tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82854620378371640012024-03-14T11:49:23.319-07:00Official Blog of Award-winning Author Philip NorkWelcome to the blog of Philip Nork, author of 'real-life fiction.'
Taking bits and pieces of life and then adding in fiction allows the author to write a realistic story that most people will relate to.
All of Philip Nork's book share a common theme: You never know when a person will enter your life and broaden your horizons forever.
What you will find here are reviews of books written by other Independent authors done by Philip Nork and news about Philip Nork and his books.Author Philip Norkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06465425503414747705noreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8285462037837164001.post-8103830403556452252014-09-02T12:29:00.000-07:002014-09-02T12:29:19.170-07:00The Great Brownie Bake-offHere is the next book I read and reviewed. This one is by an author who has been writing since she could grasp a crayon in kindergarten. It was a fun easy read.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><b>The Great Brownie Taste-off was exactly what I
expected—a sweet (pardon the pun) and easy read.<o:p></o:p></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><b>Yolanda Cater works at the Crown Street Cat
Shelter but wants to own a bakery one day. She loves to bake and make other
people happy. When her friend tells Yolanda she has a job for her that pays
$900 a night Yolanda has to check it out. Of course it is in a strip club but
the owner doesn’t think Yolanda can cut it as a stripper … either does she. He
offers her a job as a secretary but when she sees the first letter is about
closing the cat shelter Yolanda turns it down. Instead she challenges the man
to a brownie bakeoff. If he wins his other company, a premade brownie giant,
can have the building. If she wins, the cat shelter stays.<o:p></o:p></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><b>There is so much to this story than that. The
subplot is really interesting and fun. I won’t go into it all as I don’t want
to spoil the story for you, the reader. Just know what you see isn’t all there
is.<o:p></o:p></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><b>There was just one small complaint I had as a
reader, not one that ruined the book but did make it hard reading in some
places. The author uses a lot of description, especially when it comes to
clothing. Every time a character reenters the story we get to hear about how
they are dressed. It did take a bit from the story and had me skipping some
parts of it.<o:p></o:p></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><b>All in all, I enjoyed this book and look forward
to more from the author.</b></i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Author Philip Norkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06465425503414747705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8285462037837164001.post-50137724107620000902014-09-01T20:02:00.000-07:002014-09-01T20:11:51.928-07:00Author Philip Nork is also doing reviews for Indie authors<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's been a while since I posted. It is because I now have 8 published books to my credit. The last one, <b><i>This House is a Home</i></b>, was published a few weeks ago. Since then I have found that the voices in my head have stopped talking to me. So I will be helping get the word out on new Indie authors by reading and reviewing their books here for a while. I will also post the reviews on Amazon for them.<br />
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This all came about when I was approached about doing reviews for another blog. I did two and got great feedback from the authors and the owner of that blog. The third review I submitted was turned down because the owner said I was rude to the author for my comments. After discussing it with her and MANY other authors on some of the groups I am in on Facebook, I decided not to work for that particular blog any more. Now I will read and write HONEST reviews on my own.<br />
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Here is the review that got rejected.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><b>Hold the Jerky is one of those books you love and
hate at the same time. It is also hard to write a review of.<o:p></o:p></b></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><b>Trixie is a young bisexual female who has had one
too many bad relationships with other women. She decides to take a break from
all relationships until she gets the urge. You know the sexual urge. To satisfy
it she pairs up with a man she meets in the bar that is located below her
apartment. According to Trixie herself, "It is not a gay bar, but most of the customers are in fact gay." <o:p></o:p></b></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><b>All Trixie wants is a one night stand but the man
in question wants more. After their rendezvous Trixie is swayed by the looks of
another girl. One who she sees almost every morning at the coffee shop she
stops in on her way to work. While debating what she should do and who she
should see, the author does a great job of describing Trixie’s feelings toward
both of her would be suitors. The reader begins to form a friendship with all
the characters and really wants to know what the outcome will be.<o:p></o:p></b></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><b>Here is where it gets hard to review. I was just
getting into the plot and the characters and developing feelings for what I
think will happen … when the story ends. No mention of the man, the woman,
Trixie’s decision or what happens next. It just ends. I know this is book 1 of
a series but I wonder if it is really book 1or just half a story to get the
reader to buy Book 2. </b></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><b>I would like to give this a 4 star rating. I
really enjoyed reading it. However because of how it ends so suddenly with no
closure, I want to give it a 2 star review. I will compromise and give it 3
stars. Great writing, great storyline, but please next time have an ending that
satisfies the reader.</b></i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So what do you think? Is there anything wrong with this review? The many Indie authors who have read it and commented see nothing wrong and actually like the feedback I gave. If you think it was a helpful review please come to the book page and click on the 'this review was helpful button.' </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I will be here often. Not only after I read any new titles but also to add in some of my older reviews. </span></div>
Author Philip Norkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06465425503414747705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8285462037837164001.post-5966355745555786922014-02-05T18:38:00.000-08:002014-02-05T18:38:03.167-08:00Valentine's DayValentine's Day is getting close once again. If you don't feel like buying one of my books for your Valentine, feel free to check out these specials from Amazon. Like most authors I need multiple lines of incoming cash, so I am also an Amazon Associate and love sharing the deals they have to offer. <br />
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They are offering things for men and women Valentines. I bet you can find products for children too. Just click on the heart above and search until you heart is content.<br />
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Whether you buy one of my books, something from the link above or nothing at all, I still appreciate all of your support on my journey. Happy Valentine's Day to you all.
Author Philip Norkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06465425503414747705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8285462037837164001.post-77953644423756012712014-01-20T16:37:00.001-08:002014-01-20T16:37:10.046-08:00It's 2014 and I'm checking inHi everyone,<br />
It's been a long time since I've visited. I have been extremely busy with my writing. Here is a quick update.<br />
I write what I call 'real-life fiction.' I take pieces of my life and that of others and then add in some fiction that results in a realistic sounding fiction tale that most will relate to.<br />
In 2012 my 2009 self-published book, <em><strong>Sensitivity 101 ... the Search for Acceptance</strong></em>, was picked up a publisher after selling over 3000 copies. They changed the title to <strong><em>Misguided Sensitivity</em></strong> and developed a new cover for it. It is also available as an audiobook and E-book now too. Here it is ...<br />
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To refresh your memory it is the beginning of a lifelong journey of discovery that a young boy of divorce takes while searching for acceptance and happiness.<br />
The same publisher also produced my second book, <strong><em>Life Is a Balance</em></strong>, in early 2013. This is the second leg of the journey from <em><strong>Misguided Sensitivity</strong></em>. It also is available as an audiobook and E-book.<br />
Both of these books were awarded <strong><span style="color: #ffcc00;"><span style="color: blue;">The Gold Standard of Literary Excellence by The Princeton Review</span>.</span></strong><br />
Here is the cover.<br />
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I then took up the production of my own books and covers. I was able to release 4 more titles. All have a common theme of divorce and how it affects those involved, expecially the children.<br />
Here are their covers and a brief description.<br />
First I was told by many reviewers that <em><strong>Misguided Sensitivity</strong></em> could be used as a training manual for teenage boys to learn how to treat females if it was 'cleaned up' a bit. So I did and released it as <em><strong>You're Never Alone</strong></em>. It is a YA version of the same story told by a teenager about his so-called life.<br />
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Then came my story about how great-grandparents can influence a young boy's life. <em><strong>Legends of the Lake</strong></em> tells the stroy of a far-away retreat where that young boy learns many life lessons from the people around him every summer as he grows up.<br />
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A romance novel inspired by how the people from your past can help you when you're down and out, even when you don't remember them at first, allowed <em><strong>Amore & More in Albuquerque</strong></em> to be written.<br />
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Finally, another real-life fiction novel. This one is about how a young teenager who goes thorugh his parent's divorce turns to horse racing as an escape only to find out what really can happen if you're not careful. <em><strong>The Other Side of Horse Racing</strong></em> chronicles his adventures.<br />
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I am working on my 5th self piublished book right now. It is tentatively titled, <em><strong>The Sengers Of Stiritz</strong></em>, and is a fictional account of a family history of coal mining back in the early days of Williamson County Illinois. I am hoping for a July release date.<br />
If you'd like to see reviews of all these books please check out my website, <a href="http://www.philipnork.com/" rel="nofollow">www.PhilipNork.com</a><br />
Hopefully I will be able to visit more often.Author Philip Norkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06465425503414747705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8285462037837164001.post-48308441872962786232013-02-14T01:25:00.000-08:002013-02-14T01:25:14.798-08:00Valentine's Day Celebration<div style="text-align: justify;">
So it's another Valentine's Day. Many roses will be bought, chocolates and chanpagne eaten and all restaurants will be overbooked. However, there is another way to celebrate this day as you will see by reading this excerpt from my book, <strong><em>Life Is a Balance It isn't only about you.</em></strong></div>
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February 14<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-size: small;">The sacred day of Valentines, a day most single people hate, and probably many married ones, too. If you didn’t give flowers or a card to those you were with, you were considered cold and unfeeling. If you didn’t get flowers or a card, you were usually alone. </span></div>
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Since I always had roses in my house, a throwback to my upbringing and a tribute to my grandmother, I didn’t have to buy Alex any, although I did get her a card and small present. I already knew she wasn’t getting me anything. I never wanted anything materialistic from her. She knew I sort of hated most holidays, except for Christmas. I normally dismissed them as concoctions for the retail world to make a fast buck. </div>
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That afternoon, sitting on the coffee table in the living room was my little package for Alex, along with the card. The writing on the envelope said:</div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Palatino Linotype,Palatino Linotype; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Palatino Linotype,Palatino Linotype; font-size: small;">Open this first, then call me. </span></span></i><div style="text-align: justify;">
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It was three o’clock. I was still at work when my phone rang. </div>
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"Hi, it’s me!" she said. "I love you, too." </div>
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I knew she had opened the card; this was the first time I acknowledged to her that I loved her. I never said it out loud, and based on my actions, she probably never thought I would. </div>
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"That’s good to know," I replied. </div>
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"Can I open the present now?" <br />
"That’s what I bought it for." <br />
