The Writer's Connection, SM
a publication of The Virtual Writing Coach SM


"The Creative Process of Writing is a Liberating and Therapeutic Experience"

www.virtualwritingcoach.com

June, 2009

In This Issue:

1. Preview
2. Publisher's Note
3. Newt Gingrich's Book, Real Change
4. Helpful Hints

1. Preview

The Writer's Connection explores the creative process of writing and the interplay between thoughts, feelings, and actions. We are an interactive community of authors and readers who share ideas to enhance our knowledge, skills, and experiences in writing fiction in any genre, but our emphasis remains mystery and suspense thrillers.
Published monthly, the Newsletter offers writing tips for authors, coaching suggestions, editing, and marketing information.

Topics are presented from the perspective of Keith Barton and represent only his ideas on producing your first manuscript, and are provided to the general public. Because we are an interactive community of writers, other viewpoints are welcomed and may be printed in future monthly newsletters with permission from Keith Barton.

2. Publisher's Note

June, 2009

Dear Writer's Connection Subscriber,

This month features Newt Gingrich's recent book, Real Change which includes his plan for bringing American values back to their roots as postulated by the framers of our Declaration of Independence. It is neither red or blue state propaganda, but rather a red, white, and blue patriotic pitch for returning to our roots.

3. Book review: Newt Gingrich's Real Change

Whether you live in a blue or red state, Newt’s 2008 book, Real Change,” will cause you to think about red, white, and blue and a return to American values as first proposed in the Declaration of Independence and later incorporated in the 1789 Articles of Federation. Gingrich is perhaps the most widely read and educated politician that Washington has seen in a long time. You may disagree with his politics but you must admit that he is intelligent, cogent, and polished. He does not pontificate, need a teleprompter, or speech writer. His views have been honed over the past forty years well before his election to the U.S. House of Representatives from Georgia and his “Contract with America” and his subsequent election as Speaker in 1994. This is a must read for anyone interested in policy rather than politics, in platforms rather than polemics, and in rational discourse rather than speculation and innuendo. Below is Newt’s platform for America.

1. English should be the official language of the USA. The U.S. should only grant citizenship to those who “want to embrace American values and culture.” Our Founding Fathers embraced Judeo - Christian values and support the Pledge of Allegiance without omitting any reference to “one Nation under God.”

2. Immigration, the Border, and Assimilation: America was founded by immigrants and wishes to extend the same rights and privileges to those with special skills, H1B and H2B visas. “There should be a worker visa program making it easier for people to work legally in the U.S.” The Constitution does not support illegal immigration and American employers who knowingly hire illegal aliens should be prosecuted. Tamper - proof ID cards will be provided to those who wish to enter our country from their home countries. The IRS should conduct audits of companies “who hire illegal immigrants to determine if those companies have paid the taxes they owe.”

3. Science and Technology: We should provide incentives to math and science teachers and give monetary rewards for patents and inventions that are friendly to green energy and the environment. Tax credits should be given to homeowners and builders who use solar, wind, and geothermal energy. We should drill offshore to lower our dependence on foreign oil.

4. Taxes and Jobs: Eliminate the death tax, go with a flat tax of 17% for everyone, eliminate loopholes for the rich, and eliminate the capital gains tax for small business.

5. Social Security and Retirement: Let workers decide where to put their social security dollars. They can buy annuities with benefits going to family members, besides the spouse only.

6. Freedom of Religion: We reject the 9th Federal Circuit Court’s ruling that the Pledge is unconstitutional because of the phrase “under God.” We reject the claim that the Pledge and School Prayer violate the separation of church and state. We reject the denial of religious symbols on buildings, documents, and landmarks. “The Founding Fathers understood that religion and morality were important . . . . . . . and is central to America’s success today.”

7. Defending America: We must be prepared against nuclear, biologic, or chemical attacks. Iran, Hezbollah, and the Hamas are serious threats to the U.S. Any terrorist convicted of a terrorist attack should face the death penalty.

Helpful Hints:

1. Defend the position that America must open its doors to anyone willing to cross borders whether they have a work visa or not. What part does American business play in supporting non - worker programs?

2. Over 70% of PEW respondents surveyed support Gingrich’s “Contract with America” despite their political ideology. What does that say about centrists versus liberals and conservatives?

3. Scientific knowledge will increase seven - fold over the next 25 years. How will this affect the American health consumer?


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Contact Information

Keith Barton, Ph.D.
Voice: 281 - 583 - 5005
Fax: 281.583 - 5008
Web: http://www.virtualwritingcoach.com
E - Mail: keith@virtualwritingcoach.com
(c) Copyright 2003 A. Keith Barton, Ph.D.
All rights reserved.

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The Writer's Connection SM Mission:

The Writer's Connection SM is dedicated to helping first - time authors create their first manuscript for publication and to offer an exchange of ideas and opinions from our readers who might be interested in becoming authors.

The Writer's Connection™ is a publication of The Virtual Writing Coach and Keith Barton, Ph.D. and a registered trademark.

We would like The Writer's Connection SM to be as interactive as possible. If you have feedback, comments, topics you would like addressed, or can suggest additional resources to benefit us all, please email us at any time. Send your e - mail to
keith@virtualwritingcoach.com.

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Archives

You can read previous issues of The Writer's Connection SM in our archive section which is located at the top right section of this page.

About Keith Barton, Ph.D.

Dr. Barton received his Ph.D. in 1972 from the University of Texas at Austin and has been a practicing therapist for over thirty years. He is currently enrolled in MentorCoach and is accepting new clients. He has been an adjunct professor at the University of South Carolina, consultant to Fortune 500 companies in executive development, founded and managed Texas Community Living Ventures, Inc., in 1986 for providing group home services to persons with mental retardation, and for the past 13 years founded and runs a clinical practice in Northwest Houston. He writes part - time with the goal of completing one novel a year. His desire to coach others derives from his passionate interest in helping others become attuned to their creative powers of storytelling.

Dr. Barton has training in coaching, cognitive and family therapy and health psychology. He has published articles, made presentations and conducted workshops about:

Anxiety and achievement
Stress management
Self - esteem
Communication skills
Marital/relationship enrichment
Wellness issues
The relationship between psychology and spirituality

Copyright by Virtual Writing Coach (SM) and Keith Barton, 2001 - 2008.