Brummet's Conscious Blog

-- Review for Purple Snowflake Marketing -- I am currently working on the manuscript for the revised and updated version of our book, Purple Snowflake Marketing. This new edition is due to be released in Feb 2009. Today, I had the unexpected honor of being sent this amazing review of the original edition of the book (currently available as an e-book): "I bought the Brummet's book "Purple Snowflake Marketing - How to Make Your Book Stand Out in a Crowd" along with three other so-called marketing books. This book is by far the best book on marketing. It is concisely written for the amateur as well as the professional. As a person who made a living writing corporate publicity for some of the world's largest companies, I thought I would not glean much in the way of useful and realistic information from a marketing book. I was wrong! The Brummet's book is a stand-out on the crowded shelf of how-to books about marketing. " ~ Elizabeth Eagan-Cox, author of th...

-- Quote of the Day -- “Don’t waste life in doubts and fears; spend yourself on the work before you, well assured that the right performance of this hour’s duties will be the best preparation for the hours and ages that will follow it.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson -- Conscious Discussions -- Former chemist and body builder joined us today on the Conscious Discussions talk radio show. We discovered how chronic illness does not just affect the patient, but everyone around them. Chris Tatevosian joins us to share his personal journey with Multiple Sclerosis – which you’ll hear us referring to as MS during today’s interview – and we’ll discover the amazing u-turn his life took when he discovered the wonderful legacy; his first book: Life Interrupted. * We had a sound issue at minute 46.46-47.40 - you'll want to mute your speakers for this one minute time period where we dealt with the feedback issue. I will contact the BTR station staff in hopes that they will find the time to edit that o...

-- Announcement -- Wow! I am thrilled to announce that our book Trash Talk has been reviewed by a teen-run book review site: Review A Book 123 The review was very organized and the evaluation of the book from a young persons point of view was a fantastic experience for us. I was concerned that the book, being about the 4-R's of waste management, gardening and water/energy conservation, may not appeal to this age group - however this review put that concern to rest. Amanda's (reviewer) closing statement " Overall, I did enjoy this book. It taught me a lot of interesting facts and ideas about the environment and helping it. There was enough of everything to keep the reader interested, and not make them bored with a book like this. I loved it! " was everything I needed to hear :) Click on the hyper-linked site name above or go to: http://reviewabook123.blogspot.com -- Authors Read radio show -- Travel writer, photographer & novelist, Linda Ballou read from the book ...

-- Quote of the Day -- “One disposal diaper takes 500 years to biodegrade… just in America alone 50 million diapers go into the landfill per year. …(G-diapers) use about 1/20th the water that cloth does. Diapers right now are the third largest contributors in America, which is ridiculous when it is from only 5% of the population…” ~ Kim Graham-Nye 1/30/08 I thought it would be appropriate to close December with quotes like the one I just shared with you - in hopes of encouraging a new mindset for the New Year. Each and every item that we buy, every single action we choose to make - has an impact and it is up to us what that impact will be. So you can expect several more of quotes along this genre over the next few days here on this blog :) We have interviewed numerous businesses, like G-Diapers (Jan 30, 2008), that provide inspiration to us all by showing us how one person saw a need for positive change and created a sustainable, viable business. Endeavors like these stimulate the econ...

-- Quote of the Day -- “…Writing, for me, is a very special very intimate form of communication with other people. Through writing I get to go inside a place, deep inside myself and also deep inside another person. …So that it is part of what I love about writing, but for the process of writing …you know when I was quite young my father, a writer himself, said to me ‘writing is rewriting’. …I rarely put a sentence down on a page that I am satisfied with the way it is. …If you were to judge my writing on what I wrote in a first draft I don’t think that I would be considered all that great of a writer. But the talent that I do have is to somehow intuitively know what is wrong with it and what it needs to make it better.” ~ Queenelle Minet 10/7/08 This interview with Queenelle Minet aired on Oct 7, 2008 on the Conscious Discussions talk radio show. During this interview we discussed how authors can live a life of passion through their writing. Queenelle's passions evolve around env...

