Navigating the Land Mines of Divorce

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Reminder--2-Free-Novels-This-Month.html?soid=1102151813884&aid=NPq4cMpesyY

2011-03-24T15:00:00.000-07:00

Reminder--The Elevator Group is offering two free books this month. One of them, Land Mines by Sheilah Vance, is all about navigating the land mines of divorce. Perhaps that's why it has won awards for women's fiction, along with multicultural and African American fiction.
The other, Heads Deacon, Tails Devil, by PJ McCalla, is about using the power of friends, family, and God to overcome domestic violence. It's also a multi-award winner.
But, your order has to be postmarked by March 31!
See the offer below.
--Peace

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Reminder--2-Free-Novels-This-Month.html?soid=1102151813884&aid=NPq4cMpesyY

Philly.com : Annette John-Hall: A timely book on eating cheaply and healthily from Philadelphia's "Dollar Diva"

2010-12-21T06:54:00.000-08:00

Often, a reduced income is one of the byproducts of divorce. Just because you have less money, doesn't mean that you have less style.
I know.
That's why I published, through my publishing company The Elevator Group, a book called "Dining with the Dollar Diva: Divalicious Menus with Ingredients Costing $1 or Less."
The book is now available at Dollar Tree stores nationwide.
It makes a great holiday gift, and you can make great gift baskets costing anywhere from $2 - $5 using the book and its recipes as a centerpiece. See more information at www.diningwiththedollardiva.com or www.theelevatorgroup.com.

Annette John-Hall of the Philadelphia Inquirer wrote a great article about the book. Check it out at the link below or www.philly.com.

Happy Eating!

Philly.com : Annette John-Hall: A timely book on eating cheaply and healthily from Philadelphia's &quot;Dollar Diva&quot;

How I got over...

2010-11-13T10:04:00.001-08:00

I wrote about how God helped me navigate the land mines in my own divorce in my new book, Creativity for Christians: How to Tell Your Story and Stories of Overcoming from the Members of One Special Church. See this review of the book by clicking the link below or, if the link doesn't show up, just go to www.danapittman.com.

I hope you find it the book to be helpful and inspiring as you navigate your own land mines. Keep your head up!

Dealing with rejection

2010-09-27T09:09:00.000-07:00

Great review of our new book, Rejected for a Purpose: How God Uses Rejection to Help You Find and Fulfill Your Destiny, by O.J. Toks.

Rejection is often a good thing, when you look at it thorugh a different lense. Toks shows you how. Check it out....

Dealing with rejection

Why Divorce? Just Stay Separated - NYTimes.com

2010-08-01T16:55:00.000-07:00

Interesting article on couples who stay separated for years but never divorce. What do you think?

Why Divorce? Just Stay Separated - NYTimes.com

John Edwards' mistress seeks profits from tell-all book - Local News - Tampa, FL - News - msnbc.com

2010-07-08T10:55:00.000-07:00

John Edwards' mistress seeks profits from tell-all book - Local News - Tampa, FL - News - msnbc.com

Divorce 'is contagious'...and most people see its benefits.

2010-07-07T09:07:00.000-07:00

Check out this study which began in Framingham, MA in 1948. They found that divorce is contagious, but that most people saw its benefits.

Divorce 'is contagious'

Divorce 'is contagious'...and not so bad, according to study

2010-07-07T08:53:00.000-07:00

Divorce 'is contagious'

Top 8 iPhone Apps for Self Help

2010-06-08T09:30:00.000-07:00

Check out this link. Maybe you will find an iPhone app to help you navigate the land mines of divorce. The list includes a gratitude journal, so needed as we keep our eyes on the bright side, too. It also includes stress relievers, a zen garden, a goals list--all things that can help you navigate a stressful and confusing time.
Hope it helps. And keep your head up!

Top 8 iPhone Apps for Self Help

Fighting Over the Living Will of J. Bruce Llewellyn - NYTimes.com

2010-05-10T19:16:00.000-07:00

This New York Times published this interesting article about the late ground-breaking businessman J. Bruce Llewellyn and what happened when a living will, a couple in the midst of divorce, and a trio of close friends collided. A cautionary tale, perhaps?

