Vanessa Jones Author https://vanessajonesauthor.com/ Books for the psyche Sat, 04 Feb 2023 04:28:29 +0000 en-AU hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7 https://vanessajonesauthor.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/06/cropped-favicon-32x32.jpg Vanessa Jones Author https://vanessajonesauthor.com/ 32 32 What Does it Mean to be Uniquely Creative? https://vanessajonesauthor.com/2023/02/04/uniquely-creative/ https://vanessajonesauthor.com/2023/02/04/uniquely-creative/#respond Sat, 04 Feb 2023 04:28:24 +0000 https://vanessajonesauthor.com/?p=785 Being uniquely creative means having original and individualistic ideas, thoughts, and approaches to tasks, problems, or situations. It is the ability to think outside the box, generate new and innovative solutions, and bring a personal touch to the things one creates. Uniqueness in creativity refers to the idea that no one else has thought of or produced something precisely the same way. But it’s also a way to live your life, not just earn a living from your creativity. ‘75% of people think they are not living up to their creative potential.’ And that stat just makes me sad. Especially in a time where creativity is not just encouraged but necessary for almost any job and personal satisfaction.  ‘The creative person is willing to live with ambiguity. He doesn’t need problems solved immediately and can afford to wait for the right ideas,’ Abe Tannenbaum. Creativity is often associated with the ability to generate new ideas and concepts, whether in the arts, sciences, or other fields. When someone is considered “uniquely creative, ” they bring their own individual style, perspectives, and approach to the creative process. This sets them apart from others and results in distinct and original works. Being uniquely creative often involves taking risks, embracing unusual or unconventional ideas, and not being afraid to challenge established norms and conventions. It requires a willingness to experiment, try new things and approach problems and situations in innovative ways. It is important to note that creativity is a dynamic and evolving process, and being uniquely creative often requires continuous learning, growth, and self-expression. With these qualities, a person can develop a personal and recognisable style, becoming known for their unique perspective and approach to their work. How can you be uniquely creative? There is no single formula for being uniquely creative, but here are some tips that can help you develop and refine your creative abilities: What are examples of creative risks? Taking, or at least being willing to take, creative risks is the biggest player in being uniquely creative. Creative risks refer to actions or decisions in the creative process that involve a degree of uncertainty or potential failure. Taking creative risks is a vital part of the creative process and can lead to breakthroughs and new discoveries. Here are a few examples: How can you take more creative risks? Taking creative risks can be challenging, but it is an essential part of the creative process. It requires courage, a willingness to experiment, and a growth mindset. Last year, I started taking art classes because even though it’s not my natural creative outlet (being such a writer!) I wanted to foster my creativity and keep that part of me engaged. I find that with the consistent art classes, not only am I around people that value creativity and art a lot more (which gives our silly minds the permission it needs to do more of these activities) but I’m starting to look at things differently. Plus, it really jolts me out of my comfort zone. Here are some tips for taking more creative risks: What are the benefits of being uniquely creative? Being uniquely creative has many benefits, both personal and professional. Here are a few: Personal fulfilment Making work uniquely your own can bring a sense of personal satisfaction and fulfilment, as you can express your thoughts, feelings, and ideas in a creative and meaningful way. This can also help you develop a sense of purpose and meaning as your creative work becomes an extension of who you are. Increased confidence Developing and expressing your own unique style and perspective can help you build confidence and self-esteem as you become more comfortable and proud of the work you produce. This increased confidence can then carry over into other areas of your life, helping you tackle new challenges with greater ease and assurance. Getting those wins in your work or projects, even if small, can flow on to affect your personal and professional relationships and even your mental health and well-being.  The American Journal of Public Health states that ‘creative engagement can decrease anxiety, stress, and mood disturbances.’ Career advancement Being known for your unique and original approach to creativity can help you advance your career and increase opportunities for recognition and success. Employers and clients are often looking for individuals who bring a fresh perspective and unique ideas to the table, and being known for your amazing creativity can set you apart from others and open up new doors for career advancement. ‘…a survey of CEOs… said, what is the skill you most value in your people, and they said their creativity, their ability to solve problems, come up with new solutions, use their brainpower to figure things out.’ ‘94% of hiring managers say it is important to consider creativity when hiring a job candidate,’ Adobe. Innovation Unique creativity often leads to new ideas, products, and solutions, driving innovation and progress in a variety of fields. By thinking outside the box and pursuing unique perspectives, you can come up with new and innovative solutions to problems others have not considered. Differentiation Being creatively unique can help you stand out in a crowded field, making your work more recognisable and memorable. By developing a personal and distinctive style, you can differentiate yourself from others and establish a strong brand that sets you apart and helps you stand out in your field. Engagement and inspiration Creatively unique work can engage and inspire others, generating new ideas and furthering creative progress. By sharing your unique perspective and ideas with others, you can contribute to the creative conversation and inspire others to pursue their own creative interests and passions. Personal growth Pursuing unique creativity requires continuous learning, self-reflection, and experimentation. By pushing yourself out of your comfort zone and experimenting with new techniques and styles, you can develop new skills, gain new insights, and grow both personally and creatively. Three things you can do this week to become more uniquely creative? Because I’m all about practical solutions and activities you can do in your life, here are three things you can do this week to become more uniquely creative: Experiment with new materials and techniques. Try working with new materials or experimenting with new techniques in your creative work, even if the outcome is uncertain. This can help you expand your creative skills and broaden your perspective, leading to new and unique ideas. For example: · A painter might try working with a new medium, such as watercolours, after primarily working with acrylics. · A sculptor might experiment using found objects rather than traditional sculpting materials in their work. · A photographer might try shooting with a new lens or playing with prolonged exposure to capture light in a new and unique way. This isn’t limited to artists. You might like to try a new software or time-saving tool at work or use a pencil instead of tapping away on your laptop for certain tasks. If only as an experiment to see what happens. Collaborate with others Seek creative individuals and collaborate with them on a project, or attend a workshop or class to gain new insights and perspectives. Collaboration can help you see your work in a new light and learn from others, leading to new and unique approaches to creativity. For example: · A graphic designer might team up with a writer to create a visual storybook. · A musician might collaborate with a dancer to create a performance piece that combines music and movement. · A filmmaker might work with a theatre group to create a multimedia performance that combines live action and video. · Go broad: an accountant might work alongside a content creator! Dedicate time to self-reflection Take time to reflect on your creative process and identify areas for growth and improvement. Ask yourself questions such as “What inspires me?” and “What sets my work apart from others?” This self-reflection can help you better understand your unique strengths and perspectives, leading to more unique and creative work. For example: · A writer might keep a journal to reflect on their creative process and identify areas for growth and improvement. · Discuss with a trusted friend, coach or colleague and answer the above questions.  · Talk to your therapist about the importance of being uniquely creative in your life and ask them to help you expand and self-reflect in this area.  I am all about the creative life and infusing my work with creativity. So I support those who want to continually develop their sense of creativity in life. The more you take responsibility for being more creative, even if it’s dedicating five minutes a week, the more reward you’ll notice. You’ll find the more you lean into your own natural creativity by following your intuition and desire to try stuff, the easier it will come. 

