In Detail With Nikki Leigh

This Blog Content Has Been Moved - Update Below

2009-01-24T18:41:00.001-08:00

This blog has been moved along with quite a few other blogs. The complete list of my promotional blogs and the links are listed below.

Update January 23, 2009 - I have made some major changes to the blogs I'm offering and I am updating this list to reflect those changes. These changes should make it easier to find information and give additional exposure to every one who submits information about their books and themselves.

ANY published author is welcome to submit these questions and answers to promote their books. To use any of these blogs - click on the link, click on "how to submit" in the top corner of the blog and follow the instructions. I ask that you send the questions and answers as an RTF file. It is also good to send a jpg file of your book cover - no PDF files for the cover art. When you complete the interview, send to nikki_leigh22939@yahoo.com with the interview title in the subject line and I will add you to the list for that blog.

I have divided the blog lists for fiction and non fiction books to make it easier to find the ones you need. I've added several new blogs lately - so if you've been here before - there are some new options.

Two quick updates -

The print edition of Book Promo 101 is complete and available. The print book is oversize 8" x 10" and the layout is gorgeous. The manuscript for Book Promo 201: Promote Online With Web 2.0 is with my publisher and will be available in early 2009 -- there will be updates posted. If you would like details about the contents of this book, visit http://www.nikkileigh.com/book_promo_201.htm

I offer a wide array of promotional services to authors. Feel free to take a look at the possibilities and contact me with questions. If you are interested in something that you don't see listed, let me know and we can talk. For a list of these services visit - www.nikkileigh.com/promo.htm

I offer a wide assortment of virtual book tour options and the current list is located at http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/04/virtual-blog-tour-options.html - there are a number of options and price ranges or we can talk about other options. I'm also planning to add more services in late winter and early spring 2009. If you would like to be added to my mailing list to get the latest updates, send me a message at nikki_leigh22939@yahoo.com

Promotional Blogs for Fiction Books

Share your furry writing companions - http://authorpromotion.blogspot.com
How to Submit - http://authorpromotion.blogspot.com/2009/01/how-to-submit-information-about-author.html

http://itsallinthesetting.blogspot.com/ - Details about story setting.
How to Submit – http://itsallinthesetting.blogspot.com/2007/07/its-all-about-setting.html

Animals in Your Book - http://fictionalcharactersindepth.blogspot.com/

How to Submit - http://fictionalcharactersindepth.blogspot.com/2008/05/how-to-submit-your-book.html

Villains in your book.- http://fictionalcharactersindepth.blogspot.com
How to Submit – http://fictionalcharactersindepth.blogspot.com/2007/07/how-to-submit_7729.html

Heroine in your book.- http://fictionalcharactersindepth.blogspot.com
How to Submit - http://fictionalcharactersindepth.blogspot.com/2007/07/how-to-submit_134.html

Hero in your book.- http://fictionalcharactersindepth.blogspot.com
How to Submit - http://fictionalcharactersindepth.blogspot.com/2007/07/how-to-submit.html

Best Friend - http://fictionalcharactersindepth.blogspot.com
How to Submit - http://fictionalcharactersindepth.blogspot.com/2007/07/how-to-submit_28.html

Share Book Details - http://authorpromotion.blogspot.com
How to Submit – http://authorpromotion.blogspot.com/2007/09/how-to-submit.html

http://frombookstomovies.blogspot.com/ - From Books to the Movies
If a movie was made about your book, which actors and actresses would play the main characters? This is your chance in case a movie of your book and it can be a lot of fun.
How to Submit – http://frombookstomovies.blogspot.com/2007/08/how-to-submit.html

Interview a Male Character - http://fictionalcharactersindepth.blogspot.com
How to Submit - http://fictionalcharactersindepth.blogspot.com/2007/11/how-to-submit_6392.html

Interview a Female Character - http://fictionalcharactersindepth.blogspot.com
How to Submit - http://fictionalcharactersindepth.blogspot.com/2007/11/how-to-submit_1859.htm

In Detail With Nikki Leigh - http://authorpromotion.blogspot.com
Give potential readers more information about you and your background.
How to Submit – http://authorpromotion.blogspot.com/2007/09/how-to-submit.html

http://currenteventsinbooks.blogspot.com/- Can you tie a topic or element from your book with current events? This is the place to submit them. Send them to me and I'll review them.
How to Submit - http://currenteventsinbooks.blogspot.com/2008/08/how-to-submit.html

Do you have interesting promotional ideas and suggestions that you would like to share with other authors? http://authorpromotion.blogspot.com

How to Submit - http://authorpromotion.blogspot.com/2008/08/how-to-submit-your-promotional.html

http://judgebookbycover.blogspot.com/ - Share your book cover.
How to Submit – http://judgebookbycover.blogspot.com/2007/07/judge-book-by-its-cover.html

http://startatbeginning.blogspot.com/ - Share your First Chapter
How to Submit – http://startatbeginning.blogspot.com/2007/07/how-to-submit.html

Promotional Blogs for Non-Fiction Books

Share Book Details - http://authorpromotion.blogspot.com
How to Submit – http://authorpromotion.blogspot.com/2007/09/how-to-submit.html

Share your furry writing companions - http://authorpromotion.blogspot.com
How to Submit - http://authorpromotion.blogspot.com/2009/01/how-to-submit-information-about-author.html

Animals in Your Book - http://fictionalcharactersindepth.blogspot.com/

How to Submit - http://fictionalcharactersindepth.blogspot.com/2008/05/how-to-submit-your-book.html

Before I Was Published - http://authorpromotion.blogspot.com
Tell us about what you did before you were published and especially include anything that relates to your books and your writing.
How to Submit - http://authorpromotion.blogspot.com/2008/02/tell-us-your-story.html

http://currenteventsinbooks.blogspot.com/- Can you tie a topic or element from your book with current events? This is the place to submit them. Send them to me and I'll review them.
How to Submit - http://currenteventsinbooks.blogspot.com/2008/08/how-to-submit.html
Do you have interesting promotional ideas and suggestions that you would like to share with other authors? http://authorpromotion.blogspot.com

How to Submit - http://authorpromotion.blogspot.com/2008/08/how-to-submit-your-promotional.html

http://judgebookbycover.blogspot.com/ - Share your book cover.
How to Submit – http://judgebookbycover.blogspot.com/2007/07/judge-book-by-its-cover.html

http://startatbeginning.blogspot.com/ - Share your First Chapter

How to Submit – http://startatbeginning.blogspot.com/2007/07/how-to-submit.html

I reserve the right to refuse to post any submissions, but so far I haven't needed to turn anyone away. I did edit a couple of first chapters to maintain a PG-13 rating for my visitors. That could be one of the reasons why some have such a long waiting list. All the blogs are listed on my Blogger profile which is located at - www.blogger.com/profile/00985309338453728557.

Nikki Leigh
Author of the Book Promo 101 Series
www.nikkileigh.com/book_promo_101.htm
Author Promotional Services - www.nikkileigh.com/promo.htm

In Detail With Mary Fagan

2009-01-24T14:22:00.000-08:00

Title: AMMANON Book One, The Prophecy

Author: Mary Fagan

What inspired the book?

Good question! I’ve been writing books in my head, chapter by chapter, for 30 years or more – probably to escape the frustrations of motherhood! I have no idea where this particular story came from. When it started floating around in my daydreams we were well past the Cecil B. DeMille era and still a ways from the onset of Rome, Gladiator, Alexander the Great, Troy, and the like. I guess I was just in the mood for adventure, intrigue, romance and high drama and it played out in this sort of ancient Mediterranean-like setting.

What makes this book special to you?

Because when I was finally at a point in my life when I could sit down and write this was the first story to come pouring out of me. It’s an emancipation book, if you will; the relief and fulfillment of finally releasing this long pent-up urge to write. It was like I was finally doing what I was supposed to do.

What makes this a book that other people MUST read and WHY?

I’d be the last one to call it the obligatory “must read”! Any resemblance to actual relevance, living or dead, is purely coincidental! I have no agenda. None. All I ever knew were people out there doing good: ministers, missionaries, social workers, and community activists of every description. But me? Frankly, I just couldn’t get the hang of it. I didn’t meet the intellectual criterion. I couldn’t do it right. I’m the only one I know who could botch a sit-in. You’ll get no social commentary from me!

What people NEED to read this book and WHY?

Ah! Now we’re getting to the meat of it. Who needs it? Anyone who needs to get away. This is pure escapist fare. Be transported to another world. Meet exciting people you can believe and relate to. Lose yourself in the compelling drama of their adventures.

What sparks your creativity? Any tips to help others spark their own creativity?

My “spark” is simply the driving need to write. I’ve been asked to speak to a group of 4^th graders who hate to write. I’m still planning my strategy, but I think the first thing I’ll do is ask each kid what turns him or her on. The trick is to just describe it with whatever words leap to mind. Tell me about it. Get excited about it. Spill it out and worry about structure later.

What has been the biggest stumbling block in your writing? Can you share some tips to help others get past similar problems?

My biggest stumbling block is not wanting to do anything else! Oh, I get my housework done and even cook occasionally. But I’d be so happy just to sit up here at my computer writing and researching. (My poor neglected husband!) BUT you can get awfully stale that way. If you want to keep your characters fresh and real you gotta get out there once in a while. Call your friends. Attend a gathering. Connect.

What do you think motivates people to become authors? What motivated you to get into this unusual industry?

I wish it was more unusual! I can’t find the Bowker statistic, but there are hundreds of thousands of books published annually.

The non-fiction author has something to say; something that needs saying. We fiction types are basically dreamers and storytellers. I’d be more interested to know what motivates us to tackle the publishing process! My reason was, after several years of hammering the keyboard; I saw that what I’d done was good. My sister, daughter and a friend agreed and kept at me until I did. There’s no feeling in the world like holding your first published book in your hands!

Tell me about the most unusual things you have done to promote any books?

Well, my husband came up with the idea of wandering through various bookstores or book sections and furtively placing copies on the shelves. I suppose it might generate interest, but if the retailer accosted my publisher I doubt he’d be amused.

FICTION - If there is a setting, tell us how you decided on that setting and what you did to create a complete and vivid setting for your readers?

I really didn’t decide the setting. It just came with the story! I started with sort of a teaser in the Prologue, describing details of the palace, the picturesque, cypress-lined road leading up to it, and the columned walkway by the sea just as incidental to the action.

But Chapter One opens with the morning sun sliding over the Sarrian Sea until it meets the rugged, black granite cliffs of Ephaeleon, the capital city of Ammanon. We follow the light as it finds the graceful white columns at the top, spreads across the Thoroughfare and starts up the tiers of the colorful city sprawling over the bluffs. I describe the tangy sea breeze spiced with cedar and juniper, the lapping waves, the seabirds, and the awakening flowers. The sun catches the white temple as a blaze of light; ditto the palace on its promontory. Then I figure the reader has had enough and hit the action again.

FICTION - What inspires you about the hero or heroine in your book? What makes them memorable for the reader? What motivates the hero and/or heroine? You can include information about both if you want.

The hero, Emperor Galan, is a marvel of mind and muscle. He is a giant among giants (Ephaeleons are the largest race in this world) and a fierce warrior. Fortunately, thanks to the determination of his father and priest, the prideful prince gains wisdom, insight and concern for his people before he is crowned.

The heroine, Eydain, inspires me because she is smart! She has studied in different countries and speaks many languages. She does tend to lose confidence, though, when she comes into conflict with the huge and fearsome emperor. What is most remarkable about her is that she can admire his qualities as a ruler in spite of the way he treats her. She has the ability to live in the present; to set aside the baggage and enjoy those moments when they do get along.

FICTION - Is there a villain or something that causes friction in your story? Tell us about what or who it is and how that contributes to the story. Any details about conflict and friction is good information to know.

The villain is King Niklos II of the tiny sovereign state of Partha. The Empire of Ammanon has always ignored them since the Parthans are mostly scholars and artisans and pretty much keep to themselves. Niklos, however, is so full of his own cleverness he sets out to bring down the armed might of Ammanon by wits alone. Good adjectives here are “sly”, “devious”, “wily”, “arrogant”, and, yes, “evil.” He covertly raises havoc until Eydain, who understands Parthan culture from her studies there, begins collecting clues.

If there's anything else you would like to share, this is the time and place.

I have to say I’m impressed by these questions. They’re intelligent and inspire interesting, conversational answers. You should train TV interviewers. Don’t you just cringe whenever you hear that mindless, insipid “Gee, Coach, how do feel about that last touchdown?”

By the way, I should not have registered as a follower. I mean, I am, but I’m not blog-savvy enough yet to fill in the info. How do I get myself out of there?

Thank you for visiting with me and in closing, give us your website address and a link to order your book.

My websites: www.ammanontheseries.com www.maryfaganbooks.com and the publisher’s site: http://www.eloquentbooks.com/AmmanonTheProphecy.html

AMMANON BOOK ONE - THE PROPHECY

An Epic and Spellbinding Tale of Good Versus Evil Welcome to Ammanon, the largest and most influential of all the nations surrounding the Sarrian Sea.

In Mary Fagan’s opening epic, Ammanon Book One – The Prophecy, a heroine and an
emperor race against time to rescue the great empire from a dire demise.

The threat arises in the tiny sovereign state of Partha. Sly and prideful King Niklos sets out
to prove he can defeat mighty Ammanon with cleverness and intellect alone. Meanwhile, an
unsuspecting Emperor Galan has all but forgotten a prophecy made early in his youth: that
in the seventh month of the seventh year of his reign, a woman would come to his side to save Ammanon from peril.

Now the time of fulfillment is past, and Galan is receiving alarms from a translator who has uncovered a plot to assassinate him. Where is this woman of the prophecy?

The woman is the translator, Eydain. When they finally meet, the lonely emperor finds that Eydain knows nothing of the prophecy and would rather run than wed. Bitterly he forces her to marry as his captive. The two now struggle with each other as well as the elusive King Niklos who will stop at nothing to overthrow the great Galan.

With so much against them can Galan and Eydain fulfill the prophecy or will Ammanon be destroyed? Fagan is a master of storytelling—her characters come to life with vivid, descriptive narration and sharp dialogue. This classic tale of good against evil with heart-pounding action will have you hooked from the very first page.

Publisher’s website: www.eloquentbooks.com/AmmanonTheProphecy.html

About the Author:

Mary Fagan is now a fulltime writer. Ms. Fagan worked in media and communications
during much of her career and worked in the information technology division at United
Space Alliance. Later, working at the University of Houston, she gave in to her muse and the
five books of Ammanon were born. She is currently working on a science fiction novel and a
nonfiction book about her experience as a caregiver for her parents. Mary Fagan lives with
her husband in Friendswood, Texas.

For media inquiries, appearances, or other publicity — please contact:
Miranda Spigener, Director of PR/Publicist 832-452-6068, PR1@strategicbookmarketing.com.
AEG Publishing Group, Inc.
845 Third Avenue, 6th floor-6016 – New York, NY 10022
http://www.Strategicbookpublishing.com - http://www.EloquentBooks.com - http://www.StrategicBookMarketing.com
1-888-808-6190 - Corporate Office
###

In Detail with Doris Roper, Author of WAKE UP Your Life

2009-01-10T14:09:00.000-08:00

Tell us the book title and your author name.

WAKE UP your life! A woman’s guide to real personal power.

What inspired the book?

I had been married less than two years when my husband and I moved to a town near the coast in South Africa. We were social tennis players and joined the local and only tennis club in town. We became friends with another couple and spent our weekends playing games and socializing with them. During this time my husband, *Tom, fell in love with the woman, *Candy and in the midst of trying to decide what to do about it, I fell pregnant with my first child and the decision was made to continue with the marriage.

More than five years later, the marriage ended in a very difficult divorce and I entered my next major relationship with *Dick. Two years into this relationship, I discovered that he was cheating on me with Candy. I was shocked and devastated, but this became the starting point of an inner journey that woke up my life.

Some years later, I entered my third major relationship with *Harry which lasted almost three years. My personal growth brought me to the point where I realized that I did not “need” a man to be happy and I broke up with Harry. He was shocked and hurt and on the rebound – wait for it, you guessed it – he married Candy!

Tom, Dick, Harry, and especially Candy, who caused me the greatest emotional pain, inspired this book. This pain however, turned out to be the greatest gift in my life.

What makes this book special to you? My story triggered my personal growth, which taught me so much about the human condition, psychology and universal laws and principles. It gave me the passion and purpose of my current profession and niche.

I am a financial planner and certified divorce planner specializing in working with women in transition. My own experiences have given me compassion and understanding for the pain and fear that women deal with when faced with a difficult transition. I am on a mission to empower women through support education and planning and it is a very rewarding and fulfilling career.

What makes this a book that other people MUST read and WHY? I wrote this for women who are and have had to navigate through a difficult transition. My story shows people what I have had to deal with and how I ultimately made a great success of my life. As a single mom, I was still able to be very successful because I had the right attitude, outlook, and mindset necessary to succeed.

With my personal story and the advice I give in this book, I want women to realize that they have much more power than they think. By taking certain actions, they can gain control of their lives and move mountains.

What people NEED to read this book and WHY?

All women should read this book because they will gain insight into some of their deep-seated beliefs and limited thinking. By becoming aware of some of their issues, they can consciously start to heal from their past.

What sparks your creativity? Any tips to help others spark their own creativity?

We are all creative but we do not all believe it. When I have an idea, a vision or a goal, the creative juices start flowing. Firstly, you need to believe that you are a creative being because after all we are what we think.

What has been the biggest stumbling block in your writing? Can you share some tips to help others get past similar problems?

I have known for years that I was going to write my book. I just did not know how to start and the thought of typing for hours at a time stopped me from getting started since I have a financial planning practice to run.

One day, while I was researching something else, I read something about transcription services and thought, “Hey, I could record my book and have it transcribed!” Well, that is exactly what I did with the help of a more experienced writer.

What do you think motivates people to become authors? What motivated you to get into this unusual industry?

For me it was because I had a story to tell that I believed would help and inspire others. It also goes hand-in-hand with my financial planning practice and new subscription website for women in transition. I believe that the painful yet humorous experiences that I lived through should not be wasted. Instead, they should inspire and motivate others.

Tell me about the most unusual things you have done to promote any books?

I am only just starting to promote my book through a virtual blog book tour.

NON FICTION - Why are you the BEST person to write this book? What in your background or in your research makes you qualified to do justice to this topic?

I have personally experienced what I wrote about in the book and I base the tips and advice on universal laws and principles, which I learned from the perspective of my own unique story.

NON FICTION - If a potential reader thinks that your book wouldn't interest them, what would you say to convince them to buy? I'm thinking something better than "Its the greatest book ever." Give me something more specific :)

Any woman who is still learning and growing, who has unresolved issues, fears, anxieties, or lacks confidence in any area of life will benefit.

NON FICTION - Why does the topic of your book interest you? Why would it interest potential readers? Give us a hook to reel in new readers.

The trigger for my personal growth was the interference of one woman with all three of my major relationships. No one I have ever spoken to has heard of such a thing so this would be the hook. I have also put humor into the book and changed the names of the people involved to Tom, Dick Harry, and Candy, which invokes a chuckle from everyone.

NON FICTION Is there a way to tie your book topic to current events? If so, tell us about how you could do that. I have a blog to feature information and examples about tying books into current events that might be a good place for you to promote your book.

My book can be tied to the current financial crisis. I am a financial planner and divorce planner specializing in working with women. An important reason for my ability to be successful despite having had to deal with the emotional pain in my life was the fact that I made sure that I gained the skills to manage money well and followed the laws for attracting prosperity. Many people lack those skills and now find themselves in a scary financial situation.

Thank you for visiting with me and in closing, give us your website address and a link to order your book.

My site and link:
http://www.witinstitute.com

For book orders: http://www.witinstitute.com/wake_up.html

For information about the Smart Woman’s Success Connection, my subscription membership site for women go to: http://www.smartwomanssuccess.com/membership/ad.html

Special Offer During January 2009 -

Each time a blog visitor comments on any or all of the blog stops, they will be entered in a random drawing for a 6 month Gold membership to The Smart Woman’s Success Connection http://www.smartwomanssuccess.com/index.php/public/56-gold. This membership has everything you need to know for money management including information about having a financial plan and starting a business and includes a copy of her book in audio and PDF. It also offers a resource for women who want to stop their divorce..

Share your thoughts and comments with author Doris Roper. She will check in throughout the day to answer questions. You’ll learn more and have a chance to win a Gold membership to The Smart Woman’s Success Connection. If you haven't already read her book pick up a copy during the tour at http://www.witinstitute.com/wake_up.html

For more information about Doris Roper and her virtual tour, check the schedule at http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/12/wake-up-your-life-by-doris-roper.html

In Detail With Russell A Vassallo

2008-12-14T18:16:00.000-08:00

1. Tell us the book title and your author name.

The book title is Streetwise: Mafia Memoirs and it was written by Russell A. Vassallo.

2. What inspired the book?

My early days in Newark, NJ were filled with mobsters and tough guys. By the time I was twenty I had almost been killed twice in mob-related incidents. After recounting these stories to my wife as a routine part of living in Newark, she convinced me that they were anything but routine and should be captured in a novel. Hence, Streetwise is a memoir of my connections with the Mafia and my grandfather’s affiliation with that organization.

3. What makes this book special to you?

For one thing it recalls a lot of my younger days in Newark NJ and the colorful people I was privileged to know. For another it reminds me of how lucky I am to be age seventy-four and able to write. When I was sixteen a drunken man lined me up against the wall because I had been tossing firecrackers in the air. He thought I was shooting at him.

4. What makes this a book that other people MUST read and WHY?

Streetwise: Mafia Memoirs is a totally different kind of Mafia book. Most books of this genre focus on the violence of the Mafia and the business end while my book delves into the characters and personalities of the men who shared that occupation. The Mafia didn’t always succeed at what it did and when it failed the results were usually humorous. For example, the hijacking of a truck that was supposed to be loaded with expensive furs and turned out to be filled with slaughtered beef.

It is a personal recounting of my experiences within a Mafia-connected family and the power that came with that connection. It is also a personal recollection of how dangerous such an association can be. Reviewers tell me it’s a one-of-a-kind-book.

5.What people NEED to read this book and WHY?

Streetwise is a book for general audiences. I would think that women who like biography would enjoy this book even though it’s a male-oriented book. One chapter deals with my efforts to save a young prostitute from a life of drugs and orgies and the resultant warning from the local Don when I interfered in his business.

Men especially would enjoy this book. It’s a power book. In a sense its an adult book, but today, adult can mean many things. Generally any audience that has mature reading interest will be fascinated by what I have to say… by what I have experienced.

6. What sparks your creativity? Any tips to help others spark their own creativity?

Even when I am far from a typewriter I am writing. The thoughts flood into my mind no matter where I am and often, something I see reminds me of a past experience and I go back in time. I told my wife recently that once I get the first and last lines, the remainder of the story is already written. I tend to write in a straight line because I am dealing with personal experiences.

