Universal Appeal of the #Master #Story #Teller: Celebrate the Story Tellers Among Us!

#Master #Story #Teller: Celebrate the Story Tellers Among Us!

Posted on October 31, 2013by profesorbaker

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A master storyteller is someone who has a unique gift for telling stories. Here, I mean all forms of story telling. It could be oral, visual, or in any other form. There are many ways to tell a story, but as an author, I’m interested in writing stories that give the reader the feel of being in the presence of magic.

Yes, magic, good, wonderful and powerful magic, the kind that makes time stop, hunger and thirst go unnoticed, reality disappear and new worlds seem more real than the real world.

How do authors accomplish this seemingly impossible task, again and again, almost as if they were magicians?

Firstly, it’s because such authors really are magicians. They have been granted the knowledge, consciously or subconsciously, of how to creatively use their imagination to soar beyond the boundaries of our daily lives. Almost without exception, the Master Story Teller deals with some aspect of one particular genre: fantasy.

Why is fantasy so attractive to readers of all ages?

First of all, magic, mythology and mysticism are universal. Name any culture, past or present, and you will find magic, mythology and mysticism. It belongs to everybody, not only the East, but also the West. As we celebrate Halloween this October 31 and All Saints Day on November 1, this fact becomes abundantly clear that Eastern culture does not have a monopoly on magic, mythology and mysticism. Western culture has its own pantheon too!

Next, according to Master Story Teller Rick Riordan — “Gods and heroes may have powers, but they get angry and they do the wrong thing. They are human too. Children relate to gods because they are really parental figures, who make mistakes and who seem very capricious.”

Fantasy stories spark the human imagination and push the boundary of science, making anything possible beyond practical limits. And most importantly, they represents our collective dreams, the hopes and aspirations of humanity.

In conclusion, the Master Story Teller writes in the genre of fantasy. They tap into the common bond of mankind, the one thing that is universally true in every corner of the globe: our imagination.

Celebrate the Story Tellers among us. When is the last time you treated your imagination to a wonderful story?

I would like to suggest that you read my book as a starting point: Story Tellers: In Pursuit of Happiness. It is a book all ages will enjoy.

http://on.fb.me/170oBJH

Master Story Teller, teacher, book reviewer & inspirational author Dolores Ayotte (Growing Up & Liking It) had this to say:

” 5.0 out of 5 stars Magic…Mysticism…Make-believe!

I was given a free copy of this book by the author for my honest review.

Talented Author Thomas Jerome Baker has penned a delightful book for all ages full of magic, mysticism, and make-believe. Each tale is expertly told and intertwined with the previous one in order to better explain and teach “Little One” some life experience. He is a rapt audience and absorbs all the information provided. The exchange is so personal that it could be any one of us that the storyteller is talking to…

In my opinion, this author is a present day raconteur who taps into his own imagination and uses his gift to spur on the desire to learn in both children and the young at heart. “Little One” starts off by hearing about Cloud Number Nine “the cloud of Joy and Happiness” which is comprised of “mythical, mystical, magical” elements.

“Little One” is also very enamored by the storyteller and readily eats up every word of the stories being told. The storyteller is forever the teacher and adeptly uses the art of questions and answers to reinforce the educational opportunity for the attentive listener. Repetition….response….recapitulation…all great teaching tools for the storyteller to reinforce the learning experience for “Little One”.

From the Leprechauns who now live on Mother Earth to the celestial children Deucalion and Pyrrha who live on Cloud Number Nine, the reading audience is drawn more and more into the well described magical world found in this wonderful book.

“Story Tellers: In Pursuit of Happiness” is most enjoyable and is sure to bring much pleasure to its young reading audience. Whether folklore, fairy-tale, fact or fiction…a gifted story teller knows exactly how to mix and blend his tales to achieve his goal. Author Thomas Baker has done a fine job of doing just that.

Yes indeed…he is a present day raconteur “a person who tells anecdotes in a skilful and amusing way” and in my opinion, with a captivating message which is sure to entertain many a reader!

Inspirational Author & Book Reviewer ~ Dolores Ayotte
Growing Up & Liking It

http://amzn.to/188qOTu




#Audible_com #ACX_com #iTunes★★★★★Thomas Jerome Baker, Your #Kindle #MatchBook #Discount is Live on #Amazon! #book #ebook #audiobook #KDP

★★★★★Thomas Jerome Baker, Your #Kindle #MatchBook #Discount is Live on Amazon.com!

