Money Management Company Legally Avoids Tax on Aircraft Purchase

Aero And Marine Tax Professionals Assists Money Management and Real Estate Business with Purchase of Cessna Citation CJ2

SACRAMENTO, CA: Aero & Marine Tax Professionals (http://www.aeromarinetaxpros.com) recently assisted a northern California company in obtaining a tax exemption on the purchase of a new Citation Citation CJ2 jet. The company, Ambrose-Anderson, is in the money management and real estate business and needed the plane to meet customers and visit locations. The tax exemption was obtained from the California Board of Equalization.

An executive from the company stated: “The aircraft replaced our previous aircraft that was less capable. We needed a more proficient aircraft to expedite our business purposes. We do business in Denver, CO; Calgary, Canada and places where the Citation 501 would be short-legged coming home and had old technology. We thought it was an opportune time to make the change. The experience with Aero & Marine Tax Professionals was so smooth and simple that I hadn’t given it much thought. It was very straightforward, they have a very streamlined approach. It makes it very simple for the operator to not have to go back and find the right paperwork. It was all laid out in front of us before we started using the aircraft, which made it really simple and efficient going forward. I would absolutely recommend Aero & Marine Tax Professionals to others.”

Tom Alston, founder of Aero & Marine Tax Professionals, stated “We have evolved a system that makes it as easy as possible for an aircraft purchaser to support a claim for an exemption with the California Board of Equalization. It's completely legal and we have handled close to 1,000 cases so far and have been successful on every one. But it's ideal to bring us in at the beginning of the sales cycle."

Aero & Marine Tax Professionals shows purchasers specifically how to avoid aircraft tax and vessel tax in California and to make certain the full value of their next aircraft, vehicle or vessel goes into their pocket--not the government's. They have successfully filed hundreds of tax returns with the California State Board of Equalization. Mr. Alston has also published many articles on sales and use tax. Their blog can be seen at http://aeromarinetaxpros.typepad.com.

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Aircraft Manager Turns To Aero & Marine Tax Professionals for Tax Exemption

Aero & Marine Tax Professionals Assists Company in Obtaining Sales and Use Tax Exemption for Purchase of Cessna 414A Airplane

SACRAMENTO, CA: Aero & Marine Tax Professionals (http://www.aeromarinetaxpros.com) recently assisted a mid-California aircraft management company to obtain a tax exemption on the purchase of a Cessna 414A airplane for their client. The aircraft manager, a previous client of Aero & Marine Tax Professionals, referred their client to Aero & Marine, who guided the case successfully through the California Board of Equalization obtaining the sales and use tax exemption.

A representative from the aircraft management company stated “By referring our client to Aero & Marine Tax Professionals, they were our backup to make sure we were doing everything right. We knew our client could save a considerable amount of money by getting the tax exemption. While we know the process, Aero & Marine Tax Professionals knows it better. We’ve used them in the past and we were referred to them a long time ago. I’d definitely recommend them to others. Actually we’re using them on two different airplane purchases right now.”

Tom Alston, founder of Aero & Marine Tax Professionals, stated: “You have to really know the ins and outs of the tax codes if you’re going to deal with the California Board of Equalization. You may be in the right on the case, but there’s no substitute for knowing everything about the laws, as every detail really does have to be documented correctly. That’s why aircraft purchasers turn to us time after time, because we have the familiarity needed in the field to obtain a successful sales and use tax exemption.”

Aero & Marine Tax Professionals shows purchasers specifically how to avoid aircraft tax and vessel tax in California and to make certain the full value of their next aircraft, vehicle or vessel goes into their pocket--not the government's. They have successfully filed hundreds of tax returns with the California State Board of Equalization. Mr. Alston has also published many articles on sales and use tax. Their blog can be seen at http://aeromarinetaxpros.typepad.com.