The post What Does it Mean to be Uniquely Creative? appeared first on Vanessa Jones Author.

]]>
https://vanessajonesauthor.com/2023/02/04/uniquely-creative/feed/ 0
Ads for Authors Online Course https://vanessajonesauthor.com/2023/02/02/ads-for-authors/ https://vanessajonesauthor.com/2023/02/02/ads-for-authors/#respond Thu, 02 Feb 2023 23:41:30 +0000 https://vanessajonesauthor.com/?p=778 The Self-Publishing Formula program by Mark Dawson is a comprehensive guide to self-publishing a book and making it a success. It covers topics such as all whilst providing a step-by-step process for authors to follow. Those who have gone through the program have reported positive results and increased success in their self-publishing ventures. Like, I’ve witnessed fellow self-published authors do millions of dollars in sales each year. Of course, it is ultimately up to the individual to assess if the program aligns with their goals and if the investment is worth it for them. About Mark Dawson Mark Dawson is a bestselling self-published author and marketer who has created several courses and programs to help other authors succeed in self-publishing. The Self-Publishing Formula is one of his flagship programs and is a comprehensive guide to self-publishing a book and making it a success. Mark Dawson has a strong reputation in the self-publishing community, and many authors have reported positive results from following his methods and strategies. However, it is important to note that self-publishing success is not guaranteed and that the success of a self-published book will depend on a variety of factors, including the quality of the writing, the target audience, and the marketing efforts of the author. But, you know that I’m an advocate for it because I am a self-published author! Ads for Authors Open now is his hugely popular Ads for Authors online course, which gives you access to hours and hours of step-by-step videos that talk you through various digital ad programs that make self-pubbed authors a success. There are modules on Amazon ads, Facebook ads, TikTok and BookBub and heaps more. Check out this testimonial of horror author, Eileen Coleman about the ads course. My favourite module is the Amazon ads because it talks you through how to set up campaigns and individual ads for each book, getting the right keyword, making the most of your budget etc. Whilst the videos are easy to understand, they’re far from basic. Plus, there are a heap of other bonuses that you get for signing up to the course. Such as discounts on: This has been one of the best investments in my author journey and I cannot recommend it enough. Even though I’m an affiliate, I was recommending the Self Publishing Formula and the courses within it long before.

The post Ads for Authors Online Course appeared first on Vanessa Jones Author.

]]>
https://vanessajonesauthor.com/2023/02/02/ads-for-authors/feed/ 0
The Sun Down Motel by Simone St James – Book Review https://vanessajonesauthor.com/2022/02/24/sun-down-motel-review/ https://vanessajonesauthor.com/2022/02/24/sun-down-motel-review/#respond Thu, 24 Feb 2022 05:35:55 +0000 https://vanessajonesauthor.com/?p=726 The Sun Down Motel is a multi-generational story predominantly set at a creepy motel of the same name in upstate New York. With a feminist bent, this story was easy to get behind the amateur sleuth protagonist as she went about searching for what happened to her aunt when she went missing thirty years prior from the same hotel the main character worked at. All the characters were interesting and were well formed enough that your mind could linger on them long enough to wonder their true motives. Each one flawed more than they were functional, which makes for incredibly interesting reading. This is on me, but I assumed the book was psychological thriller but it was really more a straight crime novel. Which is terrific, I just happen to prefer psychological and suspense thrillers. The thing that gave it intrigue for me was the many ghosts that dotted the story. These ghosts were so well written and didn’t feel like they were just dropped into the story to make things creepier – they each had their place and were neither overstated nor understated. The story could have been condensed for me and a little less repetition, which I’m finding far too much in books lately. Which could be just me. My favourite thing about this book was how clearly the setting had been depicted and written. The motel was so expertly written that I could see it so well in my mind, I could even smell it. Overall, this would make a terrific crime mini-series of about four to six short episodes and I hope someone attempts that. I didn’t make me fall in love with the author but I would be more than willing to try another of her books especially as it seems she really knows how to inject the paranormal. RATING ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

The post The Sun Down Motel by Simone St James – Book Review appeared first on Vanessa Jones Author.

]]>
https://vanessajonesauthor.com/2022/02/24/sun-down-motel-review/feed/ 0
How I Wrote a Book in Three Weeks https://vanessajonesauthor.com/2022/02/03/how-i-wrote-a-book-in-three-weeks/ https://vanessajonesauthor.com/2022/02/03/how-i-wrote-a-book-in-three-weeks/#respond Thu, 03 Feb 2022 07:50:15 +0000 https://vanessajonesauthor.com/?p=717 Okay, confession: I wrote a book in THREE WEEKS! Even when I write it, I can still barely believe it. Three weeks is an incredibly fast time to write a book. And, surprisingly, it wasn’t that terrible. Here’s how I did it and what I did to achieve it. Want to write your own book? Let’s write it together.

The post How I Wrote a Book in Three Weeks appeared first on Vanessa Jones Author.

