanners Tagged: book trailer, competition, marketing, Sally Ember, The Spanners Series, TheSpannersSeries, This Changes Everything, ThisChangesEverything

Here are some excerpts from the latest glowing #review, written by Rebecca T, “The Literary Connoisseur,” for Sally Ember’s original, sci-fi, romance, paranormal, multiverse, utopian ebook, This Changes Everything, Volume I, The Spanners Series.

“If you’re a fan of Sci-Fi, this book was written for you!”

“If there’s one thing I can say for sure about Sally Ember’s writing, it’s that she knows what she’s writing about. She’s very, very intelligent, and so is her story. (With occasional witty humor that had me chuckling.)”

“Clara’s love life is not easy whatsoever, being the CC and all, but even though it killed me when she would pour out her emotions and heartbreak, that was my favorite part of the book. It gave a human touch to a book about aliens!”

Link to full review here: http://theliteraryconnoisseur.blogspot.com/2014/02/this-changes-everything-by-sally-ember.html

All buy links, more reviews, Pinterest Board and other links: http://www.sallyember.com Look right and scroll! Available for $3.99 wherever ebooks are sold. Share!

Filed under: Reviews, The Spanners, Themes from The Spanners, This Changes Everything, Volume I of The Spanners Tagged: aliens, Book Review, Clara Branon, ebook, Epifanio Dang, Many Worlds Collective, multiverse, paranormal, romance, Sally Ember, sci-fi, The Spanners Series, This Changes Everything, utopian, Volume I

Tiffany Haisten, author of the Red is the Color… children’s book, posts on her blog, “Tippy Tree.” On February 6, she published an Author Interview with me. Check it out!

http://tippytree.blogspot.com/2014/02/writers-window-thursday-sally-ember.html

Filed under: All Volumes, Blogging and others' content, Interviews with Sally as Author, The Spanners, Themes from The Spanners, This Changes Everything, This Changes My Family and My Life Forever, This Is/Is Not the Way I Thought Things Would Change, Volume I of The Spanners, Volume II of The Spanners, Volume III, Writing Tagged: aliens, Author Interview, ebook, paranormal, romance, Sally Ember, sci-fi, The Spanners Series, This Changes Everything

This Changes Everything has a new book trailer, focusing on the multiverse, star-crossed romance between Clara Branon and Epifanio Dang. Check it out!

TCE Romance Trailer

http://youtu.be/QJDEt1O8yQ8

Filed under: All Volumes, The Spanners, This Changes Everything, Volume I of The Spanners Tagged: aliens, book trailer, Clara Branon, ebook, Many Worlds Collective, romance, Sally Ember, sci-fi, The Spanners Series, TheSpannersSeries, This Changes Everything, ThisChangesEverything, Volume I

“April,” an author who prefers to remain anonymous when posting online, reviewed This Changes Everything (The Spanners Series), calling it “An Intelligent, Funny, Multi-Generational, Multi-Timeline, Multi-Story.” Here is her review:

“Author, Dr. Sally Ember, Ed.D., has utilized every book formatting element recommended by successful authors. She includes: an attractive cover [cover art by Willowraven], a detailed TOC, and front flap reviewers’ remarks.

“This Changes Everything is a science-fiction story about a woman who is chosen to be the main contact for ‘The Many Worlds Collective’ (MWC). The aliens she meets will provide information to her to give to Earthers in order for Earthers to become members of the MWC.

“Ember does grab my attention in the first pages with the opening scene where Clara, the protagonist, invites aliens, who have come into her home, to a late night tea.

“While I want to know more, as the story unfolds into a grand multi-story, multi-senses, multi-timeline story within a story, I get exhausted.

“As I age, I cannot read long fiction stories in one sitting, I have to read them in chunks. When I was younger, I could get lost in worlds created by others.

“Ember has a seamless writing style that flows as she goes from event to event, experience to experience, and interaction to interaction. She uses energetic, positive, imaginative, intelligent language and humor. The aliens are ‘cute,’ telepathic and funny.

