Tag Archives: self help books

Emily Stalder Johnson Encourages Readers to Have Hope

Author Emily Stalder Johnson was in first grade when her teacher assigned her to write a story for a younger student. From that day onward, she hoped and dreamed that she would become an author one day.

San Antonio, TX, USA, March 26, 2019 — In the words of Desmond Tutu, “Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.” Emerging author Emily Stalder Johnson was in first grade when her teacher assigned her to write a story for a younger student. From that day onward, she hoped and dreamed that she would become an author one day.

Always an avid reader, Johnson, author of “A New Hope: Second Chances and a Forgotten Boy” was 14 years old when a dream gave her an idea for her first book. “I have always loved writing. I knew from an early age that I wanted to be a teacher or an author,” said Johnson. “This book is 17 years in the making, and it is very close to my heart.”

The story centers around young Dublin Pearson, whose life is suddenly changed for the better when Andy Caldwell saves him from his abusive father and the hopeless life he suffered. Andy takes Dublin in as his own son and shows him love and kindness, teaching him about his horses and of God. Months later, tragedy strikes and Dublin must decide for himself if he can trust in the Lord.

“Each character in my book has some of myself in him or her, and Dublin’s journey toward faith is inspired by my own journey,” says Johnson.

Before she came to know God, Johnson says that she would delete her book files and start over. “I want readers to know of my own experience of coming to know the Lord. I was 27 when I came to know Him.”

Publisher Lisa M. Umina comments, “Emily’s book is a touching tribute to all families that are brought together by God’s will. One of the main messages I took away from this book was how powerful God is and how belief in Him has the power to change lives.”

For more information about Emily Stalder Johnson, visit www.halopublishing.com. “A New Hope: Second Chances and a Forgotten Boy” is now available at Halo Publishing International, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Goodreads, and Books a Million in Hardcover, Paperback, and as an e-Book.

Press & Media Contact:
Lisa Michelle Umina, Publisher
Halo Publishing International, Inc
1100 NW Loop 410, Suite 700-176,
San Antonio, TX 78213 – USA
+1 216-255-6756
contact@halopublishing.com

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Cheryl Roy-Laber Uses Humor to Promote Anti-Bullying Message

More than 150 million Americans play video games, and 60 percent play video games on a daily basis with the average video gamer spending nearly 29 hours with a game console each month.

San Antonio, TX, USA, November 22, 2018 — More than 150 million Americans play video games, and 60 percent play video games on a daily basis with the average video gamer spending nearly 29 hours with a game console each month. By week, this accounts for three to five hours playing games on a device.

Author and accountant Cheryl Roy-Laber affirms that these games can often be addictive for kids. “It is hard for parents to get their children away from that, and it can be difficult for parents to get their children outdoors.”

Raising four sons and two step-daughters, video game use was something that Roy-Laber had to personally navigate in her own parenting.

Luckily, she comments that now, all of her children have gone on to have successful careers. But the fascination for video games ended up serving an unlikely end for Roy-Laber, who went on to write a fictional novel where one particular video game is mysteriously linked to the disappearance of many youth in the community.

Roy-Laber’s debut novel is entitled “Final Level: Animalized” and it also advances a strong message to combat bullying, the author explains.

“A lot of the story has to do with bullying and what happens when kids come together to help each other,” the author explains. “It takes a team to get out of crisis. We need more of that: people coming together and helping each other out.”

In the game, the characters are transformed into animals, which allowed the author to combine elements of their human and animal characteristics. This was also an opportunity for Roy-Laber to introduce humorous incidents to better convey her message.

Publisher Lisa M. Umina adds, “This is not only an entertaining story for readers of all ages but it also teaches important lessons about the importance of working as a team to confront difficult situations in life.”

For more information about Cheryl Roy-Laber visit www.halopublishing.com. “Final Level: Animalized” is now available at Halo Publishing International, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Goodreads, and Books a Million in Paperback for $13.95and as an e-Book for $6.99.

