The Way Things Are

Hello Karen,

I read all 4 chapters of your book. Reading it actually made me feel better. I've decided to back the book and at least til the end of this month. Like your book said I try to live a well and productive life. I think your lucky to have a spirit guide standing with you and knowing all this. I've been stuck in unfortunate ordeals but I'm still doing well, not letting anything get me down, take things one step at a time. After-all, human life is not forever, nothing is forever. I sincerely believe in the After-world. It's just a matter of time.
I wish you the best.
Mark
And, have another look at The Protege because I am touching it up in a few days.

I don't know what to say to you Karen or the spirit who writes. This is so profound, I was mesmerised.
I lost my son almost four years ago now and this truely uplifted me.
I believe in an after-life and have felt my son's presence around me.
This is so lovely to read, I wish you good luck in getting this published as I believe it should.
All the best from Orma.

Dear Karen and Dan,
The Way Things Are is in my humble opinion, an intelligently written book, with an abundance of sound advice and insight about life and death. It taps right into my spiritual beliefs and I sincerely hope it is published soon, so I can buy a copy for myself and several to give as gifts, as I think everyone can at some level, benefit from its content.
Six starred and on my shelf for as long as it takes.
Maria
Dark of the Moon

Dear Karen,

I love your groovy karma and beautiful spirituality and wish you all the best for The Way Things Are.

GK Stritch

Hi Karen,

Your spirit is a true essence that can uplift even the toughest of souls. I enjoy this format, the religious beliefs associated with life itself. This different perspective works well and the after-life additions only add to its authenticity.

I feel uplifted today after reading these chapters...

Thanks and good luck
FC

Great inspirational words on the meaning of life, easy to read and full of positive energy. Thankyou Karen and Dan.

Hi Karen, this is a great book - it really resonated with me. Not only because it rings so many of my Buddhist bells (reincarnation, karma, the choosing of everything from own foetuses to our parents, the transformative power of Love, the comfort of living at one with our God or Higher Consciousness etc etc) but because I have often been told by mediums that I have a spirit guide of my own - an elderly Chinese sage with an abacus board. I have been fascinated by numbers all my life - and with counting things. I am also, like your spirit MC, a mid-50s businessman whose love of wealth has given way to a preoccupation with the big question of 'Why are we Here?' - which lies at the core of your book. The main thing I personally got out of it though was the message: "Slow down, relax and enjoy what life has to offer as much as you can". I really must take that on board.

Six stars from me - well-written and inspirational.

Joe Kovacs
Ginger the Buddha Cat

A very gentle and calming book. It gives a view without pushing and lets
the reader take from their own experience to flesh things out and add to the
meaning. I have enjoyed it and have picked up bits here and there that I will
add to my own philosophy.
All the best with it.

Andrew
A Fatal Misuse of time
Short pitch: Ever tried waking up yesterday instead of tomorrow? That is just the beginning of Tristan's troubles as his life is hijacked to reveal the future.
(Not a time travel novel really, more a mystery/philosophy comedy :-)

This is really interesting. Something like a cross between a new-age/spirituality book and a book of fiction. It reminds me a little of City of Angels. I found the read very soothing and interesting. xx, Pippa

Hi Karen,
some very warm and encouraging thoughts here. I hope your book will get a lot of attention as the words are soothing and might give people an insight into the spiritual side of life. Love . . . if only we could do more of that!
Backed.

Ame
Wolfmother

The concept of Spirit Guides is as old as time and as modern as today's headlines. Whether or not one believes is immaterial, what the author provides is a set of take-aways encouraging each individual to look outside themselves into a larger world. Written in a simple, direct manner, this book has the potential to bring comfort, perhaps understanding, to readers who need it.
This is less a 'story' than a series of homilies, written from a perspective that may or may not be off-putting to some. Is it sophisticated? No. Is it a series of academic essays on the nature of life, the universe, God ... sort of. I think it functions well for certain kinds of readers and ought to appeal to that audience. Is it publishable in its current form - definitely not, but it has the potential to fill a niche.

Interesting pitch and clever first chapter.......Will comment more soon.