Posted on October 29, 2013by profesorbaker

Hello Thomas!

Thank you for enrolling in Kindle MatchBook. As of today, the program is live on Amazon.com so readers will now see the promotional list price for your book.

You will earn royalties on incremental sales of your Kindle book when a customer who has purchased your print book takes advantage of the Kindle MatchBook discount to purchase your Kindle book. Plus, you’ll be offering readers an easy and affordable way to read your book in both print and digital formats.

If you would like to modify your Kindle MatchBook discount, visit the KDP Bookshelf to select your title and go to the “Rights & Pricing” page.

Best regards,
The Kindle Direct Publishing Team

★★★★★

Questions?

Kindle MatchBook FAQ

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1. What is Kindle MatchBook?

The Kindle MatchBook program offers customers who purchase, or have previously purchased, a print book from Amazon.com the option to purchase the Kindle version of that title for $2.99 or less. If you have a print version of your title and enroll the Kindle version in Kindle MatchBook you can earn a royalty from Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) based on the Promotional List Price (choose from $2.99, $1.99, $0.99, or free) for any Kindle MatchBook sale.

2. What kinds of books are eligible to enroll in Kindle MatchBook?

Any KDP title that has a print version and that is sold by Amazon.com is eligible for the Kindle MatchBook program. If you need to create a print version of your book, visit CreateSpace to learn more.

3. Why should I enroll in Kindle MatchBook?

By enrolling your existing and new titles in Kindle MatchBook you can:

• Sell more books and earn royalties on incremental Kindle sales.
• Enjoy the flexibility of setting a Promotional List Price for your book – choose from $2.99, $1.99, $0.99, or free.
• Delight fans of your book by offering an affordable, multi-format reading experience, whether on a Kindle device, free Kindle reading app, or in print.

4. How do I enroll my titles in Kindle MatchBook?

To enroll, select an existing or new title. Then set your Promotional List Price on the Rights & Pricing page so you can begin to earn royalties on incremental Kindle sales. Choose a Promotional List Price of $2.99, $1.99, $0.99, or free; as long as the price selected is at least 50% lower than the regular Digital List Price.

5. Why does my Promotional List Price need to be less than 50% of my regular Digital List Price?

Promotional List Price options must be at least 50% lower than the regular Digital List Price for the Kindle MatchBook program to be a compelling discount for readers.

When you set the Promotional List Price, only options that result in a discount of 50% or more will be available. For example, if you set the regular Digital List Price of your book to $3.99, your Promotional List Price options for that book will be $1.99, $0.99, or free (because the $2.99 option is not a 50% discount off of $3.99).

6. How is my royalty calculated for titles enrolled in Kindle MatchBook?

Your royalty will be based on the Promotional List Price you set and your selected royalty option.

For example, if you are earning a 35% royalty for sales of your digital book at its regular Digital List Price, you will earn a 35% royalty on Kindle MatchBook sales calculated at the Promotional List Price.

See the Pricing Page for additional details on the 35% and 70% royalty options.

7. Can I enroll in Kindle MatchBook without participating in KDP Select?

Yes. Kindle MatchBook is available to all Kindle Direct Publishing authors/publishers for Kindle titles that have a print version that is sold by Amazon.com. If you need to create a print version of your book, visit CreateSpace to learn more.

http://goo.gl/sBYCfV

8. If I offer my book for free through KDP Select, will that affect my Promotional List Price through Kindle MatchBook?

Yes. The customer will see the lowest promotional price available for your book. For example, if you set your Kindle MatchBook Promotional List Price to $1.99 but then choose Free Book Promotion through KDP Select, customers will see the free promotion. If a customer purchases your book during your Free Book Promotion, you will not earn a royalty on that sale. When the KDP Select free promotion ends, the Kindle MatchBook price will return for customers who purchase or have previously purchased the print version.

9. Who determines the list price of my book?

As the author/publisher, you set the list price for your book. For full details see the Pricing Page and Terms and Conditions.

10. Will there be a separate payment for titles sold through Kindle MatchBook?

No. For your convenience, the payment schedule and payment method will be the same as your other sales from KDP.

11. Once a title is enrolled can I change the metadata (e.g. Royalty option, list price, book description, etc.)?

You can change all of the metadata of a Kindle MatchBook enrolled title. To modify the Promotional List Price offered, select the title you want to edit and go to the Rights & Pricing page.