This was the case with Streetwise. I was reading a book that mentioned the legal execution of a man who had murdered a local gambler in my neighborhood and I mentioned to my wife that I was less than six feet away when that occurred. She slapped me on the arm and said: “When are you going to start writing?” That night I did.

Tips for sparking creativity? Write that first line. Sleep on it. Ask yourself what if… And let your character dictate the story to you because you know him, know what he will do, know how he will interact with other characters. Let your character take you to a point and then employ the fork-in-the-road approach. What if this happened, but what would happen if the other thing happened. Struggle for that tantalizing first sentence and finish leaving the reader wanting more.

7. What do you think motivates people to become authors? What motivated you to0 get into this unusual industry?

Certainly not the money. Writing is probably one of the lowest paying professions out there. No, I think people become authors for a number of reasons. They need to express themselves. They need recognition from others? They want to feel their lives have been worthwhile and should be preserved somehow. They like the feeling of having accomplished something. I know when I won my awards for my first two books I was filled with tremendous pride that I had proven I could write.

8. Tell me about the most unusual thing you have done to promote any books?

About the only thing I haven’t done is go door-to-door and I don’t intend doing that. I do have a friend who did. Our routine is pretty usual. We talk about our books wherever we go. We speak at various organizations. We entice bookstores with profit potential. But I don’t think we’re doing anything more than what we have read about in promotion-type books.

9. Why are you the BEST person to write this book? What is your background or in your research makes you qualified to do justice to this topic?

There is no one better to write this book because I lived each and every day of it. It was my family that was involved in Mafia activities and it was me who witnessed some of the events that unfolded.

10. If a potential reader thinks that your book wouldn’t interest them, what would you say to convince them to buy?

I’d tell them that it’s not just another Mafia book and that it recounts personal experiences within the organization that I personally witnessed. People are enamored to know that I was part of a dreaded organization, even if only9 on the fringes. And I would tell them that it’s a book written from personal experience. No fluff.

11. Why does the topic of your book interest you? Why would it interest potential readers?

For one thing it involves my past days among people I loved and who I saw in a very different way than the law viewed them. So my interest is born of family ties and the power that came with being family-connected. It would be of particular interest to people because they’d finally have met someone who was part of a feared organization and survived to tell the tale.

12. Is there a way to tie your book topic to current events?

Everyone believes the Mafia is dead and gone and that the federal government ended it with convictions in the Pizza Connection. The fact is that the prosecution of the Italian Mafia splintered the criminal world into a number of Mafia organizations that are much more ruthless than the Sicilian Mafia ever was. There is now a Mexican, a Chinese, a Russian, an Irish, a Dominican Mafia as well as others. Where once the Italian Mafia had rules that excluded civilians and political figures from being targeted, the other Mafias are actually savage. They have no compunction about executing innocent bystanders or political figures. There is a host of unsolved murders of judicial and law enforcement officials that in all probability trace to one of these Mafia groups.

Few will deny that with the absence of the Mafia from Las Vegas, the city has taken a decided turn downward. Gangs now roam the streets. Drunks and the homeless lay in gutters not far from glittering palaces. Con men abound. None of this occurred when the Sicilian mafia controlled Las Vegas. Crime abounds in a town where the Mafia once get order. Law enforcement is unable to accomplish the same rule of law because their hands are tied by civil rights organizations and the so-called liberal weeping willows of the criminal world.

My book is tied to every episode of mob violence that occurs on an almost daily basis.

In Detail with Kevin Gerard

2008-11-25T11:59:00.000-08:00

Tell us the book title and your author name.

The series title is Conor and the Crossworlds, book titles are as follows:

Breaking the Barrier

Peril in the Corridors

Surviving an Altered World

Charge of the Champions (October 2009)

The Author of All Worlds (October 2010)

My author name is Kevin Gerard

What inspired the series?

The creature I held in my mind for almost forty years. I used to daydream about Purugama, the flying cougar, when I was ten or eleven years old. He becomes Conor’s mentor and best friend in Book One: Breaking the Barrier. I love the fact that I kept him with me for so long and finally wrote a story about him.

What makes this series special to you?

Book Three has just been released. The story is real, it’s alive, and every character has become a living entity to me. There are a lot of good books around, but only a handful of great stories. Conor and the Crossworlds is a great story, and I won’t stop promoting it until the whole world has a chance to enjoy it.

The Champions of the Crossworlds are all giant cats who can talk and cast magical spells. They all have very distinct personalities; I have grown to love them deeply. Maya, the Lord of the Champions, was a real cat who lived next door to me in San Diego. He got killed by a pack of dogs one day, and I told his mistress I was going to make him immortal. If you knew Maya like I did, you would understand why I made him, an alley cat, the leader of the great wild cats – the Champions of the Crossworlds.

What makes this a series that other people MUST read and WHY?

I love great stories, and I love sci fi / fantasy. I love the escape it provides. The characters in this story are very compelling; you will grow to love them as much as I and others do. Conor’s journey through all five books gets wilder and more complex as you continue to read.

I wrote this series for kids, but people of all age groups seem to love it. Every school librarian tells me the same thing, that Conor and the Crossworlds is never on the library shelf. When a student returns a book, another student is with them wanting to check the book out. That’s a huge compliment to Conor and the Crossworlds.

What sparks your creativity? Any tips to help others spark their own creativity?

I’m pretty twisted; it comes from being Irish I guess, so creativity has never been a problem for me. I finished writing the series two years ago, but I remember during the five years when I wrote it, I always thought about what was going on in the story. When I got up in the morning, went to bed at night, when I was teaching, driving, shopping, anything, I always had my mind on the story. So when I finally sat down to write I had oodles of thoughts ready to put down.

Another thing I always tell students at book talks is to write with abandon. I think everyone has creative juices, but as a college professor, I see how formal education stunts that part our minds. The cool thing about fantasy writing is that you just make everything up, and if you can do that, why would want to restrict your mind? Look at Conor’s arch enemy in his pristine form (he’s a shape-shifter). How could I have come up with a freak like that – a beetle head with squid legs and no torso, but he’s wearing an English waistcoat – if I was restraining my creativity at all?

I guess the secret is just sitting down and letting her rip, that’s what I always say. You have to trust yourself and the story. Your characters will tell you where to go at the next bend in the road. So write with abandon!

What has been the biggest stumbling block in your writing? Can you share some tips to help others get past similar problems?

For me it was getting past the “favorite time to write” syndrome. I’m a morning person, so naturally I love to write in the morning. If you’ve made a commitment to write every day, though, things might get in the way of your morning writing time.

I had to learn that any time of day was good for writing. I also had to learn that any amount of time was good as well. I would e-mail sections of books to myself and when I found a spare half hour, I would locate a computer, download the story and write for thirty minutes. I found that with a limited amount of time I could fulfill my daily page requirement as easily as when I had all morning.

What do you think motivates people to become authors? What motivated you to get into this unusual industry?

The direction my life was headed, the direction the country was headed, and the fact that I’ve always felt I was put on the earth to do something special, I mean something really spectacular. I wanted to make a contribution to the world, and writing seemed to be a way of accomplishing that.

Tell me about the most unusual things you have done to promote any books?

I’ll tell you something I’m about to do – I’m about to make a big sign that says, “NBC doesn’t like teen readers,” and walk around downtown San Diego with it. I have this great promotion coming up, The Hunt for the Five Keys of the Creators, and I’ve been bugging the local news stations to put it on the air. Unfortunately I haven’t made much progress. Check it out on my website – http://wwwconorandthecrossworlds.com – it’s going to be awesome, but I can only spread the word so much doing book talks. I want all the kids in San Diego to be able to hunt for the key I’ve hidden here, so I need TV coverage. I think they’ll get the message if I make my sign and show everyone in downtown San Diego how I feel.

I spent the summer making data files of every middle school in America, and right now I’m calling every librarian to introduce the series. I call, talk for a bit, ask if I can send an e-mail, and then I send it. So far I’ve contacted about ten states. Should take me until about March or April to finish my lists I think.

I do book talks everywhere, but mostly in Southern California. I’ve been to Mississippi, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Vermont, and I’m going to Oregon, New Mexico, NevadaMissouri in the next few months. Book talks are more fun than anything else, middle school kids are great! and

I’m all over MySpace, and I think it’s a very good tool. Every time I see a new teen librarian, I send them a message asking if they would like some free book posters for their teen room. It costs me about ten bucks to send them. One day I contacted a librarian at a college, it turned out that this month was fantasy fiction month and every woman at the college was into fantasy adventure books. So I sent copies of books and posters and I get to be featured in their month long festival.

I’m also involved in a Blog Tour with Nikki Leigh. I think she’s got her finger on the pulse of viral marketing. The internet has such massive potential, so I’m excited about seeing what she can accomplish.

FICTION - If there is a setting, tell us how you decided on that setting and what you did to create a complete and vivid setting for your readers?

I chose the Crossworlds as my setting because it is infinite. It is an endless series of worlds of light and darkness where anything can happen. What could be better than that for a fantasy writer?

There are four main venues that Conor and the other characters populate from time to time.

The realm of the creators is the home of the Council of Seven, a group of creators emeritus who oversee the Crossworlds. It is a place of unparalleled beauty and wellbeing. It is where Conor and the Champions go to rejuvenate themselves and prepare for battle.

The Glade of Champions is the world where the giant protectors of the Crossworlds live. Heavily forested and filled with lakes and small hills where the great cats can sun themselves, this is where Conor first meets Purugama’s brothers.

Earth – Conor lives there with his family in Northern California. His girlfriend Janine, introduced in Book Three, also lives there.

The Shadow World is the home of the Circle of Evil. The destroyers; Drazian, Gandron, Fumemos, Seefra, Pikiwik Loff, and the horrible assassin Nemelissi all stage their attacks in this place. Zelexa, the Lady of the Shadows, controls this world along with the three arcs of the ruling body.

All of these settings become interchangeable throughout the story. Destroyers come to earth, Conor and Champions go to the Shadow World, the realm of the creators is attacked by the Circle of Evil, and so on. I think the one thing that makes the Crossworlds unique is the aspect of organic life. Almost everything in the Crossworlds is organic, including the corridors, transmission portals used to travel to other worlds. They are living beings, and as you walk through them you can feel their presence.

FICTION - What inspires you about the hero or heroine in your book? What makes them memorable for the reader? What motivates the hero and/or heroine? You can include information about both if you want.

I like Conor because he is a good kid. He doesn’t swear, do drugs, or treat people badly (unless they have it coming). He is, however, a young man bursting with curiosity. There’s also something that only I know about Conor. The rest of you will have to wait until the end of Book Four to find out. All I’ll say at this point is there’s a reason the creators sent Purugama to Conor in the first book, and it’s not the reason stated in the story.

Conor’s girlfriend Janine becomes a heroine in her own right. She enters the story in Book Three, and before she knows it, she becomes quite involved in the Crossworlds. Like Conor, she’s a good kid, and also smart, athletic, and adventurous.

Both of them are pretty fearless. Things get pretty scary as they get deeper and deeper into the Crossworlds, but they always answer the call and step into the next adventure.

FICTION - Is there a villain or something that causes friction in your story? Tell us about what or who it is and how that contributes to the story. Any details about conflict and friction is good information to know.

The Circle of Evil has four levels of combatants; destroyers, shadow warriors, slayers and keepers. The destroyers are the most powerful, and Conor gets to do battle with them one on one pretty regularly.

Seefra is Conor’s nemesis throughout the story. He is the leader of the destroyers and very powerful. He can shape shift himself and his environment. He really causes the most friction in the story, because he keeps popping up to bother Conor (and Janine).

There’s a whole group of destroyers, however, and each is quite compelling in his own right. Fumemos is a formless entity who uses the elements of nature to fashion monsters with which to attack Conor. On one planet he hides in the ocean waiting for Conor to approach and then uses the seawater and sand to create a monster that attacks him.

In Book Five, Conor has to do battle with the most horrible destroyer of all, Nemelissi the assassin. Nemelissi is one sick creature. It lives to kill, and does so in some very amazing ways.

For example, it can vomit red hot lava all over its enemies – WhEw!

If there's anything else you would like to share, this is the time and place.

Thank you for visiting with me and in closing, give us your website address and a link to order your book.

Conor’s Website

http://www.conorandthecrossworlds.com

Youtube Video - Hunt for the Five Keys of the Creators

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-il2S5bjKm4

Amazon.com

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_b?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=conor+and+the+crossworlds&x=18&y=23

Barnes&Noble.com

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/results.asp?WRD=conor+and+the+crossworlds

Borders.com

http://www.borders.com/online/store/SearchResults?keyword=conor+and+the+crossworlds&type=1&simple=1

Conor and the Crossworlds Contest

Visit his website and click on the contest video for exciting details regarding The Hunt for the Five Keys of the Creators which begins in January http://www.conorandthecrossworlds.com

Website Address: http://www.conorandthecrossworlds.com

Primary Blog: http://www.amazon.com/gp/blog/A1Y85GB3KR02Y6/ref=cm_blog_dp_artist

Green Stone of Healing Book Three by Candace Talmadge

2008-10-16T19:56:00.000-07:00

Tell us the book title and your author name.

Title: Green Stone of Healing(R) epic fantasy series.

The initial books are:

The Scorpions Strike, Book Three

Fallout, Book Two

The Vision, Book One

Author name: C.L. Talmadge

What inspired the series?

I read Lord of the Rings at age 12, and always wanted more active female characters in the story. I read a lot of science fiction and fantasy in those days, and was frustrated that the protagonists were almost always male. If they appeared at all, females played marginal roles at best.

During the summer of 1967, when I was 13, I started day-dreaming about a heroine who had healing abilities and was in love with a prince whose father, the ruler of their country, was trying to have him killed. I soon realized that the story really started with the heroine's grandmother. I spent my teens and twenties trying to sort out all of the details, never getting more than bits and pieces.

In my early thirties, I awoke to my own spirituality and past lives. My guides informed me that two of the heroines in my series were people I had been in two of my past lives. I spent my mid thirties through early forties focusing on my own healing and self-growth, still thinking about my characters.

After a lot of self-healing, I woke up one July morning in 1998 at age 44 and realized I could finally write the books because I finally had all the information I needed. It dropped into my awareness like that proverbial cartload of bricks. By the end of 1999, I had rough drafts of the first two books.

What makes this series special to you?

It plays a major role in my life's purpose-to awaken to my own spirituality and to inspire others to awaken to theirs. Recalling my past life as the first-generation heroine helped accelerate my spiritual growth and has helped people I am close to as well.

What makes these books a book that other people MUST read and WHY?

This series recounts what happens when politics and piety collide. The powerful, wealthy island nation I write about is a theocracy, and priests who want to take total control of the country end up destroying it instead. We see a lot of violence fueled by religious fanaticism in our world today-even in the United States--and my series is a sharp reminder of the dangers inherent in giving state sanction to any religion or faith.

What people NEED to read this book and WHY?

People who want to know more about the relationship between healing, spirituality, and love need to read this series. That relationship is one of the books' main themes. Although the story at times is tragic and painful, ultimately it shows how love, healing, and spirituality prevail even in the face of tragedy and suffering.

What sparks your creativity? Any tips to help others spark their own creativity?

Spirituality and creativity are very much interrelated. We are created in the image of a creator, so creativity is one of our spiritual birthrights. The more consciously aware I became of my own spirituality and how to live in it on a daily basis, the easier it was to tap my own creativity. Exploring my own past lives was also excellent grist for character development.

What has been the biggest stumbling block in your writing? Can you share some tips to help others get past similar problems?

Over-analyzing and simply not being emotionally and spiritually prepared to write this multigenerational saga were my biggest stumbling blocks. Not knowing my characters was also holding me back. I believe that the storyline and action arise out of who the characters are, so get to know the heroines/heroes and villains on an intimate level, and then let them be who they are on the pages. The story begins to write itself at that point.

What do you think motivates people to become authors? What motivated you to get into this unusual industry?

I cannot speak to what motivates others to become writers. Writing seemed to be the only marketable skill I possessed as a young adult entering the workforce. On top of that, I had this urgency to write a story that has become an epic fantasy series. I cannot imagine doing any other thing with my writing talent.

Tell me about the most unusual things you have done to promote any books.

My attempts at book promotion are fairly standard.

FICTION - If there is a setting, tell us how you decided on that setting and what you did to create a complete and vivid setting for your readers?

I didn't really decide on the setting, which is an island nation the size of a continent called Azgard. It is an element of the story. What I did to make it real and vivid was simply to remember the setting the way I experienced it in the life I lived as my first-generation heroine. It seemed very real to me then and it still does now. There is a map of the island at this URL: http://www.greenstoneofhealing.com/fallen_civilization.shtml

The first-generation heroine of my series, Helen Andros, wants very much to make the world a better place by alleviating suffering. That is what motivates her to struggle against enormous odds to complete her education and training as a physician. But Helen is also wounded and vulnerable. She takes the prejudice of her society against half-breeds to heart and thus believes herself to be unworthy and unlovable. Her feelings of worthlessness condemn her to victimize herself and to dismiss the love that she might have allowed in her life had she felt herself worthy of it.

Much of the conflict in the early books arises out of the pain and fears on both sides that keep Helen and her newly found parent fighting with each other instead of reconciling and getting to know one another. They love each other but find it hard to bridge a chasm of hurt and distrust.

There are also multiple villains in my series. Some are open about it, while others masquerade as allies. The conflict in my series is intra-personal, interpersonal, between political factions within Azgard, and between nations. The series tries to show how all these levels of conflict are interrelated and simply mirror conflict that is within each being.

If there's anything else you would like to share, this is the time and place.There is a rather large cast of characters in my series, so don't forget to check out the glossary at the back of each book. It gives some background on people, places, and things in the story. There is also more background on the series website.

Thank you for visiting with me and in closing, give us your website address and a link to order your book.

Series website: http://www.greenstoneofhealing.com/

Book buying links:eBooks: http://www.healingstonebooks.com/

Paperbacks:The Scorpions Strike-Green Stone of Healing(R) Series, Book Three http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbninquiry.asp?ean=9780980053753

Fallout-Green Stone of Healing(R) Series, Book Two http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbninquiry.asp?ean=9780980053746

The Vision-Green Stone of Healing(R) Series, Book One

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbninquiry.asp?ean=9780980053739

In Detail with Winton Churchill

2008-10-02T21:40:00.000-07:00

The book is “Email Marketing for Complex Sales Cycles” and the sub-title is “Proven Ways to Produce a Continuous Flow of Prospects and Profits with Effective Spam-Free Email System.”

My name is Winton Churchill and yes, that is my real name...there is kind of a long story about my name and rather than include it here I’ll give your readers this link so they can read the full story if they are interested: http://www.churchillmethod.com/name.html

What inspired the book?

I do a lot of speaking to small business owners on the topic of growing their business. In particular, my talk about email marketing has been very popular. I got a lot of appreciation for demystifying the concepts and putting them into plain language most business owners and executives could understand. When audience members asked me if I could recommend a book on the topic, I couldn’t find one that explained this stuff in business terms for the non-technical person...so I wrote it!

What makes this book special to you?

I had my first email address in 1980...so I was using email a good 10-15 years before most of the people on the planet even knew what it was. I also knew how effective it could be to build relationships and trust. I am glad to be able to bring that expertise to a large audience with this book.

What makes this a book that other people MUST read and WHY?

Prospects want to get to know the businesses they buy from even more than in the past. Companies are starting to recognize that the quality of the LONG TERM relationships they have makes for better sales, more profit and a better run company. Email is the best tool to build, strengthen and extend that relationship. Spam is a big problem today and many have turned away from email marketing because they incorrectly confuse it with spam. As spam prevention improves email will continue to get even more effective if done right.

What people NEED to read this book and WHY?

Anyone who touches sales in a company must understand this medium. In our consulting practice we typically work with the CEO, VP marketing or VP sales to design and implement effective email strategies. As your competitors begin to understand and use email, they have a discernable edge over your business if you don’t have a similar program. They can reach prospects more frequently, for less money and with greater impact than you can. If they pull ahead of you it will be very difficult for you to recover that lost ground.

We also find a lot of sales executives reading this book. Their companies frequently have “glossy brochure” sent out as email campaigns that are largely ineffective. They want sales leads and to build sales relationships. By applying some of the principles in this book they can improve the speed with which they build relationships and close deals.

What sparks your creativity? Any tips to help others spark their own creativity?

My creativity is sparked by the challenge of helping a client take their product or service and turn it into a successful marketing campaign. We find those campaigns can run for months to years because it really speaks to their prospects in a way that their competitors don’t.

When I am wrestling with a challenge like this, I like to immerse myself in as much data as I can dredge up. I talk to customers, past clients, prospects, internal people and when I am drowning in information for a day or 2 I begin to get tiny insights about some aspect of the problem. The insights build into a solution almost the way you would put together a puzzle.

What has been the biggest stumbling block in your writing? Can you share some tips to help others get past similar problems?

Time is the biggest problem. I run a business. I have to deliver services pretty much every day of the week. We are creating campaigns, meeting deadlines and pushing projects through our process. It is hard to get the time to write. I started with transcripts of talks I’d given and began organizing and refining from there. It was important to me that the book has a conversational tone so the editing process leaned towards readability. The process worked well.

I would recommend any author who gets stuck from time to time exploit dictation and transcription as a great way to get the ball moving.

What I like about working from transcripts of presentations is that they already have an organizational “backbone.” The more organized your comments, the easier it is to move forward with transcripts.

What do you think motivates people to become authors? What motivated you to get into this unusual industry?

I think people become authors because they recognize they have a vision or perspective to bring into the world that is better and/or different than what they have seen before.

Tell me about the most unusual things you have done to promote any books?

It was accidental...I was traveling to Chicago sitting in an aisle seat. I was preparing to give a talk and wanted to refer to something in my book. To make sure I quoted the information exactly as I put it in the book, I whipped out the book and started flipping through the pages to find my reference. The guy sitting on the window saw the book and asked me about it. I told him I was the author. Turns out that he owns a business and wanted my consulting advice.

NON FICTION - Why are you the BEST person to write this book? What in your background or in your research makes you qualified to do justice to this topic?

There are a lot of good books about email out there but the complex sales cycle gets neglected. The things that work for selling toiletries through an online catalog site are completely wrong for say an engineering consulting firm that has to build trust and credibility before their prospects buy.

I have been using email in the complex sales cycle for over 20 years...long before most of your readers even had email address. I had the good fortune to work for companies like Apple before they were a household name, and other great companies like Oracle, Sun Microsystems and Spinnaker to name a few. I am very measurement oriented and have seen thousand of testing results in thousands of marketing campaigns and I know what works in certain situations and what doesn’t.

Everybody has an opinion about what will work, but at the end of the day, the number will tell you what really works.