Press & Media Contact:
Lisa Michelle Umina, Publisher
Halo Publishing International, Inc
1100 NW Loop 410, Suite 700-176,
San Antonio, TX – 78213, USA
+1 877-705-9647
contact@halopublishing.com
http://www.halopublishing.com

Cynthia Ransom Promotes Holistic Health Options to Foster Wellbeing

The debate over health care rages on, yet in truth, it has little correlation to being healthy. Holistic health practitioner Cynthia Ransom, a Traditional Naturopath, points out that our health care system is failing us in key areas.

San Antonio, TX, USA, November 13, 2018 — The debate over health care rages on, yet in truth, it has little correlation to being healthy. Holistic health practitioner Cynthia Ransom, a Traditional Naturopath, points out that our health care system is failing us in key areas.

“Health care costs are skyrocketing, and yet we’re still experiencing a spike in diseases such as Alzheimer’s and autism,” Ransom explains. “Additionally, there is little preventative health care in medicine—it’s all about finding disease early, not prevention.”

According to Ransom, using holistic methodologies for health care is largely overlooked by medical professionals because of the legalities in the way our medical system is structured. What doctors can’t tell you, Ransom does, opening the door to another world by using holistic thought in addition to allopathic medicine.

“In our current health care system, we are like sheep,” says Ransom. “We funnel in, get tested, get medicated, and move on. If this standardized methodology was working, we would see a spike in health, not in disease rates and health care costs. I came up with the Blue Sheep Movement because I believe there is a better way to create and maintain health.”

Ransom proposes a distinct approach: “You can incorporate the best of medicine but also take a personal stance on your health, incorporating nutritional, emotional, and holistic methodology to stay out of what I call the sick care system.”

To help others become aware of their options, Ransom has written her first book, “The Blue Sheep Movement,” comprised of personal stories that educate readers about holistic approaches to health and empower people to make the best decision for them given their particular health situation.

Of the book, Ransom comments, “I want to open the door to more conversations.” She is teaming up with other doctors and health professionals in the holistic arena to present this information to the public through a series of speaking engagements.

“We want to be of service, to aid people in their decision making as they navigate different options available to them. But the first step is that people have to know there are viable alternatives they can pursue.”

Publisher Lisa M. Umina adds, “This book is a resource with the potential to help so many people who are looking for to promote their holistic health. Ransom is contributing her knowledge and experience to this ongoing conversation in an important way.”

For more information about Cynthia Ransom visit www.halopublishing.com. “The Blue Sheep Movement” is now available at Halo Publishing International, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Goodreads, and Books a Million in Paperback for $ Paperback Price: $12.95 and eBook Price: $4.99

Press & Media Contact:
Lisa Michelle Umina, Publisher
Halo Publishing International
1100 NW Loop 410, Suite 700-176,
San Antonio, TX 78213 – USA
+1 877-705-9647
contact@halopublishing.com
http://www.halopublishing.com

Matthew S. Miklasz Promotes Authenticity as a Key to Living an Impactful Life

With four children of his own, Miklasz is well aware of the pressure the next generations face to conform to societal expectations, whether iterated on the television or through pervasive social media.

San Antonio, TX, USA, November 7, 2018 — Pastor Matthew S. Miklasz has witnessed the power of authenticity first-hand, drawing from both his theological training and his thirty years of coaching experience, where he has worked with both athletes and other pastors.

With four children of his own, Miklasz is well aware of the pressure the next generations face to conform to societal expectations, whether iterated on the television or through pervasive social media. To deal with these social pressures, Miklasz encourages people to turn to God and find their “normal.”

“Being the ‘normal’ that God created you to be is an incredible step towards realizing your full potential and positively affecting the people who surround you. Great freedom and confidence emerge when we live according to who God created us to be,” Miklasz explains.

