Did you know that this newslog was originally created because I didn't have a blog? Well, now I have three of'em! Notes from Nadir is where you can read my most of the book in its first draft form. But I have eliminated the ending so it's recommended you buy the ebook to read Notes from Nadir in its entirety. Leaving Nadir is a work in progress and there will be excerpts included in the future. The ebook is scheduled for a summer release. I also have that Everything Shea Creates blog...

Squirrels in the Hood can be found at Amazon Kindle [it'll look awesome on your app or your new Kindle Fire!] and B&N NOOK. Make sure you check out the book trailer! It can also be found at Smashwords where you can read it in many different formats!

HOLLYWOOD OFFICE TEMP is written in an engaging diary format. We are shown the excesses of the 1990's as a bookstore clerk from Ohio tries to become a screenwriter in Hollywood.

I'm over here at LibraryThing and at AuthorsDen!

NEW! SATAN'S CASTING CALL is a 9,100 word novelette. Duncan Smith-Holmes is a struggling young actor who is in desperate need of a paying gig or he has to leave Hollywood. But a bizarre casting call and an opportunity to land a major role in a high budget movie is something he can't pass up -- no matter what the consequences. ONLY $0.99!
"a microcosm of hollywood as a swift kick to..... your right kidney... really fun short as i'm a fan of la and sf stories. i see it as a washed out color short... 17 minutes tops... lol... seriously, fun read...." P.D. Durie

NUTS ABOUT SHEA BUTTER has been reviewed here!

THE JOY OF MELT AND POUR SOAP CRAFTING is here! Just in time for those wanting to make some fun and unique Christmas presents! Read a review by Rebecca of Rebecca's Soap Deli News, Ewa Kelly of Blueberry Craft and Hobby Time and soapmaker Patrice of The Soap Seduction. And, if you'd like to try a recipe or two right from the book, check out this fun and fabulous website, Cut Out + Keep! Check out Shala Kerrigan of Don't Eat the Paste's review here! Kat of Your Organic Child has kindly posted a review and a Baby Soap recipe! Kime' of the blog Adventures of the Domesticated Mama wrote: "If you are looking into getting into soap making this is a must read. It's great book with tons of information. She even tells you about mistakes you don't want to make!" Leila of The Go To Mommy writes: "I was a little worried when I opened the e-book and saw that it was 134 pages! My initial thoughts were what do I need to know about soap crafting in 134 pages!? Boy, was there a lot to know and learn!" Laura of Between the Lines: " I read the book, and honestly, learned quite a lot - especially since I didn't really know much about this topic to begin with. Making your own soap is a lot easier than one might think! Lisa's book gives incredible step-by-step instructions on how to create your own soap, and goes into great detail about why you should create your own soap, information on fragrances and essential oils, reputable soap suppliers, and even crafts for kids of various ages."

My new Books and Fiction pages have listings of all my current fiction and non-fiction titles. Finally, the Animals & Pets page has been updated! If you have a squirrel, dog or cat-related site and you want to exchange links, please let me know.

The Narcissist Chronicles is here and you get TWO books for only $4.99! Read an interview!

Notes from Nadir has been reformatted! Read some REVIEWS!

1ST AUTHOR INTERVIEWS is a website that is designed to showcase all genres of books and all types of authors. The motto is FOR AUTHORS SEEKING AN AUDIENCE. If you have a book that you want to be interviewed about, just click on the logo for 1st Author Interviews. You can read my interview here. And my Premium interviews about Hollywood Office Temp and The Narcissist Chronicles!

PARANORMAL TEACHINGS: THE BEST OF SHEDDING SOME LIGHT is for those of you who really like metaphysical musings. No, I didn't write it, only did some editing on this fascinating ebook.

OCTOBER 10, 2011 UPDATE! Scroll down a bit to the PublishAmerica -- More Problems section. You can read about some former and current author's experiences with the notorious scam publisher.

There's a Published Articles page which features a list of my articles. The September 2009 issue of Long Island Woman had "The Beauty of Olive Oil" on page 24. You can read the article right here.