NON FICTION - If a potential reader thinks that your book wouldn't interest them, what would you say to convince them to buy? I'm thinking something better than "It's the greatest book ever." Give me something more specific :)

If they have any responsibility for a business this is an essential process to understand. To me this is like the early days of the telephone, automobile or electric light. Many people thought it would be a passing fad. It’s not. In fact it is looking more like the aorta of the business in 5 years... and if your aorta isn’t up to snuff your business will almost certainly perish.

NON FICTION Is there a way to tie your book topic to current events? If so, tell us about how you could do that. I have a blog to feature information and examples about tying books into current events that might be a good place for you to promote your book.

Yes, certainly the economic crisis with the stock market problems and bailout of Wall Street are top of mind. The story doesn’t get much bigger than that. As the economy reels, those without an effective, trust-based email relationship with their prospects and clients will be at a tremendous disadvantage. They will have to spend more in media that are not as effective as they once were. A bigger problem is that businesses become distrustful of new relationships during economic hard times. The organization with the trust-based email relationship has already figured out how to inform, educate and delight their prospect and client base. It is very hard competitively to catch up.

If there's anything else you would like to share, this is the time and place.

If you don’t have a list of customers, clients and prospects who appreciate the information and insight you are able to provide them, you will become increasingly irrelevant and your business will die a painful death. You can transform that possible future by getting serious about building your business on the quality and delivery of informative and educational information.

Thank you for visiting with me and in closing, give us your website address and a link to order your book.

For more information, visit www.churchillmethod.com. Visit www.virtualblogtour.blogspot.com for the most up to date information. His full tour schedule is posted at http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/06/winton-churchill-email-marketing-for.html. Winton Churchill is offering a wealth of free gifts for every person that purchases his book Email Marketing. Visit www.churchillmethod.com/bookbonus for full details about how to download all of these free gifts.

The Forbidden Daughter by Shobhan Bantwal

2008-09-30T14:24:00.000-07:00

I'm very glad to be hosting Shobhan on the first day of her virtual blog tour with Promo 101 Virtual Tours. She has a writing style that I think you will like and she isn't afraid to tackle the hot button topics. Read on to learn more about Shobhan Bantwal and The Forbidden Daughter.
What inspired the book?

A deep interest in women’s issues combined with the love of fiction inspired me to write a book about gender-based abortions in India. I had an opportunity to bring awareness to the issue by weaving it into a story of romance, intrigue and drama.

What makes this book special to you?

It allows me to voice my opinion on a social issue in a highly creative way. If I had written a non-fiction book on the subject, it would have been boring for me to write and very few people would have read it. A novel is a way to reach a broader audience.

What makes this a book that other people MUST read and WHY?

Many Americans, although aware of the general societal patterns of other countries, very rarely know about the more subtle social issues, both good as well as bad. THE FORBIDDEN DAUGHTER will provide them a rare glimpse into a culture that remains very private about certain negative elements.

What sparks your creativity? Any tips to help others spark their own creativity?

Daily newspaper and TV stories are a great source of creativity. For some odd reason, driving on the highway seems to trigger it for me, but sitting in front of a computer makes my creativity plunge to zero.

What has been the biggest stumbling block in your writing? Can you share some tips to help others get past similar problems?

My biggest stumbling block is my lack of computer savvy, which hinders my ability to use the Internet to optimum capability. Amazon optimization, blogging, chat room discussions, etc. are not something I can utilize for promoting my book mainly because of my inability to use technology.

What do you think motivates people to become authors? What motivated you to get into this unusual industry?

I believe people become authors because of their deep love for expressing their ideas and opinions to others. It is a way of communicating, by being a storyteller and narrator. For myself, my motivation was to acquire a hobby that would keep my mind alert and provide an outlet for my active imagination and creativity. When I took up creative writing, I had not really dreamed of being a published author, but as I wrote more and more, my ambitions expanded.

Tell me about the most unusual things you have done to promote any books?

I honestly wish I could think of something unusual to do, “outside the box” as they say, but so far I have done only the most traditional things.

FICTION - If there is a setting, tell us how you decided on that setting and what you did to create a complete and vivid setting for your readers?

I like a small town atmosphere, like the kind I grew up in, so I created a fictitious small town that is very similar to the town I was raised in. It made the visualization much easier, without having to struggle to build a new one. The descriptions came easily and the culture of course is latent to me, so that was not an issue.

FICTION - What inspires you about the hero or heroine in your book? What makes them memorable for the reader? What motivates the hero and/or heroine? You can include information about both if you want.

Both my hero and heroine are people of strong convictions and generous natures, and they act on them without regard for tradition or personal gain. I find that very inspiring. Their strength and ability to fight and survive, and even win in the face of adversity is what makes them memorable. The main motivator for my heroine is the need to protect her children at any cost. The hero is motivated by his inherent desire to be the ideal doctor – help people in trouble.

The obstetrician who first suggests an abortion and later resorts to more serious crime is the one who first introduces friction in THE FORBIDDEN DAUGHTER. There are secondary villains who augment the main villain’s deeds with their in their own twisted way. They all serve to add tons of friction that lends plenty of action and drama to my story.

For more information about Shobhan Bantwal’s virtual tour, visit – http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/09/forbidden-daughter-by-shobhan-bantwal.html

The Forbidden Daughter can be ordered at: http://www.amazon.com/Forbidden-Daughter-Shobhan-Bantwal/dp/0758220308

You can visit Shobhan Bantwal at her website – www.shobhanbantwal.com

In Detail with Susan Wingate

2008-09-13T10:13:00.000-07:00

We kick off Susan Wingate's virtual book tour with her visit In Detail with Nikki Leigh. Let's see what Susan wants to share with us...

Tell us the book title and your author name.

The title of my latest release is “Bobby’s Diner” and I’ve used my real name as the author name. I’ve used my real name because I’m not trying to identify myself with any one genre at this stage. If I, say, take off on a tangent and decide to write erotica, I may at that point use a pseudonym but until then, I’ll continue to write under my real name.

What inspired the book?

I dreamt the first sequence, the one where Georgette, the main character and narrator of the story, arrives in the fictional town of Sunnydale, Arizona. The actual dream sequence is the one of her hitching a ride with the skanky truck driver and then her walking the rest of the way into town.

What makes this book special to you?

This book is special to me for a number of reasons, most of which because the title character, Bobby, is designed (physically anyway) after my husband, Bob. Note the similarity in names? Ha! It’s a special book also because it’s my second novel. Sometimes I think the second novel can be a little more daunting than the first because you say to yourself, “Okay. Was that first one a fluke or can I write another one?” Plus, for me, I had help on my first. Close to the end of my first novel, “Of the Law,” Michael Collins began mentoring me. I give credit to him for helping me with the completion of my first novel. I don’t think I could’ve done it without him. He made me think of writing as a job, not a hobby.

What makes this a book that other people MUST read and WHY?

Well, this story is about tolerance and one woman’s yearning to find a place for herself in this world. I think both themes are universal, quite profound and astonishingly relevant in today’s world.

What people NEED to read this book and WHY?

You know, I wrote this book with a very intentional light voice because of its profound theme. Any person other than Georgette telling the story just wouldn’t have worked. She’s this sweet gentle soul who can talk to just about anyone – young or old, man or woman, rich or poor – she seems to be quite the chameleon and is why the story is successful. So, to answer your question, I think the story is intended for any person who wants to hear its message.

What sparks your creativity? Any tips to help others spark their own creativity?

I love answering questions about writing. My answer to this question in particular might be of interest to writers who sit in front of their computer or typewriter or pad of paper (whatever) and find it tough to start knocking out words. What I do is this, I like to bandy around with poetry in the morning to oil my writing muscles. Poetry gets to the nuts and bolts of writing, by its very nature. It doesn’t have time to screw around. So, before I get into my story du jour I write a few poems. But then sometimes if something comes to me whether in a dream or other creative state of consciousness – you know it’s like hearing a doorbell go off in your head – then I get it down to paper. It can happen anywhere too which can be very inconvenient like when you’re driving the car. That’s a real pain in the butt because you have three choices: to let the idea go, to stop driving or to scrawl it out on whatever you can find with one hand while you’re cruising down the road with the other – it’s a real pain indeed.

What has been the biggest stumbling block in your writing? Can you share some tips to help others get past similar problems?

Patience. That’s my biggest problem. Oh, sure, I could say I have an almost compulsive tendency to, oh, I don’t know, end sentences with dangling prepositions, say. But, honestly, anyone can learn to write – I believe that with all my heart. What we have to do is to get out of our own way. Patience is not one of my virtues, unfortunately. I want everything to happen right away and in this industry, well, that’s just never going to be. So, if I begin to feel impatient about some submission or something, I just start writing something new and try to forget about whatever I was being impatient about. Is that a run-on sentence… oops. Maybe another stumbling block – just kidding. But, patience or the lack thereof is my problem. I’d have to say I could use a bit of meditation for learning patience.

What do you think motivates people to become authors? What motivated you to get into this unusual industry?

Boy, you’re right there, it IS an unusual industry, isn’t it? Okay, I’ll talk to the first part of this question – what motivates others to write? Well, statistically, “they” say that approximately 85% of people, um, everywhere want to write a story or have a book inside them. I don’t know how “they” come up with that statistic. I can’t imagine “they” are interviewing every living being on the planet so all I can do is answer this question based on what I’ve observed. When I teach writing classes, my students seem to want to tell either wildly imaginative stories that are derived from their creative well or they want to tell a story that actually happened to them. So, I believe from a long time ago, I’m talking caveman times, people have been telling stories “around the proverbial campfire” in one form or another. It’s what we do. Think about it, even in the Old Testament, we had to have a rule instructing us not to lie, for goodness sake. I think it’s borne in us to tell stories.

Now, another aspect to this question is my observation of others who are not writing students and who know I’m a writer or find out that I am upon meeting me. Inevitably, most people tell me they have a “great idea for a novel”. Sometimes they even go so far as to say, “You can use it if you want.” Isn’t that generous? People just love stories - to tell stories and to hear stories and to read stories.

Tell me about the most unusual things you have done to promote any books?

I’m not sure if this quite fits but it’s really the only unusual thing I’ve done to promote myself as a writer. I wanted to teach writing at a workshop and part of the process was to make available your current titles. Well, at the time, I had not a one! So, to get the application to them in time, I made something up and then created a book after the fact with my short stories, essays and poems. That book actually sells quite well and is called “Ravings of a Mad Gentlewoman.” You can find it on Amazon.com. I got it printed and marketed before the due date on books for that particular conference. Isn’t that naughty of me? Oh well, you do what you must in this crazy industry. Self-promotion is a HUGE part of it. I believe it was James Patterson who was a marketing man before he became the world-renown author he is today. He had the promotional smarts working for him well before he made his move into writing.

FICTION - If there is a setting, tell us how you decided on that setting and what you did to create a complete and vivid setting for your readers?

Of course there’s the diner where most of the action occurs and making a vivid setting there was accomplished by adding the sights, sounds, smells, tastes and textures found within a diner. But, the desert - its desolation and heat, its unique flora and fauna - is most prevalent in the opening scene making it more vivid by contrasting it between cooler climates.

FICTION - What inspires you about the hero or heroine in your book? What makes them memorable for the reader? What motivates the hero and/or heroine? You can include information about both if you want.

Georgette is human. She’s afraid and damaged goods. She’s honest with others but then lies to herself. She’s good with a touch of bad. She’s just a fully-rounded person who is trying to make a go of her life, trying to keep her head above it all under some extreme circumstances. I think she’s a great person.

FICTION - Is there a villain or something that causes friction in your story? Tell us about what or who it is and how that contributes to the story. Any details about conflict and friction is good information to know.

It’s always easiest to write when there’s a clear-cut villain but there is no one clear-cut villain in “Bobby’s Diner.” Georgette is pitted against Bobby’s ex-wife, Vanessa, and their daughter, Roberta, but I can’t talk about them as if they were bad or acted badly in order to hurt Georgette. They, too, are just trying to live in a small town with the widow of Bobby. They’re all acting accordingly feeling embarrassed and hurt, humiliated and jealous – the way anyone else in the same situation would act. It’s a method of pitting good against good. I think pitting good against evil makes it easy for the reader to figure out what will happen. In this story, we’re usually taken off-course and diverted to some other part of the characters’ lives. Or, at least, I hope that’s what happens for the reader. Another more express point about conflict and friction is that it’s the scenes and situations that create the conflict as well as the characters in them. The inherent conflict in “Bobby’s Diner” is both women, Georgette and Vanessa, are left with half the interest in Bobby’s Diner to run together. Now, if ever a story built immediate conflict into it, I believe this is one does.

Thank you, Nikki, for hosting this interview. What a wonderful blog and fabulous list of books and writers you have. Kudos! –Susan Wingate.

For more information -

Website Address: http://www.susanwingate.com

Primary Blog Address: www.susanwingate.blogspot.com

E-book can be ordered at: www.ebooksonthe.net/catalog/eBooks_Catalog_NewBooks2.html

For more information about Susan Wingate’s virtual book tour and her full schedule at http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/08/bobbys-diner-by-susan-wingate.html

In Detail with Ageless Sages Publishing

2008-09-01T17:34:00.000-07:00

Although this is about a book, it’s more about the book’s design with elders in mind. I certainly can get these questions answered from the author and/or illustrator if you wish, but I wonder if you’d consider my answers as the publisher of Picture Books for Elders and Adults™?

Tell us the book title and your author name.

"Lavender Ladies" written by Beth Miller, Art work by Laura Harper, published by Ageless-Sages.com Publishing, Picture Books for Elders and Adults™.

What inspired the (concept for this type of) book ?

After spending time with elders doing various activities, I was impressed with how they responded to children’s picture books, though fully aware they were geared to children. Beth Miller suggested there might be more dignity in sharing picture books with adult-pertinent content.

What makes this book special to you?

I was deeply effected by how the elder developmental stage of life focused more on decline and less on a continuation of the cycle of life. The idea that we can offer something to elders which respects this phase of life was extremely appealing to me.

What makes this a book that other people MUST read and WHY?

Lavender Ladies presents the cycles of life in a poignant and gracious way. And although this is geared to elders, I’ve presented this to various age groups with exciting results. Kids are excited to contemplate the upcoming stages; teens love that their stage is depicted with eloquence; middle aged (women in particular) people resonate with the roles they play in life; elders love the reflection and idea that transitioning from this life is natural and that they can and do leave an important legacy.

What people NEED to read this book and WHY?

People work with elders can share this book with elders as a means of deeper connection. Elders can read this on their own or with others as a reflection piece and as a way to reminisce and tell others about their life experiences. Spiritual teachers who embrace the cycles of human existence will find this a valuable tool.

What sparks your creativity? Any tips to help others spark their own creativity?

Although I did not write this book, the idea for this new literary genre was sparked by following my passion: interacting with elders; having conversations with others about the deeper meaning of our time here on earth; spending time engaged in activities that elicit memories and feelings.

What do you think motivates people to become authors? What motivated you to get into this unusual industry?

I do think some people are born authors (the author of Lavender Ladies has been writing since she was very young and had an innate interest in writing stories), and others are eager to tell a story, share their wisdom, be part of the evolution of life that writing can support.

My particular interest in the publishing industry was very specific and focused. Until Picture Books for Elders and Adults™, publishing wasn’t even a blip on the screen for me! This feels more like a calling than an occupation.

Tell me about the most unusual things you have done to promote any books?

I’m not sure this is unusual, but I have been sending copies of the book to celebrities who either have publicly expressed that they have elders in their lives or that they are advocates for elders in one form or another. My intent is to find a celebrity spokesperson for this mission!

If there's anything else you would like to share, this is the time and place.

The effect that this has on elders is nothing short of profound. I’ve seen people who barely engage in much of anything suddenly come to life! People have memories sparked from their past, they settle into an acceptance of their future. It’s as if just knowing that someone understands this as a distinct, specific and continuing time of life (as opposed to just seeing at the end) they can enjoy life more.

You can view a slideshow version of the book here: www.ageless-sages.com/bookvideo.htm

In Detail With Dave Richardson

2008-08-11T07:13:00.000-07:00

Tell us the book title and your author name.

When I first wrote the book in 2002, I titled it, “An Old

Helicopter Pilot Remembers Vietnam”. It was my eldest son, David, who brought the POD concept to my attention. He also encouraged me to change the title as he felt it was a bit ‘stodgy’. I tried various combinations until I hit on “Vietnam Air Rescues”. I used my own name, rather than a pen name.

What inspired the book?

My 2^nd son, Craig, (I have 4 sons), had tried for years to get me to put down in writing the stories I had related to them regarding my Vietnam experiences. (Incidentally, he has followed somewhat in my footsteps by becoming an Army helicopter pilot who served in the Panama incursion as well as Gulf Wars 1 & 2. He did Medevac [the Army version of rescue] in Panama and Gulf War 2. By the way, I have forgiven him for being in the Army instead of the Air Force!)

I resisted his efforts until I received a preliminary account of the ‘Streetcar’ rescue by Kenny Fields, the last guy I rescued. I thought it might be fun to write a counterpoint narrative, telling the story from my point of view, and found it to be enjoyable.

That was when Craig and I began working in earnest on the project—I wrote the narratives and supplied the photos, while Craig did the maps and supporting documents.

All of my sons, David, Craig, Eric and Mark plus my wife, Kaye, have participated in one fashion or another during the creation of this book.

What makes this book special to you?

It brings back a time when I was able to make a difference in the lives of a few other people.

What makes this a book that other people MUST read and WHY?

I tried to be both factual and dispassionate in my storytelling. Many people have very different conceptions of the Vietnam War, both positive and negative. I was involved in the effort to save American lives, without regard to politics. I hope people will read about this and perhaps get a new view or slant on what went on—this time from a positive view.

What people NEED to read this book and WHY?

Both those who lived through the

Vietnam

years and those who new only know about it from history books.

Surprisingly enough, a lot of females have been fascinated by this book. I would have thought it would appeal mainly to males, but that doesn’t seem to be the case. Several women have commented that it has allowed them to take a peek into what happened to their father or husband.

I did not keep a diary while I was there, so I wasn’t able to give a day to day account of my experiences. What I tried to do, and what some people have said they find fascinating, was to record the bare facts and avoid any hyperbole, while still communicating the details of rescue operations.

What sparks your creativity? Any tips to help others spark their own creativity?

In my case, there was little creativity involved, as these are tales of what actually happened to me in a manner that is burned into my memory.

In my case, I had constant support and input from my wife and all four sons, who encouraged me and occasionally prompted me to include tidbits I might have forgotten to include.

What has been the biggest stumbling block in your writing? Can you share some tips to help others get past similar problems?

Motivation, motivation, motivation. I initially wrote this as a bit of private correspondence to my sons, then expanded it to the general public when it became obvious there was some interest.

As I mention in my ‘Note to the Reader’, this is the 5^th edition of basically the same work. Each time, I had to consider to whom I was now writing. This affected not only what I included, but how I phrased it.

What do you think motivates people to become authors? What motivated you to get into this unusual industry?

See answer to 2^nd question.

Tell me about the most unusual things you have done to promote any books?

To date, my promotion has been limited to speaking to churches, civic clubs and historical societies.

One bit of advice I received, which I believe has been of benefit, was to make bookmarks advertising the book and give them away. This has seemed to work quite well.

NON FICTION - Why are you the BEST person to write this book? What in your background or in your research makes you qualified to do justice to this topic?

Because I lived it. Others, even those who also performed rescues, who might attempt to create a similar book would, of necessity, come up with a completely different type of book.

This is because of the personal experiences involved. I was startled recently to have another rescue pilot confide to me that he had admired the way I did things and had attempted to pattern himself after me. I would never have imagined anything like that. It is totally amazing how each of us affect the lives of others without realizing it.

NON FICTION - If a potential reader thinks that your book wouldn't interest them, what would you say to convince them to buy? I'm thinking something better than "Its the greatest book ever." Give me something more specific :)

This is a book that is more about saving peoples lives than war itself. I would encourage them to read a single rescue sequence to see if they found the descriptions interesting.

I knew that not all my readers would know about or remember the background of the Vietnam War, so I put in a section detailing my impressions of how and why we, as a country, became involved.

For the same reason, I included a background of life as a Jolly Green pilot and a bunch of anecdotes not directly related to rescue itself.

My hope was that even those who were vehemently opposed to the war would find something interesting they could relate to.

NON FICTION - Why does the topic of your book interest you? Why would it interest potential readers? Give us a hook to reel in new readers.

I think most people are intrigued by ‘how it really was’ stories. The Air Force rescue portion of the Vietnam War, for some reason, has been mostly overlooked, so this is something new for most readers.

It interests me because I was there and experienced all the various incidents described.

Others, I think, find themselves fascinated by the lengths our country went to in attempting to rescue those in harms’ way.

NON FICTION Is there a way to tie your book topic to current events? If so, tell us about how you could do that. I have a blog to feature information and examples about tying books into current events that might be a good place for you to promote your book.

Not directly. The war in Iraq comes to mind, but that is a totally different episode. The strictly military offensive warfare part is long over and even when we were engaged in active bombing campaigns, there was not then and is now no current correlation.

If there's anything else you would like to share, this is the time and place.

I appreciate your efforts to assist me in the promotion of my book.

Thank you for visiting with me and in closing, give us your website address and a link to order your book.

For anyone who would like to take a look inside the book, I compiled a "sampler" which gives you excerpts from the book and the entire first rescue along with pictures from the book. To download your free sampler - visit www.nikkileigh.com/var/htm

Website: www.vietnam-air-rescues.com

Order link: http://www.amazon.com/Vietnam-Air-Rescues-Dave-Richardson/dp/1434891348/

We've posted an excerpt from the book to share Dave's first rescue - visit http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/08/sample-for-you-rescue-1-vietnam-air.html

Feel free to ask questions or leave a comment at every stop on the tour to increase your chances to win a copy of this exciting book. For full details about Dave's tour and to see the schedule - http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/07/vietnam-air-rescues-author-dave.html

The Joy of Pregnancy by Tori Kropp

2008-08-07T13:02:00.000-07:00

Tell us the book title and your author name.

It is great to be here. Thanks for having me. My name is Tori Kropp and the book is called The Joy of Pregnancy.

What inspired the book?

I have been a Perinatal nurse for more than 20 years. Even years before that I had a fascination with birth that has led me on this long and expanding road of pregnancy. There is nothing I know more about than “birthing” babies. I have seen more that 2000 babies come into the world in hospitals, birth centers, bedrooms, bathtubs, hammocks and even in the back of a pickup truck! Birth is not one bit less magical to me today than it was the first time.

Many years ago, I began to recognize that many women who were “prepared” for birth by having read books and taken classes were coming into their births ill prepared for actual labor. They were trusting a variety of “experts” and writers more than they trusted themselves. They were struggling to “think” their way through and to try to control the very primal and uncontrollable experience of childbirth.