“I want people to discover the deep conviction that God created them uniquely and that He loves them very passionately,” says Miklasz. “When we live with these two convictions, it allows us to impact lives in greater ways. The more authentic we are, the more authentic our worship is, the more authentic our relationships are, especially the deep inner relationship with God.”

With the encouragement of his eldest daughter Angela, Miklasz decided to share this message with the world by penning his first book, “A Normal Guy.”

On his book, Miklasz comments, “I hope to share what I really believe, my deepest convictions. Through my Christian walk, I have journalized many impactful moments about insights and teachings from God that informed my writing process,” comments Miklasz.

“This is such an important read today and for future generations,” adds Publisher Lisa M. Umina. “We should each be able to embrace our ‘normal’ selves, and Miklasz is equipping readers with the tools to do this.”

The book launch events will be held at the following dates and locations:
Saturday, December 1st, Holiday Bazaar Thorp High School – Thorp Wisconsin 9:00a.m. – 3:00p.m.
Saturday, December 8th, The Grounds Coffee Shop – Cokato Minnesota 9:00a.m. – 12:00p.m.
Friday, December 14th, Dassel Public Library – Dassel, Minnesota 10a.m. – 12p.m.

For more information about Matthew S. Miklasz visit www.halopublishing.com. “A Normal Guy” is now available at Halo Publishing International, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Goodreads, and Books a Million in Paperback for $13.95 and as an e-Book for $6.95.

Press & Media Contact:
Lisa Michelle Umina, Publisher
Halo Publishing International
1100 NW Loop 410, Suite 700-176,
San Antonio, TX 78213 – USA
+1 877-705-9647
contact@halopublishing.com
http://www.halopublishing.com

Peggy Palmer Finds Transformative Power in Positivity

From teaching 7th and 8th grade to her work in the non-profit world, Peggy Palmer has not only implemented her teaching about positivity in a professional context but also in a personal one with her own children.

San Antonio, TX, USA, Oct 18th, 2018 — “People function better in life when they’re able to look for the positive,” comments educator Peggy Palmer. “My vision is to propel people to a better place. My work is my passion.” From teaching 7th and 8th grade to her work in the non-profit world, Palmer has not only implemented her teaching about positivity in a professional context but also in a personal one with her own children.

“I taught my kids to be curious and to explore. Children need the tools to know that they are in charge of their own destiny and that they are the ones who design their lives each day. It is so important for children to know that no matter what their circumstances are, they can have a better life.”

To promote this empowering message, Palmer has written a new book for children, entitled “Gather the Good” to teach children simple ways that they can incorporate a positive outlook in their daily lives.

“I hope that readers get a glimmer of light and positivity that they can carry with them into their lives and into the world,” says Palmer. “I hope children will learn that they have the choice to be optimistic every single day. I want to help make a better future, one book at a time.”

Publisher Lisa M. Umina comments, “This is a book that adults need to read just as much as children do. Palmer has made an excellent resource for parents and teachers alike to start teaching their children how to model positive behavior.”

The book launch and book signings will be held soon. For the exact date and place, please follow “Gather the Good” Facebook page.

For more information about Peggy Palmer visit www.halopublishing.com. “Gather the Good” is now available at Halo Publishing International, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Goodreads, and Books a Million in Hardcover for $20.95, Paperback for $12.95, and as an e-Book for $8.99.

Press & Media Contact:
Lisa Michelle Umina, Publisher
Halo Publishing International
1100 NW Loop 410, Suite 700-176,
San Antonio, TX 78213 – USA
+1 877-705-9647
contact@halopublishing.com
http://www.halopublishing.com

Pam Saxelby Creates Resources to Make Difficult Conversations Fun for Children

Talking to children about childbirth is not always easy, but author Pam Saxelby knows that the conversation is important because kids are curious.

San Antonio, TX, USA, October 9, 2018 — Talking to children about childbirth is not always easy, but author Pam Saxelby knows that the conversation is important because kids are curious. She also insists it can be a fun! As an educator and author, Saxelby has over 25 years of experience teaching in Chicago where she has worked with students of different ages—from junior high to high school as well as preschoolers.

