Category: Book

In the heart of the South, where cotton fields stretch as far as the eye can see, lies the small rural town of Winona, Mississippi. Within these landscapes, an oppressive cloud hung over the lives of African Americans for nearly a century due to the Jim Crow laws. These commandments were a collection of state and local rulings that legalized racial segregation, casting a dark shadow on the prospects and dreams of countless individuals.

In this atmosphere of racial discrimination and social injustice resides the family of Judith Jones, an extraordinary author with a remarkable tale. Her book, ‘Black Soil, White Cotton, Sweet and Bitter Fruit,’ offers a captivating narrative of a black family’s resilience and struggle during the turbulent era of Jim Crow.

Inspired by her own family’s experiences, Judith brings to life the undeniable source of contentions that anyone Black was the target of the Jim Crowers and its followers. The primary representation of the book urges readers to explore the painful yet powerful narrative within its pages. Cotton, an age-old natural product, symbolizes the economic survival of the slave trade. Its white color represents purity and serves as a stark reminder of the oppression faced by the black community. Moreover, the book’s title, ‘Black Soil’ taking precedence, is a poignant metaphor for the arduous journey of this black family, where the soil that gave birth to abundance also bore witness to immense dislike, disregard, and open hatred. 

The journey of Judith as an author began in the 1960s when racial inequalities and classism loomed large in the social climate. As a young child, she observed her parents’ struggles for a better life, and through their stories, she found herself transported into their world. She felt their joys and pain as if she had walked in their shoes. Judith’s innate ability to capture emotions and her deep-rooted passion for storytelling birthed her transformation into an author, giving voice to the untold stories of her family and community.

In her pursuit of education and knowledge, Judith emerged as an intellectual and research-driven individual. She embraced her love for writing, excelling in English studies and perfecting her storytelling abilities. A diverse educational journey encompassed record-keeping, financial accounting, and paralegal studies, revealing her insatiable hunger for learning.

‘Black Soil, White Cotton, Sweet and Bitter Fruit’ resonates with readers as it delves into the economic definition of common or uncommon wealth during the Jim Crow era. Judith immerses readers in rural living in Winona, painting a vivid picture of the hardships faced by families striving to raise and care for their loved ones amidst social norms and racial prejudices.

The book’s central themes also explore the unwavering faith and trust in God that guided families through their trials. Judith eloquently captures pivotal moments in the lives of the Doyle family, such as Loran Doyle’s brush with death and the harsh realities of war. With heartfelt emotion, she recounts the profound impact of racism, classism, and societal norms on her family’s journey.

Through her work, Judith sheds light on the often-understudied facts of history, dispelling myths and distorted illustrations that have clouded the minds of the younger generation. Her book is an enlightening source of truth and education, encouraging open discussions about the Jim Crow era and its lingering effects on society.

As a storyteller, Judith transcribes powerful stories that bring the essence of her family’s experiences to life. One such impactful story chronicles an emotional proclamation by her uncle, Loran Doyle, at his mother’s knees, questioning the treatment of soldiers returning from war.

Beyond the pages of her book, Judith stands as an advocate for truth and education. Her dedication to preserving real and proven history drives her to reveal hidden truths, ensuring that future generations understand the resilience and struggles faced by their ancestors.

As Judith Jones continues her journey as an author, her commitment to truth, compassion, and education shines brightly. Through ‘Black Soil, White Cotton, Sweet and Bitter Fruit,’ she leaves an indelible mark on the literary world, ensuring that the struggles and triumphs of her family and community echo through time, enlightening and inspiring generations to come. 

Tackling life as a single mother and a working woman can be a demanding feat, and Kathryn Larouche Imler knows it all too well. As a retired Registered Nurse (RN), she faced the challenge of balancing her professional career while being the sole provider for her family. Many women find themselves in a similar position, striving to find a harmonious rhythm between their personal and work lives while shouldering the responsibilities of single parenthood.

