So you’ve done your research on the pro’s and con’s of getting an online degree, the benefits of being able to manage time much easier, and the requirement of self motivation and a good work ethic. But now what? There’s not an “intro to online degrees” course! In this article, I’ll give you the 2 most popular online degree subjects, and a little bit of information about each one.
Business Administration
Business administration is quite possibly the most popular degree subject ever. Period. And there are a lot of reasons for it. But in any case, it’s definitely one of the most popular in terms of online schooling. This is partially to do the sheer amount of degrees available. There are options for everyone, with every ambition. It’s also a very ideal course layout for online schooling. There isn’t a lot of technical math, or hands-on assignments, there’s just a little bit of everything. This allows for a good course to take in the midst of a busy lifestyle, since in many cases, it won’t require too much outside research or help.
Criminal Justice
Criminal justice is also a very popular degree in general, which is a big part of why it’s on this list. But it’s also another good online option. Of course you could get a masters degree in physics or mathematics online, but that’s a very large time investment, even on your own time. Criminal justice is something that a lot of people already think about, and is a great segway into a career. Whether you want to go into law enforcement as a police officer, or join the FBI or CIA, become a corrections officer, or go into law. Criminal justice is a great option for anyone looking for a job in any of these areas.
Entrepreneurs work long hours, have packed schedules, and are under continuous stress. This could lead to poor health. For many employees, it does just that. But studies are starting to show that, for a variety of reasons, entrepreneurs live longer, healthier lives than employees do. These studies are revealing that entrepreneurs are less likely to have hypertension, obesity and diabetes than other workers. However, they are also showing that entrepreneurs suffer from stress-related illnesses at higher than average rates when they don’t incorporate “self-care” into their daily routines.
Many entrepreneurs start their own businesses to gain freedom and flexibility in their work life. They want to be their own boss, make their own schedules, and have a better work-life balance. Cheril Clarke, an entrepreneur that founded Phenomenal Writing, LLC 5 years ago, says, “Entrepreneurship allows me to design the life I want.” For her, and other entrepreneurs, this includes setting aside time for health. Cheril works out every day, whether that be going to the gym or swinging on a hoop, practicing aerial acrobatics. She made a commitment to herself to do this because good health is part of a good work-life balance to her.
Perhaps the trait most responsible for these better health outcomes is an entrepreneur’s self-discipline. It takes discipline and tenaciousness to build and grow a business. This attitude seems to carry over to exercise and diet. They also have more flexibility than the average worker, and therefore have more time for exercise and healthy meal planning. Regardless of the reasons, entrepreneurs make fewer visits to the hospital and enjoy higher overall well–being and life satisfaction. They are more likely to exercise and eat fruits and vegetables. A study by Louisiana State University even found that as the number of small businesses grew within an area, the health of the surrounding community improved. Obesity, diabetes, and mortality rates all declined steadily, ranking at less than half the national average.
However, the good news only extends into the mental health arena when we are cognizant of our work-life balance. According to a study by Michael Freeman, a psychiatrist, psychologist and former CEO, entrepreneurs are 50% more likely to report having a mental health condition, with some specific conditions being more prevalent among founders. Seventy-two percent of entrepreneurs surveyed self-reported concerns when not enacting a consistent program of exercise, sleep, and balance.
In general, entrepreneurs seem most at risk for depression, anxiety, and addiction, both substance and behavioral when they don’t take care of themselves. Increased stress, uncertainty, social isolation, and shame from “impression management” (the idea that for optics they must come across as “having it all together”) all compound to result in irritability, burn-out, low self-worth, sleep disturbances, and even migraines.
Many of these symptoms can be combated with self-care, along with diet and exercise. Self-care is the practice of taking an active role in protecting one’s own well-being and happiness, particularly during periods of stress. Meditation, travel, getting enough sleep, massage, and spending time with loved ones can all be self-care. The act of doing things that are relaxing and fulfilling help de-stress an individual and assist in maintaining connections with non-work activities.
