Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Mark 6:41
Taking the five loaves and the two fish, Jesus looked up to heaven and blessed them. When God sends His blessings, it's always more than enough.
On June 4, my husband, Kerry, and I celebrated our 26th wedding anniversary. Of course, we had to eat at a restaurant, Brio, that I mentioned in one of my novels. I call it research.Where did the time fly? My marriage reminds me of a song:
Everyday with Jesus is sweeter than the day before. Everyday with Jesus I love Him more and more...
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My prayers are with the family of Michael Jackson, especially his children. My favorite song was "Man in the Mirror." Have you actually listened to the words? "Take a look at yourself and make a change."
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In a few weeks I'll kick off my Guilty Series tour, beginning at the Indiana Black Expo. If you have friends in the greater Indianapolis area, please ask them to stop by my booth for a chance at two raffle prizes and bargains on my books. Then I'm off to Alabama for three book events. In September, I'll team up with friend and debut author, Lisa Watson, for a Texas tour, so spread the word.
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There are two ways to keep up with my tour schedule: www.patsimmons.net or http://www.booktour.com/author/pat_simmons
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HAPPY JULY 4TH. I'm looking forward to seeing a cousin, Camille Wade Combs, whom I haven't seen I was a child.
The Guilty Series
Talk to Me
Crowning Glory, coming 2011
***********************************************************************
You'll never believe who sent me an email.
No not my great-grandfather, William Wilkerson (Wilkinson). He was born in 1866, one year after the Emancipation Proclamation, and died sometime in the 1940s.
He and his younger brother Samuel Wilkerson (who later moved up north and changed his name) and their mother, Charlotte Jamieson Wilkerson, once lived with fellow widower, Martha Leopard and her two children.
Martha's descendant Heather shared information about her ancestor. How cool is that?
Read more about my notes regarding my genealogy on my blog: talkgenealogy.blogspot.com.
Here's the link Heather shared with me about Martha: http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/Galaxy/5497/page2e.html
******************************************************************
Can you believe Parke and Cheney's story hit the bookstores almost two years ago?
Since that time, God has truly blessed me when I made the decision to put aside my other writing projects to pursue Cheney's story.
Under God's guidance and thanks to you, Guilty of Love has been turned into a four or five part series.
******************************************************************
Here's the July excerpt of Book II: Not Guilty of Love.Next month will be your last excerpt. The novel will be in book stores before the end of August. Be the first three readers to post a review on amazon and receive a free Guilty Series tote bag.
Also, your review could be published in my next book, Still Guilty, due April 2010.
******************************************************************
Guilty of Love is Cheney's story. Still Guilty (Book III) is her twin, Rainey's story. The rough draft is finished and has been sent to my editor.
For those of you who have attended the annual RT BOOKLOVERS Convention, Mr. Romance First Runner-up, Fred Williams, is sporting a T-shirt, and we're all holding matching mugs.
T-shirts are still available for $8, including shipping.
Some of you already received your free Guilty of Love mug.
******************************************************************
Not Just A Bookstore July Events
Thursday, July 9, 2009, 6 pm-9 pm
Entertainment Business Workshop
Sponsored by Vanita Applebaum Entertainment
Saturday July 11, 2009, 2 pm-5 pm
St. Louis Author James Booker signs copies of his new book, B.D.S.M
Saturday July 18, 2009, 2:30 pm-5:30 pm
St. Louis Author Pamela K. Dillon signs copies of her new book, The Greater Yes
Saturday July 18, 2009
St. Louis Author Vanetta Clark signs copies of her new book, Truth, The Moment of Change
For more information contact Connie or Richard at www.notjustabookstore.net
If you've enjoyed this newsletter, tell somebody. Visit www.patsimmons.net and subscribe to the Author Pat Simmons mailing list.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Book II: Not Guilty of Love release
It's countdown time...
Not Guilty of Love will be released mid-August. Pre-order your copies today and be the first to post a review on amazon and win a THE GUILTY SERIES tote bag.
Visit www.patsimmons.net
Monday, June 1, 2009
June 2009 e-newsletter
Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Mark 6:41
Taking the five loaves and the two fish, Jesus looked up to heaven and blessed them. When God sends His blessings, it's always more than enough.