Kathryn’s Medical Journey

Kathryn had her life take an unexpected twist when she confronted a rare and unfamiliar medical condition that left her disabled. It was a long and challenging journey to obtain a proper diagnosis, taking nearly a decade of perseverance and determination. However, she did not let her disability define her. Instead, it became the catalyst for her next chapter of life.

Professional Background

With a diverse background in various medical fields, including general medicine, surgery, gynecology, and obstetrics, Kathryn also served as a home care supervisor and Assistant DOC, leaving a positive impact on the lives of countless patients.

Focus on Research

Kathryn’s self-discovery path led her to focus on researching Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS) and Fibromyalgia (FM). Research shows that these “unseen” medical diseases impact millions of individuals globally every day. Still, they are poorly understood by the majority of the medical community. By investing in research, Kathryn hopes to cast light on these disorders, empowering people and increasing awareness about FM, ME/CFS, Lyme disease, and other common yet inadequately researched medical problems.

Supporting Research and Empowering Others

Apart from her research, Kathryn has taken another impactful step. She has decided to set aside 10% of the sales from her endeavors to go directly to supporting societies dedicated to research for ME/CFS and FM. Her commitment to giving back helps fund essential research and offers hope to millions who often feel forgotten or misunderstood.

“Burning Rubber”: A Tale of Love and Compassion

Not only is Kathryn Larouche Imler a dedicated healthcare professional and advocate for “unseen” medical conditions, but she is also a talented author. Her memoir, “Burning Rubber,” chronicles her journey of accompanying a dying man to his home in Myanmar. Kathryn was clueless that this act of kindness would lead to a series of complexities that would forever change her life. “Burning Rubber” explores the profound impact these medical conditions have on a person’s life, bravely delving into themes of loss of purpose, grief, abuse, PTSD, addiction, recovery, and the ultimate test of resilience and courage.

Understanding the Gap

Kathryn understands the gap between the medical community and the patients. Thus, she intends to bridge the distance by providing a voice to those who often go unheard. Her extensive background in the healthcare industry shows her commitment to providing patient support and the need for a deeper understanding of “unseen” medical conditions.

An Inspiration for Resilience and Change

Kathryn’s journey serves as an inspiration to all who face obstacles in life. Her resilience and determination have not only propelled her forward but also ignited a spark in others to advocate for change and seek answers when facing similar battles. It’s time we stand beside her as she raises awareness, funds research, and supports those affected by disabilities.

Grab a copy of Burning Rubber to make a difference!

Global Humanitarian Eddie Ndopu Releases Inspirational Memoir: “Sipping Dom Pérignon Through a Straw: Reimagining Success as a Disabled Achiever”

[New York, Aug. 14] – A remarkable event unfolded on Wednesday, July 19, 2023, as global humanitarian and  United Nations SDG Advocate, Eddie Ndopu, revealed his deeply moving memoir, “Sipping Dom Pérignon Through a Straw: Reimagining Success as a Disabled Achiever.” The private house in New York, generously offered by a philanthropic family dedicated to supporting Ndopu’s work, served as the venue for this special book launch, where highly prominent New Yorkers and guests of the city from various industries gathered to celebrate the author’s triumph and support his future success as an author.

In his memoir, penned with incredible determination over three years using just one finger, Eddie Ndopu shares an extraordinary journey as a disabled individual who defied societal expectations to achieve remarkable success. “Sipping Dom Pérignon Through a Straw” is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, inspiring readers to overcome their own challenges and embrace their capacity for greatness. The book’s profound impact has earned it a place among Apple and Amazon’s Best Books of August 2023.

The book launch exuded warmth, inspiration, and celebration of life. Eddie Ndopu himself delivered an emotional speech, inviting the guests to glimpse into his unique life experiences and the powerful message he hopes to convey through his memoir. He also took the time to have private conversations with many of the event’s high-level attendees that included UN diplomats, celebrities and iconic New Yorkers. It is rare that a New York book publication event captures such a profound sense of purpose and inclusivity with so many extraordinary leaders in the room. 

Among prominent event attendees was Jessica Sibley. As the CEO of TIME Magazine, who did a fireside talk with the author, Sibley’s presence added weight to the significance of Ndopu’s literary milestone, demonstrating the book’s appeal and relevance across diverse audiences. TIME recently featured Ndopu’s piece adapted from the memoir. 