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Settlement Cracks May Cause Damage To Home Foundation

Building Inspection Expert Examines The Causes And Effects Of Settlement Cracks

LOS ANGELES, CA: Julian Construction (http://www.julianconstruction.com/) recently conducted an investigation into the effects of settlement cracks in a home, and what underlying effects may result. The complete report was issued by Shawn Kyles, building inspection specialist for Julian Construction. Mr Kyles has, in his career, inspected over 15,000 structures for building safety.

The report found that settlement cracks can be a serious and unsuspected issue in a home’s structural stability. One of the causes could be if a home was constructed on poorly compacted soil, causing sinking of the building. Another is the weight of the building causing the soil underneath it to compress. Another was found to be frequent or dramatic changes in the soil’s moisture, which could create more space for the foundation to drop further into the ground. Another is tree roots and foliage placed near a home absorbing too much water from the soil at the foundation. Another is simply a poorly constructed home or foundation resulting in excessive settlement.

Mr. Kyles also stated: “If soil settlement is uneven or extensive, a home foundation will become stressed and start to crack. Large cracks generally appear due to continuing motion that occurs over a long period of time. Foundation cracks will not only weaken the structure, they make it easier for water to enter the building. Water seepage can further damage the home, in addition to causing potentially serious health issues due to mold and mildew buildup.”

The full report as issued by Mr. Kyles can be found here: http://julianconstruction.typepad.com/julian-construction-blog/2012/10/recognizing-the-signs-of-foundation-problems.html

Julian Construction owns its own company and is built on a “no middlemen” model – no salesmen, no subcontractors. When you work with Julian Construction you get the principals of the company and workers of Julian Construction under your home. The result is the highest quality work at affordable prices. They can be contacted by phone at 323 733-3377, by fax at 323 733-4477 or via their website, www.julianconstruction.com. You can see tips and advice about home foundations on their blog, at http://julianconstruction.typepad.com.

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Sales R Us Launches New Skin Cream for Men

Ultra Handy Man Gets Rid of Dry and Cracked Skin for Men

(Clearwater, FL) - Sales R Us (http://www.ultrabalm.com) has announced the launch of Ultra Handy Man, a new Premium Blend Aloe cream exclusively for men. Ultra Handy Man gets rid of dry and cracked skin by removing dead skin cells and increasing the rate of new skin cell production. The unscented, deep penetrating formula is greaseless, long-lasting and won’t wash off.

“Ultra Handy Man is our first skin care product just for men and a great holiday stocking stuffer,” says Sales R Us founder Vicki Gailzaid. “It quickly repairs and softens any area of damaged or rough skin, including the hands and feet.”

Dry and cracked skin is often caused by soap with a high PH, which removes the skin’s protective covering. Without the covering, the skin dries out, starts to crack and begins itching. Continued exposure to the sun, wind and cold, as well as the use of household or industrial chemicals, can also result in damaged skin.

Ultra Handy Man, like the company’s popular Ultra Balm product, contains Vitamin A, which acts as an anti-oxidant and slows the aging process; Vitamin D, which facilitates the growth of new cells and enhances the immune system, and Vitamin E to prevent cell damage, repair and heal tissue, and reduce scarring.

Other key Ultra Handy Man product ingredients include aloe vera, a plant known for its unique healing properties and lanolin, a heavy duty skin softener. Aloe vera is an antibacterial and antifungal that has been successfully used to treat wounds such as burns, and as a topical agent for skin conditions such as psoriasis. Lanolin naturally protects the skin against environmental elements, and helps prevent dryness, cracking, scaling and itching. Lanolin is used to soften leather so you can imagine how well it works on men's dry, cracked hands and feet.

A 3 oz. tube of Ultra Handy Man sells for only $15.00, and can be purchased online at http://www.ultrabalm.com. “Ultra Balm has always been enormously popular with women,” says Vicki Gailzaid. “Now the men in their lives can have healthier and softer skin as well.”

To find out more about Ultra Handy Man, visit the Sales R Us website at http://www.ultrabalm.com or call Sales R Us, Inc. toll-free, at 866-511-5007.