12. Can I un-publish titles enrolled in Kindle MatchBook?

Yes. You can un-publish and re-publish your Kindle MatchBook title at any time.

13. How do I cancel my book’s enrollment in Kindle MatchBook?

Select the title you want to opt out of the program and un-check the box labeled “This title is enrolled in Kindle MatchBook. Uncheck to opt out of the program.”

14. How do I get a print version of my book so I can enroll in Kindle MatchBook?

If you need to create a print version of your book, visit CreateSpace to learn more.

15. How do I get a Kindle version of my book so I can enroll in Kindle MatchBook?

If you need to create a Kindle version of your book, visit a Kindle Direct Publishing to learn more.

Source: Kindle Direct Publishing

My #ACX_com #Audiobook #Story, or, ★★★★★Story Tellers: In Pursuit of Happiness ★★★★★ Available Anyway You Want It (Looking For Book Reviewers – #FREE Book)

My #ACX_com #Audiobook #Story, or, ★★★★★Story Tellers: In Pursuit of Happiness ★★★★★ Available Anyway You Want It (Looking For Book Reviewers – #FREE Book)

Posted on October 27, 2013by profesorbaker




http://amzn.to/188qOTu

http://amzn.to/Qxmoec

I always write about topics in which my knowledge is personal, intimate, and first-hand. That’s what I call my “Passion Formula“. If I’m not passionate about the topic, then I don’t write about it.

This is important as I come to the production of my first Audiobook. Audiobooks are a $$$Billion dollar industry. So we must ask: Why do people enjoy listening to audiobooks?

Audiobooks allow people who lead busy lives to multitask, to jog, to enjoy their daily commute or long distance travel and relax while listening to a book. Audiobooks help us to be more efficient (do two things at once). Audiobooks help us to relax. Audiobooks help us to entertain ourselves when we are on a plane, train, subway, or on a long trip by bus or car.

Thanks to ACX.com, authors like me don’t have to narrate our own books (although many prefer to narrate their own books). ACX.com has professional voice actors available who can narrate your story.

http://goo.gl/TQFQP5

The voice actor who ultimately expressed interest in narrating my book, Story Tellers: In Pursuit of Happiness, is Mr. Rich Crankshaw. When you listen to his audition, you will surely agree that he is absolutely amazing.

After listening to him, I am sure you will say that Rich’s voice transforms Story Tellers: In Pursuit of Happiness into something magical, mystical and marvelous that is above the level of the story itself. There is simply no other person who I can imagine breathing life into this story than him.

Here’s what Rich (and many book reviewers with similar comments), had to say aboutStory Tellers: In Pursuit of Happiness (the book).

“Good old fashioned story telling without sex and unnecessary violence and all the morally questionable desires our society seems to love these days. I often discuss with people, comedians in particular: Is it absolutely nessasary to swim in the gutter when being creative? Is that even being creative? Is it an insult to the audience to automatically assume they will only want to hear cursing and perversion?

I feel the level of creativity is far greater when adhering to a moral standard, as apposed to just spewing trash. Thats just my thinking.” ~ Rich Crankshaw

So far, we have looked at how I approach writing fiction and nonfiction, namely, it must be personal and intimate for me. I must know what I’m talking about. I must care about my topic. I must be authentic and genuinely passionate. That truly sums up all of my writing.

Next, we looked at what a highly skilled, professional voice actor can do for a story. Besides having professional qualifications, we have seen that Rich brings something extra to this story that makes it special.

Like me, he is also a passionate and a firm believer in the viability and goodness of this story. Rich doesn’t believe that what the public wants to read is more sex, violence and profanity. We are not naive, however. We know there is a place for adult literature.

Nonetheless, there is also a place for story telling that is entertaining and creative, but also clean. There is a place for the kind of story that the whole family can read, enjoy, and discuss with grandmother, a neighbor, or a co-worker without being embarrassed. This is the kind of book you can recommend to anybody, without reservation or preconditions.

Rich Crankshaw cares about this book he is narrating. This fact elevates his performance to a higher level than if he were simply “doing his job” without any emotional attachment.

http://amzn.to/188qOTu

Thirdly, in terms of book promotion, this audiobook has two essential elements. The first is the cover art, which was redesigned by Samantha Fury (a multi-talented author andAudiobook Cover Designer / graphic artist) to be as attractive and aesthetically expressive as possible.

http://on.fb.me/19hp7Dv

The audiobook cover must attract the listener / reader’s attention much as a beautiful woman would attract attention in a sea of beautiful women, namely by being uniquely expressive.