Naturally I've been reading a lot and have read Cormac McCarthy's "The Road." Just happened to get a copy of it at a book sale and can recommend it for those of you who like post-apocalyptic tomes. The bleakness of the landscape, the constant cold, the biting winds, the burnt foliage...makes you appreciate how things are now. At least we can see the sun and hear the sounds of animals, unlike the world that McCarthy created with no animals and a level of survivial of the fittest that's unappealing to put it mildly. Saw the movie back in January and it's similar to the book and captures the devastation in a very visual manner. I don't think the book is "better" as it's a different media. The movie gets the essence of the book and that's important. I encourage people to read "The Road" and then watch the film. Ultimately, you'll have your own opinion.

Over at Amazon some books were recommended for those who like post-apocalyptic fiction. Guess I'm a fan 'cause I found a copy of "Wastelands: Stories of the Apocalypse" which is edited by John Jose. Quite a list of authors: Stephen King, Octavia Butler, Orson Scott Card, George R.R. Martin, Catherine Wells, and many more talented writers.I've also completed The Hunger Games series. Reading book 3, Mockingjay, during the recent Libyan rebels were ransacking Qaddafi's palace were rather timely..

I reviewed Talli Roland's WATCHING WILLOW WATTS! Here's the US Kindle link! And the UK Kindle link!

Reading and perusing lots of other titles, like the unabashed booklover and author Larry McMurtry's Roads which is about driving America's Great Highways. Also reread Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America" by Barbara Ehrenreich. UNDER THE DOME by Stephen King kept me going for days and days and nights as I rationed the read between revisions of my own tome and my short stories. The best thing about being a reader is that I never know what'll catch my attention and interest.

Read more non-fiction on my Published Articles and Buddhism pages.

 

In 2008 I ended up reading all the books in the Sookie Stackhouse series by Charlaine Harris. I've just finished reading #11 and I liked it. Also read the Lily Bard [Shakespeare] series and I'm trying to find all the Aurora Teagarden mysteries. I've never read so many mysteries in my life! I have three seasons on DVD, watching every episode more than once and playing the commentaries. Just started watching season 4 and sure like seeing the adventures of those vampires, werewolves and other supernatural people in Bon Temps [which means GOOD TIMES].

Designing bath & body products was something I did for years and soon I'll be putting those recipes together into a book. No idea about a title, but I will be including some formulations that will be useful for those of you who don't want to do a lot of work. Monoi de Tahiti: Spa in a Bottle and Nuts About Shea Butter are for those who want to learn more about this healthful ingredients. Everything Shea Creates Guide to: Melt and Pour Soap Crafting will be released on November 15th. It'll contain lots of photos, many never seen before!

PUBLISHAMERICA -- MORE PROBLEMS! UPDATED OCTOBER 2011

The emails still roll in for some reason--must be the Google page rankings or people are researching PublishAmerica. Authors should always research their prospective publishers. They should check out any publisher BEFORE sending them your manuscript. Before you ask me any questions about PublishAmerica, please check out this very helpful site.

Here are recent emails that I've received. Keep in mind that PublishAmerica has been mentioned as a scamming vanity publisher since 2004. Back in 2003, when I first signed with them, there was no information online about them being scammers. Yes, I did preliminary research. Sadly, many potential authors DON'T DO THEIR RESEARCH and for that they get duped by P.A. Authors, you spent time writing your book, spend time seeking a reputable publishing company and/or agent. Here is a list.

"I am just another of many authors treated wrongly by Publish America.  At least I have not lost any money, except for lost potential income.  I wish I had found your site before submitting my novel to this rip-off company.  I should have researched better so as not to fall prey to a scam artist that puts an unmarketable price on novels and takes forever to ship them out." J.D.

"I am one of those poor ignorant souls that went with Publish America. I have yet to receive a royalty check and I know I have sold books because my in-laws and a few friends have bought them. I do believe this constitutes a breach of contract but don't know exactly how to go about pursuing it. Can you help me?" D. F. D.

Yes, stop ALL promotion online and offline. Contact them via snail mail [registered letter] and tell them that all promotion is stopping and you want your book's rights back. That may or may not work. It did for me, but that was back in 2005. I always suggest going to this site as they have numerous threads on P.A. including what professional writers have to say, a contract analyses, and lots more.