]]>
https://vanessajonesauthor.com/2022/02/03/how-i-wrote-a-book-in-three-weeks/feed/ 0
Questions About Writing – when to approach a publisher https://vanessajonesauthor.com/2022/02/02/questions-about-writing/ https://vanessajonesauthor.com/2022/02/02/questions-about-writing/#respond Wed, 02 Feb 2022 07:27:04 +0000 https://vanessajonesauthor.com/?p=714 I get asked a lot of questions about writing books – which is great! But rather than type the same thing over and over, I’ve started compiling videos of my most frequently asked questions in the hope that I can help any aspiring writer head on their way to writing or publishing their books. If you have questions that you want to see answered, simply leave a comment in the comments section on this video. The video below looks at when you should approach a publisher with your book idea and a little bit about whether I’m self or traditionally published. Questions about writing with Vanessa Jones

The post Questions About Writing – when to approach a publisher appeared first on Vanessa Jones Author.

]]>
https://vanessajonesauthor.com/2022/02/02/questions-about-writing/feed/ 0
Home Before Dark by Riley Sager – Book Review https://vanessajonesauthor.com/2022/01/21/home-before-dark-review/ https://vanessajonesauthor.com/2022/01/21/home-before-dark-review/#respond Fri, 21 Jan 2022 07:23:12 +0000 https://vanessajonesauthor.com/?p=675 Home Before Dark— Huff Post‘s “10 Of The Most Anticipated Book Releases Of June 2020″— is not so much a psychological thriller as it is a traditional haunted house thriller. This is my first Riley Sager book and I wasn’t disappointed. It was probably the first book in my life where I had to consciously put it down a few times at night because it was a little too scary, deciding that it’d be better as a “daytime book”. Told in parallel timeframes, from grown up Maggie’s point of view as well as her dad’s when she was just five, this ever-unfurling story made use of some brilliant haunted house tropes and some good old fashion ghost stories. There were several shock developments throughout the book that kept the story suitably rolling and the double twist at the end really packed a punch. There were also several toe-curling scenes that had me shuddering beyond belief. If you’re a fan of Haunting at Hill House, you will just love this book. What is Home Before Dark about? Maggie inherits a Victorian triple-storey house after her father’s death. The very same house that she and her parents had to flee, leaving all their possessions behind one night when she was five, claiming ghosts drove them away. So Maggie goes back to confront the ghosts of the house and discovers the truth is much more sinister. RATING ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

The post Home Before Dark by Riley Sager – Book Review appeared first on Vanessa Jones Author.