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Northbrook Court Dental Receives Oral Cancer Screening Certification

Northbrook, Illinois – Northbrook Court Dental Associates (http://www.northbrookcourtdental.com) announced that it has been certified to conduct oral cancer screenings using the FDA-approved ViziLite Plus test. The screenings, which will be performed during periodontal maintenance examinations, help detect tissue abnormalities in the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat.

“Oral cancer in the U.S. is increasing,“ says Dr. Michael Vold, D.D.S. and founder of Northbrook Court Dental Associates. “The majority of cases have been diagnosed at late stages, when treatment is more complex and the survival rate over a period of 5 years is only 50 percent. When the cancer is caught early, the survival rate is between 80 and 90 percent.”

Approximately 40,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral cancer each year. Individuals at increased oral cancer risk include patients 40 years of age or older, and individuals between 18 to 39 years of age who smoke, engage in chronic alcohol consumption or are infected with Oral HPV 16/18.

During the ViziLite Plus screening, a pre-rinse solution is applied to make abnormal cells more visible. A handheld light source is then used to spot precancerous and cancerous cells that could be difficult to see during a regular examination. Normal tissue absorbs the light and abnormal tissue reflects it.

The patented ViziLite Plus technology has been clinically proven to help dentists and other healthcare professionals with oral cancer detection, evaluation and monitoring.
“We want to make sure all of our patients receive the best care possible when it comes to their oral health,” says Dr.Vold. “With wellness screenings like the ViziLite Plus test, we can detect oral cancer in its early stages and help saves lives.”

For more information on oral cancer and oral cancer screenings, visit the Northbrook Court Dental Associates web site (http://www.northbrookcourtdental.com), or call the office today at 847-272-2900.

About

Dr. Michael Vold has a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin (1963), a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Northwestern University Dental School (1967) and a Juris Doctor degree from DePaul University College of Law (1980). He served as a dentist in the U.S. Air Force and taught as an Assistant Professor at the University of Illinois, College of Dentistry. Dr. Vold is a member of the American Dental Association and Illinois State Dental Society, as well as a recipient of numerous professional honors and awards.

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Gum Disease Increases the Risk of Heart Problems

by Dr. Michael Vold

 

Keeping your gums healthy not only prevents tooth loss, it can help you avoid future heart problems. Gum disease (periodontitis) increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks, strokes and heart failure.

In a Swedish study involving 8,000 men and women between the ages of 20 and 85, it was found that individuals with periodontal disease had a 53% greater chance of heart attack than people with healthy gums. Researchers also concluded that men and women with bleeding gums were twice as likely to suffer a stroke compared to individuals whose gums were healthy.

Other studies have shown that the potential for cardiovascular disease increase by 19% in individuals with gum disease.

Periodontitis is caused by bacteria in the mouth. The bacteria penetrates the gum tissue surrounding the teeth, causing inflammation and infection. The inflammation creates pockets in the gums, which are filled by the plaque. Signs of periodontitis include red, tender and bleeding gums; swollen gums, bad breath, gum recession and loose teeth. Other factors that can influence the potential for gum disease and its aggressiveness include smoking and diabetes.

Some experts believe that it is the inflammation caused by gum disease that results in heart problems. Inflammation is the body’s response to pathogens. When it continues too long, inflammation can become as destructive as it is helpful.

Gum disease also makes it easier for bacteria to enter the blood stream, especially when the gums have receded. Some of these bacterial strains can produce clots, which can trigger heart attacks and strokes as well.

The potential for gum disease can be minimized by getting rid of plaque buildup in the mouth. Plaque is formed by colonies of bacteria that attach themselves to the tooth’s surface. It is usually visible as a thin, yellow film on the tooth. Regular brushing and flossing can help remove the plaque. However, professional cleaning on a regular basis is also necessary. The cleaning will reach deeper areas of the gum, remove plaque from pockets and also get rid of tartar, plaque that has hardened over time.

