Bobbing Around

 

*About Bobbing Around subscribe/unsubscribe guidelines for contributions *A thank you *Iraq is Arabic for Vichy by John Gorman *Without a Lecture An example of how to inform the reader *Advice to a beginning writer from Spiro and Cheryl. *Programmed to Fail A laugh about grammar from Harley Sachs. *On Social Phobia: a success. *Coaching: Fulfilling Your Life Potential An essay from Cort Curtis. *Cancer An update. *From Death to Life a true life story from Connie Winters *Advice to two youngsters On youth suicide On fear of public speaking *Editing *Leads to follow *The neck tie from Larry Nichols.

I am responsible for anything I have written. However, where I reproduce contributions from other people, I do not necessarily endorse their opinions. I may or may not agree with them, but give them the courtesy of a forum. I am a member of www.bookswelove.net bookstore and author pages.    Bobbing Around is COPYRIGHTED. No part of it may be reproduced in any form, at any venue, without the express permission of the publisher (ME!) and the author if that is another person. You may forward the entire magazine to anyone else.

A little plug

   Sending Bobbing Around off used to be a big job. Now, it's a matter of visiting an online form, then sending a single email, thanks to Atlantic Bridge Publishers. The least I can do is to offer this forum to Linda Eberharter, the publisher, for publicising her publishing business. Please visit her and look around.

Cottonwood Hill
Christine DeLong Miller
Paranormal Romance
http://www.atlanticbridge.net/publishing/cottonwood.htm.

   Kelly Masters, horror writer, is moving to Oak Grove, Ohio. Nine months ago, her husband Brian was murdered outside the door of their New York apartment. When Kelly received a phone call informing her that she and her two sisters had inherited the Cottonwood Hill Estate from a great aunt that they knew nothing about, Kelly thought it was a God-send. This was the perfect chance for her to get her six-year-old daughter Jenna away from the tragic memories surrounding their apartment.

   Little does Kelly know that Cottonwood Hill holds its own mystery. When she arrives in Oak Grove with Jenna, she meets the handsome Deputy Sheriff Glen Westfall. Sparks fly as they joust with words while Kelly struggles to control her conflicting emotions concerning her attraction to Glen and her aversion to police uniforms that she acquired while dealing with Brian's murder.

   When Kelly's sisters, Sera and Nikki, arrive at the estate to help her settle in, the mystery of Cottonwood Hill rears its head. Ghostly visions, bats in the attic and bones buried in the backyard are just a hint of what is to come. Local legend has it that Cottonwood Hill is haunted by a little boy who disappeared there years ago and the ghost of his father who is still searching for him.

   Kelly takes it upon herself to solve the mystery of the lost boy and his ghostly father so that their spirits can be put to rest. She can't raise Jenna in a haunted house and she refuses to uproot her daughter again. Kelly and Glen are thrust together as strange things happen that require the assistance of the local Deputy. Working together, Kelly and Glen dig up the long buried secrets of Cottonwood Hill as their attraction to each other builds, starting as a tiny spark that soon bursts into a raging fire.

   John is a very experienced journalist and a writer of historical fiction. His research is impeccable. Readers of Bobbing Around will be familiar with his writing. His King of the Romans is available from Awe-Struck books and Blackstone Audiobooks 1-800-729-2665.

   John sent me this essay over a month ago, with the rider, 'the attached Iraq piece might be useful, if we are not overtaken by events in the meantime.' In fact, events in the meantime have borne out his conclusions.

   Judge for yourself.

   While t-shirts emblazoned with "Iraq is Arabic for Vietnam" have yet to appear, another parallel suggests itself even more strongly to anyone familiar with less recent history: America is enmeshed in a re-enactment of France in 1941, with the Americans playing the German occupiers and the Iraqi fighters cast as the French Resistance.

 In 1940, France's military defences had collapsed in the face of the German Blitzkrieg. The enemy paraded in triumph through Paris, as France seemed utterly and irrevocably defeated. Having dictated an armistice, the invaders proceeded to set up a puppet government in Vichy and rule by proxy, as France was incorporated into The New World Order under the Third Reich.

   By the following year, however, a resistance movement was under way, striking first at the conquerors and then at their collaborators. Attacks at first were small and casualties were light, but, as the Resistance grew more organized and could draw on outside help, it went from a nuisance to a menace. Railroads, tunnels, bridges, highways, pipelines and canals were under constant assault. Even when off duty, German officers and noncoms were ordered to wear their sidearms, and enlisted men were told to take their bayonets along when they left the barracks. Nowhere did the conquerors feel safe.

   When military measures failed to suppress the uprising, the Germans resorted to wholesale arrests, torture, hostage taking, summary executions and other war crimes. They also recruited the Milice, a paramilitary force of French sympathizers, to hunt down members of the Resistance for their Nazi masters. Reprisals against the civilian population culminated in the massacre of an entire village in 1944. Nonetheless, the Resistance was not crushed and played a vital role in keeping substantial German forces occupied far from the front lines during the days following the Normandy invasion.

