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The bestselling author, producer and award-winning screenwriter has had first-hand experience in positively bringing stories to life, with his own life story serving as a catalyst for this project. After spending years in and out of jails and rehabs while battling drug addiction, Hammond was sentenced in Riverside County Superior Court Oct. 30, 1997 for selling or furnishing a controlled substance (marijuana) and possession of a firearm. He served 11 months in prison and a year of parole before being discharged on Christmas Day in 1999. After what he calls “seeing the Light,” Hammond transformed his life, committed himself to public service, and received a full pardon from Cal. Gov. Jerry Brown on Easter 2013. Hammond’s book release couldn’t have come at a better time – it’s in line with recent headline-grabbing event that serves to demonstrate how the simple act of telling stories has the power to heal and save lives. Everybody has a story to tell, and no matter how insignificant people think their stories may be, honesty is the best policy. It’s true-life struggles and tiny victories that come with those struggles that make the best stories – harnessing the true, life-altering power of a story. Antoinette Tuff, a front office worker at Ronald E. McNair Discovery Learning Academy, serves to demonstrate the most basic of human instincts yearning to come forth. Her story and the burning desire to tell it had to be found under the most trying of all circumstances – a gunman breaking into the school to kill and her persuading him to call off the attack and turn himself in. How was Tuff able to do it? She did it through the power of story – narrating her struggles in life to the gunman, sharing the experiences and emotions that he could actually relate to. Transformed by Writing: How to Change Your Life and Change the World with the Power of Story is definitely a must-read for anyone looking to learn something about themselves – something they might not have known and indeed those who want to be transformed by writing and change their lives and the world with the power of story. It’s true that positive and enlightening news is difficult to come by lately – especially with news headlines riddled with negative, deeply disturbing and sad news. Although it’s probably accurate, the media paints a bleak picture of sad stories people have to share. Hammond, on the other hand, is trying to turn the negative stories into something positive. The inspirational author recently talked about his new book and said, “Perhaps your desire is to leave a lasting legacy for your friends and family or you simply feel the need to share your personal testimony or message with the world". Whatever the reason, there is no better way to share your experiences and communicate your innermost feelings than doing it through the power of story. As poet Maya Angelou says, “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” After all, the deepest and most lasting memories are made through sharing stories. What’s your story? About Robert Hammond: Robert Hammond, a bestselling author, producer and award-winning screenwriter, holds an MFA in Creative Writing. Hammond has enjoyed a significant amount of success through many of his published books, and is currently seeking to maintain the same high standards with his newest book, Transformed by Writing: How to Change Your Life and Change the World with the Power of Story. The literary consultant and college professor develops projects for television and film, including the forthcoming Cecil B. DeMille biopic based on his novel. Hammond’s previous books include The Light and Ready When You Are: Cecil B. DeMille’s Ten Commandments for Success and he is often featured as a talk show host on personal transformation, creativity and Hollywood history. Hammond’s ultimate mission is to help others discover their inner light, giving them a platform to share their stories with the world. Robert Hammond Consulting http://roberthammondconsulting.com/ info@newwaypress.com
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