God is blessing us,
A few days ago I saw something I hadn't seen in a long time--several motorists driving new cars. My head snapped. What? That's an encouraging sign.
In St. Louis, our Ford Motors plant was shut down years ago. Recently, two Chrysler plants will face the same fate, so we're slowly bouncing back even if there are people ahead of us in the line of blessings.
When is the last time you visited www.patsimmons.net? Well, check it out, because my site has a new look. Let me know what you think.
Congrats to graduates, including Hilary Morgan and my niece Amber Cole who graduated from eighth grade. Of course, I have pictures of me with my brother, niece, and mother.
Guilty of Love (Book I), September 2007
Not Guilty of Love (Book II), September 2009
Still Guilty (Book III), April 2010
Free from Guilt (Book IV)
Talk to Me, November 2008
Watch out for the Carmen Sisters series:
Four months away until Not Guilty of Love is released.
Here's the June excerpt: patsimmonsexcerpts.blogspot.com.
Save $$ by pre-ordering copies of Not Guilty of Love at www.amazon.com.
HATS OFF TO MONIQUE BRUNER WITH DELTA REVIEWERS.
She along with Sisters Sippin' Tea of Tulsa and two other bookclubs hosted the African-American Literacy Expo. To see photos, click on Tulsa, OK.
Monique is also participating in the MrsOklahomaplusamerica2009.blog.com.
She will advance to the next level in Louisiana. Check out the pageant and see how you can help her.
Can you believe gasoline for $.25 on Route 66? You have to see this Click Route 66.
Get your Guilty Series T-shirt. Check out my two models: Simi and Kerry are wearing black cotton T-shirts with white lettering that says, Not Guilty, Guilty, Still Guilty, Of Love.
The cost is $8, which includes shipping. E-mail me: patLsimmons@yahoo.com.
I've posted three items on my blog for June from my e-mails:
Schools
Electronically locking cars
Fact or Fiction: Man murders wife & buries family alive.
patsimmons.blog.com.
If you've enjoyed this newsletter, share it with a friend.
If you are that friend, click on the link below to receive your copy every month:
Subscribe to the Author Pat Simmons mailing list.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
May 2009 e-newsletter
Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Mark 6:41
Taking the five loaves and the two fish, Jesus looked up to heaven and blessed them. When God sends His blessings, it's always more than enough.
I'm back from Orlando and busy. More about my trip in this e-newsletter.
The response from fans who wanted a free mug last month was phenomenal. Shouts go out to readers in California, Michigan, Texas, Maryland, Wisconsin, Illinois, and several areas throughout Missouri. Enjoy your coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
Just so you don't think I'm slacking off, I'm less than 100 pages from finishing Still Guilty, Book III of the Guilty series. The drama continues. My characters: Rainey, Cheney, Parke, Kami, Malcolm, Hallison, Josephine, and of course, Grandma BB, are like kids on a playground and everybody wants the swing.
I've been asked to write the foreword in an upcoming, exciting, and "hold your breath" book, The Power of Secrets, written by a good friend and my former Sunday school teacher Pastor Ron Stephens. God truly has given him a gift of teaching, story telling, and ministering. I'm honored at the request and hope to share my thoughts with you soon.
For the latest on my book events, always visit my website at http://www.patsimmons.net/ and click on tours. I'm constantly adding more dates to my schedule weekly.
So far, I have two signings in May: Half Price Books in Springfield, MO. Next, I'm one of nineteen authors invited to the African American Literacy Expo in Tulsa, OK. This event is sponsored by Sisters Sippin Tea, Real Page Turners, The Tulsa Library Trust and the African-American Resource Center. If you live nearby or have friends in the Ozarks and Tulsa areas, please ask them to come out and support me. Check my website for date, location, and times.
Please bless your mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother this month. Happy Mother's Day!
Guilty of Love (Book I), September 2007
Not Guilty of Love (Book II), September 2009
Still Guilty (Book III), April 2010
Free from Guilt (Book IV)
Talk to Me, November 2008
Watch out for the Carmen Sisters series:
Five months until Not Guilty of Love is released.
May's excerpt: patsimmonsexcerpts.blogspot.com Don't forget you can save $$ by pre-ordering copies of Not Guilty of Love at www.amazon.com.
Be the first to get your copy! You have finished Book I: Guilty of Love, right?
