How Much Do You Want It?

How much do you want it? That dream, that desire or that perfect job? What are you willing to do to put yourself on the line to get it? The reason I ask this is because a great friend came to visit me this week. She is a network spinal analysis chiropractor and at the age of thirty she has three full practices with a waiting list of three weeks for people to see her. As usual I am curious about people's approaches to life and I asked her what she considered made her so successful. Since she is rather humble, she was a little shy in her response; however, this is what she said:

You have to ask yourself how much you want that dream, that job, that ideal.
She then said you ask yourself how much work are you willing to do to achieve that goal.
What is the breaking point? The point where you say I have done my best and now it is time to walk away. When you know all that then you go for it full steam. Live fearlessly and jump right in.'
Finally she said a question she asks herself every day:  'how can I give more value with what I am doing.'
She then thoughtfully mentioned, 'the more value I give then the more I see the world around me transform. When I started out I had no patients and an empty practice. No one knew about me, however, I was determined to give every patient the best I could give in terms of network spinal analysis and in terms of life contribution. Something in this opened the world to me and I was recommended and word of mouth went around. I guess the passion I have for what I do combined with an authentic desire to be the catalyst to help people to wellness is the key.'

The woman is phenomenal and a truly great person. Of course this got me thinking about how much must we want something to jump the obstacles and stare that dream in the face when everything around us collapses. There have been times with the writing where I literally was like 'I can't do this anymore.' yet something compelled me to continue. I was discussing the fact that I had had hundreds of rejection letters over ten years with an audio-producer who recently produced The Hairy-Legged Mystery. She asked me what made me keep going. 'I was compelled to,' was my honest answer. After listening to my friend I came to the conclusion that the entrepreneur in me was called to action. I certainly wanted writing success and the entrepreneur decided to find other ways to put my work out in the world. In a time where there are so many digital options I came to the conclusion that yes you have to want that dream. You also have to be open to new and different ways to achieve that dream. There are so many people with knowledge who have already succeeded who you can ask and there is plenty of opportunity. It is through asking other people and enlisting their skills that my writing earned an income. It took around twelve years of constant persistence and plenty of failures to arrive at a place where it all slotted into place. Books sell by themselves and one gives value by sharing insights. Sometimes, and we have all been there, when you want to say 'I am done' - that is when you learn how much you really want that dream. So may people reach that point and make a decision and say 'one last try.' That last try is what often delivers success because when you look back you realise how much you really wanted it.

Enjoy my audio books at the following link:

http://www.audible.com/search/ref=a_hp_tseft?advsearchKeywords=Ruby+allure&filterby=field-keywords&x=0&y=0

BUY this laugh out loud kiss and email romantic comedy now and discover some truly startling dating escapades! You will love it!

https://www.amazon.co.uk/LOVE-HUNT-Dating-Romantic-Comedy-ebook/dp/B00ATF8QF2/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1471332744&sr=8-2&keywords=Ruby+Allure

The Lost and The Found

The Lost and The Found

Have you ever worked really hard on something only to have it disappear never to be seen again?
Have you ever had that gut-wrenching feeling that something you loved creating would never see the light of day? This is what happened to me about ten years ago. I changed from using a mac to a pc (I know). My old mac died and the plug converter broke. Since it was such an old school mac I could not find another converter. When that mac died it took with it around six years of writing. Imagine  if you had spent two years writing a book and three of those were lost which added up to six years worth of work. What made it worse was five scripts also disappeared into dead digital ether. Yes I did do back up files; however, this was at a time when windows could not convert to the coding effectively and I ended up with pages of what appeared to be Greek letters. What made it worse was that I had put my heart and soul into those three books.

Well after my holiday in Thailand, I had a real craving for one of the books. To the point that I considered writing the whole thing again from scratch. It is odd really because a book is part of you until you release it to the world. It is only by experiencing completion, that you feel free to move on. I don't know whether this happens for other authors. These three books have been niggling me over the last year. They have been lurking in my unconscious desiring completion. What could I do?