]]>
https://vanessajonesauthor.com/2022/01/21/home-before-dark-review/feed/ 0
Psychological Thrillers with a Surprise Twist Ending https://vanessajonesauthor.com/2022/01/03/psychological-thriller-with-a-twist/ https://vanessajonesauthor.com/2022/01/03/psychological-thriller-with-a-twist/#respond Mon, 03 Jan 2022 05:26:40 +0000 https://vanessajonesauthor.com/?p=639 I absolutely love a twist ending, as I’m sure many of you do. It’s predominantly what keeps us reading until the very end of a book — to find out what happened and be shocked out of our mundane predictions and our limited imagination. In the psychological thriller genre, twist endings are expected. And that’s what makes a psychological thriller so good — you get to see that magnificent plot twist at the end! Here are some books that have twist endings that even surprised me, as an author of psychological thriller fiction. Jar of Hearts by Jennifer Hillier Jar of Hearts begins as a typical psychological thriller about a girl named Georgina who is acquitted of killing her best friend and releases from prison after ten years. In the meantime, she’s been blogging about how hard it’s been to reintegrate into society after being in jail for so long. But soon, things turn around when an eight-year old girl turns up dead… and Georgina becomes prime suspect number one again. I love a book that starts right away with an inciting incident. Too much “ordinary world” at the start of a book can bore me. So the fact that the main character was immediately on trial for murder was interesting and appealing. And she was sent to jail within the first few chapters. What a way to start a story! There was a little too much repetition in this book for me; things were said over and over again that really didn’t need to be said once, let alone two or three times. And the exposition was heavy. I ended up skipping some paragraphs because it had all be told by where the characters ended up. But let me tell you, the ending was absolutely wild. It was a bit all over the shop, but I certainly didn’t predict this ending. The author had a skillful way of making you really believe everything as it seems throughout the book. Like she wrote in the book, ‘you only see what you want to, not as it is.’ I do highly recommend this one for die hard psychological thriller fans. The Burning Girls by CJ Tudor Reverend Jack Brooks is on the lookout for a new beginning in The Burning Girls. Chapel Croft appears to be the ideal location, but the community has a sordid history – and its ghosts won’t stay buried. Two young women vanished decades ago. Only months ago, the last rector killed himself. But the unconventional Reverend, is running away from her past and runs into a town filled with dark secrets and murders. Not to mention little burning effigies left everywhere. This was a terrific read that was peppered with turns— literally, the author left a reveal at the end of each chapter. It was hard to stop reading and there were so many characters and potential suspects that it really did keep me guessing the entire way. One of the biggest reveals at the end, I couldn’t see coming a mile off and it actually made me gasp out loud. I also really loved the unconventional religious aspect. Put this psychological thriller to the top of your reading list. Call Me Evie by JP Pomare For the past two weeks, Kate Bennet, a seventeen-year-old girl from Melbourne, has been held captive against her will in an isolated cabin on a remote beach coast. Bill refers to her as Evie and claims he’s hiding her so she can be safe. That she committed an unforgivable crime one night back home in Melbourne – something so terrible that he had no option but to abduct her. The problem is that Kate doesn’t recall what happened that night. Call Me Evie isn’t your typical psychological thriller as it’s so literary and well written with beautiful language and JP Pomare’s signature descriptive prose of the landscape. Verity by Colleen Hoover When a writer is called in to take over a famous author’s series after she suffered a traumatic incident that left her injured, she thinks it’s the deal of a lifetime. Even when she starts getting a little too close to the husband. Through her research, she discovers a secret autobiography by the famous author that reveals secrets that the writer doesn’t know what to do with. This was an easy and fast-paced read that has you questioning all the characters involved and you’re never really sure who the believe. The final reveal was a great twist and an interesting way of writing out the story. But it fell a little flat for me because it felt quite rushed and akin to ‘and it was all a dream.’ Nonetheless, I think Verity is well worth a read. Particularly, for the stellar opening chapters. Many people in the online reading groups I am in absolutely adore this book. Let me know which of these psychological thrillers with a twist was your favourite (no spoilers for other readers though, okay?) and be sure to clue me in on any other twist ending books you love. Also, be sure to check out my psychological thriller, The Tens, which certainly does have a few twists and turns that you won’t see coming! This blog post does include some affiliate links but the reviews and opinions are genuinely mine.

The post Psychological Thrillers with a Surprise Twist Ending appeared first on Vanessa Jones Author.