I had a great time at the 26-th annual RT BOOKLOVERS Convention in Orlando. It's a reunion between authors and readers. 900 readers had a chance to mingle with 400 of their favorite and bestselling authors from around the world: Canada, Australia, Egypt, England, and at least twenty other countries.
There is no other place where almost every genre is represented. I was a panelist for a advance writer's workshop sponsored yearly by national bestselling author Bobbi Smith. One participate was so glad I represented the Christian fiction genre.
I had a chance to fellowship with authors LA Banks, Brenda Jackson, Robin Carr; RT staffers: Brandy, Crystal, Laurie, and of course, JoCarol; friends: Nicole, Terri and so many more. New York Times bestselling author Heather Graham had me accept an award for her...like five minutes before it was presented. Once I walked on stage, the audience knew it wasn't Heather in costume. That was so much fun even if I was ambushed.
Good friend and another top dog bestselling author, Christina Skye, is determined to construct my writing empire, and I'm taking notes. Christina is your hair sticking up yet?
Pictures are worth a thousand words. I took more than 100, but here are a few. photos.patsimmons.net
Check out Florida's news coverage. www.cfnew13.com. Click on entertainment.
Author's Row is one of the many attractions for readers who attend the RT BOOKLOVERS Convention. It's where they can load up on goodies donated by their favorite authors, including pens, pad,s perfume, bookmarks, etc. This year, in addition to mugs, my Guilty Series T-shirts disappeared within fifteen minutes. I couldn't believe the demand. Some were disappointed, so I had to take orders. Check out my two models: Simi and Kerry are wearing black cotton T-shirts with white lettering that says, Not Guilty, Guilty, Still Guilty, Of Love, www.patsimmons.net
If you would like a T-shirt, send me an e-mail with your size. The cost is $8, which includes shipping. patLsimmons@yahoo.com.
*******"He Sent Me Flowers Poem" A MUST READ!***** patsimmons.blog.com
If you've enjoyed this newsletter, share it with a friend. Here's Deborah Neff, bookseller with Barnes & Noble and her pet in the puppy purse.
Subscribe to the Author Pat Simmons mailing list.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Mark 6:41
Taking the five loaves and the two fish, Jesus looked up to heaven and blessed them. When God sends His blessings, it's always more than enough.
I'm back from Orlando and busy. More about my trip in this e-newsletter.
The response from fans who wanted a free mug last month was phenomenal. Shouts go out to readers in California, Michigan, Texas, Maryland, Wisconsin, Illinois, and several areas throughout Missouri. Enjoy your coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
Just so you don't think I'm slacking off, I'm less than 100 pages from finishing Still Guilty, Book III of the Guilty series. The drama continues. My characters: Rainey, Cheney, Parke, Kami, Malcolm, Hallison, Josephine, and of course, Grandma BB, are like kids on a playground and everybody wants the swing.
I've been asked to write the foreword in an upcoming, exciting, and "hold your breath" book, The Power of Secrets, written by a good friend and my former Sunday school teacher Pastor Ron Stephens. God truly has given him a gift of teaching, story telling, and ministering. I'm honored at the request and hope to share my thoughts with you soon.
For the latest on my book events, always visit my website at http://www.patsimmons.net/ and click on tours. I'm constantly adding more dates to my schedule weekly.
So far, I have two signings in May: Half Price Books in Springfield, MO. Next, I'm one of nineteen authors invited to the African American Literacy Expo in Tulsa, OK. This event is sponsored by Sisters Sippin Tea, Real Page Turners, The Tulsa Library Trust and the African-American Resource Center. If you live nearby or have friends in the Ozarks and Tulsa areas, please ask them to come out and support me. Check my website for date, location, and times.
Please bless your mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother this month. Happy Mother's Day!
Guilty of Love (Book I), September 2007
Not Guilty of Love (Book II), September 2009
Still Guilty (Book III), April 2010
Free from Guilt (Book IV)
Talk to Me, November 2008
Watch out for the Carmen Sisters series:
Five months until Not Guilty of Love is released.
May's excerpt: patsimmonsexcerpts.blogspot.com Don't forget you can save $$ by pre-ordering copies of Not Guilty of Love at www.amazon.com.
Be the first to get your copy! You have finished Book I: Guilty of Love, right?
