I had to list this FIRST, even ahead of the page header!
I just learned, May 12, 2011 at 9:33PM
that my book, which you'll read about soon...
just WON in the How-To Category of the
2011 San Francisco Book Festival!
SERIOUSLY!!!
Here's the link to check it out.
Scroll down to the How-To Category once at the page.
If you would like to see my acceptance speech, click on the pic of me under the venue's awning.
It's a YouTube video, so you have to right click on it and open it in a different window.
That's the way it is now through Mozilla Firefox, I'm sorry to say. But at least you can access it.
OKAY, now read all about it!
It's OFFICIAL
As of March 7, 2011
I am a published author!
I'm very proud to announce that my book,
Escape from the Plastic Prison -
A Practical Guide to Getting Yourself Out of Debt
is now available to the public!
I would be utterly remiss if I did not take a moment to thank my dear friend, Christy Woods, for turning me on to the amazing people at Create Space, the self-publishing arm of Amazon.com.
Those folks walk you through the process in such a professional and comfortable manner it makes things as easy as can be; especially for a first time author such as yours truly.
Gigantic kudos to everyone in the home office of Create Space in Charleston, South Carolina who walked me through the process inch by glorious inch.
Those folks walk you through the process in such a professional and comfortable manner it makes things as easy as can be; especially for a first time author such as yours truly.
Gigantic kudos to everyone in the home office of Create Space in Charleston, South Carolina who walked me through the process inch by glorious inch.
I wish to acknowledge...
Abby
April
Allison
Bryson
Hannah
Karolayne
(I speak with her more often than my wife! Almost! Most recently November 16, 2011)
Jim
Joseph
Julie
Kristi
Lindsay
Mary
Michaela
Michaela
(Have I mentioned Michaela yet?)
Sara
Sarah
Sean
Shea
Will
April
Allison
Bryson
Hannah
Karolayne
(I speak with her more often than my wife! Almost! Most recently November 16, 2011)
Jim
Joseph
Julie
Kristi
Lindsay
Mary
Michaela
Michaela
(Have I mentioned Michaela yet?)
Sara
Sarah
Sean
Shea
Will
YOU GUYS ARE THE...
Many of the visitors to this website are aware that I spent nearly 30 years in the credit counseling industry, and before that, I guess you could say, well, I guess you could say I was ALWAYS involved in the credit industry in one way or another.
Once in a while we are fortunate enough to get that big wake up call, you know - the one where an idea hits you in the noggin that you probably should have known or thought of forever?
I LOVE teaching EmpowerMind seminars, I LOVE waiting tables at Maria's and I LOVE doing template web design, but writing this book has to be the realization of my truest calling.
I was put here to HELP people, plain and simply put. And while I'd written the shell of the book more than eight years ago, it was time to update and finally get my word out to all the people that were struggling with debt; and that number is very close to 65 MILLION today!
As the National Director of CCC from 1975-2002 I helped thousands of people from all walks of life get out of debt. The way the counseling industry has evolved, however, really struck a chord in me that made me hunker down, update my knowledge and share my experiences - from the perspective of someone that was truly in the trenches; kicking & scratching, biting & clawing for the underdog!
I am not a book peddler. I do not share the handsome looks that a particular fellow possesses who is hawking "debt cures" all over your television set. I am simply a man that feels passionately about providing assistance, someone with nearly three decades of hands-on, face-to-face experiences that I wish to share with the public. I've integrated some very personal stories while providing this easy to follow guide that can potentially save the nation's consumers millions of dollars over a relatively short period of time.
The credit counseling industry is a multi-billion dollar one, but when all is said and done...it does NOTHING for consumers that they cannot do for themselves. Therefore, for the price of my book, which equates to likely less than half the amount a person is paying or would pay to a counseling agency EACH MONTH, you will have the tools you need to get yourself out of debt forever. If you think about that from a singular and personal standpoint, my book will probably save you in the neighborhood of $600.00 PER YEAR!
Now, imagine if only 1 MILLION of those 65 MILLION utilized the system laid out in Escape from the Plastic Prison - that's right, over HALF A BILLION DOLLARS WOULD BE SAVED BY THOSE DEBTORS EVERY YEAR! That would shave a lot of excess expense off the average person's budget!
I suppose I'm starting to sound a bit like a book peddler, but I'm just excited about the prospect of getting this instrument in the hands of the people that will benefit most by having it!
I LOVE teaching EmpowerMind seminars, I LOVE waiting tables at Maria's and I LOVE doing template web design, but writing this book has to be the realization of my truest calling.
I was put here to HELP people, plain and simply put. And while I'd written the shell of the book more than eight years ago, it was time to update and finally get my word out to all the people that were struggling with debt; and that number is very close to 65 MILLION today!