Clarke has made it her mission to practice self-care often, not because she is concerned about issues, but because she knows it makes her a better communicator. Whether that means going to the salon to get her hair and nails done on a consistent basis or getting a massage at the end of a busy week, Ms. Clarke makes a concerted effort to take care of herself. She knows that when she does this, her work is far better than when she doesn’t. Another great trick of Cheril’s: spending time in nature and meditating in order to relax. “Life mastery to me, in one word, means balance.” She finds balance through tending to her physical and mental health as well as dedicating long days to her businesses. You can hear more about Cheril’s balanced approach to work, life, and health on the Life Mastery by Monica Bey podcast and learn more about her businesses at PhenomenalWriting.com and PhenomenalSpeeches.com.
When an employee messes up your order at a fast food restaurant, it’s frustrating, but understandable. When a medical professional makes a mistake, it’s unacceptable. Research from Johns Hopkins University found that “10 percent of all U.S. deaths are now due to medical error.” Their research also found that it’s the third highest cause of death, and many cases are not recognized as such.
Medical professionals need to be held accountable for their mistakes, so if you suspect that you or someone you love has been the victim of medical malpractice, it’s important to take the right steps to rectify the situation.
Here’s what you can and should do.
Call an Attorney
The very first step before you approach the hospital about the problem should be to call your attorney. You don’t want to contact the hospital so that they build up their defenses before you have a case. Let your attorney do the heavy lifting and contact the hospital for you.
An attorney is absolutely essential in a medical malpractice case. “Unlike many other forms of negligence, a medical malpractice case involves a highly complex set of standards,” explain the attorneys at Serious Injury Law Group in Montgomery, AL. “In general, you must prove the applicable standard of care. You also must show that the health care professional failed to meet that standard of care. This can be challenging. The standard of care is somewhat subjective and requires other similarly licensed and trained health care providers to testify about what went wrong.”
Speaking with an attorney enables you to build up your case and perform the associated steps for pressing charges in the correct order.
Seek a Second Opinion
Whether a mistake is obvious or it’s simply suspicious, you’ll want a second opinion from a qualified medical professional to present as evidence in court. They’ll need to assess the mistake to determine whether or not it could have been prevented.
Seek a top-rated specialist to corroborate your claims. They’ll want to review your medical records, perform tests, and conduct background research before giving you a diagnosis and identifying any medical errors. The second doctor will also do the best they can to help you heal.
Write Everything Down
Keep a detailed record of everything you’ve gone through, the pain you’re experiencing, and what’s happening day to day. This may come in handy during the proceedings.
According to FindLaw.com, a “personal diary could arguably contain relevant evidence. Legally, under the rules of evidence and discovery, a party is entitled to inspect and copy any and all documents that could potentially lead to the discovery of useful evidence to support their case or position. While a diary is going to be considered hearsay, there are numerous exceptions to hearsay rules that would allow a diary’s use in court.”
The journal could be used to identify both physical and emotional symptoms related to an injury. It could also show the difference between life before and after the injury to demonstrate that a medical malpractice mistake was life-altering.
Don’t Blab About the Issue
Other than confiding in close confidants, legal professionals, or a new healthcare provider, it’s important to keep your suspicions to yourself. It can feel good to vent about it to everyone who will listen, but this could cause problems with your case down the road.
Most importantly, don’t talk about it online! The things you say on social media can be used against you in a court of law. If you really need to vent, find a trustworthy friend or family member who won’t blab.
Taking the proper steps during a medical malpractice claim is essential to helping you win your case. Most importantly, contact a medical malpractice attorney in your state who can facilitate your case and help you through this trying time.
While drunk driving, speeding, and road rage often nab the headlines, the data reveals that distracted driving is really the most dangerous threat to the safety of our roads.
Data gathered by the NHTSA shows that distracted driving was responsible for at least 3,155 deaths in 2017 (and hundreds of thousands of additional injuries). And, at least for now, the numbers are trending in the wrong direction.
Though drivers can be distracted by any number of causes, behaviors, or stimuli, there are ultimately three common types that stand out more than the rest.