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/09/nyregion/09bruce.html

Fighting Over the Living Will of J. Bruce Llewellyn - NYTimes.com

Chick Wit: A lesson from Meryl and the girls | Philadelphia Inquirer | 01/31/2010

2010-02-01T06:42:00.000-08:00

Check out this article by Lisa Scottoline, who has navigated two divorces, about lessons learned from the movie, It's Complicated, on Christmas day, when her daughter was spending Christmas with her father. Hope it provides some comfort.
And, I agree with her, especially about that one line in the movie that had us both laughing out loud.

Chick Wit: A lesson from Meryl and the girls | Philadelphia Inquirer | 01/31/2010

ReadersDigest.ca - Money : 7 Financial Tips Every Married Woman Should Know

2010-01-31T17:51:00.000-08:00

Check out my article which appeared in Reader's Digest in Canada. The article is "7 Financial Tips Every Married Woman Should Know."

ReadersDigest.ca - Money : 7 Financial Tips Every Married Woman Should Know

Discussion: Child-Centered Divorce | LinkedIn

2010-01-24T09:18:00.003-08:00

Discussion: Child-Centered Divorce | LinkedIn

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Discussion: Child-Centered Divorce | LinkedIn

2010-01-24T09:18:00.001-08:00

Discussion: Child-Centered Divorce | LinkedIn

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Report: More men get economic boost from marriage | Comcast.net

2010-01-19T13:39:00.000-08:00

...because more women are working at better paying jobs than ever before. Alot of men also get an economic boost from divorce, as their standard of living often rises and does not drop like many women's does. Are they having it both ways? Read it and let me know.

Report: More men get economic boost from marriage | Comcast.net

Web site helps divorced parents plan holidays | perez, communication, program - Life - The Orange County Register

2009-12-13T14:33:00.001-08:00

Web site helps divorced parents plan holidays | perez, communication, program - Life - The Orange County Register

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SC first lady files for divorce from cheating gov | General News | Comcast.net

2009-12-11T10:42:00.000-08:00

I guess she figures that one affair (that we know of) is one too many. Best wishes to her and her sons.

SC first lady files for divorce from cheating gov General News Comcast.net

SC first lady files for divorce from cheating gov | General News | Comcast.net

2009-12-11T10:41:00.000-08:00

I guess she figures that one affair is one too many. Best wishes to her and her sons as she stands on her own two feet.

SC first lady files for divorce from cheating gov General News Comcast.net

Join me Sat., 11/21, 2pm, for talk/booksigning, Baltimore Public Library, PA Ave. Branch, 1531 W. North Ave.

2009-11-21T06:21:00.000-08:00

Sheilah Vance
reads from her new novel, Land Mines.
Carolyn James' life looked great -- new job at a law school, marriage to a doctor, two children, living in a McMansion outside Boston. Then her husband leaves her for another woman, stripping her of her money, stability and self-esteem. Carolyn begins keeping a "divorce journal" to cope and rebuild, writing about her experiences with separation and divorce. Land Mines is Sheilah Vance's second novel, after Chasing the 400. She is a lawyer practicing in Philadelphia and an adjunct professor at Villanova University School of Law.

Writers LIVE at the Library

2009-11-02T18:15:00.000-08:00

A close read finds hope in the madness of book-price wars - washingtonpost.com

2009-10-29T18:18:00.000-07:00

A close read finds hope in the madness of book-price wars - washingtonpost.com

Mark Coker: Why E-Books are Hot and Getting Hotter

2009-10-29T18:11:00.000-07:00

Mark Coker: Why E-Books are Hot and Getting Hotter

Check it out. I just converted my first book to an e-book. Many more to come.

Marriage on the rocks, study finds | Philadelphia Inquirer | 10/28/2009

2009-10-29T15:51:00.000-07:00

Marriage on the rocks, study finds Philadelphia Inquirer 10/28/2009

Book offers early look into Obama's political rise :: The SouthtownStar :: Oak Lawn :: Hometown

2009-09-29T10:36:00.001-07:00

Book offers early look into Obama's political rise :: The SouthtownStar :: Oak Lawn :: Hometown

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How to divorce an elusive ex? My answer in USA Weekend magazine 9/6

2009-09-05T08:04:00.000-07:00

How do you serve divorce papers on an ex who doesn't want to be divorced and avoids service of process? See my answer to that question in the Sept. 6 issue of USA Weekend Magazine, in Dennie Hughes' relationship column, at http://tinyurl.com/lxjgjs. There's always a way. One person can't stop the wheels of justice from rolling. It's just a little more complicated, but that elusive ex can't hide out forever.