As the National Director of CCC from 1975-2002 I helped thousands of people from all walks of life get out of debt. The way the counseling industry has evolved, however, really struck a chord in me that made me hunker down, update my knowledge and share my experiences - from the perspective of someone that was truly in the trenches; kicking & scratching, biting & clawing for the underdog!
I am not a book peddler. I do not share the handsome looks that a particular fellow possesses who is hawking "debt cures" all over your television set. I am simply a man that feels passionately about providing assistance, someone with nearly three decades of hands-on, face-to-face experiences that I wish to share with the public. I've integrated some very personal stories while providing this easy to follow guide that can potentially save the nation's consumers millions of dollars over a relatively short period of time.
The credit counseling industry is a multi-billion dollar one, but when all is said and done...it does NOTHING for consumers that they cannot do for themselves. Therefore, for the price of my book, which equates to likely less than half the amount a person is paying or would pay to a counseling agency EACH MONTH, you will have the tools you need to get yourself out of debt forever. If you think about that from a singular and personal standpoint, my book will probably save you in the neighborhood of $600.00 PER YEAR!
Now, imagine if only 1 MILLION of those 65 MILLION utilized the system laid out in Escape from the Plastic Prison - that's right, over HALF A BILLION DOLLARS WOULD BE SAVED BY THOSE DEBTORS EVERY YEAR! That would shave a lot of excess expense off the average person's budget!
I suppose I'm starting to sound a bit like a book peddler, but I'm just excited about the prospect of getting this instrument in the hands of the people that will benefit most by having it!
HERE'S THE COVER
AWESOME, ISN'T IT?
It was designed by Andrea Perrine Brower of APB Illustration & Graphic Communication; a brilliant artist who never flinched when I called for changes and was invaluable when it came to adding her input to the project. I cannot thank her enough for putting a face to the voice between the covers. If you're looking for a talented perfectionist that toils until the customer is totally satisfied and does so with a radiant smile, let me know - I'll connect you to Andrea and look forward to what she can do to exceed your design needs too!
It will soon be available everywhere books are sold, (UPDATE: NOW AVAILABLE EVERYWHERE!) but to visitors of my website and pretty much everyone in the world who needs the help this book provides, I share the following link and Discount Code that, when applied, gives you $5.00 OFF the list price of $19.95. That ought to pretty much cover your cost for Shipping & Handling! And if you stop to think about it, for less than twenty bucks (unless you wish to express ship it) you will have a tool that will provide you with a surefire plan for finding relief from your debtors and teach you what you need to know to get YOURSELF out of debt in a dignified manner - without the need for any other outside intervention in the form of a counseling agency.
There is no "BUT WAIT...IF YOU ACT NOW!" to my offer! (LOL)
That's it!
Just click on the link, order this baby - and before you know it you'll be mapping out the escape from your personal plastic prison!
www.CreateSpace.com/3574280
The lifelong credit counselor in me suggests, use the code and save yourself five dollars.
Just like you would at Amazon.com or any other online bookseller, simply sign up to create your account, have a look at the Preview of the book while you're at the Shopping Cart and order your copy. Before you move to the Shipping option you'll see a space provided that will allow you to enter a Discount Code and that is: JU9Z2F8S
The above link is the only place where the Discount Code is applicable.
The lifelong credit counselor in me suggests, use the code and save yourself five dollars.
If you can pay for it with PayPal, by all means do so. If not, perhaps this will be the last credit card purchase you make for a while...and that wouldn't be a terrible thing either!
If you would be so kind as to add a positive review where it allows, I would be most appreciative. The better the reviews the better my chances of reaching all those struggling debtors out there, because positive words about books help people decide to purchase them!
If you are even slightly considering self-publishing, do not hesitate to call on Create Space. They are incredibly reasonable, have a wide range of products, including marketing and setup services, and you will not find a friendlier, more dedicated group when it comes to TRUE customer service anywhere in the world!
If you are even slightly considering self-publishing, do not hesitate to call on Create Space. They are incredibly reasonable, have a wide range of products, including marketing and setup services, and you will not find a friendlier, more dedicated group when it comes to TRUE customer service anywhere in the world!
You might have guessed it, but here you go:
www.CreateSpace.com
I cannot make this a hot link without linking you to my account. I love ya, of course, but not THAT much.
So, you'll have to cut and paste the above URL into your browser and take it from there..
- HERE'S WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT-
Escape from the Plastic Prison -
A Practical Guide to Getting Yourself Out of Debt!
16.
L, Christopher, Roanoke, VA ~ March 28, 2011
"GOT MY COPY and GOT HELP from the very first item I looked at in Chapter 5. This book is AWESOME!!!"
15. Guitarman ~ March 20, 2011
"I'm definitely going to get this for my new ipad2. I've been wanting a good first book for it and I think this is the one."