Let’s take a look at how you can identify and avoid them when you’re behind the wheel:
1. Visual Distractions
As the name indicates, these are distractions that take your eyes off the road and require you to perform visual “double-duty” when driving. Mobile devices and electronics are among the most common visual diversions.
“While drivers can face many different distractions in the car, cell phones are the most common – and deadliest – distraction,” Michael P. Fleming & Associates, P.C. explains. “Texting while driving, for instance, can drastically increase your risk of being involved in an accident and needing medical care. People who text while driving are 23 times more likely to be involved in a motor vehicle collision, according to a study by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute.”
According to the NHTSA, sending or reading a text takes a driver’s eyes off the road for an average of five seconds at a time. When traveling 55 miles per hour, that’s like driving the entire length of a football field with your eyes closed.
Other visual distractions include fidgeting with the radio dial and looking at GPS directions. It doesn’t have to involve electronics, though. You can just as easily become distracted by a passing billboard or blue lights on the side of the road.
The best way to avoid smartphone-related distractions is to turn your phone on “Do Not Disturb” mode while driving. And if you must use your phone, be sure to use a hands-free solution.
2. Manual Distractions
Manual distractions aren’t discussed as much as visual culprits, but they’re just as dangerous. They consist of anything that requires a driver to take one or both hands off the wheel in order to perform an action or task. Examples include:
Eating fast food
Attempting to locate an item in your purse
Reaching into a briefcase in the backseat
Trying to break up a fight between quarreling kids
Handing snacks to a toddler in the backseat
Manual distractions are dangerous because they compromise both your focus and your physical ability to drive. While you might be capable of driving with one hand under most circumstances, all it takes is a sudden lane change or an unexpected red light to put you in a compromising situation.
The best way to defeat manual distractions is to prevent the temptation. This means keeping your purse/briefcase in the trunk; never getting fast food to go; and setting clear expectations with passengers (particularly little ones).
3. Cognitive Distractions
This third category gets ignored a lot of times, but it’s one of the major causes of distraction-related car accidents.
A cognitive distraction is anything that takes your mind off of your primary obligation: driving. It may include a podcast or audio book, conversation with someone in the passenger’s seat, or a preoccupation with a work project or relationship issue.
While most people are able to drive while thinking about other things, it can become an issue in scenarios where you need to make split-second decisions. Cognitive distractions slow reaction time and can pose a threat under these circumstances.
Cognitive distractions are arguably the most difficult kind to prevent. If you find that you’re easily distracted by podcasts and audiobooks, try the radio instead. If in-cabin conversations hold your mind hostage, try driving alone. The more proactive you are about these culprits, the safer you’ll be.
Say Goodbye to Distracted Driving
Distracted driving might be rampant, but you don’t have to be a willing participant. Now that you’re aware of the major causes of distracted driving, you can implement proactive strategies and techniques to ensure you no longer succumb to these dangerous and deadly diversions. Do your part to make our roads safer!
After working with school aged kids for the last 35 years, J.M. Kelly wrote the next big book series for children and young adults. The Bobby Homes Mystery Series is the Harry Potter for the next generation. The first book, The Lost Treasure, and the second book, Monster on the Moors are available now. Readers can’t get enough and compare it to Sherlock Holmes meets Stranger Things.
As one reviewer says, ” “This book was creepy and thrilling and totally enthralling. I felt like I was there in person and shivered multiple times though out reading this book. Kelly does an amazing job setting the scene and making this world seem real. Couldn’t get enough.” — Erin Haggerty, NetGalley
Here’s more about J.M. Kelly in our exclusive interview:
Q. If you could give your book to one celebrity, who would it be and why?
A. An obvious choice would be Stephen King, for he is the master of the macabre. But, as I often see a strong correlation between books and film when I read, I’d like to provide a copy to Guillermo Del Toro, Sam Raimi, and Jordan Peale, all of whom bring horror to life in unique ways.
