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Aside

October is “National Domestic Violence Awareness Month”


Meet the Author: Erin Ireland and find out why she wrote A Voice in the Night

www.erinirelandwrites.com

A VOICE IN THE NIGHT - HIGH RES

The assaulting truth about abuse!  Erin Ireland lays it out for you… In a book titled: A Voice in the Night: Silent Abuse, The Early Warning Signs That Could Save Your Life.  

Welcome, Erin Ireland. It’s great to have you at 4writersandreders today. Can you give us a short bio, so our readers can find out why you wrote “A Voice in the Night”?  I’ve read it and highly recommend it to those who are living with abuse and those who want to find out  how they can help in the struggle against domestic violence. 

Erin Ireland writes for those who feel they have no voice. She is a woman who has spent many years observing the abuse of others.  Her experiences have been many in the direction of others who suffer in silence with isolation, controlled obsessions, verbal abuse, Superior attitudes, deceit, jealousy, physical, and sexual assaults, and many more indignities suffered everyday by beautiful people.

Erin Ireland has suffered a great deal of abuse in her own life, and writes from her heart when explaining what she feels is an inappropriate act against another.

Her passion for the subject of abuse runs deep, and reflects in her sometimes overpowering expressions of what she would like to change in life for you. She wishes for all to come to her website, feel welcome, and hopes that all will find some refuge and enlightenment here.

Erin Ireland is a nom de plume, in order to protect the innocent. She will always speak her mind and the truth for the betterment of all those who seek answers and comfort. 

Erin Ireland has written a book Titled, A Voice in the Night: Silent Abuse, The Early Warning Signs That Could Save Your Life. This is a book to help others bypass the long-suffering that can be eliminated if they can learn to view the traits of an abuser early on.

She is writing for others to see the light. Erin hopes for them be a lamp unto themselves. She wishes for them to find their safe ground to stand on, before they have spent their entire lives wondering: what it is that they have done to deserve such demeaning treatment? Abuse is a conditioning that can be unlearned. Every human being is entitled to an abuse free life.

Synopsis of A Voice in the Night:

This book is a Lamp to find your peace and to know your rights as a human being.This truly is “A Voice in the Night” for all who wish to be happier in their relationships or simply happier without their abusive relationship. Are you not sure whether your mate is actually abusive?  Erin Ireland has laid it out for you. When you finish reading this book you will know the ingredients for a solid relationship and the specifics of when your mate has crossed the abusive line.

A Book for young people to find a safe ground to stand on. It is a message for all ages to take notice of the treatment they allow from others. So many never realize how much abuse they do submit to, thinking they are merely sucking it up for the betterment of the relationship.  

What prompted you to write a book about domestic abuse and violence, Erin?

Writing this book has been an ongoing project for the last two years. After my stretch of homelessness, I wanted to express my thoughts and my experiences with others. I felt that all I had left in this life was my voice. I had experiences that could be shared to help others.

In my desperation to start my life over, I realized that I had become an expert in what not to accept in a relationship. What to look for to remove yourself from danger. I realized in writing a self-help book to free others, that I would be providing a service to those who need help, for those who don’t realize they are abused, and for those who don’t think they deserve better.

Writing this book means I can give to the world a gift of safety. It means I can move on from my nightmare while helping others move on from theirs. I wrote this book because I want to leave the world a message that lives on long after I am gone. Finding safe ground is my hope for all who live in a world of submission, control, emotional distress, physical abuse and all other forms of abuse.

Do you have a favorite line from the book?

Excerpt from Chapter 12

“Realize that you have made the right decision. Allow yourself to cry. You have the right to cry and mourn what you have lost, but also remember what you have gained.”

What was the hardest part about writing A Voice in the Night?

The most difficult parts of writing this book were the times I had to revisit the abusive experiences in order to relate to others what I had been through and what they may have to go through if they refuse to leave the unsafe situation. Also the trials I had to endure while trying to publish my book were monumental.

During the time I had finished the last edit and the time I was to be published, I was struck with yet more disaster. Last November, less than a year ago, new neighbors moved into an apartment over mine and started cooking some kind of a chemical. It smelled like cherries and made me sick.

It seeped down into my apartment and caused my blood pressure to rise to 220/110. The authorities refused to do anything. I went to the hospital by ambulance and stayed for three days, came home and had another heart event three times in eight days. It was back to the hospital again. Finally I found myself homeless once again, and this time much like the last time, everything I owned was destroyed.