It has been found that professional teeth cleaning can lower the risk of heart attack by 24 percent and the potential for stroke by 13 percent. Also, that men and women who have their teeth cleaned annually have fewer heart attack and strokes.

With regular dental checkups and professional teeth cleaning you can prevent future medical complications such as cardiovascular disease. You also have long lasting, healthier teeth.

About Dr. Vold

Dr. Michael Vold has a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin (1963), a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Northwestern University Dental School (1967) and a Juris Doctor degree from DePaul University College of Law (1980). He served as a dentist in the U.S. Air Force and taught as an Assistant Professor at the University of Illinois, College of Dentistry. Dr. Vold is a member of the American Dental Association and Illinois State Dental Society, as well as a recipient of numerous professional honors and awards.

 

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Tips To Prevent That Winter Skin Itch

by Vicki Gailzaid

Most people have experienced dry skin. Your skin starts to itch and may come off in small flakes. It usually starts with the skin’s fine lines becoming sharper, and the skin starts to feel more rough. When it gets worse the skin may get red and start to itch with a vengeance. It’s distracting, it isn’t pretty and it can even become painful.

There’s a reason that it becomes even more common and even more irritable during winter. Winter is a time of low humidity, so there is actually less moisture in the air. If you’re skin is already dry then in winter it’ll most likely get worse. BUT, just because winter rolls around doesn’t mean you have to suffer.

Moisture is important to preventing dry, unhealthy skin. But water alone isn’t enough to rehydrate the dry skin cells. There are natural skin oils that normally act as buffer between the human body and Mother Nature. If the skin oils are lost then the skin under them will stand open to the effects of the elements, and that’s when dry skin enters the picture. Restoring these oils is actually the most important factor in dry skin care. This is why when you stand over a sink for half an hour washing dishes in hot, soapy water your skin feels dry afterward. You’d think because you had immersed your hands in water they’d be moisturized, but what’s happened is the skin oils get wiped off. The same thing happens after a very long shower or bath in hot water. The solution is not just water, it could be part of the problem!

Fortunately, there’s a solution. A dry skin treatment with a natural moisturizer is essential to restoring the protective oils of the body. You do not want a product with a bunch of artificial chemicals, as these won’t help restore the skin’s natural oil. A dry skin lotion should help the skin get back to its normal state and if it’s a natural skin product then it will do this. One key ingredient you want in a good dry skin lotion is lanolin which does an excellent job of sealing in moisture.

It’s also important to get in a routine that doesn’t adversely affect the skin. Wash your hands and shower in warm, not hot, water and apply a skin moisturizer with lanolin about 3 minutes after getting out of the shower. Pat down with your towel instead of vigorously rubbing the body down. If a particular area is continually dry then apply moisturizer there as you need it throughout the day. Find a soap that does not irritate the skin and be cautious about overuse. If you work a job that puts your hands continually under hot water, a moisturizer for work is definitely recommended. Drinking enough water is essential to the moisture in a body, and can definitely be a factor contributing to skin condition.

If your skin has gotten painfully dry and itchy, or if it’s become infected due to continually dry skin in an area, you should consult a dermatologist. They can recommend a skin treatment program to address the issue and bring the skin back to its usual, healthy state. Consult them on the application of a moisturizer that can be used in conjunction with any other recommended therapy.

With the above you should be able to restore your skin to a healthy, strong state that isn’t likely to fall prey to the evils of low humidity. Finding a natural moisturizer can make all the difference and start you on the road to living free of dry skin.

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15th Anniversary of California Contemporary Ballet's "The Snow Queen" Seasonal Extravaganza

Local Ballet Company Presents Performance in Glendale, Featuring Local Professional and Amateur Talent in a Festive Display of Ballet, Contemporary Dance, Aerial Arts, and Gymnastics

La Cañada, CA: California Contemporary Ballet (http://www.CalBallet.com and http://www.SnowQueenBallet.com) will present the 15th anniversary showing of the original ballet “The Snow Queen,” with three shows on December 21st, 22nd and 23rd. The ballet, first shown in 1998, is the brainchild of Artistic Director Aerin Holt and composer Randall Michael Tobin, and is based on the classic tale by Hans Christian Andersen.