I heard the paper come ripping apart. Then I heard nothing. For about two minutes, there was complete silence on the other end. I was imagining what was happening and how she was feeling when Alex cried out, "Okay! I mean YES!" <br />
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I could tell the tears were flowing and that made me smile. Without saying another word, Alex hung up. </div>
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I then made a call myself—to Toni, my sister-in-law. </div>
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"Happy Valentine’s Day," I said calmly. </div>
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"Same to you, what’s new?" </div>
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"Nothing, unless you consider getting engaged something." </div>
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"It’s about fuckin’ time!" Toni blurted out. </div>
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Yes, many a ring will be purchased and many a proposal will be accepted. Couples all over the globe will be starting on a new life, while others will showing thier affections. One way to do that is to get your Valentine a Kindle edition of my book here <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Life-Is-Balance-about-ebook/dp/B008WORTAU/ref=sr_1_4?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1360833606&sr=1-4&keywords=philip+nork">http://www.amazon.com/Life-Is-Balance-about-ebook/dp/B008WORTAU/ref=sr_1_4?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1360833606&sr=1-4&keywords=philip+nork</a> </div>
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You can highlight this section in the book and bookmark it and after your Valentine reads it, you can hand her a ring. Or if you are a lady wanting a ring, you can do the same thing, mius the ring, as a hint as to what you really want from him.</div>
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Either way, have a great Valentine's Day and make it one to remember!</div>
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Author Philip Norkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06465425503414747705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8285462037837164001.post-6113604508771697352012-12-13T15:24:00.000-08:002012-12-13T15:24:26.527-08:00Holidays Remembered by a Child of Divorce<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Just sitting here thinking about the upcoming holidays and that led me to recall some of celebrations from my youth. As I state in my book, Misguided Sensitivity, "even though people were more communicative back in the day, there were still secrets kept which would never come to life. People enjoyed sharing the good times together; for the most part they kept the bad to themselves." </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Even though there was a time when we were a "real family" I don't remember any Christmas parties until after my mom and dad got divorced. I guess that could be considered a bad part on my journey of self discovery. But what I do remember afterward really emphasizes what the holidays should be all about.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Being from a split family, we were able to celebrate Christmas three separate times. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">On Christmas Eve, my mom would help us kids get dressed in our best outfits and then drive us to her parent's house. After loading the car with small hand-made presents for our grandparents and aunt and uncle because we couldn't afford anything else, the four of us would be off for the 1/2 hour ride. We would all sing Christmas carols when they came on the radio and would smile and laugh the whole way there.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Once there, we would anxiously await for everyone to get home from work, mainly my uncle. He worked downtown and always got stuck in rush hour traffic, even on Christmas Eve. But lo and behold, by 4:00 we were all there waiting for the time that us kids could open our presents. For the longest time it was just three of us, but eventually more cousins came along, which made the wait even longer. Although we never received many presents, and mostly got clothes, the actual opening of these presents became very enjoyable and actually helped me to understand that Christmas really is for kids.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Once all the gifts were opened, dinner was served. We had ham and turkey, stuffing and all the sides I grew up loving--green bean casserole, cranberry sauce and fresh baked biscuits. The smells of this Christmas dinner always made me smile.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">After cleaning up, the four us would get back into the car and my mom would drive us over to our other grandparent's house. Even though the divorce had happened, they still loved us and wanted to see us every year. So Mom would drop us off, sometimes coming in to say hi, and then go back to her parents house. Here at "the other grandparents" we would meet our cousins, try to get to know each other again and on a few rare occasions, see our father. He had left when I was around 8 or 9 and went on his own journey of self discovery. Most times that didn't include us kids. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">One of the best times I remember was the year he actually showed up. I was twelve and wasn't expecting to see him at all. We arrived after the rest of the family had eaten, as usual. When we walked in, there he was sitting on the couch. My little sister ran up to him and gave him a hug, while my brother and I shook his hand--like big boys do. The four of us sat and talked for what seemed like hours. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Then it was time for presents. Every year my grandfather would "get called into work" just after all of us arrived. He never was able to see "Santa" when he came through the door carrying a big bag of toys for us and for our 7 cousins. One by one, he would hand out a single present, which we would open youngest to oldest after Santa left for the night. By the time it was my turn, somehow Grandpa always had returned from work.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">This year in particular I got a small box--in it about a dozen slides to use on a microscope. Unfortunately, I had no microscope. My dad saw the look on my face and reassured me, after I said that Santa must have made a mistake, that all would be well. He was right. The first big present I got from my grandparents that year was that microscope. I also realized for the first time that Santa wasn't really Santa at all, but my grandfather in disguise. I kept that secret from the younger kids. Again as I say in the book "I got used to keeping secrets as I grew up."</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">One of the kids got a toboggan from Santa and as all the cousins, except for me and my uncle, who was one year older than me, sat down on it a picture was taken. Everyone was smiling and laughing--I still have that photo.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Dad took us home that night and kissed us good-bye.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">The next morning we opened more presents, this time from the real Santa (Mom) and then went to have leftovers at her parent's house. We would help Grandma make ham salad, from the leftover ham from yesterday. She also had a tradition--there were two times a year, Christmas and New Years Eve, where all the adults would have to eat a small piece of creamed herring on a cracker. At Christmas it was to remind us that not everyone had it as good as we did, even though we didn't have it all that well. And at New Years Eve it was to welcome in the new year and hope that all our wishes came true. That was the first time I was involved in this ritual...I had finally become an adult.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">This is what Christmas should be all about.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Throughout my journey of self discovery I've kept this memory with me. Now that all the grandparents, and even Dad, are dead and gone I still remember that Christmas.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">I vowed that my children would have holidays just like that one...and he has. Christmas really is for kids, but it's for adults too. It helps us get through the hustle and bustle of our lives, it helps us relax among friends, and it rekindles memories of days gone by. And even though Christmas has changed since when I grew up, I still find it is my favorite holiday of the year.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Here's hoping you and yours have a great Holiday Season. And if you find you like this story, please check out my books on the sidebar.</span><br />
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<em style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Phil</em>Author Philip Norkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06465425503414747705noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8285462037837164001.post-86432374189999984642012-08-30T09:18:00.000-07:002012-08-30T09:19:44.447-07:00September is Make-A-Wish month for this authorI've been very lucky ... both as an author and as a parent. My 5 books on Amazon are doing well. I get nice royalty checks ... not enough to live off of yet, but still people are buying my books. As a parent, my son is healthy and way too smart for his own good. Although there are ups and downs, my life is more than I ever expected it to.<br />
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Others aren't as lucky. The company I work for, Daymon Worldwide, uses the month of September to raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Last year I had an idea, donate some of the profits from my<b> one </b>book to that organization. I was able to sell 300 books and sent in a check for $300.<br />
This year I hope to do even better. I have <b>five </b>books on Amazon and should be able to pass that $300 mark quite easily.<br />
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But I still ask for your help. So come on over to my website, <a href="http://www.philipnork.com/">www.PhilipNork.com</a> and buy any of my books, either a paperback or a Kindle edition and I'll make a donation. Even if you don't read, buy a book anyway and donate it your local library or women's shelter or anywhere else that could use it. That way you're helping two ways ... someone gets a book and Make-A-Wish gets the needed donation that they deserve.<br />
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Here is a picture of my flyer ... feel free to share this post with any of your friends through e-mail or on Facebook or Twitter or however!<br />
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<span id="goog_427995234"></span><span id="goog_427995235"></span><br />Author Philip Norkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06465425503414747705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8285462037837164001.post-74165116487034856032012-08-23T10:20:00.001-07:002012-08-23T10:22:51.913-07:00Autographed Copies of My Books<div style="text-align: center;">
People ask me all the time 'how can I get an autographed of your books if you never come to my area?' Well, now I have answer for them.</div>
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Before I discuss that, let's talk about my books so you know what I write about. My 'tag' is "Real life fiction for real life people." What does that mean? Here's how I answer. <b style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;"><span id="yui_3_2_0_16_1345740106857108" style="color: #0000bf; font-family: garamond, new york, times, serif; font-size: medium;">Some readers love stories about werewolves, shape-shifters or science fiction ... things that may never happen to them. I write about situations that CAN happen to you and maybe already have ... or at least they're ones you can relate to.</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: times new roman, new york, times, serif; font-size: 16px;">Take Misguided Sensitivity for example. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: times new roman, new york, times, serif; font-size: 16px;">It is the story of a young boy who goes searching for acceptance and happiness after his parents get a divorce. Kenneth Weene, author of </span><i style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;">Widow's Walk, </i><span style="font-family: times new roman, new york, times, serif; font-size: 16px;">says, </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> <i><b>"</b></i></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>I think it would be much more effective than Men are from Mars ...</b></i></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> <b>for understanding the male/female relationship."</b></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Bonnie Cehovet, an independent reviewer, states, <i><b>"A book that addresses our relationship with ourselves, with others, and with Spirit. A tremendously good read ... and could very well help those who are still trying to define their path in life."</b></i></span></span></div>
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Or how about my newest release, Life Is a Balance, It isn't only about you.</div>
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One reviewer states, <b><i>"I recommend this book as an enjoyable read, but also as a book that will help the reader to better understand themselves, and those around them. We all deal with the same issues in life, but we deal with them in our own unique way."</i></b></div>
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Or how about Legends of the Lake</div>
