Authors Need Vivid Imaginations
“Being a successful author requires a vivid imagination.“ Authors are like entertainers —and many other people who may not know it: they are very creative with vivid imaginations. The award-winning The Iraq I Knew… was the only planned book opportunity below, and it was not a sure thing. Entering a book contest with thousands of…
Read MoreLeadership and Paul Harvey: Getting “The Rest of the Story”
Leadership and Paul Harvey: Getting “The Rest of the Story“ In our second installment on decision-making, we’ll discuss why having a complete picture is so important in making informed decisions. Decision-making requires having the full picture – pre-text, context, and post-text; however, sometimes we are asked to make decisions with piecemeal information. That’s where a midwestern…
Read MoreHow to Wrestle with a Pig, and Win! Problem-Solving Made Easier.
How to Wrestle with a Pig, and Win! A Guide to Complex Problem-solving I am often asked, “Burl, why would you wrestle with a pig? All you get is dirty and the pig enjoys it.” (George Bernard Shaw.) My answer is always the same: “How do you think I made Colonel?“ Wrestling with a pig…
Read MoreBook Contests: An Author’s Competitive Advantage
Award Finalist, Nonfiction – Adventure for The Iraq I Knew… From Saddam Hussein to Weapons of Mass Destruction to Al Qaeda in Iraq, 2025 International Book Awards “Some things require further explanation.” Readers’ Favorite sponsors an Annual Book Contest with thousands of entrants in 150 categories and over 850 winners. Each category has five award…
Read MoreJudgment: The Foundation of Decision-making
Decision-making is rarely an easy task. It requires a great deal of time, talent, energy, and information. During the next few weeks, we will explore the characteristics of decision-making through the wisdom of prominent individuals – some familiar to you, while others may have lived before your time. Regardless, the sage advice they provide is…
Read MoreMilitary Service: The Ultimate Opportunity
“Opportunities Have Expiration Dates.” I am reminded how fleeting opportunities are every time I hear someone say, “I wish I had joined the military, or I wish I had served.” Service to the country can come in many forms, but the military is so unique because, It is the 1% protecting the other 99%. Although…
Read MoreHoning My Humility: Laser Surgery on My Leadership
We often read about the various attributes required of a leader, but what are our criteria? One criterion I have always cherished is humility, because leaders we are appointed, not anointed. While many may find this hard to believe, there is always someone waiting in the wings to take your place. And as consumer advocate Ralph Nadar…
Read MoreAdvanced REBOOT: Trauma Healing at a New Level
Trauma Healing can occur at a new level. Enter, Advanced REBOOT. Trauma healing is a process that does not occur all at once. On Wednesday, October 1, 2025, REBOOT Recovery of the Quad Cities held an Open House for our Trauma REBOOT graduates at our new location at the Historic Johnson School. The graduates who…
Read MoreI’m A Winner!!!
I’m A Winner!!! Authors always appreciate feedback on their work, and being placed in any contest is a great honor! For the Readers’ Favorite contests, each genre has five award categories – Gold, Silver, Bronze, Honorable Mention, and Finalist. My book, The Iraq I Knew…, was selected as a finalist in the Non-Fiction – Adventure…
Read MoreIt’s Here! ¿Puede Dios Confiarte con Problemas?
¿Puede Dios Confiarte con Problemas? Can God Trust You with Trouble? I am proud to announce the release of Can God Trust You with Trouble?, Spanish edition. This was a long time coming from inception to publication. Comparing the English and Spanish versions to ensure the text flowed smoothly, the correct words were used, and…
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