I had a great time at the 26-th annual RT BOOKLOVERS Convention in Orlando. It's a reunion between authors and readers. 900 readers had a chance to mingle with 400 of their favorite and bestselling authors from around the world: Canada, Australia, Egypt, England, and at least twenty other countries.
There is no other place where almost every genre is represented. I was a panelist for a advance writer's workshop sponsored yearly by national bestselling author Bobbi Smith. One participate was so glad I represented the Christian fiction genre.
I had a chance to fellowship with authors LA Banks, Brenda Jackson, Robin Carr; RT staffers: Brandy, Crystal, Laurie, and of course, JoCarol; friends: Nicole, Terri and so many more. New York Times bestselling author Heather Graham had me accept an award for her...like five minutes before it was presented. Once I walked on stage, the audience knew it wasn't Heather in costume. That was so much fun even if I was ambushed.
Good friend and another top dog bestselling author, Christina Skye, is determined to construct my writing empire, and I'm taking notes. Christina is your hair sticking up yet?
Pictures are worth a thousand words. I took more than 100, but here are a few. photos.patsimmons.net
Check out Florida's news coverage. www.cfnew13.com. Click on entertainment.
Author's Row is one of the many attractions for readers who attend the RT BOOKLOVERS Convention. It's where they can load up on goodies donated by their favorite authors, including pens, pad,s perfume, bookmarks, etc. This year, in addition to mugs, my Guilty Series T-shirts disappeared within fifteen minutes. I couldn't believe the demand. Some were disappointed, so I had to take orders. Check out my two models: Simi and Kerry are wearing black cotton T-shirts with white lettering that says, Not Guilty, Guilty, Still Guilty, Of Love, www.patsimmons.net
If you would like a T-shirt, send me an e-mail with your size. The cost is $8, which includes shipping. patLsimmons@yahoo.com.
*******"He Sent Me Flowers Poem" A MUST READ!***** patsimmons.blog.com
If you've enjoyed this newsletter, share it with a friend. Here's Deborah Neff, bookseller with Barnes & Noble and her pet in the puppy purse.
Subscribe to the Author Pat Simmons mailing list.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
April 2009 Newsletter
Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and blessed them. God can do a whole lot of damage with the little we have!
Last week, the Lord steered me in a different direction for the April newsletter. Regardless of my woes earlier this month, only share good news. Okay, here I go!
Good news!
I'm looking forward to seeing 400 fellow authors and 800 readers at the 26th annual RT BOOKLOVERS CONVENTION in Orlando later this month. I'll take plenty of pictures. Visit www.rtconvention.com.
Good news!
If you're in St. Louis, pick up free copies of St. Louis Woman Magazine at newsstands inside local grocery stores. I'm featured on page 43.
Good news!
I'm doing my part to stimulate the economy by giving away 20 Guilty of Love ceramic mugs. To get your gift, e-mail me at patLsimmons@yahoo.com with your address, and I'll pay the cost of shipping. Limit one mug per person please.
Good news!Libraries are swamped with readers checking out books. Usage has tripled while sales at major book stores have plummeted across the country. During April, take a friend to the library. When you check out copies of Talk to Me and Guilty of Love, and e-mail me a copy of the library receipt, I'll enter you into a drawing to receive one of ten free autograph copy of my upcoming novel, Not Guilty of Love, August 2009.
Good news?
How often does a victim of identity theft have an opportunity to pull up the alleged criminal's address on the internet using Google Earth? I did. My alter ego lives in a non-descriptive, brick two family flat. A public trash receptacle in front on the corner serves as a landmark. The building is mingled with other one family and four family flats on a tree-lined street. Worn bed sheets are bad imitations of window treatments.
My impersonator opened a cell phone account at Sprint for Christmas Eve--the family plan of course--and a Walmart charge to start off the new year. So far, I sigh because haven't received a bill as they occupants enjoy hundred channels of programming on their satellite TV Dish Network. The good news is I haven't gotten a bill for that.
Good News!You don't have to wait for my monthly newsletter to get my latest updates. Follow me on twitter.com/patsimmons.
GREAT NEWS!JESUS rose from the dead.
Happy Resurrection Day, enjoy your Easter, and Be Blessed always.