“I love working with the pre-school kids because they are so funny. After many years of working with children, I have good insight into the questions these children have,” Saxelby comments. “Kids at this age are trying to figure everything out.” Children are curious about where they come from, and this isn’t a bad thing, Saxelby insists.

Saxelby has faced this question both in the classroom and at home, where years ago, she was summoned by her youngest daughter (4 at the time) to “a meeting in the living room” to discuss Saxelby’s then pregnancy with her third child.

“I saw that having children talk about where babies come from is important. We need accurate narratives that are not just centered on the stork. Children need correct information, and this topic can be presented in a way that is both fun and funny. Childbirth does not have to be scary for kids.”

The author adds, “I’ve always tried to write about what is interesting for children, and what they may be trying to figure out,” which is what led her to write her third children’s book, The Great Grace Escape.

Inspired by Saxelby’s granddaughter Grace, The Great Grace Escape is a humorous tale, told from a baby’s perspective about “escaping” from her underwater home in her mother’s womb! The author intends for this book to be a resource for parents, teachers, and pediatricians.

“I hope this story will lead to natural conversations, recognizing that children of different ages need different answers to their questions,” adds Saxelby. “I would like this book to be an opportunity for kids to ask questions about the day they were born and all the joy that goes along with that.” The Great Grace Escape is illustrated by Saxelby’s daughter, Anne Saxelby.

Publisher Lisa M. Umina adds, “This book is a great addition to children’s literature. It presents a unique perspective, helping children to understand where they come from and how they got here. Both children and adults alike will enjoy reading this story.”

For more information about Pam Saxelby visit pamsaxelby.com. The Great Grace Escape is now available at on Pam’s website, Halo Publishing International, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Goodreads, and Books a Million in Hardcover for $19.95, Paperback for $12.95, and as an e-Book for $6.99.

Press & Media Contact:
Lisa Michelle Umina, Publisher
Halo Publishing International
1100 NW Loop 410, Suite 700-176,
San Antonio, TX 78213 – USA
+1 877-705-9647
contact@halopublishing.com
http://www.halopublishing.com

Renee Lovekids Promotes Diversity and Debate as the Keys to a Successful Classroom and Community

Having worked as a teacher in the public-school system for the past nineteen years, Renee Lovekids knows the importance of promoting dialogue and debate in her classroom.

San Antonio, TX, USA, September 19, 2018 — Having worked as a teacher in the public-school system for the past nineteen years, Renee Lovekids knows the importance of promoting dialogue and debate in her classroom.

Statistics show that in urban schools, an average of 90% of children who are involved in debate graduate from high school, while only 50% of the general population go on to graduate.

Lovekids has implemented several types of debate formats in her teaching, a measure that she feels helps students from different backgrounds learn how to effectively express their opinions and communicate with their peers.

“I work in New York City, which is one of the most diverse places in America,” the educator comments. “There are times where I’ve had eleven nationalities represented in my classroom. Yet, even with all of the diversity, there are still commonalities that we all share.”

By learning important communication skills from a young age, students are better equipped for life beyond the classroom.

“Different forms of debate are used according to the age group. There is the opportunity to learn new vocabulary and new reasoning skills,” Lovekids adds.

This message is central to Lovekids’ new children’s book, “Why Did My Teacher Cry Today? A Homework Tale”. This story uses humor to relay the different perspectives that students and teachers have on homework. To express their different viewpoints, the students are asked to hold a debate.

“I was inspired to write the book based on the experiences I have had with my students over the years. I hope that readers take away the sense of humor and fun that can be instilled in everyday activities, such as homework. I hope that teachers will take away some ideas about making the topics they are teaching more interesting and engaging for students.”

  • For more information about Renee Lovekids visit www.halopublishing.com. “Why Did My Teacher Cry Today? A Homework Tale” is now available at Halo Publishing International, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Goodreads, and Books a Million in Paperback for $11.95 and as an e-Book for $3.99.

