Sunday, September 22, 2024

Why Pride? Part VI: The Power of Openness to Feedback 👂


In our ongoing exploration of True Pride, we've discussed three key components: Self-Awareness, Humility, and Compassion. These act as buffers between our True selves and False Pride.

We recognized that there are people who not only made a very successful career through their own effort and hard work but also were capable of eliminating the risk of slipping to the side of False Pride by exercising these components.

Now, let's examine the fourth component of True Pride: Openness to Feedback. We'll explore a compelling example that demonstrates its positive impact.

An AT&T Labs and the Netflix Prize




In 2007, Netflix offered a $1 million prize to anyone who could improve their movie recommendation algorithm by 10%.

An AT&T Labs team entered the competition and started making progress, but they hit a roadblock and couldn't seem to improve their results further.

Instead of stubbornly persisting with their existing approach, the team decided to seek out feedback from other participants in the competition. They joined forces with several other teams, including the eventual winners - a combined team of engineers, statisticians, and computer scientists from different countries.

By openly acknowledging their limitations, putting aside egos, and embracing feedback from others, the combined team was able to analyze the problem from new perspectives. They integrated different techniques and ultimately developed an algorithm that achieved the required 10% improvement, winning the $1 million prize.



In their own words: "We figured... if we all combined forces, we'd have a better chance. Turns out we were right."

This example showcases how being open to feedback, even from unlikely sources like competitors, can lead to breakthrough solutions. The AT&T team's willingness to seek out different viewpoints and incorporate new approaches directly contributed to their eventual success.

If the AT&T Labs team had not been open to feedback and had worked completely independently from others, they wouldn't have achieved their goal - neither helping Netflix with their challenge nor earning the substantial prize. 

The Power of Openness to Feedback

This openness to feedback, one of the key components of True Pride, allowed the AT&T team to overcome their limitations and achieve success by collaborating with others, rather than stubbornly persisting with their own approach out of hubris or ego.

As we've seen, openness to feedback is crucial for eliminating the risk of falling into False Pride.

Want to explore the consequences of ignoring this vital component? 

False Pride in Melissa



Dive into "Melissa," a gripping novel where a brilliant scientist's lack of feedback leads to monstrous results. Read more about "Melissa" on Our Webpage.



Do you want to share Your thoughts? Share them on Goodreads, or Amazon!



Most of the Images were generated by NightCafe.


#FalsePride #SelfAwareness #Humility #Compassion #OpennessToFeedback #Collaboration#Success #ATTLabs #NetflixPrize #Algorithm #Feedback #Teamwork #PersonalGrowth #LearningFromOthers #OvercomingChallenges #EgoFree


Sunday, September 15, 2024

"Melissa": A Haunting Exploration of Grief, Science, and the Supernatural


"This book was really good. The author was very descriptive throughout the entire book. This did give me pet cemetery vibes." - Reviewer Erin S.


A Thrilling Exploration of the Afterlife

"Melissa" is a novel blending horror, suspense, and spiritual exploration. It follows Nathan, a brilliant scientist pushed to the brink by personal tragedy, as he grapples with the boundaries between life and death.

Beyond Pet Sematary


"Pet Sematary": Death isn't the end

While it may evoke comparisons to Stephen King's "Pet Sematary," "Melissa" forges its own distinctive path. Rather than focusing solely on horror elements, it delves deep into spiritual and ethical territories. The story explores Nathan's journey from scientific hubris to a profound spiritual awakening.

Ethics, Grief, and the Human Condition

Explore Life After Death in "Melissa"

"Melissa" strikes a delicate balance between cutting-edge science and weighty moral considerations. This approach allows for a complex examination of human actions in the face of grief and loss. Throughout the narrative, readers are challenged to contemplate the nature of life, death, and the soul.

