Meet Jeffery Craig, Author

Jeffery Craig is the author of the Reightman & Bailey Series. He's released two mysteries in the series so far, with a third book soon to appear. Jeffery lives in South Carolina and runs a local art and gift gallery with his husband. Learn more about Jeffery's work by visiting JefferyCraigBooks.com/, as well as his author page on Amazon.

1. How did you come up with the idea for your new mystery series, and did you have any issues writing it?

I've been thinking about this series for several years, and I've jotted down notes every time a new idea popped into my mind. I never did anything with those ideas. One evening, a friend pressed me to go ahead and start writing, and the next morning I sat down and wrote the prologue and the first chapter. I had a strong sense of the main character already, and the murder kind of wrote itself! The hard part was solving that murder and bringing the environment and the characters to life while doing so. There was a lot going on politically and socially in this part of the United States that provided some good fodder--I guess it was perfect timing.

When I started writing, my worry was I wouldn't be able to find enough words, but the opposite turned out to be true. In the space of about six weeks, I had over 700 pages, and suddenly I had two books to wrangle instead of one. After a lot of editing and re-writing, Done Rubbed Out and Hard Job were born, and the next few books of the series were outlined.

2. Your two protagonists seem like an interesting and unlikely pair. Would you tell us more about them?

Both of the protagonists are pretty complex. Toby Bailey is a young gay man who has opened his dream business--a high-end spa. He was raised in a small southern town, and in many ways, he's pretty naïve. When he finds his business partner (and former lover) naked and dead on a massage table, his whole world is turned upside down. Not only does he have to deal with a very personal loss, but that loss happens in a horrific way. On top of that, he's a prime suspect and isn't sure what to do.

Melba Reightman is the lead homicide detective on the case, and the senior detective in the city police department. She came up the ranks the hard way and learned to deal with the good 'ol boy network in a southern city and everything that represents. She's tough, smart, and capable. Her last few years have been rough; she divorced her cheating husband, her daughter has left home, and frankly, her job isn't providing much personal satisfaction. She doesn't have many friends. She's also grumpy, short-tempered, and experiencing the onset of menopause. She's seen it all, and her view of life is cynical and more than a little sarcastic. She also had a fixation on her large, overstuffed purse... it's a security blanket of sorts.

The differences between the two provide a lot of good tension, and when combined with the rest of the vivid characters, gives the series a lot of depth.

3. What are some of the unique challenges of writing in the mystery genre?

I think the most obvious challenge is that of leaving a trail of clues that lead the reader the direction you want them to go, without being too obvious or pointing toward the murderer too quickly. I would write about 60-70 pages and then go back to make sure I hadn't missed anything. I reworked that aspect a lot. The clues had to be laid out in a realistic manner. I didn't want there to be any "ah ha!" moments until the very end. In this series, the crimes serve a dual purpose. They move the story along, but also provide the framework for character growth and evolution. I guess the best way to think about it is to realize this isn't just a simple set of mysteries, but is an ongoing picture of how people and events we encounter throughout life change us in unexpected ways.

4. Why did you decide to self-publish your books?

That's a great question! I did a lot of research and talked to a lot of people that have made and are making a career for themselves writing fiction. I learned the publishing world has changed dramatically in the last 10 years, and is expected to change more rapidly in the next 10. Even in the traditional publishing world, the expectations are very different now. I was under the assumption your agent and publisher took care of everything once the book was written and acquired. I learned that's just not the case anymore. Unless they're fortunate enough to be picked up by one of the big three or four publishers, a new, unknown author has to write a good book, have it edited, and have at least a concept if not a full design for the cover, and is expected to do a lot of the PR and marketing. But all of these things have to be done against a slow timeline that the author doesn't have much influence over.

As an indie author, I do all of the same things, but I'm in control (for good or for bad) of most of the process. The biggest challenge is learning as you go, and I have made some spectacular mistakes. Thankfully, there are so many great tools out there now, and terrific forums and groups that are willing to share the things they have learned. These folks--along with new ways of buying books--have totally sparked a new revolution, and it's fun and exciting to be a part of the indie movement. Seeing how things have changed, and experiencing and dedication of the people following the same path, is what ultimately decided me.

5. How do you find the time to write and keep up with your day job of running an art gallery/shop?

I'm one of the co-owners of the gallery, and focus on specific parts of the business. I don't have to be there every day, except for certain times of the year when every hand is needed. I'm fortunate that I'm able to divide my focus and can plan my time. The more difficult thing to do is to find time to write a new book while trying to promote the finished books. I have to really be ruthless with my time and set certain days and hours aside to complete each task. It helps to have deadlines! I book my editor in advance and know I have to have a finished manuscript into her hands by the date agreed or life will be unpleasant! At the end of the day, I really try to focus on telling the best story I can, with messages and themes that are important to me and that--hopefully--resonate with others. Getting that story into the hands of a reader is the best feeling ever.

Thanks, Jeffery!

Meet Brenda Kay Winters, Author

Brenda Kay Winters is an author who was born in Vernon, Texas. She has published her books on Nook, Kobo, and Amazon. So far, she has written over 175 books. Brenda currently lives in Austin, Texas and has one daughter, Emilie Mignon, who is also a author; Emilie wrote Just Another Red Riding Hood Story.

Check out Brenda's recent book on Springtime Landscaping and Gardening, and learn more about her and her work by visiting her Amazon author page.

