Happy Holidays! A Gift From LJW Publishing to The Rest of You...

Happy Holidays! At LJW Publishing we believe in giving gifts during the holidays. It's just fun. And since we've never met most of you and probably won't in the near future here's our digitally delivered gift...a referral to people we've worked with in the publishing business that have treated us right and delivered a good service/product!



LJW Advertising (of course): we use them for advertising advice/design/placement. They have great connections and always seem to be able to get the most for every dollar in the budget! Contact them by clicking here: Larry John Wright Advertising.



AaronGraphics: AaronGraphics provided us with barcodes to our specifications. They were very professional and most importantly to our most recent project...very FAST! Contact them here: AaronGraphics.



Lyndsay Johnson: This freelance graphic designer worked on a project for us and it turned out very fun, creative AND professional. Which is excatly what we were looking for! Email for contact info about possible freelance projects: Sarah@larryjohnwright.com and I'll forward your info on!



Thomson-Shore Printing: The end result of working with TShore is a great book just the way you designed it. They were very helpful and professional and able to discuss specifics and changes and accommodate the needs of the project! Contact them here: TShore!

Happy Holidays!

LJW Publishing Authors Accessible Online:

Look for articles by The Pragmatic Thinker, Larry John, the author of Larryisms: Book One and Think Rich to Get Rich, online! You can find him at the following sites:

LJW Publishing (of course)

The Pragmatic Thinker











To discuss any articles you find interesting visit Larry's blog at: The Pragmatic Thinker Blog

Google Homepages, Gadgets, and more...Isn't it a Search Engine?

Google is the search engine of choice for most people. (Although there are others out there that are worth accessing; I often prefer ask.com!) But Google has been branching out and offers all sorts of extras. They offer igoogle pages. Pages that individuals design to their tastes (it's VERY easy) and they can then make it their homepage. It can feature anything from the weather reports for your area to quotes by your favorite thinker. (We like to suggest our favorite thinker, of course, Larry John. He's got a Google Gadget featuring a quote a day and in his case it's a "Larryism"; some from Book One and others from his upcoming release, Larryisms: Book Two).

We posted a link recently to add the Larryisms Gadget to your igoogle home page, but they're having a few issues. (It's rumored that the cause is the massive explosion of online shopping due to the holidays. Alright...I started that unfounded rumor. But what was I to do? They won't provide me with any solid reason for the outage! My imagination was running amok!)

So in case you are wondering WHAT'S WRONG WITH MY LARRYISMS GADGET? Calm down...there's no reason to yell. As soon as Google has all their stuff figured out we'll post a new link!

Final Cover Art: Meeting Lizzy by SarahBeth Carter

The final cover art for one of our upcoming titles has been approved. This is a sneak peek!

If you heard a strange noise from the apartment upstairs would you make an effort to find out what happened? What if something happened, but the victim begged you to leave it alone? What if there was obvious evidence of violence, but the denials were adamant? Would you forget about it and walk away? What if you were only seventeen?

I'm Cy McEntire. I wouldn't call myself a typical teenager. I'm only average in the smarts department. I can boast of only a few insignificant run ins with girls of less than stellar moral character. I often have no idea what city or state my Dad is currently staying in, and I get up practically before the dawn to apply the tar like substance to my hair that finishes off my "look." (Purposefully becoming a freak everyday to try to give your Dad a conniption fit is more time consuming than it may at first appear).

Meeting Lizzy was an accident…but one I'd never be able to forget.

I was just sitting at home watching Law & Order reruns when I heard a girl in the apartment upstairs. She was hurt. I was breaking the golden rule of being a successful hermit, but I couldn't help it. If what I thought was happening in that upstairs apartment was actually happening…I had to find out. I was so sure that I would be wrong that when I wasn't I had no idea what to do. So I didn't do anything. It was obvious the girl was being abused, but she adamantly denied anything was wrong. What was I supposed to do? I'm not all knowing…I just left. But I couldn't get the girl out of my head.

For more on LJW Publishing upcoming releases and author information visit our website: http://www.larryjohnwrightpublishing.com/!