A Supernatural Journey of Faith, Free Will, and Consequences


Science Vs Supernatural 

Ultimately, "Melissa" provides a unique blend of suspense, spirituality, and philosophical inquiry. It offers a thought-provoking exploration of faith, free will, and the consequences of human ambition, setting it apart in the realm of supernatural fiction.

Reader Reviews: Love It or Leave It?


"Love can make you do crazy things! Thank you to Jacklyn A. Lo for an arc copy of this great book!" - Reviewer Ali O.

"A must-read for anyone who has ever grappled with loss." - Reviewer GhostDragon

If you're a fan of gripping suspense, thought-provoking themes, and a touch of the supernatural, "Melissa" is a must-read.

Ready to delve into Nathan's haunting journey? 

Visit Our Melissa Webpage 

"Melissa" Webpage

Or 

Grab your Free copy of 'Melissa' on Kindle Unlimited

Note: 

* All images were generated by NightCafe AI




Sunday, September 8, 2024

"Melissa" is FREE Today! 👻😱🚀💔🆓

Dive into a Dark Journey of Love, Loss, and Monstrous Consequences: "Melissa" is FREE Today!


Dare to enter a world of darkness and despair. 😱 

Calling all fans of dark fantasy, horror, and science fiction! 👻😱🚀

Jacklyn A. Lo's chilling novella, "Melissa," is FREE on Kindle today (September 8th)!

Your review matters! Help others discover this thought-provoking exploration of ambition, faith, and the delicate balance between scientific progress and human morality.

Don't miss this opportunity to experience this captivating storytelling for FREE! Download your copy of "Melissa" today and join Nathan on his desperate struggle for redemption.


A chilling tale of love, loss, and the monstrous. 👻 

Here's what awaits you in "Melissa":

  • A chilling blend of dark fantasy, horror, and science fiction.
  • A captivating story of love, loss, and the consequences of unchecked ambition.
  • A complex protagonist driven by both scientific curiosity and unwavering love.
  • A suspenseful narrative that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
  • A thought-provoking exploration of life, death, faith, and science.

Ready to dive into the darkness?

Download your FREE copy of "Melissa" on Kindle today!


Read Melissa for free 🆓📚


😍 Loved the book? Reviews help others discover it! 👼🦸‍♀️🔥


👉 Goodreads Reviews

🙏 P.S. Thanks for reading! 
  - Jacklyn A. Lo  ✍️



#freebook #darkfantasy #scifi #horror #review #melissanovel #jacklynalo

Sunday, September 1, 2024

Why Pride? Part V. The Power of Compassion ❤️

Compassion. 😇


Following our pride, we are speeding up on our highways, and there is nothing inherently wrong with that. However, how can we stay stable and avoid veering off the path of True Pride towards arrogance, false pride, or hubris?

In previous parts of the article "Why Pride?", we discussed several safeguards, such as Self-Awareness and Humility, that can protect us from this risk. In Part V, we will delve deeper into another powerful buffer: Compassion.

Human compassion is a profound feeling of empathy and concern for the suffering of others. It involves a willingness to understand another person's pain, offer support, and take action to alleviate their suffering.

To better understand the interplay between true pride and compassion, let's explore real-world examples of individuals who have harnessed these qualities to make a positive impact.

 J.K. Rowling (Harry Potter)


A wizard's journey

After becoming a renowned author, J.K. Rowling used her platform to advocate for various charitable causes. Despite her immense literary success, she didn't succumb to false pride or narcissism. Instead, she remained committed to making a positive impact beyond her personal accomplishments.

Rowling established the Volant Charitable Trust, which supports multiple sclerosis research and works to alleviate social deprivation, particularly among women and children. She also co-founded Lumos, an international children's organization working to end the institutionalization of children worldwide.




In 2012, Rowling voluntarily dropped off Forbes' billionaire list due to her charitable giving. 

She stated, "You have a moral responsibility when you've been given far more than you need, to do wise things with it and give intelligently." 



This example showcases how true pride, when coupled with compassion, means using one's success to create positive change in the world.

