Author: Ulrike Hill

Storyteller, mentor and innovator. I aim to change the world with stories.

Categories
Book Releases

Debbie Calitz: 20 Months of Hostage Hell

By Debbie Calitz and Ulrike Hill.

When Debbie Calitz and her partner, Bruno Pelizzari, set sail from Dar es Salaam in October 2010, they could never have guessed that they would be making a voyage into the depths of hell.

Three days into their journey as crew on board the yacht Choizel, it was captured by Somali pirates who held Debbie and Bruno for ransom. For twenty months the pair was made to live in dark rooms while they were moved countless times between different locations and captors who subjected them – but especially Debbie – to untold  horrors. Yet Debbie’s spiritual awareness, her sense of humanity and, ironically, her past history of being the victim of abuse, helped her to stay alive as she remained positive in the belief that she and Bruno would be rescued.

In this compelling book right from the depths of depravity Debbie Calitz reveals the details of their ordeal and their eventual rescue. It is a story of overwhelming courage from a woman who overcame all odds when freedom and dignity were a distant memory.

 

ISBN: 9780143530589
Format: Paperback / softback
Recommended Price: R220.00
Published: October 31, 2012

Buy online at:
Exclus1ve Books
Categories
Reviews

City of Bones

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

 

There is a dark side to New York, the city that never sleeps. The mundanes (otherwise known as humans) cannot see the supernaturals that roam the streets and fight in wars. The shadow masters are a group of supernaturals who have to clear the city of demons.

 

Fifteen-year-old Clary Clay witnesses a murder at the Pandemonium Club committed by three teenagers. The problem is that she has no proof. The body has disappeared into thin air. Worse still, her friend Simon cannot see the murderers.

 

When Clary returns home, her house is ransacked and her mother has disappeared. When she is attacked by a demon, she knows that she is in trouble. No-one can help her but the shadow masters. She meets Jace, a skilled shadow master. He is arrogant and attractive but he has scars that are not only caused by the demons he has fought.

He decides to help Clary find her mother. Fighting side by side, they discover that they have a strong attraction. The problem is that their love is forbidden.

 

I loved this book. The characters are believable, heroic and memorable. The plot is interesting and keeps the reader in suspense. The ending was unexpected. Although I was initially disappointed, it has me panting for the next book – the second in the The Mortal Instruments series. Definitely a book to curl up with until late at night.

 

 

Reviewer: Ulrike Hill
Score: 4/5
Review Date: 10 September 2012

(Walker Books)
ISBN: 978-1-4063-0762-7

Categories
Business Writers

Watch Your Words

WORDS HAVE THE POWER

Many people cannot understand why they do not achieve. They look at successful people and believe that these people have all the luck. But is it really all about luck? Not according to Gary Player. He has often been quoted as saying: “The more I practise, the luckier I get.” And, the beauty about luck is that it is so easy to get. So how do you improve your luck?

[box] “A serious problem with reactive language is that it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.” Robert Heller[/box]

Step One: Develop self-awareness

One way of gaining self-awareness is to look at your everyday language. What type of words are you using? The words you use will show how you perceive your world. Do the following words sound familiar? “I can’t do anything about it” or “I don’t care”.

People under perform because they limit their ambitions. These limitations are shown through language that they use.

Analyse your language to see in what way you are holding yourself back. Here is an exercise for you. Look at your language and the language of those around you for a whole day. Write down the words you hear or words you use.  What does this reveal about you and these people?

For example, “He makes me angry.” This is illogical. You choose to be angry. The other person did not force you to be angry. He may have said something that you did not like but he does not have control over your emotions. Only you do.

Step Two: Develop a habit

Successful people have good habits. It takes 21 days to develop a habit. Not all habits are bad.  You can develop good ones. You have to focus on developing a good habit. Decide today that your language will always be positive. The glass is not half-empty. It is half-full.

The language of someone who is control of their life is about being proactive. Reflect on the things that you can do something about and accept the things you cannot change.

