Never Ever Give Up Hope

Roxanne Fawley went from longing for death to loving life, from debilitating depression to being extremely happy. In Roxanne's memoir But I Like It...And Other Lies, she shares her experience as a victim of physical, mental, and sexual abuse. She wrote the book because she knows she is not the only one who believed the insidious lie that a woman likes or wants or even caused her own sexual abuse. She shows us how she has been completely restored to health and freedom that comes from knowing the truth and rejecting all the lies that may hold us captive and hopeless because of abuse. All proceeds from the sale of Roxanne's book goes to a local organization called Kalamazoo Anti-Numan Trafficking Coalition (K.A.H.T.C.)

Shirley Ledlie wrote her memoir, Naked in the Wind -Chemo, Hair loss, and Deceit as a result of an unexpected battle she had to fight. She was diagnosed with breast cancer at 47 and won the battle against the disease. BUT, after her treatment ended Shirley found herself in another seven-year battle with doctors and a drug company. Shirley Ledlie had an unstoppable determination to win her conflict as she uncovered the truth about a little-known side-effect of a cancer treatment drug, Taxotere. Shirley's memoir is about lies, betrayal and how she became part of a dirty little secret. It has affected hundreds of women all over the world and is still going on today. Whistleblowers, irrational behavior and some madness -- it is all in her memoir. It is humorous and inspiring in part and also desperate in others. Shirley's Motto: If we could see the miracle of a single flower clearly, our whole life would change.

Teen Idol and pop star Meredith O'Connor is an anti-bullying icon who first rose to fame when her debut single "Celebrity" went viral on Youtube with over two million views the first two months of its release. It became a radio favorite, bringing her a fan base which became a cult-like following once she had established her anti-bullying platform. Her song "The Game," has touched the lives of thousands throughout the world, landing her a ten city tour as a headlining act for venues and schools. Her next hit song "Just The Thing" was released on VEVO and Teen Nick gaining popularity on 17 radio stations in New York and over 400,000 views on VEVO. If you know anyone, especially teens, who have been the victims of bullying they need to connect with Meredith, listen to her gripping interview and download her songs. Her passion is helping those who suffer from self-hatred or low self-esteem. She wants you to know YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

Amy Bovaird is a ghostwriter, an author, educator and inspirational speaker. She is an animal advocate and rescuer, working with domestic and international animal rescue groups. She has traveled the world teaching English and has been known to rescue camels on the side of the road who were left to die. Amy suffers from Retinitis Pigmentosa, a hereditary eye disease that progressively steals vision and eventual hearing loss as well. In her memoirs, Mobility Matters: Stepping Out in Faith and her second book, Cane Confessions: The Lighter Side to Vision Loss, Amy shares her journey from denial to advocacy, educator, and optimistic motivator. Amy shares her story honestly; it is inspiring to anyone who has suffered loss. She walks us through each step from denial to being able to help others through their journey to acceptance. Amy shares how she has learned to laugh her way through trauma and this is clear in her interview and in her memoirs. You will be encouraged by her story:

Maggie C. Romero, M.A., taught English as a Second Language in northern Virginia for seventeen years. She and her partner retired from full-time teaching and moved to New Mexico where they have lived since 2009. Maggie is a member of SouthWest Writers, Story Circle Network, based in Austin, Texas, and National Association of Memoir Writers. Maggie knows the pain of addiction and in this interview will bring awareness to a subject many don't want to discuss. Yet, it is around us wherever we look. It can affect any one of us. Rich or poor, educated or not, it can strike anywhere. Maggie shares her daughter's story. Before addiction, Angie was a world-class gymnast, a gifted artist and graduated from university with a B.A. in Journalism. But at 21, it all fell apart. Maggie's purpose in writing her story was to heal from losing her daughter, Angie, to the Living Death of Heroin Addiction. She was determined to save her child from addiction and bankrupted herself in the effort to do so, had a breakdown and was forced into early retirement. In the words of Jenny Jerome (Churchill)... "Life is not always what one wants it to be. But to make the best of it as it is, is the only way of being happy" A Mother’s Story A Mother’s Story is a searing and intimate portrait of addiction and how it has been passed down in Maggie Romero’s family from generation to generation. Maggie is herself an addict, and when Angie’s drug addiction, at age twenty-two, became apparent to her, she jumped into a recovery program to cope with her daughter’s illness. The subsequent thirteen years have proven to be a powerful and poignant redemption journey, as she has gradually come to claim recovery for herself even as she’s watched her beautiful daughter continue to struggle. This award-winning memoir is a story of hope and recovery that will resonate with many people as epidemic as addiction is in our society. The book is brutally honest and leaves very little to the imagination