1. Have you always been interested in writing?

I had exceptional teachers in my English and language arts classes all of my life. They made learning and writing fun. My first experience with writing was in an English class in junior high school and my teacher was helpful. He had us look up many words and write out the whole definitions, and I wrote a paper on the Lindbergh kidnapping case. I have not always been interested in writing, and I became a nurse at age 19, married, and had one daughter. I did not have the time to write.

2. When did you start publishing your books through online venues like Amazon, Kobo, and Nook?

The first books I published were with Blurb in 2012 just after my parents died to ease the pain. Then my brother, William Winters, died in 2014 of colon cancer, and I started writing books almost daily in 2015. It keeps me busy.

3. What will readers learn in your latest book, Springtime Landscaping and Gardening?

In my latest book, Springtime Landscaping and Gardening, my readers will learn how to improve their homes and enjoy flowers, and maybe even start a business.

I just finished a Romance Erotica novel that is over 700 pages long called Lust and Seduction in Texas; it is available on Nook and another one like it on Create Space will be out in a few days.

4. What is your process like when it comes to researching, writing, and finally publishing your books?

My process is to ask friends and family what they would like to read, and I go from there. I write on my computer and take notes. I keep a pad and pen next to my laptop and try to write about subjects I know about.

5. Were you surprised when your daughter started publishing as well? What advice have you given her--and what advice might you give other authors who want to follow your example of writing and publishing?

I was happy and surprised that my daughter Emiele Mignon (her pen name) has starting writing and publishing books on Amazon, too. She is a naturally gifted writer and author.

My advice to anyone about writing is to do it every day and write about things you know about, and take classes if you are able to in order to improve your writings.

Thanks, Brenda!

Meet Don McClain of EZ House Buyers

Based in Houston, Texas, Don McClain of EZ House Buyers provides a way to sell your house fast.

1. Who can benefit from EZ House Buyers?

EZ House Buyers provides an alternative to the traditional sales channels of hiring a realtor, cleaning up the property, doing open houses and showings, negotiating a contract, inspections, long closings, costly repairs, etc. We assist property owners by providing them with a quick solution and a fair price. We buy properties "as is, where is", and we pay the closing costs. In short, we provide a valuable alternative to property owners who want to sell quickly.

2. What is the average closing time for these transactions?

All we need is to get title work done and make sure there are no outstanding liens on the property that are not being paid. We have closed deals in as little as two days. Sometimes we need the seller's assistance in tracking down missing heirs. Other than that, we can close very quickly--sometimes much faster than the seller was aware that we could.

3. What are the most common reasons for selling a property through EZ House Buyers?

There are many reasons that a property owner would want to sell quickly. Some of the most common are: loss of job, pending foreclosure, illness, divorce, costly repairs, investment property that needs to be sold, death in the family that results in a situation where heirs would rather have the cash than the property. There are many reasons, and EZ House Buyers custom tailors a solution for each seller.

4. What is fair market value price for these properties?

We typically pay more than anyone else in the market. The amount depends on the property type and location, and if it is rural or urban property. We run comparables on the property and typically can pay up to 65% for rural properties and up to 75% for urban properties.

5. How is EZ House Buyers better than other realtors or home buyers for cash?

EZ House Buyers evaluates each situation carefully. We customize a solution for each property owner. If a seller needs to stay in the property for a time after closing, for example, we can do a lease-back to them. Also, we work with the property owners to help them clear title on properties that may have title issues. On each and every deal, we work to make sure everyone is pleased, and we work to get the property owners as much for their property as possible.

Thanks, Don!

Introducing Locksmith Houston

There are really two main things I look for when it comes to a locksmith. I look for availability for 24-hour mobile service in case of emergency lockouts, and I look for a full range of trusted security services for homes and businesses. If you need to find a locksmith near Houston who provides these necessities, Locksmith Houston is a full-service professional locksmith service.

The technicians at Locksmith Houston are available any time of day and every day of the year. All of the technicians are fully licensed, bonded, and insured. They have a comprehensive mobile locksmith service and come equipped with all the latest tools, locks, security products, and machinery.

They offer emergency, residential, commercial, and automobile services. In addition to helping with lockouts, they can replace and repair any locks or security devices. They can make new keys for your car ignition, trunk, glove compartment, and more. They can also program specialty alarm keys.

For over 30 years, these locksmiths have been serving the greater Houston, Texas area. They promise a quick and affordable response to your call, and they also offer specials on their website from time to time--they are currently offering 10% off.

Introducing Locksmith Dallas

If you're living in or traveling through Texas, it's good to have the number of a locksmith near Dallas. Locksmith Dallas provides 24/7 locksmith services to the greater Dallas and Ft. Worth area.

What are some common services that you can get help with by calling Locksmith Dallas? Of course you can get your car doors unlocked! You can also get lots of useful services for your home or commercial property, such as having broken keys removed, getting new garage door locks, having new pick-proof locks installed, having deadbolts installed, and getting your locks rekeyed.

Many people have called locksmiths for an auto lockout, but if you haven't ever had a locksmith visit your home, it can be a good idea to get a security check. Many people have outdated locks that simply aren't very secure. A good locksmith can give you practical suggestions for making your home safer.

