Sandra Carrington-Smith is a mother, writer, life coach, blogger and self-titled "life observer," currently living in Raleigh, North Carolina, with her husband, three children, an oversized cat and a goldfish.
A native of Italy, with poetry published there as a young adult, Sandra grew up in a fascinating environment: her father is a devout Catholic, her mother a Voodoo priestess, her maternal grandmother a Strega witch (a centuries-old practice of Italian witchcraft), and her paternal grandmother a Christian healer. Although these paths are often perceived as being at odds with one another, Sandra realized at an early age how similar they are; she learned to travel through life with an open mind, viewing her journey from multiple angles. This early lesson in perception has allowed her to create a full, diverse, loving life experience, and in turn offer guidance to those in search of the same.
It is Sandra's vast knowledge of Voodoo which makes her background even more fascinating. She has crafted her own path in the realms of a more elusive, secretive following of Voodoo, which made her uniquely qualified to write the intriguing novel, The Book of Obeah.
People from all backgrounds and life situations are naturally drawn to Sandra. Her blogs are read by people around the world, many of whom have contacted her requesting life-coaching sessions and inquiring as to where they can purchase her books! The blogs have been widely distributed locally; they have been used by ministers in their weekly sermons, and have also led to invitations to speak at various gatherings. At least one bestselling author, while at a local business establishment, had the opportunity to read the blogs, which are made available for the clientele.
Sandra combines the charming, worldly sophistication of Isabella Rossellini; the delightful, upbeat attitude of magickal-yet-practical mom, Samantha Stevens of Bewitched; the timeless, maternal wisdom of Olivia Walton; all flavored with a dash of Erma Bombeck's sensible humor.
A gifted speaker, teacher and networker, she has already developed many contacts through various affiliations, laying the foundation for a solid platform: writers' groups (which include local media), spiritual groups, self-help organizations, and dozens of online social networking venues.
Writing regular thought-provoking blogs has resulted in Sandra’s profile being significantly raised, with featured articles at DivineCaroline.com, a leading website for women (with an average of two million unique visitors per month), as well as regular features on a regional news network’s website. Please visit her main blogging site on WRAL at:http://www.wral.com/golo/profile/3446433/
Through her life and her work, Sandra has developed a consistent message: A shift in perspective can drastically alter one's perception of reality.
It is her mission to offer people ways to see the world differently, gently guiding them toward self-discovery and healing, encouraging them to create a more fulfilling, more joyful reality.

Check out Sandra's new line of "Obeah" merchandise! www.cafepress.com/wishables

Also, her profile is available on internet radio www.liveinternettalkradio.com and WRAL.com, at http://www.wral.com/golo/profile/3446433/

Please visit Sandra's new blog post on WRAL concerning sensory illusions:

http://www.wral.com/golo/blogpost/3748957/

Facing the monsters in the attic: http://www.wral.com/golo/blogpost/3937044/

The Book of Obeah (fiction/ spirituality/ unpublished) http://www.bookofobeah.com
Currently offered on Publishers Marketplace rights news and offerings by Krista Goering

Housekeeping for the Soul (non-fiction/ self-improvement) http://housekeepingforthesoul.com/
Currently offered on Publishers Marketplace rights news and offerings by Krista Goering

Sandra's birthday reflections: http://www.wral.com/golo/blogpost/3518399/

Poetry published in Italy as a young adult.
See full bio for further information.

Blogging sites: http://www.wral.com/golo/profile/3446433/

http://www.divinecaroline.com/member_workspace/article

http://sandracarrington-smith.blogspot.com/

TITLE: "THE BOOK OF OBEAH"
GENRE: Debut Novel
WORD COUNT: Approximately 91,000 words; finished
BOOK WEBSITE: http:www.bookofobeah.com
NOVEL TRAILER:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJPL1wqlV_Y
BLURBS FROM AUTHORS: "The Book of Obeah is a fascinating novel, poignant and mesmerizing from the first few pages until its climactic end. An emotional journey deep into the dark and haunting world of voodoo. A powerful book which will forever impact the reader." -Natalie Kimber
Operations Manager, Office of Scholarly and Literary Publications at Georgetown University.

"The Book of Obeah is a spellbinding read, laced with intrigue, ancient magic and modern day adventure. A refreshing original with a dose of New Orleans Voodoo sprinkled in, sure to capture the attention of all who are interested in secrets, mystery, romance and spiritual truths."
Cherie Lassiter, Spiritual Teacher, psychic, Tarot reader. http://cherielassiter.net/

DESCRIPTION: While fulfilling the final request of her departed Grandmama, Melody Bennet, a young professional raised in the genteel suburbs of North Carolina, is plunged into the clandestine world of an ancient West African religion – via the Louisiana bayou. In unearthing a mysterious religious manuscript, Melody collides with those seeking powers believed to be contained within the text, from The Vatican to individuals claiming it as their legacy. She accepts the task of safeguarding the book and finds lives are threatened, including her own, sometimes from unexpected directions. As her knowledge grows and perceptions shift, Melody's path is fused with that of the sacred book. She risks body and soul to protect both and, unbeknownst to her, secures the future of an esoteric, divine prophecy.
EXTRA INFO: Regarding content, societal impact, and impressive market potential, The Book of Obeah offers timely messages regarding current and historical events, and messages which address the interest in sophisticated spiritual novels. All are interwoven in an engaging, suspenseful narrative, with a likeable, sympathetic female protagonist. While The Book of Obeah stands on its own, the subplots lay the foundation for three other novels in this four-part series, all subtly moving toward the legendary Mayan Prophecy of 2012, already growing in media coverage. In addition, the manuscript referred to within the novel, the "book within a book," is foreseen to generate its own following which could be explored further. The Book of Obeah is a perfect publishing and film vehicle for a large, diverse audience, through which to partner with organizations working on the aftermath of Katrina, as well as Africa-American and African causes....raising awareness about perceptions affecting one's perspective.