The event also served as a vibrant platform for the exchange of ideas and the forging of partnerships. One power trio the reception saw is Irina Proskurina – CEO of digital agency E-PR Online, Andreas Arellano – global networker and business generator, and Kunal Sood  – Internationally acclaimed, award-winning impact entrepreneur and co-founder of We the Planet.

We the Planet was launched at the United Nations by the founder Kunal Sood in 2019 with his co-founder Laura Muranaka. They welcomed Eddie Ndopu into its ranks in 2020 as a keynote speaker, recognizing his invaluable contribution to their mission of unifying the world around making the impossible possible to protect life on land and under the sea. Together, they have now embarked on Mission Hope to democratize traveling to outer space for all – it is an ambitious endeavor to put the first disabled person on the moon by 2030, showcasing Ndopu as an exemplary candidate for the mission through a poignant video campaign created, produced and sponsored by Kunal Sood. The collaborative project Mission Hope continues to empower individuals with disabilities worldwide, inspiring them to pursue their dreams and become beacons of hope, courage, and extraordinary citizenship by embodying the idea of making the impossible possible.

Kunal Sood confessed that Eddie Ndopu’s story has touched him on a personal level, too. Sood himself grew up with an invisible disability and, over his lifetime, managed to harness it as his superpower by cultivating a mindset around making the impossible possible in life and serving to empower others with the same belief. “This is something Eddie Ndopu and I have in common – we are both very passionate about unlocking humanity”s exponential potential,” says Sood. 

In the midst of the event, Kunal Sood and Irina Proskurina discussed their partnership, as Ms. Proskurina had recently joined forces with We The Planet. This collaboration aims to create even more impactful global campaigns that safeguard cities and nations and the planet from the adverse effects of climate change, reflecting their shared commitment to making a positive impact on the world. Irina’s media savvy and connections will come in handy to spread awareness of the project’s cause and extraordinary vision – to transform our world for a better future by uniting the youth and elders to solve the world’s most urgent global grand challenges. 

As “Sipping Dom Pérignon Through a Straw” gains momentum in the literary world, its message of hope, resilience, and reimagining success has already touched the hearts and minds of so many brave souls. Eddie Ndopu’s extraordinary journey serves as an inspiration to us all, proving that determination and belief in oneself can defy all odds. 

International Business Advisor, BillV, has penned another groundbreaking masterpiece, “The Code from God (V)”, which has the potential to propel our world towards health, wealth, and spiritual wellbeing. This book, rooted in sustainable practices and Earth replenishment, has already been awarded as the most inspiring book by a leading publisher and has been ranked favorably among top authors like Gaur Gopal Das, Chetan Bhagat, and Shivkera. According to the book, embracing its principles can revolutionize individual lives, the entire human race, and our world, providing readers with tremendous value and insight into achieving the three pillars of health, wealth, and spiritual well-being, which, the book explains, are critical for personal success and the betterment of humanity.

“The Code from God (V)” takes readers on a journey to explore the origins of spirituality, offering unique virtues and insights discovered through profound meditation – something that has never been done before in modern human history. The book emphasizes the importance of resonating with Universal Energies that sustain all life on Planet Earth, ensuring humanity’s well-being in the next prosperous phase.

BillV’s commitment to sustainable practices and the replenishment of the Earth is evident in “The Code from God (V)”, which serves as a roadmap to empowerment and enlightenment. Properly applied, the book’s core principles can impact humanity and the entire universe positively, making it a valuable resource for anyone seeking a brighter future.

In addition to the transformative book, BillV offers two distinct services, “The Persona” and “GemPersona,” using his unique abilities developed through years of meditation with the divine. The proceeds from these services are devoted substantially to replenishing the Earth.

“The Persona,” a service exclusive to genuine and healthy products, avoids controversial subjects by utilizing focused meditative concentration to transform prime television commercials for top-level brands into key messages of absorption for the audience. To experience “The Persona” firsthand, decision-makers of top brands can schedule a one-on-one online session by visiting http://www.Incredible-experience.com.

