How to write a press release

A press release informs the media of news that you would like to be published, such as an interview, a feature story, book launch, a radio broadcast, a new service, workshop or course.

Keep the headline brief and informative.
Write the information factually and with minimum embellishments. Avoid hyperbole and tautology. Keep sentences short and punchy.
Write the press release in a way where the editor can copy and paste into their publication without the need to edit.

Answer the 6 questions: Who? What? Where? How? When? Why?

Add your contact details for more information.

Kate Oman Interview

“I always knew I was different from those around me. As a young child, I was on the periphery. I had friends certainly, but for most of my childhood, I desperately tried to fit in and make everyone like me and was a chronic people pleaser with low self esteem. Of course, this didn't work out as planned - I was bullied no matter what I did.

 

As I entered my teenage years, I became increasingly interested in the paranormal and esoteric. The mysteries of life and death fascinated me and I found myself devouring any book I could find on the topic until one of the bullies saw me in the library, and although nothing was said about it, I panicked and instantly buried my interest. I couldn't stand the thought of yet another thing marking me out as being different from the crowd.

 

Chosen Colours 4 U

How everyone loves this dynamic colour which brightens the day. We can almost taste its tang and sweetness and it gives us energy to look upon it and to meditate. Reserve some time to sit comfortably and relax, clear your mind, this is your time to enjoy and savour this moment. Ask the angels who wear this colour to throw their robe upn you, encircling you in its vibrancy. It is life enhancing. It has a power that motivate and energise. Imagine you are floating in a lake of orange coloured water. The sun shining and adding brightness and light to the depth of its colour. 

Stephen Wollaston - An Interview

Introducing Stephen WOLLASTON

"What have I been doing... I recovered from a straightforward illness that became serious one night when hospital doctors informed me they needed to contact a member of my family. I remember being quite accepting of the situation and thinking "I won't have any bills to worry about now". Yet, through the quick actions of the doctors, I pulled through and here I am! It was an interesting time. I realised I'm not afraid of dying! 

Before this, in 2017 I co-edited a new title with Ian Mowll, the coordinator of GreenSpirit, in the low-cost GreenSpirit Book Series, ‘Dark Nights of the Green Soul’, which was expanded this year with four additional chapters. The book highlights wisdom about facing difficult times, alongside reflections on our interactive relationship with Nature. The second and largest section has particularly resonated with some readers, and includes personal stories of people who found new meaning and growth by either connecting with an animal friend or in Earth-centred spiritual awakenings and teachings.

 

What is Alchemy?

Alchemy was known as the 'royal art' and was the earliest form of chemistry. Khem was the original name for Egypt, the first country in history to specialise in the use of chemicals. 

Alchemy was burdensome and secretive, often working over stills and furnaces with poisons and unknown chemical reactions. Serious illness or death could ensue. These were the great adventurers of yesterday. It was considered to be extremely expensive and it bestowed great power, therefore its processes were kept secret and were considered magical. Wealthy patrons were promised marvellous things in return for their patronage, such as turning cheap metal into gold, and an elixir which would give eternal life.

When I was young, I was fascinated by mediaeval alchemy. It visited the British Library to read ancient texts and I saw illustrations of extraordinary monsters, crowned kings, wolves, lepers, strange marriages, peacocks, the slaughter of children, dragons, mermaids, and other wonderful and disturbing images. Could base metals ever be turned into pure gold? It is said in occult circles that Albertus Magnus in 1280, could change lead into gold but this, of course, is impossible (though the British Museum has a medallion that belonged to the alchemist, John Dee that was said to have been created from alchemical gold.) There was a lot of false claims because the alchemists were paid vast sums to research, and as their health deteriorated, they became more desperate to pretend they had found a great secret. 