Q. Who is your biggest writing inspiration?
A. My wife, hands down. For the sole reason of her unequivocal support.
Q. Give us the scoop about your book.
A. Monster on the Moors is a horror thriller that takes place in the eerie North York Moors of England. Clairvoyant Bobby Holmes, his American cousin Brenda Watson, and their friends, wise guy Stevie and Michael (who is challenged by Asperger Syndrome), are drawn into a deadly mystery. They are hunted by an ancient wolf creature controlled by evil witches of British lore. When one of their friends is captured, they must rely on the investigations of a librarian who is more than he seems, the mystical gifts of a gypsy king, a mysterious stranger at the center of it all, and their own wits in a desperate race to save their friend and come out alive.
Q.Can you tell us three fun facts about you?
J.M. Kelly
A. I’m the second oldest of ten children. I spent 35 years in education as a middle school teacher and a school Principal. I started my writing career after my education career and have since written three novels and one professional book.
Q. If your book was turned into a film/TV show, who would you tap to play the lead(s)? Why?
A. Not my call and wouldn’t have a clue. I’d leave that to the professionals, although I’d have to say, Tom Cruise as Jack Reacher was a huge mistake.
Q. What’s one secret about you that you’ll share with the world?
A. I sustained a spinal cord injury at the age of 37 that left me an incomplete quad. Nonetheless, I received the NJ State Principal and Supervisor’s award for Principal of the Year for Inspirational Leadership in 2007, and have enjoyed my entire writing career since.
Q. What is the core message you want to deliver to the world through your writing/books/stories?
A. Never give up and respect and enjoy our differences. Another important message is to suffer the children…they know stuff adults long ago closed their eyes to.
If you are looking to get the very most out of your cup of tea, organic ginger green tea is the way to go.
Tea that is organic is toxin free, ensuring no pollutants or chemicals will build up in your system. Ginger tea has anti-inflammatory benefits that are great for the digestive system, and green tea is full of antioxidants that naturally fight off disease. When all these elements are combined in one drink, it makes for one of the healthiest beverages around.
The health benefits the tea provides become even more enhanced when you’re buying it from a company you trust. Read on to find out more about what makes this tea so healthy and how you can find the best organic ginger green tea on the market.
Benefits of Organic Tea
Organic tea is a clean tea that will reduce the risk of toxins building up in your body. Here are some other benefits it provides.
Improves Gut Health: Tea balances bacteria in the gut to improve function.
Full of Antioxidants: The antioxidants in tea are beneficial to skin and slow the aging process.
Good for Weight Maintenance: Tea is naturally calorie free and has a high water content that is great for managing weight.
Relaxing: Drinking tea is relaxing, so it keeps stress levels low.
Benefits of Ginger Tea
Ginger is known for boosting digestive health. Here are some other benefits it can provide.
Reduces Inflammation: Ginger’s anti-inflammatory properties make it effective in fighting inflammation that occurs internally and externally.
Fights Respiratory Problems: Drinking ginger tea can be beneficial if you are trying to fight a cold.
Improves Blood Circulation: The vitamins, minerals, and amino acids in ginger boost blood circulation to reduce the risk of heart disease.
Benefits of Green Tea
Green tea’s high antioxidant content isn’t the only reason why it’s such a healthy drink. Here are some other ways it can boost health.
Improves Brain Function: Green tea contains the amino acid L-theanine, which works with the caffeine in the tea to improve brain function.
Kills Bacteria: Green tea’s ability to kill bacteria makes it effective in improving dental health and fighting infection.
May Lower Risk of Diabetes: Studies have shown that green tea can reduce blood sugar levels to lower the risk of diabetes.
Best Organic Ginger Green Tea
If you are sold on the benefits of organic ginger green tea, you’ll want to buy it from a brand you know you can trust. Here are two we recommend.
Organic India:Organic India is an herbal supplement company that is committed to providing high quality organic products to their customers. The herbs they use are sourced from acres of land tended to by farmers educated in organic and biodynamic agricultural practices. Shop from their wide selection of teas and supplements to find the products that are right for you.
TeaSource:TeaSource is dedicated to offering the best values on high quality teas. They have their own warehouse which they use to import, blend, and sell all their products. Their huge selection includes organic green tea and ginger tea options.