   Just as in 1940 France, the Iraqi military collapsed in the face of the American and British Blitzkrieg, and American troops paraded in triumph through the nation's capital. The bloody reign of Saddam Hussein was over, and a new democratic Iraq would not be long in coming, the world was assured.

   Somehow, much of that message got lost in translation. While most Iraqis were delighted to be rid of Saddam Hussein, very few were ready to support an indefinite occupation of their homeland by foreign infidels. Once again, the invaders and their collaborators have become the targets of small but unnerving attacks, as the occupation becomes ever more dangerous.

   The Americans, like their German counterparts, have attempted to set up a puppet government. But the Arab League has refused to recognize this regime, and it will probably find itself in the position of Vichy France, despised throughout the world, with no friends other than the allies of its conquerors.

   While the occupation forces have not yet resorted to reprisals against the civilian population, other heavy-handed tactics and the refusal to set a timetable for departure have done much to alienate any sympathizers they might have had and turn the resistance from a last ditch fight by Saddam's diehards into a war of national liberation, a conflict no colonial power has won in our time.

   Like the French Milice, a New Iraqi Army is to be recruited with the primary task of hunting down and killing other Iraqis who reject American rule. As with the Milice, recruits are unlikely to be of high caliber. Nor will it be safe to be a family member or friend of these collaborators, especially when the Americans finally leave, and the "night of the long knives" comes.

   In the meantime, it is not hard to see how some Arab countries could view the struggle in Iraq as an opportunity to strike a vicarious blow against The Great Satan and be ready to provide covert aid, much as the United States did for the Taliban in Afghanistan. With such help, larger and more destructive attacks will become the order of the day, as America's commitment grows deeper and the casualty list longer.

   It may be that the current administration will find these losses an acceptable price for its new oil rich colony in the Middle East and be prepared to occupy Iraq forever. The American people, however, have shown no stomach for sacrificing their loved ones in endless colonial wars in the past and are unlikely to change their minds any time soon. More likely will be a call to the once scorned United Nations to supervise a withdrawal and keep reprisals to a minimum, as Americans and their servants make a humiliating exit reminiscent of the scene on the roof of the United States Embassy in Saigon, when South Vietnam disintegrated.

Without a Lecture

   Stan Thomas was one of the finalists in my recent 'Free Edit' contest. He took advantage of my offer of editing the book at a discount. Here is the second half of his Chapter 1, introducing one of his major characters. Study how he does it. I don't think it can be improved upon.

   Monday morning John Robert Holloway stepped from the elevator onto the forty-seventh floor and entered the bathroom to check his appearance, almost giddy with excitement. He jubilantly kicked the trashcan then shadow boxed, moving in a tight circle. "Finally!" he yelled. No more ass-kissing, and no more compromising.

   He had worked hard for this promotion, and reaping his just rewards--there wasn't another executive in the company that could meet his measure. Managers and VPs from throughout the company had flown in to witness his ascension. Thirty-seven now, his target age of forty-five to enter politics progressed right on schedule. After seven, eight years of running the biggest oil and mineral company in the world, he would be more than ready to impact the country.

   John approached a mirror--not a hair out of place and not one red vein showing in the whites of his blue eyes.

   "President Holloway," he said, liking the way his lips sculpted the words.

   He gave himself a final once-over, brushed a white speck from his shoulder, then graced a conference room of rich mahogany, silk, and crystal with an air of supreme confidence. The conference table, shining under two monstrous chandeliers like a sheet of ice in the sun, seemed to stretch for one hundred feet or more and all but one chair was occupied. At the least a hundred thousand dollars worth of suits sat around the table.

   John nodded at co-workers and acquaintances as he made his way to the lone open seat. He pulled the high-backed chair out and sat across from Mitchell Dove without making eye contact, and a few seconds later all eyes shifted to the company's president as he took to the podium. The lights were turned low, Randall Whittenmeyer introduced the current operations king, and Ted Garvey commenced a presentation of his own accomplishments. After an hour of numbers and maps and self-aggrandizement, he finished and the lights were raised.

   Raising his hands to quell the applause, Randall Whittenmeyer approached the podium. "As most of you already know through the grapevine, Ted is retiring January first. It has been a great and prosperous ride, and I'm sure you'll join me in saying thank you for a job well done."

   The executives stood and applauded and when they settled back into their chairs, Whittenmeyer continued. "Times have changed. It is time for new blood to take this company into the new millennium. The search committee, of which I was a part, has searched high and low, inside as well as outside the company. We feel time has come for the company to move in a new direction, to project a different image. The committee has selected and the Board approved, a surprisingly mature-for-his-age replacement with sterling credentials, unwavering loyalty, and impeccable integrity."

   John's broad chest expanded. He wished his dad could be here to share this glorious moment.

   "After months of hair-pulling deliberations and heated discussions, we have come to a consensus based solely on the candidate's work habits, accomplishments, and civic image. As the appointed spokesperson for the committee and for WorldSpan--as an aside, news releases are being distributed as we speak--I am pleased to announce Mitchell Dove, from West Coast Operations, has been selected to assume the position of president of WorldSpan Oil.