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This is what Susan Mahoney, an independent book reviewer, says, <b><i>"<span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">This reader would describe this book as a lazy Sunday drive through time, involving generational memories and shares the joy and sorrows of the legends of the lake."</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> </span></i></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">And finally You're Never Alone ... A Child of Divorce Searches for Happiness</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">"This is a very insightful, emotional and educational story about the lessons one learns in their journey to self-discovery. It could be used as a study guide for parents and young people to explore together and discuss the insecurities one faces ..." </i>says one reviewer.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: blue;">This is the Young Adult version of <i>Misguided Sensitivity,</i> one which is written with teenagers in mind.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Now that you have a feeling for my writings, here is how you can get an autographed copy no matter where you live.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I will sign any <b>ONE </b>book of your choice to whoever you want it to go to, <b>AND</b> will write whatever you wish <b>AND </b>send it <b>FREE</b> of postage for only <span style="color: blue;">$18.99.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">But I'm not done...</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I will send you <b>BOTH <i>Misguided Sensitivity and Life Is a Balance,</i></b> you get the <b>WHOLE </b>journey of self-discovery of one boy for the low price of <span style="color: blue;">$29.99</span>. Plus you get all the above freebies, including <b>FREE</b> postage. <span style="color: blue;">That's a 20% savings over buying them separately. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">But wait ...</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I will sign all 4 of my books, just like above, and give you FREE postage and also throw in a FREE copy of my poetry book, <b><i>What the Heart Feels,</i></b> for only <span style="color: blue;">$48.99.</span> <span style="color: blue;">That's a 30% saving over buying them separately, PLUS you get the free book.</span></span></div>
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So how do you do all this.? Send me an e-mail at PNork2@yahoo.com with the sentence <b>I want autographed books </b>in the subject line. I will respond with the next steps and how to pay for them. Remember, a reader loves the feel of a paperback book in their hands, and what is better than to get a personalized message from the author? This is great for birthdays, graduations, Mom's Day or Dad's Day, and, of course, for the holidays. </div>
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Author Philip Norkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06465425503414747705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8285462037837164001.post-12557557378509617802012-08-20T10:15:00.001-07:002012-08-20T10:15:14.026-07:00Review of Memoirs from the Asylum<br />
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In <i><b>Memoirs from the Asylum,</b></i> Kenneth Weene allows the reader
to enter a world most of us pray we never have to … the world of mental illness
and the effects it has on both the victims and those that are paid to help them.</div>
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There’s Marilyn, the catatonic schizophrenic, who spends all
of her time seeing an altogether different world through a crack in her bedroom
wall. It’s the world she once related to and is populated by those of her past
who meant something to her. How will she respond when the crack gets repaired?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dr. Buford Abrose is the first year resident who also has
seen his share of problems. From a loveless marriage to the feelings of failure
on his part when he can’t balance the paperwork aspect of the job from the
actual attempt to make a difference, he is caught within the walls of the
asylum. The closer he tries to understand the patients, the farther he falls
from his own life.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The unfeeling workers of the asylum add to the misery and
complications these, and the other characters, of the book experience. Their
answers normally include medications and isolation for the patients … or is it
for themselves?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There is a feeling of connection between these characters
that becomes apparent as the book goes on. Although they all react in their own
way, the connection that they share is that of fear. Fears that were brought on
by the “real world” when they were younger … probably none of their own doing.
Possibly a death of someone close, maybe the physical abuse of a parent or
friend … something made these people afraid and wanting to escape. Now that they
did, all they really want is freedom, whatever that means to them.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the unique style of narration, Weene allows us to see
what really happens in the minds of those that are institutionalized. Sometimes
the book was hard to read, using words and imagery that the normal person may
not understand or relate to and was lacking an actual plot, but somehow at the
end it all comes together. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Not one to be a spoiler, all I can say is that <i><b>Memoirs from
the Asylum</b></i> is a book that everyone should read and at the same time pray to
the God of your choice that the freedom you have is the freedom that you really
want.</div>
Author Philip Norkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06465425503414747705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8285462037837164001.post-53581293871012071272012-08-19T12:49:00.001-07:002012-08-20T09:38:44.244-07:00Things I've learned as a published authorMy first book was self-published in 2009. After the editing was over I thought I was on easy street. I sent in the manuscript to AuthorHouse, a publishing company, and waited for my book to be listed on Amazon. Then everything would be simple. People who didn't know me would buy up my books by the bundles, so my editor told me. It was a good story, one he had never seen before, even after editing for twenty years and over 250 books. He even asked if I was ready to quit my day job and just travel the country talking about my book ... it was that good!<br />
<br />
Well, I've learned a few things since then. These are in no specific order, as they all come to fruition to every Indie author out there.<br />
<br />
1) <strong>Writing the book is the easy part</strong>. The ideas that form in your head and the resulting sentences placed onto a Word document really is the easy part of writing. Yes, there is some editing ... and then some more ... and then even more. But the process is fun, at least for me. You just have to have an open mind. And keep this in the back of your head: <i><b>you will never satisfy everyone. </b></i>There will always be someone to tell you how wrong the subject is, that the commas are in the wrong places, that the novel you wrote should be a screenplay instead and that they can do a better job than you did. They will say that being published on your own or with a small independent publishing company isn't really being published at all. They say that no bookstore will carry your books because they are POD (Print on Demand) and they don't want to get stuck with non-returnable books. All this MAY be true, but not always. I have my books in 3 brick and mortar Barnes & Noble bookstores, they are in many of the gift shops along the Las Vegas strip, and I am published by a reputable publisher. My name is out there, maybe not as big as Janet Evanovich, but still people know me and my books. But then comes the marketing.<br />
<br />
2) <strong>Marketing is hard</strong>. With so many inferior books being 'published' by so-called 'authors' this is what separates the 'men from the boys' as the saying goes. Just by being on Amazon doesn't mean you will sell your books. I use the "Look Inside" part of Amazon to see how the writing is. If it isn't formatted correctly, or if I see many errors right off the bat, I pass on purchasing those books. Some authors live and die by what their Amazon ranking is. I don't even look at it. The numbers are deceiving and change by the hour. It may make it easier for your fans to buy your book, but there are so many ways of marketing that don't include Amazon at all.<br />
Look to specialty stores, the little mom and pop stores willing to buy in small amounts or on consignment, to start with. Anywhere you have to wait is a place to market. Try doctors offices, dentist offices, cafes, fast food places, the list goes on. The best thing to remember is that if you buy at your author discount price and sell at the same price as advertised on-line you will make more. I like going to flea markets and arts and craft shows. The people look up to you there because it is something that is handmade and they can't do it. When you sign your books, it adds a personal touch, too!<br />
But for every idea you come up with, there is company willing to take your money to help move your sales forward. After 5 books and 3 years of talking about my books, this is what I've found to be true. Another thing to know is that <strong>WHATEVER </strong>you can pay someone for, you can do yourself for free or for at least less money out of pocket. Take some time to search the internet and you'll find free sites to post your excerpts, trainings on how to write your own press releases, even step by step lessons on how to make your own book trailer. Here's a little video I made for free about my book <i><b>Misguided Sensitivity. </b></i>It may not win an Academy Award, but it has been shared on Facebook over 40 times and has been seen by over 240 times in the last 2 months. <a href="http://animoto.com/play/FwJqopnb2BAL71GCxcRVBg#">http://animoto.com/play/FwJqopnb2BAL71GCxcRVBg#</a><br />
<br />
Why pay someone else when you know your book the best? Oh yeah, that leads me to number 3 ...<br />
<br />
3) <strong>There is never enough time.</strong> Ah yes, time. There are only so many hours in a day and in a week. What can you do to make the most of them? I set up a timeline for myself. I did a little investigation and talked to other Indie authors and found out that social media was probably the best way to get your name out there. So of course, I set up a Twitter account, a Facebook author page, a Goodreads profile, etc. etc etc. And then the timing thing came came up again. I made sure I set up my Facebook author page <a href="http://www.facebook.com/thebooksofphilipnork">www.facebook.com/thebooksofphilipnork</a> with a widget which allows my posts on that page to go directly to Twitter. This saves time as you only have to post once. I'm sure there are many more tricks, but I'll stop there.<br />
<br />
4) <strong>There are good people and bad people</strong>. I think I've seen it all in this business. There are some people and companies just waiting for you to write your book so they can get rich. You never sell any books, but they are laughiing all the way to the bank. These people or companies promise you the world and never deliver. Even other authors sometimes fit that bill. I started out by swapping my books with other authors in return for reviews on Amazon for each other. Well, I read faster than the average person and after I'd finish the book, I'd post my review of their book on all my sites. Many times I never got a review back. <em><strong>I'm still waiting to hear from one author who I did a review for in January 2011 to get back to me</strong>.</em> I have found a group of authors who really do care for each other. The people from <a href="http://allthingsthatmatterpress.com/" target="_blank">All Things That Matter Press</a>, both the publishers and the authors, do what they say. That's why they are my publishers, and friends, from now on. <br />
<br />
5)<strong> Luck is better than skill sometimes. </strong>I know my books are good and so do the people who have read them. Still, you sometimes need luck to actually sell your works. Shortly after my first book came out I was on a plane trip to Arizona. The lady sitting next me was a 'talker' and I'm not. I gave her a copy of my book to politely shut her up. As I closed my eyes to rest, she started to laugh, and then cry. At the end of my trip she asked if she could keep the book and if I'd autograph it for her. So I did. The man sitting next to her stopped me once we walked into the terminal. He wanted to know where he could buy my book. I told him to go to Amazon, but he wanted more. To make a long story short, I gave him my publishers and my information and later that day I got an e-mail from him saying he owned a chain of gift stores on cruise ships and that he just bought 1000 copies of my book to stock them. <em>Like I said, sometimes luck is better than skill.</em><br />
<br />
6) <strong>The journey never ends. </strong>Even after having 5 books published, with over 3000 combined copies sold, and thinking that everyone knows my name, I find that, although this is good for a self-published or an independently published book, I'm still a nobody, except in my own house. So I continue to 'pimp' my books wherever and whenever I can. Most times I sound like a broken record. Even my car is a rolling billboard for my works.<br />
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<br />
I got into this business as way to relax after a hard days work. What I've found is that there is no relaxing when it comes to authors ... and I think I like that fact. Come over to my website <a href="http://www.philipnork.com/">www.PhilipNork.com</a> to see about all my books and to order a copy. I need as much support as I can get! And <strong>PLEASE </strong>tell your friends, your family and even your enemies about my books!Author Philip Norkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06465425503414747705noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8285462037837164001.post-80487070437546037702012-08-18T15:24:00.003-07:002012-08-18T15:25:22.707-07:00The Turn of the Karmic Wheel<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
“What goes around comes around.”