The professionals at Locksmith Dallas make a point of offering friendly and understanding service for people experiencing a stressful situation like needing roadside assistance or getting new locks after a burglary. Give them a call and find out for yourself about their respectful treatment of their customers. And be sure to ask if they are running any special offers, or check their website for special offers, too.

Introducing Austin Texas Locksmith

A locksmith is one of those professional service providers whom you just might find yourself calling at all hours of the day or night. So you'll want someone in your phone that you can rely on for 24/7 service. Austin Premier Locksmith provides round-the-clock service for anyone who needs a locksmith near Austin.

Within the greater Austin, Texas metropolitan area, Austin Premier Locksmith provides the whole range unlocking services, from cars and motorcycles to houses and businesses. They can install new locks, re-key your locks, install deadbolts, add locks to your windows, and much more. Maybe you have an older lock that you hope to repair? They can do repairs, too.

They promise that their services will be provided in a professional and punctual manner, and they offer a free security check with every service call. They also have special discounts for seniors, students, and teachers. Because they work with a lot of people who have experienced break-ins and similar crimes, they offer specials for crime victims as well.

Their website has a lot more information about the specific emergency, automotive, residential, and commercial services they provide. And the best news is that no matter what time you need help, they charge you the same rate, day or night.

Introducing Locksmith San Antonio

Whether you live in San Antonio or are traveling through the area, it's handy to know a 24-hour mobile locksmith service. Locksmith San Antonio is a full service locksmith near San Antonio, providing an immediate response, anytime and anywhere in the greater San Antonio area.

For over 15 years, the team at Locksmith San Antonio has been working hard to build a solid reputation as a reliable locksmith service, providing help for emergency lockouts on the road, at work, or at home. In addition to their trusted emergency services, they also help connect customers with excellent quality security services, taking care to offer solutions at different price points to assist customers with all different budgets.

Their residential services include lock installation, repair, and rekeying. They can help with installation of security cameras, opening safes, and more. Their commercial services will help you secure any commercial space, from a small storefront to a large warehouse. In addition to helping with auto lockouts, they can also repair ignition cylinders and duplicate all manner of keys, including specialty keys.

Locksmith San Antonio guarantees their professional workmanship. They are currently offering a 10% off discount coupon on their website, so be sure to check it out.

Meet Joe Orsak, Director of Marketing with Improve My Credit USA

Joe Orsak is Director of Marketing with Improve My Credit USA, the consumer-voted number one credit repair company in America, the consumer-voted number one credit repair company in Texas for four years running, and winner of the Houston award for excellence in customer service and marketing for three years running.

Joe provided answers to my interview questions in the form of a YouTube video, and you can also see the answers transcribed below.

1. What are a few reasons why someone would need to repair their credit?

Ya know, most often people discover that they need credit repair because they have been told "no" by somebody--because of a home loan, car loan, or maybe even a job promotion--and people find themselves in that situation of numerous reasons. Identity theft is huge: at least one in eight Americans will experience it. And sometimes it's just because of a financial strain of a situation--medical, divorce, that type of thing. In all of those situations, we always recommend speaking to a credit expert.

2. What are the major benefits of working with a credit repair company rather than doing it on your own?

Ya know, that's a good question. We often are asked that. And in fact, you can work on your own credit. We even have a great ebook on our website (ImproveMyCreditUSA.com), for free, that tells you how to do it. But, there's an old saying that goes, "You don't know what you don't know." Ya see, there's a little over three hundred laws that govern how the credit bureaus and creditors are required to report information on your credit. And if you're not familiar with those rules, then you just don't know what questions to ask when you're asking them to verify information as accurate on your credit report. So it makes it really challenging to move forward. Always work with a credit expert.

3. What are some of the misconceptions that people tend to have when it comes to credit?

Common misconceptions--wow, yes, all the time! In fact, there's a lot about credit that is counterintuitive. You do something that you think is what is going to help your credit, but in fact you could hurt your credit. For instance, dealing with collections. Older collections: when somebody decides that they want to deal with an older collections, and improve their score and they pay that collection, in fact it could cause a great deal of damage to your credit. There's tons of examples, and we just don't have enough video time of give them all, but yes, there's a lot that is counterintuitive that doesn't makes sense about how credit repair works.

4. Your company is based in Houston, but you help people all over the US. What is your most effective way to do this?

Ya know, we have a great office, and you can come visit us any time you want; we'd be happy to see you! But 99% of our business is done over the phone and through email. Once you become a client, we also have an online portal for you where you can monitor your progress 24/7. And if you ever have a question, you can go to our website and engage us through the chat support, or just pick up the phone; we'd be happy to talk to you.

5. Can you share some everyday tips that people can use to avoid running into difficulties with credit in the first place?

Credit tips--absolutely. In fact, we have a website called BetterCreditTips.com where I record all kind of videos and answer questions on the subject, but let me give you one right now. How you use your credit cards is critical in maintaining positive credit. So never carry a balance over 30%. You'll always wanna keep that balance low because it makes up 30% of your credit score. Thirty and thirty, easy to remember.

So we hope you found those answers helpful. And if you think you might have some credit issues, simply fill out the form on this page and we will give you a shout. We look forward to taking care of you.

Improve My Credit USA
(866)802-3470
info@ImproveMyCreditUSA.com
ImproveMyCreditUSA.com

Thanks, Joe!