]]>
https://vanessajonesauthor.com/2022/01/03/psychological-thriller-with-a-twist/feed/ 0
Why Do So Many People Join Cults? https://vanessajonesauthor.com/2021/12/26/why-do-people-join-cults/ https://vanessajonesauthor.com/2021/12/26/why-do-people-join-cults/#respond Sun, 26 Dec 2021 05:22:19 +0000 https://vanessajonesauthor.com/?p=592 People have always been fascinated with cults. What is it about these organisations that have drawn people in for centuries? There are many reasons why people may be interested in cults, but here are some of the most common: 1. Cults offer a sense of community. When people feel isolated or alone, they may be more likely to join a cult. Cults typically offer a sense of community and support, which can appeal to people who feel lost or lonely. ‘The number of cult members [in America] is variously estimated at 300,000 to three million.’ That’s a rather large community to be a part of.  2. Cults promise a better life. Some people may be attracted to cults because they promise a better life. Cults often promote their own unique ideology or worldview, which can appeal to people looking for a new way to view the world. Only 14 per cent of Americans say they are very happy, meaning there’s a lot of people that are less than happy. Belonging to a group that promises happiness can be incredibly enticing for the vast majority of people. People may also be attracted to cults because they offer people the chance to feel like they belong or that their life has meaning and purpose. 3. Cults can give people hope in hopeless situations. Many people find themselves in challenging circumstances at some point in their lives. Some of these people may turn to one of the many famous cults for hope and comfort when they feel there is nowhere else to turn. People may look for help from a cult when other support systems have failed them, such as family members or friends who do not understand what they’re going through or professional mental health providers who aren’t available or don’t provide enough support. When other sources of help are not available, people are more likely to be drawn into a cult. 4. Cults are often shrouded in mystery. People may also become fascinated with cults because they’re often inscrutable or mysterious entities. Cult members usually keep their beliefs and practices private, making it difficult for outsiders to understand what goes on inside the organisation. Cults could have their own language or way of communicating with one another, which can seem strange or confusing to people who aren’t familiar with this communication style. These factors draw people’s curiosity about groups that they don’t fully understand or know much about, which can lead them to want to learn more about why these organisations exist and how they function internally. 5. Cults can seem appealing and attractive. Many cults present themselves in a way that is appealing and attractive to people exploring new belief systems or religious practices. Think of it as the most extensive and most cultivated marketing campaign globally. Cults often use persuasive language and techniques during their recruitment efforts, which may appeal to the types of people attracted by this type of language. When people become exposed to these messages, they may want to learn more about how their beliefs differ from other groups and organisations. This can ultimately lead them down the path toward becoming members of a particular cult. 6. Cults often give the appearance of having it all together. Many cults also seem to have everything figured out, which can be very appealing to people looking for a group with specific types of answers or a set of rules that they believe in and adhere to completely. Cult members typically present their beliefs in a way that is easy for other people to understand and follow, which draws their attention and may make them want to learn more about why these individuals choose these beliefs over others. 7. Cults focus on emotional needs rather than intellectual ones. Cults tend not to care whether or not their teachings coincide with people’s thoughts or ideas but instead focus on meeting (or seeming to meet) the emotional needs of their members. Members often avoid discussing the details of their beliefs with “outsiders,” which can make people wonder what these groups are hiding. Plus, compound the cyclical nature of the belief system and keep members from questioning the rules and doctrine’s validity and healthiness. This mystery surrounding cults often appeals to people who aren’t too keen on revealing information about themselves or their specific belief systems. 8. Cults tend to use mind-control tactics to attract members. Many cult leaders employ strategies designed to make people believe that they are unique, need the group, and wouldn’t be able to function without it. For example, cult leaders may present themselves as being very intelligent, having all the answers, and knowing more about how life works than other people do. They then use these characteristics as reasons why people should join them instead of sticking with less impressive individuals or groups. Additionally, cult leaders often use mind-control tactics to get people to conform to their beliefs and practices. These tactics can include using shame, guilt, and fear as motivators and manipulating people’s emotions to keep them under the leader’s control. 9. Cults often have a negative reputation. Unfortunately, because of the negative things that have happened with some cults in the past, these organisations often have a terrible reputation. This may make people curious about why these groups are considered so bad and what sorts of things they do that lead to this type of reputation. Which can sometimes be appealing if the human subconscious is seeking to rebel somehow. Additionally, many people may want to learn more about cults to protect themselves and their loved ones from being drawn into them. 10. These groups make people feel special How many people just want to feel special at some time? This is a human desire that extends to almost all of us in some way or another. So when a cult, particularly in the recruitment phase, offers ways for you to feel special, whether through lavish attention and praise or verbal confirmation that you are special, wanted, and, sometimes, needed. Things may feel “right” (or the illusion of) for the first time in your life. Especially if you have been seeking this justification of your existence for most of your life. By learning more about these organisations and the practices that they implement, people can learn to recognise red flags that may indicate that someone is being recruited into a cult. This education can ultimately help individuals protect themselves from experiencing high levels of stress and anxiety due to becoming part of one of these groups. Do you love reading about cults? Why not sink your teeth into my psychological thriller novel about some mysterious people who live in the woods called THE TENS?

The post Why Do So Many People Join Cults? appeared first on Vanessa Jones Author.