Guilty of Love (Book I), September 2007
Not Guilty of Love (Book II), September 2009
Still Guilty (Book III), April 2010
Free from Guilt (Book IV)
Talk to Me, November 2008
Watch out for the Carmen Sisters series, coming soon
Good news!Book II: Not Guilty of Love cover.
April's excerpt: patsimmonsexcerpts.blogspot.com
Save $$ and pre-order copies of Not Guilty of Love at www.amazon.com
Good News!I received an e-mail from a reader in the Netherlands, saying how much she enjoyed Talk to Me.
If you liked Mackenzie and Noel's story, please post a review on amazon. I need 10 more reviews.
Thanks in advance!
Good News!You can share this newsletter with a friend. I'm joined by two fellow St. Louis authors, Rich and Essence bestselling author Brenda Hampton.
Visit www.patsimmons.net
Last week, the Lord steered me in a different direction for the April newsletter. Regardless of my woes earlier this month, only share good news. Okay, here I go!
Good news!
I'm looking forward to seeing 400 fellow authors and 800 readers at the 26th annual RT BOOKLOVERS CONVENTION in Orlando later this month. I'll take plenty of pictures. Visit www.rtconvention.com.
Good news!
If you're in St. Louis, pick up free copies of St. Louis Woman Magazine at newsstands inside local grocery stores. I'm featured on page 43.
Good news!
I'm doing my part to stimulate the economy by giving away 20 Guilty of Love ceramic mugs. To get your gift, e-mail me at patLsimmons@yahoo.com with your address, and I'll pay the cost of shipping. Limit one mug per person please.
Good news!Libraries are swamped with readers checking out books. Usage has tripled while sales at major book stores have plummeted across the country. During April, take a friend to the library. When you check out copies of Talk to Me and Guilty of Love, and e-mail me a copy of the library receipt, I'll enter you into a drawing to receive one of ten free autograph copy of my upcoming novel, Not Guilty of Love, August 2009.
Good news?
How often does a victim of identity theft have an opportunity to pull up the alleged criminal's address on the internet using Google Earth? I did. My alter ego lives in a non-descriptive, brick two family flat. A public trash receptacle in front on the corner serves as a landmark. The building is mingled with other one family and four family flats on a tree-lined street. Worn bed sheets are bad imitations of window treatments.
My impersonator opened a cell phone account at Sprint for Christmas Eve--the family plan of course--and a Walmart charge to start off the new year. So far, I sigh because haven't received a bill as they occupants enjoy hundred channels of programming on their satellite TV Dish Network. The good news is I haven't gotten a bill for that.
Good News!You don't have to wait for my monthly newsletter to get my latest updates. Follow me on twitter.com/patsimmons.
GREAT NEWS!JESUS rose from the dead.
Happy Resurrection Day, enjoy your Easter, and Be Blessed always.
Guilty of Love (Book I), September 2007
Not Guilty of Love (Book II), September 2009
Still Guilty (Book III), April 2010
Free from Guilt (Book IV)
Talk to Me, November 2008
Watch out for the Carmen Sisters series, coming soon
Good news!Book II: Not Guilty of Love cover.
April's excerpt: patsimmonsexcerpts.blogspot.com
Save $$ and pre-order copies of Not Guilty of Love at www.amazon.com
Good News!I received an e-mail from a reader in the Netherlands, saying how much she enjoyed Talk to Me.
If you liked Mackenzie and Noel's story, please post a review on amazon. I need 10 more reviews.
Thanks in advance!
Good News!You can share this newsletter with a friend. I'm joined by two fellow St. Louis authors, Rich and Essence bestselling author Brenda Hampton.
Visit www.patsimmons.net
Friday, March 6, 2009
March 2009 Newsletter
3 John 1:2: Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
Yep, it's official. Not March Madness, but my eligibility for an AARP card. Yikes!
Many thanks for the birthday wishes and the singing telegrams.
Actually, they were from my family and close friends. My husband and I had planned to enroll in a ballroom dancing class to celebrate, but for some reason, the instructor never called us back. Maybe the word got out that I used to be--past tense--a dancing machine as a teenager.
Moving on, I'm praying that God is meeting your needs according to His riches in glory. God has an abundance of blessings, just ask Him.
