Sticks and Stones by Ace Collins

ABOUT THE BOOK:

With earthy wisdom, simple action points and his trademark gift for storytelling, bestselling author Ace Collins shows how—and why—to make the words used each day count. From a friendly hello, to a handwritten thank-you note, to a thoughtful phone call, words can have a positive impact in a negative world.Of the roughly thirty-thousand words spoken by most people every day, Collins challenges readers to imagine if just a handful of them could save a life or heal a broken heart or inspire a vision that would shape the course of history. He urges that today is an opportunity to speak—or write—words of incalculable potential for good.

With simple action points and colorful stories, this inspiring book will help weed out sticks-and-stones negativism and unleash the surpassing, life-giving, destiny-shaping power of positive words.

What does it take for words to make a difference?

Perhaps a simple thank-you letter or an encouraging email, a simple hello, a thoughtful phone call, a note written on the back of a family photograph — the possibilities are endless. Sticks and Stones shows the power and importance of words and how to use the right words to have a positive impact beyond anything you can imagine.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Ace Collins is the writer of more than sixty books, including several bestsellers: Stories behind the Best-Loved Songs of Christmas, Stories behind the Great Traditions of Christmas, The Cathedrals and Lassie: A Dog’s Life. Based in Texas, he continues to publish several new titles each year. He has appeared on scores of television shows, including CBS This Morning, NBC Nightly News, Good Morning America and Entertainment Tonight, along with appearances on CNN and MSNBC. Visit http://acecollins.com.

Where did you get the idea for the book?

Sticks and Stones is really my philosophy for living. It is something I have learned from people who have been placed in my life over the years. These ideas are what have sustained me through the lean times and make me happy now. Hence I thought what I had learned from others about the power of words might be something others would like to know.

What are the major themes of the book?

I once heard that folks use about 30,000 words a day in either written or oral form. It dawned on me that most of those words have either no impact or make a negative impact. In a world filled with people using words to cut others down, I opted to create a book that encouraged what I feel everyone should do — which is use our language to lift people up.

What kind of research did you have to do for the book?

In truth, not much. The stories in this book were accumulated over years of my experiences. My wife often says “Ace can find a hero every day and anywhere.” I constantly look for people who are inspirations and when I discover someone doing something really special, I try to find out what drives their actions. Those observations are in this book.

Why do you think we need to be intentional with our words?

If you don’t think about what you say, more often than not your words will either hurt others or will be quickly forgotten. Either one of those things represents a lost opportunity to make this world a better place. And we need more people involved in bringing light to this dark planet. I think that is what God would want us to do!

What do you hope readers will take away from your book?

I pray that they realize they do change the world with their words and actions. It all starts with how we talk to ourselves. So if they only read one chapter and learn one lesson, I hope they learn to see and then speak to themselves as if they are someone very important, because in my eyes and God’s eyes they are that and so much more.

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