For 15 years, Aerin Holt has served as Artistic Director of this holiday classic. With sold-out performances each year, Ms. Holt and her Company might be inclined to wax nostalgic, but they show no signs of slowing down. Instead, they are gearing up for a dazzling anniversary extravaganza to mark their 15th season at the Glendale Community College Theater, with an evening performance at 7:30pm on December 21st, and matinees at 2:00pm on December 22nd and 23rd.

In 2007, Holt took her dance company, California Contemporary Ballet, which had previously been a youth company, and converted it into a professional dance company with professional dancers. Together with its existing youth company members, the performing troupe put together an artfully integrated cast for “The Snow Queen” comprised of professional and youth talent to fill the principal roles of the ballet.

Each year since then, the professional company dancers are supported by dancers, actors and gymnasts from the community in chorus roles, resulting in a 65-member cast from Los Angeles and the local communities of Burbank, Glendale, La Cañada Flintridge, La Crescenta, and Pasadena.

This year, “The Snow Queen” will feature new professional talent performing the starring roles including Lauren Farrell (from Burbank), who was personally selected by Holt to perform the title role of the Snow Queen.

In an effort to keep the show fresh, Holt continually changes many of the roles and conducts auditions every season. “In fifteen years, we’ve had fifteen casts,” Holt boasts. She also enjoys reworking the choreography to fit the talent of her cast members. While The Snow Queen may be touted as a ballet, Ms. Holt infuses each performance with classical and contemporary dance styles that weave together the classic winter-time tale by Hans Christian Andersen.

Further changes to the production have included the introduction of aerial arts, where “creatures” resembling wolves, panthers, leopards and other wild animals perform on hanging silk scarves as the Snow Queen delicately balances 40 feet in the air on a hanging hoop. Indeed, Ms. Farrell finds the aerial aspect of her role to be challenging. A trained ballerina, Farrell is getting a crash course in aerial ballet. “I’m really excited and look forward to performing aerial. An opportunity to learn and to perform a role like this is exciting”.

Also featured in this year’s production is Lissa Farrington (La Crescenta), as she skillfully blends dance and gymnastics in the role of The Crow. Dancer Julia Houser (La Cañada Flintridge), and a long-time member of the youth company, will be featured in the role as Gypsy Girl, a role that requires both dance and gymnastic skills. A seasoned aerialist, Houser is also featured on the aerial scarves and is seen performing many dazzling moves before falling in a death-defying drop, catching herself mere inches from the floor. Holt adds, “It was always my intention to integrate circus arts into the ballet, thereby creating an atmosphere of the fantastic."

Holt set out to create a new ballet tradition and the Company’s 15-year evolution is living proof of her success. A cursory search of the internet reveals that the Snow Queen has grown in popularity as more companies appear to be producing the story as either a ballet or play. Holt firmly maintains that her Company blazed a trail by being the first to adapt the story for ballet, and it has evolved into an annual December production much like the Nutcracker. California Contemporary Ballet’s Snow Queen has become a community favorite for the holidays and offers a seasonal, family-friendly alternative to the myriad of Nutcracker productions, at affordable ticket rates.

The Snow Queen will appear at the Glendale Community College Theater on Friday, December 21 at 7:30pm, Saturday, December 22 at 2:00pm and Sunday, December 23 at 2:00pm. Tickets in advance: $20-$25 At Door: $25-$30 Discounts available for groups. Tickets are available at http://www.SnowQueenBallet.com or http://www.CalBallet.com or by calling 818-790-7924.