“Good versus evil.” “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” “Live
and let live.” “Forgive and forget.” These are all saying which revolve around
Karma. In <i>“The Turn of the Karmic Wheel” </i>Monica Brinkman explores all of these.
In writing an interesting and easy to read work of fiction, she allows the
readers to experience how everyday people can either come together for the
better, or stand alone for the worse. In my book “Misguided Sensitivity” I include a quote from my great-grandmother which fits this
book’s theme. “Treating people with the respect they deserve is the best way to
get into heaven,”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
Most readers will come away with
the idea that the book is about how the interactions between individuals affect
the masses, and how the resulting actions can affect your own well being. How
the ability to love one another overshadows any selfish act that only benefits
you. And how kindness is rewarded, while selfishness is punished.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
I came away with a totally
different perspective. I related to the characters as “the good guys and the
bad guys.” In this story, the bad guys to me are those who are only concerned
with greed and how they are seen in the world. Take the three main “bad guys”, Joshua
Allen, a financial advisor who never advised, just let his clients lose all
their money while he knew when to get out on top. His attitude was “Those
goody-goodies who preached forgiveness, empathy, love and understanding were
losers with a capital L.” Life was for him and nobody else. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
Then there is Monty Frank, the
owner of a debt elimination service which never eliminated anyone’s debt except
his own. He believed “they got themselves into this, and if he didn’t take their
money, someone else would.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
And finally Rosie Richards, the
town’s best real estate agent who played the games needed to get people bigger
homes than they could afford without any concern for what they would encounter
later on. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
These “bad guys” represented greed
to me. The more I read, the more I began to think this book was a commentary
about how the greed in the world has taken over the best of us. And in the end
that we have to either change our attitudes or face the consequences, just as
is happening today throughout the world.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">The “good guys” were three people
who had never met before but were on a crash-course to come together and save
the world, or at least the town of </span><st1:place style="text-indent: 0.5in;" w:st="on">Raleigh</st1:place><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
There was Angela Frank, Monty’s
wife and a doctor who had always heard the “good music.” Karman Shelton, a
nurse who was compassionate and kind although her life wasn’t exactly what she
had hoped for. And finally Euclid Hannigan, an aging widower who has lost his
will to live after his wife dies from cancer, but who listens to the voice of
his dead wife to allow him to hear the “good music” also.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
When the three of these people do
meet and join forces, good triumphs over evil in some ways. Not one to be a
spoiler, I will stop at this.<br />
<b style="text-indent: 0.5in;">The book was well written and kept
my interest from start to finish. Everyone who reads this will come away with a
different perspective, mine was that “to those who wait, good things will come”
and “everything you do and think will affect your lot in life.” I recommend
this book for those looking to escape for a few hours and for those who like
books which make you think.</b></div>
Author Philip Norkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06465425503414747705noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8285462037837164001.post-79873571999493787432012-08-18T15:18:00.003-07:002012-08-18T15:18:46.372-07:00Review of Sydney's Song<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">After reading <i>Sydney’s Song</i> I have come to the
conclusion that growing up, no matter where it takes place, isn’t an easy thing
to do. Welcome to Sydney’s life. She is a typical Australian teenager … well
sort of. When she comes home one day and her mother and father tell her they
are getting a divorce, she can’t believe it. But they both have their separate
lives already … and neither one includes the other. They have come to grips
with it, but Sydney can’t. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Mum
and Dad leave and seventeen-year-old Sydney has the house to herself and her
trusty dog, Dimity. She gets a job answering phone calls about public transit.
It is a boring and demeaning job, but she puts in her best effort and makes the
best of it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Sydney
decides never to drink or do drugs, never to give herself to the beckoning of
the boys interested in her, and never to fall in love. But those decisions get
tested by the new group of friends she meets at her job. They don’t understand
her, but they accept her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Not
to be a spoiler, Sydney does eventually meet a handsome American boy and they
start to build a relationship together. He changes her mind about her feelings
of wanting to be alone and they grow together. In fact, she decides she can’t
live without him. But he has a secret back home ... one that Sydney must face
head-on. Who should she trust?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> That’s
as far as I will go. The twists and turns inside this book make the reading
fairly easy. I found myself turning pages as fast as I could.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> There
is SO much more to this story, but I believe that you the reader should
experience it for yourself. The morale is to listen to your heart and not
always to those around you. Believe in something, anything, and then make it
happen. Although some things in life don’t go as planned, that doesn’t mean you
can’t learn from your experiences, try new things and eventually still end up
happy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> I
give <i>Sydney’s Song </i>a 4-star rating. The writing was superb, the story kept me
interested and the ending touched me ways most books don’t. God works in mysterious
ways sometimes, and this book proves it. I recommend this book to anyone, male
or female, who is trying to find their way in this world. It is a reminder that
life can work out if you just trust your insides and follow what you feel. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Author Philip Norkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06465425503414747705noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8285462037837164001.post-56137098207704471412012-08-18T15:16:00.003-07:002012-08-18T15:16:52.957-07:00Support Indie authors<br />
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif";"><b>I am an Indie author, all of my books are self-published or published by an small independent company, All Things That Matter Press. Most of my author friends are also Indie authors and we all need support. So I will pass on some of my reviews of others.</b></span></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif";">The
story of Anistasia and John is a normal</span> <span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif";">teenage
romance … not at all. Toni G Sinns has crafted a unique adventure romance in <i>I’ve Got You Covered</i>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif";">Ani</span></i><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif";">, as she is called throughout
the story, has a secret. She is a teenager on the run. With no parents in the
picture and only her older alcoholic brother to watch over her, whenever a
‘situation’ arises they run. But what from?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif";">John
is a rebellious teenage boy who talks back to his teachers, doesn’t do
homework, and doesn’t care for too many people in this world. He’d rather work
on his cars and run an illegal racing circuit than go to school. He too has a
secret.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif";">What
happens when Ani and John meet? At first nothing, but both feel something
special about the other. Even though John has a ‘girlfriend’ he still would
rather hang out with Ani. And when she finds out he is a racer, something she
is interested in also, they just click. But there is much more to their story …<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif";">I’ve Got You Covered</span></i><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif";"> chronicles the beginning of
their relationship and eventually uncovers both of their secrets. You’re not
going to believe what they are. Not one to be a spoiler, I will let you, the
reader, find out for yourself how this book turns out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Author Philip Norkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06465425503414747705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8285462037837164001.post-89613160906077718102012-08-07T21:11:00.004-07:002012-08-07T21:11:55.585-07:00Life Is a Balance: It's not only about youMy newest book, Life Is a Balance, is now available on Amazon. Here is a quick synopsis.<br />
<br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: small/normal verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">The journey of self-discovery is a lifetime trip; and just like the fingerprints you possess, yours will be uniquely different than anyone else’s. There are things that are common in each—such as good and bad times, emotional highs and lows, and choices that will need to be made. These choices that are presented to you can greatly define how you live your life. They may be influenced by the people you meet, symbols that are strategically placed along your journey, and especially by however you choose to worship your idea of God. Being that no choice ever comes without consequence, there really is no right or wrong answer; either road taken will eventually get you to where you’re supposed to be. Although some roads take longer than others in order for you to reach where you're supposed to go.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Author Philip Norkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06465425503414747705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8285462037837164001.post-64913264808879854072012-05-15T12:03:00.000-07:002012-05-15T12:03:19.046-07:00I'm Back ...<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">People
ask me all the time, “What genre do you write in?” I used to not know how to
answer. You see, I take pieces of real life, sometimes mine, sometimes others,
and weave them into a fictional story. This is called narrative non-fiction or
creative fiction or reality fiction or any of about a hundred other titles by
the experts. In my world, I call it—real life fiction.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Take for
example my book, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><strong>Legends of the Lake</strong></i>.