Women today are more worried, anxious and serious than I have ever seen. Where is the humor of that expanding belly, the funny stories, and the old wives’ tales? It seems as though the common sense and lightness of this wonderful time has been replaced by dry facts about procedures, tests, and nutrition. These are all important things but certainly not the whole picture.

I have been able to use the skills I have in my work with pregnant women in a variety of ways. I have worked with women during labor, through my childbirth education company, PillowTalk® and online via my community website, Stork Site. And I know I have been able to have a positive impact. My heart warms when a woman, with a child (or two or three) in tow, makes a beeline across the street to say, “Tori, do you remember me? You were with me eight years ago when my son was born, “ or “Thanks! We learned so much in your classes. They made such a difference for us.” What could be more fulfilling?

I have always wanted to reach out to more women through a book and the time finally presented itself.

What makes this book special to you?

It is truly a work from my heart. It is not merely a resource. It is something that I have wanted to do for many, many years. It is also something that was difficult for me to complete. While I was writing the book, my life took a heart-wrenching turn. The love of my life, my husband Ray, was shockingly diagnosed with terminal cancer. At the time, our son, Alexander was 3 ½ years old. After a grueling course of chemotherapy, Ray died 14 weeks later. I wasn’t certain I could finish the book, but knowing how happy Ray was for my opportunity to write it helped me continue. Ray was my best friend and best critic, and his strength and spirit will always guide me. The Joy of Pregnancy stands a monument to his enthusiasm for the work I so love.

What makes this a book that other people MUST read and WHY?

It is simply different than the most popular books out there. It is warm and contemporary. Because I actively work with pregnant women, the information is absolutely current and sound. So many books focus on the negative possibilities and that is simply unfair to women. I focus on the realistic experiences that women may have and present information in a positive way. I talk about how normal most of what women experience is. I also share a lot of myself in the book and it is very personal and honest. My goal with The Joy of Pregnancy is to help women in the most non-judgmental way possible prepare for their babies. The book is fresh, uplifting, funny and empowering.

What people NEED to read this book and WHY?

Pregnant women and their partners or women in the “planning to be pregnant” stage of their lives. It is designed to be a guide for them to use from the moment they become pregnant or even when they are thinking about being pregnant. I have written the book in a very conversational and easy to follow way. Each chapter corresponds to the month of pregnancy that a woman is in. People close to me who have read the book tell me that it sounds just as though I am speaking. And I think I speak more comfortably than I write! I hope women can feel as though they have a trusted companion walking with them through their pregnancies.

What sparks your creativity? Any tips to help others spark their own creativity?

I feel as though I am constantly carry on conversations in my head. Often, I find myself talking aloud as well. I also can only write when I feel passionate about something and then the words seem to come easily. Otherwise, it is almost impossible for me to write. What I have found works best for me is to just let the words come out without worrying about how the sentence reads or whether or not it makes sense. That is what revisions are for. I also don’t write small amounts over long periods of time. I write big chunks all at once. Deadlines are very motivating for me.

What has been the biggest stumbling block in your writing? Can you share some tips to help others get past similar problems?

I feel I am much better at speaking with people than writing. I like the human interaction so it was hard, at times for me to sit alone in front of the computer. Although, over half the book was written after Ray died and I was really unable to interact with people at that time. Writing the book truly was the best thing for me.

Some people are writers who can write about any topic—they simply love the process of writing. That isn’t me. I need the desire and passion behind it. Sometimes I felt as though I had “homework” and that was quite a stumbling block. I had to let go of that.

What do you think motivates people to become authors? What motivated you to get into this unusual industry?

Having something to say or enjoying the process. For me, my motivation was to transfer all that was in my head and heart to the page. I wanted to reach out to more people with something I could share. It isn’t easy to be sure that your voice comes through, even after editing. That was very important for me and I can honestly say that my voice shines through in The Joy of Pregnancy.

Tell me about the most unusual things you have done to promote any books?

We spend time in the summers in a small community on Lake Michigan. This summer I posted flyers on trees and in small kiosks to let my neighbors know about it. There is even a copy in our tiny, local soda bar.

Why are you the BEST person to write this book? What in your background or in your research makes you qualified to do justice to this topic?

For a very long time, I have been able to really connect with this audience. On a very visceral level I understand pregnant women and am able to share that ability with them in a very personable and supportive way. I have attended several thousand births and have seen nearly every situation imaginable and I currently work in a very well respected, family centered women’s hospital in San Francisco.

If a potential reader thinks that your book wouldn't interest them, what would you say to convince them to buy? I'm thinking something better than "Its the greatest book ever." Give me something more specific :)

It is different. It is practical and it is fresh. It presents information in a non-judgmental way so that women have the resources to make decisions that are best for them. My dream is to bring about a change in the negativity that so often surrounds childbirth, in this country. Why is it that there is so much polarization in how women should experience their pregnancies and especially what should and should not happen during labor and birth? There are so many “opinions” about what the “right or better” choices are. The truth is that all those opinions do is create guilt for women. Of course, we want to do what is best and it simply unfair for women to feel as though a reasonable choice they make is not the “right” one.

There are certainly other really great books out there. I simply encourage potential readers to give this one a look to see if it is right for them.

Why does the topic of your book interest you? Why would it interest potential readers? Give us a hook to reel in new readers.

This topic is everything that is me. I don’t for a minute say that I know everything. I really don’t’ want to give the impression that I do. I simply have had a lot of experience and hope to share that in a positive way through The Joy of Pregnancy. Among the best-selling books, I continue to discover plenty of opinions and biases and medical information presented in a way that creates worry and fear. This book, I hope, does not do that. Much of what is written is alarmist, outdated and impractical. The Joy of Pregnancy is contemporary, very realistic, honest and positive. It speaks to today’s women.

Is there a way to tie your book topic to current events? If so, tell us about how you could do that. I have a blog to feature information and examples about tying books into current events that might be a good place for you to promote your book.

One of the things that the book does focus on is practicality, particularly related to what is useful to buy and what is and is not necessary in preparing for the new baby. In today’s economy this is very relevant. People are working harder and harder and there is a tremendous amount of marketing targeted to this audience. I talk a lot about how to spend less and focus on things such as spending money on wholesome food and buying for the long-term and borrowing for the short term.

There is also such frenzy and focus in the media related to celebrity pregnancies. The book really addresses some of the unrealistic expectations magazines and the media place on pregnancy, weight gain, postpartum and baby care. We talk about what is real for women.

If there's anything else you would like to share, this is the time and place.

I just want to say, come join me. I welcome women to read and learn and take from the pages of The Joy of Pregnancy anything that they find to be helpful. Feel free to leave the rest.

“The ride is great. There is nothing more beautiful than a pregnant woman. Babies are unbelievable, and humor is the ingredient that keeps us sane and happy.”

Thanks so much for allowing me to share all of this with you and your readers.

~~ Warmly, Tori Kropp

In Detail with Jim Musgrave

2008-07-16T13:08:00.000-07:00

Tell us the book title and your author name.

The President’s Parasite and Other Stories, by Jim Musgrave

What inspired the book?

My imagination.

What makes this book special to you?

It’s my inner reaction to the eight years of the Bush administration.

What makes this a book that other people MUST read and WHY?

It’s a book filled with stories that are authentically original, and they will make readers think deeply about certain issues.

What people NEED to read this book and WHY?

I suppose people who have restricted their reading to non-fiction or to only novels should read this collection. I believe my stories will shake something loose inside the reader so that he or she will react to something other than coffee in the morning. In addition, my readers should be adults with open minds. To coin an expression from my generation, they should get ready to have their minds “blown away”.

What sparks your creativity? Any tips to help others spark their own creativity?

Besides coffee? Ah yes, I know what you mean. I believe we are all creative in our own ways, but the writer in me suggests to other writers that they attempt to tap into what Carl Jung called the “Collective Unconscious.” Thus, the writer is able to literally become any character and any scene that has ever existed, now exists or will ever exist in the future. That’s about the full gamut of fiction, isn’t it? Historical, contemporary and science fiction and/or fantasy, and all the genres in-between, are all available to the creative writer. This is what I believe truly enlightened folks like Jesus, Gandhi, Mohammad, Sister Theresa and Gautama Buddha called “compassion.” It is the creative ability to “feel” the complete passion or sensory experience of others.

What has been the biggest stumbling block in your writing? Can you share some tips to help others get past similar problems?

My ego. In other words, when I can’t “kill my darlings” I kill the story. "Killing your darlings" is what many writers call deleting paragraphs, scenes, and even chapters that they've spent hours creating--all for nothing, they often believe. But a writer who can't stomach killing any of his or her darlings is not focusing on the big picture: his or her story as a whole. You may hate cutting scenes that are hilarious or poignant or suspenseful, but to be a good writer, you must do exactly that. If anything that you've written, no matter how beautifully, doesn't move your story along, it will bog your story down. By saving your "darlings," you might be killing your story.

What do you think motivates people to become authors? What motivated you to get into this unusual industry?

Besides coffee and insanity? I really can’t speak for others, but I wrote to keep from going nuts. Writing has, in many ways, saved me from depression, taught me what is really important in life, and given me the will to go in, not necessarily in that order. I often tell people to read the poet Ranier Maria Rilke’s “Letters to a Young Poet” in order to truly understand what should motivate a writer. After reading these letters, I often believe it is good that I’m finally old enough and wise enough to start writing.

Tell me about the most unusual things you have done to promote any books?

I have been interviewed on radio in many states, and it was a great experience fielding questions from people (many of whom had not read my book). It taught me humility and understanding of the other person’s perspective.

Why are you the BEST person to write this book? What in your background or in your research makes you qualified to do justice to this topic?

If a potential reader thinks that your book wouldn't interest them, what would you say to convince them to buy? I'm thinking something better than "Its the greatest book ever." Give me something more specific :)

Why does the topic of your book interest you? Why would it interest potential readers? Give us a hook to reel in new readers.

Is there a way to tie your book topic to current events? If so, tell us about how you could do that. I have a blog to feature information and examples about tying books into current events that might be a good place for you to promote your book.

Thank you for visiting with me and in closing, give us your website address and a link to order your book.

My blog: http://efraimzgraves.wordpress.com/

Order the book: http://www.contempinstruct.com/books/product_page/full_page/ec1.htm

SPECIAL NOTE --

Now you can download a sample of the stories from my new collection to see if you want to buy. Note: You must have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed. Click the link below to get your copy of this sampler and get excerpts from each story in The President's Parasite -

http://efraimzgraves.wordpress.com/2008/07/12/new-download-sampler-from-the-presidents-parasite-and-other-stories/

Retirement Life by Pamela Pope

2008-06-15T15:45:00.000-07:00

Tell us the book title and your author name.

Book Title: Retirement Life by Design ~ Living Well with Health, Wisdom, & Authenticity (Achieve Aging in Place, Manage Elder Care, Master Caregiving) by Pamela D. Pope

What inspired the book? The book is inspired by my work as an elder care and aging in place specialist. What I found is that families do not get the information they need to make informed elder care decisions before they are in a crisis. Much of the information families get comes from TV advertisements. Retirement Life by Design provides the type of objective information seniors need. It also helps mid-life adults who are approaching retirement plan well for quality of life.

What makes this book special to you? The book was indeed a work of passion. It was easier to write than any of the other pieces I have written. The book is important to me because of the need for this type of practical and objective information from an experienced elder care specialist with experience in the areas that challenge families most.

What makes this a book that other people MUST read and WHY? What makes Retirement Life by Design different is that it is indeed a paradigm shift for readers. This book is not about “old people.” At the core, it is a message of consumer empowerment and authentic retirement living. At 35 you better believe, I have retirement on my mind.

What people NEED to read this book and WHY? The book reaches a broad audience. The book is ideal of older adults, mid-life adults who are caregivers to older adults, and people like me who are 35 years old, and no where near retirement but have family members who are near or post retirement. Retirement Life by Design ~ Living Well provides a wealth of guidance and how-to’s so families have the tools they need to weigh options. By weigh options, I mean to actually put a real plan in place for retirement that transcends the conventional wisdom of a mutual fund and 401k. This book is about quality of life and authentic retirement living. During our retirement years isn’t that what we ultimately want - to live well, which is far more elaborate than financial wealth?

What sparks your creativity? Any tips to help others spark their own creativity?
What sparks my creativity? Passion. Passion and authenticity. For me there is not greater source of energy and motivation. After over a decade in elder care, I have seen the good, bad, and the ugly. I have always enjoyed working with older adults. I can listen to their stories for hours. It is literally painful to see what older adults experience due to lack of planning, lack of knowledge of about how “the system” works, and lack of consumer empowerment on how to cause a change.

What has been the biggest stumbling block in your writing? Can you share some tips to help others get past similar problems? I have to tell you writing the book was the easy part. Initially the book was 275 formatted pages (after 10 editings). Needless to say, I had to curb my motivation to inform! The difficult part was the tedium of editing. Suggestions I would have for those who experience stumbling books would be inline with what I wrote on my blog about lessons I learned my first year in business. Two tips I can offer with stumbling blocks in writing would be to

1). to stay in firm contact with your ultimate purpose in writing the book in the first place. Full flesh out what you want to accomplish with the book

2). Use your own authentic voice. If you are writing a book from an expert point of view, using your own authentic voice will differentiate you from the rest of the writers who author books about your topic. Your expertise will be more apparent when you are “selling yourself” via your own professional experience.

What do you think motivates people to become authors? What motivated you to get into this unusual industry? Perhaps the common motivation to become an author is the same force that propelled me. For me, becoming an author was a natural step, I have a message of value that is relevant for many people and the book is an extension of my professional expertise for the last 10+ years.

Tell me about the most unusual things you have done to promote any books?
Requested advanced orders from friends and family.

NON FICTION - Why are you the BEST person to write this book? What in your background or in your research makes you qualified to do justice to this topic?
Over the last 10+ years I have worked in elder care. I have been a rehabilitation therapist and practiced in nursing home management. After Medicare Reform of the late 1990’s I studied Health Care Policy and Administration at NYU.

NON FICTION - If a potential reader thinks that your book wouldn't interest them, what would you say to convince them to buy? I'm thinking something better than "Its the greatest book ever." Give me something more specific :)
In the book I speak to this issue of wearing blinders-“It will never happen to me. I’ll be fine.” This book is relevant for everyone. Everyone knows an elderly person that they love and care for. This is a unique opportunity for seniors and the people who care for them to get empowered and to make a difference in the elder care system of which they most certainly are or will be a part. If you walk away from this opportunity you are walking away from power, choice, and control. And the best part about the book is, you have the information before your family is in a crisis.

NON FICTION - Why does the topic of your book interest you? Why would it interest potential readers? Give us a hook to reel in new readers. Elder care has been my profession and I have an affinity for older adults. Baby Boomers are smart people, they want choice, control, and self-determination. That is what Retirement Life by Design ~ Living Well provides (and you get to take it home).

NON FICTION Is there a way to tie your book topic to current events? If so, tell us about how you could do that. I have a blog to feature information and examples about tying books into current events that might be a good place for you to promote your book. Every news outlet is discussing elder care and aging in place. With 77 million Baby Boomers approaching retirement age, this topic will be relevant for the next 20 years.

If there's anything else you would like to share, this is the time and place.
Support Pamela Pope's retirement plan by purchasing directly through the institute.

Thank you for visiting with me and in closing, give us your website address and a link to order your book.
Web: www.popeinstitute.com

In Detail With Mirella Patzer

2008-06-04T12:05:00.000-07:00

Mirella Patzer is touring the blog-o-sphere this month to share information with people about her book - Bloodstone Castle. Today we'll dig into the details about Mirella and Bloodstone Castle...

Tell us the book title and your author name.

Hello, my name is Mirella Patzer and the title of my novel is Bloodstone Castle.

What inspired the book?

After years of research and writing a novel about the 10^th century, I needed a diversion, one that would release me from the confines of sticking to the facts and which would allow me to let my creativity run free. Bloodstone Castle is the result.

What makes this book special to you?

This book is special because it is the first novel that I created from start to finish. The characters, the castle, the plot,

it is all developed from my imagination. The only thing that is not fictional in the novel is the locations – Genoa, Portovenere, and Savona are actual locations in Italy.

What makes this a book that other people MUST read and WHY?

I worked very hard to give people something different than the usual romance novel. I wanted it to be suspenseful, mysterious, funny, and full of new ideas and scenes. I added a bit of the odd and unusual too. I wanted it to be a unique experience, a novel away from the mainstream historical romances.

What people NEED to read this book and WHY?

Bloodstone Castle is meant to be pure escapism and fun. I want the book to entertain, to allow my reader to escape life’s little stressors and discover a new heroine, a new hero, and an exotic setting.

What sparks your creativity? Any tips to help others spark their own creativity?

There is inspiration everywhere – on tv, in persons we know, in books we read. I often stumble on a tidbit of research that sparks a new idea for a novel or a scene I can put my characters in. Or I sit and watch a movie that makes me think about my own novels. Many times, I dream at night about my characters and in the morning, I have a new idea.

What has been the biggest stumbling block in your writing? Can you share some tips to help others get past similar problems?

Work / life balance is what I personally always struggle with. During the day, I care for my 2 year old grandson while my daughter is in law school. When he naps, or before he wakes up in the morning, or after he goes to bed at night is when I manage to get to work on my email and blogs, or write book reviews, or work on promoting my novel. On the weekends, I try to focus on working on my current works in progress or focusing on critiquing the work of fellow authors who belong to my critique group. It is a daily struggle but I have found keeping to a basic schedule such as what I’ve described immensely helpful. Keep aside time to write, no matter how small. For me, at this stage of my life, writing occurs on the weekened.

What do you think motivates people to become authors? What motivated you to get into this unusual industry?

I never aspired to be a writer. And to make matters worse, I never believed I could write even though I’ve been an avid reader all my life. It wasn’t until the mid 1990’s when I learned about my family’s history during World War II that the spark to write was born.

The Battle of the Moro River occurred on my grandfather’s vineyards in Italy. Hundreds of Canadian and America soldiers died there. My mother and her family lost everything because of the German occupation of their tiny town. They survived by living in caves throughout the battle and for eight months afterward while they tried to rebuild their bombed home. So before I can write this story, I need to walk that land, breathe the air in that cave, walk the past the grave stones of the Moro River War cemetary to honor the soldiers who lost their lives on my family’s vineyards. Only then can I do justice to my mother’s story. In the meantime, I hone my skills and practice my art by researching and writing my current works in progress.

Tell me about the most unusual things you have done to promote any books?

I have learned a lot about promoting books. The funnest experience I had was working with seventeen other Italian Canadian women to promote our book, Mamma Mia: Good Italian Girls Talk back. This was a sometimes sad, sometimes humorous anthology about growing up as Italian Canadian women. We fed the masses with espresso coffee and cookies. We invaded every Chapter’s store within the vicinity of where we lived. We held a book launch at Pier 21 to honor the immigration experience our parents endured.

I’m also learning to blog, to create websites, and to join writer’s groups and reader’s groups. I’ve also learned to make a book trailer. Now, I’m learning about virtual tours. I spend hours every day updating information, blogging, writing book reviews, and working hard at participating in the writing community in any way I can.

I think I must be doing something right, because the local media is contacting me this time, and not the other way around. Who says hard work doesn’t pay off?

FICTION - If there is a setting, tell us how you decided on that setting and what you did to create a complete and vivid setting for your readers?

When I decided to write an historical romance, I didn’t have a plot in mind. I wanted to set my story in Italy because of my Italian heritage. And I wanted the story to be centered around a castle. A Google Image search for Italian castles provided me with a picture of a castle in Portovenere. As I began to develop the plot, I researched the vicinity of Portovenere and I included Savona and Genoa into the story.

FICTION - What inspires you about the hero or heroine in your book? What makes them memorable for the reader? What motivates the hero and/or heroine? You can include information about both if you want.

Both the hero and heroine understand their duty and responsibility to their family. Both Amoro and Morena have loving family backgrounds with positive relationships with their parents. It is the outside influences and people that bring conflict in their lives.

My hero, Amoro, knows he will be duke of Genoa one day and when his father is murdered and he learns his father’s last wish was for him to marry the daughter of their family’s enemy, Morena. Even though Amoro feels honor-bound to grant his father’s wish, he makes the best of the situation and does his best to win her heart and make it a love match. He treats people fairly and with dignity. I admire that quality in people.

Morena is also a woman raised to do her duty. Her mother died in childbirth so her father doted on her. Despite Amoro’s attempts to convince her otherwise, she struggles with abandoning a betrothal agreement entered into by her father with the villain. She is willing to sacrifice all to protect Amoro, her true love.

FICTION - Is there a villain or something that causes friction in your story? Tell us about what or who it is and how that contributes to the story. Any details about conflict and friction is good information to know.

The villain in my story is Duke Ernesto of Savona. He is the spoiled son of an impoverished duke whose gambling habits force him to take extreme action. Ernesto is pure evil and his deeds create most of the tension from start to finish in my story.

~*~

The Complete Tour Schedule – http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/05/mirella-patzer-virtual-book-tour.html

During the tour, we encourage people to visit each tour stop shown on the schedule. Each comment on any of the tour stops is an entry in the book giveaway. Several copies of Bloodstone Castle will be given away at the end of the month. One will be given to the “best” comment, one for the “most unique and relevant” question. In addition, the blog host where the winning comments were posted will also win a copy of the book. So, visit Mirella, learn more about Bloodstone Castle and post comments. Mirella looks forward to getting to know her readers.

In Detail With Debbie Williamson - Author of Stand

2008-06-01T08:31:00.000-07:00

Tell us the book title and your author name. Stand by Debbie Williamson

What inspired the book? I had a dream that I could stop abuse from spreading to the next generation. My own healing through forgiveness was working with my children and I knew with all my heart that my grandchildren would never have abuse like my families in their lives.

What makes this book special to you? It’s my life and my family and a belief that I hold dear to my heart. My mom was a child advocate, all of her life she devoted herself to making this world better for children that are abused. When I shared my beliefs with her and what I had accomplished with my own family she was very interested in the idea of healing to stop abuse from spreading. It was after a visit from my grandmother on the other side that my mother agreed to help with the book. Mom passed away before she could start with me on the book but she left me her journals and made me promise to finish the book.

What makes this a book that other people MUST read and WHY? The statistics on abuse are alarming; it has always spread to the next generation and it is awareness that will stop it. Not just talking about it, although, that is the first step. But if every abused adult chose to heal through forgiveness and give their pain back to their abuser would it not make sense that abuse would stop at that generation? Everyone knows someone like this in their past; you might not know about it, but they do.

What people NEED to read this book and WHY? Everyone, because abuse affects all of us; not just the ones who live with it.