Kids Reading to Kids

At LJW Publishing we think a lot of problems could be avoided in life if we could only instill a love and a talent for reading in every child. And we're not one to throw out advice without some pragmatic thought of our own. So here's an idea we support that we're willing to share: kids reading to kids! It's a great way to build confidence and it's also a great learning tool. Work it into your kids' bedtime schedule. They'll most likely work with you at this point because if we know kids, they'll do anything to stay up just a few more minutes. Have them each read a book to the others and then read one to them yourself. It's a wonderful way to teach by example and provide them with an example that is at or near their same reading level.

Larryisms Google Gadget!

Add the Larryisms Google Gadget to your igoogle homepage and you'll get a new Larryisms delivered to your desktop daily! You can't beat that for service...

We're hoping you'll be hooked and need to have them all in writing sooner or later. And when you're ready you'll come back to us...and order a book or two of your own!

Your Favorite Used Book Store

Many avid readers would be able to immediately answer when asked, "What's your favorite used book store?" I know I could.

Many avid (and even semi-interested) readers could answer when asked, "Where do you buy books online?"

But how many would be able to give a good answer when asked, "What's your favorite online used bookstore?"

Don't doubt...they are definitely out there. And in the hope that it might encourage more book purchases by the general public. We'll share the answers from LJW Publishing staff:

Question: "What's your favorite used book store?"

Answer 1: The used book store right next to Mango's on Main Street in downtown Mesa, AZ. -Sarah

Answer 2: Half Price Books. They're all over the place. -Kim

Question: "Where do you buy books online?"

Answer 1: Amazon.com -Larry

Answer 2: BarnesandNoble.com -Katie

Question: "Where's your favorite online used book store?"

Answer: abebooks.com. It's kind of like a directory of tons of different used bookstores across the country. And you have access to the cumulative inventory. It's great. -Sarah

So now that you know all our favorite/secret book spots...get out there and get some books for your most favorite people and surprise them for the holidays!

Audio Books vs. Books in Print

As reading fanatics, you might expect LJW Publishing to be anti audio books. In response to such an assumption we would have to say...on the contrary! We love audio books. We think they are a modern compromise that encourages more children and adults alike to appreciate language. The written word is still the written word whether you are reading it or it is being read to you.

We find that the resulting thought processes vary when comparing audio books with traditional books in print. Most of us are aware that different individuals learn best in different ways. Some people may get more out of the written word when they are looking at it and reading it themselves. Others may get more out of the written word when they are looking at it and hearing it read to them. Still others may get more out of the written word when they are hearing it without seeing the words in front of them.

Never let it be said that the modern man (and woman and child) doesn't know how to multi-task. For good or evil, most of us are rarely doing only one thing at a time. The audio book allows us to incorporate language and the appreciation of it into this crazy, mixed up, fast track world that we live in.

So if you've got a friend, loved one, or acquaintance that insists that they don't read for whatever reason: no time, no interest, no ability, no passion, no knowledge of books, etc. Suggest an audio book (or force one on them).

And be on the lookout for upcoming Audio Book releases from LJW Publishing!

Wonderful Holiday Gift for those Difficult to Buy for!

At LJW Publishing we think reading should be America's favorite pastime. Oh alright...you can still love baseball, but reading should be right there near the top of your list, too! So this holiday season...give at least one person on your list a book.

In a previous post, you can find a list of some of the LJW Publishing staff's favorite Arizona authors. You'll find that they'd make great gifts! And LJW Publishing's very own Larryisms: Book One makes a fabulous holiday gift. You'll find it more than suitable for that difficult family member of friend who always seems to leave you without a clue what to give them for the holidays! Make it simple and give them a gift that will make them laugh, think, gasp, mumble, nod, smile, and possibly call you up to discuss! You can't miss with a book that versatile!

And PLEASE! You'll be helping out humanity just by encouraging one more person to overcome the negative statistics we've got going on and read a book...

Frightening Statistics on Books and Reading in the US:

58% of the US adult population never reads another book after high school.

42% of college graduates never read another book after graduation.

80% of US families did not buy or read a book last year.

70% of US adults have not been in a bookstore in the last five years.

57% of new books are not read to completion.

Most readers do not get past page 18 in a book they have purchased.

These statistics were part of a report posted online by Teaching Sells (page 15) and reflect the book reading and book purchasing habits of the US public.

They are a sad commentary on the state of the average person's mind. If you find yourself falling into any of the above categories...you are officially urged to do something to remove yourself from the stigma of negative book reading habits.