Examine the following reactive and proactive phrases:

Reactive Proactive
That’s just the way that I am I can choose a different approach
There’s no use asking, he will say no I’ll make an offer he cannot refuse
I couldn’t do that, it’s not my sort of thing I’ve never done that before but I’d love to try
If only I will
I have to I choose to

Every time your thoughts become negative turn them into positive thoughts. Before you know it, you will become a positive person. When someone presents you with a problem, see it as a challenge: something to test your abilities rather than setting up for failure.

Step Three: Become a better you

Now that you are thinking positive thoughts and using positive words, you will find that people will enjoy your company. You will no longer be the person with a dark cloud around your head. And, when the going gets tough? Well you know what positive people say? “The tough get going!”

 

Categories
Reviews

Extraordinary SA Rugby

The Extraordinary Book of SA Rugby

The Extraordinary Book of South African Rugby by Wim van der Berg

The anecdotes show the fanatics of the rugby fan whether spectator, player or administrator. Manie Reyneke, former CEO of the Lions franchise was late for his wedding reception. He felt that playing a club game was far more important that celebrating his wedding. Controversial fan, Piet van Zyl, also makes an appearance in the book. He is that little rotund man who interrupted a test game by tackling and injuring a ref because he was not happy with the ref’s decisions.

 

Somehow, the rugby writer cannot stay away from statistics. Van der Berg is no exception. What would rugby be without reminders about how many times the Boks lost a Tri-nations test, how many tries were scored at a game or how many people attend the Easter Rugby festivals.

 

For the most part of the book, it is interesting. I would like to have seen an index at the end of the book. And a final request. Can we please move away from numbers and focus on stories that entertain?

 

(Penguin)
ISBN: 978-0-143-528807

Reviewer:
Ulrike Hill
www.writerswrite.co.za
Score:  3/5
Word count: 238
Review Date:   5th July 2012

Categories
Business Writers

Find your Creative Voice

The world is changing. People realise that making money is not the key to happiness.

I receive many emails from people who want to write a book and looking at these emails has made me wonder if creativity is what people are searching for. People want more from life. It seems that life is a constant running around like hamsters on a wheel; running with no purpose other than to meet month-end commitments

So what happened to creativity?

Children learn using their senses and exploring their creativity during their formative years. Far too soon, the teacher starts to strangle creativity and demands that they colour in the lines and use blue for the sky and green for the grass.

Have you noticed the sky today? What colour is it? Grey? Blue?

Creativity is not about stereotyping. It is about life experiences and thinking out of the box. Freedom of expression is important in developing this skill.

Business is about meeting deadlines, reaching sales targets and keeping a wary eye on budgets. People are consumed by a world of balancing salaries and monthly expenses. No wonder creativity flies out of the window. Numbers have started to rule and dominated our creativity.

The search for creativity

Years ago, I trained as an English teacher. After three years in the classroom, the lure of earning a decent salary moved me into the corporate world. But, I still had that hole in my soul. Something was missing. The money was great but I was not happy. Years later, I changed careers once again. I went into adult training and found that I had a natural talent. I loved teaching people how to write. I found that people who wanted to learn how to plot their books and develop their characters inspired me. I found my creative side. I found that companies who attended my Story of a Business course went back to their workplace understanding the language of their company. They were able to identify with the character that the company had become. They found that they could still be creative in an environment that may not seem to be creative.

Finding your creativity

Attend a creative writing course, photography class or look back to your school days. What did you enjoy doing? What made you feel like the hours rolled by without you noticing? Perhaps it was sewing or building model aeroplanes. Find time to pursue your creativity.

All it requires is taking time out from your busy schedule. Create some ‘me’ time. Slow down and get back to basics: use your five senses to experience the beauty that surrounds you. Keep a journal. Who knows? Perhaps one day that journal will keep you.

Ulrike

Continue reading “Find your Creative Voice”
Categories
Creative Writers

The Publishing Game

Publishing is changing. Technology, recession and social issues like saving the trees, are affecting the publishing industry. People who earn their living from producing and selling books are facing many challenges.