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Big Trees Inc. Moves Large Trees Safely During Construction

Construction At Washington Arboretum No Longer Threatens Mature Beech Trees

SEATTLE, WA: Big Trees Inc., (http://bigtreesupply.com/) recently assisted the Arboretum of Washington Park during a construction project, by moving several trees out of the path of a construction project underway in the park. The project went forward without incident after the trees were successfully moved to a new site. This is one of a number of projects that have been successfully completed with Big Trees Inc. in conjunction with the Washington Park.

Big Trees Inc. is the premier tree sales and transplant company in Washington State. This was recently put to the test with the large beech trees at the Washington Park. The trees weighed in between 12,000 and 20,000 pounds and were moved via a 175 ton crane. The trees were moved successfully to a safe location in the Washington Park, where they are not in danger of construction and can still be viewed by visitors of the Washington Park Arboretum. The trees have abundant room to grow, as well, as they were moved into a newly developed drainage area with more than enough space.

Nancy Penrose, owner of Big Trees Inc., stated: “It is one of our passions that beautiful, mature trees should be saved and not cut down if they are in the way of new construction. So we are always happy to be able to transport such trees to a new, safe location. The project went very well. We’re pleased that the large trees involved were able to be transplanted successfully. With larger trees it is more difficult to adjust to a new environment, but the beech trees are doing very well. We’ve worked with the Washington Park and Washington Park Arboretum in the past and look forward to doing more in the future.”

Nancy Penrose is the owner of Big Trees Inc. (http://www.bigtreesupply.com), located in Snohomish, WA, in the Seattle area. The company is one of the largest tree nurseries in the Seattle area with over 120,000 trees available in over 300 varieties. They not only can deliver young trees but also mature trees in a wide range of sizes. Some types of trees available include spring flowering, deciduous, evergreen, and privacy trees. The company also does tree transplanting including large trees. Their blog can be seen at http://www.bigtreesupply.com/blog/

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Large Tree Transplanted to Fosdick Road Shopping District in Gig Harbor

Big Trees Inc. Assists Local Shopping Center in Transplanting a 30’ Grand Fir

SEATTLE, WA: Big Trees Inc., (http://bigtreesupply.com/) recently assisted the city of Gig Harbor by transplanting a large 30’ Grand Fir tree into the Fosdick Road shopping district. The transplant was successful, and the tree is doing very well in its new location. Big Trees is the premier tree sales and transplanting company in Washington, with a long list of successful tree transplantation projects.

Earlier this month Big Trees Inc. began the project to move a 10,000 pound, 30’ tall Grand Fir tree into the Fosdick Road shopping district. The tree was needed to be moved before the start of the holiday season, and plans are in progress by the city to have the tree lit with holiday lights for the town. The tree was successfully installed, the tree was backfilled with a special soil mix specifically geared to the environmental conditions of the site, and no difficulties have been found with the tree adapting to its new environment.

Nancy Penrose, owner of Big Trees Inc., stated: “We’re very pleased with this one, the project went very well and we’re looking forward to the tree having a very long life. It’s situated where we’re sure it will be admired and enjoyed by the people of Gig Harbor for years to come. The project was a challenging one, with last minute changes of where the crane could set up. We were able to adjust with a larger crane and my crew installed it perfectly! So far the tree is looking great and will continue to do so. Big Trees Inc. really enjoys adding to the beauty of a landscape, and we’re very happy we could do so here in Gig Harbor.”

Nancy Penrose is the owner of Big Trees Inc. (http://www.bigtreesupply.com), located in Snohomish, WA, in the Seattle area. The company is one of the largest tree nurseries in the Seattle area with over 120,000 trees available in over 300 varieties. They not only can deliver young trees but also mature trees in a wide range of sizes. Some types of trees available include spring flowering, deciduous, evergreen, and privacy trees. The company also does tree transplanting including large trees. Their blog can be seen at http://www.bigtreesupply.com/blog/

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Structure And The Novel

By Susan Mary Malone

When new writers dive into fiction, mostly they just put words to page. Which is great!  It’s the way you have to start. In order to find her voice, a writer must write and write and write. There is no other way. But what results is often a big blob of sprawling pages, where the storyline drifts here and there and yon; where many scenes and even entire plot threads dangle out in space, having no relation to the actual plot. What you have is basically an amoeba. 