Hats off to Oklahoma. Monique Brunner outdid herself with this year's "Urban League Young Professionals' Celebration of African-American Authors". Monique set up TV interviews for the authors with the BJ Williams, host, of Read About It with the Metropolitan Public Library System. As soon as I get that video, I'll post it on youtube or my website. Check out the pictures at photos.patsimmons.net.
With twenty authors participating, Monique had several spots set up throughout a spacious independent bookstore. The event brought in $1500 in book sales and 150 visitors! There were so many genres for readers to chose, but how about a Black Western series? You heard right. Meet author Sean Chandler. And to answer the question that I know one of my church members, Terry Green, is asking, no, I don't have any cousins in Oklahoma---yet.
Here's three SCAMS you must know about.
Visit patsimmons.blog.com.
Guilty of Love (Book I), September 2007
Not Guilty of Love (Book II), September 2009
Still Guilty (Book III), April 2010
Free from Guilt (Book IV)
Talk to Me, November 2008
Watch for the Carmen Sisters series, coming soon
Since I don't have the cover yet for Not Guilty of Love (September 2009), here's a grade school picture of me instead. Read the March excerpt of Not Guilty of Love. It's Book II of the Guilty series.
If you haven't read the February excerpt, you better catch up.
Please vote for Talk to Me as the best Christian Fiction of 2008, the best book cover of 2008, and yours truly as the best author of 2008.It's the Reader's Choice Award.
Connie and Richard, the owners of Not Just A Bookstore, are like Dairy Queen. They treat you right. Here's two of their March events at the store:
Saturday, March 7, 2009, 2:00-4:00 p.m.St. Louis author, Brian Irons, will sign his book "I Did Not Know." It's based on a true story about his life, and how he became confined to a wheel chair due to the mistakes he made along the way in his sports career.
Saturday, March 14, 2009, 2:00-5:00 p.m.A new St. Louis author to the published industry, Danette Brown, will sign copies of "Emotions through Poetry".For more information, call 314-361-9955.
Forward this newsletter to a friend, or they can visit www.patsimmons.net and sign up on the contact page. Here's me with Pat, a Deaf Interpreter from Normal, Illinois.
Yep, it's official. Not March Madness, but my eligibility for an AARP card. Yikes!
Many thanks for the birthday wishes and the singing telegrams.
Actually, they were from my family and close friends. My husband and I had planned to enroll in a ballroom dancing class to celebrate, but for some reason, the instructor never called us back. Maybe the word got out that I used to be--past tense--a dancing machine as a teenager.
Moving on, I'm praying that God is meeting your needs according to His riches in glory. God has an abundance of blessings, just ask Him.
Hats off to Oklahoma. Monique Brunner outdid herself with this year's "Urban League Young Professionals' Celebration of African-American Authors". Monique set up TV interviews for the authors with the BJ Williams, host, of Read About It with the Metropolitan Public Library System. As soon as I get that video, I'll post it on youtube or my website. Check out the pictures at photos.patsimmons.net.
With twenty authors participating, Monique had several spots set up throughout a spacious independent bookstore. The event brought in $1500 in book sales and 150 visitors! There were so many genres for readers to chose, but how about a Black Western series? You heard right. Meet author Sean Chandler. And to answer the question that I know one of my church members, Terry Green, is asking, no, I don't have any cousins in Oklahoma---yet.
Here's three SCAMS you must know about.
Visit patsimmons.blog.com.
Guilty of Love (Book I), September 2007
Not Guilty of Love (Book II), September 2009
Still Guilty (Book III), April 2010
Free from Guilt (Book IV)
Talk to Me, November 2008
Watch for the Carmen Sisters series, coming soon
Since I don't have the cover yet for Not Guilty of Love (September 2009), here's a grade school picture of me instead. Read the March excerpt of Not Guilty of Love. It's Book II of the Guilty series.
If you haven't read the February excerpt, you better catch up.
Please vote for Talk to Me as the best Christian Fiction of 2008, the best book cover of 2008, and yours truly as the best author of 2008.It's the Reader's Choice Award.
Connie and Richard, the owners of Not Just A Bookstore, are like Dairy Queen. They treat you right. Here's two of their March events at the store:
Saturday, March 7, 2009, 2:00-4:00 p.m.St. Louis author, Brian Irons, will sign his book "I Did Not Know." It's based on a true story about his life, and how he became confined to a wheel chair due to the mistakes he made along the way in his sports career.