Press & Media Contact:
Lisa Michelle Umina, Publisher
Halo Publishing International
1100 NW Loop 410, Suite 700-176,
San Antonio, TX 78213 – USA
+1 877-705-9647
contact@halopublishing.com
http://www.halopublishing.com

New Storybook Helps Fathers Carve Out Reading Ritual With Their Child

When a father takes the time to read to his child, there is a big payoff, studies show. In fact, a 2014 Harvard study indicates that when dads regularly read bedtime stories to young children, it actually has a measurably bigger impact on the youngsters’ language development than when Mom reads.

San Antonio, TX, USA, September 19, 2018 — When a father takes the time to read to his child, there is a big payoff, studies show. In fact, a 2014 Harvard study indicates that when dads regularly read bedtime stories to young children, it actually has a measurably bigger impact on the youngsters’ language development than when Mom reads.

However, through research for a book she was writing, award-winning journalist Margaret Bernstein became aware that the lack of a father figure was being passed down from one generation to the next. Men who grew up without a father in their lives didn’t know how to fulfill their own roles as dads because that behavior had never been modeled for them, she discovered.

“As a writer,” Bernstein explains, “I wanted to do something to help break that cycle. I wanted to write books that inspired dads to read with their children and help them build a bond.”

Bernstein is now releasing a new book for children entitled “Donuts with Dad” to accomplish just that. According to the author, “This is a fun story that any dad and daughter can enjoy, it’s designed to spark lots of conversation and laughter.” The main characters are a dad and a daughter of color who embark on a day of creative adventures together.

This is Bernstein’s second multicultural storybook aimed at dads. “We want children of color to enjoy reading books that reflect what they look like,” she says. “We need diverse books people can relate to.”

She hopes dads and daughters will develop a bedtime ritual of reading “Donuts with Dad” together, because numerous studies show that having an active father figure boosts a child’s academic achievement and fosters healthy social-emotional development. Daughters in particular benefit—the increased confidence from spending more time with Dad has been shown to increase the percentage of women who embark on nontraditional career paths like science. “One of my dreams is to help inspire dads to understand the important role that they play in their children’s lives,” adds Bernstein.

Publisher Lisa M. Umina comments, “This book is not only a fun read but an important one. It is accessible and inviting to readers of any level. Bernstein is celebrating involved fathers and encouraging them to be creative and have fun.”

The book launch event will be held on Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018 at Café Bon Ami in New Orleans—with an assortment of donuts, of course!

For more information about Margaret Bernstein, visit www.halopublishing.com. “Donuts with Dad” is now available at Halo Publishing International, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Goodreads, and Books-A-Million in Hardcover for $16.95, in Paperback for $11.95 and as an e-Book for $6.95.

Press & Media Contact:
Lisa Michelle Umina, Publisher
Halo Publishing International
1100 NW Loop 410, Suite 700-176,
San Antonio, TX 78213 – USA
+1 877-705-9647
contact@halopublishing.com
http://www.halopublishing.com

Frances Ellen Walsh Embarks on an Unforgettable Journey

In our globalized world, there is cross-cultural contact that increasingly spans international borders. While online resources provide greater opportunities for travel, there is also more information about violence, conflict, and unrest in distant destinations.

San Antonio, TX, USA, September 5, 2018 — According to the U.S. State Department, travelers to Kashmir, India, are encouraged to exercise increased caution due to crime and terrorism. But Frances Ellen Walsh was not deterred from traveling thousands of miles on a journey that would irrevocably change her life.

With a degree in metaphysics, this author and educator is interested in exploring the “layers of meaning in everything we do and see.” She adds, “In religiously diverse India, there is a heightened spiritual awareness. I wanted to portray some of the seen and unseen dimensions of that world.”