And ah, that’s perfect! I hear your surprise. But from there you can take all that you’ve learned of your characters and storyline, and begin to fashion this plethora of words and multitude of pages into a real novel. 

So often writers tell me, “I don’t want to hear about structure; it’ll hamper my creativity!”  And while at the outset I don’t dispute this, once you’ve reached the end of your first draft, if you don’t take a hard look at structure that amoeba will stay just that—a single-celled organism, which folks find kinda slimy. Your job, as a true novelist, is to take that big fat blob and carve away at it to find the true meat and bones of the book—the plot, the story, the main theme and major premise, as well as how the characters serve that and vice versa. As Michelangelo said, David was always in the marble; he just had to sculpt away to find him. It’s the same with your book–the jewel is there; your job is to scrape away all of the superfluous layers of verbiage to find it. 

Structure is, most simply put, the arc of the storyline. (Of course, we often confuse simple with easy. Don’t make that mistake here!) But this is how great novels are created, and all of them follow a pattern of rising and falling, ebbing and flowing. The trick is to know when to rise, when to crest, and when to begin the last push to the finish line. Without an in-depth understanding of this, folks write novels that take fifty to a hundred pages to get into (which I see all the time), those with sagging middles (I’ve given workshops on this—agents and editors complain to me most about it as well), those which coast to the finish, or end with a bang only the writer goes on for another fifty pages. 

I’ve given half-day workshops on the structure of novels, and writers are always surprised, overwhelmed, dismayed, and by the end of the session, ecstatic—a light bulb has flipped on! When you understand structure, it takes so much of that grasping-in-the-dark feeling away. It brings a confidence to the writer, as he knows where and when and how the story needs to build to crescendo, and where the rest stops are along the way; where the character needs trials and tribulations, and when he needs love; who are the allies and villains, and what needs to be learned in order for the grail to be reached. Yes, a lot happening in this story with these people who were simply once talking in your head!  

A great resource for this is Christopher Vogler’s The Writer’s Journey. One word of caution here—it really helps if you’ve written a lot before immersing yourself in Vogler’s book. It confuses very new writers; again, you need to write and write and write and . . . I think I already said this before delving deeply into this topic. 

But once you’re ready, study it. Contact me for any questions about this–it’s one of the things I specialize in. Read Vogler’s book.Take a workshop or class on it. However you dive in, dive in! Your books will thank you for it. Your creative mind will jump for joy. And ultimately, your readers, while not having much clue as to what novel structure actually is but can point to books that “lose them,” will tout you as a great author. Your point exactly!

About Susan Mary Malone

Susan Mary Malone has worked as a freelance editor since 1993, with a BS in Political Science and minors in English and Journalism. Her client list includes NY Times Bestsellers, Essence Bestsellers and books featured in Publishers Weekly. She is also an award-winning author of fiction and non-fiction herself. She participates as a speaker in literary conferences such as the Harriett Austin Writer's Conference (at the University of Georgia), the Blue Ridge Writer's Conference, the SouthWest Writer's Conference, and the East Texas Writer’s Guild, among others. Her full biography and featured list of published authors can be viewed at http://www.maloneeditorial.com.

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Company Warns Homeowners of Dangers of Toxic Mold after Flood or Water Damage

Building Cleaning Services Urges Home and Business Owners to take quick action to prevent black mold

LOS ANGELES, CA: Building Cleaning Services (BCS) (http://buildingcleaningservices.net/) warns Greater Los Angeles residents to act quickly when experiencing flood or water damage in their homes or businesses to prevent the dangerous effects of toxic mold.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency states: “During a flood cleanup, the indoor air quality in your home or office may appear to be the least of your problems. However, failure to remove contaminated materials and to reduce moisture and humidity can present serious long-term health risks. Standing water and wet materials are a breeding ground for microorganisms, such as viruses, bacteria, and mold.” The agency warns that mold can grow within 48 hours.