]]>
https://vanessajonesauthor.com/2021/12/26/why-do-people-join-cults/feed/ 0
Best Books About Cults – Non-Fiction Titles https://vanessajonesauthor.com/2021/12/22/best-books-about-cults-non-fiction/ https://vanessajonesauthor.com/2021/12/22/best-books-about-cults-non-fiction/#respond Wed, 22 Dec 2021 01:25:14 +0000 https://vanessajonesauthor.com/?p=563 Five Non-Fiction Books About Cults You Should Read There are a number of different non-fiction books that have been written about famous cults over the years. Here are some of the best books about cults that I’ve compiled to start your rabbit hole reading journey. If you’re anything like me, you love deep-diving into the mysterious world and mentality of cults and religions. Cults in America: The Rise and Fall of Our Most Dangerous Secret Societies by Steven Hassan This book is a comprehensive overview of cults in America, from their origins to their current state. It provides an in-depth look at how cults operate and the techniques they use to recruit and indoctrinate members. Snapping: America’s Epidemic of Sudden Personality Change by Flo Conway and Jim Siegelman Snapping examines the phenomenon of sudden personality change, which is often seen in individuals who join cults. It delves into the brainwashing and religious conversion that is often associated with cult membership and how it can have devastating effects on a person’s psyche. Combating Cult Mind Control by Steven Hassan This book provides advice for people who are dealing with loved ones or friends who may be involved in cults. It simply and clearly explains the thought reform techniques used by manipulators to take advantage of their victims, as well as ways to counter these tactics. The text has been revised over time to include new information about the cult phenomenon, but each revision always reinforces its focus on helping readers help their loved ones move past cult involvement. The Family: The Secret Fundamentalism at the Heart of American Power by Jeff Sharlet This book takes a look at one of America’s most secretive and powerful cults known as the Family. It exposes the group’s history and beliefs, as well as the ways in which it has infiltrated. A compelling read that is backed up by plenty of research. The Family by Chris Johnson and Rosie Jones This is a thorough investigative piece on the infamous apocalyptic group called The Family and their guru, Anne Hamilton-Byrne, who captured international headlines throughout the 1980s and 1990s.  Drawing on police files, diary entries, recordings of Anne, and original interviews with survivors and investigators, this book delves into one of the most intriguing cults in modern history to expose its strange and shocking story. Written by an expert on the matter, Combatting Cult Mind Control is a great resource for those looking to understand how cults work and what can be done to help those affected. It provides clear and concise information, while Cults in America offers a more comprehensive view of cult activity in the United States. Snapping is also a good read, as it takes an in-depth look at how personality change can take place under the influence of a cult. All of these books are essential for anyone wanting to learn more about cults and the dangers they pose to individuals and society as a whole. By understanding how cults operate and the methods they use to recruit and control members, we can become better equipped to protect ourselves and others from their harmful effects. If you prefer your cult stories to be fictional, check out my psychological thriller book, THE TENS. And be sure to let me know your favourite cult books in the comments below.

The post Best Books About Cults – Non-Fiction Titles appeared first on Vanessa Jones Author.

]]>
https://vanessajonesauthor.com/2021/12/22/best-books-about-cults-non-fiction/feed/ 0
Writing prompts 11 to 20 https://vanessajonesauthor.com/2021/12/21/writing-prompts-december/ https://vanessajonesauthor.com/2021/12/21/writing-prompts-december/#respond Tue, 21 Dec 2021 01:27:32 +0000 https://vanessajonesauthor.com/?p=533 If you have burned through my previous writing prompts, pick one or all of the following and write a story, poem or book. Be sure to share your finished story with me if you use any of the prompts by tagging me on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram! 11. A story in which all of the characters are animals, either as humans who have been turned into animals, or animals who can speak and think like humans. 12. A story in which the characters are all ghosts or spirits, and must find a way to cross over to the other side. 13. A story in which the characters are all superheroes or villains, and must battle each other for control of the world. 14. A story in which technology has gone haywire and the only people left are those who have managed to find a way to disconnect from the internet, phones, and all other forms of technology. 15. A story in which the characters are all in a coma, and must find a way to wake up before it’s too late. 16. A story in which the world is being taken over by a race of aliens, and the humans must find a way to fight back. 17. A story in which the characters are all living in different dystopian societies, and must find a way to escape their worlds and come together. 18. A story that takes place in multiple time periods, with different characters in each one, but with a common thread that ties them all together. 19. A story that is told through a series of blog posts, texts, and other online communication as opposed to traditional storytelling. 20. A story in which all of the characters are either angels or demons, and must fight each other for control of heaven or hell. Be sure to sign up to my enews to be notified when new prompts are released.

The post Writing prompts 11 to 20 appeared first on Vanessa Jones Author.

]]>
https://vanessajonesauthor.com/2021/12/21/writing-prompts-december/feed/ 0