Back to the Future?

Read Thomas Jefferson's proposed plan for educating children.  It is almost entirely opposite what our country actually does.  Perhaps we should try his way instead.  It would save money and produce better-educated individuals at every level, from elementary through university.

Book Review: Angels in the Fire

It was night.  Dann and Tracey were headed home after celebrating their wedding anniversary.  At the same time, a man was coming straight at them, driving the wrong way on the highway.  While the car in front of them had time to swerve, Dann did not.  The result was a fireball.

You will agonize with the bystanders who try to free two people trapped in a blazing, crumpled car.  In the midst of this hopeless situation, however, another rescuer shows up.  He was seen by Tracey (he even knew her name) and by other rescuers.  He did the impossible, then vanished.

But the miracles continued, through a long recovery.  This is an inspiring account of divine intervention, family, and faith.

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

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.