Blog Archives
Harness the Power of PR
In The Powerful Publicity Prescription, you explore the history and evolution of PR and stress the importance of purposeful PR management in business. Why was this an important book for you to write?
Many authors and entrepreneurs have come to me saying they lacked a PR resource to flip through and refer back to. I wanted to give them a resource that they could be empowered to take action with and to fill in the gap in the PR industry as much of the sector neglects and overlooks the author and entrepreneur communities.
I wanted to show authors and entrepreneurs that they too, can harness the power of PR to achieve their goals, that they deserve to fulfill their fullest potential to become global industry leaders trusted by audiences worldwide because PR isn’t just reserved for Fortune 500 companies.
In addition to giving them the history of PR and in-depth knowledge of every aspect of a PR campaign, I wanted to show them that authors and entrepreneurs in every genre and sector, just like them, have found PR success, which is why I shared my own client case studies and portfolio examples. I take it one step further by giving them tools and resources to save time and energy in every part of a PR campaign and resources to help them push past the fear, anxiety, and imposter syndrome stopping them from moving forward.
How much research did you undertake for this book, and how much time did it take to put it all together?
I started writing this book in 2022 and the draft started undergoing revisions a year later before I started working with my editor. With this book, I leaned on my client portfolio and experiences of authors and entrepreneurs I’ve worked with and presented webinars to over the last decade.
I framed the chapters of this book with a specific focus on questions my clients and audiences have had about why PR is powerful, why it’s different from advertising and social media, how mindset can stop you from moving forward, how to develop strong media pitches, and how to develop confidence with interviews.
What is a common misconception you feel people have about public relations?
A common misconception many authors have, which I address in the book, is that PR only works if you have at least $20K and an audience in the millions to launch a campaign. That myth is false, PR works for any author and entrepreneur who has a solid foundation of what their goals are, who their audiences are, and some ideas on what methods they want to incorporate into their strategies.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your book?
That the knowledge they obtain helps them to build the confidence to take action on developing their own PR campaigns, even if it’s sitting down and brainstorming their goals.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Website | Instagram | InRetrospect | LinkedIn | Amazon
Never run ineffective publicity campaigns again.
Unlock the secrets of becoming a global industry leader, powerhouse pioneer and trusted expert with this deep dive into the impactful world of public relations. This compelling book will guide you through how to recognize and push past limiting beliefs such as fear, anxiety and imposter syndrome to develop a resilient and positive mindset for PR and marketing. From its intriguing history to the powerful impact of media relations, you’ll receive invaluable step by step guidance on how to develop each element of a successful, global PR campaign to reach your goals.
You’ll learn:
- How to build exciting media kits to present your brand using engaging and fun audiovisuals
- How to craft irresistible story pitches to attract media attention, no matter the platform or industry
- To develop comprehensive media databases to get in front of the right audiences and build powerful relationships
- The art of how to solidify concrete goals and the key performance indicators to measure campaign results
- How to master interviews and presentation opportunities with confidence
And much more!
Armed with real world case studies and industry success stories from the author’s rich client portfolio, embark on this journey to gain the confidence to share your story with worldwide audiences and develop long lasting relationships with media, influencers and collaborative partners to harness the power of public relations to fulfill your fullest potential as a global industry leader.
Written with the creative entrepreneur, startup, nonprofit, and small business in mind, The Powerful Publicity Prescription will demystify the world of public relations including busting popular PR myths, to empower you to develop tailored, customized public relations campaigns to achieve your goals without spending thousands of dollars or having an audience that numbers in the millions.
Communication is More Than Verbal Language
Communicating: The Multiple Modes of Human Communication 3rd Edition is a thorough and insightful examination of human communication, transcending the conventional focus on verbal language. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I’ve been interested in, and writing about, communication in its various senses from my early days: storytelling for example, the beautiful wit and words of Ulster communicating, linguistic anthropology, body language, music (that’s communication too). Through this I’d been becoming more and more convinced that communication did not consist only, or even predominantly, of verbal language, spoken or written, but a whole wealth of other things as well. That isn’t at all a widely accepted view among communication experts, so I felt that I HAD to write a book to show the evidence and argument for my position – almost a duty.