14. Mike L. ~ March 17, 2011
"I'm definitely picking me up a copy of this here book!"
www.CreateSpace.com
I cannot make this a hot link without linking you to my account. I love ya, of course, but not THAT much.
So, you'll have to cut and paste the above URL into your browser and take it from there..
- HERE'S WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT-
Escape from the Plastic Prison -
A Practical Guide to Getting Yourself Out of Debt!
16.
L, Christopher, Roanoke, VA ~ March 28, 2011"GOT MY COPY and GOT HELP from the very first item I looked at in Chapter 5. This book is AWESOME!!!"
15.
Guitarman ~ March 20, 2011"I'm definitely going to get this for my new ipad2. I've been wanting a good first book for it and I think this is the one."
14.
Mike L. ~ March 17, 2011"I'm definitely picking me up a copy of this here book!"
13. Martha Tucker ~ March 17, 2011
"I bought your book yesterday! Thanks to having worked for you for almost 10 years I am happy to say I do NOT need it myself but wanted to have it on hand for SO many people I know who just don't have a clue about their finances in the plastic jungle. Thanks, Benn!"
Martha Tucker ~ March 17, 2011"I bought your book yesterday! Thanks to having worked for you for almost 10 years I am happy to say I do NOT need it myself but wanted to have it on hand for SO many people I know who just don't have a clue about their finances in the plastic jungle. Thanks, Benn!"
12. Kimberly Kassner ~ March 17, 2011
"THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS I'VE READ!! A MUST BUY FOR SURE!!! Benn you are a star AGAIN!"
Kimberly Kassner ~ March 17, 2011"THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS I'VE READ!! A MUST BUY FOR SURE!!! Benn you are a star AGAIN!"
11. LeAnn J. ~ March 15, 2011
"There's never been a better time for this kind of book and that's for SURE! I bet there's millions and millions of people that need this help and I'm happy this book is on the market and I bet it will be a bestseller if enough people hear about it and buy it."
LeAnn J. ~ March 15, 2011"There's never been a better time for this kind of book and that's for SURE! I bet there's millions and millions of people that need this help and I'm happy this book is on the market and I bet it will be a bestseller if enough people hear about it and buy it."
10. Aaron B. ~ March 14, 2011
"I'm an economics teacher and am seeking approval to introduce this book as an advanced tool for our senior class. I think it is a valuable tool that can teach students how to avoid debt as well as a tool that helps people get out of debt. Escape from the Plastic Prison is written on a level that is understandable by all ages and would be an asset to my classroom. Wish me luck!"
9. Jonathan B. ~ March 14, 2011
"I'm not in debt yet but if this book can keep me from getting to that point it will be very valuable to me and the rest of my college friends. I'm buying it so we can all check it out but I'll make them buy their own copies of it!"
8. S. Everton, Columbus, OH ~ March 14, 2011
"Short but concise Preview that convinced me to order it. I'll give it a full review after I finish reading it if that's okay."
7. Dean W. ~ March 11, 2011
"Excellent. Seems like a highly informative book. I just purchased it. Thanks!"
6. Gina Murphy ~ March 11, 2011
5. Kathleen Palazzo ~ March 11, 2011
4. Darren, Ft. Lauderdale, FL ~ March 10, 2011
3. Anonymous ~ March 8, 2011
2. Anonymous ~ March 8, 2011
1. Anonymous ~ March 8, 2011
"Man, do I need this. Can't wait till it's available. Excellent Preview!"
I never set out to do it, but I managed to write and publish two books in 2011 and have begun work on my third.
Stephen King won't be looking over his shoulder; but I've grown to love writing so much more ever since discovering Create Space and how they've made it so doggone easy to get my words in print! This entry, BRAINDROPS is just what it states on the back cover, a collection of stuff that has crossed my mind down through the years.
Again I looked to the remarkable artist, Andrea Perrine Brower of Chicken Soup for the Soul cover design fame to put this one together. It turned out better than I envisioned ONCE AGAIN! As long as I'm writing and getting books printed, Andrea will be my artist. I love you, Andrea; you're the best of the best! Andrea does freelance work through her company APB Illustration & Graphic Communication too, so look up her company in Parkland, Florida. I know I already mentioned it above, but she deserves a multitude of kudos and will get BIG LOVE following every cover she designs for me! We're talking about my putting up a website for her, so as soon as that is done I'll make the name of her company a hot link!
The first poem I ever wrote and committed to memory goes back to 1977, believe it or not; and it is the first poem in the collection. Its title, Nickels & Dimes refers to the plight of a homeless man living, apparently, under a South Florida viaduct - then.
The next book I'm working on is confusing and confounding me. It's about religion. I already have its title and it's pretty catchy, but I don't plan on releasing it until it is finished...basically because I don't want it stolen - I think it's THAT clever! I'm trying to put a humorous spin on the subject without being overly sacrilegious, but that is NOT EASY; given my propensity for disbelieving most things biblical or that I've not experienced with my own eyes, ears or other human senses nor verified with more than a dash of scientific evidence. As I live I grow more cynical, unable to subscribe to what "scholars" wrote over 2000 years ago; scholars who just might have had their own personal or social interests at the heart of their words.
