MSI Press Blog

Recently released - the audiobook edition of  Widow   by Joanna Romer. Book description: This book takes new widows on a journey from the first difficult days of widowhood through 12 months of self-discovery. Along the way, you will learn how to handle emotional challenges such as suddenly being alone; how to tackle painful tasks including cleaning out hubby's closet; and how to re-enter the world again in terms of work, personal development and socializing. Guidelines are provided for each new phase, making this book a practical self-help book you can use for re-creating your life. Widow was featured in the January 2013 Small Press Bookwatch as a "Reader's Choice" by Midwest Book Review. For more posts about Joanna and her books, click HERE . Paperback copies of this book can be purchased at the  MSI Press webstore   at 25% discount with coupon code FF25. Want to buy Ken's books and not have to pay for them? Ask your local library to purchase and shelve it. Sign

    Today's excerpt comes from  A Woman's Guide to Self-Nurturing  by Joanna Romer. Mary and Martha “Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village, and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”                                                                             -Luke 10: 38-42 Reading this, we may become a bit irritated at first, in several different directions. If you’re like me, you might feel a stab of impatience: “C’mon, Martha, are you really going to tattle-tale

    excerpt from  How to Get Happy and Stay That Way  (Romer) - INTRODUCTION The “pursuit of happiness” is one of the rights promised in the Declaration of Independence, and most of us spend quite a bit of time engaged in this endeavor. Typically, we think it takes some big event---a wedding, job promotion, fantastic vacation—to bring happiness into our lives. But is this true? Could we, in fact, be happy simply by carrying out our daily activities? I say yes—if those activities are things we really like to do. The key to being happy is to engage on a daily basis in work or play that we love. And the key to turning this happiness into joy is gratitude. This is not an esoteric philosophy. It has nothing to do with reaching Nirvana or some other-worldly frame of mind. Yes, those states of consciousness can point the way—but for everyday happiness we need a practical set of techniques that will work year after year, despite obstacles. In addition to gratitude, these techniques include sel

    Today's book excerpt comes from  Widow: How to Survive (and Thrive!) in Your 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Years  by Joanna Romer. Year Two Courage                                                         As you slide into Year Two of your widowhood, take courage along as your companion. You may find you’ll need it; re-entering the job market after a hiatus can be stressful. Even a part-time position can cause flutters in your newly-flat stomach when you go for an interview. I say newly flat because many widows lose a little weight the first year, either unintentionally or through a diet. (The trick of course is to keep it off without depriving yourself of the comfort of food.) Courage is necessary as you attempt, for the first time in a long time, to go out with a man other than your husband. Even if you were actively dating before you got married, let’s face it: you’ve been out of circulation awhile and may not know the current dating etiquette. I suggest watching romantic comedies--