What does this mean to the pre-published writer? A lot, according to Trish Gentry who recently published a post on her blog, Chicklit. Her blog, ‘An Unpublished Author’s Perspective on Paying to be Published’ highlights the challenges she has faced trying to get her first book published.

Gentry has paid her publishing dues in money, time and tears. She has spent large chunks of time writing her book. No an easy feat as any first-time writer will attest to.

The next step was paying someone to edit her book. Gentry knew this would enhance her chances of becoming published. She admits she is an unknown, has no credibility. With edited book in hand, Gentry spent hours researching publishers who have accepted authors in the genre she has written. She submits her manuscript. And waits. And waits. Hopefully she will receive a request or rejection. She admits that she has more chance of winning the sweepstakes. Not because she is a bad writer. It is because she is a new writer.

The safe game

Publishers are playing the safety game. The safety catch is firmly in place before they will commit to a pre-published writer. Why? Because publishing is expensive. There are no guarantees. Recession has taught people to be cautious with their money. Readers will more than likely purchase a book written by a known author. The established author will have prime spot in the retailer. Where will the unknown’s book be positioned? Probably in the dusty recesses of the shop, next to the forgotten gems of yesteryear.

So why do people still feel it is important to go the traditional published route? Gentry admits that publishers and agents do have clout. They know the book game. And it is a status thing for a writer to say ‘I was published by [insert your choice of publisher here]’.

Consider this: once the production costs have been deducted, the agent has taken their commission and the publisher has sliced their pound of flesh; you the writer may get R12 per copy sold. Is it worth the effort?

Why self-publishing works for the pre-published author

Amanda Hocking, self-published writer of a supernatural series, earned her money from selling her books online. Hocking decided to self-publish after being continuously rejected and being told that the supernatural market was oversubscribed. An international publisher is now interested in her books. Why? Because her self-published ebooks have earned her a cool million dollars. She has credibility and is now considered a low risk.

There are many options for the newbie author to follow. The traditional publishing route is not the only way to get people to read your book. Research the market. Understand genres and their story-lines. Ensure that your book is as close to perfect as possible. Spend the money on attending writing courses and editing. Publish it online. Spend some more money promoting. Get a social media presence. Test the waters. See what readers and reviewers say about your book. Once you understand this process, you may realise why publishers are nervous about the future of publishing. You may also earn more money this way.

 

Ulrike Hill
First published on www.writerswrite.posterous.com
23rd February 2012
Follow Scrumcaps and Sideline Snippets on my blog: www.ulrikehill.blogspot.com

Tackling the Brickwall (Overcoming adversity in schoolboy rugby) is available from

www.exclus1ves.co.za

www.feathercommunications.co.za

www.kalahari.com (eBook)

 

Categories
Reviews

Fifty Shades Darker by EL James

Fifty Shades Darker

I have to admit, I was curious. What was the hype about the Fifty Shades Trilogy by debut author, E.L. James? I decided to buy a copy. Alas, I did not realise that I had bought the second book in the series.

Although the second book in James’ trilogy does link to the first, first-time readers can follow the story-line easily enough without reading the first book in the series. Not that it is a complicated book to understand. It is, after all, Mills and Boons on steroids.

The sex scenes did not launch straight away as expected. The reader has some time to reconnect with Ana Steele and her love interest, the tormented Christian Grey.

Christian Grey is wealthy. He buys the company Ana is working for. The reason? He has control issues and wants Ana. Badly. Ana stamps her little feet and tries to gain some form of independence. His strange sexual preferences and her innocence are not enough to keep them apart. They fall in love. But, more than that, they have a lot of sex. They cannot keep their hands off each other.

 Fifty Shades Darker is about dominance and control. There are some lessons about love.

But I suspect this is not the reason why people are buying the book.

The erotic scenes are good. The story-line keeps the book from becoming a porn story. The problem is that the climax was premature (excuse the pun). The minor climax scenes after the main suspense left me feeling a little … umm … deflated.

 

Reviewer:  Ulrike Hill

Score: 3/5

Published by: Arrow Books 

ISBN: 978-0-09957992-2

Review Date: 4th July 2012
The above review first appeared in The Bluestocking Review (Facebook).