It’s a story about a family vacation home tucked away in the southern section
of Wisconsin. The place where over four generations of the same family spent
their summers and learned many life lessons from those around them. I wrote it
in first person; so many readers believe it to be a memoir. Although based on
some of my upbringing, the whole story is just that—a story. I took
remembrances from my mother and aunts and uncles who visited there, along with
my memories, and a story developed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I like to
write in this style, so most of my books use it. It’s easier for me to ‘feel’
the story when I write in first person. I started my career as an author
writing on business trips to make the long nights go by faster. The more I
jotted down ideas and memories, the more new ideas came to me. The journey of
self-publishing became reality as not even one traditional publisher or agent
gave me any positive feedback. Then I happened on an editor who told me my
stories were very unique and that, if I tried hard enough, I would find readers
who would understand my stories.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And I
did. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">After
three years, my first book using AuthorHouse as a publisher, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Sensitivity 101…The Search for Acceptance,</i>
sold almost 3000 copies. This was due to <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">my
</b>marketing and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">my</b> social
networking and, of course, some luck. I say it was due to me because AuthorHouse
does absolutely nothing for you…unless you pay through the nose. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">One day I
was on a plane trip back from Arizona and a very chatty older lady sat next to
me. I was very tired and didn’t want to talk to anyone. I politely told her how
I felt and offered her a copy of my book as a way for her to leave me alone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">She
started to read it and immediately laughed out loud … and then cried, loud enough
for the man next to her to take notice. As she read on, she changed emotions
many times. By the end of the hour plane flight, she had read about half of the
book. As we were leaving the plane, she shook my hand and said, “You have a
winner here.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I thanked
her and continued walking off the plane. As soon as I reached the airport I
felt a hand touch my shoulder.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">”Excuse
me, sir! Can we talk for a minute?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Sure,” I
said, not too convincingly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It was
the man who was sitting in my row on the plane next to the lady. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“What was
that book you gave the lady next to me?” he asked. “She sure seemed to enjoy
it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I told
him it was a copy of my newly released novel, gave him a copy and watched as he
read the first ten pages.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Can I
buy some of these?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Sure,
it’s on Amazon and everywhere books are sold,” I suggested.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“No,” he
said, “I own a string of gift stores on a cruise ships and I think this would
be a welcome addition. Can you help me get more than a few copies?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I gave
him the information he needed--my publisher and the company who distributed it,
and he was gone. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Later
that day I received an e-mail stating that someone had bought 1000 copies of my
book.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Guess
being lucky sometimes trumps being good.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This led
to a ‘real’ publisher taking notice of me. All Things That Matter Press liked
my second manuscript, the sequel to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Sensitivity
101</i>, and offered me a contract. Not only did they want that book, but they
offered to re-release <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Sensitivity 101</i>
under a new title and cover. In fact, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><strong>Misguided
Sensitivity</strong></i> and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><strong>Life Is a
Balance…It’s Not Only About You </strong></i>are both coming out in Spring of 2012. You
can visit my website, </span><a href="http://www.philipnork.com/"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: blue;">www.PhilipNork.com</span></span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> for more information about release dates.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Going
forward I will continue to write. I’m in the middle of a new manuscript, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Tails You Lose</i>, about gambling on horses
and the addiction it can bring on. This one is not in first person, but does
contain some real-life situations which happened to me or friends I know. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Thanks to
other authors out there, people like Darcia Helle and Kenneth Weene, my name
and my words are being distributed to people and places across the globe. And
by me keeping the circle going, so are theirs. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">To become
a ‘fan’ of mine, you can go to </span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/authorPhilipNork"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: blue;">www.facebook.com/authorPhilipNork</span></span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> or </span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/PhilipNork"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: blue;">www.facebook.com/PhilipNork</span></span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>Author Philip Norkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06465425503414747705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8285462037837164001.post-4501566821664357042011-06-16T21:04:00.000-07:002011-06-16T21:04:56.248-07:00I've been republished as "Sensitivity 101...The Search for Acceptance"<span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">As of May 1, 2011</span> <span style="color: yellow;"><strong>"<em>Sensitivity 101 for the Heterosexual Male"</em></strong></span> <span style="color: #f3f3f3;">is now</span> <em><span style="color: yellow;"><strong>"Sensitivity 101...The Search for Accepatnce." </strong></span></em></span><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Thanks to the success of the book, and all the wonderful reviews, I was able to change the title to attract even more readers.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">I thank you for all your support and am happy to announce that</span> <em><span style="color: yellow;">"<strong>Sensitivity 202...Life Isn't All About You"</strong></span></em> <span style="color: #f3f3f3;">will be published in late 2011 or early 2012.</span>Author Philip Norkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06465425503414747705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8285462037837164001.post-49581510124888500752011-04-25T10:49:00.000-07:002011-04-25T10:49:48.527-07:00Exciting news and how the idea originatedI know it has been a long time since my last post. I have been very busy with the editing of my second book <em>"Sensitivity 202...Life Isn't All About You."</em> I am hoping it will be out later this year. I also have re-published and changed the title of my first book. <em><a href="http://www.philipnork.com/">"Sensitivity 101 for the Heterosexual Male"</a></em> will soon be <em>"Sensitivity 101...The Search for Acceptance."</em> Many book reviewers believe this will open up interest among women and those from divorced families better than the original title. It will have the same ISBN so you can still buy from any on-line retailer and get the new title automatically. It may take some time for the new cover to be added to Amazon and Barnes and Noble, etc. <br />
<br />
By the way, "<em>Sensitivity 101 for the Heterosexual Male" </em>is ranked number 60 on the Amazon top sellers list under Inspirational books. I'm not sure how or why, but I'll take it.<br />
<br />
I have also been getting many e-mails asking how the idea came to me. So for the next few months I will be posting every Monday a new section of "How the Idea originated." Here is the first one. I hope you all enjoy it and continue to support my writings.<br />
<br />
I was on Facebook one night when I heard the beep--you know the one--and the IM pop-up box appeared. On the other end was a girl--now a lady--that I hadn't talked to in over 30 years. We had worked together at a McDonalds while we were in high school. She and I also shared some special time at a movie called "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" I'm sure some of you have heard about it. (But that's another story all together.)<br />
Anyway, after exchanging some small talk we decided to call each other instead to "really connect." We started talking about my upcoming book "Sensitivity 101 for the Heterosexual Male". She had seen some of my posts about it and also had been to my website <a href="http://www.philipnork.com/">http://www.philipnork.com/</a> to investigate. One of the first questions she had for me was, 'How did this all start?"<br />
I started to explain the story to her, in bits and pieces. Over the next few weeks we called each other every Wednesday night and I had another sidebar to tell her about. She was very surprised to find out she was actually in the book. It has to do with the before mentioned movie and what it meant to me. (It's chapter 23 for those of you who want to know.)<br />
Here is the what I told her the first night--<br />
<br />
Obviously the stories of "Sensitivity 101... started as I grew up, but as I did I pushed these memories way back into my brain for safe-keeping. They began to surface again when I moved my family from Illinois to Nevada. Not having many friends in a new place brought them to the forefront. They came to me by way of dreams at night. They were reoccuring that were so vivid I was sure I had gone back in time and was reliving them. The memories were there, but I still didn't know what to do with them.<br />
<br />
That's it for this week. Every Monday I will continue the story. Or if you'd rather see the end result faster, just go to my website <a href="http://www.philipnork.com/">http://www.philipnork.com/</a> and take a look.<br />
<br />
Until next Monday...<br />
<br />
PhilAuthor Philip Norkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06465425503414747705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8285462037837164001.post-45028209378689536742011-01-10T09:15:00.000-08:002011-01-10T10:06:39.171-08:00What made You YOU?My book <a href="http://www.philipnork.com/">"Sensitivity 101 for the Heterosexual Male" </a> is all about life lessons and how the decisions made shaped who I eventually grew up to be. It's funny how these lessons learned so early continue to come back throughout my life and how I now react to them. <br />
<br />
A friend of mine who blogs asked the question, What Made you YOU? Do yourself a favor and go to <a href="http://www.dedastudios.blogspot.com/">http://www.dedastudios.blogspot.com/</a> and see what event helped shape that particular life.<br />
<br />
So What Made You YOU? Let me know...Author Philip Norkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06465425503414747705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8285462037837164001.post-12362422207674868802011-01-10T08:31:00.000-08:002011-01-10T10:05:37.244-08:00Saying the same thing in two different waysI can't believe it's been so long since I've posted. What with the holidays, the signing and sending off of numerous books, and no school for those in the house who normally leave me alone, it has been a long time. Well, it's the new year and it is starting off just as the last one ended. My book<em><strong><a href="http://www.philipnork.com/"> "Sensitivity 101 for the Heterosexual Male" </a></strong></em>has already received two reviews so far in 2011. Both are basically saying the same things, but in two distinctly different ways. Let me share--<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;">Reviewer 1 started out with, <strong>"<em>I must start this by saying that this book had two major strikes against it from the start...I dislike memoirs and I really dislike short stories. So reading a book like this was a chore for me"</em></strong></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;">Reviewer 2 said, <strong><em>"Although totally out of the normal genre that I read, I was willing to give a chance to "Sensitivity 101 for the Heterosexual Male" by Philip Nork. Another reviewer friend of mine suggested I read it after she did and saw all the 4 and 5 star reviews on Amazon as she posted hers."</em></strong></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;">Reviewer 1 added,<em><strong> "As I struggled with keeping each tale separate (and failed miserably), I kept cringing..."</strong></em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;">Reviewer 2 said,<em><strong> "The way Mr. Nork starts the book out is to identify each of the lessons he learned from the women in his life. The unique style and individually of each brought out the hidden messages, and although I couldn't relate totally because of gender and age, I still understood the heart-felt lessons and could apply them to my own experiences...as the book continues it was nice to see how the earlier lessons resurfaced in even more unique ways."</strong></em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;">Reviewer 1 ended by saying, <em><strong>"Would I recommend this book? *Sigh* sadly I can't think of anyone I know who would like it."</strong></em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;">Reviewer 2 ended,<strong><em> "Sensitivity 101...is a wonderful book if you like the genre. I think most people read it as a memoir, but according to his website Mr. Nork calls it a fictionalized version of his life. The stories are unique, the situations are so well written that I felt like I was right there, and the characters come to life. The storytelling is wonderful and the writing is strong. Again, this book may never make it on my Top Ten list, but after giving it the benefit of the doubt, I can understand why there are so many 4 and 5 star reviews listed. Nice job, Mr. Nork.</em></strong></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;">I take all reviews with a grain of salt knowing that they are just opinions. These two though drastically show the difference between a well-versed professional and an every day reader. I respect both of their points, but reviewer 2 gets more points from me. Not because it is a 'better' review, but because the reviewer sees the big picture, while reviewer 1 sees only what it means to them. </span><br />