At LJW Publishing we believe that reading is one of the most efficient methods for learning and growth as well as just plain thinking about our many faceted world. And considering that's even just a little bit true...think about what these statistics imply!

Reading and Not Reading:

"There is very little difference in not knowing how to read and not reading. The end result is the same." - Larry John

The above quote is compliments of Larry John, the author of LJW Publishing's first book release, Larryisms: Book One. This is just one of many quotes meant to inspire the pragmatic in you to come to the forefront and take charge as you go throughout your day. The book is an introduction to Pragmatic Thinking as seen by Larry John. It's funny, it's witty, it's off the wall, it's obvious, it's clever, and it's downright usable. Check it out here!

This particular thought is doubly appropriate for LJW Publishing since we believe in making people think through reading. There's a link there that cannot be denied. So the next time you're kids ask you to read a book...just do it. And the next time someone gives you a book as a gift...read it. And the next time you hear about a book that strikes your fancy...read it. And the next time you find yourself struggling for a topic of thoughtful conversation, maybe you'll be able to think about something you've read recently and offer it up as the chosen bit of thought for the moment. That's what reading is all about. Take it and run with it.

Current Methods of Distribution

Larryisms is now listed with Baker & Taylor (wholesale), at Amazon.com and directly from the LJW Publishing website. We are currently under consideration with Barnes & Noble and Borders Books has combined their online sales with Amazon so that was a two for one. You can look up the nearest Borders store near you to check availability of Larryisms: Book One in stores as well. Just click here.

We haven't been able to break into the Chapters market (Canada) because they only deal with Canadian distributors...and that's something we definitely aren't!(If someone out there happens to know a way around this little hiccup feel free to let us know! We're all ears.)

We'll keep you updated on the various methods through which you can find our books as they grow.

Publishers Weekly

Check out LJW Publishing's current new release listing at Publishers Weekly...just click HERE!

Stellar Arizona Authors:

As an Arizona based publishing house that is dedicated to publishing Arizona authors, we at LJW Publishing thought it would be appropriate to recognize some established authors that are from Arizona. So here are a few Arizona natives turned author that our staff reads:

Dennis L. McKiernan

Stephanie Myer

Judith L. Pearson:

Check out her author website...she has many good books available!

James A. Owen

Check them out! They're worth looking into if you haven't ever tried their books...

New Statistics: TV vs. Books

The East Valley Tribune reported Thursday (Nov. 1st, 2007) that recently published statistics show that more parents are restricting TV watching for their kids. A higher number of parents are imposing rules limiting the kinds of programs their kids watch, the length of time they get to watch and the time of day they are allowed to have their TV time.

In addition to limiting the amount of time spent with the TV each day...parents have also increased the number of times they read to their children weekly. These statistics look good in comparison to similar statistics from past years, but I have to say...I'm sure we can all keep improving in this area. TV vs. Books...come on...that's not a competition. Books win hands down! Now we just have to make sure we pass that knowledge on to the next generation.

Upcoming Title! Sales and Marketing for New Homes: Beyond Advertising

LJW Publishing has a new title scheduled for release in Summer of 2008 called Sales and Marketing for New Homes: Beyond Advertising. The book is written by Preston John, a Sales & Marketing executive whose company has helped many reputable, new home builders to increase their sales and maximize their marketability. We're excited to begin promoting the book. Check back to see upcoming postings of excerpts on our Books page at LJW Publishing. If you've got new home sales & marketing questions...email us! Maybe we'll include them in the book! But you have to be fast...it will shortly be headed off to the printer.

Calling for Submissions!

LJW Publishing makes two claims. We're the Pragmatic Press and we publish Arizona authors. So if you're an Arizona author and you think your writing makes people think...send us a sample we can consider for our next monthly posting.

If we choose your submission, we'll post your writing on our website with a link to your personal website (if you so desire) as well as an author byline with contact information.

LarryJohnWrightPublishing.com: New Website Under Construction

Our new website: larryjohnwrightpublishing.com is currently under construction. Check back periodically for updates and changes!



We'll have author blog links, current title lists, upcoming title lists, submission guidelines for both book review and online publishing of short stories, poetry, and essays. We will also be providing online viewers with the chance to check out our mission statement, contact information, event listings, and industry news!



Check back often!