THE WAY THINGS ARE
This book is an interesting “inside” look into how the world and heaven work. Not everyone who reads this is going to agree with the Spirit Guide’s philosophy but I liked it a lot. I also like the writing style you chose for this: clean and easy to read. Highly starred and added to my shelf. Wanttobeawriter: Who Killed the President?

Hi Karen,

This is well written. It's cool to see things from a different perspective. I actually agreed with some of what's written.

Good Luck :)

Aliah

An amazing first chapter that leads to another and another. Strong plot and brilliantly written. The characters are well thought out and add colour to the story. Your writing flows and is crisp and fluent. great use of dialogue that leads you into a great and thoroughly enjoyable read. Well done and highly rated. Will definatelt continue to read. Will recommend to others on site and my friends.

I loved the first chapter! Not really my genre,but I loved how you wrote this book. This book should be published very soon!
Thanks,
Scott
The Chimera Factor

This looks REALLY interesting!

SJB

After reading the whole book, I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. In the beginning, I was unsure mostly because a lot of what you are saying (spirit guides and the like) is not something that I personally believe in. However, there are some good pieces of advice in here that everyone could use, religious or not. It's a fascinating read.

-Heather

Stopped by to check out your work which is Iinspirational and thought provoking, watchlisted and starred for the intriguing content, look forward to finishing the read and will comment asap :)

Dear Karen

I have read again the first seven chapters of "The Way Things Are" and I find that I am nodding my head all the time. Many phrases resonate with me, such as "Living in love is a difficult position to maintain and requires constant practice." and "We redeem ourselves by living in love energy." I am also reassured by reminders that we are never alone.

While some of what Dan says may upset us - for example, talk of "God" and natural disasters sits together uncomfortably because down here we cannot see the higher perspective - there are many reassurances repeated through the book that we do not have to be perfect, but that, if we can, we should try to aim for good.

There is much realism here, as well as humour - I like the line, "If you see an alien spaceship my advice to you is to run."

I hope that this book reaches a wider audience. It is one to console and advise.

Fran Macilvey :-)

Karen you have tapped into a wonderful spirit...very positive,
a few parts I felt could be avoided or can be rewritten with better clarity and explanation for the spirit of the message to remain in positiveness...
Your writing will help people in it's own way, simple positive and since you using a spirit guide as inspiration, you need to edit negatives very diligently, I see a lot of objective observation in your chapters, but points which are not explainable and are not very clear to you should be edited...they are not reflecting the true spirit of your intention.
Me always here for further discussions with you and Dan...

I started reading your book this morning and now I see what you mean when you pointed out that it is different in many ways. It is so different from my own views about life and death that all I feel is what Mr Bukowski had to say about it -

"For those who believe in God, most of the big questions are answered. But for those of us who can't readily accept the God formula, the big answers don't remain stone-written. We adjust to new conditions and discoveries. We are pliable. Love need not be a command nor faith a dictum. I am my own god. We are here to unlearn the teachings of the church, state, and our educational system. We are here to drink beer. We are here to kill war. We are here to laugh at the odds and live our lives so well that Death will tremble to take us."
— Charles Bukowski

When I read this a number of months ago for the first time I was pleased. It cheered me up. It made me smile. It in actuality lifted me and I grinned all day, and still do.

Reading the opening chapters of your work I didn't feel like that at all - I felt rather sad - I felt dispirited - I kept saying to myself what a confused piece of work this is, where is the enlightenment and way forward you speak of?

You talk of explanations but offer none. You talk of understanding the "way things are in life, love and death." but this is not an explanation, it is your ideas and viewpoints channelled through something called a "spirit guide" that seemingly gives you all the answers.

Sorry, but I cannot be constructive about your work. I find it rather child like in its concept to be perfectly honest and there is very little room for manoeuvre or discussion - Mick

A sincere question - had you thought of asking your guide for his name and details when he was alive, so you could check this out? I think, if you did, people would have a good reason to believe this. Just a question.

It's interesting reading, though I really do not believe God causes earthquakes and tsunamis - it's not the God I know, and these things have perfectly natural reasons for happening. These are just my views, of course, and I did enjoy the read.