The disgusting smell on everything shot my blood pressure up as soon as I was near it. All had to be thrown out. I slept in my car, I rented a room, I stayed in a hotel. In the end I moved into a new apartment with almost nothing, and started my life over again.

I had no computer, my files had been destroyed and I lost the final edit of my book to be published. I went nine months without being online or able to write. Finally my son bought me a new computer. My friends and editor had a copy of my book in the final edit. I immediately got busy and made sure all was in proper form. We prepared for the book launch. My daughter helped me, and at last, A Voice in the Night was born!

How can our readers get a copy of your book?

These are the links below to view the book: A Voice in the Night: Silent Abuse, The Early Warning Signs That Could Save Your Life

The reviews so far have been excellent

To Purchase this Book

Erin Ireland LOGOWhat’s next for Erin Ireland?

I have stated in A Voice in the Night that I am writing another book to follow this one. The next book will be a memoir titled: Silent Screams. This book will be about what a tormented woman went through and how the system did not help her. It will tell the stories of living locked in one room, how she survived gassings and poisonings, living above the ridicule of relatives who didn’t believe her, the people who died around her during this time, and how each day it took its toll for a woman who just lived to stay alive one more day, for three very long excruciating years.

Erin, it’s been a privilege and a pleasure to have you with us today. Readers: find out more about Erin Ireland and her story of overcoming domestic abuse below. She’s also given us links to crucial self-help sites to visit and share with loved ones. I highly recommend A Voice. Erin and I would love to hear from you in the comment section below.

Here is my review on Amazon: “ABUSE often goes undetected by outsiders and can even be ignored by the abused who often lay the blame on themselves rather than the abuser… FIND OUT MORE about how to help stop abuse from an author who’s been there and not only survived, but has thrived. First, you’ll learn to recognize abuse. That’s what Erin Ireland did. Readers will also learn how to help stop abuse and how to get out of an abusive situation.” ~ Bette A. Stevens

Interviews:

How to help a friend who is being abused:

Emotional Abuse Recognized in Seconds (EARS)

Forced Marriage

 

 

 

Written

on 10/14/2014

Aside

Meet the author: Shirley Harris-Slaughter


A warm welcome to Rave Reviews Book Club Member and author Shirley Harris-Slaughter. Shirley’s got a special guest post for us today. Let’s listen in. ~ Bette A. Stevens

I’M A POLITICAL JUNKIE!

Shirley Harris-Slaughter is the author of OUR LADY OF VICTORY, the Saga of an African American Catholic Community

Shirley Harris-Slaughter is the author of OUR LADY OF VICTORY, the Saga of an African American Catholic Community

Hi, I’m Shirley Harris-Slaughter and I’d like to thank you all for having me today! Besides being a published author, here’s something else you probably didn’t know about me (if you know me)… I’m a Political Junkie! I have a love/hate relationship with politics. Another passion is my involvement in my local community. These two things keep me busy most of the time.

Politics – One thing for sure is the fact that I love to be in the know, because ignorance is no longer bliss. It could spell disaster if you are not informed on the issues, especially with what is happening right now.

Case in Point – Voting rights are being tampered with and compromised. I hate to say it, but there are some bad folks out there that are up to these shenanigans. If we don’t pay attention, we might wake up one day to find that we are no longer able to vote. In fact, that is already happening in urban communities in several southern and eastern states. One Party has succeeded in gerrymandering so many districts that your rights to representation is being challenged and compromised in the courts.

Voter laws are being challenged right now by the Department of Justice. Boy, do they have their work cut out for them.

But beware! It’s coming to a neighborhood near you.

The results of our last mid-term elections can already be seen in a dysfunctional Congress made up of these gerrymandered districts, virtually guaranteeing that these do-nothing incumbents will be re-elected. And guess what? Do-nothings affect all of us and our way of life. It doesn’t care if you are white, black, Asian, Hispanic; whether you live in the city, suburbs or rural areas… you will be affected negatively by this congress sooner or later. Look at what is happening to health care in North Carolina. Our crumbling infrastructure is another prime example of a dysfunctional government.

THAT IS NOT DEMOCRACY!