What sparks your creativity? Any tips to help others spark their own creativity? I have stories that I want to share, I love to tell them. Usually life sparks my creativity, sharing with people, meeting new people. Yes, get out there with people and enjoy them. They can teach you a lot about life.

What has been the biggest stumbling block in your writing? Can you share some tips to help others get past similar problems? Trying to put thoughts into words is frustrating for me. I have to take notes and rewrite over and over again. I have good ideas for stories and they do not always flow that well.

What do you think motivates people to become authors? What motivated you to get into this unusual industry? I believe it is the need to share. Authors are very creative people with stories and to share them with others is a dream. It makes you feel accomplished; like you have made a difference to someone you don’t know. I have other books I am working on and they are stories that I want to share. I want to make a difference in someone’s life by sharing my stories.

Tell me about the most unusual things you have done to promote any books? I am not big on selling myself I get intimidated and embarrassed easily. This book is very important though so I have been out there on my own trying to promote my message. I let go of most of my issues and just get out there doing book signings and asking for them. This book has been bigger than me from the start so I go with it.

Why are you the BEST person to write this book? What in your background or in your research makes you qualified to do justice to this topic? My family has a history of rape and abuse. My research went back five generations and I found that all my great-grandfathers were all guilty of raping their daughters and sons and there were children born to them from their own daughters. It was never talked about because of the shame the family felt for generations. I did not want any part of this to spread to my children. I was raped at the age of nine by my uncle, not my father. My mother fought to keep her children safe from the abuse, but through keeping secrets it spreads through different avenues. I was the first family member to speak out about the abuse.

If a potential reader thinks that your book wouldn't interest them, what would you say to convince them to buy? I'm thinking something better than "It’s the greatest book ever." Give me something more specific :) I would tell them to open their heart and their mind for an idea that might help stop abuse in our world. It is all of us together that will make this change and it is also a very touching book. It’s a very good read.

Why does the topic of your book interest you? Why would it interest potential readers? Give us a hook to reel in new readers. I believe that this world needs to change and some things hurt all of us. We see the pictures of children that have been hurt by family members everyday in the news, and it hurts. But do we ever see an answer, a way to stop this. Do we as a community need to stop it together? Or is it not our problem. Yes, it is my family, but I am not alone and I don’t believe there is anyone that would turn away from a child that has been hurt. I believe the message can spread instead of the abuse. That is why the book is important. It is an answer!

Is there a way to tie your book topic to current events? If so, tell us about how you could do that. I have a blog to feature information and examples about tying books into current events that might be a good place for you to promote your book. How many stories in the news are there about parents that have murdered their children lately? The woman they found in a cement room in Great Britain that had never been out of that room, the one that her father had raped for years. I could go on and on. It affects all of us.

If there's anything else you would like to share, this is the time and place. Yes, I would like to tell people that change starts with a dream you have to follow your dreams and believe in them.

The Horse with the Golden Mane by Russell A Vassallo

2008-05-31T17:45:00.000-07:00

1. Tell us about your book title and your author name.

A: The Horse with the Golden Mane by Russell A Vassallo

2. What inspired the book?

A: I began writing a short story called “Eric” which I intended submitting to a contest. The problem was that it was beyond most word counts for the contests I was considering. I just put it aside and left it to write other, shorter pieces.

One evening, my wife slipped out of bed and went downstairs. I am usually very conscious of her getting up since our auto accident of 1990. Call it the Mother Goose syndrome. I just do not feel comfortable if she is up and I don't reassure myself that she is all right. I don't know whether I dozed off or not but when I started getting up, suddenly she seemed to be right next to me.

It was the seed of an idea of a man who isn't quite sure if he is living with a real woman or one he invented. The title story, The Horse with the Golden Mane,

Began to take form. It was a form full of anger and hatred, not a man in love, but a man desperately jealous of his wife's relationship with her daughter. I wrote the story and left it alone for six or seven months. When I reread it, I realized that I was dealing with myself, a very hateful self, one I didn't like at all.

Before I could change the story I had to change the main character. I had to make him likeable, a man desperately devoted to his wife. So little by little, I added bits and pieces of my own life into the character's life until it fused into a story about a man so much in love he simply could not let go of the woman he loved. I won't tell you whether she was real or invented. The reader will have to buy the book and decided that for himself.

Once I pieced the two stories together, I added two more and it became a full version of The Horse with the Golden Mane.

3. What makes this book special to you?

Like Tears and Tale, The Horse with the Golden Mane s opened a lot of worlds for me, internal worlds. I had anger problems from an abusive childhood; I saw things only from my own perspective; my marriage was in deep trouble; my wife was wearing down from just trying to love me . . . and get me to accept her love. The character in my second book was so despicable, no one could possibly feel sorry for him. But, the man he became, Pierce Bernard, because a romantic, a lover, a devoted husband.

What makes it special to me is that ,like Pierce Bernard, I was able to change my perspective, to become a likeable person, someone who could show his love for his wife and accept her love as well. I still can't put it down when I read it. It fascinates me that I was able to create these characters, give them life, tell their story. And when I finished, I nearly cried because I knew I would miss the man that Grant Bernard had become. So part of Grant Bernard still lives on except his name is Russ Vassallo.

It was also a book wherein I matured as a writer. Instead of writing about a single character, I was able to expand, create other individuals and give them breath and depth.

4. What people NEED to read this book and WHY?

Like most of my work it has general appeal, but I would say that Horse appeals to the adolescent, the adult male and female. It has a little of everything, inspiration, adventure, mystery, romance. Like the commercial, it's the ubiquitous comestible.

5. What sparks your creativity? Any tips to help others spark their own creativity?

God gave Michelangelo the talent to see a figure within a block of marble. I think he gives writers a different block of marble. They see people and real life inside the marble and they chip away at it until it takes form and breathes a life of its own. He gave me two gifts: the ability to see a story in things around me; and the ability to work hard to develop that story.

Before one can spark creativity I think they need to have that special talent that makes them want to write. It like a melody that haunts your mind, a note here, another there, then all the notes begin to flow. Suddenly they become mind images, people moving, speaking, living. Look at someone and imagine him or her involved in a situation. Tell their story or make one up about them. If you have your character set well, he will tell his own story. Just as Pierce Bernard, he told hi own story. How he fixed on the notion that if he trained Red Leader, gained the horses trust, showed the kindness and understanding that was in him, that Maya would return to love him again.

6. What has been the biggest stumbling block in your writing? Can you share some tips to help others get past similar problems?

A: I think the biggest stumbling block is the advice of others already in the writing profession. They come up with a lot of general rules that seem sacrosanct. For example, write every day. I cannot write every day. When I do, I can write several things at one time. I write from inspiration, feeling, emotion and when I have something real to say.

I don't want to be a hack writer and I don't want to write what will necessarily sell to editors, magazines and publishers. My writing is me. It's the most personal thing you can do. So when someone tells me I should write every day, it creates a guilt problem when I don't. Or if they tell me that flashbacks should be avoided. Flashbacks work if one well. There are just too many rules that do not apply to the unique writer.

Write for yourself and someone you value. I write for my wife. If she gives me that pat on the head, every word I write is worthwhile. I'll edit, and rewrite again and again.

I suppose fear of rejection is the biggest stumbling block. I choose to write and market my own work. If something doesn't work, I have no one to contend with but myself. That may not work for everyone. Others may need to find acceptance in earning a living at what they do ,but what good does it do if you sell one article and spend double on psychologist because you can't contend with the other rejections you receive?

7. What do you think motivate people to become authors? What motivated you to get into this unusual industry?

A: I think every author needs something. Most call it approval, the need to be recognized. What affects me the most is when my own writing touches me. If it touches me, it will touch others. I think inwardly I need to make every person I meet a friend. A friend will not taunt me because I am short of height. A friend will not comment on my sagging paunch. No, a friend will see much beyond that. He will see the loving, compassionate and sensitive man within. He will see me because the “me” will be my characters.

I write so others will see that man, will know him, will not hurt him by calling him names. They will not goad him into impossible fights or against impossible odds. They will not play on his generosity because he needs to be loved. If they need a kind word or a helping hand, they will know that there is at least one man who will make the offer.

I do not think I was motivated to get into an industry that is so calloused and indifferent. I think that is why I don't submit articles to most magazines or publishers. I prefer selling fewer books but reaching the people whose emotional can truly be touched, people who respond to inspiration, kindness, love. So I did not start writing to be part of an industry. On the contrary, I was motivated to write to become an individuals. Because we self publish, I feel I have achieved that.

8. Tell me about the most unusual things you have done to promote your books?

A: Because my first book, Tears and Tales was an animal-related book, I teamed up with a local animal shelter fund-raiser and donated a portion of the proceeds to their organization. I've also sold a number of books to waiters and waitresses, most of whom want to be authors.

NON-FICTION

1. Why are you the BEST person to write this book? What is your background or in your research makes you qualified to do justice to this topic?

A: I either know or have met the characters in my book The Horse with the Golden Mane. Not only that but I am the foster parent of Red Leader so it was only natural that he would be on the front cover and the star of the entire book. Horse also permitted me to be myself and to write what I knew best. Most of the book is really based on non-fictional events, but some fiction was added to dramatize.

2 If a potential reader thinks that your book wouldn't interest them, what would you say to convince them to buy?

A: If I am selling The Horse with the Golden Mane , I use an actual photograph of Red Leader. He's a truly handsome animal and an eight-by-ten photograph of him just seems to catch people's eye. As soon as I give them a moment to view his picture, I tell them that Red Leader is a rescued animal and I reveal some personal facts about him. By then, I have their interest and their attention. I can then tell a just enough about the stories in my book that will intrigue them and I show them the award certificate for Horse.

3. Why does the topic of your book interest you? Why would it interest potential readers?

The best example I can offer to answer this question is a quote from one of my newest stories going into a future book. The story is called “The Unloved.”

We meet at the bottom of the stairs, but her eyes avert from mine.

She will not face me when she is perturbed. She is smoting her

own anger because I am blind and do not see. I can be

perplexing to everyone except my animals. With them, I am different.

I feel their love and I sense their emotions. Conversations flows easily

with them and I do not feel unloved. I am comfortable with my

animals. They expect nothing from me. They hold me to no standard.

With them, I do not have to do better and better each time

I attempt something. I know they love me because their love

is simplistic and demonstrative. They are not the feelingless

mother who raised me on criticism and derision.

I also write about two-legged animals since I grew up in a city where mobsters proliferated. I can recall talking to a mob boss, pleading for the life of a friend who was on the hit list. I guess he liked me or I would still be here. Streetwise: Mafia Memoirs is due out in August (I hope.)

4. If there's anything else you would like to share, this is the time and the place.

A: Before you begin writing for publication, take a long hard look at how much of yourself you are willing to give to the industry. Are you willing to learn the industry standards? Are you willing to give up part of your personal life to pursue it? Are you willing to sometimes spend more money selling your books than you earn? Will you accept the criticism of a professional editor? How will you react to being scammed by the thousands out there who want the money your dreams are built on? Are you determined to succeed in spite of them? Do you know where to go to find the right answers?

One things keeps me going when everything else seems to be falling apart?

The professionals are the ones who didn't quit. With me, it's a more personal reason. My mother wanted me to become a lawyer and a judge. She didn't think I could write well enough to earn a living at it. Maybe she was right. But I am driven by the thought I have to prove her wrong.

So, select something that drives you . . . and never let it go.

Tears and Tales by Russell Vassallo

2008-05-17T19:46:00.000-07:00

1. Tell us about your book title and your author name.

A: My first book is called Tears and Tales: Stories of Human and Animal Rescue and it is authored under the name Russell A Vassallo.

2. What Inspired the book?

A; At the time I conceived writing any book at all, I was undergoing chemotherapy for colon cancer. The surgery had been successful and they just wanted to make certain all the cancer was eradicated. As I watched other people coming in for their own treatments, I noted that all them seem defeated. They were like energy-less people sim0ply moving though the motions and most of them had simply given up hope.

I was never a person to sit still, so I pulled my little trolley of chemicals around the compound to the various rooms, entertaining them with animal stories or just plain stories of my illustrious and unnoted life. They seemed to respond to the kindness. Perhaps I removed some of the fear. A lot of them encouraged me to write my stories and send them to a publisher. (ha,ha.)

As I considered writing that first book - something I had always wanted to do - I thought about the way my own animals had impacted me. I'd lost two dogs to cancer and a little waif (Git) just showed up one summer evening, half-starved, ragged and pleading for just a little food. I didn't have the heart to send her away.

Not long after, I connected with a book shepherd who asked me to write a story for one of her own books. I submitted “The Horse That Cried” and she accepted it. So there I was in print and with an amiable desire to speak to others and see if people would actually buy a book that I wrote.

3. What makes this book special to you?

Writing Tears and Tales opened a lot of world for me, internal worlds. I had anger problems from an abusive childhood; I saw things only from my own perspective; my marriage was in deep trouble; my wife was wearing down from just trying to love me . . . and get me to accept her love. So when I wrote Tears and Tales, I was emoting all that anger, all the fury, all the self-disappointment. At the same time, I was also learning to let go of the past, to cling to whatever future I had left and to give eternal life to my animal friends for as long as anyone would read my books and articles.

I guess Tears is my baby. I still can't read some of the stories and not cry. But it was my groundbreaker to making a better life for those around me. But my hope for all my books is that they help others, give them hope that there is a way out of depression and anger, a way to a better life. And it gives animal-lovers hope that their little friends are waiting just beyond the pale.

4. What people NEED to read this book and WHY?

Kids need to read it because they'll love the way animals speak and show emotion. Adults need to read it because it deals with a way out of depression and to a more fulfilling life. This is not just another animal book. Its not just a “me and my dog” book. What I love most about Tears is that it's a book with the meaning of life-- my life - written all over it. It shows me as I really am, a man with sensitivity, compassion, love, and an ability to pull myself up and start over again.

5. What sparks your creativity? Any tips to help others spark their own creativity?

That is a tough question. I think God gives us all a special gift. For me, He gave me two gifts: the ability to see a story in things around me; and the ability to work hard to develop that story. Sometimes a story is there jelling all the time and all of a sudden the opening line pops out at me and I am off and running.

I think it was Ray Bradbury that once said: “whatever I need to invent a story is right here in this room with me.” I know now what he meant. As I was writing this I looked up at the clock and thought: what if that clock suddenly started running backwards and I found myself going back in time.” So people call it the “what if” rule and that is what I call it.

6. What has been the biggest stumbling block in your writing? Can you share some tips to help others get past similar problems?

A: I think the biggest stumbling block is the advice of others already in the writing profession. They come up with a lot of general rules that seem sacrosanct. For example, write every day. If I write every day, my stuff stinks. I need to write from inspiration, feeling, emotion. I don't want to be a hack writer and I don't want to write what will necessarily sell to editors, magazines and publishers. My writing is me. It's the most personal thing you can do. So when someone tells me I should write every day, it creates a guilt problem when I don't. Or if they tell me that flashbacks should be avoided. There are just too many rules that do not apply to the unique writer.

Tips, you want tips to help others get past similar problems? Sure.

Write for yourself and someone you value. I write for my wife. If she gives me that pat on the head, every word I wrote is worthwhile. I'll edit, and rewrite again and again. I'll write again. If others reward me with praise, I am flattered and I want to please them again, but essentially, follow the rules that apply to you.

Just think of most great men who succeeded at what they did. Most of them broke all the rules of conventional wisdom and did things exactly as they pleased.

Picasso comes to mind but there are dozens of others. Be yourself. Write for yourself. Do the very best work you can. A hundred years after you're dead someone will recognize your talent and you'll be famous. If you are really lucky, on your death-bed someone will tell you that you just hit the Best Seller's list and some big publisher sent a $50,000 advance for the rights. But even if they don't do any of that, you can always be content that you didn't sell yourself out to what others wanted you to do.

7. What do you think motivate people to become authors? What motivated you to get into this unusual industry?

A: Part a) I need the approval of others who read my work and reaffirm my talent for creativity and hard work. Because I am a very insecure person, I needed to learn that praise is often sincere. People who tell me they loved my book and want to purchase the next one reaffirm an inner struggle that demands I be the very best at what I do. I call it the “short man” syndrome. (I'm five-feet-two-inches tall and I've heard all the short jokes).

Part b) What motivated me to get into the writing industry was sheer madness. I had this strange notion my books would sell in the thousands or my competition would be limited. I learned later there were something like 20,000 books a month being published. Did I stop? No. A sane man would have stopped. But I continued. I continue today. I'll probably continue tomorrow as well. It's the madness, you see. It runs in my family. Someone comes up to me on the very day I intend to quit writing my newsletters or more books and they say: “Mr. Vassallo you write with such sensitivity. I love your work.” And the madness surges to the fore, ready to drive me on. I even howl and there doesn't have to be a moon to do it.

8. Tell me about the most unusual things you have done to promote your books?

A: I once sent a copy of Tears to Governor Ernie Fletcher and met his lovely Administrative Secretary. We even got invited to her home for an open house.

We recently attended a gun show in Louisville and actually sold a fair number of books. I accost waiters in restaurants with the fact I am a writer and threaten them with a small tip if they don't purchase.(only kidding). I even left one in the men's section of a spa at the Greenbrier Inn (where all the Presidents go) and actually sold their gift shop my first book. They sold well, but they never purchase my second. At $600 per night I don't know if I can afford to keep selling to them.

There are some things I will not do. I will not go door-to-door. I will not lie to my newsletter public by pretending I am selling more books than I really am. I will not fib about the truth of what is in my stories.

NON-FICTION

1. Why are you the BEST person to write this book? What is your background or in yurt research makes you qualified to do justice to this topic?

A: My book is not a typical non-fiction book. The stories are true but when one thinks of non-fiction they either think of self-help books or memoirs. These are real life stories about my animals and my personal troubles and emotions. I'm the best person to write the book because I lived it. The next best person to write this book is my wife because she has put up a tremendous struggle to live with me. That kind of non-fiction would make the Best Seller's list.

2 If a potential reader thinks that your book wouldn't interest them, what would you say to convince them to buy?

A: If I am selling Tears, I use a stopper? Do you know anyone who loves animals? Someone who might really enjoy reading a different kind of animal book? I usually take one of my strongest stories, “The Cardinal' because it's a story that offers hope from beyond the grave and who doesn't want to believe there is something after life?

I talk about the animals, show pictures of them, tell amusing stories about what they did recently. I also study the person. Are they a grandmother with grandchildren? I extol the virtue of my eight year old grandson and how he loves to have my stories read to him. (mostly to stay up a half hour later). If a teen-ager, I extol the virtues of all that pro-animal hype that is out there and how the big bad hunter killed Bambi's mother. Apparently someone didn't do their research because back in those days it was illegal to kill a doe, but it made good sentiment for the movie.

3. Why does the topic of your book interest you? Why would it interest potential readers?

The best example I can offer to answer this question is a quote from one of my newest stories going into a future book. The story is called “The Unloved.”

We meet at the bottom of the stairs, but her eyes avert from mine.

She will not face me when she is perturbed. She is smoting her

own anger because I am blind and do not see. I can be

perplexing to everyone except my animals. With them, I am different.

I feel their love and I sense their emotions. Conversations flows easily

with them and I do not feel unloved. I am comfortable with my

animals. They expect nothing from me. They hold me to no standard.

With them, I do not have to do better and better each time

I attempt something. I know they love me because their love

is simplistic and demonstrative. They are not the feelingless

mother who raised me on criticism and derision.

This is the best reason I can give for why the animal topic interests me. Yet, I do not want to be tacked down as an animal writer. I just finished my memoirs of growing up in a neighborhood where mobsters outnumbered churchgoers by three-to- one. And, after twenty-five years as a practicing lawyer, I have sketched out another non-fiction book on divorce cases and their aftermath.

4. If there's anything else you would like to share, this is the time and the place.

I recall one organization we were using to conduct interviews and have reviews done for a specific price. They ran a contest and asked me to submit a story. Now I always thought that when you win a contest you get something of a reward. Maybe its money; maybe it's a sticker; a certificate. You know, something. Well, I did get something. I got the right to purchase the book my story was published in as a contest winner for twenty-five per cent off retail price.

Then there was the guy who took the winning story right into Hollywood for film and television rights and you were on your way. You simply could not miss. Just being in the contest assured you of notice of some kind. Guess what? He lied. And he lied very effectively for one-hundred and -eighty dollars contest entry fee. I still bang my head on the floor over that one.

Not everyone is a scam artist. I only met Nikki Leigh once, but she is hard-working and you get more than your money's worth from her. Maybe her efforts will never sell a single book (which I doubt because our Amazon sales are up) but even if nothing sells, she's done the honorable thing and that is worth the price of admission . . . anytime.

In Detail With Virginia Vassallo

2008-05-11T11:05:00.001-07:00

Tell us the book title and your author name.

VGV: Unsung Patriot: Guy T. Viskniskki, How The Stars and Stripes Began by Virginia G. Vassallo

What inspired the book?

VGV: I grew up hearing stories about my grandfather, Guy T. Viskniskki. He was the founder of The Stars and Stripes, the newspaper of our armed forces. Guy was lost to history in that he was only mentioned in passing yet he was the motivating force behind The Stars and Stripes. His story needed to be told.

What makes this book special to you?

VGV: This book is special for a number of reasons. First of all, it describes how my grandfather got The Stars and Stripes up and running in wartime France, 1918. Not a small accomplishment. Second, the book gives some of my family history so that I know it will be passed down to my grandchildren. Third, it is probably the only book I will ever write. It was a long process and I am not sure I want to go through it again on another subject.

What makes this a book that other people MUST read and WHY?

VGV: I think people must read Unsung Patriot because it will help them to understand the true nature of The Stars and Stripes. Guy fought for the principles that the paper should be “By and for the soldiers”. There were many people who tried to intervene and get the army top brass to oversee the newspaper but Guy was successful in fighting them all. The newspaper today still follows those principles: By and for the soldiers. It is truly their newspaper.

What people NEED to read this book and WHY?

VGV: People who do not believe in what our armed forces are doing should read this book. That way they will learn that The Stars and Stripes is truly the soldiers' newspaper. And then they can go read the paper - it's available online - and see what the soldiers are actually thinking about their job in the Middle East.

What sparks your creativity? Any tips to help others spark their own creativity?

VGV: Actually, I don't think of myself as really being creative, in the sense that I cannot write fiction or tell good stories. That said, long walks in the woods with my dogs really seem to help. Many times something is kicking around in my head and getting out in the fresh air and walking seems to get things in place. Maybe it's just getting away from the typewriter.

I would suggest anything that makes a person feel refreshed and rejuvenated might help to spark creativity.

What has been the biggest stumbling block in your writing? Can you share some tips to help others get past similar problems?

VGV: The biggest stumbling block was making the decision to actually write Guy's story. And the second biggest was actually starting to do it.

I would suggest that anyone who wants to write just sit down and do. Don't worry about whether it's good or not. Just write to please yourself and maybe one other person. I think that makes the project less daunting.