True pride is often shared. When you achieve something, remember to lift others up and acknowledge their contributions. In contrast, false pride often involves belittling others to elevate oneself.

Taylor Swift


Taylor Swift, bringing her music to the people


After achieving stardom through her successful music career, Taylor Swift has made it a priority to use her platform and resources to support others.

In 2018, she launched the "Taylor Nation" program where she made donations to fans struggling with medical bills, student loans, and other financial hardships. Taylor didn't just celebrate her own successes but extended a compassionate hand to her supporters.


One of Taylor's Charities


Beyond that, she has made multi-million dollar donations to charitable causes like disaster relief efforts after the Nashville tornadoes and Louisiana floods. Swift said these acts weren't about gratifying her ego but coming from "an inherent humble perspective" to help others in need.

Her compassion isn't limited to grand gestures either. Swift is known for spending time with sick fans at hospitals, writing them letters of encouragement, and making their dreams come true through meet-and-greets.



These examples of J. K. Rowling and Taylor Swift showcase how true pride, when coupled with compassion, means sharing one's success and good fortune to uplift, support, and bring joy to others - without any need to belittle or elevate oneself above others. In the end, this helps us resist the touch of false pride.

Openness to feedback is another crucial tool for maintaining a healthy sense of pride. We shall cover this quality in the next part of this article.

Why Pride? A Skeptic's Perspective


Looking for evidence to back up claims?

As skeptics, we love to question things. We don't just accept what everyone else says. We want evidence to back up claims.

True Pride is a mix of qualities that skeptics can really get behind. It's about knowing yourself, being humble, caring about others, being open to feedback, and not comparing yourself too much to others.

These qualities go hand-in-hand with skeptical thinking. They encourage us to keep learning, try new things, and make a positive impact on the world. And we do it all while being honest and ethical.

By embracing True Pride, we show that being successful and doing the right thing can go together. We can thrive while still being critical thinkers and making decisions based on evidence.


Unchecked Ambition: How Pride Leads to Ruin in "Melissa"


Pride led to his downfall. Will you learn from his mistake?


For a compelling exploration of the dangers of unchecked pride, dive into my novel "Melissa." 

Follow the journey of Nathan, a brilliant but arrogant scientist whose ambition leads him to cross ethical boundaries in this thrilling sci-fi dark romance.

Exciting News: "Melissa" will be FREE on September 8th!


Grab your e-device and dive into Melissa!

Don't miss out on this opportunity to witness firsthand the destructive power of false pride and the importance of humility in scientific pursuits. Will Nathan learn to balance his ambition with humility before it's too late? Or will his pride lead to his downfall?

Special Offer:

  • Download "Melissa" for FREE on September 8th
  • Review the book for a chance to win a special gift!

How to Get Your Free Copy:

After Reading:

  • Share your thoughts in a review on Goodreads and Amazon
  • Use the hashtags #Melissanovel #SciFiRomance # SciFiHorror #JacklynaLo in your social media posts
  • Enter for a chance to win our reviewer giveaway!
Don't let this opportunity slip away! "Melissa" offers a unique blend of science fiction, romance, and philosophical exploration of pride and ambition.



Sign up now to receive a reminder on the Free Copy day: https://rbjal.com/melissa-sign-up

This novel serves as a practical illustration of the concepts discussed in this article, offering readers a chance to see the principles of True Pride (or the lack thereof) in action through a compelling narrative.


Thanks to AI

While some images were sourced from the internet, I would like to thank the NightCafe image generation tool for the images created for this post. I am also grateful to Bard/Gemini and Claude for their proofreading assistance.


#FreeBook #Giveaway #SciFiRomance #Booktok #Melissanovel





Sunday, August 25, 2024

Your Reviews Matter: Exclusive Rewards for 'Melissa' Readers


Hey everyone,

I'm reaching out to all of you who have already received an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of my novel, Melissa. I hope you've enjoyed diving into the story so far! 