Please listen… You don’t have to be affiliated with Democrats or Republicans or even Independents to know there is cause for alarm when one group feels that the only way they can win, is by cheating and gerrymandering districts. Not only are your legislatures passing these draconian laws to make it harder for you to exercise your right to vote, they are also passing restrictive laws on women’s health choices and denying you the right to choose quality health care that your tax dollars are paying for.

I’m thrilled that the Justice Department has finally gone after the banks – CitiBank in particular; and making them pay back billions of dollars for their part in the economic meltdown that cost people their homes and their jobs across the country. What a sad chapter to the American Dream.

Another passion is my involvement in my local community. I got involved in hometown politics and helped elect a good friend to the Oak Park School Board. That paved the way for me to run for a position on that same school board later. I couldn’t turn down the offer because I wanted to be part of the solution. I wanted my property values to remain stable; and I wanted to play a part in providing a good education for our children who are the future.

I didn’t know much about ADD and all these other disabilities that our children are now being afflicted with. And everywhere I turned, everyone was acting like this was a normal thing. Where was I when this was going on? I was not in the public school system so I guess I missed something—something huge.

So there you have it, my greatest passions, because I love children and I care about my community and my country.

Thanks for listening!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Our Lady of Victory, the Saga of an African American Catholic Community

Our Lady of VictoryI wrote about local history while growing up in a Catholic Community. My love of history and tradition propelled me into this forum. While serving on the school board, they tried to take away the music “Pomp and Circumstance” played at every high school graduation and I got visibly upset over it. Were these people for real? I felt like a stranger among strangers.

So, writing this book was no exception to who I am and what I stand for. It was a natural outgrowth of my community activism. Besides, no one else was going to do it. I didn’t understand at the time, that I was the chosen one.

Little did I know the “can of worms” I was about to unleash. But I needn’t have worried…no one was ready to challenge my findings. They just pretended like there was nothing to be concerned about. And so I wasn’t taken seriously, for the most part, with the exception of a few close friends. And then Nonnie Jules crossed my path and I joined Rave Reviews Book Club and excitement for my book and my message, was re-ignited.

I am a proud member of Rave Reviews Book Club—the place for Indie Authors!

 

 

This is an awesome trailer! Please take a look:

Book Trailer: http://youtu.be/aF3ZBZFn3AY

Five Star Review of Our Lady of Victory by Nonnie Jules “Seal of Approval”

 

CONNECT HERE…

Tour Lineup Page: http://wp.me/P43s9i-2g

Author Page: http://wp.me/P43s9i-1m

Email: sharrislaughter@gmail.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/sharrislaughter

Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/historybuff

 

Purchase Links…
Amazon Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/kindle/dp/B00KDO1MSM/ref=rdr_kindle_ext_eos_detail
Createspace: https://www.createspace.com/4751309
Limited Editions: http://rememberourladyofvictory.com/about-the-book/

 

SHIRLEY’S BLOGS…
http://shirleyslaughterblog.wordpress.com/
http://rememberourladyofvictory.com/

 

 

 

Written

on 08/21/2014

Image

Who cares?


Who cares?.

Click the link to find out how we can change the world for the better, one person at a time! ~ Bette A. Stevens

Written

on 09/15/2013

MEET THE AUTHOR: Kandy Kay Scaramuzzo


Author Kandy Kay Scarmuzzo and PIE himself!

Author Kandy Kay Scaramuzzo and PIE: The Old Brown Horse himself!:

“After we got the horses, I moved on to therapeutic horseback riding for special needs children.”

Read the reviews!

Read the reviews!

Invaluable lessons from PIE: An Old Brown Horse (That Knows What He is Doing) and author Kandy Kay Scaramuzzo:

“There is nothing like seeing the bond of child and horse. These magnificent beasts can be so gentle and protective. The unconditional love and trust they show is unfathomable.” Kandy Kay Scaramuzzo

“This is a feel good story about life, second chances and giving back.”  January Magazine

“[Pie} became the most amazing mentor and therapy horse.” The Wall Street Journal

“Writing a story in the first person is not uncommon, but when that first person is a horse, well, I really wasn’t expecting it to actually be entertaining to say the least… What a pleasant and thoroughly enjoyable story this is.” Colleen Bratley

Welcome to 4writersandreaders, Kandy. It’s great to have you with us today. Tell us a little about yourself.