   "Besides being a competent, innovative, forward-thinking company asset for close to fifteen years, Mitchell has selflessly involved himself over the years with various groups for troubled youth. He's spoken at dozens of elementary and high schools, espousing the value of a good moral foundation and college education. Among numerous other awards, last year the President of the United States bestowed the American Humanitarian Award on Mr. Dove. Although very young, I believe he will serve WorldSpan stockholders superbly."

   A smattering of applause and sounds of incredulity were offered by the assembled executives. John glared at a dazed Mitchell, who sat slumped in his chair absorbing a pounding from a few well-wishers.

   Attempting to shake off shock, Mitchell approached the podium. "I'm at a loss for words. Never in my wildest dreams as a kid in the graffiti-marred, gang and drug-infested neighborhood in which I grew up, could I ever have imagined…. First, I want to thank the CEO of my life and garbage man extraordinaire: my father, Otis Dove. You may not see him, but he is here with me. If not for him, I would probably be one of society's worst nightmares. I am evidence of the power of a father's loving presence and influence in his children's lives. Thank you, Dad. Second, I want to thank the search committee for their attention to accomplishments and deeds alone, so that I was off the bench and in the ballgame. And third, on to the new millennium and new diversity." He scanned the room and locked with John Holloway's vacant eyes.

   John stared back at the beaming new president, not really seeing him. Unprepared for defeat, his mind had gone stupid.

   Stan co-chairs the publications committee for a major trade organization in Atlanta, Georgia. He's been published in Atlanta-based Profile Magazine, written a fifty-year retrospective book under contract and deadline, and won a couple minor writing competitions. He worked in management for a Fortune 500 company, then started and ran his own business for ten years before selling to the sector giant a couple years ago.

Advice to a Beginning Writer

from Spiro and Cheryl

   Spiro and Cheryl are a husband-and-wife team who created the popular email list AustraliaTheWorldWordsmiths@yahoogroups.com. I liked the post below so much that I asked their permission to reproduce it here.

1) Do an honest assessment of your writing knowledge, ability and talent and desire to write. This is useful in understanding where you are at now and can work as a yard stick to show how much you have grown as a writer. It also serves to show you just how much you do know. this assessment can include details like, "I have a good imagination", "I spell well enough and know how to use a spell checker". "I need to learn more about grammar", "I've done a short course in creative writing" etc Now draw up a list of some areas you know you need to work on. Write a list of your strengths.

2) Write yourself a letter telling you why you want to be a writer and what you want to accomplish. You can include all the things you learnt about yourself in step one. Discuss what kind of writing you would like to do and why that particular kind. Decide how much time you are going to devote to writing each day.

3)Research. Once a day do a search on the internet or investigate a site that discusses writing. The links page on this group has over 300 sites listed that are helpful and informative to writers. Read an article a day and if certain pratices, hints, tips or techniques are suggested that you think may be useful then copy an paste them into a word processing document. Many beginning authors go out and purchase many books on the subject and much of the information you will find in these books can be found for free on the internet.

4) Write. Write something every day. If you want to be a novelist then write a few pages of your novel, If you want to write magazine articles then write a short article about something you know, if you want to be a poet then write a poem a day, if you want to be a screenwriter then write a few scenes.At first don't overdo it a little each day is more useful in building your skills than sporadic all nighters.

5) Edit. Each day read over what you have written and make any corrections you need to make. It can be helpful if you leave a space of a few hours between writing and editing.

6) Be VERY kind to yourself. You are learning a new craft. Crafts take time to master. Sometimes there is a temptation to give into the frustration and say something like "I will never be a real writer" This is just a stage. Remember crafts can be learned. Talent helps but learning the skills that go with the talent are just as important.

7) Communicate with other writers. Asking questions about writing, genres, techniques and the writing market help to focus your attention on writing and it keeps you up to date. Listening to other writers' tales help to keep your journey in perspective too.

8) Bookmark several dictionaries and thesauri on your browser. There is a wide variety of dictionaries and thesauri on the Internet. Many sites are listed on our links page.

9) Nurture yourself. Do some fun, creative, silly adventurous things regularly that are not related directly to writing.

10) Keep on writing. The way to learn to write is to write.

Programmed to fail

A laugh about grammar by Harley Sachs

   For those readers who do crosswords and brain teasers, here's a puzzle. What does this mean: "All items are not available in all stores."

   That was the disclaimer in the grocery ad insert from the IGA chain, advertising originating in Green Bay, Wisconsin and used by affiliates here in Michigan. It brings to mind the sample we used in English class to demonstrate the importance of word placement in a sentence as in these:

I only told her that I loved her.
Only I told her that I loved her.
I told only her that I loved her.
I told her only that I loved her.
I told her that only I loved her.
I told her that I only loved her.
I told her that I loved only her.

   Had this been in Latin the inflection of the words might have made the relationship clear, but English is heavily dependent on word placement.

   So what do you think the grocery ad disclaimer actually says? It's intended to mean that SOME of the items advertised may not be available where you shop. What it actually says is that none of the advertised items are available in any store. If that's the case, why advertise them at all? Amazing.