I don't know what to say to you Karen or the spirit who writes. This is so profound, I was mesmerised.
I lost my son almost four years ago now and this truely uplifted me.
I believe in an after-life and have felt my son's presence around me.
This is so lovely to read, I wish you good luck in getting this published as I believe it should.
All the best from Orma.

Hi Karen,

I owe you a return read, so here I am! So sorry it’s taken me so long to get here. Below are my findings/comments. They are, of course, my humblest opinions, so take them for whatever they’re worth.
Regarding your short pitch, what offers humanity a way forward? I assume you mean the book, but that isn’t necessarily clear here.

I like the disclaimer of the first line of the long pitch, but might need more context.

I’m of the opinion that generic use of “you” is a bit hackneyed. Might just be me, but you might consider revising. In the same light, “create a better world for you and me” sounds a bit cliché. I think there’s got to be another way to say that.

Introduction

There are parts that can be condensed a bit to improve the wordiness. For instance, the first line “The people who die all go someplace” can be “Those who die…”

Also, that first line is actually two sentences separated by a comma, making it a run-on. That comma should either be a semicolon to separate the independent clauses, or—more effectively—a period.

Before talking about heaven as absolutes, it would be more impactful to establish your own credibility, or at least provide context. I’m not saying I agree or disagree, but it’s hard to ask folks to follow certain assumptions when there’s no establishing basis for them. I’m not saying you have to have PHDs in theology or what not to write this book, but the reader needs to understand the basics of your thinking before they can get the context of such abstract thoughts. Does that make sense? That’s really what an introduction should be about. I think there are a lot of statements made that are assumptions of your belief, and that’s perfectly fine, but you need to clue the reader in. Otherwise, they will apply their own assumptions to what you’re saying and you lose control of the message.

Death is the universal intelligence? Do you mean, afterlife? Or death is what leads you to the universal intelligence? Just trying to be clear. Seems like this is another part that could be better clarified. Don’t assume your readers know or understand what you claim to know here. Bring them up to speed.

There are some parts that could be whittled down to avoid excessive wordiness. More scrubs will help that.

Chapter one

I noticed some punctuation errors, especially with the use of colons and semicolons. When possible, you might avoid those, as publishers don’t like them overused anyway, and they’re more often than not misused.
More wordiness to watch out for…”So, you can think of God as energy…” can be condensed to “Think of God as energy…”

“energy that has the means to think and make decisions” Isn’t that what the human brain is, too? The brain operates with electrical impulses creating thought.

This is getting pretty preachy. I have no problem with opinions. In fact, I love hearing different opinions, but I’m waiting for a purpose in this explanation.

This is an interesting start. Are you claiming this spirit guide to be real, or is it just something for the book? I respect it either way. I love this kind of book. It’s really intriguing to gain insight into points of views and experiences on the celestial.

Best of luck with this. Thanks so much for sharing.

Phil
(Deshay of the Woods)

Dear Shirani,

I am sorry you find my book so distasteful. However, it is not a story, it is words channelled from my spirit guide who resides in heaven- these are his words, not mine. We all have our different ways of looking at the world and because yours does not agree with mine, does that mean that you are right and I am wrong? Are you sure you know what happens after death or are you taking your own personal beliefs as the absolute truth? I think you could possibly take a look at your own beliefs and realise that everyone is different and my way is simply a different way to yours.

I expect you think I am trying to preach to people - I am not. The year is 2011 and people everywhere are getting more in tune with spirit. I was an atheist before my gift was fully realised, and I do not follow any particular religion and I never will - so take from that what you wish.

Karen 19

Hi Karen,

I think you write well.However I felt it was more like a sermon than a story. While I think you had a reason for writing this, and all of us do, I don't think your you can speak for God and convey ideas and thoughts as if you got them personally from whatever God you believe in. These are mere assumptions that you the writer has put into the mouth of God and I think it would be unfair for God that you take on this role.