<br />
I believe that anyone who reviews books has made a commitment to those readers (and to the writer) to let them know what is inside the book, and then let them decide whether or not they should read it. By inputting so much of their own likes and dislikes, reviewer 1 has done a disservice to both of them. I have read many books which were not my preferred likes, but still was able to give a balanced review of the book.<br />
<br />
By the way, Reviewer 2 sent me an e-mail before posting the review on her blog to apologize for the delay (only two weeks) and to let me know what was going to be said. She told me up front that it was not her cup of tea, but that the review would be built more around the foundation of the book and not about her opinion of the subject or genre. She also asked for my permission before she posted. Once I approved, she then sent me the link to her blog. <br />
<br />
Reviewer 1 had the book for almost a year and never corresponded with me once. I 'found' the review as I was surfing the net.<br />
<br />
<strong>I will not name either reviewer because this is not about them.</strong> It is about the different ways people get their message across. I will say that Reviewer 1 is another self-published author looking for support, just like me. Reviewer 2 is a ten year professional book reviewer who doesn't need me, or my book, to make her career. For what it's worth Reviewer 1 gave the book 2 stars, while Reviewer 2 gave it 4 stars.<br />
<br />
These are but two of the hundreds of reviews that "Sensitivity 101..." has received. In time, they will both fade away and become mere memories. But the way Reviewer 2 handled the situation makes me wonder if I should start using only professional reviewers going forward. <br />
<br />
Am I right or wrong in my opinion? Do the amount of stars a book is given influence whether you buy it or not? How personal do you think a reviewer should be? What makes a 'good review' in your opinion?<br />
<br />
Did Ya' Ever Notice...that you can't please everyone all the time? I say "you shouldn't even try!"Author Philip Norkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06465425503414747705noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8285462037837164001.post-43875081490423507242010-11-08T16:36:00.000-08:002010-11-08T16:36:35.523-08:00Charity should be a 12 month thoughtAs I say in my book <a href="http://www.philipnork.com/"><strong><em>Sensitivity 101 for the Heterosexual Male</em></strong></a><strong><em> "life is about learning, sharing and helping others</em></strong>." I believe that there are many ways to help out, and not only around the holidays. Most people think that if they act out and donate around the holidays that they are doing a good thing. I'm not arguing that they aren't, I'm just saying that those who are looking for help need it all year long.<br />
<br />
I share the wealth with every book that I sell. <a href="http://www.cmn.org/">The Children's Miracle Network</a> is a great organization which raises funds for children's hospitals in many countries. Most months I give 25% of my profits to this charity. <strong>But for the rest of 2010, I will be giving 50% instead. </strong><br />
<br />
I know not all of you have books that help you donate or can even afford much this year. The economy has really taken a bite out of us 'do-gooders' as many of us continue to struggle just as much as some the charities do. Remember what karma teaches us though--all good deeds will be returned. As the holidays are approaching, this would be a great start to a better new year for all of us. If possible give $10 or $25 if you can afford it...if not, there are many other ways to help out those that need it.<br />
<br />
My blogger friend Karen has a great list of how you can help those in your community. Her last blog entry on <em><strong>"Practical Frugality"</strong></em> is a great resource. <a href="http://practicalfrugality.blogspot.com/2010/10/tips-for-those-wanting-to-help-people.html">See for yourself what ideas she has to help those that need it on a daily basis.</a> You'll be surprised how easy it can be.<br />
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<strong>Did Ya' Ever Notice</strong> that when you do something nice for someone else, someone does something for you in return? Let's make it a great holiday for everyone out there this year!Author Philip Norkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06465425503414747705noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8285462037837164001.post-20655180123639694012010-11-04T08:22:00.000-07:002010-11-04T08:22:37.693-07:00ReflectionsI can't believe it has been over a month since my last post. Things have been very hectic lately. A new teaching job for the wife and a new school for the kid has my life turned upside down. All of a sudden I'm the wake up call, the breakfast maker, the organizer of the mornings, the taxi cab and finally the man I used to be--working 10 hour days at my 'real' job and then trying to write more books while still promoting my first book <a href="http://www.philipnork.com/"><strong><em>"Sensitivity 101 for the Heterosexual Male."</em></strong></a><strong><em> </em></strong><br />
<br />
The nights are not much better, what with homework for the kid and grading papers by the wife, I am the maker of dinner, the doer of laundry, the cleaner of the house and finally the man I used to be--the support they both need. But who supports me? They both do but in different ways. It's so nice to see them happy with the choices they have made, the success they both have and the way our family blends together. So my life may have changed, the responsibilities may have changed, and the way we do things may have changed, but we are still the same old family. <br />
<br />
This brings me to last Sunday--Halloween. Growing up Halloween was my favorite holiday besides Christmas. These two days meant a lot to me, but in different ways. Christmas brought the broken family together. We'd spend Christmas Eve at my dad's place, being with grandparents and aunts and uncles who we only saw on this day due to the divorce. Then Christmas day was spent at mom's place, socializing with the side of the family who we all knew and loved so well. By stringing these days together it allowed me the luxury to 'pretend' everyone cared.<br />
<br />
Halloween was my way of disappearing. I would dress up, well into my twenties, as someone new.The costumes all changed, but they all had one thing in common--a mask of some sort. Just like the main character used <a href="http://www.philipnork.com/">'Disco Phil'</a> as an alter ego in my book, I used these masks to hide my true identity and become someone I wanted to be. The safety of being unknown was comforting to me. It was a long, hard journey before I believed and accepted myself for who I was.<br />
<br />
So last Sunday, I was expecting to walk my kid around the neighborhood trick or treating and seeing all the other 'hidden' beings. But my son surprised me--he said he was too old for all that. He said that he was talking to his friends about Halloween and how they used the holiday the same way I did, to disappear and be someone else. He decided, along with three other friends, that they didn't need to 'hide' anymore. He told me he was comfortable with who he was, that he liked his life, <strong>and that the lessons I had written about in the first ten chapters of my book have helped him make new friends and become more accepted by others.</strong> <br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: red;">Pretty heavy stuff coming from an eleven year old!</span></strong><br />
<br />
So instead of trick or treating, the three of us sat on our front porch as a family and gave out some candy to those who still use Halloween as a get-away. And I thought about the good old days...and then asked myself<br />
<em><span style="color: red;">Did Ya' Ever Notice that kids grow up very fast these days?</span></em><br />
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To see the lessons that I let my son read, and was talking now about, come to <a href="http://www.philipnork.com/">http://www.philipnork.com/</a> and buy my book. I hope they help your sons and daughters understand more about life, too!Author Philip Norkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06465425503414747705noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8285462037837164001.post-24517070520293573892010-09-26T09:39:00.000-07:002010-09-26T09:39:29.057-07:00Perception is Your Reality<strong>Did Ya’ Ever Notice</strong> that people may see the same thing, but all have different perspectives on what they saw? Here is one example of this—the picture which some people see as two lamps, but others view as two faces instead. Why does this happen? What causes them to see differences in the same event? In my book “Sensitivity 101 for the Heterosexual Male” I address this and use the line “Perception is your reality” to explain it. I say that I noticed that men and women are different and process info differently. I also state that neither may be wrong, but that outside influences may affect how they process the information.<br />
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Let’s take another example. In my town right now there is a big buzz surrounding the shooting of a man by Metro police at a Costco one busy Saturday in July. They are holding an inquest (like a jury trial) to see if the police were justified in shooting him. As the witnesses start telling their versions of what happened, although they were all present for the same shooting many differences begin to emerge. Does this mean some are right and some are wrong? Probably not, just that they all processed the info differently. Many of the younger witnesses “saw” things in a different way than those who were older. And men saw things different than the women. <br />
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The younger people didn’t see a gun being drawn by the man who dies. They saw him make a movement towards his side or back, but never saw a gun. The older witnesses actually saw a gun…but the men saw a black one, while the women saw a silver one. Why the disparity? Could it be how they were brought up? The younger people may have less focus for actual situations which arise. They are so busy with I-Pads, cell phones and such, that maybe they don’t focus in like others. Maybe the older women don’t know much about guns so they just assume they saw a silver one, like the ones they grew up with while watching Gunsmoke or John Wayne movies. The men all saw black ones and could describe it and its holster…most of the other witnesses never saw a holster. Are the men trying to prove they are better at knowing guns, or are they just making this up to feel important? <br />
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The younger witnesses remember hearing “Get on the Ground” being said many times by many voices. The older witnesses swear they heard “Drop the Gun and get on the ground” being said two or three times by the same officer. Even the policeman who gave the commands doesn’t remember saying “Drop the gun”, but there it is clear as day on the 911 tape right before “Get on the ground” was said three times. How can so many people hear different things at the same event? Again can age play a part? Nowadays, on most cop shows, you hear “Get on the Ground” or nothing at all as the suspect is being shot with a taser gun. Back in the day when the older witnesses were growing up, “Drop your weapon” was always used. This leads to another point—if the office said “drop your gun” on the tape, wouldn’t it be safe to say the offender was holding a weapon? <br />
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Another example of this comes when different people read my book. Some read it as a memoir—thinking everything must be true. Others read it as a fiction story—assuming that all of it is just a story. Even though in the preface of “<em><strong>Sensitivity 101 for the Heterosexual Male’</strong></em> I state that “Everything you read has a basis in truth…some events may have been embellished or altered” the question remains is it truth or fiction? Does it really matter at all?<br />
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The younger the reader is, the more they believe it is fiction because they don’t have any situations in their life to compare mine to. The book is about a young boy of the sixties whose parents get a divorce. Nowadays, divorce is very common, but back then it was considered a sin and thus hidden from everyday life. Those involved were shocked and reacted differently than they may in the world today. The older the reader the more they understand the circumstances back then.<br />
