IF YOU EVER WANTED TO WRITE A BOOK OR HAVE A BOOK PUBLISHED, YOU MUST LISTEN TO THIS PODCAST

FastPencil is determined to change the publishing industry forever. You have to listen to this podcast to truly understand how authors are becoming more and more in control of what is getting published. No agents, no publishing house, no rejection. The advent of e-readers and online publishing companies like FastPencil are allowing writers to by pass all of the traditional methods. Write a book and puff, you can immediately have distribution on all of the e-readers. FastPencil was a concept a year ago and today they are the leaders in social self-publishing.

Founders Steve Wilson and Michael “Mash” Ashley spell out a lot of details about their business model and what changes are going to take place in the world of book publishing over the next five years. It is a lot to comprehend, so take it in small doses. Their concept is going to change how people write books, share books, illustrate, market and receive reviews and comments. This podcast is only the first installment. What’s Wow Now wants to get Steve and Mash back soon to give more that we couldn’t capture in the 10 minute interview.

What’s Wow Now also wants to take this opportunity to thank Seana Norvell of FortyThree for making this podcast happen. What’s Wow Now is a passion of Steve Greenberg and Lois Whitman. We are developing our blog site, whatswownow.com to be a solid resource for exciting and new developments in innovation. Interviews like this one will make our dream come true.

Steve Wilson

Michael “Mash” Ashley

Steve and I came up with the idea for What’s Wow Now because we often
talk about new innovations– who thought of them, how did the ideas come
about, how did they get executed, who helped with the financing and
finally what made them successful.

Each innovation, (product, software, or application) has a remarkable
story behind it even if it is not financially successful. We salute
everyone who has taken an idea and brought it to fruition. That is quite
an accomplishment in itself.

This blog is all about innovation. We are going to use text, video and
podcasts to bring you the most interesting news behind the scenes. We
want to deliver the stories no one else is necessarily talking about.

Steve is going to give you the technical or application viewpoint. I am
going to talk about the marketing side and what should be done to
promote the idea or concept. We will also both cover the finances to
get these products or ideas off the ground.

We finally have a forum for our chatter. Look forward to a lot of He
said, She said, too. We love to debate each other.

We look forward to your comments. Go easy on us. We are very sensitive

Loisw@hwhpr.com

917 822 2591

If you like the smell of cracking open a new book or the feel of flipping through the pages of real page turner, then you are NOT going to like this blog post. As an avid reader and the author of a book, I am truly sad to report that traditional books are dead.

Time of death has not been officially declared–but it will happen. Not tomorrow, but certainly in the next few years. The next generation of readers will find what we call “books” in museums right next to the typewriter and the printing press.

Whether you like it or not–the future is in e-readers. This is a category of tech devices that lets you read e-books. Right now the content for e-books comes mostly from traditional publishers–but soon authors will write their books and upload their content directly into e-readers and skip past the publishers. The economic model for book sales and publishing is about to change dramatically.

Publishing houses are already scrambling to find a place in the new world. I spoke to a good friend who works in publishing and she says most all of her colleagues know this is not a cliff hanger–they know how this story will end.

But not everyone sees this as a sad story. More than a dozen companies have or are in the process of developing e-readers. These companies recognize that e-readers will be big money and they want in. I had the opportunity to try out the two current leaders–Amazon’s Kindle 2 and Sony Reader PRS-700BC.

At first I fought the experience. I like traditional books. I like turning pages and using a book mark to see how far along I am in a book. Books feel good. That said, it wasn’t long before I started to appreciate the advantages of the e-readers and understand why the public will be embracing these devices.

First, for the traveler, they are light (about 10 oz), easy to carry around. You can get magazines and newspapers as well as books on most of these devices. They store so much information. Amazon’s Kindle can hold 1,500 books. And e-readers make economic and environmental sense. Traditional books use lots of paper, are often printed in China, then come to the US via ships, and head to bookstores on the back of trucks.

Here’s some background on Amazon’s Kindle 2 and Sony Reader PRS-700BC. Both are very similar and both use E-ink, which has a very print-like appearance and is not backlit like a computer monitor. The advantages of E-ink is that the e-readers use less power than a computer so they last longer on charge, they don’t get warm, and E-ink is easier on the eyes. The Sony Reader has a touchscreen and a non-touchscreen version. But the biggest difference between the Kindle and the Reader is how you download a book. Kindle uses Sprint’s EVDO wireless data network to search and download books, just about anywhere. Users of the Sony Reader have to plug into the USB port of their computer and then use the computers Internet connection to download books. The Sony method is a bit of a hassle but not a reason to turn it down.

I spend much of my life in airports and on planes. And as I people watch I’ve been doing an unofficial survey of this new technology. There’s no question I am seeing far more books than e-readers on the laps of the general public. Books still outsell e-readers. But I have noticed a shift. If you check out the passengers with “priority” status, those with the most miles, look at what they are reading. More and more of them are holding e-readers. There’s not a doubt in my mind that this trend will grow and some day soon traditional books will be the oddity.