“I say yes to everything,” Walsh explains. “I’m all about saying yes to the universe and waiting to see what comes from my decisions. My life is an adventure, and I’m not afraid of trying new things and going to new places.”

Walsh has always been passionate about travel, and over the years she has jumped on every opportunity presented to her to travel internationally. “Every trip is an adventure,” she explains. “We are all citizens of the world, and there is joy in learning about each other’s differences and similarities.”

Despite visiting many countries, Walsh found India to be special. After her first trip there, she knew she would go back, and five years later, her travels to India have become the basis for her latest book, “An American in Kashmir: Undaunted Love”.

Chronicling her life and the challenges she has encountered along the way, Walsh hopes this book will give her readers hope and permission to live a life without regret.

“Others will have opinions of what you should be doing with your life. But it’s YOUR life. We each get only one time around. There’s no time for waiting; we never know how long we have. Live your life as you dreamed it. Go for it!”

Publisher, Lisa M. Umina, comments, “This author poignantly chronicles her travel experiences, and it is powerful in that it captures both the external voyage to visit another country and the more subtle journey that is taken within the self. The result is a book that will transport the readers on personal journeys of their own.”

The book launch event will take place on October 28th, 2018, from 4-6 p.m. at The Muse Writers Center (2200 Colonial Ave #3) in Norfolk, Virginia.

For more information about Frances Ellen Walsh visit www.halopublishing.com. “An American in Kashmir” is now available at Halo Publishing International, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Goodreads, and Books a Million in Paperback for $15.95 and as an e-Book for $9.99.

Press & Media Contact:
Lisa Michelle Umina, Publisher
Halo Publishing International, Inc
1100 NW Loop 410, Suite 700-176,
San Antonio, TX 78213 – USA
+1-877-705-9647
contact@halopublishing.com
http://www.halopublishing.com

Educator Dina Carter Bryant Empowers Youth to Give Back to their Communities and the World

With twenty-four years of teaching experience, Dina Carter Bryant is educating the next generation about how they can give back to their communities.

San Antonio, TX, USA, August 27th, 2018 — With twenty-four years of teaching experience, Dina Carter Bryant is educating the next generation about how they can give back to their communities. From teaching science technology to engineering and math, she is now on a mission to “bring out the beauty in things that are bleak.”

“I’ve always been interested in the reduce, reuse, recycle campaign,” Bryant comments. “Growing up, my grandparents loved to plant and they had their own personal garden. It took little to nothing for them to build a long-lasting legacy.”

In fact, gardens and green spaces have been shown to greatly improve air quality and reduce pollution in an urban environment according to studies by the UW-Madison Department of Urban and Regional Planning.

For Bryant, it is important to empower children to contribute to their communities. “Children are our biggest investment and if we start educating them from a young age, then those behaviors and those ideas stay with children longer and it impacts generations. We start getting children on board with recycling. They, in turn, will inspire their parents to reduce, reuse, recycle.”

In order to spread this message, Bryant is releasing a new book for children entitled “Daffodils and Daisies”. When two children begin working to beautify an open space in their community, other community members unexpectedly begin contributing to the project.

“I was inspired to show readers the beauty in nature and how they could give back to nature and give back to their communities,” Bryant explains. “My goal is that children will go home and look at a project they can implement in their own community.”

Publisher Lisa M. Umina comments, “This book is a fun way of introducing children to the importance of caring for our environment, by starting with our own neighborhoods. There are steps that can be taken to keep communities beautiful and healthy.”

For more information about Dina Carter Bryant visit www.halopublishing.com. “Daffodils and Daisies” is now available at Halo Publishing International, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Goodreads, and Books a Million in Paperback for $11.95, in Hardcover for $19.95, and as an e-Book for $9.95.

Press & Media Contact:
Lisa Michelle Umina, Publisher
Halo Publishing International, Inc
1100 NW Loop 410, Suite 700-176,
San Antonio, TX 78213 – USA
+1 877-705-9647
contact@halopublishing.com
http://www.halopublishing.com