It turned out a bigger journey of investigation than I’d expected (and I loved it – hope you’ll come along it with me and enjoy it too: about these amazing, clever, enterprising animals, and I don’t mean just the human ones).
What changes did you make in this edition of your book from prior editions? Was there any area where your research has led you to a new or different conclusion from prior published results?
A lot. Besides some updating throughout and more and better illustrations, there’s a new introduction linking to recent perspectives in social science (much has changed in the 20 years since the first edition); reordering of the five chapters on the senses to make the argument run more smoothly; a rewritten chapter on extrasensory communication in the light of recent developments and of the revolutionary findings of “new science”; and a totally new concluding chapter.
That final chapter: I found to my consternation that what I had found During my investigations almost totally reversed the usual assumptions about communication in early human history (cave paintings are in too), INCLUDING KEY ASSUMPTIONS IN MY OWN BOOKS, earlier editions of this book among them.
It was startling. But I had to be honest and tell it as I’d found it.
And that was – ? Ah, complicated! You’ll have to read it.
Did you find anything in your research of this story that surprised you?
Yes very much so, not just in research for that final chapter, but also the fascinating range of ways humans and other animals use their differing but overlapping resources to interact (WHAT a lot is now known). I was particularly surprised and impressed by the explosion of radically new research about the gesticulation systems of the great apes: amazing and surprisingly relevant for human communicating.
What is the next book that you are writing, and when will that be published?
Am I allowed two? The thing is that now that I’m retired and have more time I find it relaxing to have several contrasting books on the go and don’t always know which is going to come out first.
Two books that I’ve been tinkering with for some time are, first, an updated version of a collection of prose, verse and images from many cultures, now to be called “The Search for Peace: Voices of Despair and Hope through the Centuries”. That’s only too heartbreakingly topical just now, isn’t it, but inspiring too – what insights there have been through the world and the ages. With luck it’ll very soon be chuntering its way onto Amazon.
And, second, a small book now nearing completion: a fun – but perhaps also a bit useful – silly little book with cartoon pics, to be called something like “Kate’s Bad Cook Guide for morons”. I’m enjoying that immensely. Maybe in time for Christmas, no promises.
After that? Back to a couple academic ones, and maybe a new Kate-Pearl novel…, let’s see.
Author Links: LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | Website
In an authoritative and readable account, Ruth Finnegan brings together research from linguistic and sensory anthropology, material culture, non-verbal communication, computer-mediated communication, and, strikingly, research on animal communication, such as the remarkable gesture systems of great apes. She draws on her background in classical studies and her long anthropological experience to present illuminating examples from throughout the world, past and present.
The result is to uncover an amazing array of sounds, sights, smells, gestures, looks, movements, touches, and material objects used by humans and other animals to interconnect both nearby and across space and time
She goes on to first explore the extra-sensory modes of communication now being revealed in the extraordinary “new science” research and then, in an incendiary conclusion, to deny the long-prevailing story of human history by questioning whether orality really came before literacy; whether it was really through “the acquisition of language” that our prehistoric cave painting ancestors made a sudden leap into being “true humans”; and finally, astonishingly, to ask whether human communicating had its first roots not, after all, in verbal language but something else.
Not to be missed, this highly original book brings a fresh perspective on, among other things, that central topic of interest today – the dawn of human history – and on what being homo sapiens really means. This revised and updated edition has additional illustrations, updated chapters, and a new concluding chapter.
A provocative and controversial account that will stir worldwide debate, this book is an essential transdisciplinary overview for researchers and advanced students in language and communication, anthropology, and cultural studies.
Communicating: The Multiple Modes of Human Communication 3rd Edition
Communicating: The Multiple Modes of Human Communication 3rd Edition by Ruth Finnegan presents a thorough and insightful examination of human communication, transcending the conventional focus on verbal language. Finnegan adeptly delves into the multifaceted aspects of communication, encompassing not only spoken words but also the nuanced realms of gestures, body language, material objects, and the contexts in which these interactions occur. Her approach highlights the intricate and layered nature of human interactions, with a particular emphasis on the significance of non-verbal elements such as facial expressions and sensory experiences. This perspective offers readers a comprehensive and dynamic understanding of communication.
