Sara Hand Suggests

Some people will dream all their lives about publishing a book.

What is the difference between those who do and those who don’t?

First…discipline? 13 year old Sarasota, Florida author, R.A. Spyder has learned that discipline of writing daily. This has paid off in the recent release of a first book “Nightrise:The Ascension of Darkness” now available on Amazon.

Second…understanding the system. Advances in technology should make thoughts of publishing, whether print, audio or video; not just thoughts for all those wannabe authors.

Third…cheerleaders. Everyone needs someone who believes in them. For the writer facing that daunting first publishing effort, a strong support system makes all the difference.

Want more resources for writing? ”The art of storytelling”, “Overcome writer’s block” and more tips are available from RASpyder. Get these and to know about this young author, by visiting RASpyder.com.

Frequently I have the chance to refer some great resources for parents. Although there are a number of books I love..here in what I have called my “parenting pack” are several of my Top Picks for Parents:

So often we discuss what it takes to raise great kids. In Saced Parenting, we look at what this process of becoming a parent brings about in us.

When boundaries are well established, they keep bad "stuff" out and good "stuff" in. Well defined parameters, allow children to securely explore their world. Find out how to set boundaries that you and your kids will appreciate.

So you know your child is strong willed. Maybe your parents are laughing about paybacks. What do you do when neither the the threat of punishment nor the promise of rewards seems to make a difference? REad Empowering Parents...it is right and might save your sanity.

People have always told stories. What does this mean to you, to your child and why should you find out?

Being a parent is one of the most incredible journeys you will ever embarck on. Developing the skills to do this justice, will be a decision you will never regret and could give you returns on your investments for generations to come.

One of my favorite books on change. Yes, I bought into the pre-release publicity on Fast Company and bought it three days after it became available. I was not disappointed.

If you have an interest in change and community building; if you are tired of the true but useless information that tells you all the reasons “Why you can’t”… get a copy of Switch. Great stories and practical information for implementation.

Plans are only good if someone can make it happen!

Sometimes we can get so busy looking for the latest and greatest. With the extensive library I have, I choose recently to go back and start rereading some of the great content I have…revisiting classic content from the context of today.

Rick Joyner’s Leadership: The Power of a Creative Life is definitely worth revisiting or investing in for a first time go round. He walks the fine line of bringing together a lot of intricately related content with enough substance to provide true value, yet brief enough that the busy individual looking for this content will actually be able to get through it.

Inspiring and yet practical, for the novice and for the experienced, Joyner notes

“Leadership is the ability to mobilize others to accomplish a common goal. Successful leadership is combined witht the resolve, courage, and endurance that it takes to accomplish the goal, to press the job until it is finished.”

“There will always be leadership. Whenever there is an abscence of leadership, it will quickly be filled by someone. If the noble do not rule the profane will. The best men and women in history, as well as the most evil, have used the same principles of leadership. If evil prevails in a place or a time, it is because the initiaive is seized while the good waivered. When good prevails it is because the good seize the initiaive and lead.”

“A study made by Richard Leider and David Shapiro found that the number one fear people have is to live a meaningless life. Defining one’s purpose and fulfilling it is the depest yearning of the human soul.”

Whether you are the leader of a business, an association, a ministry or simply want clearer direction for your family; this is worth the time to digest more than once.