Spiritism and Conference Review

Spiritism	Spiritualism
Movement began in France and spread to Brazil	Movement began in US and UK
Mediums communicate with named spirits in the spirit world for moral guidance and spiritual instruction often received by ‘automatic writing’	Mediums communicates with family and friends in spirit world for ‘proof of survival’ often delivered by platform mediums to a church congregation
Uses non-contact healing	Uses contact healing
Believes in reincarnation	Does not believe in reincarnation
Mediumship training, healing and spirit release is offered to suitable applicants without cost	Frequently raises money for charities through psychic suppers and other fundraising activities

Beginnings of spirit contact: Contact with spirits, angels and demons are mentioned many times in the Old and New Testament. Most religious movements have started with a medium receiving a message from a deity, angel or spirit of some kind.

Q & A from postbag 2

Dear Wendy: I was very hurt recently when a friend who invited me to her party made comments about the way I dress, saying I looked like I have just walked out of a jumble-sale. She spends all her money on botox and the latest fashions while I am a family person, not interested in fripperies. My grandson almost died recently and I have felt very down. Should I say something? Laura from Swindon

Dear Laura: Superficial people are only interested in what something looks like, not the true value of something. Your lack of concern for perishables will only show up her petty self-centredness. I can tell you are a kind person and this is of far more value and importance than the clothes you wear. You could say something like: ‘I felt hurt when you said this to me because I can’t see that what I wear should matter to anyone. I have had a great deal of anxiety recently and found your comment an added distress. I feel as though caring for others is more important that fussing over myself.’ In this way you can own your feelings, explain why you felt so hurt, and avoid blaming her for her self-obsessions.  

Jocelyn Chaplin - An Interview

Bettany Hughes acclaimed series 'Divine Women' on prime time TV offers a full appreciation of ancient goddess worship and the role of women in the ancient times. Many women writers and speakers are introducing her various paths and how their worship was practised. As a psychotherapist and artist, I have been bringing her into my work, as goddess in various forms and also as the abstract force of rhythmic equalizing flow.

“My first book ‘Feminist Counselling in Action’ was reviewed for the Guardian (15.11.88) as showing how 'the goddess can be an allegory giving shape and form to the feminine principle' and it can be used to empower women today. My most recent book (published in 2008 by O Books) is entitled 'Deep Equality - Living in the Flow of Natural Rhythm'. This is a tapestry of examples, quotes, exercises, thoughts and pictures on the subject of reducing hierarchical structures and replacing them with rhythmic ones, linked to the goddess as flow.

Jocelyn Chaplin - Interview with Wendy Stokes

Jocelyn Chaplin is a London-based psychotherapist, writer, teacher and artist and is developing a new form of spirituality that has equality at its heart. Jocelyn describes it as 'a spiritual complement for the increasing desire for greater equality in our divided world'. For many years, Jocelyn has worked at the cutting edge of therapy, politics and conscious living.

Wendy: Hello Jocelyn. You have been involved with issues of equality since your twenties. What changes have you seen since you wrote the book 'Feminist Counselling in Action' in the 1980s?

Jocelyn: Feminism was at its peak and fortunately, there have been enormous changes for women since then, especially in the work place. But, even then, I noticed all kinds of inequalities, not only gender ones and they are still with us. There are many obvious ones, of wealth and poverty, race, sexuality, ageism etc., and also everyday judgements about what is inferior and what is superior. These prejudices are internalised in our unconscious. The deeper changes in attitudes towards women and other groups which suffer from prejudice have been slower to change, and there has been a massive backlash against feminism in the global collective unconscious. Fundamentalisms of all kinds are expressions of this reaction.

Perfume Toxicity

 

The New Scientist publishes the concerning levels of perfumes in the atmosphere and water. 

Synthesised perfumes have reached detectable levels in the air we breathe. The compounds can accumulate in our bodies. About 8000 tons of Musk fragrances are synthesised every year for perfumes, cosmetics and soaps. Researchers have found synthetic musk compounds in fish and muscles, and in human fat, milk, and blood. The compounds build up through the food chain in much the same way as polychlorinated biphenyl and some pesticides such as DDT. Now these molecules have been found in air samples. Robert Gatormann and his colleagues at the Norwegian Institute for a research  in Tromse found high mass concentrations in indoor samples and much lower concentrations similar to PCB levels in outdoor air. it originates from cosmetics and all kinds of cleaners and air freshener sprays. He said that humans can build up compounds in the bodies by breathing in these organic pollutants. As well as my eating contaminated, food. Exposure can also come from textiles that are washed in powder containing musk compounds.. 