Saturday, March 14, 2009, 2:00-5:00 p.m.A new St. Louis author to the published industry, Danette Brown, will sign copies of "Emotions through Poetry".For more information, call 314-361-9955.
Forward this newsletter to a friend, or they can visit www.patsimmons.net and sign up on the contact page. Here's me with Pat, a Deaf Interpreter from Normal, Illinois.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Identity Thieves Love Gadgets
REPOSTED FROM
Identity Thieves Love Your Gadgets, Too!
How to Protect Your Personal Gadgets and Your Identity
By Jerri Ledford, About.com
Identity theft, like all crimes, grows and ebbs in cycles. And like all crimes, certain factors can influence the growth of or lack of growth of any crime. For identity theft, one of the factors currently contributing to the growth of the crime and the ease with which a criminal can commit identity theft is your gadgets.
Electronic gadgets have grown in popularity to the point that it seems like everyone ones more than one. Cell phones, iPods and MP3 players, and even GPS units can put you at risk. They’re everywhere. Everyone uses them—both criminals and victims.
Identity Thieves Use All Available Technology
Criminals can use gadgets, like a cell phone with picture of video capabilities to capture credit card numbers, bank card numbers and pins, and even to gather enough bits and pieces of your personal information to gain access to other information that’s needed to complete stealing your identity.
Think about it. A criminal with a camera phone can snap a shot of your license plate, and with a little research that criminal can have your name and address. That leads them to your mailbox where they can pick and choose the information they want to collect about you—bank statements, credit card statements, investment information, even purely personal communications.
But did you know that those same criminals can use your own gadgets against you? Think about the phone numbers you have programmed into your cell phone. Is “Home” one of them? Did you know that a phone number is enough for an identity thief to find out where you live. And that’s assuming you don’t have that programmed into your phone as well.
What about your spouse’s phone number? If it’s programmed into your phone as “Hubby” or “Sweetheart” you could be putting yourself at risk. All it takes is for a criminal to steal your purse while your cell phone is in it. Then they not only have your bank card, but they also have access to your spouse. It takes just seconds to compose a text message to your spouse claiming to have forgotten your pin number, and just a few seconds more to clear out your bank account when your spouse texts back the pin.
And here’s one more scenario for you. Do you have a GPS system in your car? If you do, you probably keep it mounted on the dash or stored in a glove compartment when you’re not in the car. Is your home address programmed into the GPS? Bad idea.
A criminal—either an identity thief or just a thief—can break into your car and steal your GPS system that will lead them straight to your house. If they do that while you’re in a movie or at a function that takes more than a few minutes, they can have the GPS system lead them to your house and steal whatever they want in the time you’re gone. Since they know where you are, and probably have a good idea of what you’re doing, they’ll know how much time they have to get in and out.
Protecting Your Gadgets and Yourself
So what are you to do? We’ve all become so reliant on our gadgets that we can’t imagine life without them. And if you’re not willing to give them up, then you need to learn some new habits. Here are five tips to help you keep your gadgets and your identity safe.
Stay Generic: When you’re programming names, numbers, and addresses into your gadget try to keep them generic as possible. Include only as much information as you must have, and never use monikers like “Hubby,” “Sweetheart,” “Best Friend,” or “Mom and Dad.”
Skip the Owner Information: Owner information on a gadget is a gold mine for identity thieves. And the truth is, it’s very rarely used to return a lost gadget. So, don’t use it. If you happen to be one of those people that just has to include the owner information, be sure you lock the device when it’s not in use and use a lock pin or combination that’s not easily guessed.
Carry Devices Separately: If you’re a woman and you carry your devices in your purse and your purse is stolen or lost, then whoever ends up with it not only has access to all the information in the purse, but they also have access to all the information on the devices that are there. In many cases, that could be a considerable amount of information—enough to steal your identity.
Educate Your Kids: Kids today have as many devices as their parents do. And those devices contain just as much information. Teach your kids about the dangers of identity theft. Remind them to limit the amount of personal information on the devices they carry, and to keep the devices on their persons at all times. Even high school kids can commit identity theft.