On the other hand, “The Gem Persona” utilizes more than 35 years of focused practice to target the subconscious mind of sports teams, strengthening their self-belief, and enhancing their performance. This boosts concentration, morale, and focus at pivotal stages of the game, creating the winning edge. Decision makers of top-level sporting teams can arrange a one-on-one experience by filling up the form on http://www.Gempersona.com.

“The Code from God (V)” invites readers to explore the principles that sustain all life on Earth, propelling us towards health, wealth, and spiritual well-being in harmony with a replenished, prosperous planet. BillV’s “The Persona” and “GemPersona” complement the transformative power of the book by offering unique and inspiring experiences to individuals and teams.

In conclusion, individuals are encouraged to discover the magic of “The Persona” and the divine wisdom of “The Code from God (V)” at http://www.TheCodeOfGod.org, and propel themselves and our world towards a brighter future. The principles outlined in this work will help guide humanity towards the next phase of prosperity, and it’s up to everyone to play their part. By embracing these principles, we can create a better and more sustainable world for ourselves and future generations. The time to act is now.

Words by: David Rutsala
Published/Contributed by: Hector Morgan

From world championship skier to stuntman to actor to producer, Frank Beddor had faced many challenges in his life. But nothing had prepared him for the challenge he was about to face: One of the most daunting tasks of them all … writing a novel.

Like all writers, Beddor struggled. Especially at first. But, like all successful writers, he found his own unique way of facing the writing challenges and succeeding. 

And he did it by doing what successful people do. He asked himself a simple question:

What have I done that’s similar?

And many answers came. Some of them we’ll encounter in the following. And we’ll also see why Frank Beddor wasn’t like many who have thought about writing a book. He was that rare person who finishes that book … successfully.

“The Work: Writing Book One”

The memories are still fresh. Both the pain and the pleasure. It’s right there. Real and vivid. Frank Beddor remembers writing “The Looking Glass Wars” like it happened last week.

“Some days you’re just pondering where a chapter might go, and then you sit down and go, ‘Okay, I’ve figured it out.’ And it just flows from there.'”

But he didn’t get there overnight. And he didn’t get there without a lot of pain, sweat, and tears. And the writing veered from being a positive to a negative experience.

“Some days it was my lover and some days it was my ghost.” 

Still, the drive to write entered his life more with the seductive allure of a lover, than the supernatural pull of a ghost.

After releasing “There’s Something About Mary”, he was sitting on top of the world. A path clearly laid out for him. More movies, discovering more talent, a lot of lunch meetings at the Ivy or dinners at Spago. The producer’s life. The life of a few. The dream of many more.

But Beddor wanted something else. Something more. And then along came the idea. The kind of idea that comes along once, maybe twice in a lifetime. An idea too good to hand over to someone else.  

“I started with a few ideas I had. Waiting for the one to show itself.”

And “The Looking Glass Wars” did just that. But it started small.

“I just had the kernel of the idea. And it was this: What if you didn’t go down the rabbit hole into Wonderland, but you came up the rabbit hole into our world. What was that like?”

But with that tiny kernel great things grew.

Frank Beddor owns several properties in the Hollywood Hills. But lives fairly modestly, with his two children, in one of the smaller ones. But one of its most attractive features is a patio effortlessly transitioning into grass which stretches down to an out-building where his assistant works.

On sunny mornings, he starts his day on the patio with a coffee and a copy of the LA Times. He still prefers the print edition.

He’s often joined in this morning ritual by deer, wandering down from higher elevations, or cutting across from Griffith Park. Small lizards can be seen skittering across the grass. And occasionally a bobcat makes his way onto the land.

It’s not surprising that here his mind can wander to Wonderland. This landscape encourages dreams of fantastic landscapes and limitless worlds.

But now he has a process. A way to create … to write. But, in the beginning, everything was new to him.

