Greetings Crusaders and an Introduction for All

I’d like to welcome all fellow crusaders! I’ve been overwhelmed with new followers, which launched me past the 400 mark this weekend. If you are a new follower, please leave a comment, as I’ve been unable to follow several of you through Google Friend Connect!


For all my fellow crusaders and newer followers, let me give you a brief introduction. (If you want the long version, read more about me or my books by clicking on the pages above.)

I am a professional speaker and member of the National Speaker Association. (Nickname - Spunk on a Stick) I do motivational talks & classes and instructional seminars in the area of promotion. My professional speaker site is Spunk on a Stick

I’m the author of six books. Overcoming Obstacles with SPUNK! is based on two of my seminars and includes chapters from six other authors. Last year saw the release of book five in my YA series, The Circle of Friends. This five-book series is inspirational and uplifting, and it follows five friends as they learn to overcome. Since the series is now complete, I recently moved The Circle of Friends site here to Blogger.

I’m a professional photographer, and my work includes weddings and portraits to magazines and even an album cover. My specialty is B&W and all photos used here (with the exception of the LOL Cats) are mine. I also partake in several other business ventures.

In my personal life, I’ve been married for almost twenty years - no kids - and own two cats named Rocko & Spunky, who replaced Calvin & Hobbes. I am a Christian, a vegan, and a roller coaster fanatic. Originally from Oregon, I now live in North Carolina.

My next book project is a teen version of Overcoming Obstacles with SPUNK! However, after six books, I’ve experienced total burnout. I’ve done some research and formed an outline, but that’s it. I’m also at a crossroads with my YA work - my writing thus far has been positive and I don’t want to write salacious, edgy, supernatural stuff just to conform to trends. So, I may not set foot into that genre again…

The focus of this blog is book promotion and other aspects of the publishing and speaking industry. (So, you probably won’t see me participating in the Crusader writing challenges.) I would like to write again and hope to find inspiration to dive back in and complete my non-fiction book. I’m also happy to help any writer on his or her author journey. Spunky is here to help!

Helen's Hosting a Special Guest! And the Crusade...

Today over at Helen Ginger’s Straight From Hel is a very special guest who is near and dear to my heart. Please go welcome him to the blogging world, as this is his first ever appearance!


And tune in Thursday for a segment called “Booksignings Stink!” from Christee Atwood.

Second Writers’ Platform-Building Crusade

Sponsored by Rachael Harrie

What is the Crusade?

Basically, the Crusade is a way to link those within the writing community together with the aim of helping to build our online platforms. The Crusaders are all bloggers in a similar position, who genuinely want to pay it forward, make connections and friends within the writing community, and help build each others' online platforms while at the same time building theirs.

Length of the Crusade

This Crusade will run from February 1st to April 30th, though I’ll be calling additional Crusades in the future. You’re very welcome to keep on Crusading after my official organization ends on April 30th.

Visit Rachael’s SITE for details!