Well the last couple of weeks I have been off work with Deep Vein Thrombosis. The advice was to keep moving rather than sit around. So in my time off,  which I don't have that much of, I decided on simplicity. On holiday I had read about Simplicity and it resonated to the point where it felt like the way forwards. So what did I do? I cleared and cleaned and then cleared some more. There was such a sense of release and I feel I have developed anti-stuffism. Think about it - what does an author really need? So while I was clearing out I found my old back up C.D's and gazed upon them sadly. I considered just binning them; however, I thought I would put them on my old laptop and transfer the files to my hard drives. I then looked at the files and thought - I should give conversion one last try. My old files were CWK files which I wanted as DOCS. Well I typed this into Google and a fabulous chap had miraculously provided a step by step guide and guess what? They all converted almost perfectly. Honestly the joy I felt about resurrecting those books and knowing they could be completed and released was beyond comprehension. I felt as though I had had a huge lottery win. I know.... I literally jumped around with joy because I had loved writing those books. There was one in particular that was such a fun book. So now I simply have to do a final edit and three more of my fun fictions can enter the digital publishing world. That in itself is completion and I often wonder whether these books purposely chose to be dormant. The reason I say this was that one of the books talks about survival (it's a children's book) and over the last five years my brother has become obsessed with survival skills. He talks endlessly about it. So much so I could probably survive on a remote island through his repetitious conditioning. I even purchased a fire stick just in case... Yep - I really did that and it still resides amongst my minimalist possessions. So all that he has talked about can be written into the book before release. With all that is mind I am celebrating... the discovery of my lost novels and the release of THE HAIRY-LEGGED MYSTERY, which comes out tomorrow.
In celebration of all of the above - I have put my Kindle books on COUNTDOWN DEALS from the 25th May 2016 Yipee!

LINK TO AMAZON KINDLE: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ruby-Allure/e/B00M9Y4GAA/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1464019564&sr=8-1

Oh and the cover for The Hairy-Legged Mystery:

FUN!!!!

That feeling...

 

That feeling...

Oh there is such a sense of euphoria when you complete the editing of an audiobook. Honestly I can't tell you how amazing it is when you have worked with a wonderful producer for months and finally finish over 100,000 words in voice. We worked week by week and chapter by chapter on the audio version of The Ocean Callings.

The Ocean Callings, a teen book about love, the heart and the people of the sea. I have to say I have really loved working on the audio creation. This particular book is very close to my heart because this was my very first book that I drafted over 12 years ago. It emerged into life after having one of those monumental days that change everything. That evening I was walking home from university and a young person was run over on a bike and died. The shock of what happened made me re-evaluate my life and forced me to ask questions about what I wanted to do and what I wanted to be. I reflected on my childhood and of course I wanted to be a mermaid (as you do). That evening, whilst still in a state of shock, I researched mermaid sightings around Britain. Since it was unusual to lock myself in a room, my housemate, who was also a student, asked me what I was up to. I said I was looking up mermaid sightings in Scotland... Yes how normal does that sound? Well it just so happened that her aunty owned a cottage at one of the locations where there had been sightings. That was it... two weeks later we were in Scotland interviewing people about the mermaid sightings and the stories of women who swam out to save pirates from ship wrecks. It was an amazing experience and was the beginning of my authorial career. With that in mind, today is quite monumental because it was in January in 2004 that the writing adventure began... And today is the finalisation of a sequence of events that began on a very dark evening when a person re-evaluated their life because of a death.

It is fascinating how one can transform the bad into good with the right intention. The Ocean Callings will be released at the end of February on Audible, Amazon and iTunes.


You can find my books at the following link: Ruby Allure books on Audible:

http://www.audible.com/search/ref=a_hp_tseft?advsearchKeywords=Ruby+allure&filterby=field-keywords&x=0&y=0

 

 

 

With What's Happening in the World...

 

COURAGE + LOVE => CHANGE

 

I don't know about you but I feel of late that the world has gone mad. With everything that happened in Paris, the migration of so many Syrians and fellow human beings being in peril, it makes me wonder how on earth humanity has lasted this long. Yet with the constant bombardment of media showing us fear, torment and suffering something has transformed in many. With such crisis there has developed unity, a unity where courageous souls have addressed the killers of their loved ones and stated they will continue to love. They will not be tormented by fear, control and the evils within the world. Instead they will move beyond that and continue life with an open heart, albeit suffering loss and grief. For me this is an inspiration. It is a true representation of the courageous soul, one who has lost yet will stare into the face of the enemy and not demonstrate hatred, rage or retaliation but instead an empathy for a twisted creature whose anger and rage resorted in them killing fellow human beings.

 

It is the power of empathy and courage I wish to focus on instead of the cruelty, the terror and the rage. I do not wish to focus on conflict, war and the harming of others; instead I desire to see more courage, more love and true authenticity. I love that man whose bravery and wisdom inspired the world on the BBC and Facebook. I am astounded by the true inspiration he evoked in a time of utter despair for him. I love that man unconditionally for showing the world a vulnerable and masculine man who can rise above the cruelty of others and move others to unite in their hearts. For me this is the way forward - to love others unconditionally, to demonstrate vulnerability, love and courage in the face of adversity. If more people opened their hearts instead of residing behind the armours of fear, defense, hatred and rage we could raise humanity to the next phase and progress into a peaceful and united state. It is the anger, the hatred and the damage that drive people to kill others in vengeance. People who love, experience kindness and tranquillity do not have the desire to harm others. So why aren't we working towards our own personal healing rather than fear and terror?