“The main story is broken up by real time events and diary entries by the author covering the not just the author’s life but all of historic time.

“Ember introduces the concept of ‘simultaneous time.’ For lovers of time travel stories you will enjoy this multi-universe present time.

“I love learning new things, the author injects biological, psychological and Buddhism, technological and historical facts into the story. There is even a reference to marginalia and a discussion of the Sandwich Generation.

“Then there are the Spanners, who exist as one giant dysfunctional family. Spanners live in the best and worst of years of the modern era.

“Ember’s stories are like a brain dump of all her education, knowledge, experiences, philosophies, hopes and dreams, and observations.

“Ember is the Alice Walker of the Spanner Generation.”

Thank you, April! Glad you enjoyed TCE!

This ebook is available on Smashwords, Amazon, Kobo, iBooks and nook for $3.99. Buy links, more information and review links on http://www.sallyember.com

Filed under: Reviews, Themes from The Spanners, This Changes Everything, Volume I of The Spanners Tagged: aliens, Book Review, Buddhism, Clara Branon, ebook, Many Worlds Collective, multiverse, paranormal, romance, Sally Ember, sci-fi, The Spanners Series, This Changes Everything, Volume I

B.C. Brown’s review of This Changes Everything, Volume I, The Spanners Series, by Sally Ember, Ed.D., is quite positive! Here are some quotes from and a link to the full review, below. Thanks, B.C.!

“Sally Ember has created a humorous science-fiction tale with This Changes Everything. Initially woven loosely, the style is a little confusing but seems to be what the writer had in mind to introduce the fact that everything in life, and the story, happens simultaneously and it rarely makes sense from the onset. The point of time being more expansive and less linear is clearly defined by this opening.”

…

“This Changes Everything has great wit. Its writing is simple and dignified with complex ideas and theorizes on politics, science, religion, and socio-economics. While it may not be the next ‘Oprah’s Book Club’ nominee, the book certainly encompasses a wide topical range and has something for any audience. It will resonate well with thinkers.”

…

“4 stars = Quite Enjoyable”…”This book was solidly in the 4-star range; a recommended read.”

Link to full review NOT WORKING, yet: http://www.bcbrownbooks.blogspot.com/

So, full review, below:

Complex, Creative, and Compelling – 4 Stars

[Rating systems can be fluid. Since limited to a 5 star system, the following scale will help quantify the rating. 1 star = Distinct Dislike; 2 star = Fine/Not For Me; 3 star = Enjoyable; 4 star = Quite Enjoyable; 5 star = Love/Will Re-Read. This book was solidly in the 4 star range; a recommended read.]

Sally Ember has created a humorous science fiction tale with This Changes Everything. Initially woven loosely, the style is a little confusing but seems to be what the writer had in mind to introduce the fact that everything in life, and the story, happens simultaneously and it rarely makes sense from the onset. The point of time being more expansive and less linear is clearly defined by this opening.

Dr Clara Branon, a school teacher involved at least partially in Buddhist belief system, is faced with a unique set of “what if’s” in life when alien holograms visit. While not a startling revelation to the protagonist (she has been visited regularly by beings since childhood), she is confounded when the species speaks and proclaims her communications liaison between Earth and the Many Worlds Collective (MWC).

Having to appoint media consultants to help disseminate information about the aliens to “Earthers”, Clara and a group she dubs “The Band” have great interaction. Clara’s family’s reactions (sometimes adverse) to her involvement in the alien cause offers a distinct counterpoint to the inclusive knowledge and welcoming attitudes of “The Band”.

Ember’s impressive writing style was a beautiful mix of journalistic documentation and creative writing. By doing so, she gives an unclear understanding as to whether the tale is truly a work of fiction or non-fiction and the realistic possibility of the circumstances tantalizing the reader with the possibility it may not all be poppycock.

Editorially sound, little error could be found in the work despite not finding an accredited editor, however the inclusion of one might have smoothed the areas heavily-laden with narrative and lacking dialogue that did slow the pace in sections. Also the present tense, for many, may be disconcerting but adds a realism that circles back to the time being expansive concept.