   This is an example of what my old friend John Christenson, packrat, ex-professor, and recluse used to say: just as a computer is programmed to "think" using simple logical statements, your grammar is your program for rational thought.

   For the computer the logic is statements like "if this, then that" "Pick a random number" "Add the following." "subtract the following." all performed in binary code.

   If the logic is faulty, the computer balks, as in the old TV series about Rhoda the Robot. When confronted with something she didn't understand she'd say, "That does not compute." The grocery store ad disclaimer does not compute, either.

   If you say "We was" you are revealing that you can't tell the difference between a plural subject and a singular verb. We reason ourselves into an illogical corner when we are hypersensitive to political correctness. Not wishing to be gender specific, instead of saying "Each student will sign his name," we say something like "Each student will sign their name." That does not compute. One is not many. Forced to be logical, we can't use a singular and must write, "All students will write their names." That may solve the gender problem, but it introduces another ambiguity: how many names does each student have? Should each student write them all down? Clearly the logic of our grammar is flawed.

   Compound errors like that with words we don't understand and communication breaks down. The seminal semantics scholar Korzibsky said that if we could not agree on the meaning of a word, we should substitute "blah." No wonder there is so much miscommunication.

   The dependence of where a word is placed in English causes us some confusion. The solution for the IGA copy writer is to write: "Some advertised items may not be available in your store" or (recalling the "only" placement) "Not all items are available in all stores."

   My old high school teacher Arthur Smith used to collect ambiguous road signs like "Eat here and get gas" at a roadside café and filling station. You could collect blunders in logic like the grocery ad but beware: you may conclude that there's a lot of language out there that simply does not compute.

   If your grammar is flawed you may not only be misunderstood. You may fall into the British trap where your accent determines your social status. If your poor language use make you sound stupid, you may not be able to get that job.

Harley Sachs www.hu.mtu.edu/~hlsachs.

Help for Social Phobia Sufferers:

A success

   Here is the feedback after completion of the study:

Dear Bob,

   This e-mail is to update you on the progress of the treatment trial for social phobia being run from the University of Western Australia, which you so kindly supported by advertising on your website.

   The results of the trial have been analysed and results are positive. The trial contained a computer task designed to attenuate the natural attentional bias towards threat which is demonstrated by people with social phobia. There has been some evidence in recent research which suggested that the attentional bias to threat shown by social phobics is actually a causal factor in the experience of anxiety symptoms. Therefore, by creating a task to reduce this bias, my hope was that clinical symptoms of social phobia would be reduced.

   I used the Social Interaction Anxiety Scale and the Social Phobia Scale by Mattick and Clarke (1998) to measure clinical symptoms of social phobia both before and after participants completed the bias retraining computer task. What I found was that for people who did the task designed to attenuate attentional bias, there was a significant drop in symptom scores. For people who did a control task, there was no such drop in scores.

   This was a momentous finding, because this computer task has never been used before on any anxiety disordered group. The obvious implication is that if the computer task were developed as a treatment instead of a research project, it could be placed on the internet full time, as an effective adjunct to standard treatment. We are not quite at that point yet -- I am still going through the rest of my results, and my colleagues have begun a replication study, but this is a first step in the right direction.

   I will be giving a presentation of my results shortly at the Australian Association of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy national conference. I also hope to publish a paper on these findings once the replication study is complete.

   I have written to you just to give you this brief overview of my findings, and to thankyou for the support you provided -- without which the trial could not have been conducted.

   Thank you once again for your involvement, without which this continued research into treatments for social phobia would not be possible.

Yours sincerely,
Annie Malcolm

Coaching: Fulfilling Your Life Potential

by Cort Curtis, Ph.D.

   Unfortunately, his article is way too long to reproduce in Bobbing Around, and summarising it would not do it justice. Here are a few snippets:

   You are the creator of your life and, as every artist knows, if you are not creating, you are not alive; you are not bringing something that "lies within" out into the world; you are merely settling for what life throws at you. You have entered this life for a purpose, for a potential to be fulfilled. You are not here to simply follow other's expectations. If you are not fulfilling your potential you are not living a life you love. Just as an acorn contains the potential of a mighty oak tree, so do you contain a potential that is yet to be fulfilled.

   No one can tell you what your potential is. It is something that you must discover and rediscover for yourself over and over. Fulfilling your potential is not a one-time accomplishment; it is an ongoing, upward-spiraling accomplishment of creating and fulfilling your vision.

   The reality for most of our lives is that we have settled for far less than what we are capable of. We live our lives based on the expectations of others. Or we look at our circumstances and say to ourselves that 'I am just unfortunate or trapped or unlucky in life compared to others who have it way better than I do.'

...

   The coaching relationship is structured in such a way to assist you in resurrecting your life toward the fulfillment of your creative potential. Through coaching, you have another human being who is a source for you to articulate and fulfill your dreams and intentions. That dream may be as "large" as making a difference in the world or your community, creating a business, having more money, writing a book, going to school, changing professions, creating a miraculous relationship, running for political office, starring in a movie or expanding your company. Or it can be as "small" as cleaning your closets, redecorating your house, going to the gym or losing weight. There is no relative value that one goal has over another. Your potential is really staring you right in the face; it is what you are struggling with to accomplish but, for whatever reason you just can't "get yourself" to take the necessary steps to complete your goal. And when the "little things" are left undone it makes it very difficult if not impossible to accomplish the "bigger things" you are up to in life.