I may well be an idealist; but that is why I write. I write to make suggestions, to reach people and share the inner workings of a complex interior world. Maybe something I will write will inspire others to become the best they can be because I want you to know, that even though I never met you, I am your friend because I, like you, am human. I am vulnerable and have the courage to be authentic. I hope you feel inspired you and that your inspiration will inspire others.
Ruby

Need some motivation?

Well this is it... There is a tremendous sense of achievement when a person starts with nothing... When I say nothing - never heard of, never known and literally stands at the base of a mountain and thinks - how on earth does anyone ascend such a monster? Obviously that is metaphorical mountain and we all have mountains in our lives to climb. That is probably why we chose to live: to learn, to experience, to grow and be challenged. Or it might be to arrive in the world and buy things and die. It simply depends which school of thought you are in... and whether the conditioning has paid off.

Anyway I deviate. In the school of writing there are only seven narratives and one of these is rags to riches. Again this is metaphorical, it does not necessarily have to do with money. Instead it is associated with starting at nothing - this could be knowledge, experience or actual poverty and through the narrative the 'hero / heroine' develop and become rich. Again this may well be in experience, wisdom or physical wealth. The point is that from nothing something is made. It is the sense of transformation and metamorphosis on the journey that gives the pleasure. Have you ever noticed that you set yourself a goal and that goal enables you to grow, expand and challenge yourself? You then hit the goal and yes you are elated and this elation is short-lived because now you have reached a plateaux and it is time for a new challenge - one that is bigger, better and more challenging.

 

So you may wonder why I write this - it is simple - I feel the need to inspire others. When you are daunted and doubt that you will make it - keep going.  Notice the voice in your head that says you are being ridiculous and thank it. That being ridiculous is a path to change and growth. When everyone tells you why you can't do it - well show they why YOU can. There are so many times on a journey when you desire to give up and all hope feels lost. It is at that point something seems to be testing you and asking you 'how much do you really want it?' It is at this moment you make your decision. Give up and never know or persevere. Well I can tell you 12 years later perseverance paid off. From nothing my books became something and if I can do it... I know others can. Follow your passion and intuition because a desire or a compulsion to contribute is there for a reason. Secretly you know YOUR own reason for doing something. Why don't you let go of your reasons why not and say 'give it a go - in fact give it your best go!'

Ruby

LINK TO MY BOOKS :
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ruby-Allure/e/B00M9Y4GAA/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1447793190&sr=8-1

 
 
 

To Listen on audio:

http://www.audible.com/pd/Fiction/Love-Hunt-II-The-Love-Game-Audiobook/B0176Z9Y08/ref=a_search_c4_1_1_srTtl?qid=1447097231&sr=1-1

The paperback on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Love-Hunt-II-Richidiot-com-dating/dp/1517542316/ref=la_B00M9Y4GAA_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1447096640&sr=1-3

 

 

 

Exciting Times... Never Give Up!

Finally it is all coming together...

Have you ever felt like that dung beetle pushing against the giant self-made dung ball. Well that has been me over the last twelve years. I have been plodding up the most metaphorically difficult mountain emulating the action of a dung beetle. It is amazing how constant perseverance and persistence pays off so one can be victorious. Well the good news is I am finally at the top of the mountain. I am intending to ride the dung ball down the hill.

When it comes to writing, I have to say there have been times when I just wanted to give up yet I was compelled to carry on. Why would anyone carry on when no one had heard of them? People kept telling me why it was so difficult to succeed as an author. You know what? I could listen to others because they simply mirror one's self-doubt. The thing is sometimes you have to transform the doubt and simply put your head down and do it anyway! And  you know what? There have been times when I can quite honestly say I have had full on tantrums, especially when I received over a hundred rejection letters. Unfortunately I rid myself of most of them through not being a person who can hold onto rejection.