Pep talk!

If you have been feeling in a low mood or in low physical health, write a recovery journal. 

When you wake up in the morning, think of what a privilege it is to be alive, to breathe, to think, to enjoy and to love. Give your day structure. Keep a positive mindset. Give your mental physical and emotional life priority. Give your mental physical and emotional life priority. Work on ways to improve your health. Pay attention to good quality nutrition: avoid salt, fats and sugars, cut out alcohol for one month. Avoid processed meats. Eat fruit and vegetables. Get good nourishing sleep. Read a book. Go swimming. Practice some yoga stretching. Write a list of everything you are grateful for. Breathe. Meditate. Be mindful. Work on reducing any long-term stresses. Take exercise, listen to music, walk in nature, declutter, speak to friends, build a more simplistic lifestyle. Be intentional with the things that matter. Decide what your current life purpose is and how you will achieve your current aims. To lead a functional life, you need a daily routine of health care and wellbeing. Focus on listening skills, conflict resolution if required. 

Spiritualism

 Spiritualism has an illustrious past! It was once the religion of the elite, promoted by prominent intellectuals, such as those who supported women’s rights and animal welfare. We want to be friendly, open and kind, especially to those who attend meetings for the first time and might be nervous. As people approach a religious centre, they expect to meet with those who walk a spiritual path and practice spiritual values. Religious institutions must be at the centre of eliminating discrimination and victimisation. Most of all people must be able to expect the law to protect them!

Each centre should have an equality, a diversity, a complaints and a disciplinary procedure that includes an anti-bullying policy that insists on the equality of gender, race, religion, orientation, age, ability and colour. The Committee has the responsibility to ensure that safe and fair behaviour takes place on their church premises. 

Prejudice and bullying is unacceptable and must be reported and dealt with promptly by the Committee. Prejudices are illegal as are threats, demands, intimidation, exclusions, slander, circulating untrue or unverified rumours, blackmail and harassment. Anyone witnessing victimisation should record it and report it because often the victim is too traumatised to deal with it and avoids the church and the church members in future.    

Women and Spirituality

Despite the Equality Rights Laws, women are in an unfair position, as they still earn far less than men for exactly the same work! 

Have you ever wondered why places of spirituality are filled with women, yet so few men? Often 80 per cent of the attenders are women, and women are involved with tasks requiring commitment, skills and time! 
Are women more able to appreciate aspects of spirituality: communion with the divine in meditation; appreciate the concept of service and caring; understand the importance of community and learning about others; and take part in something bigger than the self?

The Temple Church, London

A baptismal invocation survives in the Bible of the Temple Church in Holborn, London. It  reads: 

Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light!

The prayer of this church states: 

“Most gracious God, we give you the most hearty thanks for all such liberties and rights as are held well and peacefully, freely and quietly. Most gracious God, we give you the most hearty thanks for all such liberties and rights as are held well and peacefully, freely and quietly, fully and completely by ourselves and all in our land. We pray for all who serve in the maintenance of our laws, that they shall serve faithfully to your glory and to the present and future welfare of our nation, shall truly and indifferently minister justice, and shall so order all things brought to their care that peace and happiness, truth and justice shall be established among us for ourselves and for generations yet to come. All this we ask through the mediation of Jesus Christ, who shall return to judge all humankind.” Amen. 

Author Information

If you are writing a non-fiction book, an agent is not usually needed. You do not need to complete the book before sending your work to a publisher. Just three chapters, the list of contents, and a synopsis are sufficient. However, you do need to write an interesting letter to the publisher about yourself and your qualifications for writing the book. 

You also need to demonstrate to the publisher that your book will be a best seller, and you do that by having a good marketing strategy with press releases, a book launch, organising talks, publishing extracts, writing articles on the topic, making YouTube videos, and getting as many interviews as you can including on radio shows. If you know a successfully published author, ask them to write you a letter of introduction to their publisher. All this helps to show you are a serious writer - not a one book wonder! 