The cover she has designed is absolutely gorgeous, stunning in its simplicity but reaching out to readers of all ages, from 8 to 80, no, all the way to 100 and beyond.

The cover promises a story that will be surprising and fun, enjoyable on a number of emotional levels for readers of all ages.

Maybe it’s a parent reading to a child at bedtime, a pre-teen / teen reading for personal enjoyment (middle-grade), or an adult reading for pleasure. This book has multiple layers and perspectives from which it can be read, with lessons to be learned, things to wonder at, and personal enjoyment available to all.

In sum, the writer has written, the narrator has narrated, and the artist has created a beautiful cover. Next comes the most important question.

What do the readers and reviewers say about this book?

*****

The book has received fifteen (15) 5-Star reviews: (5 stars is the highest number of stars possible)

Here is only a sample below.

All fifteen reader reviews can be read by clicking this link:

*****

http://amzn.to/GLZLTz

Jesenia Sanabia: (Poet & Author) “In The Pursuit Of Happiness, is a mystically enchanting read for the whole family. Wonderfully written and creative. I could not put it down until I finished reading the whole book. Thomas used a creative writing strategy that keeps you focused and intrigued with the story.”

Shaina Cilimberg: ” I like the way Mr. Baker engages the reader by narrating as if Reader and Storyteller were having a conversation. It is sort of like the way C.S. Lewis writes.”

Sheryl: “…an enchanting and mystical tale that is well written. This book will touch your heart and soul.”

http://goo.gl/NSioeV

R. P. Rochford: (Essex, UK) “This is a captivating tale presented as told to a young child either by a parent or, in the narrative, a storyteller. Drawing on sagas, tales, mythology and ancient history this story leads the reader (and listener) on a journey back through time to when the world was young and cynicism had not yet become de rigeur for even the youngest child. Overall, I’d recommend this as excellent material for those cosy bedtimes where mum or dad reads junior a story on which they can drift off into sleep while dreaming of heroes, villains and mystical creatures.”

http://goo.gl/fAOaSF

V. Bodurova (from Lincolnshire, UK): “Story Tellers: In Pursuit of Happiness amazes with its unique style and I believe that’s a book for the whole family. The stories inside teach, unveil, intrigue and captivate your mind. The author tells the story of the never ending fight between good and bad, the fight within our souls, the darkness and the light. If we could be equal, why would we still fight each other? Will we ever believe that the power to change lies deep within us?”

http://on.fb.me/170oBJH

Dolores Ayotte: (Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada)”Story Tellers: In Pursuit of Happiness” is most enjoyable and is sure to bring much pleasure to its young reading audience. Whether folklore, fairy-tale, fact or fiction…a gifted story teller knows exactly how to mix and blend his tales to achieve his goal. Author Thomas Baker has done a fine job of doing just that. Yes indeed…he is a present day raconteur “a person who tells anecdotes in a skilful and amusing way” and in my opinion, with a captivating message which is sure to entertain many a reader!

Teacher, Inspirational Author & Book Reviewer ~ Dolores Ayotte
Growing Up & Liking It

*****

If you would like to READ & REVIEW this book for FREE, please contact me for a FREE pdf copy of this book.

In exchange for the FREE pdf copy, I ask you to write an HONEST REVIEW.

You must have already written reviews on Amazon in the past. I’m sorry, but no First-Time reviewers please.

For your FREE pdf copy, contact me at this email: ==> profesorbaker@gmail.com

I look forward to sending you a copy of this book to READ, ENJOY & REVIEW.

I thank you kindly, in advance, for your time and for your generosity to help me promote this book by adding your voice to the other voices who have shared their reviews with the future readers and listeners so far.

As a reviewer, your participation will be ultimately responsible for any success this book may have. That is why I appeal directly to you, for your help and for your reviews of this book. Without your participation, again, no success is possible.

Thank You All, Everyone,

Thomas Jerome Baker

Why Listen to a Book? Listening to an audiobook versus reading a book: Which would you prefer?

Why Listen to a Book? Listening to an audiobook versus reading a book: Which would you prefer?

