Cat Welcomes a Special Friend & Author Clifford Stevens and The Book “Find The Seeker.” It Has Been Garnishing Exceptional Reviews and a Q&A Interview With The Author & Master. . .


It is not every day you can be excited about having a few extraordinary friends who are Zen Masters of our current time. I am blessed to say I do! One update about Clifford is he was newly awarded the title of “Clifford Stevens (Zen Master Kiichi Gong),” as he studied Qi Gong, Zen, and meditation under Master Genro Xuan Lou Laoshi for many years before being certified as a Zen teacher in 2016, and now, as Zen Master in late 2021. We worked together when their book was first released in late 2018, and as many of my visitors know, I always say a book is a new release to any reader who has not yet read it.

This is purely true for their best-selling book titled Find The Seeker!: The pathless path to fulfillment and happiness… Many of my visitors also know that I live my life maintaining recovery. I can truly say their book helped me learn to make some necessary corrections within my path that I still use and follow today, and the practices helped me build my self-worth and in being comfortable with who I am in my own skin.

If you go read some of the book reviews on Amazon and Goodreads about “Seeker,” they mesh together a little like this: “Finding the Seeker, the Pathless Path to Fulfillment and Happiness” is a moving and refreshing book that makes the reader look forward to reading it each day and page by page.

The simplicity of reading this book with its simple and understandable language, the meanings will come to form like lightning and rain, followed by sprinkles of magic dust. It is a true pathless path to well-being, a happier life, and teaches how to cultivate the seeds within us to get there.” That is what you gain from reading ‘Find the Seeker and so much more.

They have not only received and awarded a five-star book review given by Reader’s Favorite but it is also receiving high praise by many “Enlightened Ones and Zen Teachers”

Here is more about this amazing read and some of the accolades it is garnishing too!


Reader’s Favorite Book Review – 5-stars!

Reviewed by Sefina Hawke for Readers’ Favorite

Find the Seeker! (The Pathless Path to Fulfillment and Happiness) written by Xuan Lou Genro and Clifford Stevens, is an inspirational non-fiction book on finding true happiness and fulfillment. The book would appeal most to a mixed audience of adults and young adults of any beliefs who wish to find their true nature and understand their spiritual needs. This book guides the reader in learning about the spiritual dimensions that all people share to provide guidance on existential questions, the true nature of oneself, and how to live a fulfilling life.

Find the Seeker! (The Pathless Path to Fulfillment and Happiness) by Xuan Lou Genro and Clifford Stevens is a well-written book that is truly unique. I enjoyed how the book was inspirational and informative in that it taught me not just about myself but also about Eastern religion and Zen. I found myself truly enjoying this book because it felt as if the authors were trying to teach me and help me improve myself as a person, both in mind and spirit.

The fact that the book was in an understandable plain English that avoided jargon greatly appealed to me because I did not have to be an expert or constantly look in a dictionary to understand what was written. Instead, I understood the concepts from the very beginning of the book. Overall, I am glad that I took the time to read this book, as it has changed the way I view myself, and it has taught me what I need to work on to achieve a more fulfilling life!


About The Authors and Zen Masters

Clifford Stevens
Co-Author & Zen Master Cliff Stevens


Clifford Stevens (Zen Master Kiichi Gong) studied Qi Gong, Zen, and meditation under Genro for many years before being certified as a Zen teacher in 2016 and as Zen Master in late 2021.

Born in the United States, Stevens’s career included teaching, journalism, PR manager, and a translator. He studied Qi Gong, Zen, and meditation with Genro Xuan Lou and Laoshi.

The author shares his meditation-imparted experiences, and the Dharma transmission from Genro qualified me to be named a teacher of Zen. He enjoyed writing this understandable, easy reading guide along with Master Genro for those wanting to learn more and practice true Buddhism and the benefits that come with the teachings in Find The Seeker!