A non-fiction book is usually a minimum 60,000 words so aim for this ballpark word count. Remember that the title and subtitle that you give your book might not be the one that the publisher agrees to publish under. Publishers have standard titles that your book might comfortably slot into, or there might be another book on the market with a similar title. Each publisher has a niche. See their submission guidelines and rigidly keep to them. 

Mary’s Story

Luke uniquely tells us the story of the mother, whereas Matthew’s account has the father as the central character - history was told always from the male perspective! We read of a girl named Miriam (or Mary in translations), who had come of age to marry, she would be around the age of 12 - 14 yrs old. We are told she was betrothed to a Joseph, meaning that they were engaged but she would be living with her parents, a home she would rarely leave until she married. They were of the House of David - a royal line when a corrupt puppet king sat on the throne of Judah. 

Suddenly, a supernatural messenger from God, an angel named Gabriel appears. Mary was agitated and disturbed by his presence, because this Angel has a name that translates from the Hebrew as the ‘strong man of God’! This unobserved girl, concealed in her family home, finds herself no longer isolated but in the presence of one who is spoken of as an angel who is called upon to incite war and who destroys the enemy! Here Gabriel acts as God’s instrument, and a young girl is confronted and alone with a male stranger to whom she is not related, and she refutes accepted customs!

Semiotics

Absence of evidence is not evidence of absence.

Semiotics is the study of symbols. What are symbols? The word comes from the Greek, symbolon, which translates as 'to throw together’, and means an emblem, mark or token which connects to a larger body of information. Many people learn the meaning of symbols by rote rather than through true understanding. 

A mark, sign or word is just that, nothing more. However, like 'beauty' symbols 'lie in the eye of the beholder'. For instance U can be an accidental mark, but if it is a symbol, such as the letter of the alphabet, U, it carries a meaning. Just as the image can be a sign for a cup of coffee and, if outside a shop that sells hot drinks, it could mean coffee is available. For some, personal associations could mean a comfortable place to relax, make friends, and have an enjoyable experience. The connections to the mark are dependent on the person’s personal experience, and what meaning they place on the mark. Some  might have prejudices or judgments about that symbol or might not want a drink at that time. What might be a clear meaning for one person might confuse another, and what might attract one person, might not attract another. What might have one meaning in one country, might mean something entirely different in another, and what might have meaning in one era, might have a different meaning in another. Symbols are personal according to our knowledge, our past associations, and the meaning that it has acquired.

The Story of Drugs

 Hello, My name is DRUGS – I destroy homes, tear families apart, take your children, and that’s just the start.

I’m more costly than diamonds, more costly than gold, the sorrow I bring is a sight to behold.

and if u need me, remember I’m easily found, I live all around you, in schools and in town.

I live with the rich, I live with the poor, I live down the street, and maybe next door.

My power is awesome; try me you’ll see, but if you do, you may NEVER break free.

Just try me once and I might let you go, but try me twice, and I’ll own your soul.

When I possess you, you’ll steal, cheat, and lie. You do what you have to just to get high.

The crimes you’ll commit, for my narcotic charms will be worth the pleasure you’ll feel in your arms.

You’ll lie to your mother; you’ll steal from your dad When you see their tears, you should feel bad.

But you’ll forget your morals and how you were raised, I’ll be your conscience, I’ll teach you my ways.

I take kids from parents, and parents from kids, I turn people from god, and separate friends.

I’ll take everything from you, your looks and your pride, I’ll be with you always, right by your side.

You’ll give up everything… your family, your home… your friends, your money, then you’ll be alone.

I’ll take and take, till you have nothing more to give. When I’m finished with you you’ll be lucky to live.

If you try me be warned this is no game. If given the chance, I’ll drive you insane.

I’ll ravish your body; I’ll control your mind. I’ll own you completely; your soul will be mine.