Shirani
Chocolate Cake Dreams

The Way Things Are is a thought-provoking book. It would be comforting for those who have lost a loved one. Many will also find the "life is not a rehearsal" advise to be beneficial. Good luck with this one. Backed.

Karen,
I have just read the first four chapters, but felt unable to read further due to the subject matter. I didn't find it any way offensive, it's just that, as an atheist agnostic, I find it hard to read something which is all based around the assumption that God does indeed exist.
However, that didn't stop me appreciating your writing. This book will, I'm sure, be loved by those interested in inspirational books. It's not for me, but it's not too preachy, and it's well written so for those reasons I'm giving you high stars.

Karen, I was intrigued with this book.... i wished, however, that it was broken into smaller chapters because there was just so much to take in. it also kept me wanting more, especially regarding the connection dan had with you and whether you felt the need to ask him questions as he was guiding you. i have rated your book 6 stars based on the unique approach and the promising message it carried. cheryl

karen.... thanks so much for your support... i appreciate your sharing your reactions to isa.bella. i am half way through your book right now and am very intrigued. i will post again when i'm finished....

Hello.... I wasn't sure if I would enjoy this book from the start. How ever when I sarted reading it it gave me chills. I think you did a wonderful job in writing this, and I know it will help so many people understand things they don't know and want to know. I gladl will put it on my shelf to back up your talented work.

Hi Karen,

I think you write well.However I felt it was more like a sermon than a story. While I think you had a reason for writing this, and all of us do, I don't think your you can speak for God and convey ideas and thoughts as if you got them personally from whatever God you believe in. These are mere assumptions that you the writer has put into the mouth of God and I think it would be unfair for God that you take on this role.

Shirani
Chocolate Cake Dreams

Dear Karen and Dan,
The Way Things Are is in my humble opinion, an intelligently written book, with an abundance of sound advice and insight about life and death. It taps right into my spiritual beliefs and I sincerely hope it is published soon, so I can buy a copy for myself and several to give as gifts, as I think everyone can at some level, benefit from its content.
Six starred and on my shelf for as long as it takes.
Maria
Dark of the Moon

Hello Karen,

I read all 4 chapters of your book. Reading it actually made me feel better. I've decided to back the book and at least til the end of this month. Like your book said I try to live a well and productive life. I think your lucky to have a spirit guide standing with you and knowing all this. I've been stuck in unfortunate ordeals but I'm still doing well, not letting anything get me down, take things one step at a time. After-all, human life is not forever, nothing is forever. I sincerely believe in the After-world. It's just a matter of time.
I wish you the best.
Mark
And, have another look at The Protege because I am touching it up in a few days.

The Way Things Are – Karen Concannon – Easy to read, and well-organized. I found some things insightful. I do believe differently, however. Stay with your dreams, Karen, and go for it! And thank you for your generous support as well.

Ellise
~ The Governess ~

Wonderfully simple, beautifully told, and full of wisdom.

You mentioned Karen that you would welcome constructive feeback. The best I can offer is that your pitches need improving. Both are a bit vague.

For the short pitch, how about: 'Offers humanity a way forward - and a better life for you.'

As for the long pitch, the first sentence is grammatically confusing and almost evasive. Why not be more specific and name Dan? Something like: 'Channelled through the author by her spirit guide Dan, this book is an introduction to understanding the way things are - in life, death and love.'

Other than that, I spotted one minor typo roughly half-way through chapter 2 that confused the meaning of a sentence (can't find it now!). I also wonder if it might benefit from uploading each short section as a separate chapter, making it easier to dip in and out of?

Overall, I loved it, and think Dan's words found me at just the right time in my life!

David

interesting, although l do not share you belief system...however l will back because it is still a fascinating read...
read SEASONS...

Dear Karen,

I love your groovy karma and beautiful spirituality and wish you all the best for The Way Things Are.

GK Stritch

Can I be the first to comment? Wow, what a privilege. I think this book is wonderful. I would buy it, if I could. And I would read every page. It is a calm, careful and kind exposition of the Way Things Are. I wonder how many of us take the time to listen to the Truth about Life and "Death". Please, let this book do well. I think everyone should read it. Fran Macilvey, "Trapped"