Posted on October 22, 2013by profesorbaker

The question is an interesting one, both questions, in fact. The answers are just as equally interesting as the questions:

Rachelle Gould-Harris writes:

“Audio, because it frees me up to do other things while I listen.”

Anne Cerstvik Nolan writes:

“I like them all! On my lunch hour I read an ebook on my tablet while I eat my lunch. I might listen to an audiobook while commuting back and forth to work or on a long trip in the car or on a plane. I grew up loving print books, began working in libraries in the mid-seventies, and became a librarian in the mid-eighties, so I’ve seen everything change and grow. I have my favourite print books that I will never let go of, but when I go on vacation, there is nothing like having a dozen ebooks on my tablet instead of in my suitcase!”

Deborah Kemp writes:

“I prefer to read!”

Robert Famularo writes:

“In order of preference, it would have to be print books, then ebooks, followed distantly by audio books. Obviously, in my opinion, nothing beats holding a book in your hand. It’s the ultimate in relaxation and escapism for me.”

Finally, what about you?

What’s your opinion?

Why listen to a book?

What do you prefer: printed book, ebook, or audiobook?

Click this link to read more opinions.

http://amzn.to/Qxmoec

Most of us will surely point out that each form of enjoying a book is valid. Let’s point this out now:

1. Readers who enjoy reading printed books will find a way to get their hands on printed books.

2. Readers who prefer digital books will find a way to get digital books to read.

3. Finally, listening to a book instead of physically reading also has its advantages, chief among them being it makes you more productive by freeing you up to do something else while you are reading.

Here we can easily see that audiobooks are the solution that many people with busy schedules are looking for to add more relaxation, enjoyment, and personal growth in their lives.

Audiobooks give you time to enjoy a good book

Audiobooks make time you are already spending more satisfying and productive.

Listening to a book not only creates new time in your schedule to enjoy books—it also allows you to get more pleasure and learning out of time you were already spending.

Books are a terrific source of both entertainment and education, but with today’s busy schedules many people can’t seem to find the time for a good book.

Audiobooks give you more time in your day by essentially doubling what you can do in the same period of time.

Everyone loves to read a good book, but when you sit down to read a book you are committing your time to simply reading.

When you listen to a book you are able to do two things at once.

For many people who can’t find enough time in their day, listening to an audiobook is the perfect solution.

Time Benefits

Here are some examples where an audio book not only gives you time for a good book, but also makes the time you were already spending more enjoyable and productive:

Go jogging while you listen to a good book—exercise both your body and your mind.

Do the dishes while you listen to a classic—you’re now completing a goal you haven’t been able to find time for, and even enjoying washing the dishes for once!

Enjoy commuting. Driving your car to work is no longer a hassle. Before audiobooks, the trip seemed only to use up time and gas—Now you forget to honk at the car driving 5mph slower than the speed limit and almost appreciate the occasional red light or traffic jam because they now mean that you can listen to the story a little longer.

Family vacations are always fun—but the four hour drive to get there makes you want to pull your hair out. The children are squirming in their seats, poking and annoying each other, and every other minute they seem to ask “Are we there yet?”

Now you can enjoy every minute of the drive while you and your children sit enthralled in a good book.

The drive can become an anticipated part of the vacation when the family (including the driver) spends quality time sharing the experience and adventure of a great book together. The hours never went by so fast.

No matter where you are or what you are doing, audio books provide a way to enrich your life. Spend your time laughing and learning while you work.

Narrators Add More

Audio books also have the advantage of being read by professional narrators. The best narrators (also called voice actors) add something new to the book as they read it, making it even more enjoyable.

Perhaps it’s the way they phrase Shakespeare’s old-English. For the first time you understand what the famous Bard was writing about.

The Mystery is more mysterious, the Thriller more thrilling, the Drama is more dramatic, and the Fantasy is more fantastical.

Even Comedy is funnier because the voice and timing is just right.

Audiobooks Today

The growing choices in smart phones and mp3 players that are available to everyone, the increasing wealth of digital download audiobook titles, and new intelligent book player software make finding and listening to an audiobook easier today than ever before.

Time For a Good Book

Listen to an audiobook today.

Find out for yourself why audio books are loved by so many people.

Whatever type of book you enjoy, whether you most like to improve your education, skills, business, or success; or you love a great adventure, a thriller, a mystery, or romance; you will find that it is available in an audiobook, and that you do have time for a good book.

Source: Amblingbooks

http://amzn.to/188qOTu