Gert Beirer, who was born in Austria in 1945, studied Zen, meditation, Kung-Fu, Qi Gong, and acupuncture in Asia. He was given the name Genro (“Origin of Joy”) Xuan Lou, Laoshi (Laoshi = “Spiritual Master”) by Zen Master Tetsuo Kiichi Nagaya Roshi. Genro Xuan Lou, Laoshi was named Zen (Chan) Master by the Abbot and Grand Master Kun Kong at the Lingyin Temple (Shakyamuni Buddhism) in Hangzhou, with whom he studied 11 years, by Abbot and Zen Master Shi Chan Ming in Wuhan, Province Hubei, China, and was also named Shifu or “Spiritual Teacher” in 2009 by Shi Xue Feng, Abbot of the Ding Shan Temple in Germany.

Genro Laoshi has lectured at universities, appeared on TV, held seminars on a variety of spiritual and self-help topics, taught Qi Gong courses, and published articles and books on meditation. Both authors reside in Austria.


More About The Book Available on Amazon Books & On Sale On Kindle!
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B078SKPJTP/ Now only .99 cents a download!


Give Your Valentine The Gift of Happiness!


Find the Seeker! with the subtitle “The pathless path to fulfillment and happiness”, based on the tried and tested wisdom of a living Master and enlightened ones throughout the ages, accompanies us on a life-changing inner pilgrimage.

Find the Seeker! is a powerful, straight-talking wake-up call to people of all faiths and confessions, holding up a mirror to our worldly existence, suffering, and the intricate workings of the ego. Immensely uplifting and rewarding, the book serves as a traveling companion and guide, enticing readers with a vision of what we really are -which can only be directly experienced – by helping us unfold our true nature and reboot our spiritual search so that we can abide in the one Self. In this way, seekers become finders, and we can enjoy the bliss and lightness of Being that are inherently ours.

Find the Seeker! has garnered extensive praise from spiritual teachers:

“A unique, extraordinary and extremely valuable work.” – Ihaleakala Lew Pen
“Disarming and worth experiencing.” -John Tarrant
“Refreshing as a clear stream.” -Robert Meikyo Rosenbaum
“The book…touches your heart.” -Hue Feng

“Find the Seeker is fresh as spring grass and refreshing as a clear stream. From the very start, the teachings in this book refuse to be confined to a spiritual checklist or manual of meditative techniques. Instead, the authors again, and again challenge readers to return to the vibrant truth of original nature.

Going beyond optimistic self-help and nihilistic despair, Genro Xuan Lou and Clifford Stevens remind us of how wonderful it is to let go of grasping and taste the vividness of direct experience.” – Robert Meikyo Rosenbaum, neuropsychologist and psychotherapist, Zen and Qi Gong teacher, author of Walking the Way: 81 Zen Encounters with the Tao Te Ching, and Zen and the Heart of Psychotherapy.


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Q&A With Zen Master/Author Clifford Stevens

How did this project begin? 
Zen Master Genro Xuan Lou, Laoshi self-published a book in German many years ago and wanted to share his “insights” with a larger audience. He asked me, his pupil whom he later named to serve as a Zen and meditation teacher, to collaborate with him to do a revised, expanded, and updated edition for the English-speaking world.

Tell us some more about your book. 
A living Master and I, his pupil, have teamed up to offer readers a “new” book based on the age-old pathless path. Find the Seeker! accompanies people on a life-changing inner pilgrimage. It is a traveling companion and guide and a powerful, straight-talking wake-up call holding up a mirror to our worldly existence. It entices readers with a vision of what we really are – which can only be directly experienced – by helping us unfold our true nature. In turn, we can abide in the one Self. In this way, seekers become finders. This enables us to enjoy the bliss and lightness of Being that are inherently ours.

Who will this book appeal to? 
Find the Seeker! focuses on the spiritual dimension all of us share. For this reason, the guide is for all readers who wish to lead more fulfilling lives, get answers to key existential questions, and unfold their true nature. More specifically, it targets people interested in the categories of mind-body-spirit, self-help, personal growth, and happiness as well as Eastern religion and Zen. It is for people of all faiths and confessions, whether beginners or longstanding seekers.

Why is this book relevant today? 
The book is relevant because it addresses the same obstacles faced by people since time immemorial. Just because we are in the year 2018 does not mean that the “spiritual” challenges are different.

