Every office has an annoying co-worker. Hopefully it isn’t you.

I’ve been dealing with an annoying co-worker for years now. He encroaches on my personal space and sniffs around my desk, making strange noises while I’m busy at the computer. Either that or he’ll lurk right outside my office door and just stand there, expecting me to take a break. He doesn’t care that I am in the middle of an important phone call, he just keeps standing there! Waiting for me to finish, begging me to notice him.

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Your dream begins right now!
HOW TO WRITE A BOOK 
THE SLIGHTLY OFF WAY begins October 4th, 2010 – April 4th, 2011-  In Six Months you CAN have a book written.

Deb DiSandro, owner of Slightly Off, along with an advisory team of experts including
Editors
Literary Agent
Book Manufacturer
Published Authors
Self-published Authors
Other Writing Experts

will coach you through the process from idea to finished draft.
This program teaches you methods that work to help you achieve success; and of course, it will be fun!

I have built my career on a “Fun and Done” Philosophy.  We put off so many of our dreams, waiting for the perfect moment and waiting until we can do something so perfectly no one will find fault with it.  My strengths lie in my ability to listen, encourage, suggest ideas, adjust the program to best meet your needs, so that you can make your dream come true. There are many writers who have already completed and submitted manuscripts after taking this program. There are also those who have not. The work is up to YOU.  The rewards are all yours too! Good luck and I hope to work with you. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call or e-mail. – Deb

1. CONFERENCE CALLS
We kick off with a live conference call – Deb DiSandro will share her expertise, an outline of the six month program, upcoming conferences and YOUR first assignment!
Monday, October 4th, 7 p.m. (central time zone) Can’t be on the call?  That’s okay!  All calls will be recorded!  All assignments will arrive by e-mail so you can go at your own pace.
Conference Call Information
Dial:  605-475-4000
Access Code:  404632#
Playback Recorded Conference: 605-475-4099
Access Code: 404632#

MONTHLY CONFERENCE CALLS (Plus bonus recorded calls from past sessions)
EXPERTS IN THE FIELD – featuring current book information and inspirational stories from successfully published and self-published authors, advice from editors, publisher, and agents spaced throughout the program will give you that boost of information, confidence and encouragement just when you need it.

2. ASSIGNMENTS & INITIAL ASSESSMENT
After the conference call and receipt of payment, Deb will e-mail you an assessment to learn about your book project and experience. She will respond with suggestions and ideas for your individual project.

WEEKLY ASSIGNMENTS
Every Friday you will receive a weekly assignment that relates to each stage of the book writing process.  These assignments are meant to help you and support your progress.  You can go at your own pace and only complete the ones that you feel will benefit you.

3. WEEKLY TIPS
Every Tuesday and Thursday, you will receive informational and/or inspirational tips to support your book writing project. 

3. REGULAR E-MAIL SUPPORT
Deb knows that not every question will be answered in the information provided and she is open to e-mail questions and will respond in a timely manner. Deb cares about your book almost as much as you do!  If she doesn’t have an answer, she will find it for you. 

4. ACCOUNTABILITY CHECK-IN
Deb has all writers e-mail their progress on a weekly basis.  Whether it is fast progress or slow progress, it’s all good and all a necessary part of the book writing journey.
This is a critical part of the program and Deb has found that those who check in regularly make more progress and are often the ones who complete their first drafts. 

5. PERSONAL PHONE CALLS WITH DEB!
Every month, you can schedule a half-hour phone call with Deb, or save up your half-hour and have a one-hour call every other month.  This is a time to set goals and discuss your project in greater detail. (Yes, this is highly unusual with online programs, but Deb believes it keeps writers on track and she’s willing to go the extra mile). 
 