An Early Book Review by Zach Freeman of BloggerNews:

Here are a few excerpts from an early book review of LJW Publishing's Larryisms: Book One.

Larryisms Book One, is a collection of interesting sound bites and brief observations from an armchair philosopher...alternately 21st century philosopher and Jack Handy jokester, John manages to keep a good mix of light humor and deeper questions.

Featuring rhetorical questions and insightful one-liners, Larryisms Book One is the kind of witty collection that works well as a talking piece.

While some quotes are meant to simply address the modern world, others are designed to be timeless examinations of the human condition. The cleverer ones have a tendency to cause serious thought and many succeed in varying measures.

Due for release to the public October 29, 2007. Look for it at http://www.thepragmaticthinker.com/ or amazon.com. Wholesale purchases can be made through Baker & Taylor.

Pragmatic Thinker:

It seems there is some question when it comes to the meaning of the word pragmatic; especially when it is placed in front of the word thinking. And since we at LJW Publishing have declared ourselves the Pragmatic Press we feel strongly that it's important for the general public (and more importantly, our readers, to have a thorough understanding of the word. So here are a few definitions (pulled from varoius print and online dictionaries) to serve as a jumping off point as you interpret just what is intended when someone uses the term "pragmatic."

1. practical
2. testing the validity of all concepts by their practical results
3. realistic
4. relating to matters of fact or practical affairs
5. relating to or being in accordance with philosophical pragmatism (pragmatism being defined as: an American movement in philosophy founded by C. South Peirce and William James and marked by the doctrines that the meaning of conceptions is to be sought in their practical bearings, that the function of thought is to guide action, and that truth is preeminently to be tested by the practical consequences of belief).

As a word being used to describe a way of thinking it is actually quite functional...or you might say...pragmatic.

Larryisms: Book One Scheduled for Release October 2007

Larryisms: Book One by Larry F. John is scheduled for release October 2007. The book is offered by LJW Publishing based out of the Phoenix, Arizona area. LJW Publishing focues on regional authors with thought provoking topics in various genres. The author of Larryisms: Book One is Larry F. John, founder of "The Pragmatic Thinker", successful businessman, and international author of Think Rich to Get Rich, published by Arcturus Publishing. The book has been scheduled for reprints in for both Indian and Romanian markets.
Phoenix, Arizona (PRWEB) September 30, 2007 -- Larryisms: Book One will be released in late October 2007. Larryisms is a wildly varied collection of thought and observation from the founder of "The Pragmatic Thinker" himself, Larry John. The book is a collection of Larry's observations of people and the 21st century human condition. The trick to reading Larryisms is figuring out when Larry is being serious and when he is poking fun. But that's the reader's job; to think about what they're reading and come to their own conclusions. It's easy to conclude that as the founder of "The Pragmatic Thinker", forcing the reader to think was Larry's purpose in writing the book.
Larryisms is author, Larry F. John's, second book in print. His first book, Think Rich to Get Rich, was first published in the UK by Arcturus Publishing. It has since been reprinted for both the Romanian and Indian consumer markets. Think Rich to Get Rich helps Entrepreneurs build and grow their businesses; no matter the size of the business. Think Rich to Get Rich is an easy to understand strategy and step by step program that will make any business prosper. Think Rich to Get Rich is available for immediate purchase and Larryisms: Book One is available for advance purchase at The Pragmatic Thinker website: http://www.thepragmaticthinker.com/.
The successful introduction of his first published work led Larry to look towards the business side of publishing. As a successful businessman, Larry decided that more money was to be had in combining his creative side with his business expertise. This led to the organization of LJW Publishing. LJW Publishing works out of Mesa, Arizona and focuses on regional authors in various genres. The LJW Publishing philosophy is to provide interesting books on thoughtful topics. LJW Publishing is currently working with six regional authors on upcoming projects and is preparing to release Larryisms: Book One, their first book in print.
Working together both of Larry's books: Think Rich to Get Rich and Larryisms: Book One provide readers with the knowledge and encouragement they need to create, manage, grow, understand, and enjoy their businesses and the lives they create for themselves. For more information or to schedule an author interview, contact Sarah Carter. To get more information on pragmatic thinking or to purchase a book visit: http://www.thepragmaticthinker.com/ or email sarah@larryjohnwright.com.