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TITLE: HOUSEKEEPING FOR THE SOUL
Non-fiction/ Self-improvement
WORD COUNT: 46,200
BOOK WEBSITE: http://www.housekeepingforthesoul.com/
BLURBS FROM AUTHORS: "Housekeeping for the Soul carries its lovely, practical message with a lilting voice and eclectic viewpoint. The author helps us clear out some spiritual cobwebs and make our next 'spring cleaning' apply not to our homes but to the deepest part of ourselves." - Victoria Moran, author of Creating a Charmed Life
Victoria Moran, Motivational Speaker, Author, Certified Life Coach, www.victoriamoran.com

"Sandra Carrington-Smith 'brings home' the need to simplify and let go of psychological 'clutter' in order to be more fully present in our everyday lives. Housekeeping for the Soul overflows with important concepts presented in a style that is fresh and relatable. A unique, 'must read' debut from this eloquent author. "- S.T. Underdahl, Clinical Psychologist and Author of The Other Sister and Remember This

DESCRIPTION:Housekeeping for the Soul is an original: It is the first book to combine how-to, self-help and spiritual genres to address the needs of millions of readers as they strive to detach from the Culture of Chaos and embrace a life of balance. It is through inner harmony and balance that one may then create a meaningful, authentic reality. Housekeeping offers a refreshing new voice infused with common sense wisdom. With a down-to-earth approach, the reader is guided through the process of emotional healing and renewal of spirit through the familiar analogy of housekeeping: cleaning, organizing, and "airing out" our lives, room by room, task by task.
The messages are both timely and timeless, with profound relevance to contemporary life regardless of age, gender, and other demographic descriptors. By adulthood, most have accumulated enough emotional and physical clutter that inner housekeeping is in order. In addition to providing the necessary tools to work through the clutter and emotional residue, the reader is taught to recognize and prevent repetition of harmful patterns so that inner clarity can be maintained.
Anyone struggling as they make their way in today's world can greatly benefit from reading this book. Those who honestly and consistently lead lives without stress and with no physical or emotional clutter will be delighted to purchase copies as gifts for their friends and family. It appeals to a very large audience; indeed, the estimated 9 million regular viewers of The Oprah Winfrey Show are the same audience naturally drawn to Housekeeping.
Written in a conversational style, Housekeeping for the Soul focuses on the readers' emotional and spiritual needs in a universal, respectful manner. The practical approach appeals to the novice seeker and experienced self-help reader alike, with relevant anecdotes sprinkled throughout.
The readers are gently, though repeatedly, encouraged to consider other viewpoints and perspectives, introducing a path of endless possibilities. At the end of each chapter are positive reinforcing affirmations, as well as a section entitled "A Taste of the Spiritual Unknown," where the ageless wisdom of various spiritual traditions are offered as a means of seeing the world differently, opening one's mind and heart and thus opening to new potentials.
Housekeeping for the Soul provides a clear assessment and plan through an easy-to-follow, relatable narrative, guiding readers from all walks of life to see how they can connect to their innermost truths, form healthy relationships, and design a life in harmony with their soul's desires.
MARKETS:Test-marketing has shown that anyone over the age of 18 is a potential buyer of Housekeeping for the Soul, regardless of gender, education level and socioeconomic situation. There are approximately 200 million citizens in the United States over age 18, 70% of whom regularly purchase books. The current unstable economic climate lends itself to the publishing of spiritual self-help books, as people traditionally tend to "go within" during challenging times. The timeless, relatable subject matter and engaging writing style position Housekeeping as being a perennial bestseller, a perfect addition as a front-list and back-list title. Additionally, Housekeeping offers the following unique marketing aspects:
• Crossover potential with the ability to be displayed on the shelves of self-help, how-to, and spiritual sections, increasing exposure and longevity.
• Can be sold in consumer outlets beyond bookstores: home décor retail stores such as Bed, Bath, & Beyond and other home-oriented consumer outlets; gift stores; television shopping channels, especially in conjunction with a related product line. Given this potential, the possibility of merchandise based on the affirmations and other messages are a realistic revenue stream with Housekeeping (a deck of Housekeeping Wisdom Cards, home-related products imprinted with quotes from the book, gift items).
• Promotional partnerships. For example, partnering with a brand of "healthy" cleaning products, such as Clorox's new Green Works product line.
• Targeted marketing campaigns to relationship, self-help and other personal growth networking groups and professionals. This marketing potential is even greater with spin-offs which target niche markets.