6. CRITIQUE OF MANUSCRIPT
(Up to 10 pages (double-spaced) critique per session)
After 20 years of professional writing and instruction, Deb offers a thorough and effective thematic critique of your work. She will point out the strengths in your story and the development of your idea. She will help to bring clarity and continuity to your writing and make suggestions for revising the manuscript.  This does not mean Deb will line edit for every grammar mistake.  That is a completely different kind of editing service and one that is not necessary at this stage of your manuscript.  When you are ready for that stage, Deb has resources for manuscript editing that she is happy to share with you.  
(Note: For those who want coaching and critiquing on their entire manuscript during this program, book shepherding with Deb is also available at an additional cost, based on an assessment of your writing and project. 

815-439-1172
deb@slightlyoff.com
Schedule a FREE call with Deb to discuss your book project and save $100!Your dream begins right now!

As I set out on my sort-of-when-I-feel-like-it daily wag(a combination of running, walking and general complaining) through the neighborhood, I stumbled upon two entrepreneurs. I heard their sweet, young voices call to me as I passed.  They sat at the edge of their driveway, busy at their trade in a shop similar in style to a lemonade stand.  The same card table and chairs and cardboard sign in elementary scrawl announced their wares, but instead of lemonade, the table was filled with bright colored string. I couldn’t help but stop to take a look. Besides, shopping beats running any day.
“Bracelets for sale!” The pony-tailed youngster said as I peeked into the colored compartments.
“Would you like a bracelet?” asked the older one, glancing up, then quickly back down as she deftly twirled three different colored strings together.
“Yes, I would, but I don’t have any money on me right now.”
“That’s okay,” the confident saleswoman replied. “You can pick your colors and come back and get it later.” 
We had a deal. 
As I ran through the neighborhood, I thought about those ambitious young women, who decided to spend a lazy summer day turning their passion into profit. By the time I was rounding my way back to their shop, I was losing steam, as I always did on the final lap of my sorta-sometimes three-mile run. But those girls had inspired me.  Little did they know, they were setting an example for me and I wanted to do the same for them.  I wanted to show them that a goal, a dream, or a business can be started at any age, and with a combination of perseverance, determination and passion, you can achieve that dream.  So I kept running, even though I wanted to walk and jogged right up to their booth where they presented me with my bracelet expertly entwined with bright orange, purple and lime-green string. 
The cost 50 cents.
The inspiration, priceless.

Your dream begins right now!
HOW TO WRITE A BOOK 
THE SLIGHTLY OFF WAY

Begins June 22, 2010 – September 22, 2010
(Second Session Begins:
September 22, 2010 – December 22, 2020)
It’s true.
In Six Months (Two 3-month programs) you CAN have a book written.

Deb DiSandro, owner of Slightly Off, along with an advisory team of experts including
 Editors
Literary Agent
Book Manufacturer
Published Authors
Self-published Authors
Other Writing Experts

will coach you through the process from idea to finished draft.
This program teaches you methods that work to help you achieve success; and of course, it will be fun!

1. CONFERENCE CALLS
Listen to the first call for free – playback now. Hear about all of the writers just like you ready to take the plunge and write that book.

Playback Recorded Conference: 605-475-4099
Access Code: 404632#

MONTHLY CONFERENCE CALLS
EXPERTS IN THE FIELD – featuring inspirational stories from successfully published and self-published authors, advice from editors, publisher, and agents spaced throughout the program will give you that boost of information, confidence and encouragement just when you need it.

2. ASSIGNMENTS
INITIAL ASSESSMENT
After the conference call and receipt of payment, Deb will e-mail you an assessment to learn about your book project and experience. She will respond with suggestions and ideas for your individual project.

WEEKLY ASSIGNMENTS
Every Friday you will receive a weekly assignment that relates to each stage of the book writing process.  Although there is no one way or right way to write a book and Deb doesn’t offer just one, these assignments will help and support your progress. You can go at your own pace and only complete those that you feel will help you. 

3. WEEKLY TIPS
Every Tuesday and Thursday, you will receive an informational and/or inspirational tip to support your book writing project.

3. E-MAIL SUPPORT

ACCOUNTABILITY CHECK-IN
Deb has all writers e-mail their progress on a weekly basis.  Whether it is fast progress or slow progress, it’s all good and all a necessary part of the book writing journey.
This is a critical part of the program and Deb will check on you, if you don’t check in with her!

QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Deb knows that not every question will be answered in the information provided and she is open to e-mail questions on a weekly basis and will respond in a timely manner. Deb cares about your book almost as much as you do!  If she doesn’t have an answer, she will find it for you. 

4. PERSONAL PHONE CALLS WITH DEB
Every month, you can schedule a half-hour phone call with Deb, or save up your half-hour and have a one-hour call every other month.  This is a time to set goals and discuss your project in greater detail. (Yes, this is highly unusual with online programs, but Deb believes it keeps writers on track and she’s willing to go the extra mile). 
5. CRITIQUE OF MANUSCRIPT
(Up to 10 page critique per session)
After 20 years of professional writing and instruction, Deb offers a thorough and effective thematic critique of your work. She will point out the strengths in your story and the development of your idea. She will help to bring clarity and continuity to your writing and make suggestions for revising the manuscript.  This does not mean Deb will line edit for every teeny, tiny grammar mistake.  That is a completely different kind of editing service and one that is not necessary at this stage of your manuscript.  When you are ready for that stage, Deb has resources for manuscript editing that she is happy to share with you.  

Special Note from Deb:  I have built my entire career on a Fun and Done is Better Than Perfect, Take a Risk mindset. My focus will be on helping you, not on creating a flawless program. My strengths lie in my ability to listen, encourage, suggest ideas and adjust the program to best meet your needs and get you where you want to go. There are many writers who have already completed and submitted manuscripts after taking this program. There are also those who have not. The work is up to YOU.  The rewards are all yours too! Good luck and I hope to work with you. If you have any questions after the conference, please don’t hesitate to call or e-mail.

Coach Deb
deb@slightlyoff.com
WHAT’S THE PRICE FOR ALL THIS????

ONLY $199 (For 3 Months)
Sign up for all 6 months now and save $100!
Only $298 (For 6 Months)
That’s right!
LESS THAN $2 A DAY TO MAKE YOUR DREAM COME TRUE!

BECAUSE WE DON’T WANT MONEY
TO STOP YOU FROM EMBARKING ON
THIS EMPOWERING AND LIFE-CHANGING
JOURNEY 

MAKE CHECK PAYABLE TO:
Slightly Off
And
E-mail Deb today!
deb@slightlyoff.com

Ready to
Get Started?
Say, “Yes!
I’d like to write my book the Slightly Off Way!”
Send in your payment and e-mail Deb that you did.

I spent the last week in Wisconsin teaching and speaking with writers about their goals and dreams. It was an exhilarating week of learning and growing on both sides of the desk and podium.  And as always I experienced some Slightly Off moments.  The first has to do with a jacket I brought along to help me look “professional” – at least more professional than my regular work outfit which consists of sweatpants and pink pig slippers. 

While I was away I also turned a year older and there is no way around it, I am now firmly planted in my 50’s. The combination of the jacket and the birthday hit me hard, one day, when I looked in the hotel mirror and saw this exhausted, but happy vision in black and white staring back at me.

My jacket sported big, bold, black and white zebra stripes.  I stood there staring at myself then turned to my husband and asked, “Does this make me look 50?!”

Unfortunately, my husband was back at home and couldn’t hear me from 200 miles away.  And I wasn’t about to blow my professional cover and ask my class of writers who seemed to find me rather astute or at least interesting.  So I wore the jacket to class and onto my speaking engagement the next day. 

Everywhere I went at least one or two ladies would look at me with envy and say, “I love your jacket!” However, these women were not in their 50’s; they appeared to be lovely ladies on the blush of 70.

So, now I’m asking, “Does a bold animal print jacket say 50+?!”
Maybe it depends on the woman, but I have a feeling my jacket is going to the back of the closet for another decade or two.

Valerie Bertinelli is on the cover of AARP and turning 50! I have a subscription to AARP.  Now that’s Slightly Off!  Wasn’t it just yesterday we were watching One Day at a Time???????