Moreover, we are living in a day and age in which people are becoming increasingly skeptical and estranged from what they really are. From a spiritual perspective, many of us are living dysfunctional lives. We often transform the path into being as we really are i.e. our true, Absolute Self into an overly complicated, burdensome task.

Many books and teachings reinforce the fallacy that there are countless “steps” and “goals” to attain before accomplishing this, and so much we have to “learn” before we can “reach” our goal. Instead, we already ARE what we seek. Abiding” in the Self comprises our real mojo. It is ultimately more breathtaking, rewarding, and joyful than any other pastime, activity, work, or form of recreation on Earth. This is a contrast to our fast-paced, fun-loving, self-staging, technology-oriented society. It is just as relevant today as in the past to “know yourself.”

Author/Zen Master Geno Xuan Lou, Laoshi


What makes this book unique? 
First, it is not a new discovery, concoction, or miracle cure. It is based on first-hand experience as well as the tried and tested wisdom of a modern-day Master and enlightened ones throughout the ages.

The strength of the book is its focus on the spiritual dimension underlying Existence which all people share. It also picks people up where they are in a compassionate and understandable manner. Second, the book is not a wishy-washy quick fix or feel-good esoteric porridge pandering to those who want a spiritual baby rattle. Instead, it is a book of tough love, asking people to forego their thinking, logic, emotions, ego processes, and past experiences.

The book is in stark contrast to the majority of books and teachings of Buddhism, most only indulge in superficial descriptions or sayings and provide seemingly “precise” instructions, lists of goals, or steps to take. Third, the book does not slowly work its way to a conclusion but continually repeats key messages to hammer away at our conventional beliefs.

We act as facilitators, hoping the book will fall on fertile ground. Speaking with authority and a sense of urgency, we strive to transform the complicated path of so many seekers into the realization that we already are what we are looking for. Finally, Find the Seeker! aims to help people free themselves from their dependency on intermediaries, gurus, and religious institutions, or from the self-delusion of being less than they really are.

What was the hardest part of writing this book? 
At the very beginning of his famous classic Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu stated that the Tao that can be expressed in words is not the eternally unchanging Tao. It is a challenge to attempt to put in words that which is nameless and cannot be described. Moreover, it is crucial to ensure that one remains faithful to what one IS and not adapt the book to please the audience.

What was your favorite chapter (or part) to write and why? 
There is no “favorite” chapter or part of the book because all the chapters come together to make a holistic whole. Nevertheless, it was gratifying after several chapters were done to see the book taking shape. This is a book, which is designed to unfold its impact and slowly work on readers.

In contrast to a novel read in a few sittings, a good spiritual book is like a symphony that one can repeatedly listen to. The challenge is for our readers to immerse themselves in it in the here-now, and allow each page to turn into a revelation or an awakening. By doing such, they will enable the book to point to the Isness and Suchness – even if they do not “comprehend” everything right away.

What were your goals and intentions in this book, and how well do you feel you achieved them? 
To humbly attempt to express what cannot be expressed in words, to tell things straight but to make it all understandable and compassionately pick people up where they are. Perhaps the book will serve as an inspiration to help readers reboot their spiritual search and renew their lives. However, the book should not be overestimated.

This book (and any other) is only capable of giving readers a hint of what awaits them. We tell readers not to simply take our word for it. The work of finding the truth will have to be “done” by them. And this work won’t be “intellectual” in nature, but can only be directly experienced – by turning within. A number of spiritual teachers highly praised the book before its publication. Now we will see how readers react to it.

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There is much more to this in-depth Q&A and interview with the author and I highly suggest an inspiring visit to their official website to read the rest here>>> https://www.findtheseeker.com/meet-clifford/ as you will learn so much more about both authors. Please visit and connect with Master Clifford Stevens on Social Media… “Find The Seeker!: The pathless path to fulfillment and happiness” is now available at leading online bookstores! Get your copy now and help the authors by writing a review of the book while you reset and refresh your LIFE!

Please Visit The Authors:
 Website, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Amazon, Pinterest, Linkedin,

Banner Courtesy of Best Book Monkey . (com)




Announcing A New Book Series by Award-winning Author Cynthia Ulmer titled ‘Beyond Cedar Cove: Underneath The Honeysuckle Vine Book One.’ E-book Now Released & On Sale.