Meet Jordan Hernandez, Entrepreneur and Afghanistan Veteran

Jordan Hernandez is a veteran of the US military who served in Afghanistan. Now living in Texas with his wife, Dulce, he is working on starting his own business called Article Express. He is raising start-up funds for his business through this GoFundMe campaign. Jordan also hopes to help his parents and brother through his new business.

1. When it came to developing a business idea, what inspired you to focus on an online-based business?

The thing I love about doing anything online is that it's liberating--it's totally creative. I feel as though this was how the "American Dream" was back when we had such a massive and booming society. It allows anyone with a vision to create it and get the benefits from that creation.

2. Why did you decide to create a site focused on articles and content marketing?

Well, I started meditating a few years ago, and it has helped open up my consciousness so much. It helped me understand what thoughts ran through my head, and how to better interpret the meaning of those thoughts. The way I understood what popped into my head has led me to a gut decision that this is something that I am meant to do too liberate my family's life! So I'm doing it, one way or another!

3. For you as a reader, what makes for interesting web content--and what keeps you coming back to a website?

Anything that would keep me coming back would have to be giving me insight on something. It's that feeling whenever you hear something so true that you just can't help but smile and shout "YES!!! I know exactly what you mean!!".

4. Why did you decide to kick off your project by seeking backers through a crowdfunding platform?

Honestly, I decided to go this route because I would like to avoid the debt of a loan. My wife and I are trying to get a new house which we got pre-approved for, and took on a new car bill recently as well. Reaching my goals this way will avoid all the excess debt we just can't handle. I believe when people see a legitimate cause, they are compassionate, and they are loving. I have high hopes for humanity.

5. As you and your wife look ahead to the next year or so, what are your goals?

I try to place myself in this present moment. If I do try to think of a future, I'm creating separation from this moment, and now have a chance to be dragged down by thoughts of anxiety and worry. In the present moment that will be in the "future" so to speak, we are hoping to accomplish an income that will take care of us and my family around us. I hope to help my father and brother who are addicted to antidepressants, and to free my mother from a household of gang retaliation due to my brother's lifestyle. I just wish to ease the pain and hurt from their minds. Thinking about that every day must be torture.

These pictures show my brother today, and back when we were kids.

Thank you for taking the time to interview me!

Thanks, Jordan!

Meet Sherel Ames, Creator of Fight for the Family TV Series

Houston native Sherel Ames has created a new family drama meant to engage and entertain audiences of all ages. Fight for the Family is centered around detective James Guillory and his younger sister Toi Allen. The show focus on their struggles to overcome issues that attempt to rip their families apart. Visit www.fight4thefamily.com to learn more about the show and watch it online. You can also follow Fight for the Family on Facebook.

To get an idea of the show, check out this teaser from the third episode.

1. What inspired the creation of Fight for the Family?

Hearing a sermon my pastor preached with the same title inspired me to create the series.

2. I like the idea of a brother and sister and their families being the center of the show. Do the characters experiences any tensions when it comes to their different family ties?

There is a lot of family tension in the show.

James Guillory, played by Carlton Skinner, and his wife Aisha Guillory, played by Aisha Jordan, are going through a battle because she wants to leave her husband and two beautiful daughters to move to London because of her job.

Nico Allen, played by Michael Fontenot, and Toi Allen, played by Candace Ames, are expecting a child. Toi wants to abort because the timing, as she puts it, "is terrible."

3. How are you distributing the show locally and nationally?

The show is currently airing on digital channel 15.1 in Houston and streamed at www.bethelsfamily.tv. Beginning in February, it will air on Comcast, Direct TV, Dish Network, and Roku. Check your local listings.

4. What is your favorite part about working as a producer on this project?

What I like most about working on this project is that I have the opportunity to work with some of the most talented and dedicated actors in Houston.

Thanks, Sherel!

Introducing Locksmith Dallas

Need a Dallas locksmith with fast response and mobile service? Locksmith Dallas is a full-service 24/7 locksmith covering the greater Dallas / Ft. Worth area.

On their site, Locksmith Dallas mentions how they understand the fact that many times, when people call a locksmith, it's during a time of stress. Maybe your home has been burglarized, and you need to rekey your locks or buy new ones. Or maybe you've locked yourself out of your home, car, or business, and you're anxious to get inside. Whatever the trouble, I appreciate the fact that this company mentions on their website that their technicians are mindful of the fact that their clients may be feeling stressed out when they call for assistance.

Locksmith Dallas provides the range of services you would expect from a locksmith, including help with lock-outs, making new keys, installing new locks, and more.

They can consult with you regarding the security of your existing locks. Does your garage door have a secure lock? Do you know if all your locks are pick-proof? Has it been many years since you upgraded the security of your home or business? Well, there are plenty of reasons that you might want to call a locksmith!

Keep an eye on the Locksmith Dallas website, too, as they sometimes run special offers for their customers and have a special section on the site where these offers are posted.

Introducing Texas Garage Door Repair

If you need service for your garage door in Austin, check out Texas Garage Door Repair. They offer a range of service options, whether you need repair or complete replacement of your garage door.

Garage doors are one of those aspects of your home that simply can get worn out over time. An old garage door not only lowers the perceived value of your property, but it can also be a safety risk for your home. I'm sure most of us have plenty of belongings in our garages that we wouldn't like to lose to burglary--plus, many garages provide access to the rest of the home as well.