New research claims that depressed people eat more chocolate than non-depressed people.  University of California, San Diego and UC Davis tracked 931 men and women and found that the depressed people ate 1 oz. per month or 8.4 servings of chocolate compared to the 5.4 servings of those non-depressed people.  

Here’s what I’m thinking – there must be an error in their calculations or a typo in the Chicago Tribune newspaper article.  An ounce?  We’re talking one?!  One ounce per month?! Are they kidding? A person who eats only one ounce of chocolate per month isn’t depressed in my books, but a pure masochist.  Who has that kind of control?

Fannie May Colonial Assortment

If I am depressed and eat chocolate to make me feel better, I am going to eat a tiny bit more than one ounce a month, more like, say, oh, a one pound box of Fannie May Chocolate Colonial Assortment or couple handfuls of Ghirardelli Dark and Raspberry Chocolate Squares.   Believe no person depressed or otherwise can eat just one, or two or three.  

The article goes on to say that depression may stimulate chocolate cravings as a form of self-treatment and prompts the release of certain chemicals in the brain such as dopamine which produces feelings of pleasure. 

But there is no evidence that chocolate can sustain an improved mood. According to another study, chocolate only improved mood for about three minutes.  . . Let’s see a one pound box of chocolates, that’s 16 ounces times 3 . . .so a depressed person  could be happy for a whole 48 minutes!   

One thing I know for sure. . . if you write about chocolate, you will crave chocolate so intensely that you will immediately get up, search for it in your pantry, and if necessary go to the store and buy some. . . gotta go!

In one of my presentations to women audiences, I often say, “Women are great at multi-tasking and men, well; they can only do one thing at a time.” This usually gets a laugh, because we believe it to be true.

But after reading the eye-opening book, The Myth of Multi-tasking by Dave Crenshaw, I must admit, that I am wrong. Women are no better at multi-asking than men! 

Research proves that the brain cannot effectively do two things at once. So, although it looks like multi-tasking, what we’re actually doing is switching from one task to the next, which proves to be way less effective and less efficient.

This explains why I’m still writing the same blog that I started at 9 a.m. and it is now 2 p.m., I mean 2:10 p.m. I just had to take that phone call and check my e-mail at the same time and then I switched back to the. . . Wait! I had to defrost pork chops for dinner. Now it’s 2:14 p.m. I mean, 2:20 p.m., because Champ needed to go out and wait, I remembered that I was updating my expense sheet, and oh, yeah, the guest list for my son’s wedding and now it’s 2: 37!

Although multi-tasking is a lie, Crenshaw claims that background tasking can be effective. This is when you are talking on the phone, changing a load of laundry, and yelling at your kid for putting clean jeans in the laundry basket and apologizing to the person on the phone for shouting in his ear.

Hmmmm. . . I think once I yelled at my kid, I switched from background tasking to multi-tasking.  I think I’ll switch over to the couch and lie down.

There are few things more Slightly Off than humor writers.  After spending this past weekend at the Erma Bombeck Writers’ Conference in Dayton, OH, I discovered some traits all humorists have in common:

1. Humor writers love to complain. Luckily they do it in a funny way, which makes it less annoying, but still annoying. 

2. Humor writers love to laugh. For two and a half days, I heard my favorite sound rolling through the conference room, out the door and into the classrooms – ah laughter, nothing like it.

3. Humorists make great stand-up comediens. I was amazed at how many brave writers took to the stage on Saturday night to try their hand at stand-up.  I was even more impressed with how good they were. And weird, very weird.  Topics ranged from circumcision to keeping husband’s remains in a Build-a-Bear. 

4. Humor writers will pay $9 for a glass of wine.

5. Humor writers love to buy books, and have them autographed, especially if they can wait in line with a glass of wine.

6. Humorists know how to blog. See #1

(Share some more!)

Erma Bombeck, one of the great humorists of all time wrote: “I was going to have inner peace even if I had to break a few heads to do it.” and “Seize the moment. Think of all those women on the ‘Titanic’ who waved off the dessert cart.”