This Changes Everything has great wit. Its writing is simple and dignified with complex ideas and theorizes on politics, science, religion, and socio-economics. While it may not be the next Oprah’s Book Club nominee, the book certainly encompasses a wide topical range and has something for any audience. It will resonate well with thinkers.

(Disclaimer: A free e-copy was provided for an honest review.)

-BC Brown

All buy links for this sci-fi ebook are on http://www.sallyember.com. Look to the right and scroll down! Spread the word!

Filed under: Reviews, This Changes Everything, Volume I of The Spanners Tagged: aliens, Book Review, Clara Branon, ebook, Many Worlds Collective, multiverse, paranormal, sci-fi, speculative fiction, The Spanners Series, This Changes Everything, Volume I

Here are the 15 EASY ways I PERSONALLY conserve water, since I usually do, anyway, and I now live in the drought-stricken state of California. PLEASE do this.

IMPORTANT: Most of these personal acts DO NOT MATTER if you eat a lot of meat, corn or soy, or foods that contain them (which are MOST if you eat processed foods/fast food). Really. Agriculture uses more than 95% of California’s water, and most of THAT goes to raising animals, corn and soy for animal and human food.

Check out this article (link, below). Here are some key facts:

“California families are concerned and ready to take action. Responsible citizens will be taking shorter showers, shutting off the water while brushing their teeth, and only washing clothes with a full load. But what most people don’t know is the much greater impact of their diet….

“Most people shower every day an average of about seven minutes of hot water with the showerhead flowing out about two gallons of water a minute. The Water Education Foundation calculates that every pound of California beef requires about 2,464 gallons of water to produce. You would save more water just by replacing a pound of beef with plant foods than you would by not showering for six months!…

“It may be more abstract than just turning off the tap, but the foods we choose impact our water supply. Eating more veggies, fruits and grains, and reducing or eliminating our consumption of meat, milk, and eggs will help your family decrease their environmental footprint, get healthy, help animals, and preserve enough fresh water for generations of Californians to come.”

http://www.onegreenplanet.org/news/californias-drought-whos-really-using-all-the-water/

HOWEVER: Personal conversation DOES matter and we should all have better habits and tend to our water use better.

1. Use a dishwasher or washing machine only when it is full, unless your appliance has settings for lower water/smaller loads. Then, make sure you set it correctly.

2. Use a cup (not filled) of water to dip your toothbrush in for wetting, rinsing while you brush your teeth. Use the water to rise your mouth. If you still need to rinse your mouth after that, just use one swallow’s worth of water for the final rinse. DO NOT RUN WATER WHILE BRUSHING TEETH, please. Teach your children this.

3. If you have pets and plants, use the leftover water from watering plants to fill pet water bowls and vice-versa. None of these beings will mind one bit.

4. If your water heater is slow to heat your shower or tub to desired temperature, put a dishpan or large bucket under the flow to catch the colder water. Use this water to water plants or give to pets, or, if you wash dishes by hand, to soak dishes.

5. Be vigilant about leaks and drips and do not allow any to continue. Get help or DIY, but end these water-wasters right away.

6. If you must wash your car (like, it’s covered in mud or blood), patronize a car wash that advertises that it uses recycled water. Otherwise, keep your windshield and headlights clean and drive a dirty car. It is not a big deal, compared to RUNNING OUT OF CLEAN WATER. Really.

7. Check recipes and use common sense: only use the amount of water for cooking that the item(s) require, and no more.

8. Get a compost bucket with a lid and stop using your garbage disposal except when the drain is clogged. Then, run minimally, just to clear the clog.

9. Water conserving shower-taking (especially in public places, to be a role model): get wet quickly, all over; lather up body and hair with water turned OFF or trickling, if needed; rinse off, all at once; repeat if needed (like, for hair).

10. Use shower water only for getting clean/rinsed. Do not stand under the shower to “warm up.” Do not stand by and be silent when others do this. Water is not for your or their personal luxury or comfort. WATER IS ALL OF OURS.