Underneath The Honeysuckle Vine: Beyond Cedar Cove, Book One by [Cynthia Ulmer]
New Book Series and Book One by Cynthia Ulmer



ABOUT THE NEW RELEASE

Underneath The Honeysuckle Vine: Beyond Cedar Cove, Book One 
https://www.amazon.com/Underneath-Honeysuckle-Vine-Beyond-Cedar-ebook/dp/B09N7ZJ5FM/
On E-book Sale For Only $.99. (Also available in paperback and hardcover)

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Mimosa Swan Books (December 7, 2021)
Publication date ‏ : ‎ December 7, 2021
Print length ‏ : ‎ 157 pages


Book Description: “The gospel teaches us to be careful with envy or elevating yourself by deception and falsehood. It may come back upon you ten-fold”…

It began underneath the honeysuckle vine.
Meg Evans came from a privileged background. She thought she was better than most around her. Meg had beauty, money, and prestige. She lived in a fantasy world, ignoring the mistakes she made. When it all crashes and crumbles, she blames her illegitimate daughter Carin for her misfortune.

What will happen as she lies, cheats, and steals to return to the life she believes she deserves?
Will her daughter Carin survive the abuse?
Will Meg change?
Will a return visit to the honeysuckle vine help?


Read “Beyond Cedar Cove, Book One to find out”…

An image posted by the author.



ABOUT THE AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR ~ Cynthia Ulmer

Cynthia Ulmer


Author Cynthia Ulmer is an award medal-recipient writer of her ‘Southern Family Fictional’ series, “The Cedar Cove Chronicles,” a Christian-themed fiction drama series about family life, love, faith, and endurance. Books one and four are medal-winners received by ‘Wishing Shelf Indie Book Awards’ and awarded several 5-star book reviews by Readers Favorite. Ms. Ulmer has released her new book series titled “Beyond Cedar Cove” in December 2021. The author’s titles are available on Amazon, Amazon Kindle, Barnes & Noble, and many online bookstores.

As the author shares, “Some people struggle with what they’re meant to do in life, and others know it all along. I’ve known since I was a small child that I wanted to write–the stories were always in my head.” The Cedar Cove Chronicles is a beautiful book series set in the fictional community of Cedar Cove, North Carolina, which follows the lives of ‘The Jansan Family,’ their friends and neighbors during the 40s and 50s.”

The author describes her fictional family drama as, “Have you ever been to Cedar Cove? Once you visit, life for you will never be the same. You will never want to read about witches, warlocks, and evil forces again. The powerful emotions of Love, Unity, Harmony, Dreams, Forgiveness, Reconciliation and a clear understanding of the Love of Christ will visit you and remain a part of your life.”

These good people will live with you daily in the author’s six-book series. You will not be able to wait until this evening’s quiet reading moments to get to the next scene. It is almost like these people are real. The author hopes the ‘Holy Spirit will touch readers to change the way people in America and the world love will care about each other. “It will change the kinds of books you look forward to reading forever”. . .

When Cynthia is not writing, she loves cooking, crocheting, listening to music, reading some of her favorite authors of Wiley Cash, Clyde Edgerton, and Stephen King. Her pleasure reading genres are Southern fiction, mysteries, short stories, poetry, autobiographies, and biographies. Most of all, she enjoys spending time with her family, her grandchildren, and her friends. Today she resides in North Carolina.

You may visit the official website of Cynthia Ulmer:  Website
Connect with the author on Social Media:  FacebookTwitterGoodreadsAmazon


Now on Sale for .99 cents! Great Gift Idea!

Review and Interview With Author, Joe Siccardi on 1Rad Reader …

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WELCOME JOE SICCARDI AUTHOR OF: “WISDOM FROM A FATHER” And His New Book Just Released: “My Name Is Sam”… 1Rad Reader Reviews.

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INTERVIEW ~ Rad-Reader:  I saw that you wrote your book from your blog.  Any reason you chose the year 2012?