-- Quote of the Day -- “Never underestimate the impact of single individuals, working sincerely to create health, understanding and peace in their own lives. For every step we take to establish genuinely healthy food choices is a step into our own wholeness, into the power to create healthy lives for ourselves, and to contribute to the health and well being of others.” ~ John Robbins – Diet for a New World -- Purple Snowflake Marketing -- I would like to celebrate the fact that our book, Purple Snowflake Marketing , has been included on yet another recommended reading list! We are so excited about this – since this is the 10th writer’s course to do so since the book’s release in 2007. Sally shields, host of the Become an Amazon.com Bestseller! writer's education course, speaker and radio personality, is the latest educator to add Purple Snowflake to her list of recommended reading. In this course, Sally will teach you zero-cost Internet strategies to gain massive results in just 5 ...

-- Purple Snowflake Marketing -- I would like to celebrate the fact that our book, Purple Snowflake Marketing, has been included on yet another recommended reading list! We are so excited about this – since this is the 10th writer’s course to do so since the book’s release in 2007. (*Currently Purple Snowflake is on the recommended by: Writing to Publication Courses at the Southwestern Oregon Community College; South Coast Writer's Conference course "Noveling"; From Brainstorm to Book and Beyond Writing Courses - www.ancientmirrors.com; LP Word Solutions - www.lpwordsolutions.com; The Inkslinger - www.theinkslinger.net; L.S.S. Writing School - www.LssWritingSchool.com; Write Your Best Services -www.writeyourbest.com) Become an Amazon.com Bestseller! is the latest course to add Purple Snowflake to their list of recommended reading. Bestselling author Sally Shields is the host of this course; she is also a speaker and radio personality. She will teach you zero-cost Interne...

-- Announcement -- Dave & Lillian's book Trash Talk (reuse/environment & saving money) is being reviewed by a wonderful youth-run book review site. This is a new & exciting experience for the Brummets to have their work evaluated by the youth. An interview with the Lillian was recently posted; the book review article will follow soon. To Find Amanda's wonderful review site & the book review article on Trash Talk visit: http://reviewabook123.blogspot.com -- Conscious Discussions Talk Radio Show -- Our guest of the day on the Conscious Discussions talk radio show was Mark Tewart, a professional speaker, consultant and author of How to be a Sales Superstar. Our discussion covered dealing with sales, people and marketing in an ethical, responsible and effective manner. As a business owner, employee or anyone involved in the world of writing – you know the importance of marketing yourself effectively and with a strong message. Mark will show us how to explode sales...

-- Quote of the Day -- “Peace is not a goal to be reached but a way of life to be lived” ~ Desmond Tutu -- Celebrating Heroes on the Planet -- I’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate Sweden, Finland, Norway & Switzerland on their fantastic ratings on their management of resources, waste & the environment. Japan & Belgium are other top performers in this regard. Canada, though ranking high in air quality, wilderness & forest management, fell short on waste, emission contributions & resource management. Some of this is due to the mountain pine beetle, which has plagued our region lately & is devastating huge portions of the forests on crown land within BC. So we have a lot to do & a short time to do it in. The encouraging thing is that there are several other countries who have tried out a variety of programs & with this knowledge of their successes & failures, we can develop a highly refined management plan that suits our country & it’s ...

-- More on Bio-fuels -- A few days ago I had put together a piece on bio-fuels. Recently, I learned some new information that you might find interesting. According to Global News (TV) there is a new BioMass Gasifier in place in the south western area of BC (Canada) that reuses waste from construction & mills - i.e. bark & sawdust - & creates several sources of energy through heat recovery equipment & hot water steam. This "green" energy source provides residents with energy to power their homes & offices at 1/3 of the cost of Natural Gas - which is getting expensive. The emisssions saved through this new biomass gasifier plant equates to 3,000 car's emissions per year. -- Holiday Relationship Tips -- The holidays can bring stress & relationship issues to the forefront. Earlier on Conscious Discussions, we had an interview with Sally Shields who has written a very insightful book on getting along with the in-laws. Here's one of my favorite quote...

-- Conscious Discussions Radio -- Dorothy Conlon was born in Japan and has lived a life of travel and adventure. After college, she shared a career with her Foreign Service husband Ned, which led them to live in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Indonesia, India and Pakistan for thirty years. Widowed in 1989, Dorothy embarked on her own journeys, teaching, volunteering and exploring around the world. Today's interview focused on Dorothy's experiences with Volunteer Adventure travel: what is it?, how do we participate in it?, or find resources that will lead to new opportunities? Learn what kind of commitment one might be looking at, as well as training, health, culture and safety issues involved in Volunteer Adventure Traveling. To access this archived hour-long interview click on the hyper-linked Conscious Discussions show title here in the blog or click on the link located on the right side of this blog... you can also click on the image below - any of these will get you there. ...

