book reviews Archives | Jennifer Lancaster

August 19, 2025

A Book on Conscious Leadership: Limitless Soul

Tell me, have you ever thought that your leadership or business approaches barely touched the surface? That people weren’t really listening or understanding you? It may be that you just haven’t asked the question: who am I really? Limitless Soul by Alexandra Terrey is a 241-page book on delving within to change what’s without. But it’s not just about being a more abundant being; Limitless Soul’s content is founded on proven methods and I found it useful for reflection. This book journeys inward into the essence of who we are, guiding us to understand ourselves. If we’ve got poor beliefs, it will aid in choosing positive beliefs – ones that allow growth into being an effectual leader. Why Conscious Leadership is the Path to Live Truly Without Limits: A Book Review You see, thinking and acting are two different things.…

Learning to do, not to have (writer learning)

December 5, 2024

Book reviews, Book Writing

Learning to Do, Not Learning to Have

Most of the educational learning we do is theoretical and ‘nice to know’, but, according to researchers, has little adaptation to the real world. This is alarming. However, there is a lot we can do to improve our learning and skill take-up. In ‘Ultralearning‘ by Scott H Young, he gives four ways to learn directly. These are: Learn through a Project – SkillShare and Coursera courses let you do this. It works on two levels: your project aim makes for practical outcomes and your learning becomes more enjoyable and fruitful. Immersive Learning – Going to the region to learn the language works far better than learning on an app. The Flight Simulator Method – Students of a US high school found that when trying an important matter in a mock courtroom, they got way more specific, adaptive learning. Critical thinking…

September 13, 2024

Book reviews

Public Speaking: A Book Review

Have you ever wanted to become better at giving a speech, webinar or keynote while quelling your nerves? Then this review of new book ‘Public Speaking: From Stage Fright to Spotlight’ will interest you. Anne McKeown is an accomplished life coach and yes, public speaker. We first need motivation to change, so Anne provides us with this by outlining how liberating an ability to speak publicly can be. Personal growth from stepping out of your comfort zone and the power to put forward ideas (professionally) are the just rewards. It can be very gratifying when you get it right and receive positive feedback. In the second chapter of Public Speaking, Anne McKeown dives into the underlying causes of public speaking anxiety, both physical and psychological. She explains that the body’s natural ‘fight or flight’ response kicks in during public speaking,…

15 Success Traits of Pro Bloggers book review

May 4, 2017

Book reviews

The 15 Success Traits of Pro Bloggers – Book Review

Jonathan has created an ideal ebook for those who want to formalise their blogging and build authority long term. It’s called The 15 Success Traits of Pro Bloggers, yet it could apply to any blogger or author who is building an audience. Many of us start haphazardly, finding we enjoy writing topics, but then how do we get started with ‘branding’, getting on podcasts, adding value to readers lives, and getting over our fears and doubts? Jonathan tells us honestly what we are up for as a blogger, so that we can stop looking for the silver bullet. This long term thinking approach is what makes an authority blogger. The Mindset of Pro Bloggers I enjoyed the initial 27 reasons to Blog (motivation), especially as many of these enhance any book publishing activities. I particularly liked the talk on how to…

February 21, 2017

Book reviews, Selling eBooks and Media

5-Minute Book Marketing for Authors – by Penny Sansevieria

As a harried author/editor, I appreciate that ‘5-Minute Book Marketing for Authors’ uses a simple and fast-read format. Penny explains how to get great reviews, legal ones, on Amazon. If you have no email list at all, the first part of her advice might leave you despondent, however there are other options laid out for the intrepid author. I do feel that Penny, having been a multiple top-selling marketing author for many years, gives the depth of advice and honest opinions which novices seek. The book’s content is quite heavily biased to Amazon, which suits many, but I need an all-round approach. That’s why I enjoyed the chapters on author website, social media and newsletters. (I’m the kind of idiot that designs my own website, against the advice of Penny). I don’t do free eBook promotions as a rule, but after…