"How do I cancel my contract before the seven year mark? I am unfortunately one who signed the death of my book, but I need to get out of it and hopefully gather up the pieces to put it back together. I don't want my name or book associated with this company and all of my emails to it are discarded or met with irritable disregard. Please help." M.D.

"I read your review on Publish America and found it to be quite interesting.  I have a manuscript in front of them and they have agreed to publish it.  I am interested in hearing more about them as well as other publishing companies that I should seek out." S.E.D.

"I have just been on the Internet and have read some very upsetting things about PublishAmerica.  I have signed a contract with them.  They have a hard copy of my manuscript but not an electronic copy.  They said I had 14 days to send in my manuscript.  What should I do? I appreciate any advice you might have on this issue." S.B.

"I ran across your site and all that I found should have made my jaw drop.  Sadly, it didn't.  For a while now, I have been in a tailspin with anger, worry, and depression.  Yesterday removed all that.  The lady at PA informed me that self-promotion was mine to do.  I was very quiet and politely the pertinent questions.  Since then, I will be planning my attack.  On top of that, myself and dedicatee of my novel are working together to get the word out - she knows so many more people than I do.  Once I have the few copies of my own book, there will be a blitz campaign here in XXXX.  On top of that is the search for an agent.  If PA will not move off its lazy behind (and they probably won't), I will make things happen.  This novel will die in oblivion, Lisa.  One of my more popular user names is XXXXXXX and I will live up to the reputation.  I did wish to tell you thanks.  Your site and a few others I saw were cogent and clear.
The beginning of my attack is still unclear and in its infancy." B.B.

"Is there any way to fight back? I placed an order for my book copies in February and still don't have them. The order was lost or ?? They have been paid, but I have no books. No one will answer me via e-mail. I even sent a snail mail letter and still no answer." B.C. 

B.C.'s email was sent to me on June 23, 2010.

"I am an author who used the services of Publishamerica LLP and they are now saying that my book, XXXXXXXXX  hasn't sold one copy when I know that it has sold many copies.  How can I get them to pay me the royalites that are truly owed to me? If you can help me then please let me know! Thank you!" P.R.P.

"Hi Lisa hope you are well?.I am a publishamerica author,and like many many others I dreamed I had won the lottery the day they published my two books.Infact lisa I had another four books published in Ontario before them,and all were remaindered by the publisher,so I should really have known better I suppose?.In 2007 they published both my books and I was delighted to say the least,but since that date I have received nothing,not one cent from royalties.They never marketed my books in the auk so nobody has heard of them,and no sale has ever happened,plus they never sold them anywhere else in the world.They did publish them though so at least I had books published,but after that they never  
For all my hard work and some six books later,at the age of seventy three I am still writing but not submitting anymore because of the scams in publishing. Thank you for reading this" R.J.B., Author uk

"I just now saw your article about PublishAmerica. They published a children's book for me about two years ago. LIn September of 2009 I ordered seven of my books that were on sale for a total price of $97.00. I know they got the money because it was taken out of my checking account. I have contacted them by phone, e-mail and even got the BBB of Maryland on them but nothing has happened and now they have taken the book from the onLine Book Store.
They are a horrible Company and should not be allowed to continue with their everyday scams." P.E.B.

"Hi  Lisa,  My name is J.C.  I have a cousin (D.K.) who is a published author from Publish America.  She too was taken advantage of from this company.  She has not received royalties and with all she has been through I feel horrible.  Here is a link to her book and the warning. I will also place a link to her myspace.  Perhaps you two could talk and share experiences.  I think this needs to be looked at closely to prevent others from being used like this." J.C.

"Thanks so much for your info on Publish America. I had printed their submission guideline. But I always check out publisher’s writers, illustrators and books. Something seemed unprofessional when I checked into them and I got an uneasy feeling. I googled PA and looked for anything about scams and boom, there it was. So many complaints, amongst them yours. So thank you so much. You have saved me a great deal of heart-ache. I have already submitted my children’s picture book manuscript  to agents, but I’m also looking to submit to publishing companies that accept unsolicited manuscripts, as well. I worked with an editor for the manuscript and hope it will be accepted for publication. It’s only been a few weeks. Wish me luck." L.A.