What do you think motivates people to become authors? What motivated you to get into this unusual activity?

VGV: From my experience talking to various authors, it appears that many of them feel that they have a special story to tell. I certainly felt that way. Some authors also seem to need the praise and attention of being a writer. Others have always wanted to write and it just seems like a natural outgrowth of their personalities.

What motivated me? I knew that I was one of two people who could write the story of Guy T. Viskniskki and The Stars and Stripes because there were only two of us who had his memoirs. Since I have a love of history, it just seemed natural that I should gather the information and write Unsung Patriot. I also wanted to make sure that the family stories that are included in the book were passed down to my grandchildren.

Tell me about the most unusual things you have done to promote any books?

VGV: My first thought is that my husband, Russ, and I went to a two day gun show to sell our books. And surprisingly enough, we did sell quite a few. When we go out to dinner, very often I sell a book or two to our waitress. We just start talking and I start selling. Russ kids me that there is a Wanted Poster up in Lexington, KY, with my name on it: Beware this person will sell you a book.

Why are you the BEST person to write this book? What in your background or in your research makes you qualified to do justice to this topic?

VGV: I am Guy T. Viskniskki's granddaughter. I inherited his 435 page memoirs of his year he spent in France trying to get The Stars and Stripes up and going. I grew up next door to his widow who told me many family stories. Those are the three top reasons why I am the best person to write this book.

I can do justice to how The Stars and Stripes began because I do have much of the research materials present in my home, having inherited all the family papers when my mom died. I was also a history major in college so I learned how to write extensive research papers and still make them interesting. And as an attorney I did a considerable amount of writing.

If a potential reader thinks that your book wouldn't interest them, what would you say to convince them to buy? I'm thinking something better than “It's the greatest book ever.” Give me something more specific.

VGV: If you like history, this is a book that will interest you. If you are afraid that reading history is boring and technical, that is not true of Unsung Patriot. If you like genealogy, please read this book as you can learn how to write your own family history. If you want to understand the true concepts behind The Stars and Stripes, this is the book for you.

Why does the topic of your book interest you? Why would it interest potential readers? Give us a hook to reel in new readers.

VGV: Since Unsung Patriot is about my grandfather, I think it is pretty obvious why the topic interests me. The book should interest potential readers because it will help them understand what our troops today would be facing if they did not have a newspaper of their own - one they could count on to tell them the truth.

My lack of creativity is a problem when trying to come up with a hook. Help!

The Forgotten Man Who Started The Stars and Stripes. (Russ helped me with that!)

Is there a way to tie your book topic to current events? If so, tell us about how you could do that. I have a blog to feature information and examples of tying books into current events that might be a good place for you to promote your book.

VGV: Yes, there is. Since our troops are scattered about the globe, one of the means of creating unity among the units is The Stars and Stripes, the newspaper of our armed forces. Unsung Patriot tells the story of how the newspaper began. I think people would be interested to learn the details of how the paper almost didn't get started - all the problems entailed in starting a newspaper in a war torn country. I am very proud to be the granddaughter of the founder of the paper and I am extremely proud that his guiding principles are still guiding principles of The Stars and Stripes today, ninety years after my grandfather started the paper.

If there's anything else you would like to share, this is the time and place.

VGV: Please visit our websites: www.krazyduck.com and www.unsungpatriot.com. Please feel free to contact us at Russ@krazyduck.com.

Thank you for visiting with me and in closing, give us your website.

In Detail with Dyan Garris

2008-04-20T12:39:00.000-07:00

Tell us the book title and your author name.

Money and Manifesting by Dyan Garris

What inspired the book?

It’s a natural progression of my body of work which is mind, body, spirit transformation.

What makes this book special to you?

It’s at the top of the toolbox of spiritual tools that I’m building.

What makes this a book that other people MUST read and WHY?

There has been a lot of frustration around The Secret and the laws of attraction in general. People have come out of that feeling as if there is something missing and there is. A lot of people were left thinking that there was something wrong with them because they could not manifest. In fact the authors and teachers of The Secret have now come out with “The Missing Instruction Manual.” So, in my book I teach exactly why the Law of Attraction and the power of positive thinking on their own are not enough to manifest. I am teaching people the real secrets to manifesting.

What people NEED to read this book and WHY?

Anyone that has tried to implement the laws of attraction and has gotten nowhere is a the perfect person to read my book. This book teaches exactly what to do to learn to manifest. This is not another book about the laws of attraction. In fact it’s really about everything but that. The laws of attraction and positive thinking are only one factor in learning to manifest.

What sparks your creativity? Any tips to help others spark their own creativity?

Creativity is a combination of factors. Mostly it’s an energy flow. When energy is flowing smoothly on a pathway, creativity abounds. My advice is to learn how to unblock your energy pathways. Then there is no limitation to creativity.

What has been the biggest stumbling block in your writing? Can you share some tips to help others get past similar problems?

I just don’t really have any trouble writing. But for those who do, I would again say, open up an energy flow. Nothing can flow through a clogged pipe.

What do you think motivates people to become authors? What motivated you to get into this unusual industry?

I actually am not sure what motivates anyone to become an author. I think it is probably something they feel in their soul. I’ve just always written. It’s a natural way to communicate. I had the blessing of a really excellent Creative Writing teacher in high school. I think that teachers can have a great influence.

Tell me about the most unusual things you have done to promote any books?

I really wish I had a great and funny story about selling books out of the trunk of a car or exchanging books for something else, but I just don’t. I’ve done two virtual book tours. This is the third and I think it’s an unusual way to promote books, but quickly becoming not so unusual. It’s a great vehicle.

FICTION - If there is a setting, tell us how you decided on that setting and what you did to create a complete and vivid setting for your readers?

FICTION - What inspires you about the hero or heroine in your book? What makes them memorable for the reader? What motivates the hero and/or heroine? You can include information about both if you want.

FICTION - Is there a villain or something that causes friction in your story? Tell us about what or who it is and how that contributes to the story. Any details about conflict and friction is good information to know.

NON FICTION - Why are you the BEST person to write this book? What in your background or in your research makes you qualified to do justice to this topic?

I’m a psychic and energy healer. In order to manifest we need to understand how energy works. In order to manifest money we need to understand how the energy of money works.

I think the only reason someone would think this wouldn’t interest them would be because they thought it was just another book on the power of positive thinking and how to work with the Law of Attraction. I would tell them that this is completely different and there is information in the book that perhaps they’ve never heard before. I would tell them that this information would help them get unstuck from whatever endless cycle they feel they are in.

NON FICTION - Why does the topic of your book interest you? Why would it interest potential readers? Give us a hook to reel in new readers.

The topic interests me because I know it will help a lot of disillusioned people who were sold half a “secret.” It would interest potential readers because it’s fresh information and also because of the way that it’s written. There is fiction wrapped around information and there is a very specific purpose for that. It begins the process of left brain/right brain integration and that is one of the very first steps to manifesting. So, in simply reading the book, you’re going to have an automatic shift.

NON FICTION Is there a way to tie your book topic to current events? If so, tell us about how you could do that. I have a blog to feature information and examples about tying books into current events that might be a good place for you to promote your book.

If there's anything else you would like to share, this is the time and place.

There are no limitations. Learning to manifest doesn’t have to take years. And there are no real secrets. There is only the truth.

Thank you for visiting with me and in closing, give us your website address and a link to order your book.

www.voiceoftheangels.com and www.moneyandmanifesting.com

Nikki Leigh
www.nikkileigh.com/promo.htm

Spring House by David Bowles

2008-04-13T13:58:00.003-07:00

Tell us the book title and your author name. Spring House: Book 1 in the Westward Sagas by David Bowles

What inspired the book? As a young boy, I loved to hear about my grandparents and great grandparents. My parents, aunts, and uncles told wonderful stories and painted vivid pictures of every event. Those stories intrigued me because they really happened -- and they happened to people that were connected to me. I wanted to know more about my ancestors and developed an early interest in history, the only subject I ever excelled in. I began researching my family history more than 30 years ago. After a close call with death in a motorcycle accident, I wanted to be sure this history was passed down to my son, daughter, and three grandchildren. My first attempts told the family stories but bored everyone who read them, so I decided to add dialogue and scenes to give the stories some true life drama. I have done extensive historical and genealogical research and have written nothing -- and will write nothing in future books in The Westward Sagas-- that contradicts known historical facts, characters, or events. The books are written as historical fiction rather than as nonfiction to allow me to imagine and create details of how events might have occurred when those details are not actually known.

What makes this book special to you? I love history and genealogy, and this book gives me the chance to share my research and entertain others at the same time.

What makes this a book that other people MUST read and WHY? Spring House tells little-known details about the Revolutionary War and shows the important roles of women and churches in the American Revolution through the eyes of one Patriot. Adam Mitchell, his compatriots, and his family were ordinary Americans in extraordinary circumstances, people who became heroes because of the way they responded to their situations. Not only will readers gain a new understanding of American history, they will be inspired by the courage and strength of the Mitchell family and their fellow revolutionaries.

What people NEED to read this book and WHY? Anyone interested in American history, especially the Revolution, will enjoy the history. Readers who like romance will appreciate Adam Mitchell's two love stories--his first wife who died bearing their son and his second wife who bore him twelve more children.

What sparks your creativity? Any tips to help others spark their own creativity? I'm inspired by history, which is my passion. I think passion sparks creativity.

What has been the biggest stumbling block in your writing? Can you share some tips to help others get past similar problems? It's difficult to find the time to write. I run a full-time business and write part-time. The only way I can get any writing done--and I'm struggling with finishing the second book now--is to set aside time and not let anything interfere with my writing. I've even gone away to write so I'm not distracted by the interruptions of life.

What do you think motivates people to become authors? What motivated you to get into this unusual industry? Unlike many authors, I never set out to be a writer. But I got so excited about my family history that I knew it was a story that needed to be told. When I couldn't get anyone else to write the story, I decided to do it. And am I glad I did! I've caught the writing bug.

Tell me about the most unusual things you have done to promote any books? Some of my best promotion was in writing the book itself. I made sure to include lots of people in the story--not only my own family but their friends, neighbors, and fellow citizen-soldiers. The book is in Google search and Amazon's Inside the Book so when people search for information about their own ancestors or historical characters, my book comes up. That has generated sales.

FICTION - If there is a setting, tell us how you decided on that setting and what you did to create a complete and vivid setting for your readers? Since the book is based on history, I didn't choose the setting--I set the book where it really happened. I did a lot of research to learn details of the place and period and incorporated those details into the story to make the setting vivid.

FICTION - What inspires you about the hero or heroine in your book? What makes them memorable for the reader? What motivates the hero and/or heroine? You can include information about both if you want. Adam Mitchell and his family just wanted to be left alone to farm their land, practice their faith, and raise their family. But life on the new frontier, politics, and war intervened. The way they responded to these circumstances made heroes of these ordinary citizens. I am in awe of their strength and courage in very difficult circumstances and proud to be descended by from such heroic ancestors.

FICTION - Is there a villain or something that causes friction in your story? Tell us about what or who it is and how that contributes to the story. Any details about conflict and friction is good information to know. The “villain” is the circumstances the characters face: the hardships of life on the new frontier, the political situation that motivated them to stand up for what they believed, and the dangers of war.

NON FICTION - Why are you the BEST person to write this book? What in your background or in your research makes you qualified to do justice to this topic? Although Spring House is fiction, I will answer this question because the book is based on extensive historical and genealogical research. I heard stories about my family and their place in history from early childhood and developed a passion for history as a result. My 30+ years of research coupled with my passion make me the BEST person to write this story.

NON FICTION - Why does the topic of your book interest you? Why would it interest potential readers? Give us a hook to reel in new readers.

Walking Man By Narciso Zamora

2008-03-23T18:55:00.000-07:00

Walking Man: A Modern Missions Experience in Latin America by Narciso Zamora.

What inspired the book?

I've been working for many years in missions and my inspiration in life has always been spreading the word of Christ. This book chronicles all the adventures that I've had in hopes that it will inspire others to join in the work that our Lord asks us to do in his name.

What makes this book special to you?

This book allows me to open the door and let people into my life. It is obviously close to my heart because it recounts all my failures and successes and the way that Jesus has worked in my life. Opening up about it all has allowed me to reflect on the many blessings that the Lord has given me and the miracles that He has worked through the years.

What makes this a book that other people MUST read and WHY?

There is so much work left to do and so many people that need to know more about the Lord. People need to let Him into their hearts and accept him as their personal savior. It is so important to inspire others to know Christ and to act upon that desire to let him be a part of their lives. So many are in need of Him and it is our duty to help others find the way to Him. That's why reading this book and choosing to take action is so important. Mine is just an example of the miracles that the Lord can perform if you let him in and work hard to serve him.

What people NEED to read this book and WHY?

EVERYONE! Jesus can work wonders in someone's life and everyone can work to spread his word. Children and teenagers can start early and know more about Jesus and become spiritually strong adults that can work wonders in their community and the world. Young adults can say "I can do that!" and find themselves in their own quest for inspiring others to serve Jesus. Adults can not only act but transform their own life and their family's.

What sparks your creativity? Any tips to help others spark their own creativity?

When something amazing happens - when God provides for my need in just the moment I need it, I feel inspired to share it with others, in some cases, in writing.

What has been the biggest stumbling block in your writing? Can you share some tips to help others get past similar problems?

I guess having enough time is the biggest stumbling block. For those of us that have full time pursuits and want to write as a sideline, it can be hard to convert those good intentions into printed words. The thing that has worked best for me is to block off a few hours on one day a week or one hour the same time each day, usually the early morning before the phone has started to ring - and just do it!

What do you think motivates people to become authors? What motivated you to get into this unusual industry?

Writing is an excellent way of reaching others. It allows you to share your personality, your ideas and, in my personal case, a lifetime of experiences and lessons. I am always looking for ways to reach people and writing my autobiography only seemed appropriate after so many years of working in this field. I wanted others to know that it is never too late to accept Jesus, that as long as you straighten your life and live it fully in His word then your past is not a reflection of the wonders you can do through Him.

Tell me about the most unusual things you have done to promote any books?

I haven't gotten too crazy yet, as my book just came out. But if we still have a few thousand books sitting in my publisher's basement a year or two from now, you'll see me get crazy! My publisher suggested that I walk my entire author tour, since my book is called Walking Man. She actually wanted me to walk from Indiana to Texas to Florida in July heat!! I told her I was up for anything, but then she came to her senses (thank God).

NON FICTION - Why are you the BEST person to write this book? What in your background or in your research makes you qualified to do justice to this topic?

My personal experience as a nonbeliever who struggled to live in the right path and was still able to find Jesus and, for more than thirty years, reach the most isolated areas of Peru and Chile to start churches and spread the word have given me the knowledge to counsel others. God works wonders through those who accept him and I've been privileged enough to know him for many years now.

Many have a need to fill that spiritual void that people carry these days and reading this book may be the answer to finding a sense of purpose in life. Even if they think their life is perfectly fine, reading this book may let them discover a whole other side of life they hadn't considered before. There are so many that need help and reading my testimony can give them inspiration and Jesus can start finding His way into their hearts.

NON FICTION - Why does the topic of your book interest you? Why would it interest potential readers? Give us a hook to reel in new readers.

Well, the topic of this book is basically the passion of my life; it describes the love of Jesus and his wonders. I am certain that readers can go through this book and find the story of a real man who has worked hard to accomplish an important goal in life. That is a struggle that all human beings can relate to and reading somebody else's way of getting through the difficulties with the help of God is an inspiration that can help them find motivation to accomplish their personal goals.

My book shows in great detail the poor conditions that so many people have to live in because of the underdeveloped areas that they have been born into. It is difficult for them to get by and poverty is a pandemic that haunts them throughout their entire lives. I have made an effort to reach those isolated areas because I come from a small rural town myself, and I know how limited the opportunities are for these people. I am one of them, and the Lord has helped me overcome many issues they deal with on a daily basis. There is a need for many others to come and provide them with the tools for a better life both materially and spiritually.

In Detail With Patricia Guthrie

2008-03-18T07:35:00.000-07:00

Tell us the book title and your author name.

In the Arms of the Enemy

Patricia A. Guthrie

What inspired the book

About a decade ago a horse mob in the Chicago suburban area were murdering horses for insurance money. Quite a few horsemen were indicted, some jailed. That seed stayed planted in my head until about three years ago when I wrote this book.

What makes this book special to you?

In the Arms of the Enemy is dedicated to those horses lost to man’s greed and inhumanity and to those humanitarians whose mission is to save and protect them. The love I have for my characters and their horses have made this special. (It’s also my first published book)

What makes this a book that other people MUST read and WHY?

First off, this is a ‘durn good mystery. Outside of that, it educates the public on what happens when money, animals and greed come together. It also shows what can happen when you deceive the people you love.

What people NEED to read this book and WHY?

Probably the same answers as the last question, but this is for horse lovers

And shows them another side of the horse industry.

What sparks your creativity? Any tips to help others spark their own creativity?

I take my ideas from topical events, mix it with things in my life I love (Romanian castles, horses, collies, women who have to run from dangerous relationships) I like to point out the evils in life balanced with the good.

What has been the biggest stumbling block in your writing? Can you share some tips to help others get past similar problems?

I think marketing has been my biggest stumbling block. I don’t mix writing and marketing well together, so when I market I don’t write and when I write I don’t market. I’m trying to over come that. I’m sure others have much going on in their lives, trying to juggle all that is hard. Writers block? I do, but I usually talk or walk it off. Music helps too, although I can’t write and listen to music. Being a musician I have a tendency to listen and stare at the walls, picking out the cello and violin sections. LOL

What do you think motivates people to become authors? What motivated you to get into this unusual industry?

I think people write when they have a good story to tell and it must come out. I think reading and talking to other writers can “egg-on” that feeling to write.

I think those people have a natural interest in the craft of writing and aren’t afraid to write bad drafts, then start rewriting. It’s just in you.

Tell me about the most unusual things you have done to promote any books?

FICTION - If there is a setting, tell us how you decided on that setting and what you did to create a complete and vivid setting for your readers?

This story takes place a horse locations. My prototype for Kalian Downs Racetrack was Arlington Park Racetrack in Illinois and most of the race took place a the barn where I board my horse. When I walk through there and smell the hay and horses, watch the horses movements, the sounds they make when they’re eating dinner, it makes it easier to write it into a chapter.

FICTION - What inspires you about the hero or heroine in your book? What makes them memorable for the reader? What motivates the hero and/or heroine? You can include information about both if you want.

I had to write in Adam. He was so intent in finding a killer of his father’s horse and its trainer and was convinced the trainer’s partner was guilty. He was a man on a mission. Maggie was motivated by the need for peace, having had a stressful and bad experience with her fiancée and the owner of the barn where she trained. The rest of the novel she must learn to protect herself from deliberate accidents and learn to trust Adam, although she believes he’s not what he appears.

FICTION - Is there a villain or something that causes friction in your story? Tell us about what or who it is and how that contributes to the story. Any details about conflict and friction is good information to know.

Well, this is a mystery, so I won’t tell you who, but there are several conflicts here. First Adam being not the naïve, suave and rich entrepreneur he claimed to be. Evidence is pointing toward Maggie being part of the gang who kills horses for insurance money for horse owners. Even as Maggie has no idea she’s even being under suspicion.

If there's anything else you would like to share, this is the time and place.

I hope you enjoy the book. It’s not long, but does get intense. A book where good intentions lead to deception and lies and misunderstanding leads to kidnapping.

Thank you for visiting with me and in closing, give us your website address and a link to order your book.

You’re welcome. I hope your readers enjoy this incite into the characters in the story. My website: www.patriciaanneguthrie.com, www.paguthrie.blogspot.com and www.myspace.com/paguthrie.

You can purchase the book at the publisher’s website www.lightswordpublishing.com,

www. Amazon.com, Borders, Waldenbooks, Barnes and Noble and most of the online independents. You can also order the book at the actual book stores and some stores carry it on their shelves.

These were great questions. I really enjoyed talking to all of you. Any questions:

Patguth@aol.com Please email me.

For more information about Patricia's virtual book tour - visit her tour home page http://inspiredauthor.com/promotion/Patricia+Guthrie

To order your copy, visit http://www.amazon.com/Arms-Enemy-Patricia-Guthrie/dp/0979203082

In the Arms of the Enemy by Patricia A. Guthrie

2008-03-17T19:06:00.000-07:00

I will be posting the "In Detail" answers soon, in the mean time here is some "inside info" about the cover of the book.

The cover story of the covers of In the Arms of the Enemy:

Front:

Cody, (Cajuns Cayenne Kid) is the horse on the front cover of "In the Arms of the Enemy." Although he's not a thoroughbred race-horse, we decided to acknowledge this beautiful horse on the cover as a tribute. Cody was a champion cutting horse and produced magnificent foals who have gone on to become champions in their own right in many disciplines.

According to his owner, Bonny Kirby "He was an AQHA, ICHR and FQHR registered. He is a Gold Champagne and is 92.19% Foundation. His bloodlines are Champions and will produce the same. He was lost to colon cancer on October 13, 2007"

The back cover is a tribute the author's gray quarter horse Shotgun Socks who won classes in pleasure and halter at American Quarter Horse Association horse shows. He was owned by Ms. Guthrie until last year, when he died at twenty-five from complications due to colic.

I've acknowledged these two horses in the same manner as Adam Blakely might acknowledge his beautiful thoroughbred Black Autumn.

Patricia A. Guthrie
"In the Arms of the Enemy." (Light Sword Publishing)
Dedicated to those horses lost to man's inhumanity and greed
and to those humanitarians who's mission is to save and protect them.
www.paguthrie.blogspot.com,
www.patriciaanneguthrie.com

Patricia A. Guthrie
"In the Arms of the Enemy." (Light Sword Publishing)
Dedicated to those horses lost to man's inhumanity and greed
and to those humanitarians who's mission is to save and protect them.
www.paguthrie.blogspot.com,
www.patriciaanneguthrie.com

In Detail with Steven Clark Bradley

2008-02-29T19:40:00.000-08:00

Tell us the book title and your author name. - The title of my third book is Nimrod Rising and my writing name and legal name is Steven Clark Bradley.

