Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein Announces The Formation of 'Authors Speaking', Designed To Bring Authors And Readers Together Through Virtual Visits

LONG BRANCH, NJ, May 04, 2011 (Press-News.org) Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein, nationally recognized author and positive psychologist and Don McCauley of the Free Publicity Focus Group announced today the formation of 'Authors Speaking', a social site dedicated to bringing authors and readers together.

'Authors Speaking' allows authors to make virtual visits to classrooms, libraries, bookclubs and bookstores through Skype and other forms of technology. Authors Speaking gives authors and publishers the opportunity to upload photos, bios, book covers, video and book trailers. The site also offers discussion forums, segmented special interest groups and allows for event listings. Each author can develop a personalized page. In addition the site allows for integration with Facebook and Twitter.

"The virtual world for authors, both fiction and non-fiction, and their audiences is not in the future," stated Dr. Holstein, "it is now. Technology, including video, via such systems as Skype, is the new way of learning and sharing. Now an author can share her picture book with a kindergarten class 3000 miles from her home while a Physics professor teaches from his latest book to students at computers around the world, all taking his seminar in the comfort of their homes or sitting in classrooms. 'Authors Speaking' is the connecting bridge we have all needed to bring the future into now. When Don McCauley and I began to conceptualize this site, I realized that we are on the cutting edge of change. Now there is one place, where authors can meet the increasing public demand to be ready virtually. Authors post videos of themselves talking or teaching, trailers of their books, and can keep the public informed about their upcoming engagements and activities."

Discussion forums are available for authors, teachers, librarians, book clubs, teens and tweens and bloggers. Special segmented groups are available for authors of fiction, non-fiction, children's fiction and children's non-fiction.

"Ibelieve this site offers a real opportunity for authors and publishers," stated Mr. McCauley, "as the site offers so many options, opportunities and possibilities. It can be treated as a place to create awareness of one's work while, at the same time, the site allows an author to visit a classroom, a library or a book club without incurring travel and other costs. All of this is very easy to set up and very easy to implement."

More information is available by visiting the 'Authors Speaking' site at http://www.AuthorsSpeaking.com. Questions about 'Authors Speaking' can be addressed to Dr. Holstein at drbarbara@enchantedself.com . Dr. Holstein is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below.

Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein, Positive Psychologist and Happiness Coach, is the creator of The Enchanted Self , a positive psychology method for increasing happiness. Dr. Holstein has been a school psychologist for over 25 years. She is in private practice in Long Branch, New Jersey with her husband, Dr. Russell M. Holstein.

Her pathfinder book 'The Enchanted Self, A Positive Therapy' was published in 1997 by Harwood Academic Publishers and is now in its second printing through Brunner-Routledge. Her second book 'Recipes for Enchantment, The Secret Ingredient is YOU!' has received rave reviews as a wonderful inspirational story book. 'DELIGHT', Dr. Holstein's third book is available in two versions, paperback and a CD-rom that includes music, art, and Dr. Holstein's voice.

Her book, 'The Truth, (I'm a girl, I'm Smart and I Know Everything)' is a first in positive psychology. It is a fiction book for girls, tweens and teens.

Her second book in The Truth Series is Secrets: You Tell Me Yours and I'll Tell You Mine...maybe!' All books are available at the author's websites below, online booksellers and stores nationwide.