 

Joe:  That’s when I started blogging, figured I would start at the beginning.

 

Rad-Reader:  When you first start writing or posting on your blog.  Did you ever think it would take you to publish a book?

 

Joe: No! Never! I’m just so appreciative people seem to enjoy the little stories about life.

 

Rad-Reader:  Did you find your posting/writing helped you as you were writing or as you went back to see what you wrote for the day?

 

Joe:  I went back and updated the information, making sure I noted the circumstances at the time.

 

Rad-Reader:  Were your thoughts done in the morning or just whenever you thought to sit down that day to post?

 

Joe:  I wish I could say I was a disciplined writer, but I’m not. Some were written in the morning, but more in the afternoon or evening after my workday “inspiration.”

 

Rad-Reader:  How did you come up with the catchphrase: Thought to Remember?

 

Joe:  It just evolved. I wanted to share some positive message with each post, so I started collecting them as I went along. By far, those little add-ons are the most popular part of the book and the blog.

 

Rad-Reader:  Did you have an idea that you would touch on so many topics when you first wrote your “Thought to Remember”?

 

Joe:  No. I just wanted to add something positive to each post, even if the post itself wasn’t.

 

Rad-Reader:  The few entries that you had that dealt with music: “Beer with Jesus” – “The Wonder” by Dion – That whole section about Dion was something I did not know. (Though I did know the song & “The Day the Music Died” – I don’t know what we were to get from that, but I got redemption?

 

Joe:  I  can’t carry a tune in a bucket, but I do appreciate good music. It’s part of my life. Good music — whatever genre — evokes an emotion. Dion’s story was a story of redemption. A lot of country music is also about redemption or at least pointing to redemption. The entire book is really my journey of blessing, grace, and redemption. Music is part of that.

 

Rad-Reader:  Was it your idea to put the last one in about the expiration dates with food?  Side note:  I thought the same thing.  My wife and daughter keep telling me, NO!

 

Joe:  I drive my kids crazy. I guess you could say I’m a hoarder so I ended up collecting food — especially spices — for recipes, using just a teaspoon or so and just adding the remaining container to my collection. I just don’t take life too seriously. As long as it doesn’t smell rancid or have little green fuzz growing, I’m good. Maybe it’s a guy thing.

 

Rad-Reader:  What does your family think about your daily writings becoming public?

 

Joe:  They’re generally supportive. Although they may be the focus of a particular story, they know I  would not publicly embarrass them. I love them bunches.

 

Rad-Reader:  Do you encourage them to do the same in order to get some peace or clarity during difficult times?

 

Joe:  I do. My oldest daughter actually set up my blog because I was procrastinating. She currently blogs and is in the process of writing her own book.



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Rad-Reader: You have five children, 18 grandchildren, and three great-granddaughters. Do you get to see them much?

 

Joe: Not nearly enough. I’m actually expecting great-granddaughter #4 in the fall. We try to get together at least once a year, although we’ve missed the past few years. December 2017 was spent with me on the road visiting each of them and their families in New York, Ohio, Kentucky, South Carolina, and Massachusetts, with side stops in Indiana, Florida, and New Jersey to visit with friends and other relatives.

The kids weren’t particularly happy with my decision to retire to Maine so I was instructed to Messenger them every day to let them know I was fine. I guess they thought I couldn’t take care of myself by myself. We stay connected throughout the day with Messenger so we stay pretty close and try to help each other out through any “calamities” of the day … even if it’s a simple “I love you!”

 

Rad-Reader:  What is your next project and when is it coming out?

 

Joe:  I’m really excited. In March 2018 I published a novella — Heaven Shining Through — based on a “community” writing project that ended up being a community of one. It was met well, but often with the comment, “It should have been a novel.” So I started writing a novel based on the novella, “My Name Is Sam … and Heaven Is Still Shining Through.”  It is available at Amazon. The actual release date was June 30, 2019, and a Facebook Live book launch was July 2  and archived on my Facebook author page, @wisdomfromafather

 

Rad-Reader:  Where can our readers buy your books? Links

 

Joe:  All three books are available on Amazon is both e-book and paperback versions. Wisdom From a Father is at amazon.com/Wisdom-Father-dads-thoughts-life-ebook/dp/B07KB7JKVM/

(e-book) and amazon.com/Wisdom-Father-dads-thoughts-life/dp/1727315316/

(paperback). Heaven Shining Through is at amazon.com/Heaven-Shining-Through-Joe-Siccardi-ebook/dp/B07BRZYRCD/
(e-book) and amazon.com/Heaven-Shining-Through-Joe-Siccardi/dp/1545624569/ (papeback).