-- Eco-Event -- I was sent the following information through the Zero Waste San Diego group, of which I am a member: The City of Encinitas (California, USA) has partnered with the Solana Center for Environmental Innovation in giving away one free reusable bag per household (must be Encinitas resident). Support the cause by using only reusable bags on Dec 18th at the locations listed below: www.cityofencinitas.org/nobagday Giveaway locations: Encinitas City Hall 505 Vulcan Avenue 10am - 6pm Albertsons 134 N. El Camino Real Encinitas 4pm - 6pm Ralphs 125 N. El Camino Real Encinitas 4pm - 6pm Vons 262 N El Camino Real, Encinitas 4pm -6pm -- Quote of the Day -- “Solana Center has 2 main programs… I’m the manager of the composting program, but there is also a pollution prevention program. …For example that program will set up recycling programs for schools and multi family complexes …doing waste audits and then setting up the programs… and the education around that. That program also hosts ...

Whew! What a crazy time of year this is... schedules are overloaded and time is limited :) Today is no exception. Starting at 10 AM (Pacific) this morning I will be interviewing Steve Mayfield on the concept of seeing Downsizing as an opportunity for Rebirth rather than being the "end". This hour long interview will be archived in case you cannot make the live airing this morning, simply go to the Conscious Discussions website and the latest show will play automatically for you. The link for the show is located on the right side of this blog... * alternatively, click on the hyper-linked show title here in today's post - either of these will get you there. :) Then at 12:30 PM (Pacific) I will be the featured guest on the Free 2 Live 2 radio show. Host Trevor Carter and I will continue our discussion on the business side of the world of writing. Join us in Part 2 of " Help I am a Writer; Need to Get My Book Seen " blogtalkradio.com/free2live2 Later on this a...

-- Authors Read Radio -- Dr. Nancy Irwin graduated from the Hypnosis Motivation Institute with honors and the Director's Award. In addition to earning a doctorate in psychology, Nancy also has a master of music degree in Opera Performance. Her background as an opera singer, keynote speaker and stand-up comedian adds heart and humor to her healing. Today, Nancy shares an excerpt from her book - You Turn - on the Authors Read radio show. Find Dave & Lillian Brummet, excerpts from their books, information about their radio shows & free resources & articles at www.brummet.ca

-- Bio Fuel: What is that? -- The term Bio-fuel encompasses many variants of plant-based oils and alcohols that can be used as alternative fuel. While alternative fuel sources like these are certainly greener than traditional fuels, there is already strain on the global food production and that raises concerns. Other sources come from a "waste" product like bio-solids (human/animal manure), methane collected from landfills and composting facilities or used deep fryer oils. Because this is relatively a new technology with many different branches being explored, I’ve asked one of our more knowledgeable friends, Don Noble, to clarify the various terms that people in the industry use when referring to bio-fuels. “It's generally referred to as "cellulosic ethanol" production (meaning ethanol made from cellulose). However, cellulose can be turned into all forms of energy depending on how you transform it. Anaerobic (without oxygen) digestion generally converts it to...

-- Conscious Discussions Radio-- Today's guest on the Conscious Discussions talk radio show was Nancy Fulton - writer, director and producer for NO BETTER FRIEND. With more than twenty years experience as a professional writer, publisher and filmmaker she has managed many teams of creative professionals facing hard deadlines, and has repeatedly demonstrated the technical and creative skills required to deliver projects on time and under budget. In December 2005, Nancy released the grass roots documentary BACK FROM IRAQ: The US Soldier Speaks, and three related one hour documentaries about soldiers. Those products are now available through Amazon. Her previous experience involved working with major publications & writing companies. The discussion today evolved around the transition from writing to film. We learned about the keys to a good film (know the story and the focus, know the audience, packaging) and looking at contracts for limited theatrical release or DVD distributors...

-- Quote of the Day -- “…We would not be alive today without our volunteers. We have about 500 volunteers… putting in almost 18,000 hours of work into the marsh… so we are basically double our staff components; they do everything around here from maintenance, to education programs to stuffing envelopes… we have a wide range of volunteers, even someone that just comes and cleans. …We need help, and we will train you – but most of the work is grunt work.” ~ Laurie Shutt 07/27/08 The power of the individual to create a healthy, sustainable and conscious community is limitless. Volunteers are the strength of our nation and are behind every rally, every fundraiser, every school event, every community event, sport event... they are everywhere. You will find them in museums, schools, libraries, senior centers, women's centers and virtually anywhere really. There are others, as well, who "volunteer" behind the scenes with small supportive actions here & there in their daily ...

