Haiku from the Left Brain is Published

Well, I successfully (mostly) uploaded my first Kindle e-book.  I followed Guido Henkel's directions.  My only problem was that Amazon didi not like the MOBI file I created in Calibre.  I made an EPUB (Nook style) instead and Amazon converted it for me.  I still haven't got the Table of Contents to upload, but that's not a big problem for a short book of poetry.

Next time I think I will do the whole thing in html and try uploading that file instead of trying to convert to MOBI first.

Now that I have a book, I also have an Amazon Author Page.  Please visit and take a peek at my book.

Resources for Formatting and Publishing E-Books

Those of us who engage in lifelong independent learning may sometimes find we have a book inside us. Once it is written, why not share it quickly as a self-published e-book?  I am working on several short books now and am in the process of formatting one for Kindle.  Thinking about trying this?  Here are some reviews of resources I'm using right now:

Free Kindle Book Covers

Lets Get Digital by David Gaughran

Also check out Guido Henkel's amazing series of blog posts with detailed instructions.

I'll post when I have successfully formatted and uploaded my first Kindle book.

The Importance of Lifelong Learning

Here's a little article I wrote for Yahoo! Finance: I Squandered my Intellectual Capital.  I discuss the steps I wish I had taken to preserve some of my most marketable skills for my re-entry to the job market after my kids were grown.

A Book About Surviving and Thriving

When Got Intervenes by Dabney Hedegard

 

In this memoir, Dabney Hedegard recalls her extraordinary life.  With a list of life-threatening ailments that would have killed almost anyone, her survival is a miracle.  She shares her story to encourage others in difficult circumstances.

Her cancer was discovered while she was carrying her first child.  She postponed Chemotherapy as long as possible to give that child a fighting chance.  They both survived, but Dabney went on to face one health challenge after another.

God's intervention brought the Hedegard family through their struggles.  He preserved their marriage and blessed them with four children in the midst of it all.  You can learn more about the Hedegards on Dabney's blog.

I received a free review copy of this book from Tyndale House publishers. You can read an excerpt from the book now.

Book Review: Unfinished by Steven K. Scott

Unfinished is a condensed version of The Jesus Mission by the same author. Steven Scott discusses the four callings Jesus gave to His followers—including those who follow Him today.

 I appreciated a quote on page 18: “What would happen if, instead of inviting people to pray to receive Christ, we invited them to become followers of Jesus Christ?” This is what Jesus did. Granted, Jesus was physically there at the time, but doesn’t He still want us to be His followers?

 The book reads a bit like an outline, with each calling having a series of assignments and actions. I sometimes felt overwhelmed at all the information Scott was cramming into this small book. It might have helped to have an outline or chart presented on the first page, followed by the text of this book so rich in content.

 I received a free review copy of Unfinished from WaterBrook Press.

This is My Latest Bible Study Tool

I got this plan through the Olive Tree Bible app on my Kindle Fire. So far I really like the way it mixes up Bible reading to keep me from getting bogged down. Ten chapters a day (one from each of ten lists) keeps Bible reading balanced. There is no getting bogged down in chapter after chapter of history or neglecting the lesser-taught books of the Bible. I wouldn't try this system without the app to keep me on track, but a more organized person could probably manage it!

Professor Grant Horners Bible Reading System by dwayneforehand

"The World of Jesus" by Dr. William H. Marty

Written by a professor at Moody Bible Institute, this book covers the period between the Old Testament and New Testament. It is for any person who wants to better understand the historical context for the New Testament. While Dr. Marty is a scholar, one need not go to seminary to benefit from this great little book.

Dr. Marty writes as a storyteller because history is, after all, a compilation of stories. Learn about the empires that ruled Israel and Judah: the Persians, the Medes, the Greeks, and the Romans. Learn why the Herods were so feared. Learn to appreciate the courage of the Maccabees.

If you don't know a Pharisee from a Sadducee, or a Maccabee from a Macedonian, this book will give you the big picture of history from Malachi through Acts. I recommend this for everyone from older youths through seasoned Sunday School teachers.        

I received a free review copy of this book from Bethany House publishers.