My Name Is Sam is available at amazon.com/My-Name-Sam-Shining-Through-ebook/dp/B07SRX1HGV/ (e-book) and [paperback link is still pending my acceptance of the proof copy, which is expected June 14. I will forward when available.] I also have them listed on my blog, wisdomfromafather.wordpress.com where I offer signed copies for buyers.


Rad-Reader:  Where can our readers find you on the Web? Links

Joe: My web presence is my blog, wisdomfromafather.wordpress.com  I also have a Facebook presence @wisdomfromafather and a Twitter account, @joesiccardi

Joe,
Thank you for hanging in there with us… We were having a bad time there and you were so kind to wait for us to read and do this interview.  Thank you for doing that with us. This was just what my husband needed during this time.
Thank you,
~Char

How To Kick Off Summertime Reading? Do a Free/Low-cost E-Book Promotion Just Like Cat. It’s Just That Simple!

Happy Summer Reading Friends and Authors!

In just a few short weeks SUMMER will be here! Well, here in Arizona it has already has hit as I have been writing poolside in the mornings to get my dose of vitamin D before it hits 100 or over each day …Lol.

It is, however, a perfect time to generate some new excitement for your E-Books as readers will be hitting the beach, lake, pools as it is vacation time too and they love reading to relax. That makes it the right time to run a lower cost promo for e-books. There are many things you can do just as I am with e-books to help readers find your books on sale that don’t cost a thing.

And there are amazingly low-cost places to run ads for it too! You can even add your books to free sites and they offer a self-serve Author Interview to make you and your books shine with large readerships. Here is how I will set up my e-book promotion for my Memoir, “Addicted To Dimes” …

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First: Make sure you have your e-book cost lowered a day or two before your promo starts. That way YOU know it is at the right price beforehand. You do this through your KDP vendor account. If you have a publisher, send the request to lower your e-book price a few weeks ahead of your promotion.

Second: All my authors know you need to have accounts on Facebook, Goodreads, and have an Amazon Author Page which is free and done through Author Central Amazon and at the bottom of your page, there is an area when you are in your author page to add an EVENT. Add your e-book promotion so readers on Amazon can know all about it. Next, do the same on your Facebook page.

Use the Create an Event setting and add an image, a title, and date of the event, and a description of your event: Summer E-Book Promotion! Invite all your FB friends and FB Group members and do posts and share the FB link to the event too! Now, go to your GoodReads account and sign in and add an Event Page there too.

You will have just set up FREE advertising of your e-book promotion on three different venues and it didn’t cost you a thing! Better changes of more SALES and BOOK REVIEWS! It’s just that simple. Here is my Facebook Event so you can see how it’s done! Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/218235278985328/


NOW, 
it is time for your e-book promo to some Free Book Sites to gain more exposure! My first go to place is Vinny of Awesome Gang – Where Awesome Book Readers Meet Awesome …  Just click on “Submit Your Book” and fill out the form. They do give you a low-cost and free option to share the e-book you are going to have on sale. You can choose what works best. Another very low price option comes with nice Book Teaser/Banners to use when you promote the sale for only $10!!! Here is mine they made and you can get yours here: Author Shout Promo Teasers.

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Now, hen you are done submitting your book on Awesomegang, then click here to submit a free self-serve Author Interview Submit An Author Interview and for even more FREE options click here Free Promotion for more book sites they are connected with and submit your sale and e-book there too AND you are DONE! Now use the links form your FB and GoodReads promos and promote them throughout your Social Media!

Your off and running with a free or low-cost promotion for your E-Book Sale and Like a Pro! … I wish you much success, reviews, and Sales!!

CAT