Denise Seegobin is a blogger who teaches people how to save money on things we use every day. Her blog's focus is on ways to spend smarter and how to harness your creativity. She also works with companies in reviewing products and sharing those findings with social media, including giveaways. Denise knows the pain of losing your family. Her parents died suddenly and then she lost her younger sister and her best friend. When asked how she coped with that, Denise said "I got my strength in knowing that they would not want me to give up. That no matter how many trials and tribulations, we have, life is a gift and we have to honor it by being the best we can be." Denise loves researching and her blog is all about how to save YOU money. She will research products for you and has dozens of products on her website she has researched for the best price and sometimes, free GIVEAWAYS. Here is her informative interview about her website and she also shares her incredible story of tenacity and strength through trauma:

Being diagnosed with cancer can be frightening, but it also gives you license to get away with a lot of things you wouldn't do otherwise. Laugh With Kathy takes you on a journey through breast cancer and finding humor in the diagnosis, treatment and survival of the disease. Kathy Lariviere uses humor to overcome any difficulties she encounters in life - including cancer. Why? Crying gives her a headache. Therapy is expensive. But...laughing always makes her feel better. If you know anyone who is going through difficulty, especially with a cancer diagnosis, they will thoroughly enjoy this interview with Kathy. In her words: "Even though I didn't have a choice in the diagnosis I received, I did have a choice on how I got through it, and how I let my family and friends see me handle it." She manages to find the humor in the worst of circumstances. Here is her list of positives that came from her experience with cancer: I got to relocate my bustline (it has been moving south for years) I didn't have to shave my legs for months It took a lot less time getting ready in the morning I had a great excuse for buy new lingerie especially when all the pretty bras come in the smaller sizes I didn't have to buy any more expensive hair products - I didn't have ANY hair For the rest of my life, I got to blame forgetfulness on "chemo brain." You can shame bad drivers with your bald head Laugh with Kathy as you listen to her humorous and inspiring interview and why it is a GOOD to smash pumpkins and throw eggs:

Phyllis Clemmons is a best-selling author of several books. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration and a Master's in Management, Human Resource Development and Leadership. In life, each of us has a common goal: To get through life's challenges, troubles, and trials as if it were a medicine that brings us to a healthy state of being. A state of being that promotes strength, wisdom, resourcefulness, creativity, determination, and hope. Phyllis states that it takes those trials to make our lives meaningful, colorful and complete, driving us to be creative, resourceful, determined, hopeful, and open. Each of her books has a common thread: There is triumph after pain There is a key to unlock every door There is a small voice whispering behind every choice we make You will not want to miss her challenging and inspiring interview:

Jenna Forster is the founder of Women That Lead, an organization designed to help professional women achieve some really groovy things. Jenna is an Executive Coach, Motivational Speaker and Author of two books. Jenna came to a point in her life when she was forced to deal with a physical diagnosis that changed everything. As a result, she immersed herself into the field of neuroscience and is now a trainer certified in the Study of Brain and Neuroplasticity.In addition, Jenna is: Executive Coach Leadership Development Expert Brain Science Expert Director of Operations and Training for the Executive Coaching University Has 13 years of Executive Coaching experience and has trained Executive Coaches in 38 countries Has 11 years of senior level management experience Is classified as one of the Top Executive Coaches worldwide Leading expert in combining Coaching and Neuroscience Passionate about the power of Women Here are some of her valuable and challenging quotes that which she explains in her interview: Simplify the complexity STOP....LOOK....and Listen Give yourself permission to be REAL Take ownership of yourself There is ALWAYS one constant in our lives -- Ourselves Learn how to connect to yourself Jenna's Motto: Leading Self, Leading Others, Leading Organizations

Robyn Hill is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). She has a Master of Arts Degree in Clinical Pastoral Counseling. Robyn has her own private practice where she provides culturally and spiritually sensitive counseling specializing in depression, anxiety, and trauma recovery. Robyn is also an author of books to educate on developing coping skills to improve emotional wellness, including A Healing Conversation: Beginning Steps Towards Dealing with a Painful Past. Robyn has recently launched her new radio show “Mind Healing Conversations” where she discusses various life stressors affecting mental wellness and also to inspire healthier habits for improving quality of life. In her interview, Robyn shares tips and coping skills for those who don't know where to start on their journey to better mental health. You will sense her empathy and compassionate desire to help those who are struggling. Her organization reaches as far as women in Uganda who need an education and assistance in becoming self-sufficient. In her interview, she talks about not allowing the GUILT factor control your thoughts when you think of past mistakes you have made. In the words of Maya Angelou: "When you know better, you do better" Her current two self-help books help people with depression and anxiety.