Finnegan’s writing style is both clear and inviting, effectively demystifying complex concepts for a broad audience. Her narrative is enriched by anecdotes and vivid descriptions, making the book as engaging as it is informative. From beginning to end, the text is infused with a depth of material and a keen analytical perspective, showcasing Finnegan’s scholarly acumen and intellectual diligence. Her reflective and inquisitive tone invites readers into a deep exploration of communication’s diverse dimensions. The book’s use of diverse examples, ranging from 20th-century England to 1960s Sierra Leone, underscores Finnegan’s commitment to examining communication across various cultural contexts. This approach, coupled with references to semiotic and structuralist theories, adds theoretical depth to her exploration.
Rather than diving into complex definitions from the outset, Finnegan opts for an experiential approach to communication. This strategy enhances the book’s accessibility and appeal, making it a compelling read for a wide audience. Communicating serves as a foundational text for those deeply interested in the expansive study of human communication. It caters to readers seeking a nuanced and reflective understanding of the term ‘communication’ and its multifaceted nature, especially in relation to broader social and cultural contexts.
Ruth Finnegan’s Communicating stands out as a comprehensive guide to understanding the diverse and complex facets of human communication. Her skillful blending of high-quality writing with in-depth discussion captures the functional value of communication in society, stimulating intellectual curiosity and providing valuable insights into the intricate interactions that define our social fabric.
Pages: 338 | ASIN : B0CKFNP7S1
Heartspoken
Elizabeth H. Cottrell wants to bring back the art of note writing. Through her book Heartspoken: How to Write Notes that Connect, Comfort, Encourage, and Inspire, the author takes us down memory lane, discussing note writing back in the day and how it compares to modern-day forms of communication. Elizabeth Cottrell writes with a special grace that gives her words warmth and shows her compassion. Readers will know that she writes from the heart and writes to leave an impact. Reading this book will give readers a feeling of nostalgia.
The author starts the book by describing to the reader the purpose of writing the book and also giving a little history of writing. Elizabeth notes down how writing came into being, how ancient folk communicated, and why communication was critical. I found delight in learning about the papyrus paper and how ground-breaking it was back then. One of Elizabeth Cottrell’s strengths is the ability to virtually take the reader back in time. While reading about ancient forms of communication and how writing was, the reader gets into the moment and experiences the author’s text as she expresses her thoughts.
The discussion gradually moves from the ancient communication use of parchment papers by Greeks to letter writing and note writing. I enjoyed this part the most as the author included bits of her years growing up and how valuable writing and receiving letters were. I like how passionate the author is when writing about this subject. One can feel her ties to note writing and its significance. Elizabeth Cottrell writes about how exciting it was to receive a note written by family and friends and also articulates how the culture is slowly but surely fading away. Reading this book will make me miss the simplicities of life before technology. The author is clear in her message and does not condemn modern forms of communication; rather, she compares and writes enthusiastically about note writing as a superpower even in Today’s world.
Elizabeth Cottrell shares some intimate moments in her life. The author writes about how notes make her feel and perfectly puts in words the authenticity message in notes feel, compared to those sent via electronic media. There is nothing wrong with sending messages via email or text messages. The major lesson drawn from this book is that as we embrace tech trends, we should not toss aside the beauty that comes with note writing. The author shares how you can fervently write notes and how the habit will help you cultivate new relationships and get you to bond and connect more with people close to you.
Heartspoken: How to Write Notes that Connect, Comfort, Encourage, and Inspire is an easy read which brings about lots of memories and also has lifelong lessons. Apart from learning about the weight of note writing, Elizabeth Cottrell also shares how you can use the art of note writing in your professional life. The author shares tips on how to improve your writing skills and how you can find your own voice through words. These guidelines are useful in your personal life and can help you run your business.
Pages: 218 | ASIN : B0B57PQ25Z
New You! Who Knew
New You- Who Knew, by David R Edwards, is a powerful self-help book that will inspire anyone who believes life can be better than the status quo. Often times people are too focused on the mundane life; they are not motivated to leave their comfort zone. Especially today, it is super easy to get entangled in worldly affairs; this book can be the North Star to guide us to a more enriching and fulfilling life.