Remain Aware in Public Places: When you’re in public, always know what’s going on around you. At the bank, shield account and pin numbers from the view of nearby patrons. Avoid using your phone to pay bills or access accounts in public places, and never give out account or pin numbers over the phone if you’re in public. Remember there’s someone standing just off to the site waiting to picture or record the information that you’re sharing.
Identity Thieves Love Your Gadgets, Too!
How to Protect Your Personal Gadgets and Your Identity
By Jerri Ledford, About.com
Identity theft, like all crimes, grows and ebbs in cycles. And like all crimes, certain factors can influence the growth of or lack of growth of any crime. For identity theft, one of the factors currently contributing to the growth of the crime and the ease with which a criminal can commit identity theft is your gadgets.
Electronic gadgets have grown in popularity to the point that it seems like everyone ones more than one. Cell phones, iPods and MP3 players, and even GPS units can put you at risk. They’re everywhere. Everyone uses them—both criminals and victims.
Identity Thieves Use All Available Technology
Criminals can use gadgets, like a cell phone with picture of video capabilities to capture credit card numbers, bank card numbers and pins, and even to gather enough bits and pieces of your personal information to gain access to other information that’s needed to complete stealing your identity.
Think about it. A criminal with a camera phone can snap a shot of your license plate, and with a little research that criminal can have your name and address. That leads them to your mailbox where they can pick and choose the information they want to collect about you—bank statements, credit card statements, investment information, even purely personal communications.
But did you know that those same criminals can use your own gadgets against you? Think about the phone numbers you have programmed into your cell phone. Is “Home” one of them? Did you know that a phone number is enough for an identity thief to find out where you live. And that’s assuming you don’t have that programmed into your phone as well.
What about your spouse’s phone number? If it’s programmed into your phone as “Hubby” or “Sweetheart” you could be putting yourself at risk. All it takes is for a criminal to steal your purse while your cell phone is in it. Then they not only have your bank card, but they also have access to your spouse. It takes just seconds to compose a text message to your spouse claiming to have forgotten your pin number, and just a few seconds more to clear out your bank account when your spouse texts back the pin.
And here’s one more scenario for you. Do you have a GPS system in your car? If you do, you probably keep it mounted on the dash or stored in a glove compartment when you’re not in the car. Is your home address programmed into the GPS? Bad idea.
A criminal—either an identity thief or just a thief—can break into your car and steal your GPS system that will lead them straight to your house. If they do that while you’re in a movie or at a function that takes more than a few minutes, they can have the GPS system lead them to your house and steal whatever they want in the time you’re gone. Since they know where you are, and probably have a good idea of what you’re doing, they’ll know how much time they have to get in and out.
Protecting Your Gadgets and Yourself
So what are you to do? We’ve all become so reliant on our gadgets that we can’t imagine life without them. And if you’re not willing to give them up, then you need to learn some new habits. Here are five tips to help you keep your gadgets and your identity safe.
Stay Generic: When you’re programming names, numbers, and addresses into your gadget try to keep them generic as possible. Include only as much information as you must have, and never use monikers like “Hubby,” “Sweetheart,” “Best Friend,” or “Mom and Dad.”
Skip the Owner Information: Owner information on a gadget is a gold mine for identity thieves. And the truth is, it’s very rarely used to return a lost gadget. So, don’t use it. If you happen to be one of those people that just has to include the owner information, be sure you lock the device when it’s not in use and use a lock pin or combination that’s not easily guessed.
Carry Devices Separately: If you’re a woman and you carry your devices in your purse and your purse is stolen or lost, then whoever ends up with it not only has access to all the information in the purse, but they also have access to all the information on the devices that are there. In many cases, that could be a considerable amount of information—enough to steal your identity.
Educate Your Kids: Kids today have as many devices as their parents do. And those devices contain just as much information. Teach your kids about the dangers of identity theft. Remind them to limit the amount of personal information on the devices they carry, and to keep the devices on their persons at all times. Even high school kids can commit identity theft.
Remain Aware in Public Places: When you’re in public, always know what’s going on around you. At the bank, shield account and pin numbers from the view of nearby patrons. Avoid using your phone to pay bills or access accounts in public places, and never give out account or pin numbers over the phone if you’re in public. Remember there’s someone standing just off to the site waiting to picture or record the information that you’re sharing.
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