Categories
Interviews

Essentially Justin Bonello

Book Cover of Cooked out of the Frying Pan

I always appreciate the ironies of life. I was asked to interview Justin Bonello about his new book: Cooked: Out of the Frying Pan. I hate cooking but I do love eating. More than that, I love a man in the kitchen.

I used Writers Write Essentially interview technique. It is a creative approach and provides a different perspective on the person you are interviewing. This interview was first published in The Bluestocking Review (Facebook), 15th November 2011.

If your life were a city, what city would it be? Bangkok

Writing sounds like laughter

Writing looks like jumping through hoops

Writing tastes like Mississippi mud pies

Writing smells like rose

What is your favourite number? 7

What is your favourite meal? Italian dish called Vongole. Clam Pasta. Dad taught me how to make it.

What are you reading? I read Sci Fi and fantasy to escape. I am currently reading the sixth book in the Throne series. I have a stack of books next to my bed. I am also reading Bloodriver by Tim Butcher.

Where do you live? Noordhoek in Cape Town. Used to live in Observatory. I realised how unhappy I was in Observatory once I moved.

What is your favourite quality about yourself? Humility

(Note from interviewer: initially thought that Justin said humanity. Seemed to fit in with the type of person he is).
What is your least favourite quality about yourself? Temper
Do you have a favourite quote?

There are no bad cooks just friends who are not hungry enough.

(Note from interviewer: will be using this quote the next time someone criticises my cooking!)

What are you most proud of accomplishing so far in your life?

This is a dichotomy. I am a cook and a film producer. I run a small company with 27 staff but I get stuff out there. My work is global.

How did you come up with the titles of your books?

I had very little to do with titles.

Who designed the covers?

This is a long story. I wrote my first book – 40 pages – many years ago. I went to a club called The Curve. The barman poured me a scotch. I told him that the scotch was too small. His name was Quint Bruton and he was a graphic design. He moved in with me later. When Penguin phoned me about writing a book I told them I had a book. Quint designs all my covers.

 

Categories
Business Writers

The Power of Words

Gay. What is the first thought that comes to mind when you read this word? You probably did not think it meant happy but rather that it was another word for homosexual. Did you realise that Gay could also be the abbreviated form of the name ‘Gaynor’?  Same word. Three different meanings. Three different interpretations.

My daughter first saw the word in ‘The Great Gatsby’. “This book is so old-fashioned,” she exclaimed indignantly. And that is what happens. Words change meaning through different eras.

How a word is used is very important.

What meaning do you want to convey to your reader? Many marketers may think that using a simple word is writing in plain language. Not true. Writing certain words could change meaning according to the person’s cultural or educational background.

Words have specific cultural meaning. Lady Gaga’s latest release Judas pushes buttons. She intended it to.

Consider the following lines from the song: When he comes to me, I am ready. I’ll wash his feet with my hair if he needs. Forgive him when his tongue lies through his brain. Even after three times, he betrays me.

Simple words.

According to Lady Gaga, the song is about ‘falling in love with the wrong man’. The release date of this song happened to coincide with Easter. Accidental timing? Lady Gaga ensured that she achieved maximum press exposure. She understands the principles of marketing.

The song was banned but the damage was done. The curious downloaded the song. Lady Gaga made her point.

Communicators  need to be aware of the social context in which a message is read. The communicator needs to get into the shoes of the targeted reader and understand the reader’s circumstances. How will the reader perceive the message? Will the reader understand the words within a specific social and economic context?

Consider this. The home language of the majority of South Africans is not English. What does the word ‘gay’ mean to the majority? Is the word even used in their culture?

Words are loaded. They have been used as bullets to fleece unsuspecting consumers. But words can empower.

Here’s the opportunity. Businesses are preparing to tackle plain language. Communications extend beyond the formal written document. Communications include emails, letters, text messages, speeches, engagement with the business world beyond the keyboard. It is about time the business world focuses on the consumer. After all, the consumer includes you and me.

The above article was published in Innov8tMag, June 2011. It has been shortened.

Image source: Click here.