Want to Write a Book? Receive Coaching by Best-Selling Author
(ContentDesk) February 16, 2004 -- "As an author, one of my pleasures is remaining accessible to my readers," says Alten. "My personal e-mail appears in all of my books and I personally answer about a hundred letters a day. I'm always getting inquiries from individuals who want to write their own novel, but don't know how to get started, or find themselves stuck. Others have great ideas, but don't know how to develop their plots. So I offer two services on my website.
WRITING TIPS is a free site, which breaks the writing process down. WRITING COACH is a paid-for service for serious writers hoping to get published. I work directly with the individual, helping them develop and prepare their manuscript for a literary agent or publisher."Alten even offers reasonable monthly payment options, something that was not available for him when he got started. "There are never any guarantees, no matter who you work with. When I wrote MEG, I actually had to sell my prized possession, a 1971 Malibu convertible, to raise funds for editing fees.
Since I make my living from being an author, I can offer more flexible terms to my readers."To contact the author, read free excerpts from his novels, or learn more about his services, go to SteveAlten.com..
No Load Mutual Funds: Investment Hype vs. Investment Help
With the internet such a huge part of our daily lives, many investors have access to a wide range of instant investment information.Whether you're into stocks, bonds, mutual funds, futures or options, there are tons of electronic investment newsletters offering to turn your small stake into a giant fortune. All you need to do is subscribe and watch your portfolio soar. Yeah, right! As a practicing investment advisor specializing in no load mutual funds, I have received my share of e-mails from disillusioned subscribers wanting to know how to better evaluate newsletter services.
While there are no absolutes, I can give you a few pointers that might help you make a better decision:1. Stay away from the most obvious hype.
Ads promising to turn your $10,000 into $1 million in 2 years by buying this incredible stock or hot commodity are not promoting investing ? they are selling gambling. Follow the "If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is" rule.2. Most mutual fund...
No Load Mutual Funds: Investment Hype vs. Investment Help
Hedge funds > No Load Mutual Funds: Investment Hype vs. Investment Help
All-Star Weekend NFL/NBA Celebrity Models Raise Chartiable Funds with Fashions
Houston, TX (ContentDesk) February 18, 2006 -- The highly anticipated 2nd Annual Houston Fashion Weekend kicks off this Friday, February 17, 2006 from 12pm-1pm beginning with a visitation and Pizza Party, with children at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center. The event culminates on Saturady February 18th following a silent auction from 11:30am- 12:30pm. A lavish Glaceau Water sponsored reception and after party follows at the Kasbah, an upscale Moroccan themed venue from 10 p.m.
to 2 a.m. Throngs of international talents from the fashion industry including noted Designers such as Reggie Gillam of Atlantas Inner City Couture will flank the runway. Gilliams blazers, embroidered and hand- painted denim have been draped on Oscar Winner Jamie Foxx and pop icon Usher Raymond. Other designer industry mammoths such as Demarcus Faggins, Ramon Walker, Robert Pack, Antonio Wingfield & others will also be showcased.Sean Florence of Phaparazzi Couture, A Featured Celebrity...
All-Star Weekend NFL/NBA Celebrity Models Raise Chartiable Funds with Fashions
Hedge funds > All-Star Weekend NFL/NBA Celebrity Models Raise Chartiable Funds with Fashions
Fundamentals of Headlines, Copy and Design in Communication
While there are many opinions about what constitutes good headlines, copy and design, most professionals agree that these individual elements of the ad must work together. In combination, they must grab attention, convey a persuasive message and portray a consistent identity.An ad that's too cluttered can't convey a message quickly enough to engage the reader or viewer. One that's out of character with the product or service will be confusing rather than convincing.An effective headline (or a broadcast ad's opening moments) must immediately capture the audience's interest and pull them into the ad. A good rule of thumb is to look for the inherent "drama" in what you are offering, and capitalize on that to create an alluring ad.Examples: "We're Losing Our Minds" -- a university ad appealing for funds. And "You Don't Have to be Jewish to Love Levy's" -- a bread company ad featuring a Chinese man biting into a whopping pastrami sandwich.Next, the photo or illustration amplifies the message....
Fundamentals of Headlines, Copy and Design in Communication
Hedge funds > Fundamentals of Headlines, Copy and Design in Communication
Park La Brea Apartments, The Park La Brea Arts Council Team Up for 8th Annual Art in the Park Benefiting Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times
LOS ANGELES, CA (ContentDesk) August 29, 2004 -- Park La Brea Apartments and The Park La Brea Arts Council will be holding the 8th Annual Art in the Park from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 11 and Sunday, September 12 at Park La Brea Apartments, 6200 West 3rd Street.
The event will benefit Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times, a cost-free sleep-away camp for children with cancer and their families.
The two-day event will be filled with world-class artists, live entertainment, a food court, a children's art workshop and special appearance by Ronald McDonald.
Admission, parking and shuttle service are all free.
For more event information, please call 323-525-1908."We are thrilled to be able to sponsor this fantastic cultural event once again for the community of Los Angeles," said Barbara Barsi, marketing director, Park La Brea Apartments.
"Most importantly, we hope to raise even more funds for the kids and families that look forward...
Hedge funds > Park La Brea Apartments, The Park La Brea Arts Council Team Up for 8th Annual Art in the Park Benefiting Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times
Getting the Most Out of Your 401(k)
If your boss handed you an envelope filled with cash, would you throw it away? Of course not! But employees do it every day. And that's not the only mistake they make. I often come across investors who have made simple, yet costly mistakes in their company retirement accounts (401(k)s). If you or your spouse have a 401(k) account, read on to make sure you aren't making the same mistakes.The most common mistake I find concerning a 401(k) is that some workers don't take advantage of it at all. This is especially amazing when many employers match a portion of their employees' contributions.
For instance, let's say your company matches your contributions dollar-for-dollar up to 3% of your salary. If you make $50,000 a year, that means the company will put in $1,500 if you put in $1,500. That's a 100% return! You should make these contributions even if you think you can't afford it. Most 401(k) plans allow you to borrow against the balance of your account at a low interest rate. So...
Getting the Most Out of Your 401(k)
Hedge funds > Getting the Most Out of Your 401(k)
Glide into Tax Season with Solid Financial Planning
(ARA) - With good planning, you can start the year off right by making sure you and your family are financially fit and ready for the new year, and possibly reduce your tax bill.
Here is a financial checklist to consider:Tap into the Power of Tax-DeferralIf you are thinking of investing in mutual funds for long-term or retirement savings, purchase a variable annuity.
You've got the 1099 forms for 2000 already from any mutual funds you own.
If you have a tax bill this year, you'll likely wait until April 15 to pay it, to give the money extra time to work for you.
What if you had the option to wait 10 or 20 years to pay?
That's tax-deferral.
You control when you pay taxes on your money so you can get the maximum mileage out of your investment earnings.Variable annuities provide tax-deferred investments -- you pay no taxes on the earnings until you actually withdraw the money, and you receive no tax assessment during the accumulation...
Glide into Tax Season with Solid Financial Planning
Hedge funds > Glide into Tax Season with Solid Financial Planning