What inspired the book? - I had lived outside the United States for almost 17 years. I had visited the States about every four years but my focus had always been returning abroad. When I returned to live here in 1995 and tried to find a job and began to see the culture again here, I realized just how much America had changed. I had left the States while Ronald Reagan was president and I still believe that we were a kinder, more unified and much more moral people back then. I am not speaking some old codger either, because I am only 48 and it is meant sincerely from my experience. So many different movements were afoot and all of them spelled a literal cultural shift for me in the country. It all caused culture shock for me and I realized that America was at war with itself. I began to hear the idea that the constitution was a “living Document”. The meant that the country no longer bent or altered its course according to the constitution, but that we now applied the constitution to any new movement and made the sacred document fit our new lifestyles. I saw this new president, Bill Clinton who seemed determined to change us forever and felt I had to write something as I saw it and sort of predict where it would go and what it would do to us. So, one night in my mother's house I started writing. I just began to put on paper what I felt the world was doing and what the future would hold, if we continued down the same path. Well, the first part of the novel was written before September 11, 2001 and I had predicted that the nation would be attacked at home by terrorists simply because that president was so focused on home issues and his private debauched life that he failed to respond at all to the pin-prick attacks we already had inflicted upon us. Since that time, the book kind of wrote itself as I his the keys on the keyboard and ended up in what I think you will find the most unique approach in a novel you may find out there. I like to call this 593 page book my treatise on America. It is a large book but reads easily and is a strong story, but is also a story of hope and faith. It is not a “Christian” novel as it speaks for faith and the need of faith and the importance of using our faith to preserve our homeland. For, I am of the impression that I will not be patriotic just because I was born here. I need to believe in the country I support. It has to offer some semblance of reflection in what I hold dear and I unless I speak out and unless we truly hold these things dear, we will have a nation that few of us recognize and which I can not support. It is a book of challenge and my passion truly resonates from the book on every page.

What makes this book special to you? - I find the book interesting on several levels. It is a bit frightening, indeed. Yet, it is not scary because of ghosts and such, but rather because it takes the reader into the world of created beings that simply live in the spiritual world. Nimrod Rising takes us into the world of the Earth before humankind came upon the scene. My premise is that the creation account in Genesis is actually a recreation and that the Watchers, angels ruled here until a cataclysmic event took place, i.e. the fall of Satan which caused the Earth to become “Formless and void.” It describes the battles we fight now to be as much part of the spiritual war as much as the physical ones we see with our eyes. It is also challenging because it is well researched. All the information about Nimrod, himself is true and was found in ancient tablets that date back to the age of the earliest people since the dawn of man. I put 12 years of research into Nimrod Rising and I can say that it is a novel of dire straits with the hope and faith that God has an ultimate plan for the good of man.
What makes this a book that other people MUST read and WHY?

What people NEED to read this book and WHY? - I can say that this novel and all that I put into it personally deepened me and made me a wiser and more profound and sober person and I know it will make readers take stock of their live and that is always what makes us live wiser, live longer and will tell us all that we are not accidents nor do we live meaningless lives. There is a reason for our being, for the terror that we now see throughout the world and that all of our actions, both good and evil must be accounted for in the future. This makes Nimrod Rising so powerful and special to me and I know it will be the same for those who read it. We are not individual islands. There are repercussions for the things we do or fail to do or attempt to do. It is important to remember that this world does not belong to us. It has simply been placed in our hands for safe keeping. The forces of evil want it back for their own purposes and God expects good and right people to preserve it. Sometimes that means war. Some of it means environmentalism. All of it means following principles that preserve both social and physical adherents to those things that are universally right. It demands fighting against that which is naturally and intrinsically wrong. Nimrod Rising draws such distinctions and will challenge us all as to our participation in this drama called life.

What sparks your creativity? Any tips to help others spark their own creativity? I have to believe in something before I can write about it. All my material is about some issue that I feel needs repairing or of which I feel I much warn about the massive changes that could not only change us drastically but destroy us forever. I am current writing a novel centered around the Terri Schiavo case and have my next novel completed and in editing called Patriot Acts which talks about the dangers from Iran and Militia groups. These are two subjects which demand our attention and I feel such things awaken my instincts and bring out the storyteller in me. Don't write to make people comfortable all the time. Write what moves you and trust it will move others too. Don't write to please or to seek approval. Write to inform and to be a part of the progression of the world in thought. People are looking for writers who believe what they write. I am not seeking agreement, but interest and to spark that interest into something that puts my point of view out there, whether it is accepted or not. For me, that is revolutionary.

What has been the biggest stumbling block in your writing? Can you share some tips to help others get past similar problems? I have never had writers' block but I have failed to rest my mind properly and lost my way because of that. I have tried to learn that writing is a lot like out appetite. The best way not to get fat is to learn to eat only when we're actually hungry. That takes discipline and wisdom. Writing is the same in that, we want gourmet, not fast-food. Rest your mind, simmer your ideas, get them on paper and let them cook a while and add the seasoning and savor the aroma and you will eventually sit down to a gourmet buffet that will amaze you with the life of the taste and will make you read what you have written and say, that is what you really wanted to say. That works for me, perhaps it will for others.

What do you think motivates people to become authors? What motivated you to get into this unusual industry?

Tell me about the most unusual things you have done to promote any books? - Book Promotion has been the fly in the ointment for me. I mean, like an avid jogger who suddenly does not run for a month or so, I get a bit depressed every time I finish a novel. I pour all of myself into the world I have created and need to just keep going. So, I have had this thing in me that prefers to write than to sell books. Crazy huh? But, I bet you can relate. So, I have had a tough time with this area of writing. Book stores, who should be licking their chops at the prospect of so many writers like myself, yet, nothing has been as a hard as getting a store to take my books or to even give me a glance in my direction. I have become much more disciple in this endeavor simply I have realized that I want people to read my books. I have been very creative with Nimrod Rising. I created eight videos, all of which show a different aspect of my story. I placed them on over 25 different video upload sites and more than 25,000 people have watched them! I know that was the most unique thing I have done. The videos are still playing and can be viewed at www.stevenbradley.net.

FICTION - If there is a setting, tell us how you decided on that setting and what you did to create a complete and vivid setting for your readers? - Because Nimrod Rising is a vast story of International significance, my setting is really two/fold. I like to think that I have spent a large portion of my life in the cradle of civilization. The main setting of Nimrod Rising is really, Israel. Though it takes a bit of time before the book finally settles in that small but significant country, there is a real sense throughout the book that the story is heading that way. In a real sense, Israel is the spiritual center of the world. For Muslims, there really is no breakdown of society vs. religion. The religion of Islam encompasses every part of life. Sense I have worked with Muslims for over twenty years, I could see the radicalization of the religion long before Osama Bin Laden came on the scene. Most of the first section was written before 9-11. I have never claimed to be a prophet, and actually the need of such foretellers was never necessary. The changes taking place around the world were easy for me to see having lived there for so long. With the changes hitting America spiritually and socially and with the radicals in Islam beginning to strike us because of our support of the State of Israel, it was natural that the end game scenario should take place in the nation. The Israel is a tiny nation; its impact due to its very existence keeps lights burning in the great capitals of the world.

The other major setting is right inside the United States. We picture a nation and a world that has been devastated by terror and a nation that had lost its ability and will to defeat it. America is dissolving and the social attacks slapping the nation against the family, marriage, children and the elimination of civil rights required to fight the terror has left the nation devastated. The two settings converge into a massive wild ride that, of course you'll have to read the book to discover.

I spent two years in the country of Pakistan and Bangladesh. That was an eye opener and it gave me a real feel for the culture, the lives and even the various smells of the Middle East. I also spent almost three years in Senegal West Africa where I lived amongst the people and grew to understand the impact of Islam on the lives of its adherents. Even in France, where I lived for over six years, I worked almost exclusively with the Muslim population. Later I went to Turkey and worked there for four years and traveled to Iraq and Israel and truly got a feel for Muslim society. By painting my story with words from my Middle Eastern experience, I was able to create a very true-to-life experience for the reader. Of course, the story itself only lent itself to the Middle Eastern setting.

In the case of Nimrod Rising, it was easy to find the place of my story. Though Nimrod Rising is a work of fiction, it is based on historical fact and the events that form the story took place or will take place in the lands I describe. Also, Nimrod Rising spans several countries and they are all key locations. In some ways that made it easier, but in other ways it demanded very precise descriptions. I was helped a lot in that I had spend considerable amounts of time in each location, which helped me in the various cultural, political and layout of the land aspects of Nimrod Rising.

FICTION - What inspires you about the hero or heroine in your book? What makes them memorable for the reader? What motivates the hero and/or heroine? You can include information about both if you want. - The Heroine is difficult to choose since there are three major female characters. The first two are Sally Michael, Shepard's mother. She was kidnapped as a believer in God and forced to have Manassa Dormin's child. She is really such a strong character and strong in faith.

Also, there is Elif Michael (Karaoglu) the Turkish wife of Shepard Michael who worked for Manassa Dormin but finds faith and turns her life and family around. She too is large in meaning in the story.

Yet, I have to say that the most powerful figure in the story is the six year old child of Shepard and Elif, Jesse. She possesses the powers of her daddy and grandfather, but the heart of the child shines through so powerfully how she reaches out to the grandfather and finds the miniscule residue of humanity left in Manassa Dormin. She can bring tears to the reader's eyes and truly wins the day through the wisdom of a child.

My main hero of the novel has to be the character, Shepard Michael. Shepard is the son of Manassa Dormin who is the villain in the story. He is abused and used by his father to bring about the final destruction, but he remembers the principles that his mother, Sally Michael, taught him and resists his natural inclination for evil. I think we can all relate to him in that we have all had to resist doing wrong, and the wrong has often been an easier decision for us than the good. He is a really powerful figure in the story and very profound in his outlook.

FICTION - Is there a villain or something that causes friction in your story? Tell us about what or who it is and how that contributes to the story. Any details about conflict and friction is good information to know. - Manassa Dormin is really the focus of the story of Nimrod Rising. He is the 666^th generation from Nimrod some 4000 years earlier. Dormin is found at the door of a police station and his parent s are never found. He is adopted by an older couple and raised as a Christian. He believes himself to be a believer but is confronted with his fate as the antichrist. The transformation he endures and his struggle against accepting his calling is a profound adventure into the spiritual world of darkness. After he finally allows the force of darkness to invade him fully, he has no turning back and finally wrestles and wins control of the world. He is very human, but somehow very determined to destroy humanity. His character is vicious and brutal and smart. He is appealing and repelling at the same time, which is normal for the son of the devil. He is a very aggressive figure throughout the story.

For much more information about Nimrod Rising and Steven Clark Bradley, visit his tour page - http://www.inspiredauthor.com/promotion/steven-clark-bradley-author-nimrod-rising

My books are available at:

amazon.com
booksamillion.com
powells.com
bordersstores.com
barnesandnoble.com
copperfields.booksense.com

Cover of the Year - Asking for Your Vote

2008-02-21T08:18:00.001-08:00

I just scanned the covers for Cover of the Year on Erin Aislinn's website and saw a lot of familiar covers - many were on my Judge A Book By its Cover blog last year :)

I invite you to visit http://www.erinaislinn.com/BookCoveroftheYear2007.htm and I hope that you will vote for Lady Lightkeeper which is one of my covers and it is listed as the winning cover for September.

If you prefer the easier route - feel free to email webmail@erinaislinn .com and put "VOTE for Lady Lightkeeper" in the subject line. I appreciate every vote :)

Nikki

Book Promo 101 - NOW AVAILABLE
www.nikkileigh. com/book_ promo_101. htm
"Coastal Suspense with a Touch of Romance"
Would you like information about the newest
blog tour option? Ask me for details and visit
www.inspiredauthor.com/promotion

Judgment Fire by Marilyn Meredith

2008-02-17T16:13:00.000-08:00

Tell us the book title and your author name.

Judgment Fire

Marilyn Meredith

What inspired the book?

Judgment Fire is a Deputy Tempe Crabtree mystery. In this book Tempe comes to the realization as to why she has been so reluctant to embrace her heritage. In every novel she has learned more and more about being a Native American, but it has always been obvious that her ethnicity was not something she was particularly proud of.

What makes this book special to you?

Whenever I have a new book it is special to me. It's sort of like giving birth, each child is special. Being the mother of five, I can assure you that it is a similar experience.

What makes this a book that other people MUST read and WHY?

I don't know that it's a must, but for those readers who like mysteries and particular books with a touch of Native Americanism, Judgment Fire is for them. The why is because they'll enjoy reading about Tempe and her latest adventure.

What sparks your creativity?

Because I know Tempe and her family as well or better than my own, I'm always anxious to see what is going to happen to them next.

Any tips to help others spark their own creativity?

When looking for an idea I pay attention to what's on the news and small items in the newspaper and magazines. I also like to listen in on people's conversations in restaurants. (My husband hates when I do this, but I've gotten some dandy ideas this way.)

What has been the biggest stumbling block in your writing?

First it was rejections. I got nearly 30 for the first book that I felt had the potential to be published. (I'd written two others that never saw the light of day.) I rewrote and rewrote and rewrote until finally I received that wonderful acceptance letter.

The lovely woman who owned and ran the publishing company that published the first four books in the Deputy Tempe Crabtree series passed away unexpectedly. That was tough. I lost a good friend and supporter. I was fortunate to find Mundania Press willing to continue with me and the series.

Can you share some tips to help others get past similar problems? Don't give up. Life is full of stumbling blocks--just climb over them and keep on going.

What do you think motivates people to become authors?

Unfortunately, I'm afraid some people think being an author is easy and an easy way to make money. Not a good reason to be an author. Unless one is extremely fortunate, the money is not that good. And writing is not easy! You must do it every day in order to complete a book--and then it needs to be edited and re-edited.

What motivated you to get into this unusual industry?

I love to read and I've been writing since I was about 10. I can't imagine not writing.

Tell me about the most unusual things you have done to promote any books?

I always have a book launch somewhere--only once was it in a book store, I've had launches in an inn very much like the one in my books, a recreation center where I was joined by a belly dancer, on the porch of a coffee shop, my house, gift shop, and our town's Visitor's Center.

I thought having a virtual book tour was unusual but now everyone seems to be doing it--and I love it!

I also love giving talks about my books and writing anywhere they'll have me from libraries, writing conferences to women's and men's service groups.

FICTION - If there is a setting, tell us how you decided on that setting and what you did to create a complete and vivid setting for your readers?

The setting always needs to sound real whether you're making it up or you're using a real place. Always, the reader needs to know where the action is taking place--I like to think of my books as a movie I see in my head and then I try to write the book in such a way that the reader will see the same movie.

FICTION - What inspires you about the hero or heroine in your book?

Tempe Crabtree as a resident deputy must deal with the bad things that happen in her town. She also has to deal with the fact that she's a Native American and the only woman law enforcement officer in her area.

What makes them memorable for the reader? I hope the female readers will find things to identify with--such as the fact Tempe is also a mother and a wife and must balance all facets of her life. She's strong but also a very real person who has to deal with the day-to-day problems of life.

What motivates the hero and/or heroine?

Tempe is always looking for the truth--she never accepts the easy solution without making sure it's the right one.

Her pastor husband has some problems at times with Tempe's involvement with Native American spirituality.

FICTION - Is there a villain or something that causes friction in your story? Because I write mysteries there are always villains. In Judgment Fire there are an assortment of odd characters who are villainous. The husband who batters his wife--and the son who acts like he doesn't care about his mother are two.

Tempe also goes behind her husband's back to participate in a starlight ceremony, something she knows Hutch won't approve of.

Judgment Fire is an Eppie finalist in the mystery category.

http://fictionforyou.com

http://www.mundania.com

See what's new at: http://fictionforyou.com
Judgment Fire, Eppie Finalist
NEW BLOG at http://marilynmeredith.blogspot.com/

Genesis: The Untold Story

2008-01-06T17:55:00.000-08:00

Genesis: The Untold Story

By: Dr. Lisa Aiken and Dr. Ira Michaels

Price: $24.95

ISBN: 0-9779629-1-1

Cloth Bound + Full Color Dust Jacket, 6x9,

265 pages, includes chapter summaries

Published by: Rossi Publications

What inspired the book?
Like many Jews, I read the Five Books of Moses when I was young. When I grew older, the stories about a talking snake in the Garden of Eden, Noah and the Flood, the Tower of Babel, and the like no longer made sense to me. By the time I was in graduate school, I realized that I had a grade school education in Judaism. I wanted to be as informed about Judaism as I was about psychology and other secular topics, so I tried to learn what I could from the small number of English Judaica books that existed then. There were no good books in English that reconciled reality with the stories in the Torah, and which explained how these stories spoke to us as modern people.

The stories in the book of Genesis seemed simplistic or enigmatic. Why does Genesis say that God created the world in 6 days, when science shows that it took billions of years? Can we believe Genesis' account of Creation in light of evolutionary theory? Was there ever a couple named Adam and Eve, from whom all people descended? How do thinking people understand a Garden of Eden with a tree of life, another tree of knowledge of good and evil, and a talking snake? How do we know if Abraham really existed? If he did, what kind of a world did he live in? Did anyone write about him besides the Jews? Most importantly, can a rational person really believe that a Divine Author wrote Genesis and the other Five Books of Moses?

Many people simply dismiss Biblical stories as outdated or ridiculous. I believed that there must be great beauty and wisdom in these stories, and I tried to uncover that by learning from teachers who had studied ancient commentaries and understood how to explain them.

I believe that if the Torah is the Owner's Manual for every Jew, it had to make sense and be relevant and accessible to people who were not scholars. Most Jews can't understand the original Torah, because it was written in ancient Hebrew, and in a kind of shorthand. Its Author did this so that we would have to interact with, and learn from spiritual mentors who had studied traditional commentaries who could explain what the Five Books of Moses really mean, and model how to live an ideal Jewish life. They would also guide the student how to practice authentic Judaism in their daily lives.

Judaism teaches that it is critical for us to understand the Five Books of Moses in order to develop our spirituality. I wanted to understand these books better and be able to share that knowledge with others.

Around 25 years ago, I started listening to audiotapes of lectures given by rabbis whom I had never met. They explained the Torah (Five Books of Moses) in such amazing ways that it made me want to learn more. Their explanations of Torah stories were so wise, insightful, and relevant that I wrote down their ideas so that I could share them with others.

In time, I convinced my husband to listen to these tapes as well. He was so excited by what he heard that he took over writing down the ideas instead of me.

Over the next 14 years, I reworked the original notes. My husband and I each added our own understanding and insights about the various topics brought to light in the Genesis stories, based on our research and knowledge of many fields. These included biology, physics, archaeology, history, psychology, political science, languages and modern life. The result was a book that integrated the wisdom of Genesis with contemporary knowledge. Every chapter also tells us how we can apply the moral and spiritual insights of each story to our daily lives.

What makes this book special to you?
I find it very exciting to solve problems, especially ones that touch our core being. That is why I love being a psychologist. The greatest possession we have is our soul, but most people don't know what we are supposed to do with it. How do we define a moral compass for ourselves? How do we actualize our potentials? How do we understand the world and our place in it? How do we construct an idea of a personal God and why He put us here?

The answers to these questions are embedded in the stories of Genesis. The Almighty gave the Jewish people the Torah, which means Teaching, so that they would have a roadmap to life. Showing people from various walks of life how this is so in Genesis—The Untold Story was a very special opportunity for me.

What makes this a book that other people MUST read and WHY?
Judaism teaches that the entire purpose of life is to have a relationship with our Creator, who loves us more than we can possibly imagine. People sometimes spend a lifetime searching for love, spirituality and meaning because they don't go to the Source. His Handbook, part of which is the book of Genesis, tells us how to get the most out of life. Instead of stumbling around for years, exploring other religions that take us nowhere, or trying to construct a way of life that is bound by human limitations and self-serving ideas, God made it easy for us to find our way. He gave us His Instruction Manual. Genesis—The Untold Story helps us unlock the treasures and divine information that is otherwise inaccessible to most people.

Who NEEDS to read this book and WHY?
Anyone who wants to find greater meaning in life, to understand why they are here, and make sense of the world, should read this book. The same is true for anyone who wants to understand what Genesis really says and means. Most people have misconceptions about what Genesis really says because:

a. The Five Books of Moses were written in ancient Hebrew, and most people who read Genesis don't read it in the original. If you think that Shakespeare in Chinese loses a bit in translation, this is even more the case with modern translations of the Hebrew Bible. They simply don't say what the original version meant.

b. People often learn the stories of Genesis from teachers who don't properly understand its ideas. They then teach them without a truthful historical and theological context. This includes many well-intentioned Hebrew school teachers as well as theology and university professors. The original Written Torah was given to the Jewish people along with oral explanations of the words, stories and laws. These have been passed down for the past 3,300 years to rabbis and learned Jewish teachers who studied these traditional commentaries, who then taught them to their students. Unfortunately, the majority of people today who teach the stories in Genesis are unfamiliar with these commentaries and have invented their own misguided understandings of these stories. Some of the most common misunderstandings and misrepresentations are addressed in my Genesis book.

If someone wants to know what the Almighty wants us to know, they need to read or learn from teachers who are familiar with our unique history and traditions. We have culled from these traditional commentaries and presented them in an easily readable, understandable way. We then integrate those ideas with our modern knowledge so that we can apply their messages to our lives.

What sparks your creativity? Any tips to help others spark their own creativity?
I am more an industrious than a creative person. I often see problems and challenges, then try to see the spiritual opportunities inherent in them. I wrote most of my books because I felt that no one else had adequately addressed important topics. For example, I wrote To Be A Jewish Woman after searching for answers to questions about feminism and Judaism. I didn't like any of the books that were then on the market. So, I researched and wrote my own book.

When Harold Kushner's book, When Bad Things Happen to Good People came out and was a bestseller, it pained me deeply that many Jews read it and thought that Kushner's ideas were those of traditional Judaism.

Many Reform Jewish leaders taught that Judaism doesn't believe in an afterlife, and that this life is all there is. With such bad advice, Jews were robbed of a way to make sense of their crises and losses, and their spiritual searching within Judaism was nipped in the bud.

Thousands of Jews went to the Far East seeking spirituality that they were sure was totally absent in Judaism. These Jews' teachers and religious leaders had failed them by hiding what Judaism says about the soul, its purpose here, and the spiritual purposefulness of everything that happens to us. After we die, our souls go to an afterlife, and other religions took their ideas about afterlife from us!

Traditional Judaism is a very spiritual religion, but few English books before 1990 explained that. Since no one else had written about the meaningful answers that traditional Judaism gives to help people cope with tragedy and loss, I decided to do so. That led to my writing Why Me, God?

Similarly, I wrote Guide for the Romantically Perplexed because no one had written a practical and relevant guide to finding and being a good Jewish marriage partner.

Another motivation for my writing is my getting inspired by someone's ideas, which I then write into books about areas that Jews struggle with. For example, I wrote The Art of Jewish Prayer and The Hidden Beauty of the Shema because I thought that disseminating Rabbi Yitzchok Kirzner's, zt"l, teachings about prayer could change people's lives. Hearing his ideas inspired me to pray in a meaningful way for the first time in my life. I felt that his writing his ideas would also inspire many others.

What has been the biggest stumbling block in your writing? Can you share some tips to help others get past similar problems?
I hate writing. There is a saying, "Every writer hates to write but loves having written." I don't think this is true of every writer, but I certainly believe that it applies to me. It is very hard for me to rewrite a manuscript for the 17^th time, as happened with one of my books, or to organize and concisely present my thoughts about open-ended topics like marriage.