As a reminder, your feedback is incredibly valuable to me. Your honest reviews will help to bring Melissa to a wider audience and support future projects.

Why Your Review Matters:

Your review can:
  • ✅ Help other readers decide if Melissa is for them.
  • 💡 Provide valuable feedback that I can use to improve future works.
  • 🚀 Increase the visibility of Melissa and its chances of success.

Exclusive Offers for Reviewers:

Time Travel Novel "Redemption"

To show my appreciation for your support, I'm offering the following exclusive rewards:

🎁🎉Early Bird Bonus: The first three reviewers to complete both Goodreads and Amazon reviews will receive a free paper copy of Melissa (available in mid-October).
📚⭐ For All Reviewers: All reviewers will receive a 20% discount on our companion e-book, Redemption, and an exclusive Melissa e-bookmark.


A Melissa e-bookmark
 

How to Review:

Visit Goodreads and Amazon.

Write your review, sharing your thoughts on the story, themes, and characters, particularly the remarkable transformations they undergo.

A Paperback of Melissa


How to Claim Your Rewards

✉️ After posting your review, please email me at jacklyn.betareaders@gmail.com with a link to your review. 
✅   I'll verify your review and send you instructions on how to claim your rewards.
🌟 For the early bird bonus, I'll reach out to the first three reviewers directly to arrange delivery of their paper copies.

Recent Review 🌟🌟🌟🌟:

"This is an intense and exciting story! 
I enjoyed the descriptiveness in the writing and thoroughness of the story. There's a mixture of faith/religion and science. 
I did feel like it was similar to Pet Cemetery, because it's a story of bringing a person back to life. 
But, overall, it is an enjoyable and fun read. I like the author's writing style too. 
Love can make you do crazy things!" - Alison O.

Launch Day Readers:

If you grabbed your free copy of "Melissa" on July 30th, your reviews are equally valuable! Please share your thoughts on Goodreads and/or Amazon.

The same rewards apply:
  • 🎁🎉 Early Bird Bonus: First three reviewers get a free paper copy (available mid-October)
  • 📚⭐ All reviewers: 20% off companion e-book "Redemption" + exclusive e-bookmark
  • Claim your rewards as described in the "How to Claim Your Rewards" section above

Thank You:

❤️📚🙏 Thank you again for your support and for taking the time to review Melissa. I can't wait to read your thoughts!




 ✍️Best,
Jacklyn A. Lo
Author of Melissa


Bonus:

🎁 As an added bonus, a free e-book of Melissa will be available for download on Amazon next week. We'll announce the exact start and end dates shortly.




Sunday, August 18, 2024

Love and Betrayal, Death and Destiny: Become a Beta Reader for 'Hamlet's Last Choice'

Shadows of Elsinore Castel

Shakespeare's "Hamlet" has captivated audiences for centuries with its tale of revenge and madness. But what if there was more to the story? 

What if Hamlet's relationship with Ophelia and his inner choices held the key to understanding the Prince of Denmark's true dilemma?

Hamlet's Last Choice


Their Date at Night


"Hamlet's Last Choice," a groundbreaking reimagining of the classic tragedy, is seeking beta readers to explore this tantalizing question. 

This novel promises to delve deep into the heart of Hamlet and Ophelia's romance, offering a fresh perspective on their ill-fated love story.

Why Become a Beta Reader?


United by the spirit of reading


As a beta reader, you'll be at the forefront of uncovering a new dimension to one of literature's most famous couples. 

Your insights will help shape a narrative that balances political intrigue with passionate romance, potentially changing how we view these iconic characters forever.

What's in it for You?