“I was obviously inexperienced in doing something on my own. And I didn’t want to talk about it in case it didn’t work out. So, I just did it in private. Worked on it, shared it with my girlfriend at the time. Didn’t tell my family about it. Because they would have thought I lost my mind. Especially after having a big hit movie.”

But he plunged in head first. And, quickly, he became lost in the writing process: 

“I found myself thinking about thinking about the book a lot and trying to solve problems,” Beddor recalls. “I started writing some scenes and then I would write myself into a corner, and think:  This doesn’t make any sense. I don’t have a mechanism to move her from one place to the other. What would that be?” 

But often even this process didn’t work.

“There was a lot of stopping and starting. I’d start something and I go back and I write some chapters and think they were pretty good. And months later I’d go back and I’d read them and they seemed horrible. And there is a lot of that going back and forth.”

And this continued for some time. Some nights, he’d have animated discussions with his girlfriend about the book over dinner. Other nights, the book would give him nightmares. He’d wake up in a cold sweat, wondering if it was all a waste of time. A waste of his energies.

In the midst of all this, he had an epiphany. Why not apply some of the tools he’d learned about developing projects as a producer to the process of creating this book? So, he hired the artist Doug Chiang. 

Beddor felt that Chiang, a highly respected conceptual artist – who’d worked on such films as “Terminator 2: Judgement Day”, “Forrest Gump”, “The Polar Express” and the “Star Wars” prequels – could help him visualize Wonderland.

First, he asked him to sketch the Card Soldiers. 

“I was having a hard time imagining how they would be flat and unfold and what they would look like,” says Beddor, remembering the struggle. “And he broke that logic by saying they’re just going to flatten up. And then unfold on the pieces. And when I saw the image, I went, okay, it doesn’t matter. I don’t have to describe exactly how it works. And that idea set me free. 

This new freedom excited him. He hired more artists. And this collaboration with artists forced him to look deeper at the world he was creating. The artist would ask him questions like: What does the Chessboard Desert look like? Or: What makes the sand black and white?

This process made the writing of the book feel more like making a movie. And approaching the book this way made him realize that even if the book didn’t work, he was still creating something of value.

“It will be the foundation for developing a movie or television show. I have created a template and some world creation for a screenwriter to take and do it as a movie,” notes Beddor. And this process also worked as a “psychological” trick. Something that helped Beddor move forward on the book. And not worry about whether or not it got published.

“It allowed me to write a good book. Because I wasn’t worried about it being a good book.”

Plus, movies were rooted in who he was.

“My first language was cinema. I never wavered from that.”

But the writing process changed him. It even changed his daily routine. Because before he started writing the book, his life was very different.

“I was taking lunch meetings or doing dinner meetings. Things that you do as a producer to cultivate relationships. As soon as I started working on the book, and I was writing pages, I stopped doing that. I stopped taking lunch and stopped taking dinner meetings. I would just work on the book.”

Frank Beddor was becoming a writer.

“I started to enjoy the process of creating the book more than the producing side, and I felt like I was supposed to capitalize and I wasn’t doing the best job capitalizing.”

But the proof really came in the writing. Something happened when he hit Chapter Ten. He knew this was it. He was in it for the long haul.

“That was the defining moment for me,” recalls Beddor. “It’s just this need you have. I needed to finish the book. I don’t have a choice. I’m going to finish it.”

That was the moment when it became real. When the stakes got raised.

“Because you’ve said it, even if you’ve only said it to yourself … ‘I’m doing this.'”

That’s how it all began. At a moment of triumph, a new path was blazed. A path as uncertain as any Frank Beddor had ever taken. But it would lead him to one of the most exciting periods of his life. Join us in future chapters, and become part of that journey. 

But buckle-up. There will be turbulence.

David Rutsala, raised in a literary family, has worked for over a decade developing film, television and publishing properties for most of the major studios, networks and publishers.  His films have played across the globe, including at prominent venues like the Museum of Modern Art, Sundance, the Berlin Film Festival and Cannes.  The New York Times called DAYS OF GRACE, a film he co-wrote, “flashy and entertaining, but also earnestly concerned with the collapse of trust and integrity at every level of society.”