If you enjoy a good tea, make the most of it by drinking the best organic ginger green tea available. Sit back and enjoy a cup today!
Buying a new house can be exciting, but it can also be stressful if you’re competing with other buyers. In competitive markets, the prices are high, the buyers are ravenous, and good homes seem to fly off the market without so much as an opportunity to make an offer.
There are some obvious ways around this. For example, you could start looking in neighborhoods that are less competitive, sacrificing your personal taste or distance from work to secure a less-contested home for a lower price. But if you’re interested in getting a great house for a decent deal in the hottest part of the city, you’ll need to step up your strategy.
Work With an Aggressive Buying Agent
For starters, make sure you’re working with an agent. A buying agent will work on your behalf to sniff out the best deals, and help you initiate and negotiate an offer that secures you a good home faster. If they understand the local market, they’ll be able to jump on good houses faster, and they’ll work quickly to get in touch with you and schedule tours. They may also be able to provide you with location-specific advice; for example, you may learn that in this neighborhood, home sellers tend to lean toward offers with no contingencies.
Become an Agent in Your Own Right
It’s a time-intensive step, to be sure, but if you truly want a competitive advantage over the other buyers in the area, one of the best assets you can have is a real estate license. Depending on where you live, you can likely get your real estate license entirely online in a matter of weeks. Once you’re fully qualified, you’ll have early access to deals before they ever get to market—and you’ll have a deeper knowledge of how real estate transactions work, so you can make more intelligent, competitive offers. Plus, as an added bonus, you’ll be able to do full-time or part-time work as a practicing real estate agent in the future, which can be an excellent source of personal revenue.
Be Ready to Jump
If you’re the type of person who likes to take their time with big decisions and think through every variable, there’s nothing inherently wrong with that, but it’s going to work against you in a competitive housing market. If houses are being bought almost instantly when they become available for sale, you’re never going to make an impact with this strategy. Instead, you need to be ready to review new houses and put together an offer fast. Talk with your partner, if applicable, and make sure you understand your wants and needs thoroughly; when you see a house that meets most of your wants and needs, get an offer together quickly. You might not have much time.
Skip the Contingencies
Contingencies are a good way to protect yourself when buying a home, and to get a bit more value out of your transaction. If your home inspection reveals small things wrong with the home, like a cracked wall, or a minor plumbing issue, in a cool market, you might demand that the homeowner fix these things before you move in. But contingencies will make your offer stand out in a competitive market—and not in a good way. If a home seller has multiple offers on the table, and some of them are contingency-free, they’re going to take immediate priority. If there’s something that needs to be fixed, consider fixing it yourself when you move in instead of putting the additional pressure on the home seller.
Make a Serious Offer
The give-and-take negotiation process of a typical home sale is disrupted slightly in a competitive market. Listen to your agent and pay attention to trending sale prices in the area, and be ready to make a serious offer. If homes are frequently selling above list price, your offers need to be similarly above list price. If a seller makes a higher-than-expected counteroffer, consider it seriously.
If you’re making high offers and are still struggling to get attention, consider making an all-cash offer. This may or may not be feasible, depending on the price of the home and your current financial resources, but it can make a big difference if it’s an available option to you.
Knowing When to Quit
Sometimes, the high prices and stressful transactions of a popular area simply aren’t worth it. Make sure you understand your home buying priorities inside and out, and be prepared to call it quits if it isn’t worth the extra stress. There are lots of neighborhoods out there, and chances are, you can find something similar to what you want in a cheaper, more reasonable alternative area.
Sports lovers get icing on the cake if there are some sports shows running online. There is a genre which does not like or prefer drama so we have drafted the below list for those. These shows have made a true sportsman’s heartbeat loud and made them come closer to their sport even more.
One Tree Hill
Yeah, we agree by the end of the season it was all about love but the initial seasons were really happening about basketball. We fell in love with the game all over again and so did the audience. They portrayed basketball in a really different way and everyone kind of enjoyed it. And needless to say, we loved the sweaty actors!