If I really take my time and treat the subject with the kind of serious humor (an oxymoron if ever there was one) I intend, it should take me the better part of 2012 to complete. But, it may end up being even more controversial than Escape from the Plastic Prison - which I'm intending to market to the hilt this upcoming year.
And, speaking of Escape...I've decided to shun those who suggest I back down from the aggressive marketing campaign I'm planning, because it is truly a calling of mine to get the "word" out to debtors in this country - and I do not fear reprisal from the counseling industry that is presently reaping the financial spoils as a result of preying upon unassuming and uninformed American consumers! The website I'm designing for the book should be online soon. I'll direct you there once I've structured its basic content for public consumption!
Aaron B. ~ March 14, 2011"I'm an economics teacher and am seeking approval to introduce this book as an advanced tool for our senior class. I think it is a valuable tool that can teach students how to avoid debt as well as a tool that helps people get out of debt. Escape from the Plastic Prison is written on a level that is understandable by all ages and would be an asset to my classroom. Wish me luck!"
9.
Jonathan B. ~ March 14, 2011 "I'm not in debt yet but if this book can keep me from getting to that point it will be very valuable to me and the rest of my college friends. I'm buying it so we can all check it out but I'll make them buy their own copies of it!"
8.
S. Everton, Columbus, OH ~ March 14, 2011"Short but concise Preview that convinced me to order it. I'll give it a full review after I finish reading it if that's okay."
7.
Dean W. ~ March 11, 2011"Excellent. Seems like a highly informative book. I just purchased it. Thanks!"
6.
Gina Murphy ~ March 11, 20115.
Kathleen Palazzo ~ March 11, 20114.
Darren, Ft. Lauderdale, FL ~ March 10, 20113.
Anonymous ~ March 8, 20112.
Anonymous ~ March 8, 20111.
Anonymous ~ March 8, 2011"Man, do I need this. Can't wait till it's available. Excellent Preview!"
So far...nothing but 5-Stars. Hope I didn't jinx it by saying that now!
AND NOW, FOR MY SECOND ACT/BOOK, I give you...
AND NOW, FOR MY SECOND ACT/BOOK, I give you...
I never set out to do it, but I managed to write and publish two books in 2011 and have begun work on my third.
Stephen King won't be looking over his shoulder; but I've grown to love writing so much more ever since discovering Create Space and how they've made it so doggone easy to get my words in print! This entry, BRAINDROPS is just what it states on the back cover, a collection of stuff that has crossed my mind down through the years.
Again I looked to the remarkable artist, Andrea Perrine Brower of Chicken Soup for the Soul cover design fame to put this one together. It turned out better than I envisioned ONCE AGAIN! As long as I'm writing and getting books printed, Andrea will be my artist. I love you, Andrea; you're the best of the best! Andrea does freelance work through her company APB Illustration & Graphic Communication too, so look up her company in Parkland, Florida. I know I already mentioned it above, but she deserves a multitude of kudos and will get BIG LOVE following every cover she designs for me! We're talking about my putting up a website for her, so as soon as that is done I'll make the name of her company a hot link!
The first poem I ever wrote and committed to memory goes back to 1977, believe it or not; and it is the first poem in the collection. Its title, Nickels & Dimes refers to the plight of a homeless man living, apparently, under a South Florida viaduct - then.
The next book I'm working on is confusing and confounding me. It's about religion. I already have its title and it's pretty catchy, but I don't plan on releasing it until it is finished...basically because I don't want it stolen - I think it's THAT clever! I'm trying to put a humorous spin on the subject without being overly sacrilegious, but that is NOT EASY; given my propensity for disbelieving most things biblical or that I've not experienced with my own eyes, ears or other human senses nor verified with more than a dash of scientific evidence. As I live I grow more cynical, unable to subscribe to what "scholars" wrote over 2000 years ago; scholars who just might have had their own personal or social interests at the heart of their words.
If I really take my time and treat the subject with the kind of serious humor (an oxymoron if ever there was one) I intend, it should take me the better part of 2012 to complete. But, it may end up being even more controversial than Escape from the Plastic Prison - which I'm intending to market to the hilt this upcoming year.
And, speaking of Escape...I've decided to shun those who suggest I back down from the aggressive marketing campaign I'm planning, because it is truly a calling of mine to get the "word" out to debtors in this country - and I do not fear reprisal from the counseling industry that is presently reaping the financial spoils as a result of preying upon unassuming and uninformed American consumers! The website I'm designing for the book should be online soon. I'll direct you there once I've structured its basic content for public consumption!