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The journey the young boy takes as he searches for acceptance and happiness takes him on adventures where he makes mistakes, but doesn’t realize them until much later. Once again, the younger reader doesn’t get this, while the older ones do. Sometimes it is easier to look back at what you did and realize it was wrong than it is to do while your doing it. <br />
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The one thing that all who read my book can agree on is that it is "a fascinating story." That "the stories that have emerged are ripe with feeling and diversity." And that "everyone who has felt different at any time of their life will understand the true meaniong behind this book." <br />
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In both cases--the shooting and the reading of my book--the perceptions which a person takes away from them are indeed their own reality. Who am I to say if they are right or wrong? All I know is that even when two or more people see (or read) the same thing, the experience isn’t always the same for each. Sometimes your upbringing, your age and those things that you believe in will take precedent in how you perceive what happened and how you react to it.<br />
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Obviously you don't want to recreate the shooting, but you can form your own opinions about my book. Why not buy copy from <a href="http://www.blogger.com/"><span id="goog_358702666"></span>Amazon<span id="goog_358702667"></span></a> and see what your reactions will be. Please share them with me here or on <a href="http://www.philipnork.com/">http://www.philipnork.com/</a> under the “Guestbook” tab.<br />
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Remember, perceptions really are your own reality. And don’t let anyone tell you any different.Author Philip Norkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06465425503414747705noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8285462037837164001.post-68500810589101679822010-08-29T21:08:00.000-07:002010-08-29T21:37:02.841-07:00Chapter One of "Sensitivity 101..."I wanted to do something special for those of you who haven't read my book yet. With school starting soon and the anxiety of starting somethng new in the air, I thought maybe a trip back to when I was in school and the first two lessons that I learned my help you ease the feelings your schoolage choldren have. Maybe by telling this story you may help you child be nicer to those in their classroom or possiibly stop the bullying that sometimes goes on. And it just may make you feel good about people in general.<br />
So here is Chapter One of <strong><em><a href="http://www.philipnork.com/">"Sensitivity 101 for the Heterosexual Male."</a> </em></strong><br />
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<strong><em> </em>Jenna</strong><br />
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The time between when I was born and when I started fourth grade was pretty normal for me. I was intelligent, funny and the spotlight was shining directly on me. I was always very short for my age, had a buzz cut and was the only one in my class who wore glasses. And even though I was smartest boy in class, I was always anxious about how the other kids saw me. I read many books given to me by Nana and liked to share what I read with the other kids and teachers. The guys didn’t seem interested, while the girls came to me for answers to all their questions. The girls knew I would help them with whatever they asked me for. <br />
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My teachers always treated me the best. They said I was sweet, cute and very easy to teach. I wasn’t like the other boys in class who were into fighting, getting dirty and making fun of people. I just wanted to make friends and be accepted by everyone, especially the girls. <br />
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All through first grade I was in the same class as Jenna. She was a short, roundish shaped girl who had a beautiful personality. She was the most popular girl in our class and the prettiest. She had long blonde hair that her mom put up in pigtails and always tied with green ribbons. Jenna had freckles on her nose and under her eyes and always seemed to have a radiating glow around her. <br />
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Being that we were both smart, Jenna and I were always in the same groups. I often made her laugh with the silly things I did. I had a crush on her but didn’t know what to do about it. I remembered the talk Nana and I had about being different, sincere and making people feel special. <br />
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One spring morning, my mom had the radio on during breakfast and the song Up, Up and Away came on. It was a catchy tune, even to a six year old, so I found myself humming it on the way to school. When I reached the schoolyard, all of my classmates were waiting outside for the bell to go in. This was my opportunity to make Jenna feel special and to let her know how I felt about her.<br />
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Now I wasn’t a great singer or even a good one, but I put a lot of feeling into everything I did. I started to sing, “Up, up and away with my beautiful, my beautiful Jenna” to the melody in my head. The other kids looked at me like I was crazy, but Jenna had a cute little smile on her face.<br />
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I sang this little song every day before school and Jenna would always give me her special smile. It made me feel good inside to be accepted by her. One day during lunch she came up to me, gave me a small hug and said, “I really like being friends.”<br />
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I learned my first lesson that day, my great-grandmother was right. If I made someone feel special, was sincere and was a little different in going about it, people would like me and approve of what I did. <br />
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* * *<br />
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Later in the school year, Jenna had an outdoor birthday party and invited me to come. When I arrived, I couldn’t believe my eyes. Her backyard was completely decorated in her favorite color, which was green. There was green crepe paper, green paper hats and green helium-filled balloons everywhere. Her birthday cake was decorated with green trim and had green icing.<br />
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It was a great party and toward the end we gave her presents. Thanks to my grandmother’s influence, mine had a yellow silk rose taped to the box. After we had cake and ice cream, her mom wanted to do something special, so she waved all of us kids close to her and explained her plan. <br />
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“Everyone get a balloon.” She said. “Once everyone has one, we will let them fly into the air and I want you to make a wish.” Her intent was to teach us a lesson, and she added, “In life there will be times when you need a friend. Find a friend here today and tie your balloons together, they will fly higher and the chances of your wishes coming true will be better.” <br />
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Jenna and I immediately decided to tie our balloons together. As they slowly ascended skyward, Jenna smiled at me and said, “I wanna be friends forever.” As the balloons disappeared from sight, I sang my little song to her while we held hands and agreed to always be friends.<br />
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As Jenna and I went through the rest of that school year and the next, almost every morning I would sing my little song to her and she would either smile back at me or give me a little hug that said thanks. Jenna and her family moved away the summer between second and third grade. At the start of third grade, when Jenna did not show up for class, I was devastated. I didn’t know where she had moved to or how to get in touch with her. I started to retreat from the other kids. I didn’t want to get hurt by getting close to someone else only to have them leave, too.<br />
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* * *<br />
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We changed schools after the sixth grade. By then I was feeling the effects of my parent’s divorce and had retreated further into my own little world. Starting school fresh at a junior high was not going to be fun for me, and I was very anxious. There was only one junior high in our town, so all the grade schools combined into this one for the two years before high school started. This is where I ran into Jenna again.<br />
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She was standing amidst a group of girls before the first day of school started and I was very ecstatic to see her again. She still had her freckles and wore her hair in those pigtails with green ribbons, but she had grown. She was taller and skinnier and seemed to be very popular among her new friends. I wanted to say hi to her, but felt very small in the presence of her girlfriends. Not in stature, even though I was still short for my age. I just didn’t feel comfortable around crowds of people, especially ones that I did not know. I wanted to make an impression, but not make an idiot out of myself. I thought back to the first lesson Nana had taught me about being different but sincere.<br />
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I walked up behind Jenna and said, “Up, up and away, babe.”<br />
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When she heard those words, she spun around and gave me an incredible hug along with that smile of hers. It had not changed throughout the years. It was big, full and made my heart warm.<br />
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One of her friends shot me a strange look and asked, “Jenna, who’s the weirdo?”<br />
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I was ready to walk away embarrassed. I thought I had made a mistake approaching Jenna in front of her friends. <br />
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To my surprise, Jenna replied very gently, “Leave him alone, he isn’t weird. He’s a friend.”<br />
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I smiled, thanked her and left. Throughout the next two years every time I saw Jenna I repeated my phrase to her. She always gave me her biggest smile in return.<br />
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* * * <br />
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High school came and once again Jenna and I attended the same school. But again we went our separate ways. She had new friends, different interests and we never hung out in the same groups. Jenna had continued to be very popular and, to say the least, I was not, nor was I accepted by her new friends. Even though we had drifted apart, every time I would see her I would say “up, up and away, babe” and she always smiled back.<br />
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Graduation day finally arrived and even though I had graduated early, I came back to march with my class. Our class that year was one of the school’s largest, around 300 students. Instead of holding the ceremony in the gym, it was held on the football field. They had decorated the field in our school colors, green and white. There were green and white crepe paper streamers everywhere, and on the back of every chair were green and white helium-filled balloons.<br />
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We sat through all the ceremonies and finally, after the last diploma was handed out, it was time to celebrate. Normally, that meant the graduates would take off their caps and toss them into the air. This year they were afraid someone would get hurt, so the principal announced that he wanted us to celebrate by letting the balloons fly into the air and make a wish that our dreams would come true.<br />
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As soon as he finished saying this, I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned around and there stood Jenna. She asked me, “Do you remember my first grade party when we tied our balloons together and said we’d be friends forever? You were my first friend, and still my best friend.”<br />
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I’ve always been a very emotional person, and it became apparent as tears welled up in my eyes.<br />
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Jenna asked, “Can we tie our balloons together again like we did back then?”<br />
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I nodded and we grabbed two balloons, tied them together and as they flew higher and higher, I began to sing “up, up and away” to her. She smiled her smile that I had gotten to depend on so much and kissed me on the cheek.<br />
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Jenna looked at me now with tears in her own eyes, and said, “I’ll never forget how sweet you’ve been. It has meant a lot. Thanks for being you.”<br />
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As we watched the balloons disappear we realized that they were both green in color, just like they were so many years ago at her party.<br />
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I had no idea that such a small gesture made so long ago could make such a long-lasting impact on someone. Nana was right when she told me to be sincere and to treat the girls special. And by being different, I had cemented a small place in Jenna’s life. For a short amount of time, we had become one. We touched each other in ways that no one else could relate to. We shared a connection that was as pure as a friendship can be. <br />