Edwards’s work is well polished. Even though this is his first book, he has presented everything like a seasoned writer. He has logically planned everything. The chapters are simple with to-do lists, home takeaways, and previews. As a reader, you can read the book, work on the chapters and become thoroughly acquainted with the topic. You cannot go wrong with this book. As you read through the chapters and move forward, Edwards makes sure you understand the material and are able to produce high-quality work with simple language and detailed explanations. Even though I have read so many books in this category, what strikes me the most about this book is Edwards’s approach to writing. The style is straightforward, but it feels like you are sitting in class with your favorite professor. The information is presented in a manner that readers will feel they are actively involved in the learning process rather than just being lectured on how to do things.
New You- Who Knew is full of life learning skills that you can teach yourself with patience and practice. Each chapter has a worksheet – which encourages readers to test their knowledge and put into practice whatever they’ve learned. I find it quite adventurous and helpful. There is a lot of review of concepts to reinforce the ideas and put them into practice. This is because the concepts are interconnected, and the steps build on each other. This book offers concise chapters and is an inspiring read.
New You- Who Knew is an engaging book in the nonfiction and self-help genres. This educational book will inspire readers to improve the quality of their work, thus improving their own self-worth.
Pages: 319 | ASIN : B09Q9CFPKX
We Have Known Some Wild People
Roxanne Burkey & Charles Breakfield Author Interview
In The Enigma Rising R Group is hired to find a missing heiress. They must learn to work together to uncover intelligence in the underworld of cyber crime as they confront drug traffickers turned money launderers. This is a thrilling setup to a suspenseful novel. What was your inspiration for the setup to this book?
It’s not hard to be inspired when you have lived and loved throughout your life. We are fortunate to have a venue to crystallize those moments, with those people who have rotated through our lives, and make it a compelling story. We have known some wild people.
I found the novel to be a clever thriller story. How did you balance quick action with intelligent story telling to give the book a quick tempo?
Practice! We want to be known as great story tellers and so you must be able to “wordsmith” not only the dialog and the characters but the story line itself. We spent a lot of time polishing the dialog, the story, and the characters to get the proper flavor for our goal of a good techno-thriller. Our beta readers and editor helped challenge us to make a better product at every opportunity.
Again, there is a host of intriguing characters in this novel. What was your favorite character to write for this time around?
We really got into our “bad boy” characters Juan and Carlos. These are the Bad Boys, mom’s warn their daughters about. And as the phrase goes “their characters grew legs and took off”.
How do you see the Enigma series evolving in the future?
Actually we have built a character universe of over 150 characters for use throughout the series. By the time the reader hits the 9th book (just getting ready to release) you will be able to answer that question for yourself. But as a comment to be a teaser, readers can expect the series to have different theme’s per book that include, identity theft and dark net (#1), high tech battlefield communications using nano-technology & Drones (#3), a virulent Ghost Code launched by two nefarious types code named Mephisto and Callisto (#4), predicting the future using supercomputers linked together (#5), genetic engineering of humans to live 1,000 years (#6), gamification and smart cities being held hostage (first CATS book) (#7), world commodity manipulations to crush corporations and countries (#8), and a team of analog information mules that drive shady corporate profits across the Dark Net (2nd CATS books (#9). We don’t think you’ll be disappointed in these grown up stories.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
The R-Group is the single most advanced information-gathering organization on the planet, providing services to the intelligence community on a contract basis. Their cutting-edge application of technology keeps their ability to gather, analyze, and use information well ahead of most major governments.
Carlos and Juan are entrepreneurs, although even the most generous observer would question the legality of their business model. The two brothers have discovered a way to covertly access satellite communications. Mostly, they’re putting their skills to work relocating drug lords targeted by the authorities, along with their cash, gold, artwork, and other assets—for a modest fee, of course.
When a valued private client hires the R-Group to track down a missing heiress, chance circumstance brings the technology leaders into contact with Carlos and Juan’s fly-by-night operation. The two brothers have skills the R-Group can use, so they offer them a chance to go legit. Presuming, of course, the brothers can rein in their contempt for societal rules.
A sequel to Breakfield and Burkey’s The Enigma Factor, The Enigma Rising continues their exploration of the high-stakes and high-tech world of information brokering as an engaging thriller of lost and found, loving and growing, and despicable greed.
LITERARY TITAN 