"Lisa, I read your blog about PublishAmerica. I wanted to thank you.
The best next question for someone like me is, where is a good place to get published?
I thought PA was the bomb, but now I realize that they are not. Any suggestion?" B.N.

"Dear Lisa, My name is L.E. and I am another author that has been duped. I signed a contract with publishamerica for my story "XXXXX". I have been trying to get ahold of them for over a year. It wasn't until recently that I have discovered the truth. but now I have a second and third book ready to go and I don't want to go back to them. can you tell me what i can do? please contact me if you can." L.E.

"I am yet, another author that Publish America has taken advantage of. However, I do believe in fighting back. I have pressed charges against their company with the U. S. Attorney General's office. I would really appreciate your help in rounding up everyone that was published by Publish America but did not receive payment for royalties, owed. or, if they havereceived any documents from Publish America that make false claims regarding said, royalties." W.K.H.

"Have there been any complaints against Publish America in recent years? I see most complaints were from 2005 to 2007. They want to publish my book but I am so skeptical due to all the complaints I've seen on the Internet. It appears the complaints are old so I want to know if they improved their service since that time. Can you tell me what you know about Publish America?" S.W.

"I am an author of a fictional book "XXXXX" that I trusted Publish America to publish for me.  They first sent it back and asked me to edit it before they could publish. I did this and somehow they got a copy that still had the some of the editor's notes in it.  They sent me a copy to proof read that wasn't correct .  I read it and returned it with a corrected copy and a request that they use the copy that I sent proof read by me.  I guess their editing department had not even seen the book.  They returned email to  me saying that it was too late and that they planned to publish the copy with the editor's notes still in it.  I returned and instructed them that no one could make money if the publish a book like that. I also told them that I would do all I could to stop them from not do me right after I had worked so hard on this book.  I haven't seen the final version as of yet but think they plan to do me wrong. Can you help me with this problem?" G.L.

"I sent in a children's book (title) to Publish America and signed the contract. I did have a person who knows about contracts look it over and they said it looked on the up and up. I ordered many books and resold them, then I sent in a book of poems (title) they emailed me a contract. Every day I would get emails from them, if you buy 10 books we will send 5 to Oprah, or if you buy 20 books we will give 20 to your employer, ect. Now suddenly nothing, which is fine, but how do I get my book of poems back? I had heard this was a scam but didn't believe it until now." H.R.

"I had a very dear friend who lost everything behind PublishAmerica. I know nothing about the publishing business but I knew they were going to rip him off when they told him he had a best seller on his hand. The book was very, very sad. My friend stopped talking to me because he his editor at PublisherAmerica told him stay away from negative people like me. In 4 year he has sold 0 books." I.M.

"Hi is there a petition for this if so where do I sign lmao. I was recently published by them and had to buy my own books. I also was told I would receive a check in august and still nothing. When I received my book there were so many errors and errors that were not on there when I submitted it. Please tell me is there something or somewhere to complain." T.N.

"Hi,my name is J. and I just read your article on how Publishamerica is pretty much a scam for authors.Well,I have a book published by them and being a lover of writing,am distrought by all the bad reviews I heard about this company and to think my hard work that I want my husband and family to read will never be in libraries or schools.I have a contract with them but since i'm new to this business stuff,I wouldn't know how to get out of it." J.R.

OCTOBER 2011 ~ NEWEST COMPLAINTS!

"In 2006 I had my first book published by publish america and only recieved one royality check. B. G. also said that he hasn't recieved his royalites for 7 years. There are also 1800 other people that I found online who have various complaints about publish america scams thanks" S.W.

"I sent my manuscript to Publish America and did sign the contract that sounded terrible. I have never received even a copy of the book upon request. Yesterday they sent me an email that shows $0 royalties. How can their be royalties when they never published the book? There is no way to contact them." J.M.

Those are just a few of the letters I have received and there are more. There will always be more -- until authors wise up and research publishers and publishing options.

That's all for now. Will keep you updated with more newslog ramblings!

All titles are also available on B&N NOOKbooks and Smashwords. The covers below are linked to the Amazon Kindle versions.