My booksigning Tues., 9/22, 7-9pm, Borders, Wynnewood, PA

2009-08-18T18:58:00.000-07:00

Please join me at a booksigning/reading of Land Mines and my other books on Tuesday, Sept. 22, 7 - 9pm, at Borders, 80 E. Wynnewood Road, Wynnewood, PA. I will be talking about the themes that I raised in my novel, Land Mine's: navigating the land mines of separation, divorce, dating again, and rebuilding your life through self-reflection, self-help, and the grace of God.

And, we should have copies of the companion journal, Journaling Through the Land Mines, that can be used to help the reader write her way through the land mines. There's more information about both books on http://www.theelevatorgroup.com/. And, a description follows.

I really hope that those who are facing this particular season in their life and are looking for resources or those who would like to understand someone who is in this season would come out, share and learn. I look forward to meeting you.

Land Mines: Carolyn James’ life looked great—new job teaching writing at a law school, 11 year marriage to a doctor, mother of a preteen son and daughter, living in a McMansion in suburban Boston. But she is thrown onto the mine fields of separation and divorce when her husband leaves her for his yoga instructor, taking most of their money, stability, and what’s left of her self-esteem. Always a writer, for the next three years, Carolyn keeps a “divorce journal” to cope and rebuild. From optimism to fear, and humor to sadness, Carolyn writes about her experiences with separation, divorce and, eventually, dating again. Come inside her journal as she turns to self-reflection, self-help books, and the grace of God to navigate the ever-exploding land mines and get herself and her children safely through to the other side. Ushering in a new genre called "therapeutic fiction", the novel includes questions that readers can use to help them write their way through their own land mines.

Journaling Through the Land Mines: Journaling Through the Land Mines is the companion journal to the novel, Land Mines. The journal includes 77 writing prompts that cover situations the reader may likely encounter and questions to help the reader address the issues that are floating around in her soul. The prompts are in the form of unfinished sentences that the reader can finish to begin her journaling: "When I realized my marriage was ending...”, and, "When I told the children we were separating...", and, "My self esteem...". The rest of the journal includes some 200 pages with inspirational quotes and space for the reader to record her reflections, thoughts and feelings as she works through the land mines of separation, divorce and dating again.

Call with your questions about divorce on Wed., 8/12, "Your Time with Kim Iverson"

2009-08-09T17:55:00.001-07:00

Please join me on Wednesday, August 12, 8pm - 9 pm EST, as I am a guest on "Your Time with Kim Iverson" in the Lifeline segment, taking listener questions on topics related to divorce--what to expect, how to deal with it, etc. This syndicated show is broadcast on KAMX Austin-TX, KRSK Portland-OR, KALC Denver-CO, KFBZ Wichita-KS, KKSN Kansas City, WMC Memphis-TN, WZPL Indianapolis, WTSS Buffalo, WPTE Norfolk.
If you or your friends have questions and need answers, call in or listen in.

Five Steps to Help Children Cope During a Divorce

2009-07-29T13:03:00.000-07:00

In honor of July being National Child-Centered Divorce Month, please see my article on "Five Steps to Help Children Cope During a Divorce", which appeared in Arizona Foothilss magazine.
http://www.arizonafoothillsmagazine.com/features/features/479-5-steps-to-help-children-cope-during-a-divorce.html.
I hope this is helpful!

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2009-07-29T13:01:00.001-07:00

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2009-07-26T19:29:00.001-07:00

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My new book, Journaling Through the Land Mines, to be released Sat., 7/18, 2 - 4 pm, Borders, Largo, MD

2009-07-15T16:25:00.000-07:00

Journaling through the Land Mines, the companion journal to the novel Land Mines, by Sheilah Vance, will be released on Saturday, July 18, 2 - 4 pm at the Borders, 931A Capital Centre Blvd., Largo, MD. The book is being released in July for two reasons--1) to honor the July 1 birthday of Princess Diana, who navigated land mines throughout her life, especially during her divorce, and who helped people around the world navigate physical and emotional land mines, and 2) in honor of July's designation as National Child-Centered Divorce Month.