Many garage door repairs are simple, just requiring the replacement of springs or other relatively small parts. Or maybe your garage door opener is lost or broken, and you need it to be fixed or replaced. Why spend the time and money on a DIY job with your garage door when you could hire an expert who specializes in this aspect of home maintenance?

You can also work with Texas Garage Door Repair for regular maintenance of your garage door, extending the life of your door and protecting your investment. For more info, visit the company online.

Introducing Houston Locksmith Texas

Looking for a Houston locksmith with over thirty years of experience? Houston Locksmith Texas offers 24/7 emergency services as well as the full range of locksmith services for homes, businesses, and vehicles. The business owners work hard to maintain a fast response time and quality customer service.

It's always a good idea to have a reliable locksmith in your phone's address book because you never know when you might need emergency services if you get locked out of your car doors or trunk, your home, your business, etc. Who hasn't lost their keys at some point? I know I have.

It can also be very convenient to work with a locksmith to get extra keys made, and not everyone can make new car keys (as you may already know if you tried to get keys made at a "big box" hardware store), but Houston Locksmith Texas can do this task for you.

Be sure to visit their website for specials; they are currently offering 10% off all services with the offer code listed on their site. They offer complete mobile locksmith services to customers all over the greater Houston area.

Introducing Houston Premier Locksmith

If you're looking for a locksmith in Houston, check out the emergency locksmith services of Houston Premier Locksmith. They provide 24/7 service, which can be very important, as you well know if you've ever been locked out of your house or car! It seems like these things often happen at the most inconvenient times, like early in the morning or late at night.

Houston Premier Locksmith can help with residential, commercial, and auto lock issues. In addition to emergency services, they do a range of jobs, such as rekeying.

Sometimes people who are buying a new home neglect to rekey their locks, but this is an important safety precaution. Or you might choose to buy new locks. I know I've changed out locks to buy locks that are more secure. It's definitely something to consider when it comes to investing in the safety of your home and belongs.

When you think about what it would cost you in terms of time and money to do work on locks yourself, it really can make financial sense to pay for the services of a locksmith. Learn more about mobile locksmith services in Houston by checking out http://www.locksmithhoustontexas.co.

Meet Kay Ellington, Author of The Paragraph Ranch

The Paragraph Ranch is a novel by Kay Ellington (on the left in the photo) and Barbara Brannon. Our interview is with Kay Ellington, a West Texas native. She is an alumna of the Kenyon Review Writers Workshop and has worked in newspaper audience and content development for thirty years from New York to California to the Carolinas and back again to Texas.

To learn more about The Paragraph Ranch, please visit the book's website, as well as the book's page on Amazon, where it's available for download for Kindle.

1. Where did you come up with the title, "The Paragraph Ranch"?

We were looking for a phrase that captured the intersection of brain and brawn. After a few guesses, The Paragraph Ranch just seemed the perfect fit.

2. Is the setting of the novel inspired by real-life places where you've lived in Texas?

It was inspired by the farm I grew up on in West Texas.

3. I see that your novel has been compared to work by Fannie Flagg and Billie Letts. First of all, congrats on those comparisons! Second of all, what are some of your strategies or techniques when it comes to writing humorous fiction in a way that feels natural to the reader?

We both come from a long line of family members who are great storytellers with wicked senses of humor. It's just the sort of Southern, Gothic way. It is an execution of understated hyperbole.

4. For someone who is just hearing about your book for the first time in reading this interview, what would you like that person to know about the book?

It's an Everyman (or Everywoman) story that no matter what your dreams are, with persistence you can achieve them.

5. I noticed on Amazon that your book is listed as the first in a series. Could you tell us a little bit about your ideas for future books?

Of course! Next up:

A Wedding at the Paragraph Ranch, June 2015

Christmas at the Paragraph Ranch, November 2016

The Paragraph Ranch Cookbook, April 2017

Thanks, Kay!

Temp Agencies In San Antonio: Get The Job You Want Now

The information that follows is a guest post provided by LeadingEdge Personnel, a temporary staffing agency with offices in San Antonio and Austin, Texas. This video gives an overview of their services for job seekers.

Temp Agencies In San Antonio: Get The Job You Want Now

Finding a job in San Antonio is tougher than ever. Thousands spend days on end searching job boards and writing countless cover letters, never to hear a response. It's enough to leave any job-seeker hopeless and despaired.

What do you do? You've already groomed your resume to perfection and customized every cover letter to a tee.

The answer is simple. Try the job placement agency, LeadingEdge Personnel.

LeadingEdge Personnel is hired by all sorts of top companies to help with staffing needs. Their main purpose is to find qualified candidates to fill positions. Why not take advantage and work with them? With both efforts, you'll be sure to land the perfect job in no time.

How a Temp Agency Works

When a company posts an open position on a job board, they receive an outrageous number of responses, some serious, some not. Imagine having to go through all of them, read resumes, and then narrow down who is worthy of an interview. Seems pretty difficult, huh?

Exactly. This is why companies outsource to a temp agency. They can find relief from the work it takes to find candidates and skip to the interview part.

You can do the same. LeadingEdge Personnel is already looking for candidates with your skills and experience. All you have to do is put yourself in their sights. By setting up a meeting with LeadingEdge Personnel and signing up for their FREE service, you'll instantly set yourself apart from the crowd and finally be placed in the job of your dreams.