Hamlet vs Royal Court


By joining the Beta Readers Team, you'll receive:

  • A free e-book copy of "Hamlet's Last Choice," featuring evocative character sketches
  • Exclusive access to a sneak peek of the tragic prologue and the author's notes on why she wrote Hamlet's Last Choice
  • A signed e-book copy of the final published version (after posting your review on Goodreads)
  • A personalized Certificate of Appreciation
  • Be acknowledged by name in the "Thank You" section of the book
  • Priority access to future beta reading programs

About the Book


Over 400-years Old Story 

"Hamlet's Last Choice" blends historical fiction, psychological drama, and romance to explore the ultimate question: In a world of duty and revenge, can love prevail? 

Author Jacklyn A. Lo, known for her thought-provoking sci-fi works, now turns her pen to one of literature's most enduring love stories.


How to Apply


The Ghost of Hamlet the Father


Spots are limited for this unique opportunity to influence a reimagining of Hamlet and Ophelia's tale
To apply, simply fill out a short questionnaire by clicking HERE.

Join us for this Adventure!


Hamlet's Journey to Execution


Join us in unraveling the complex web of love, sacrifice and destiny that binds Hamlet and Ophelia. 
Your feedback could help craft a love story for the ages, set against the dark and dangerous backdrop of Elsinore's court.

Are you ready?


Are you ready to witness Hamlet's ultimate choice between love and death? 
Apply now by clicking this LINK and be part of this romantic revolution in classic literature! 

The Intrigues of Elsinore


#NewHamlet #booklover #bookworm #historicalfiction #psychologicaldrama #romance #betareaders #betareaderwanted #newrelease #shakespeare #hamlet #ophelia #elsinore #shakespearean #classicliterature #retelling #reimagined #jacklyn<bos>alo #scifi #author #applynow #getinvolved #shapethestory #loverevolution #readerswanted



Sunday, August 11, 2024

Redemption: Your Vote, Our Cover

A glimpse into a world beyond time

The results are in!

Thanks to your votes, here it is! Introducing the brand-new cover for the 10th-anniversary edition of REDEMPTION! 



The votes results: 


53,33% for the Right Image

46,67% for the Left Image

A big thank you to everyone who voted and helped shape this exciting new chapter in our sci-fi journey. Same unforgettable story, a fresh new look! 


Discover "Redemption" – now with a reader-chosen cover!


From the shackles of slavery to the intrigues of a royal court, one woman has defied the odds, choosing freedom, love, courage, and peace over personal safety. Now, as a brilliant AI executive, she stands at the precipice of a new reality.


Experience the magic!


With a chance at a seemingly perfect life at her fingertips, she makes a daring choice: to hope for a future beyond her wildest dreams. A future that requires her to relinquish everything she knows, including the love of a brilliant computer genius.

Is her lifelong pursuit of higher ideals enough to unlock the door to a realm beyond human comprehension?

Over 600 readers have already added the novel Redemption to their Goodreads "Want to Read" list.  



Join them in this mind-bending exploration of reincarnation, cutting-edge technology, and the eternal quest for redemption. 

Find the link to the Redemption novel on the Goodreads HERE.


Bonus Gift!

Enhance your digital reading experience with exclusive e-bookmarks (PDF & PNG) featuring both classic and modern covers. A thank you gift for our loyal readers.  


Exclusive e-bookmarks with Clickable Text ( PDF )


To get the Classic e-bookmark Click HERE

To get the Modern e-bookmark Click HERE


Experience 'Redemption' in your preferred format:

Get the eBook with the new cover on Amazon.


E-Book Format


Paperback Edition - Limited Stock


Grab a paperback with the classic cover while supplies last. Direct link Here!


🌟 Leave a review on Amazon or Goodreads 🌟

Enjoyed your journey through time with 'Redemption'? Your thoughts matter!

Your feedback helps other readers discover the story and supports independent authors. Every review, no matter how brief, makes a huge difference!

To leave a review on Amazon, click HERE.

To leave a review on Goodreads, click HERE.


Sharing stories

Thank you for being part of the 'Redemption' community!


#RedemptionNovel #NewCover #SciFi #TimeTravel