London Spiritist Group

I was invited to attend a Brazilian Spiritist group and I arrived at the venue at 7pm when coffee and refreshments were being served. It was explained to me that this 'course in spirituality' is very popular in Brazil and has been brought to the UK along with books that are used as their source material. These are five books, codified by Allan Kardec. At 7.30pm, we entered a very pleasant room and gathered to enjoy some calm background music. Each member in turn read from a book of spiritual wisdom and was able to make comments and ask questions on the text. These books, written in question and answer format, provide spiritual knowledge. After this, there was a lecture by a Brazilian speaker on a matter relating to spiritual life. The lecture was delivered in Portuguese and there was a translator standing by. This section of the meeting offers a different subject each week though all are based ethical living and how to live a moral life by contributing to our communities by paying attention to relationships, communal considerations, green issues, etc. Then we were invited to receive spiritual healing by way of a prayer and small glass of water.

Druidry

Druidry is the ancient spiritual and temporal doctrine of the Celtic people, but, as they wrote nothing down, e know little about them. Today, people from a variety of traditions and cultures gather to celebrate the druidic way of life, and modern day Druids meet at outdoor camps to honour nature.

I attended one of these events and was very impressed by the quality of spirituality. About eighty people come together in a large circle to honour the sun at the summer solstice. Firstly, we got together in smaller groups to design a role we would like to play in the ritual celebration. This communal activity gave us all an opportunity to get to know members of our smaller group, then we all came together in the larger group to re-enact the passage of the sun in relation to the earth. This clearly explained about the movement of the sun, earth  moon, our solar system and the stars beyond. It was creative, enjoyable fun, and we learnt about the seasons also. There were many workshops from eminent teachers on offer. Each day there were a number of activities to choose from, including walks, talks and arts projects. In the evenings, there was poetry, music and dance. There was an emphasis on caring for the environment and also being aware of the needs to other people. I met many interesting and likeable people and returned home rested and more connected with nature and other people.

Lord Byron - A Poem

We'll Go No More A'Roving by Lord Byron

I am choosing poems that I remember from my childhood.

So, we'll go no more a roving

   So late into the night,

Though the heart be still as loving,

   And the moon be still as bright.

For the sword outwears its sheath,

   And the soul wears out the breast,

And the heart must pause to breathe,

   And love itself have rest.

Inner Voice Confidence

When you hear your internal voice, with its criticism and negativity, where do you hear it? What location? In front of your head? at the back or the side? 

Now I would like you to imagine how your voice would sound when confident and happy. Is it louder or softer? Is it clearer and easier to hear? Is it stronger or weaker? Does the voice speak faster or more slowly? 

Imagine your voice sounding clear, confident, positive and happy. Put that voice in the same location where your old into internal voice was located. 

Now imagine a happy and confident voice, say these words in this voice several times “all is well, all is well” notice how you feel. Next, think of some negative conversations you have given to yourself in the past things, such as “I’m not good at giving presentations”, “I will never find someone to fall in love with me”. For each statement come up with a positive opposite such as “I’m naturally confident and I give excellent presentations“ and I’m extremely lovable and everyone loves me”.  Finally, repeat the new positive suggestions to yourself in your new confident internal voice, say the new statements over and over again. 

Oracle reading Harvest

I have chosen at random, the number Seven from Numerology Guidance Cards by Michelle Buchanan is the first card and it is titled ‘Personal Growth’ and you are encouraged to have the highest standards possible, to be the best you can be as a person. It is time to ask yourself “Who am I?” “What do I want from my life?” “What prevents me from self development?” We sometimes need to acknowledge our limitations and work on our weaknesses. Now is the time to be determined to reach your full potential in all you do. Consciousness raising is on the cards for you and you can ask others to help you to reach higher levels of self awareness. Use the affirmation: As I improve myself, I improve the circumstances of my life and improve the lives of others around me.

Changing Woman – Goddess of the Corn from Goddess Inspiration Oracle by Kris Waldherr also tells us about our own transformation and that of the planet, to honour the earth and its nourishment and beauty. This goddess is one of the most powerful deities of the Navajo Holy People and her blessings of music and dance take place at major family celebrations. She is associated with corn and she symbolises the unique planet upon which we live. She appears as a young woman in spring, a mature woman in summer and she becomes a crone in the autumn and winter. Her words are: All of life’s seasons bring blessings. Appreciate them!