Employment Agencies Go the Extra Mile

During your initial consultation, a LeadingEdge representative will assess your skills and experience. This helps in the matching process and provides the representative with vital information about you. You can tell them which industry you're looking to go into, what type of benefits you're looking for, if you're only looking for temporary employment, etc.

This information will also help the representative advise you on how to make yourself as competitive as possible.

For example, LeadingEdge Personnel offers skills training courses, improvement workshops, and other beneficial tools that help job-seekers gain the advantages they need. Not many other San Antonio job placement services can say that.

The Employment Agency Difference

How many times have you sent a resume out and never heard a response back? Dozens of times? A couple of dozen times?

This is an unfortunate fate many job-seekers face. Why? Because all job-seekers have access to exactly the same resources. You search the same job boards, email the same companies, and call in the same favors.

This is why using a temp agency like LeadingEdge Personnel can give you the ultimate advantage. Not only do they have access to hundreds of quality jobs, but they also have personal relationships with hiring managers. These are the kinds of resources that get people off of the job boards and into the workplace.

In fact, according to the American Staffing Association, over 2 million people are employed by staffing companies every business day, and staffing companies hire 8.6 million temporary and contract employees every year!

The odds are in your favor. Contact job placement service, LeadingEdge Personnel, in San Antonio today and get the job you've always wanted.

Meet Brandi Jo Newman, Financial Advocate and Author

Based in San Antonio, Texas, Brandi Jo Newman helps people all over the country prepare for retirement through her retirement income course.

A quote from Brandi Jo: "Here's the truth about me and my business... I don't get paid unless you benefit. It's as simple as that! Many of my colleagues want to charge you excessive fees and separate you from your money. Not me, and I make that promise every day."

1. I saw on the front page of your website that over 300,000 baby boomers are retiring every month. Wow. Based on your experience, how many of these retirees are likely to be truly ready (financially) for retirement?

I would say only the many who have chosen to work with me on their retirement income choices. The unique approach that I follow does not depend on how much money they have saved or how many assets they have acquired throughout their lifetime. It is all dependent upon how efficiently their income choices are positioned.

Quite often a client of mine will enjoy more income over their lifetime, especially during retirement, just by simply being able to position their assets properly and following a more efficient strategy for a lifetime of guaranteed income.

We do this by allocating their assets into appropriate guaranteed vehicles but also leaving room for gains with the protection of a market volatility buffer of at least three to five years.

With all this being done well in advance of retirement time, we are able to increase my clients' retirement income by at least 30% and sometimes more than 50%. This means that someone who had roughly $125,000 of retirement income from pensions, 401k, IRA, and annuities can have at least an income of $187,500 a year guaranteed for life.

2. Do baby boomers still have time to improve their retirement prospects if they are retiring soon--or already retired?

Absolutely! There is always time, but you need to be realistic. The only thing I can't give anyone is their time back. And as we all know time is finite, so it is best to get started right now, today, with a pre-tax retirement summary to see where we are and where we need to focus.

I encourage anyone and everyone to contact me to get their retirement summary at no cost and then allow me to educate them about the many possibilities they may have. There is more to revealing more income choices than just another mutual fund or working longer or--worse--taking on more risk with their existing savings.

3. Would you tell us a little bit about your retirement income course? Does it include readings or videos or...?

The Retirement Income Planning Course is a series of five videos that I have produced to take someone through the entire understanding of how retirement income streams work. Many of my clients have accomplished the first half of their retirement goals which is compared to climbing a mountain: once you get to the top, you need to know how to get back down the mountain, and that's where maximum income options come into play.

The two white papers we discuss are important to the decision making process for which route to take during retirement. The Wharton Financial Institutions Center published a policy brief on the Importance of Investing A Lump Sum for Retirement Purposes. This is in direct relation to how retirement income streams work and how much changes in the investment environment when someone is taking an income from invested active assets. The policy brief shows just how much uncertainty there is with a retirement account that is being used for income purposes. The example case given in the policy brief shows that the income stream has less than a 50% chance of lasting the entire life of the retiree.

The other white paper we discuss is from Morningstar with one of the researchers being Dr. Wade Pfau who discussed the impact of such a low interest rate environment on retirees' assets and portfolios. The findings reveal how fragile retirees' portfolios can be given a lack of liquidity to sustain the bear market years during retirement.

4. What made you decide to focus your career on helping people with retirement financing?

I want to help all my clients through every phase of life. It just so happens that most of my clients are well into their accumulation years, and they want to make sure their assets, opportunities, and liquidity last for their entire lifetime.

We do this by making sure we capture most of their income outside of the markets' volatility first and then leveraging their liquidity for the purposes of lifestyle. Building the bridge between accumulation and distribution is where the permanent and guaranteed vehicles play a major for my clients.

5. Are there some lessons you learned as a professional golfer that have transferred into your current career as a financial advocate and author?

It's been said many times that one round of golf is like life. There are ups and downs throughout every round of golf we play. But the process and the strategy is what delivers us a good score. Golf as a metaphor for life is one that I talk about often with my clients.

We all know where and what the end goal is: we just need to make sure we have most efficient strategy possible for our course of life.

Thanks, Brandi Jo!

Meet Jeremy Boyum of Shadow of Whales

Shadow Of Whales is an alternative indie-pop band with a passion for creating music and spreading hope through friendships. What makes this band truly unique is the experience that all the band members have had in aggressively seeking careers in music with their previous bands. They are all songwriters, they all love music, and more importantly, they all love people.