...

What is the function of a coach?

   When we think of the word "coach" the first thing that comes to mind is someone in the sports field. A coach is someone who "knows the game" typically because he or she has "played the game". But when a coach is coaching players the coach is "on the sidelines" watching and listening to the players. When it comes to "practice" the coach is enabling the player to maximize his or her ability. Because the coach is intently observing the performance of the player, the coach is in a position to give the player feedback empowering the player to continually improve his or her ability to play the game. When it comes to "game time" the coach is assisting players to develop strategies so that they increase their ability to "win the game."

   Without a coach, a player does not have the all-important "mirror" to continually see him or herself in what he or she is doing. There is no "feedback loop" where the player can evaluate what's missing and bring something new to the game. In the coaching relationship, something new can come into existence that goes beyond what the coach and the player could anticipate. As Napoleon Hill once said, "No two minds ever come together without, thereby, creating a third, invisible, intangible force which may be likened to a 3rd mind."

   When it comes to the "game of life" very few of us have a "coach" or a mentor to whom we can turn to, and consider, the next step in our "game". This is the value that coaching can provide for you, another person who can "hold" your highest potential as a creator of possibilities. There will be times when you "forget", when you are "down on yourself", or when you feel it's just not worth it, or forget your own power, or even forget what your goal was. It is during those times that we typically "chuck it all" and return to the couch or live in our dreams of "someday" or "when I get around to it." There is wisdom in the old saying, "When the going gets tough, the tough get going." As long as you "keep going" no matter how small the steps and no matter how difficult the going gets, eventually breakthroughs happen and you reach your destination.

   I strongly recommend that you read the whole essay.

Cancer: An update

   In the last issue, I asked for contributors to an inspiring book on cancer. I am delighted to let you know that now there are four of us.

   Ariana Overton is a wonderful and versatile writer, a talented computer artist and an editor who taught me lots. She is also a great friend to have, but don't get on her wrong side!

   Over 20 years ago, Ari had cancer, and the medical profession gave her a few months to live. She is still here, and will write a first-hand account of what it's like to be struck by this monster, and what it takes to overcome it.

   Susan duBois contacted me in response to Bobbing Around 3-2. She is a biomedical expert (I think a medical doctor, not that it matters), with a great deal of knowledge about psychoimmunology, a science that got its name in 1986. She will write about that field, which gives a scientific underpinning to the apparently miraculous techniques of self-healing.

   I know Susan is an excellent writer, because even her casual emails to me are miniscule literary gems. I am looking forward to working with her.

   Newest recruit to the team is Siegfried Gutbrod. Siegfried says he is not a writer, but he has often addressed audiences on the topic. He works full time and more with cancer sufferers, helping them to improve their quality of life, and in many cases to extend it. He is a practitioner of what I want to write about.

   Still wanted are people with expert knowledge of how cancers form, and the causative factors behind the disease. In particular, I want to focus on what people can do to reduce and even eliminate the man-made causes of cancer.

   Current prediction is that ONE PERSON IN THREE can expect to suffer cancer. This book will be a tool to prevent it, to fight it, and to reduce its incidence.

From Death to Life

A true life story by Connie Winters

   Some moments etch themselves into life like acid. Others tint the memory in delicate pastels. Still others jar and confuse us.

   But one rarely forgets the touch of an angel.

   The moment I heard the unfamiliar female voice on the phone that Sunday evening in June, 1990, asking to speak to my daughter, I was overwhelmed by a sense of joy too pure to describe. For in that instant I knew, even before my daughter took the receiver from my hand, that this was IT, the call that might have taken years to come.

   Instead it took thirty-nine days.

   Even now, thirteen years later, tears flow at the recall of those magical words: "We have an organ donor. You're first on the list for a kidney transplant. Be at the hospital by nine o'clock to start the blood work."

    Hours earlier an auto accident had destroyed the viability of a healthy woman, but organs from her unrepairable body--treasures beyond price, each offering the gift of life to another quiescent soul--had been given by her grieving family.

    The rush was on. A shower. Phone calls, very brief. A bag packed. The careful drive to the hospital. Then the door closing, shutting out my husband and me so the critical tests could begin. A final dialysis in the early morning hours. The doctors, one upbeat and confident-seeming, the other admitting concern for the future of the precious kidney.

    While there could be no promises, perhaps from a mother's intuition came the certainty during those brief, exhilarating hours that four long, sad years of failing kidneys and peritoneal dialysis--barely sustaining an ebbing young life--were closing on that night.

    We waited, her father and I, alone in silent jubilation, now and then sparing a thought for the generous, caring family that might also be awake, planning their final farewell to...a daughter? a wife? a mother?