-- Conscious Discussions Talk Radio -- Victoria DePaul’s new book, “Creating the Intrapreneur: The Search for Leadership Excellence,” reveals how individuals, families and organizations are human energy systems where the basic unit of power is the person. Negative or positive energy in the system begins with the individual and determines productivity. The “intrapreneurial” mindset – individuals who do not just think outside the box, but busts loose from the box – is created when positive energy can create positive action and eventually positive results, critical to success. DePaul is an expert in the study of psycanics – the study of the soul – and has been a human resources manager for more than two decades. Find today's interview by clicking on the hyper-linked Conscious Discussions show title here in the blog, click on the link for the show on the right of this screen or click on the image below - any of these will get you there :) -- Eco-Events -- *Dec 10 - Bremen Germany Wa...

-- Quote of the Day -- “Every problem can be solved with the proper application of the means at hand. Maybe not easily, happily, cheaply or painlessly – but it can be done if you have the will; you already have the means – yourself!” ~ Joanne Siewert -- Authors Read -- Today's guest was Cindy Tuttle reading an excerpt from Joyful Surrender. To access this author's reading simply click on the link for the Authors Read radio show on the right-hand side of this blog site. -- Green Holidays ! -- Craft: Christmas ornaments Create tiny boxes of any size - These can be made from Styrofoam packaging materials, tiny blocks of wood, created from old cereal boxes... those small raisin snack boxes for children and match stick boxes work perfectly for this due to their handy size. Glue on wrapping paper and decorate with glitter, trim, tiny bows or anything that strikes your fancy. Then glue on a loop of ribbon or an ornament hook on to the back of the ornament. Hooks are available at most...

-- Quote of the Day -- “…I just love people and I always feel the awe and majesty of the psyche to bring order out of chaos. …There is an actual ordering principle in the mind, just like in the body when you cut yourself and the body immediately moves to heal the wound – and the same thing is happening in the mind. …I just wanted to know more about that. I focused on family… and then couples – I saw that we had not really taught 3 important things in our culture. …How to get along with the person we are going to live with the rest of our life, how to raise children so that they are motivated and with good self esteem, and how to deal with stress and anger. And those three areas are part of what I consider the ‘civil’ part of ‘civilization’. …The whole concept of peace and war begins in our personal world – in our mind – and under our roof!” ~ Maria Andrade 10/21/08 The quote that I've shared with you today is so very powerful - when you think about it we teach our children ma...

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-- Quote of the Day -- “Do something for somebody every day for which you do not get paid.” ~ Albert Schwitzer -- Eco-news -- In Winnipeg, Canada – a 4 megawatt facility is running of zoo and farm waste supplying a huge amount of energy to the community, reducing waste and global warming contributions. Cost recovery for a facility like this is estimated to be around 5 years. -- Authors Read -- Wim Coleman is an award-winning playwright and poet. When he moved to Los Angeles in 1986, he met his future wife, Pat Perrin. They soon began writing as a team, exploring such themes such as creativity, science, history, mythology, storytelling, personal and social transformation, and the evolution of human consciousness. They have collaborated on at least 65 published books, some of which have appeared in many languages and genres including essays, articles, novels, books for young readers. Their most recent novel – the one we will hear the authors read from today - is Anna’s World. You might...

Wow - We've had a lot of wonderful awards and recognitions this year! "In appreciation for the work you do, I am donating a case of books in your name to: www.open-books.org" ~ author, Carol Denbow - www.authorsbox.com (Nov 16, 2008) A sincere note of appreciation to Carol Denbow for this incredible gift of acknowledgment of our 2 radio shows and our support for literacy. Carol - you are indeed a wonderful person ;) " As the holidays near, Brighter Planet is getting into the spirit of giving. Yesterday we launched the One Day campaign. We're donating a day's worth of our premium offsets to those willing to conserve during the holidays. Because of your past help with our 350 Challenge, 136 pounds of offsets have been donated in your name by Seamus Abshere. " ~ Adam Rubin, CT0 of the Brighter Planet Organization (Dec 4, 2008) - www.brighterplanet.com The email earlier today from Adam telling us about this gift was so unexpected - we sincerely appreciat...