The band has a new single coming out July 15, 2014. Keep up with their comings and goings on Facebook and Twitter. Our interview below is with Jeremy Boyum, bass player with the band.

1. When did Shadow of Whales get together, and what inspired the name of the band?

We have been together since August of 2013 (roughly). The name of the band came from a dream experienced by our piano player, JD Vazquez. He was walking through the city one day when a shadow came over him. He looked up to see ginormous whales flying in the sky, one of which was blotting out the sun. JD said it was the most humbling feeling he ever had awake or asleep--to be in the presence and shadow of such a large, gentle creature.

2. What's the band's process like for writing songs?

We kind of have to take it day by day. Sometimes Josh will record something on his computer, and we will all come together and take a listen and tweak it. Other times we will be at our scheduled practice and come up with something on accident. Then there are times that we literally will schedule a writing session and the whole purpose will be to create music together.

3. For people who haven't heard your music before, how would you describe it?

I used to describe it as a mix between the Killers, Switchfoot, and Panic! at the Disco. However, there have been people that have said we sound like the Beatles, and others that say we remind of them of One Direction (hough I'm not really sure how). We've had reviews that have called out Franz Ferdinand as a relatable artist as well.

4. I love that your IndieGogo campaign has such a specific focus. What made you decide to do a campaign to buy a van, and what has the response been to the campaign so far?

Well... Mainly because we just really need a van, haha. We've been taking two or three cars to each one of our shows. Some of these concerts are long distances such as the concert we did in Lubbock earlier this year. Gas costs a lot of money as it is, and it costs a lot more when you're multiplying the amount you're paying by three.

The response has been overwhelmingly humbling. We've had a lot of close friends donate and a lot of fans donate and help spread the word in creative ways. We tried our best to provide really good incentives, even to the point of doing ridiculous things like squirting lemon juice in our eyes, or drinking a gallon of milk and running a mile. We've even offered that we will play anywhere in the U.S. for one of our incentives, and we've had people graciously donate to that and to a lot of our incentives. We are about 25% towards our goal and a little more than 25% through the campaign's timeline, so we're on a great track!

5. What would you say is the hardest part--and what would you say is the best part--of being an indie band?

The best part? Gosh, I don't even know! Playing music with your best friends? Playing music with your best friends for your best friends in the audience and having a heck a lot of fun? Meeting new people? I don't know--there are so many awesome things about what it is we do. (Not saying we're awesome, but that it's awesome to be able to do it... Also, we're awesome #jk).

We get to travel and meet the coolest people in the company of each other, and not only that but we get to play music and jump around and pound our instruments until we're completely out of breath. It's the best!

The worst part? Probably the ever-increasing, overwhelming amount of discouragement that is constantly being thrown in our faces. Even if there was nothing from the world, as an artist you are constantly evaluating yourself: I missed that note, I'm out of shape, I feel insignificant in this role, etc. Top that off with all these bands that talk about how they make no money, or how record labels are taking advantage or yadda yadda. It's hard to hear that your heroes hate where they're at, when simultaneously you want to be where they are. Now add negative, non-constructive feedback from any one person. We've received feedback regarding our music that stated "it's not what I'm into," and that's all right, but when it's more of a "get a life" or "you suck," that's not helpful at all. We brush it off as best as we can, but I'd be lying if I said it never got to us.

What keeps us going are each other, our awesome team here at home (parents, significant others, friends), and our amazing fans and supporters online and at our concerts. These are the most encouraging people we have in our lives, and they keep us going.

Thanks, Jeremy!

Note: The photo of the band in action above is by CeeCee Hood.

Artist Jenn Meuth on Sharing Her Work on Spoonflower

Jenn Meuth contacted me via the Facebook page for With Five Questions, and when she told me about her work, I enjoyed how she has made her work available in unique formats like having her original designs printed on fabric. She wrote up a guest post sharing some of her experiences as an artist--and she gives an honest review about her experiences with Spoonflower, the website which sells her fabric (and other) designs. Thanks for the post, Jenn!

Hello all! My name is Jenn, and I am the owner, designer, and creative mind of the Jennagerie where I am "changing the world of women and girls one piece of art at a time." Mandy asked me to write about my art and the really cool thing I am doing with it: making original fabric designs. As with anything, there is a story of how, when, and why, and I hope you enjoy this tale.

I am and always have been creative; whether it was telling "stories" as a child or crocheting as a teen, I have always been making something. With no formal training to speak of, I decided back in 2005 that I would start trying to express my feelings and the way I see things through visual art. At the time I was in an unhappy marriage and wanted a way to be distracted from the eventual complete breakdown of that relationship. I got an easel and some acrylic paints and started painting. I had friends, family, and co-workers critique my results. A couple of people told me that if I wanted to get better, I needed to draw or sketch. So, I bought a pad of paper and some pencils. It actually served two purposes for me: in some of the things I painted it helped me get a handle on what I wanted to paint and how to paint it, and some of the drawings were so detailed that I decided to start coloring them in and saving them as their own works of art.