    We dozed, stretched out on comfortable sofas amid the soft, pleasing colors and patterns of the hospital waiting room.

    Then, sometime around dawn, we again looked on our only child, this time prepared for surgery, and fearing she was about to die. I said something like, "This is no time to think of dying--this is the time to live!"

   And a couple of hours past dawn, the dedicated skill of the transplant team and the blessing of an anonymous organ donor began to take effect. The doctor, fresh from the surgery, reported. It had gone well. The transplanted kidney had already "kicked in" and was producing that wondrous by-product of life, beautiful golden urine. We could go home now, and return later in the day to see the results of his morning work.

   Have you ever watched someone change color within hours? Ever seen pale, fragile toes blush as the sun shone over a new day? Ever thrilled to the sight of waxen cheeks begin to bloom again?

   I have.

   You may speak of the miracle of birth. Thanks to those named and unnamed others, I was also privileged to be present at a miracle of rebirth, overseen by an angel.

Press releases from my friends

Lori Soard: win $200
Bobby and Kam Ruble
Morgaine O'Herne
Heide Kaminski
Bill Pottle
L. C. Martin
Lauren Halkon
Lori Avocato

Lori Soard

   Don't miss your last chance to enter and win a $200.00 gift certificate. Visit us at www.promo-blitz.com and check out our contests area. While you're there, read some excerpts by your favorite authors and check out our freebies page.

Bobby and Kam Ruble

Book Release:

   The psychological thriller/mystery novel, Black Rosebud: Have No Mercy II by Bobby and Kam Ruble, published by Global Authors Publications, was released in August. For further information about this book go to http://www.bobbyruble.com/black_rosebud.htm.

Personal Honor:

   Impressed with his extensive accomplishments and career successes, Brenau University has inducted Bobby Ruble into the 2003 Alumni Hall of Fame. Brenau University in Gainesville, Georgia, is where Bobby received his B.S. degree.

Morgaine O'Herne

   Soon to be released: "The Black Flag" -- a crime drama graphic novel set in the near future about a Scottish terrorist named Georgina Macdubhgaill. The author and artist is Chaz Wood of Angus, Scotland; the publisher is Brigid's Hearth Press. Four parts, 20 pages each. To learn more, e-mail: brigids_hearth@yahoo.com.

   You can see the book cover here.

   Morgaine runs Brigid's Hearth Press, (an independent publisher specializing in graphic novels and science-fiction/fantasy). She is seeking independent distributors and booksellers. For more information, or to request samples of current releases, contact Morgaine O'Herne -- brigids_hearth@yahoo.com . The website is http://www.BHPmanga.us.

Heide Kaminski

   With 16 years of experience in the field of early childhood education, Heide AW Kaminski has discovered what it takes to make learning fun.

   Now she is sharing her tips with us in her new book, GET SMART THROUGH ART -- Creative and Fun Ways to Teach Young Children Through Art (Datamaster Publishing; October 1, 2003; ISBN: 0-9670886-9-0; $17.00 U.S.)

   Get Smart Through Art is a collection of some of the many activities and projects the author has developed over the years. Each project carries an educational theme carefully crafted into the activity so children learn important skills while having a great time.

   All projects have been tested and approved by children!

   This is an essential book for all early childhood educators and is certain to enrich the lives of children everywhere.

   You can inspect the book at http://www.daycarerecordkeeping.com/kaminski.html.

Bill Pottle

   DreamQuest, the first novel by Philadelphia Author Bill Pottle, has been receiving some good reviews and has come out with its own clothing line.

   Some things that have been written about DreamQuest include:

   "This imaginative and entertaining fantasy ... is a winning combination of action, romance and magic" -- April Chase, The Fiction Forum Review.

   “The beginning of what is bound to be a prominent future in fantasy tales for author Bill Pottle” -- Juan Aguierre.

   "A magical mixture of the jovialness and freshness of Harry Potter and the epicness of Tolkien an enchanting taste of rawness and freshness that very few novels posses" -- Jean Kung.

   "There is no doubting Bill Pottle's wizardry" -- Donna Bedrick RIO Member.

   DreamQuest is a coming of age fantasy epic set in the mythical land of Daranor. The story chronicles the journeys of young Tarthur and his friend Derlin as they seek to understand Tarthur’s enigmatic dream. They face many grave enemies, from the Death Lord himself to their local town’s pudgy cook Judith, who is still upset from that ‘unfortunate pastry incident’ a few years back. DreamQuest is primarily a high fantasy novel, but its unique blend of humor, military strategy, romance, religion, and self-discovery will appeal to a wide variety of readers.

   Through cafepress.com, official DreamQuest merchandise is now available, including shirts, lunch boxes, hats, and the “Valena’s Secret” line of clothing for women, named after one of the main characters in DreamQuest.

   More information and flash animations can be found at www.dreamqueststory.com.

L. C. Martin

Destiny, ISBN ISBN: 1-4137-0274-0

   Feel the heat, take the chance and discover Destiny. A dance between love and danger, it'll keep your heart thumping as you travel along the twists and turns of this romantic suspense.