-- Holiday Activities Involving Reuse -- Save all of the cards you receive on awareness days, holidays, birthdays, valentines days and get well cards; the ones you receive, the ones you've made an error in and don't want to send ... they are all useful. Gather the family around your table and get them to make puzzles or fridge magnets for their young friends, class mates or loved ones. These can also make wonderful projects to create gifts for senior's centers, women's centers, children's centers or classes and to support centers for the poor. First - sort the cards into themes and then sort them from large to small in size. Puzzles are easily created by gluing 2 cards together so that there is a picture on either side. place the cards under a weight like a large book to make sure the 2 cards have a good solid seal. Once the glue has cured, cut the cards into puzzle pieces of a variety of shapes and sizes. To make fridge magnets simply choose interesting images, ...

-- Quote of the Day -- “ …I looked into smaller publishers and I went to a site called Predators and Editors …where I found all the ones that publish mysteries …and I got positive responses from 3 of them. …I learned a lot, especially in the editing process – you know especially what mistakes to avoid. …I always think that e-books are just wonderful because they bypass all the carbon footprint – you know, they just go from computer to computer without any waste involved. …Print-on-demand, I feel, really eliminates a whole lot of waste when you look at the traditional model of printing … where they have an original print run 10,000 copies and if the books don’t sell, which a lot of them don’t then 6000 get sent back to the warehouse where they try to sell them through books-a-million and then half-price and eventually they end up in the landfill – and each time there is a truck to drive them there, so the waste and the pollution is huge… Where as Print-on-demand - everyone who wants a ...

Dec 2 – Together We Can Change The World Day An amazing day of awareness - each and every single person has a value; a real and measurable impact on the world happens with each action we take on a daily basis. This is what Dave and I focus on in all of our work; our blog, newsletter, 3 books & 2 radio shows... they are all about focusing on inspiring change by showing people they do have value, they can make a difference. Today, Dec 3 – International Day of Disabled Persons I want to really embrace this day of awareness here on our blog. Incidentally we are currently setting up a date for an interview with an amazing organization that works with "waste" to create valuable, reusable products while creating jobs for disabled and mentally challenged individuals. Until we solidify all the arrangements with the director of this organization regarding this interview on Conscious Discussions , I'd like to pass on their site to you today: www.renovos.com Find Dave & Lill...

-- Conscious Discussions Radio -- Stephen Edwards was our featured guest of the day - Edwards holds a doctorate in spiritual counseling from the University of Metaphysics. He is the founder of Stephen Edwards Enterprises, which focuses on helping people recognize the ideas and beliefs systems that are preventing them from expressing who they really are and experiencing a miraculous life. He has been a guest speaker to more than 2,000 companies and to audiences exceeding 5,000 across the country. Stephen has also recently released a book entitled: “Communion-cating”. Our discussion today on the Conscious Discussions talk radio show revolved around his experiences with using writing & music in counseling, his life as a writer & some of the behind the scenes activities involved in being a guest speaker. To access the archived interview simply click on the hyper-linked show title here in the blog or look to the right of this page to find a link for the Conscious Discussions talk ...

"The 1st of December, World AIDS Day, is the day when individuals and organisations from around the world come together to bring attention to the global AIDS epidemic. 2008 marks the 20th anniversary of World AIDS Day." - www.worldaidscampaign.org "World AIDS Day is an opportunity to be inspired to respect and protect the health and wellbeing of ourselves and those around us through knowledge, action and consideration. " - www.worldaidsday.org "According to UNAIDS estimates, there are now 33.2 million people living with HIV, including 2.5 million children. During 2007 some 2.5 million people became newly infected with the virus. Around half of all people who become infected with HIV do so before they are 25 and are killed by AIDS before they are 35. " - www.avert.org/worldaid.htm More resources: www.worldvision.org www.unaids.org www.worldaidsday.org.au

-- Quote of the Day -- “…You can write for a vast audience, or a smaller audience – but you can also write for yourself. You can write to process things. I’m into journaling because I know that journaling works. And it is an interesting thing about journaling because you start off by processing your life, your experiences, what is going on today because it is stewing in your mind, what went on yesterday… and pretty soon you start to discover themes and you discover material for essays, a memoir or a novel. …I was a caregiver for my mother – like many caregivers my world closed down. I stopped working; I stopped seeing people… I was there every day and always available by phone. And journaling was where I processed this. …Your immune system is strengthened if you write for 15-20 minutes a day about things that are deeply upsetting to you. And caregivers experience things that are deeply upsetting as they discover how powerless they are. So it is very valid just for that alone. It also a...