So if you love books (like I do), take a few minutes to hold one, smell it, flip through its pages. Remember the experience–this way you’ll be able to tell your grandkids about it.

Being the “Innovation Insider” I am overwhelmed with information not only about innovative products—but also innovative procedures and concepts. For the past two years I’ve been seeing more and more advances that utilize our brainwave activity. Mattel recently released a “game” that has the participate strap on an electrode headset—then by learning to control your own brainwaves you can guide a little ball through a maze. No hands. Its incredible–I tried it out and found it fascinating.

Recently I had the opportunity to try out something called Brain State Training. This is a new technique that uses sort of a new improved biofeedback system to help treat anxiety, depression, substance abuse, even post traumatic stress syndrome. It has even been used to help dieters stick to a weight loss program.

Using the power of today’s PC’s this procedure takes biofeedback to a whole new level. No pain, the procedure is non-invasive. While stretched out in a very comfortable lounge chair, little electrodes were “glued” to my head and then I put on the headphones. The computer sense my brainwave activity and turns that activity into sounds. It literally taps into the music in your head. By listening to the sounds you passively optimize your brain activity.

It may sound a little too “new age” for some of you–but honestly I could feel the difference and that’s the ultimate test. I have not been through a full treatment program–I was just sampling it to see what the experience is all about–but I was impressed. Its a perfect example of using your own inner power to heal yourself.

I had my session in Miami at the Brain & Behavioral Institute of South Florida – www.bbisf.com –an interesting fact, this same office is offering FREE sessions to vets returning home from war with addiction issues or post traumatic stress syndrome. If you want more information on Brain State Training go to http://www.brainstatetech.com.

Check out the gadgets in this Home Tech segment–each one is a “game-changer” AND “game-changers” are news-worthy:

MicroFridge – $425.00
www.microfridge.com

Combo products have been around for a long time–but this Microwave-Refridge-Freezer combo with dual outlet charging station for tech accessories–saves energy and it can all be plugged into a single 110 outlet– the refrige-freezer actually turns off when the microwave is in use– its called Safe Plug Technology–perfect for small apartment, shop, dorm, bedroom, in-law apartment, garage, cabana, game room, den

Schlage Link System – $300 for starter kit
www.link.schlage.com

Easy to install home management system–receive text/email alerts when children arrive home–open door with cell phone from anywhere–add on features include wireless camera ($180), thermostat ($150) and more.

What sets this system apart is the price–starts at under $300–available at Radio Shack

Panasonic 360 Quick Iron – Under $50
www.panasonic.com/iron

Here’s its all about the new design of the sole-plate–no longer a triangle instead it has two points so it can iron in BOTH directions. Irons will never be the same again

LifeTone Alarm Clock – Under $180
www.lifetonesafety.com

This alarm clock “listens” for your smoke detector to sound, which triggers its own very loud alarm and bed shaker device. Standard smoke alarm sounds with 3100 Hz–when Lifetone hears that alarm it sounds with 520 Hz Square-wave alarm which has been proven to be most effective in waking people with hearing loss.

Tundra Fire Extinguisher Spray Can – $20
www.firstalert.com

This is the first truly easy to use fire extinguisher “spray”–sort of similar to an aerosol can. From First Alert–its effective on fabric, wood, cooking oil and electrical fires–compact and powerful the discharge is 4-times greater than traditional fire extinguishers

HydraBrush – Under $100
www.hydrabrush.com

A strange new electric toothbrush that brushes top-bottom-cheek-and tongue side of teeth–ALL AT THE SAME TIME– new design

Mouseless Touchscreen PC MSI Wind Top AE 1900 – $530-$590
www.msicomputer.com

This could be the beginning of the end for the beloved mouse. This PC has a touchscreen–no mouse needed–80% less power than trad PC, never more than 50 watts of power used–super quiet–sleek design

WebAround – Under $35
www.gadgetnation.net/store

Two nurses came up with this idea–a background for your webcam. No need to clean up your office before going on your webcam–webAround creates a clean neat background for your head shot. Perfect for your home, hotel, coffee shop– smart, huh?

Getting a product on national television is sometimes all about timing– in early October its all about Halloween

If you want more info on any of the gadgets in the segment–then check out these links:

- Webcaster Spiderweb Gun www.SpiritHalloween.com $49.99

- Talking Tree Decoration www.SpiritHalloween.com $34.99

- Power Scoop www.SpiritHalloween.com $9.99

- Pumpkin Party Carving Kit www.SpiritHalloween.com $9.99

- Dremel Pumpkin Carver www.PriceGrabber.com $26

- Lightning LED Strobe Light www.PumpkinMasters.com $4.99

– The Animated Ominous Eyes www.Hammacher.com $39.95

- iChime www.iChime.com $89.95

- Haunted Doorbell www.SpiritHalloween.com $7.99

- The Remote Controlled Tarantula www.Hammacher.com $29.95

- Floating Witch’s Broomstick www.SpiritHalloween.com $39.99

- Stud Finder www.GeneralTools.com $25-$35

- Kids Safety Flashlight www.PumpkinMasters.com $3.99

- Costume Reflectors www.PumpkinMasters.com $2.99

Larry Richenstein

In this day and age, says angel investor Larry Richenstein, founder and CEO of Peak Ventures, you should only invest in innovative companies you truly understand and appreciate.