   Take an intriguing journey to the sultry tropics of Key West and discover a thrilling romantic suspense by author L.C. Martin. Released this fall by Publish America, Destiny promises to be a keeper.

   With each sun-drenched mile, Nikki Saunders' anticipation thickens as she gets closer to her destination. She's looking forward to a much needed break in Key West and all she wants to do is relax, but things don't go exactly the way she'd planned and what started out to be a tranquil weekend turns into a nightmare.

   Nikki never thought she'd ever believe in love again, but when she meets Jason McKenzie, an arrestingly handsome developer, who's desperately trying to escape the deadly grip of the underworld, she's unable to deny the longing he's inspired. Thrust into the violent world of the mob, she tries to hold on to the man of her dreams. From the sultry nights in Key West to the intensity of NYC, their passion's inevitable. Their love… undeniable. It was their Destiny.

   "The story line picks up speed and never slows down until the climax." ------ Affaire de Coeur.

   Currently a resident of Houston, Texas, Martin, the author of Caught in the Rain, kicks up the heat in her latest novel, Destiny. She's spent most of her life in the steamy city of Miami and fell in love with Key West at an early age. It's where she was inspired to write this book. "No wonder Hemingway made it his home," she says. "I truly feel a peacefulness that cannot be matched anywhere else."

Lauren Halkon

   Night Seekers is the first published novel of experienced short story writer and novelist, Lauren Halkon. It is a deeply psychological tale, balancing on the boundaries of fantasy, horror and science fiction. It is mythological, symbolic and heartfelt. It attempts to take it all, to attack all the issues, to seek all the answers. It does not paint a pretty picture, it does not give easy answers, such would be impossible -- what it does do, is tackle all our most deeply held assumptions and show them for what they really are.

   ‘The quality of writing is magnetic -- beautiful to read, the power of the images created staggering. A very worthy first novel.’ -- Trevor Denyer, editor & writer

   ‘Lauren Halkon is already better than many well-known authors and is going to keep improving.’ -- Dave Hutchinson, author

   If you want an easy read, don’t look to Night Seekers. If you want to think, if you want to be moved, if you want to be inspired, buy a copy and see a new reality. Available from the author’s website at http://www.halkon.co.uk where reviews and further information can be found. You may also purchase a copy at Amazon, Books-a-million and Barnes & Noble.

   Lauren Halkon is 29 and writes from a lifetime coping with the after-effects of childhood assault and her resulting battle to recover her spirituality and sanity. She has a deep interest in the metaphysical and an abiding love for the natural world. She tries to meld these in her writing.

Lori Avocato

   Lori Avocato received a three book contract from Avon/HarperCollins for her humorous medical mystery series. First book is due out in Feb. 2005. Titles: OPEN WIDE, SAY AH, and THIS WON'T HURT.
Lori Avocato
www.loriavocato.net.
Author of nine published fiction novels.

Advice to Two Youngsters

Youth Suicide

Yours Sincerely
F...

Dear boy/girl :)

   You have chosen an excellent topic, and I hope you will go on to work for the welfare of others in your future life.

   The topic you have chosen is enormous. You may want to fine it down unless you intend to do a Ph.D. research topic instead of a school assignment.

   Of course, I know you are not expecting me to do your assignment for you. All I'll do is to give you a few of my thoughts concerning why many young people indulge in self-destructive activities. This includes suicide, drugs and alcohol abuse, unsafe sexual practices, cutting or otherwise physically hurting themselves (this is an epidemic), and antisocial acts of various kinds.

   There is a terribly widespread problem in society: meaninglessness. It affects many people, but is particularly bad for many teenagers. People don't know why they are on the planet, what is the point of being alive. They are drifting, going nowhere because they don't know where to go. You might want to read my essay: http://bobswriting.com/essay.html where I address this issue and others.

   Perhaps you are one of the lucky ones who generates her own meaning. You would not have chosen such a challenging topic unless you were a self-motivated, caring person. But for most people, meaning is generated from outside, set down by society, their family and friends.

   When I was young, this happened for the majority of people. But family structures have disintegrated. Patterns of employment have changed, so that loyalty to your employer is crazy when at the drop of a cent in the international exchange rate, the company might find it convenient to restructure your job out of existence. Automated devices have replaced many of the jobs that youngsters used to start with, on their way to a career and a future.

   There are no longer any certainties, all rules are liable to change without notice, and therefore people feel without structure. This can generate feelings anxiety and helplessness.

   The second problem is the way we raise our children. Almost everyone is likely to suffer from words and actions from their parents, teachers, other adults and other children that make them feel inferior: ugly or stupid or faulty in some way. The other day, I passed by a family where the mother was saying to the maybe three-year-old, "Why are you such a stupid girl?"

   I felt like shaking the stupid woman and telling her that this comment may well be responsible for her daughter's suicide ten years later.

   Francesca, I suggest you read a wonderful book: 'Man's Search for Meaning' by Viktor Frankl. It talks about some of these issues.

Have a good life,
Bob

Fear of Public Speaking

Any help will be appreciated.
Thank you very much,
Sincerely,
A...