Questions from my Two Worlds Postbag

In a conversation with Karyn, she thinks that if everything in the world was created by God, so was evil - so God is not entirely good. Does wholeness involve both good and bad?

No I don’t think so. I believe that God is entirely good. His wholeness demonstrates a positive direction towards holiness, purity, healing, and the relief of suffering. As everything has its equal and opposite, I also believe that there is a devil, a demonic like energy which opposes God’s direction and is therefore hateful and destructive. 

In our society, we attempt to catch evil people, punish them and lock them away from doing any further harm. This is in order to protect those who wish to live in accordance with the laws of a caring and just society. These two energies cannot live comfortably together. Therefore they are permanently in conflict. On a personal level, we also need to fight against all kinds of selfishness, such as resentment, jealousy, hatred, and greed, or any other emotion or action that can harm another person. Yes, the devil does exist and those who enjoy time in his company will spend eternity with him. 

The Birch Tree

From “Tree Wisdom - The Definitive Guidebook to Myth, Folklore and Healing Power of Trees”  by Jacqueline Memory Paterson. 

The birch tree is known as the lady of the woods. It is a womanly, constant and friendly, a tree of enchantment. When seen in the Moonlight, it presents its most outstanding feature, a gleaming silver bark, which Legends throughout Europe described as the hallmark of the fairy. This white bark also gleams attractively in the Sun and shows the lightness of the tree’s spirit, the ethereal beauty of the innocent, dancing quality of the female in nature, with delicate branches, and leaves to match. It is the tree of love, protection and purification. Birch wind has special properties. 

As Birch is one of the first trees to leaf in spring. It is known as the tree of inception.It is also seen as a treat of purification, cleansing the old to make way for the new. At the ancient Beltane festivities, Birch twigs were used to light the oak fires, and traditionally the May day love making was enjoyed in a Birchwood or forest. Being a white tree, a silver birch, what is seen to have the ability to ward off evil or negative spirits. Traditionally, Birch rods were used to drive out the spirit of the old year and for beating the bounds of the parish. They were also used in the none too kind practice of beating spirits and demons out of lunatics. The Romans carried Birch rods when they installed their Consuls, no doubt to beat back the crowds in an early use of caning. 

The birch is believed to grow at the gates of paradise. It is primarily a tree of the Sun and sky. When use for the first ogham inscription in Ireland, the Birch became associated with sun. God Lugh, for this first inscription warned him that his wife was being taken away to the land of fairy. Birch is dedicated to the Norse goddess. Frigga, goddess of married love and the sky and clouds. She became Odin’s wife. Frigga had 11 handmaidens who aided her in caring for humanity, and she pun golden threads, and the rainbows of spring. It was believed that she had seven mortal sons who founded the seven Saxon kingdoms of England.

The name batch is thought to have derived from the Sanskrit word, which means a tree has Barkers used to write upon. The second king of Rome, successor to Romulus, is said to have written books on birchbark in 700 BC, which legend says are buried along with the author. In all probability, because of the indestructible quality of birchbark, these books would still be in good repair if found. So far, this has not occurred. Birch has great healing properties, including the fragrance it emits after the rain. Brooms were made from birch sticks and twigs. 

Psychic Development

A Mystical Masterclass in Psychic Development by Wendy Stokes

Everyone has psychic abilities of which there are many kinds. Whether you think the psychic world is a place from which Spirits communicates, or whether you think it is our Higher Self making contact, the ability to access guidance is possible especially when you cease to try!

There are three main types of abilities, described as psychic because they are outside the ‘normal’ range. There is no hierarchy.

Seeing a vision of the spirit world or a symbol is called clairvoyance (this means clear seeing and is sometimes called ‘second sight’)

Hearing words from the spirit world which is called, clairaudience (this means clear hearing)

Feeling sensation somewhere in the body related to contact from the spirit world is called clairsentience (this means clear feeling). Sometimes, this  ability can be akin to a ‘knowing’ on an intellectual level and is also referred to as claircognisance, that is clear knowledge or awareness.