“This is not the kind of market where you just roll the dice. Stick to one or two categories, research the heck out of them, and pick the companies that you feel have the best potential to make it. When I met the creator of Centrl, I knew that location-based social networking had a great future. I wanted to be a part of it.”

Centrl’s new web and mobile application broadcasts the user’s location to his or her friends, help users find coupons, restaurants, bars, gas stations, general points of interest, real estate, or events by pulling information from Yelp, Citysearch, Wikipedia and other sites (Centrl calls these sites “layers”). It’s also possible for users of the web version to contribute and share content, for example by marking a certain place on a map, uploading a picture of it, adding a comment and posting a link to Twitter (mobile app users can do this, too). Centrl then automatically creates a profile page users can view and place comments on www.centrl.com.

Click above to hear Richenstein explain more about how to find an angel investor, when to know you are ready for an angel investor and how to present your business model. Richenstein has been on both sides of the investment platform. He spent the better part of his career as an entrepreneur and owner of innovative product companies in the consumer electronics field. He was a pioneer in the wireless business and bought and sold companies. One of his last companies he sold is Unwired, which is still a major CES exhibitor. Because he has done it all, he gives great tips in this broadcast.

I’m back on the road again–this time showcasing the latest and greatest in HOME TECH
I’ll be in NYC, Chicago, SanFran, Seattle, Wash DC, Philly and more–
IF you should happen to miss the segment or see the segment and want more info on any of the products–well check out the info below– it should help you out:

HOME TECH PRODUCT LIST

MicroFridge $425.00 www.microfridge.com
Combo Microwave-Refridge-Freezer–and dual outlet charging station for tech accessories–saves energy and can be plugged into a single 110 outlet–perfect for small apartment, shop, dorm, bedroom, in-law apartment, garage, cabana, game room, den

Schlage Link System $300 for starter kit www.link.schlage.com
Easy to install home management system–receive text/email alerts when children arrive home–open door with cell phone from anywhere–add on features include wireless camera ($180), thermostat ($150) and more. Available at Radio Shack

Panasonic 360 Quick Iron under $50 www.panasonic.com/iron
Makes ironing fun (well, maybe less like work)– works in all directions–new shape–cuts ironing time by up to 25%–has built in recess to make ironing around buttons easier–steam around total iron area–can also use vertically as steamer–if no motion it automatically shuts off

LifeTone Alarm Clock Under $180 www.lifetonesafety.com
This alarm clock “listens” for your smoke detector to sound, which triggers its own very loud alarm and bed shaker device. Standard smoke alarm sounds with 3100 Hz–when Lifetone hears that alarm it sounds with 520 Hz Square-wave alarm which has been proven to be most effective in waking people with hearing loss.

Tundra Fire Extinguisher Spray Can $20 www.firstalert.com
This is the first truly easy to use fire extinguisher “spray”–sort of similar to an aerosol can. From First Alert–its effective on fabric, wood, cooking oil and electrical fires–compact and powerful the discharge is 4-times greater than traditional fire extinguishers

This time my anchor/host FACE OFF CHALLENGE will be over Electric Toothbrushes
Two electric toothbrushes both around $70— anchor/host must guess which one consumers loved (#1 pick) and which one they wanted to give the brush-off? (Bottom 10%)

–Philips Sonicare Essence 5500 Sonic Toothbrush w/Quadpacer
http://www.buzzillions.com/reviews/philips-sonicare-essence-5500-sonic-toothbrush-quadpacer-reviews

VS.

–Oral-B Pulsonic Toothbrush
http://www.buzzillions.com/reviews/oral-b-pulsonic-toothbrush-1-ea-reviews

HydraBrush Under $100 www.hydrabrush.com
A strange new electric toothbrush that brushes top-bottom-cheek-and tongue side of teeth–ALL AT THE SAME TIME– I will demo this

Mouseless Touchscreen PC MSI Wind Top AE 1900 $530-590 www.msicomputer.com
No mouse needed–80% less power than trad PC, never more than 50 watts of power used–super quiet–sleek design

WebAround Under $35 www.gadgetnation.net/store
No need to clean up your office before going on your webcam–webAround creates a clean neat background for your head shot

Gadget Nation: A Journey Through The Eccentric World of Invention Under $20 GadgetNation.net
No tour is complete without a Gadget Nation plug