Highway 18
This American reality television show on Golf Channel pitted five teams of two players each against each other in a game of golf. These teams had to compete against each other to win a number of challenges and complete the Clubhouse Challenge. It was hosted by Keri Murphy. Every episode of the show was filled with nail-biting moments, just as you observe while being on Algarve Golf Holidays. The show was so captivating that it did not let the viewer move his eyes from the screen even once.
American Ninja Warrior
This game show made a home in the hearts of many people. The actual reality that this show showed without any drama or pretense made the people connect. The athleticism portrayed on the show made the viewers really feel like they were the part of the show. This show made the audience laugh, cry and pray that the deserving winner should only win. It had some amazing TRP at that time. We must say that this show set the standard of reality shows really high.
Coach
Released and set in the 90s, still, you will never get bored of watching this one sports show. The coach tries to bring together a disrupting soccer team and face the real challenges. The best part of the show was that it has as little drama as it could. The challenges and situations are handled with a hilarious touch and you instantly forget your days; stress if you watch this series. This is the much-needed serial to a sports lover. So, if you are a sports lover, you should watch this series for sure.
Friday Night Lights
This serial if watched by a sports fan will be watched again and again. This is a highly recommended serial for any sports fan that exists. Inspired by a 2004 film, but the twists given in the plot were mind-blowing. The game of football was hair raising like watching a real football match. The TV actors made a home in the hearts of the audience and never left. This is one serial that is praised by every sports fan even today.
So, make time and watch these shows for a truly unmatchable experience. You will view the background of sports with all its highs and lows. You will feel even more connected to the sport and its players.
When you’re showing your rental apartments to prospective tenants, you’re presenting them with a picture of their future home. Although renting an apartment means freedom and flexibility, it’s still a big commitment and your potential renter will want to feel at home. That’s why you should prepare the apartment and give it a homey vibe before each visit.
To make the best first impression, make sure you cover all of the main aspects and show a clean, functional, comfortable, and beautiful apartment the renters will love. In particular, here’s what you should focus on:
Cleaning
After your previous tenant has vacated the unit, bring in a cleaning crew to deep clean the apartment. They should be able to remove any stains and odors and freshen up the apartment, in general. If there are more serious issues—such as holes in the walls or other damage—make sure to repair them before showing the apartment to the next prospect.
Furthermore, if you want to give the rental that new apartment feel, focus on cleaning areas such as windows, corners of rooms and appliances. The kitchen and the bathroom should be spotless, and by polishing the appliances and fixtures, these rooms will shine.
Functionality
It’s difficult to know what kind of lifestyle your prospective tenant has and whether the apartment you are showing will suit it. Therefore, emphasize the functionality of the apartment by making sure the appliances, plumbing, lights, windows, and locks are all working properly. If there are any problems, call a specialist to fix them before the showing.
Once those are taken care of, check all potential safety and security concerns, from smoke detectors to wiring and outlets. Also, ensure that there aren’t any faulty or quirky appliances in the apartment, either. For instance, if the microwave only works half the time and the fridge doesn’t always close all the way, replace them with fully functional units.
Comfort
Comfort is often difficult to mimic in an uninhabited apartment. However, it’s important to present the rental in its best condition, which means it should be full of light and set to the right temperature, as well as have a pleasant smell. The time of day and/or year may also influence how you show the apartment; for example, you might rely more on natural light during summer by leaving the windows uncovered as opposed to turning on artificial lights in the winter.
The same goes for temperature, which you should adjust accordingly for a pleasant transition. In the summer, you can even leave the windows open prior to the showing to fill the apartment with fresh air. Conversely, during the winter, brew some hot cinnamon water or hot chocolate to fill the space with a pleasant, homey fragrance.
Aesthetics
This area is very much dependent on whether you’re renting a furnished or unfurnished unit. If the apartment is empty, it might be easier for the tenant to picture bringing their own furniture and styling it according to their personal preferences. However, others may find it easier to imagine living in the apartment if it’s furnished. Either way, consider staging some areas—even with rented furniture—to give them an idea of how the apartment might look with their belongings.