Dear A...,

   You are not alone: facing an audience is the most feared situation for the majority of the population.

   I suggest you go to your school counselor and explain the situation. There is a standard technique called 'systematic desensitization' that helps to conquer fears like this. It works, provided only you stay with it.

   You might want to buy a copy of my book 'Anger and Anxiety: Be in charge of your emotions and control phobias. I don't know where you live. If it's in North America, you can buy a paperback copy through Booksurge.

   If you are an Australian, I can post you a book if you send me a cheque for $21.45 (covers the book, GST and postage).

   Or you can buy it for $US5 in electronic format.

   Another thing you can do is to find out if there is a Toastmasters club in your area. This is a wonderful organization, set up especially to deal with the situation you find yourself in. You need to be over 18 to join Toastmasters, but they may allow you to come as a guest, and many clubs run 'Youth Leadership' courses, and being in one would help you enormously.

   I once suffered paralyzing stage fright like you described. Since then, I have taught classes, faced large, critical audiences in conferences, been on TV and radio. If I could surmount my fear, so can you.

Have a good life,
Bob

Editing

   My 'Free Edit' contest is over. I have edited the books of the first and second place getters, and both were a joy to work on: technically already good, with lively, clear language and interesting content. I hope to have press releases for both books when they are published.

   Several other contestants have taken up my offer of editing their book for a 25% discount, and other work has been coming in.

   This is what Mike Connell wrote after receiving his manuscript back, with my red scribbles everywhere:

   I want to thank you for the marvelous edit. You picked up things that never would have occurred to me. After 30-odd years in journalism, I thought of myself as a nimble-enough writer, but fiction is a whole new game. I did not know, you might say, how much I did not know. Some of your observations on technique -- maintaining POV, avoiding the didactic, staying in character --were by themselves worth the full price of the edit.

The Neck Tie

from Larry Nichols

A matter of ergonomics

Hi Bob!

   You wanted something about ergonomics. I don't know if this qualifies, but my favorite hate is the NECK TIE.

   It is a condition of my employment to choke myself every morning with this limp phallic symbol. Why should a sign of my genteel masculinity be required to dangle down my chest? Isn't that an obscene thought?

   My understanding of ergonomics is that it is the science of how to make objects fit people, rather than requiring people to fit objects.

   Well, THE TIE DOES NOT FIT!

   It is FIT FOR NOTHING!

   Once upon a time, it was like the peacock's feathers: it differentiated one species -- the Gentleman -- from another. But now, any panhandler can go into a shrift shop and buy a fancy looking tie for next to nothing. You can be, if you choose, a trash collector by day and then don a tie and do the gentleman at night.

   My wife tells me I look distinguished when I wear a suit and tie. I think this is a feminist conspiracy. The wretched object chokes me, so that circulation to the brain is cut off. The resulting anoxia makes me more tractable and less likely to argue, and if all else fails, there is the convenient handle to lead me by, like the ring in the bull's nose.

   I have no color prejudice, but really, I don't think BLUE skin is particularly attractive, is it?

   Keep up the good work, I enjoy reading 'Bobbing Around'.

Larry.

   Larry Nichols is a long time subscriber to Bobbing Around.

   I invite similar analyses of the ergonomics of other everyday objects.

About Bobbing Around

   If you received a copy of Bobbing Around and don't want a repeat, it's simple. Drop me a line and I'll drop you from my list.
   There is another way: send an email to bobbingaround-request@atlanticbridge.net, Subject: Unsubscribe

   You may know someone who would enjoy reading my rave. Bobbing Around is being archived at http://mudsmith.net/bobbing/index.html, or you can forward a copy to your friend. However, you are NOT ALLOWED to pass on parts of the newsletter, without express permission of the article's author and the Editor (hey, the second one is me.)

   If you are not a subscriber but want to be, email me. Subject should be 'subscribe Bobbing Around' (it will be if you click the link in this paragraph). In the body, please state your name, email address (get it right!), your country and something about yourself. I also want to know how you found your way to my newsletter. I hope we can become friends.
   Again, another way is to send an email to bobbingaround-request@atlanticbridge.net, Subject: Subscribe.

Contributions are welcome, although I reserve the right to decline anything, or to request changes before acceptance. Welcome are:

* Announcements, but note that publication date is neither fixed nor guaranteed;
* Brags of achievements that may be of general interest, for example publication of your book;
* Poems or very short stories and essays that fit the philosophy and style of Bobbing Around;
* Above all, responses to items in past issues. I will not reject or censor such comments, even if I disagree with them.

Submission Guidelines

   It is a FALSE RUMOUR that you need to buy one of my books before your submission is accepted. Not that I cry when someone does so.

   Above all, contributions should be brief. I may shorten them if necessary.

   Content should be non-discriminatory, polite and relevant. Announcements should be 100 to 200 words, shorter if possible. Book reviews, essays and stories should be at the very most 500 words, poems up to 30 lines.

   Thanks to the new distribution method provided by Linda Eberharter of Atlantic Bridge, I can now also include graphics. They should be small file size gif or jpg.

   Author bios should be about 50 words, and if possible include a web address.