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I have not seen Jenna since that day, so I do not know if she still remembers me or not. But every time I see a balloon ascending into the sky, I feel the magic of her smile.<br />
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I learned two lessons from this experience:<br />
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<strong>1) Be different, sincere, and make females feel special.</strong><br />
<strong> 2) Girls remember and cherish the small things that they experience.</strong><br />
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So there you have it. The rest of the first ten chapters of the book relate similar lessons and also list what they are. I think these lessons can be used by both males and females, and that everyone should use them to the best of their ability. <br />
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<strong>Did Ya' Ever Notice</strong> that when people try to get along the world is a much better place?Author Philip Norkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06465425503414747705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8285462037837164001.post-74918587535106588772010-08-16T17:40:00.000-07:002010-08-16T17:40:48.458-07:00One Hand Helps the OtherThere are many charities out there that need our help. I have decided to share my profits with one of them, The Children's Miracle Network. So check out this press release that was sent out to the public through my PR lady and my page on Facebook. Please share with your friends.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: red;">Author Uses Book as a way to Generate Donations for </span></strong><strong><span style="color: red;">The Children’s Miracle Network</span></strong><br />
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Henderson, Nevada author Philip Nork utilized his down time on business trips to Arizona and New Mexico to pen a “highly entertaining and unique trip back in time.”<br />
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<em><strong><span style="color: #7f6000;">“Sensitivity 101 for the Heterosexual Male…Lessons Learned from the Fairer Sex”</span></strong></em> is the story of one boy’s journey after the divorce of his parents as he searches for the two desires that all humans share: to be accepted by others and to be truly happy. “The stories that have emerged are ripe with feeling and diversity,” says one reviewer.<br />
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“…shares some very mature perspectives, ones that any prudent parent or anyone working with children would be well served to read. The content precisely lives up to its title. One of the most soothing reads I’ve ever read,” says another.<br />
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Phil also shares the wealth…he normally donates 25% of his profits to The Children’s Miracle Network to help raise funds for children’s hospitals throughout the country.<strong> But this holiday season (September through December) Phil will instead donate 50% of his profits to this great charity.</strong><br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sensitivity-101-Heterosexual-Male-Lessons/dp/1438967446/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1282005313&sr=8-1">The book is available at amazon.com in paperback, hardcover and Kindle editions</a>. For an autographed copy, search “Sensitivity 101 for the Heterosexual Male” on EBay. And for even more information go to www.PhilipNork.com or send him an e-mail at pnork2@yahoo.com <br />
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“A self-help book for people who don’t like self-help books! It gives the reader an insight into women, relationships, and how to love yourself without the preaching tone of a self-help manual.”<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong><em><span style="color: red;">“A recommended top pick…one not to be missed." </span></em></strong><strong>Midwest Book Reviews</strong></span><br />
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<strong>Did Ya' Ever Notice that you feel better when you're helping those who can't help themselves?</strong>Author Philip Norkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06465425503414747705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8285462037837164001.post-75290725014023799672010-07-27T16:51:00.000-07:002010-07-27T16:51:40.398-07:00The latest review of Sensitivity 101 for the Heterosexual MaleHere is the latest 5-star (yellow rose) review. This one from Fran Lewis.<br />
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<em>Everyone wants to fit in with others their own age. Understanding the shortcomings and differences among people your own age and being accepted for who you are, even if you are not the most handsome or beautiful person on this planet, is difficult for any adolescent to handle. </em><br />
<em>As the author recounts and relates to the reader the story of his life and coming of age, we not only learn much about this interesting man but ourselves too. Entering the life and taking the journey along with Phil back in time everyone can learn the many lessons his grandmother taught him about people in general. Learning to handle simple situations, extending a hand of friendship and understanding and embracing the differences in people are just part of what our author wants to impart to the reader. Just being nice to someone new in your class or sharing a common interest or just saying hello, small gestures, kind words are often much more meaningful than you know. If everyone took heed of what is written in this thought provoking, mind stimulating and unique novel, we would have a definite recipe for world peace and understanding. Just think what would happen if everyone really heard and listen to the viewpoints of others and understood different points of view. What would happen if instead of poking fun at a new person in your class or someone that is different and does not dress the same as you, you went out of your way to compliment them on something they said or did, wouldn’t that be great?</em><br />
<em>Philip Nork saw life in a different way growing up. Close to his great-grandmother and losing her at a young age, he reverted back into himself and felt life and God had dealt him a bad hand. Teaching him to be sensitive and understanding of others and responding positively to their needs, desires and wishes would endear you to people and help you to develop lifelong friendships. Making it even more difficult was his parent’s divorce and becoming man of the house at eight years of age. This would make anyone grow up too fast. </em><br />
<em>The bond and connection he had with her truly helped to set the tone for the many relationships he would have with girls, women and people in the future. What I really love is the list that he developed over the years through each of his relationships that would help build his character, his strength and his ability to handle many situations as he grew to maturity. Respecting and understanding people and being sincere are the first things that his great-grandmother instilled in him. </em><br />
<em>The person that I was closest to growing up was my grandmother. She truly understood me and tried to make me feel special. Being overweight, not very pretty and shy, I stood in the background a lot at parties, family events and in school. I was smart and always got good grades but never felt comfortable answering questions and fostering friendships with people that I did not know. She taught me to accept myself for the kind and caring person that I was and hope I still am and that eventually everyone will learn to judge me not just for my outer appearance. </em><br />
<em>Every story that he tells about his early life and his encounters with girls endears you to him even more. The way each girl entered his life and taught him an important life lesson is heartwarming and enlightening. <strong>This book would make a great handbook or guide for every young person who feels out of place and not like everyone else. I could have used this book growing up.</strong></em><br />
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<em>Each girl offered him many life lessons in how to deal with his awkward appearance, being introverted and allowing his emotions to come forth. Phil learned a lot from so many and appreciated each and every friend that he made. While photographing the cheerleading team he enlisted the trust of these beautiful girls and was able to create pictures that told a story. How special! </em><br />
<em>Creating a list of all the things he learned from his Nana and these girls provides a valuable resource for anyone who wants to begin changing their outlook on life and learning to assimilate better with their peers. It’s the small things that people do and the kind words that definitely make a difference. </em><br />
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<em>Phil developed more than one personality. He was shy and introverted in school and felt that he could disappear into his own skin and not be seen. At night or with friends such as Joyce, Cece and others, he first went to the skating rink with a group of lesbian girls and was treated in a unique and special way and his outer most personality came forth. </em><br />
<em>Always concerned about making girls and others feel special I began to feel that Phil was losing sight of himself and what would make him truly happy. Listening to others, caring for them and helping them to feel good is what these girls wanted from him in the long run, as there were no long lasting attachments. But, what did Phil need and what would Nana truly want for him? Would this life of experiencing intimacy with so many girls without any feelings for them be the right course or would she want something else. You would have to read the many chapters where you hear not only his words but also the inner most thoughts and desires of these girls to decide for yourself whether Phil was really himself or someone else all the time. Who was this mild mannered great guy who treated women special and made them feel whole? What about him?</em><br />
<em>One girl named Mary who set the train in motion. One girl named Kayla who accelerated it even more. One young man named Phil who spread himself quite thin to please so many girls because he thought they would feel special. A giant at the rink, at work and now becoming more known at school, but for what reasons other to please others and give them pleasure. Sometimes when we try to get noticed by others we lose sight of what our real purpose is in doing so. </em><br />
<em>As his story draws to a close the reader might wonder what would have happened if Nana did not die? What would have happened if so many of those he cared about remained in his life? What would have happened if his father were a constant in his life while growing up? What things would have happened differently or would he have remained an introvert and stay to himself young man with a soft heart, kind face and wonderful personality?</em><br />
<em>Roses make you feel special when given for the right reasons. Yellow means friendship and white means respect and much more. Never give a red rose unless you are sure you will only give it to the one person who rocks your world and will be with you forever.</em><br />
<em>Phil experiences many turning points in both his family and social lives. He comes full circle with many issues that young people are still facing today. Making a career of helping women to feel good and profiting from it did not turn him into the person he hoped to become. Many used him for their own self- gratification. Others pretended to befriend him for other reasons. Read this book and learn the lessons that Phil finally came to grasp at the end. Take the journey through life with him as he comes full circle from start to finish in his own search for his true identity.</em><br />
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<em>As he drifts off to sleep and hears the voice of his Nana he is reminded of the joy, happiness and goodness he brought to others by being sensitive to their needs and wants, even if it was in an unorthodox manner. Keeping his faith in God, understanding and hearing his voice and remembering as he so aptly states: “ there is no such thing as an ending, only new beginnings.” </em><br />
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<em>Author Phil Nork presents a straightforward, insightful, and heartwarming story of a young man who finally got it. Unselfish, caring and always putting the needs of others before his, Phil travels in a fast world of women seeking their own pleasures at the exclusion of his. As his Nana reminds him: Love, Respect and building a relationship with God has always been there for him. </em><br />
<em>This is a well written and informative novel will help adults, young teens and young adults learn the answers to many questions concerning these issues. Read the ending, hear his voice and read the last chapter as author Phil Nork lists his lessons in life that we can all learn and apply not just to relationships with the opposite sex, but in other real life situations too.</em><br />
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<em>I never give stars when rating a book:</em><br />
<em>I give this book <strong>FIVE YELLOW ROSES SYMBOLIZING FRIENDSHIP</strong> and one more just from me. I would be honored to be your friend.</em><br />
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<em>Fran Lewis Reviewer </em><br />
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Fran, thank you for taking the time read and review my book. I am glad you got so much out of it. It makes me feel justified in writing it. You have opened my eyes to another set of readers who may connect with it-those who feel left out for whatever reason.Author Philip Norkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06465425503414747705noreply@blogger.com0