I now look at my twelve years of consistent writing as exercise and learning. Now finally it is all paying off. In the last year I have released 2 novels and 1 creative writing book to add to the other 6 books I released over the last 5 years. 8 of my 9 books will enter onto the audio market place by the end of the year. I finally feel like it is working and that my life's work has been birthed into the world. Admittedly I have another ten books drafted and intend to work on those over the coming years. However, my big lesson in life is: if one door does not open then find other ways. Approach the market place like an entrepreneur. Look at what is new and has potential. There are always new ways and original ways. The desire and drive will be there when you forge your own path and stay authentic and aligned with your passion. You know that something is a passion when you do it for no reward. That is where I felt tested - I accepted that whether or not my books sold or not, well I simply had to write them. So here we are... yesterday Money Farm arrived in paperback. Tomorrow the Office Zoo will be available in paperback too - just in time for Secret Santa gifts for Christmas and the classic office leaving present. What's more, the reviews have been honest and amazing. The first few I cringed before I even read them. I was astounded by what amazing things people write who don't know you about the work you created. I know they won't all be good; however, I have had a phenomenal start so thank you reviewers!!!

The audio books have absolutely astounded me. The talent of the producers quite simply blows me away. How they shift between characters and accents is just astounding and bring life to the characters that once lurked in my head. I also have advice for those who are aspiring in any field. Focus, use your passion and life force to bring something brilliant and unique to you into the world!

 

Final note:  I wrote this blog to advise everyone who reads my posts that to celebrate the new releases I will post five chapters of each book... I hope you will enjoy them:)

 

 

Ruby Allure Books created to inspire you:)

 

LINKS TO AMAZON.COM:

 

New in Paperback:  http://amzn.com/151230526X

 

 

 

 

LABYRINTHINE AMAZON.COM LINK: Link: http://amzn.com/B012FAYI5U

 

 

:

AUDIBLE LINK FOR A SHORT COURSE IN CREATIVE WRITING: http://amzn.com/B01390THLK

 

21/08/15

 

"An Unexpected Gem"

***I was provided a copy of this audio book for the purpose of a review ***

With the required disclaimer out of the way, let me be brutally honest, I had not expected this little gem. In fact, I had expected my listening would be a bit rough and was fortified by it being less than 2 hours.

The synopsis says the author wrote the book as a takeaway from her evening classes on creative writing. My mental context was ... Community Ed evening classes ...and expected a well intended but kind of amateur product. However, I am interested in adult education, and batter my own nerd head against a giant personal creativity brick wall.

So you have an idea of my mind set... low expectations along with high interest.

Amateur hour it was NOT.

I don't know where the author teaches her class, but Sign Me Up! And bring the narrator. Wow. Two hours of unadulterated, straight up, right on, good learning material delivered by a close friend just sharing the material. The narrator's voice was warm, sincere without any artifact or pompous patronising, and well modulated throughout. The material was mind opening for me, with the right mix of the mechanics of writing exercises, sufficient context that using prompts now makes sense to me, and a sprinkling of the inner heart work of creativity through written material.

This was just what I didn't dare hope for in a how to creative writing listen.

Truly an unexpected gem and a learning and growing experience for me.

A keeper and one I will return to many times as I deconstruct my own wall, one block at a time.

Thank You, Ruby and Thank You, Erin.

 

TO BUY MONEY FARM ON AMAZON.com http://amzn.com/B010F04W9O

· Frode

06/08/15

5 STAR

"M.O.N.E.Y. is bad? This book is not!"

So Money Farm by Ruby Allure was a surprise! When I REALLY did not read things about this book I review for Audiobook Blast, I sometimes get books I don't know something about. BTW: I read 99% about the books I want to review, but this book I can't remember I did that for. Anyways: This was a nice surprise, and I think it is one of those books that is better the second time you read it. No joke! I listen to this twice before I made this! Money Farm makes you thin, and who does not like to hear a book that makes you think? It is an awesome book, that I will recommend to all that likes audiobooks, and really to people that does not!

Helen Lloyd English accent its the topic like a glow and a hand! Her "lady like" voice is so cold, and clear I feel that the author made this book thinking that Helen Lloyd would read it out loud! That is how I feel those two fits together! The 2 times 14 hrs and 6 mins I spend with her never feels boring or uninteresting! I would love to spend it again, and I will because this book I will hear again, and again, even when it is 14 hrs and 6 mins long! That is saying something!

I was provided this audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator in exchange for an unbiased review via AudiobookBlast dot com

Link: http://amzn.com/151230526X

MONEY FARM

· "Incredibly thought provoking..."

What did you like most about Money Farm?

It was an eye opener.

 

What did you like best about this story?

I like the way it made you think about the way normal everyday life is here and now, and the future...

 

Have you listened to any of Helen Lloyd’s other performances? How does this one compare?

Helen Lloyd narrated this fairly long audiobook brilliantly. Although the story content was very intense and thought provoking, her lovely smooth voice was very easy to listen to and I thought it was just perfect, a fascinating book wonderfully narrated.

 

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes it was, although it is too long to do so.