I am a seventh generation Texan with a brick at the cowgirl museum. I have always loved animals. I have worked in alternative education for over twenty years after a short career in the justice system. My formal training is in criminology so it works well with the job that I do during the day. My nights and weekends are taken up pretty much with working with animals. I have trained dogs for over twenty-five years at several major institutions. Working with horse, dog, cat, and snake rescues is something I do because I feel I need to give back. Some of time has been spent training and working with Therapy Dogs. After we got the horses, I moved on to therapeutic horseback riding for special needs children.

Tell us about your family?
I am married to a wonderful man who not only puts up with, but helps with all my projects. We have been married for twenty-three years and have one daughter. Our daughter is grown and is trying to find her way in life. She is very artistic. It will be interesting to see where her path leads her.

We have two dogs, a German Shepherd and an Australian Shepherd that share our house with three cats. They are our four children now that our daughter has moved out. My last snake unfortunately died a couple of months ago.

 How long have you been writing? What type of writing do you normally do?
I have been writing off and on my whole life. I have just never really done anything with it. I have always had to write and create things to keep my students interested.

images PIE BannerCan you give us a brief synopsis of your book?
Briefly, this is a book about an old rescued ranch horse and all of the amazing things he has done since he was rescued. The book was basically written and told by him. I just gave him some minor help with the computer. The most amazing part of it all, is that Pie is still with us at the ripe old age of 38!

What prompted you to write a story about PIE?
After seeing all the wonderful things Pie has done over the years, I felt that his story needed to be shared. There is nothing like seeing the bond of child and horse. These magnificent beasts can be so gentle and protective. The unconditional love and trust they show is unfathomable. The strength and security they impart to their riders is something to behold. Pie, has done this over and over and over again through the years. I know he didn’t serve in a war, or win any awards, but he has done more than his share as a merchant of hope for those that needed help.

Do you have a favorite line from PIE: An Old Brown Horse? 

That would have to be the one from my husband in the forward: “Stop messing with the pretty ones and go get an old brown horse that knows what he is doing.”

Who is your favorite character and why?
Hands down, it would have to be Pie. His descriptions and insights are spot on. Sometimes they are funny and sometimes they are just downright snarky. Pie’s personality definitely shows through in his observations.

Watch PIE’s video and find out more about how a once broken horse finds new meaning in life and how he help special needs kids do the same:


I just love PIE’s video, Kandy. What was the hardest part about writing your book?
The hardest part I think came after writing the book. That would be trying to figure out how to promote it. I had some serious problems when the book first came out. As it turns out there was a misunderstanding and the book was printed without the final edit. Ouch! That has since been fixed. We pulled the book from production and edited it. Unfortunately, I was not able to pull the sample from Book Daily, so it continues to be a constant reminder of the problem. What is out there now no longer has the edit issues. Some of the earlier reviews reflect those problems. I would just like to tell everyone that bought an unedited book if you will contact me, I will be happy to replace it.

“The book itself was already in my head and came out on the paper with no hesitation. I think I was temporarily possessed by Pie.”

Do you do anything besides write?
I have a day job working with behavior challenged junior high students. I keep a barn full of horses. We go horseback riding, walk and train the dogs, and spend time with my family. My daughter has moved out, but still lives close. She and I spend time together doing things with the horses. My husband and I spend time touring in his 45th anniversary Camaro.

How is the book doing?   I am really happy at how well my little book is doing. He has been mentioned in January Magazine and in the Wall Street Journal. Recently PIE received a five-star review from Reader’s Favorites and also earned a Silver Star for his cover. 

Where can our readers get a copy of ‘PIE: An Old Brown Horse’? http://www.amazon.com/Pie-Brown-Horse-Knows-ebook/dp/B00A7ZMHKE/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1372112877&sr=1-1&keywords=PIE%3A+The+Old+Brown+Horse PIE: An Old Brown Horse is also available on Barnes & Noble.

Get your copy today!

Be sure to get your copy today!

Well, Kandy, now that PIE is off and running, what’s next for you?
I’m not sure yet, but I think I feel another book possession coming on…

I can hardly wait to find out about your next inspiration. Thanks for joining us at 4writersandreaders. It has been great learning more about you and PIE. What a great success story for PIE and how therapeutic horseback riding is helping special needs children. ~ Bette A. Stevens

Find out more about author Kandy Kay Scaramuzzo and her adventures with PIE at http://www.kandykayscaramuzzo.com/

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