Additionally, select versatile colors for the unit’s walls and curtains so they will easily integrate with whatever color scheme the tenant chooses. But, don’t add any decorations that are too specific or personal. The entire apartment is the star of the show; the rest of the items are simply there to make it shine.
Lastly, make sure you know that particular unit and its selling points. Then, highlight the practical amenities that are sure to convince the renter—such as walk-in closets, in-unit laundry, or storage space. Essentially, paint a picture of what it would be like for them to live there by exploring the views from the apartment, showcasing each room, and discussing the neighborhood and what they can do there. You can even ask the prospective tenants what they’re looking for and find a solution inside the apartment.
Each tenant is looking for something different, but that doesn’t mean you can’t prepare for most situations. Cover as much as possible, highlight all of the apartment’s best aspects and renters are sure to fall in love with the space.
About the author: Mihaela Buzec is a passionate reader and writer with an affinity for language and linguistics, as well as the latest technological developments. She discovered her passion for real estate at RENTCafé, and you can read more of her articles on their blog.
Author Sheryl Benko is well known in the media industry. She has worked on over thirty films amongst the titles are the Acedemy Award winning blockbusters, “TITANIC,” Quentin Tarantino’s “INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS,” Kenneth Branagh’s “THOR,” for Marvel Films, Oliver Stone’s “SAVAGES,” and the Jon Favreau hit, “CHEF.” Wow, impressive!
Sheryl is currently working on dual projects, serving as the Post Production Supervisor for the upcoming feature “UNCLE FRANK” which just premiered at Sundance. She is also working on “DON’T LOOK DEEPER”. We can’t wait to check them out!
Her love of movies is expressed through writing screenplays and producing and directing short films. Becoming an author has been an interesting transition for her with her first novel “The Last of Will”. We just HAD to learn more about this new book from this impressive media superstar!
Q. If you could give your book to one celebrity, who would it be and why?
Octavia Spencer. I had the pleasure of working with her on two movies years ago, and she is one of the kindest, warmest people I have ever met. When writing the character of Helen, it was Octavia’s voice that I always heard. She informed so much of that character. I ran into Octavia recently at the PGA Awards, and we are going to try to catch up soon – so, fingers crossed!
Q. Who is your biggest writing inspiration?
My grandma. She was always writing poems and short stories. She was so creative, and could come up with the most engaging rhymes and prose. She was always entering writing contests, and often won! Her dedication to craft always makes me want to work harder, and keep striving to find the most entertaining, eloquent way to tell a story. Whenever I “feel” my Grandma while I’m writing, I know she’ll point me in the right direction.
Q. If you could give your book to one singer/musician, who would it be and why?
Adele. I always remember her speech from an awards show, where she said that she and her friend were “pissing themselves laughing.” I hope that my book would do the same for her!
Q. If your book was turned into a film/TV show, who would you tap to play the lead(s)? Why?
In terms of Greer, I’ve never had an exact actress in mind. For me, I feel Greer’s “essence,” and have an image of her in my head, but it doesn’t translate to a known actor – or, at least, not one that jumps to mind. For Greer’s father, Will, I’ve thought of many actors over the years, but the most recent has been Jason Bateman. Aside from being a very good actor, he has a self-deprecating quality that allows him to be funny without trying to be. Will has been beaten down by life when we meet him, and Greer has to partially pull him out of the abyss. An actor like Jason Bateman could be really fun and engaging in that dynamic.
Q. What’s one secret about you that you’ll share with the world?
Author Sheryl Benko
I have a few stuffed animals. The soft, plushy kind – not taxidermy. And I occasionally talk to them. By the way, any adult who tells you they don’t have at least one stuffed animal is probably lying. And if they have more than one stuffed animal, they definitely talk to them.
Q. What is the core message you want to deliver to the world through your writing/books/stories?
That while we are all different and unique, we have more in common than we know. Finding that connection and that shared language is a fascinating journey. We just have to be open to the ride!
Q. Give us the scoop on your book.
I am outlining the screenplay, which will be the next venture. Greer and Will deserve a road trip movie.