After the divorce I fell madly in love with someone, and we tried for four years to make it work. Through it all, the break-ups and get-back-togethers, I drew. I at one point lost a sense of who I was as well as my positive self-image. This guy was shallow and had a perception of what I should have been like in looks particularly. I sat down one day and drew this chubby fairy. She was sitting on a mushroom and her mass was causing her to sink a little into the cap of the toadstool, but nonetheless she had her face turned up and was enjoying the breeze in the sun--confident, happy, and embracing all she was. I drew another and another and finally a fourth one that very day--each different, each unique but each with the same happiness and acceptance I once felt for myself. I named the series the "Fat Fairies." I just kept drawing and over the years drew all kinds of things. I continue to draw, and I recently drew Edgar Allen Poe and Albert Einstein, both men whom I admire because of their talents.

So now, I have these spiral books full of colorful drawings and depictions of things both from real life and my own imagination. I found healing, hope, and most of all peace with not only myself but in the world in general. I understand now how a writer can get lost in their own words as they are writing a story and how they can say that the story actually wrote itself. That is how drawing is for me. I have so many images in my mind, and all I have to do is pick up my pencil and paper and off I go. I have decided that sharing my art, my message, and my imagination with the world might give someone hope--it might heal someone else, too. So I am selling prints currently.

I am also turning these designs into original fabric. I discovered a website called Spoonflower.com through another creative friend. I went on their website and read about and saw how easy it was to design fabric, wallpaper, gift wrap and decals. Best of all it's free, and all the images and designs I make are mine. I have made a sample of each and every original fabric and have sold some yardages to other creative types for projects unknown to me. I can only hope that the person gets joy out of the material they bought and that they think about the joy it brought to me to design it.

For anyone who wants to use Spoonflower to design their own fabrics, let me give you both the positive and the negative (after all, everything has a little of both, right?).

Positives:

1) It's free and easy to sign up. You don't have to be a designer or have a degree in textiles to do this.

2) Like I said previously, the designs you make are yours. Spoonflower gladly watermarks all of your creations for you, too!

3) They have a free image editor that is really cool. You just upload your images and begin designing!

4) There are discounts: 10% off anything you yourself order for being a member of the website, and 20% off for orders of 20 yds or more of fabric.

5) The fabric types and weights are various (you can order a sample booklet for $1), so the types of projects folks make can also be endless.

6) The fabrics are organic, and the dye process is water-based.

7) You can also turn your designs into wallpaper, gift wrap, and wall decals.

8) They give out credits/money when someone orders one of your designs.

9) They also have weekly design contests; the prize for having the best design (voted on by the other designers) wins $100 in credit (spoondollars).

Are you ready for the less than positives?:

1) You must order a sample of your design before you can sell it. The samples are $5 for one swatch, or if you order multiple swatches they discount them some. For example, I ordered 15 swatches and paid $30 for them.

2) You only earn 10% of the total dollars purchased. So far I have made $10, but it has gotten my name out there in the realm of folks who sew, and it also has brought more attention to my art as I have links to the original work in the descriptions of the design.

3) Some folks who are not into this type of creative medium (don't sew or wrap gifts for anyone) might say that the yardage/gift-wrap is too expensive. (Fabric yardage starts at $18/yd for basic organic cotton, and $15 is what you will pay for a roll of gift wrap that wraps four medium gifts); however, for the seasoned pro who knows the cost of quality and eco-friendly things, this is a deal, and they won't blink when they order 5 yards of organic cotton canvas at $27/yd.

I have enjoyed and continue to enjoy creating on this website, and as my drawing portfolio grows, I will include fabrics in the selling of my work. I hope this has been informative for other artists, and thanks to Mandy for letting me share what I am doing with you all. If you want to know more about me and the vision I have for my work please visit my web page at http://jennmeuth2013.wix.com/thejennagerie.

Introducing C and E Carpets and Vents in Houston, Texas

When was the last time you brought someone into your home to help you with carpet cleaning? And what about air duct cleaning? Even when you're a diligent housekeeper, it's all too easy for dust, allergens, mold, and other contaminants to build up in your home. Sometimes we all need professional help to keep ourselves and our houses at their healthiest. Based in Houston, Texas, C & E Carpents and Vents in an independently owned carpet and vent cleaning company which provides the following services: carpet cleaning, air duct cleaning, dryer vent cleaning, upholstery cleaning, and tile cleaning.

Unfortunately, consumers have to be very careful when choosing cleaners because too many companies have given the industry a bad reputation by using bait and switch tactics, hidden fees, and outright deception. It's best to look for companies like that operate with transparency and use upfront pricing for services. You'll find C & E's prices on the front page of their website.

When I asked about her number one priority as a business owner, Cheryl Shenave of C & E said, "The most important aspect of our business is the customer and meeting the customer's needs and expectations 150%."

In describing her experiences as the owner of C & E, she went on to say, "In business the little things can mean the difference between getting repeat business or never hearing from the customer again. We like to say 'We aren't satisfied until You are satisfied!' but if I had to sum up our attitudes about customer service, I would say that customer satisfaction is our number one priority above any other aspect of our business. Our goal is to build our company one customer at a time and do that in such a way that our customers feel completely confident and comfortable referring their family and friends."

C & E offers green services upon request--and all of their solutions are FDA approved. The company has extensive experience with cleaning projects for residential homes as well as businesses. If you're in the Houston area and looking for honest, customer-centered service for carpet cleaning, air duct cleaning, and more, check out http://www.candecarpetsandvents.com.