11. Bath-takers: STOP TAKING BATHS. Unless you can’t stand up or are too young to shower, stop it. It’s self-indulgent and wasteful. Baths use five times the water that showers do (or more, if you keep “topping it up” to keep it hot). WE CANNOT BATHE in a full tub (70 GALLONS of water!!) in a drought. Really. Stop it. if you must immerse yourself occasionally, join a gym or go where they have an already-filled hot tub. Enjoy.

12. If you use ice cubes in a drink or pitcher and have some leftover but unwanted, let them melt and then water plants or animals with the melted ice.

13. Store water leftover from steaming vegetables or cooking eggs to begin your next soup. Can be frozen and thawed for this purpose.

14. Thaw food in the refrigerator; do not use running water to thaw food. Plan ahead.

15. Get a garbage pail with a lid and put it next to each toilet. Put all but the most soiled toilet paper in the pail. Do not flush the toilet until it is necessary (without toilet paper and only pee: NOT NECESSARY!). If you have children or many guests, put up a sign to this effect. Or, be cuter: “If it’s yellow, let it mellow; if it’s brown, flush it down.” “Please put wet toilet paper in the pail. If it’s ‘heavy,’ put it in the toilet.”

Want more ideas, especially for home-owners and landlords/ladies with land or pools and businesses? See this list, below.

SHARE!

http://wateruseitwisely.com/100-ways-to-conserve/

Filed under: Life lessons, Personal stories Tagged: drought, water conservation

Reblogged from Radical Zen:

This is a version of Buddhist vows created by Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh. I really like this version. It's described in a way that anyone could easily understand.

 

The Three Treasures
I take refuge in the Buddha, the one who shows me the way in this life.
I take refuge in the Dharma, the way of understanding and love…

Read more… 51 more words

The Three Treasures
I take refuge in the Buddha, the one who shows me the way in this life.
I take refuge in the Dharma, the way of understanding and love
I take refuge in the Sangha, the community that lives in harmony and awareness



The Two Promises

I vow to develop my compassion in order to protect the lives of people, animals, and plants.
I vow to develop understanding in order to live peaceably with people, animals, and plants.

sallyember:

All doctors, doctors-in-training, and anyone who DEALS with doctors: READ and SHARE, please! Written (and accomplished) by one of my Buddhist friends who is now a hospice nurse and used to be a nurse-midwife for births. Thank you, Candy, for all you do and have done for the newly arrived and about-to depart.

Originally posted on BIRTH AND DEATH AND IN BETWEEN:

There are doulas for birth and for death. They are people who lovingly accompany those in transition ? watching over and supporting them as they do the work of giving birth or passing from this life.  Sometimes that means being a discerning and strong protector ? like a Mama bear…

He looked to be about twenty years old, but introduced himself as a doctor when he briskly walked through her door, clutching a chart under his arm. We nodded as he walked over and stood by my friend’s bedside. “Hello Carly,” he said. “ Uh, that’s not her name,” I responded. “Ahem,” he replied, clearing his throat, looking puzzled at the sheaf of papers in his hand. He then addressed my friend who was dying and unresponsive. “So ? how are you doing? Fine? Good.” he said in one rushed breath. I looked at him with steely eyes, incredulous. I moved to the edge of my chair. He continued. “So, you guys are Buddhist, huh? I went to Dharmasala once when I was twenty- one. It was great.” That’s it, I thought; you’re done here. “Thank you so much. We’ll let you know if we need anything,” I said, as I gently escorted him out the door.

The next morning as we were sitting, holding a calm, silent vigil during the final day of my friend’s life, the door opened and the doctor started to come into the room. My hand shot out. Halt right there, buddy, it announced! I leaped up to go outside. “We’re fine. Don’t need a thing,” I told him. “But I need to go in there,” he mumbled. “Why,” I asked. “I have to be able to write something in the chart,” he stammered. I looked him in the eye for a while, thinking, and then replied. “Okay. Just look. Please do not say a word. Her wishes in these final hours are to have complete silence with no one touching her.”

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