Journaling Through the Land Mines is the second book in the "Land Mines Trilogy." The non-fiction, self-help book, "Five Steps to Navigating the Land Mines of Divorce™, will be released in September 2010. "Journaling Through the Land Mines is a vital part of the concept of 'therapeutic fiction', the genre that I started with my novel, Land Mines," said Vance, an attorney and publisher who went through her own divorce about 10 years ago. "It follows through and expands on the Reader's Guide in Land Mines. Yet, Journaling thorough the Land Mines is about telling your own story." Vance added, "The cover of Journaling Through the Land Mines is a flower blooming out of the top of a pencil because through journaling comes growth and new life." The journal includes the 77 writing prompts from the Reader's Guide in Land Mines. These writing prompts cover situations that a person navigating the land mines of divorce may likely encounter, as well as questions to address the issues that are floating around in her soul. The prompts are in the form of unfinished sentences that the reader can finish to begin her journaling: "When I realized my marriage was ending...", and, "When I told the children we were separating...", and, "My self esteem...". The rest of the journal includes over 200 pages with inspirational quotes and lots of space for the reader to record her reflections, thoughts and feelings. Journaling through the Land Mines ties into the self-reflection aspect of Land Mines. Land Mines tells the story of Carolyn James, a mother of two who was married for 11 years, and who was thrown onto the land mines of separation, divorce, and dating again when her husband leaves her for his yoga instructor. The novel, covering three years of journal entries, provides an honest look at how journaling, self-reflection, self-help books, and God's grace can help you get to the other side. Land Mines was recently named a finalist in the 2009 Next Generation Indie Book Awards, sponsored by the Independent Book Publishing Professionals Group and open to authors and independent publishers worldwide, in two categories: 1) Multicultural Fiction and 2) Best Cover Design Fiction. Journaling Through the Land Mines is available at bookstores and on-line booksellers everywhere. For more information, see http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102638434077&s=1&e=001nhvp47n2aEXfyl40FU4UC1MvpUp5saulDX7rQ5hVP5NDDvQfqWkY7Yl502ViUbyqpO0hSGENtx4D7wp4AOEqZieLGrEky8ZAyW8ZftGnOMCNWsW64qKA_A==.
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About
The Elevator Group is dedicated to helping people rise above and lead an abundant life by developing books, broadcast media, and motion pictures with meaning. http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102638434077&s=1&e=001nhvp47n2aEXfyl40FU4UC1MvpUp5saulDX7rQ5hVP5NDDvQfqWkY7Yl502ViUbyqpO0hSGENtx4D7wp4AOEqZieLGrEky8ZAyW8ZftGnOMCNWsW64qKA_A==.

2009-07-07T09:36:00.000-07:00

Your faith can be a great help as you navigate the land mines of divorce. I know that I couldn't have gotten through my divorce without my faith. I was interviewed about this a few weeks ago by the Deseret News in Salt Lake City, Utah. Here's the link to the article, "Woman finds Bible helps understand divorce", which appeared June 27. I hope it helps those of you who are going through similar situations.
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,705313182,00.html

Jon & Kate divorce up close on your living room TV

2009-06-22T19:53:00.000-07:00

I just watched Jon & Kate painfully and publicly discuss their divorce and the impact they think it will have on them and their eight children. It was so sad and so raw. It brought back memories of those first horrible days of my own separation and divorce, and I felt for both of them as they enter what is to them unchartered territory. They talked about continuing their reality show so that all of us can see how they and their eight children cope with this great change in their lives. I can't imagine going through a divorce with the whole world watching you and your children's just about every move. I know that Jon & Kate can't even imagine, although they think they can, the land mines that they will face as they navigate their divorce with eight other little lives dependent on their every decision. I wrote my novel Land Mines to help people going through a divorce understand what some of the land mines are that they may face and to help their friends and family understand what those people in the midst of a divorce may be going through, but what they may never tell their friends and family. Many people find the novel to be affirming and reaffirming, but others have no interest in reading about separation, divorce and its aftermath. It will be interesting to see how viewers respond to separation and divorce when a family that was so loved by so many brings them smack dab in the middle of it. It won't be easy on Jon or Kate or the eight children. But, there are ways to cope. Jon and Kate have to believe that their best days are ahead of them. And, they have to help their children transition into and through this experience so that they can come out as healthy, happy, independent adults on the other side. It can be done, but whether it can be done on television remains to be seen. My prayers and my heart goes out to all of them.