According to a recent article in the Huffington Post, “Breathing in mold can lead to symptoms including sinus infections and congestion, coughing and breathing problems, and irritation of the eyes or skin...And the Environmental Protection Agency reported that people who already have lung disease may also be in danger of developing mold infection in the lungs.”
According to one attorney firm quoted by BCS, “the number of toxic mold cases has risen dramatically, mostly due to the growing knowledge of the dangers of toxic mold. Still, toxic mold is vastly unknown about by the medical community and the general population. According to the Environmental Assessment Association, toxic mold concern is mounting as the medical field is better understanding the effects and ailments that toxic mold can cause.”
“The dangers of toxic mold are that they can cause serious health ailments but are hard to detect. A microbiologist can only determine differences between just mold and toxic mold. Common symptoms of toxic mold exposure include memory loss, allergies, and breathing difficulties. People with existing respiratory illness, asthma, and infants should be especially careful because of the fever and mold infections that can be suffered within their lungs due to toxic mold exposure.”
Garrison Clarke, Operations Manager of BCS, stated, “Building Cleaning Services isn’t about fear mongering. But the dangers of toxic mold are a real problem today. So if you have a problem or notice some of the effects noted above, the best thing to do is to get an inspection by a qualified mold inspection company. The best way to address this is to fix it fast.”

BCS is a company providing mold removal services for the Greater Los Angeles area, San Diego and other areas of Southern California. Established in 1997, they have over a decade of experience as a company with fast service, high professionalism and a high work ethic. They service the Greater LA Area, San Diego and other areas of Southern California. BCS is certified by the Institute of Inspection and Cleaning and Restoration Environmental Testing & Technology. To learn more, visit http://www.BuildingCleaningServices.net, or call 818-953-7100 or e-mail bcs@buildingcleaningservices.net.

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Developmental Editor Urges Writers To Seek Assistance In Revision

Award-winning Editor And Author Susan Mary Malone Gives Advice On Novel Revision

DALLAS, TX: Developmental Editor Susan Mary Malone (http://www.maloneeditorial.com/) recently issued a public statement for writers to seek professional editorial assistance in undertaking multiple revisions of a book. The publication was addressed to up and coming writers and professional authors alike, the focus being on what to do when a story’s first or second draft is complete but the manuscript lacks refinement. The full text of the statement can be seen on her blog: http://www.maloneeditorial.com/blog/?p=218

Susan Mary Malone has been an editor for nearly 20 years, and in that time she has helped over 50 of her writer clients to get published with traditional publishers.

Ms. Malone stated: “One of the most important aspects of working with a great book developmental editor is an intangible one. Writing is such a solitary endeavor. We strive, sweating blood and tears and losing pounds of proverbial flesh in the process, wondering whether the work is good or awful, great or terrible; should we chunk the whole thing and start over. And while authors need outside eyes regarding the nuts and bolts, the elements of plot and characterization and style, these simply provide the framework for the editing and revision. Great insight comes from seeing not only what works, but also what doesn’t, and quite importantly, why on both. Most vital here is guidance on how to fix the problems...Few things are more gratifying than to hear that excitement in the voice, that quickening of the pulse, and to know—because it always happens—that a new and better writer has been born. And with that, the beginnings of a great book as well.”

Susan Mary Malone has worked as a freelance editor since 1993, with a BS in Political Science and minors in English and Journalism. Her client list includes NY Times Bestsellers, Essence Bestsellers and books featured in Publishers Weekly. She is also an award-winning author of fiction and non-fiction herself. She participates as a speaker in literary conferences such as the Harriett Austin Writer's Conference (at the University of Georgia), the Blue Ridge Writer's Conference, the SouthWest Writer's Conference, and the East Texas Writer’s Guild, among others. Her full biography and featured list of published authors can be viewed at http://www.maloneeditorial.com.

 

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