I think that you need to be very self-disciplined to be a writer. You need to carve out a space for yourself where you have no interruptions or distractions for long periods of time every week. I have usually been able to do that. When my children were little, I gave up writing altogether for a few years.

When a day's writing feels like it will be overwhelmingly difficult, I think about how what I am writing can benefit people, and how it allows me to actualize my spiritual potential. The thought that my writing is fulfilling part of the purpose for which the Almighty put me here often keeps me going.

Some days I simply cut myself some slack, and try to rejuvenate myself emotionally. I'll try to clear my mind by exercising, going on the internet and reading interesting articles for an hour, taking time off to do some things that I love, or talking to friends. Otherwise, I will be able to force myself to sit down and write, but not necessarily with the emotional richness that the book needs.

On rare occasions, I am so burned out that I just give myself the day off to do something completely unrelated to writing. This usually happens after I reread my final edited manuscript over a couple of days. The next day, my head feels like it was put into a blender. One time this happened, I spent the rest of the day baking muffins!

What do you think motivates people to become authors? What motivated you to get into this unusual industry?
People write for many reasons. Some write to express themselves, or to work out emotional issues and feelings. Some write to feel understood and be validated, or to get admiration and recognition. Some write because they think that they have important information that needs to reach the public.

I became a writer because I felt that Jews needed to be informed about, and be inspired by the wonderful ideas inherent in traditional Judaism. I wanted to make authentic, vibrant, logical Judaism accessible and compelling to English speakers who didn't have a strong Jewish background.

Why are you the BEST person to write this book? What in your background or in your research makes you qualified to do justice to this topic?

People sometimes tell me that what they most appreciate about my books is the clarity I bring to the topics I write about. Genesis—The Untold Story is easy to read for this reason. Yet, it draws upon a wealth of information that we have gleaned from our broad backgrounds in both Torah knowledge and the secular world. Few other writers are as well-versed in the variety of fields that we integrate in this book with traditional Torah commentaries. For example, some writers are scientists, but not knowledgeable about history or archaeology. Some are Torah scholars, but can't address secular people's interests and ideas. Some people make broad statements about the values of the secular world, but have no research data to back up what they say. Our combining traditional Torah commentaries and secular knowledge, and explaining both in ways that are clear and relevant to our modern day lives, is quite unique.

Some people think that they have read Genesis and understand its stories. Other people think that Genesis has nothing to say to them, and is irrelevant to living in the real world in the 21^st century. I would challenge them to revisit what they think they know already and see if my book simply rehashes old ideas or confirms their belief that Genesis is irrelevant to modern people. I would ask them to read a sample chapter or two, then ask if they found the material stimulating, interesting and/or informative.

Why does the topic of your book interest you? Why would it interest potential readers? Give us a hook to reel in new readers.

What topic could be more interesting and vital than how to get the most out of life? The way that Genesis—The Untold Story explains the stories in our "soul's owner's manual," it touches on about all of the big issues in life. The world's creation and existence, the psychology of people, how to find meaning in challenges and tragedy, how societies rise and decline, how to have a lasting and fulfilling marriage, how science can help fill us with awe of the Creator…every page is filled with insights about how we can view the most mundane aspects of our lives from a fresh and vital perspective.

Yes. For example, Ben Stein just put together a film called Expelled, that is supposed to be released in February, 2008. It deals with a topic that we discuss in the book--the intellectual dishonesty of scientists who are faced with data that disprove their atheistic theories and point to a Creator. Many scientists can't accept the moral implications of a created world, so they concoct ridiculous explanations of scientific phenomena, then promulgate them as if they were truth.

Katy's Cookbook by Colin Harvey

2007-12-15T08:42:00.000-08:00

Tell us the book title and your author name.

Katy’s Cookbook by Colin Harvey

What inspired the book?

Several things; my wife Kate (her full name is Katy, hence the title) has been collecting recipes for years, playing with them to suit to taste (we like spicy food, for example), some –like the trifle- have been passed down from grandparents or even great-grandparents; I’ve tried to read her writing, and often joked that I need to type them up to be able to read them; then my publisher asked for a recipe, and I realized we had enough for a book. Put all of those things together and voila! Katy’s Cookbook!

What makes this book special to you?

Because Kate is very shy and retiring, and would never dream of pushing herself forward. If books are an author’s shot at immortality, then this is our equivalent of the Taj Mahal in India . I hope that in years to come people will know of Kate through this, if through nothing else.

What makes this a book that other people MUST read and WHY?

It’s for people like me who don’t consider that they can cook, but who find out that, erm, actually, they can, if they just have a set of instructions to follow.

What people NEED to read this book and WHY?

I’m concerned at the number of people who can’t cook, or can’t be bothered, when some things take only a few minutes. I’m worried at the number of people who are overweight, but don’t know how to go about changing their diet.

For example, did you know that a portion of spinach a week can defer the onset of Age-Related Macular Degeneration? (It’s a form of blindness that comes with old age) I hate spinach. But bury it in food that masks its taste, and I’m fine with it.

Food should be fun, not punishment. So we’ve put recipes that are mostly as healthy as we can make them without being boring, but which are also as quick as we can make them, because like most people, we don’t want to spend a lot of time hunched over a cooker.

But there are some which are about taking your time, or even marinading overnight. It’s all about variety.

NON FICTION - Why are you the BEST person to write this book? What in your background or in your research makes you qualified to do justice to this topic?

(Laughs) Well, I had the recipes, so no one else could have…

…but seriously, that’s the whole point. I’m just an ordinary man who likes his food, and can read a set of instructions. I’m hoping that we’ll inspire other people to try these recipes, and then they’ll create some others – who knows, maybe we can get cooking back into people’s lives?

Do you like food? Are you concerned about your health? Do you want to know what goes into your food? Do you like a challenge – such as cooking a meal? If the answer to any of these questions is ‘yes,’ then buy the book and try some of the recipes!

NON FICTION - Why does the topic of your book interest you? Why would it interest potential readers? Give us a hook to reel in new readers.

Because I’m a gannet -- I can eat for England . But I also like to be able to see my feet, and to not hear my doctor take a sharp intake of breath when they check my blood pressure. I’m sure that I’m not the only person who wants to ‘eat their cake and have it.’ Oh look, there’s another common saying that involves food….

I think that obesity and potentially declining life-spans are about the most current events that you can have. We’re sitting on a demographic time-bomb, and I don’t know about in the US , but in the UK the politicians are proposing raising the age of retirement on one hand, while people will have lower life expectancy on the other. This current crop of retirees may be living the Last Golden Age, whereby they have long lives after retirement. Instead we could be looking at working into the grave. I don’t know about you, but if cutting salt and fat in my diet means I hang around a few more years on this planet, then the salt and fat go into the rubbish bin!

This book won’t change that – but if enough people start to think about what they’re doing, maybe we can tackle our quality of life. It’s not consciously a health book – but that’s the whole point; everything we eat should be geared toward not pumping fat into our arteries and creating cancers in our bodies. It should be the norm, not something that’s unusual. That’s not a swipe at other cookbooks, by the way, but at the instant food lobby at the drive-thru.

If there's anything else you would like to share, this is the time and place.

I’ve suddenly realized that I sound like a zealot! Seriously, food should be fun too. And it makes a wonderful Christmas present, if you’re still looking for that unusual something, for that special someone…. J

Thank you for visiting with me and in closing, give us your website address and a link to order your book.

http://www.geocities.com/colin_harvey/KatysCookbook.html

http://www.swimmingkangaroo.com/books.html

No, thank you for having me here, and to everyone who’s read this far. Have a wonderful Christmas and a great – and healthy – 2008!

Silk Palace by Colin Harvey

2007-12-06T09:50:00.000-08:00

Tell us the book title and your author name.
The Silk Palace by Colin Harvey

What inspired the book?

At the risk of sounding mercenary, it was a call for submissions from a then editor at Tor, who subsequently left, but by then the damage was done. She was looking for work in a specific sub-genre; I’d never read any of the works that inspired the call, but I had just finished Lightning Days and was looking for the next project. But as with Lightning Days, my subconscious took over and we ended up somewhere completely different!

What makes this book special to you?

Well, in an odd sort of way, we’re like a father and daughter who are just getting reconciled. I got so far into the book and stopped enjoying writing. Agatha Christie had the same problem with The Mystery of the Blue Train, but she and it were never reconciled, whereas my ugly duckling and I seem to have forgiven each other.

What makes this a book that other people MUST read and WHY?

Um, I’m a Brit, and to be honest language like that makes me cringe. Sorry.

It’s got perhaps the most other-worldly setting in sword-and-sorcery in many years. And I wanted a heroine who wasn’t strong or brave, at least until she was backed into a corner.

What people NEED to read this book and WHY?

People who are interested in epic fantasy that has a brain should read it, and people who say that epic fantasy doesn’t have a brain should read it!

What sparks your creativity? Any tips to help others spark their own creativity?

Going to new places; doing new things; reading. Keep reading outside your own peer group, and do something new every day.

What has been the biggest stumbling block in your writing? Can you share some tips to help others get past similar problems?

My biggest problem was a catastrophic loss of confidence after attending a writing workshop. For the best of intentions the pro there demolished me, and I realized that I had nothing to say – and believed that for over twenty years. But everyone has a voice – they just have to find it.

What do you think motivates people to become authors? What motivated you to get into this unusual industry?

I found at age nine that I could write stories. For a kid who wasn’t sporty, and wasn’t musical, and had serious confidence issues, it was like finding a vocation. I’ve never wanted to do anything else, even during my two-decade block – that was what made it so painful.

Tell me about the most unusual things you have done to promote any books?
I’ve dispensed soup to promote my cookbook, and stood on a chair at a convention huckstering a book, but I think I’ve been fortunate – I haven’t had to do too many odd things.

FICTION - If there is a setting, tell us how you decided on that setting and what you did to create a complete and vivid setting for your readers?

I’ve written about this elsewhere, but I wanted a completely different world so that anything went. I mapped out the landscape and climatology and all kinds of stuff on the back of envelopes.

FICTION - What inspires you about the hero or heroine in your book? What makes them memorable for the reader? What motivates the hero and/or heroine? You can include information about both if you want.

Well, to really raise the bar, I not only decided to write a heroine (rather than a hero), but had her unexpectedly fall in love with another woman. But that love is central to the plot; together with her fear of heights, it’s what stops the heroine fleeing.

I wanted to avoid a lot of the fantasy conventions, so she relies on brains. She’s not easy to be around, she’s awkward, socially naïve, but in some ways that’s quite inspiring. I find flawed heroes / heroines far more interesting than unalloyed good / bad people.

I have so much conflict its unreal! The prince lusts after the heroine, so his fiancée, one of the three princesses hates the heroine, but the heroine is there at the King’s request, so the princess has to lump it; a second princess believes the heroine guilty of blasphemy; there are plotters planning, two empires massing their ranks on the borders, and a killer wandering around bumping people off!

Thank you for visiting with me and in closing, give us your website address and a link to order your book.

It’s been an absolute pleasure. Thank you.

The website address is http://www.geocities.com/colin_harvey

The paperback can be bought at: http://www.amazon.com/Silk-Palace-Colin-Harvey/dp/1934041424/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1195398998&sr=1-1

And the e-copy at: http://www.fictionwise.com/eBooks/eBook51966.htm?cache

Novels from Swimming Kangaroo Books:

Lightning Days -- SF, Finalist for the USA Book News Awards

The Silk Palace -- "compelling" Library Journal

"Intrigues, betrayals, murders, love affairs, transformations, and

revelations," Bruce Boston, author of The Guardener's Tale

www.geocities.com/colin_harvey www.myspace.com/colin_harvey

Blog Tours - What Would You Like to Know

2007-12-05T18:37:00.001-08:00

I'm doing a tele-seminar next week about blog tours and I would love input from you all.

There are many things to discuss about blog tours and I worked out some initial questions to get people thinking - they are:

Discover Ways to Promote Your Book on a Virtual Blog Tour to Gain Greater Visibility and Sales

What are the benefits of doing a blog tour?

Should you promote your book in a blog tour?

Should fiction and non fiction books be promoted differently in a blog tour?

Should you organize your own blog tour?

Why hire a publicist to organize your tour?

If you hire a publicist, will you still need to work on the tour?

Can you use a blog tour to promote anything besides books?

Is there a new option in book blog tours?

But, now I need to create a couple of handouts and I'd love your input. Is there any specific info about blog tours that any of you think would be most helpful? Some folks here have done tours, some have hosted touring authors and I bet some of you have thought about doing a tour. So, since many of the people here are authors, I figured it would be a great place to pose the question. What information would you suggest I offer in handouts? Thank you all for your thoughts. There will be plenty of blog tour info coming very soon .

Nikki Leigh

PS - The answer to the last question is - most definitely. Stay tuned for much more information about that option - SOON. Or, contact me to be added to the mailing list - nikki_leigh22939@yahoo.com with Mailing List in the subject line.

Is by Scott Langston

2007-12-02T18:51:00.000-08:00

Tell us the book title and your author name.

My name is Scott Langston and the title of the book is "is". Originally, I had intended to book to be called 'The Domino Effect' - one of the themes in the novel is how the actions of one character can have unforeseen impact on another character - like falling dominoes. I even commissioned a Magritte-style cover page with this image. However, the novel became something a little different as it went through several edits, and 'is' summed up better the overall message of the novel.

What inspired the book?

I started writing this book when I was twenty years old. Many of the themes were beyond my grasp, and it wasn't until I 'refound' the novel fifteen years after starting it that I had something approaching the maturity to do the book justice. If I had to pin it down to a precise moment, the novel was born after watching the film 'Four weddings and a funeral', specifically the funeral scene. I found it very moving, and imagined having to write such a eulogy myself.

What makes this book special to you?

It has certainly been a labour of love! As I said, I have physically lost the book on two occasions - the first time requiring a re-write almost entirely from pencil notes in an old scrap book. From first putting pen to paper to finally seeing the book in print took twenty years. That's a long time. The book has been a part of my life, and my continual tinkering with it represented my desire to be a writer.

What makes this a book that other people MUST read and WHY?

I think the book has a lot to say about the fundamentals of how life is. It's spiritual, without being overtly religious. It raises many questions and, I hope, answers a few too. It's about perspective - another way of looking at life and death and God. If these questions do not interest you, then you probably shouldn't bother reading the book!

What people NEED to read this book and WHY?

Nobody needs to read this book. Nobody needs to do anything. That's one of the ventral messages of the book. There is no requirement - life just 'is'.

What sparks your creativity? Any tips to help others spark their own creativity?

Writing is a muscle like ay other. It needs exercising and flexing, otherwise it wastes away. I keep a blog, as well as trying to have more than one project ongoing at a time. When one dries up, I can try my hand at something completely different. That's how 'Benny and Binny' was born - a children's story I wrote with an illustrator friend. You can find it, along with ordering details, on my website - www.scottlangston.org. Right now, I'm working on a novel set between Vietnam and France, dealing with roots and belonging. It's the biggest project I've tackled so far. I'm also tinkering with a novel for teenagers about philosophy, tentatively called, 'Henry Porter and the Stone Philosopher'.

What has been the biggest stumbling block in your writing? Can you share some tips to help others get past similar problems?

I took a year off work to write full time at the same time as we had our baby daughter. I was under the impression that I could care for her and write at the same time. IN short, children have been the biggest stumbling block for my writing. I need time and space to write, and kids don't allow for much of either. That said, my life is considerably richer for having become a dad, and that can only come out in my writing eventually!

I guess another hurdle has been the management of distractions. When I turn on the computer, it's all too easy to spend hours fiddling with stuff I've already written, updating my website, or simply surfing, rather than actually writing. I now have a dedicated laptop for writing which doesn't have internet access.

What do you think motivates people to become authors? What motivated you to get into this unusual industry?

I believe|I write because I have to. If you simply want to write, then my advice would be: don't bother. Find something else to do and save yourself a whole lot of trouble. Writing is a lonely and often demoralising business - except when the connection comes through and then it's without equal. So, it wasn't really a choice - I have to write.

Tell me about the most unusual things you have done to promote any books?

Book promotion is my weakness. I have done the rounds of local bookshops where 'Is' was set, and a few copies have been sold that way. I've run book signings. I haven't really done anything inspiring in the field of self-promotion. I know I ought to.

FICTION - If there is a setting, tell us how you decided on that setting and what you did to create a complete and vivid setting for your readers?

I grew up in Cornwall. It never crossed my mind to set my first novel anywhere else. It's a truly magical and inspiring locale - even now as I write this |I can smell the sea air and hear the seagulls - though I'm 3000 miles away.

I'm not sure Martin inspires me. He's a protagonist, rather than a hero in the true sense of the word. Insomuch as everyone's first novel is biographical, I guess Martin is in some respects me. His getting to grips with life and his enlightenment are ideals I would reach for.

The conflict rests between expectations and risks, between safety and leaps of faith, between believing and knowing. Martin takes risks, when society would have him do otherwise. He trusts to himself, when society would have him do otherwise. He is prepared to love, not just another, but himself. This is perhaps one of the most difficult yet rewarding things we can achieve in life.

Website: www.scottlangston.org

Order from the author: http://www.scottlangston.org/is.html

Order Amazon: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Scott-Langston/dp/1897312202/

Finding Funboy

2007-11-25T20:17:00.001-08:00

Tell us the book title and your author name. The novel is called “Finding Funboy,” and the author -- that’s me -- is Matt Golec.

What inspired the book?

Staying in touch with old friends became harder after I went away to college. We all made new friends, did new things and took a few giant steps toward adulthood. When I’d come home after several months and look up the old gang, connecting could be tricky because while I’d changed and they’d changed, the people we remembered in our heads hadn’t. It usually took a few steps for us to catch up with the new people we were all in the process of becoming.

People change. Even if you stay in the same place forever, you can’t help growing up and into new relationships with your friends and environment. “Finding Funboy” is about the main character’s search for an old friend, and the dawning realization of how these kinds of changes have been happening right under his nose.

What makes this book special to you?

“Finding Funboy” is my first novel, and I peppered its pages with the sights, sounds and character traits I’d known growing up. The story isn’t about me or anyone in specific, but I wanted it to capture the feel of what it’s like to be a young man kicking around my hometown of Portland, Maine.

What sparks your creativity? Any tips to help others spark their own creativity? I take a lot of notes when I’m kicking a story around in my head. That way, when I sit down at my computer to actually bash the thing out, I’ve got a lot of dots for me to connect. It’s a great way to keep working if that creativity fails to spark on a particular day.

What has been the biggest stumbling block in your writing? Can you share some tips to help others get past similar problems?

Simply finding the time to write is difficult. There are so many distractions -- family, friends, house projects, my Netflix queue -- and writing is long, hard, solitary work. For me, setting a schedule is critical. I try to write early in the day so I won’t put it off until it’s too late in the day to do anything but curl up in bed.

What do you think motivates people to become authors? What motivated you to get into this unusual industry?

Although I don’t have any data to back me up, I’d bet most authors are also lifetime readers. The literary heroes of my adolescence -- Kurt Vonnegut, J.R.R. Tolkien, Joseph Heller, the good folks at Marvel Comics -- were certainly who motivated and inspired me.

Tell me about the most unusual things you have done to promote any books?

I think for many authors, promoting oneself at all is unusual. But without some sort of promotion, these stories that we’ve worked so hard on will never get read. We write to communicate, not just to put words on paper; without a reader, we might as well be talking to ourselves.

Tell us how you decided on your book’s setting and what you did to create a complete and vivid setting for your readers?

I set most “Finding Funboy,” in Portland, Maine, the town where I grew up. Like friends you have from childhood, I believe the place where you grow up has an emotional hold on you that runs pretty deep. I hoped that emotional connection I have with Portland would translate into a rich setting for “Finding Funboy.”

Also, it’s a great old coastal city with cobblestone streets, heavy brick architecture and mysterious fog smelling of the sea that rolls in at night.

What inspires you about the hero in your book? What makes them memorable for the reader?

What I really enjoyed about the main character/hero in “Finding Funboy” was his growth. The choices he makes and the actions he takes -- some for the better, some for the worse -- help form the core of his maturing self. I hope readers will feel privileged to be included in this process.

Is there a villain or something that causes friction in your story? Tell us about what or who it is and how that contributes to the story.

The real source of friction in “Finding Funboy” is the main character’s attempts to locate his childhood friend crashing into his deepening infatuation with that friend’s girlfriend. How he resolves this conflict, and how he comes out the other side a sadder if wiser person, forms the heart of the book.

If there's anything else you would like to share, this is the time and place.

The book is funny! I probably try for more laughs than I get, but despite a serious theme, “Finding Funboy” promises a fun, snappy read.

For more about “Finding Funboy,” or to read the opening chapter, visit www.mattgolec.com.

To purchase “Finding Funboy,” visit www.booksforabuck.com/mystery/mys_07/finding_funboy.html or www.amazon.com/Finding-Funboy-Matt-Golec/dp/1602150575/

Its My Crisis and I'll Cry If I Need To - Yocheved Golani

2007-11-17T20:13:00.000-08:00

Tell us the book title and your author name. The book has rather long name that I use three different ways. 1: It's MY Crisis! And I'll Cry if I Need To for general communication, 2: It's MY Crisis! for rapid communication (that way, shoppers can remember the basic title when they want to order it in a store or online) and 3: the official title of It's MY Crisis! And I'll Cry if I Need To: A Life Book for Helping You to Dry Your Tears and to Cope with a Medical Challenge.

My name is Yocheved Golani. The "ch" has the same guttural sound as in "Bach." I'm a woman and I try to clue in my clients and readers by using soft, feminine colors at my websites and in my book cover. A pen nib with the medical symbol for "female" on my Writing Services site, www.ygolani.com is another tipoff that I'm female.

What inspired the book? My survival of emergency life-saving brain surgery. Friends and loved ones wanted me to explain how I survived the crisis without having a breakdown.

What makes this book special to you? That my crisis serves a higher purpose. By making lemonade of the lemon that was brain surgery, I can help people with my appreciation for their anguish over a medical crisis and their need for "how to get well" information.

What makes this a book that other people MUST read and WHY? I explain in simple, sometimes funny language, how to cope with the challenges of medical crises. From adjusting your perspective to how to pack for the hospital stay and how to keep your medical and insurance records in order, my book covers the topic. The Resources section in the back of my book informs readers how to find the help they need all around the world: free clinical trials, free or price-reduced medication and medical appliances, medical and mental health therapists, suggested reading materials for adults and children, medical clowns, and much more.

What people NEED to read this book and WHY? ANYBODY facing a medical crisis, including medical and mental health professionals trying to help patients and clients let alone the loved ones of the sick person and that ill person.

What sparks your creativity? Any tips to help others spark their own creativity? Hmmm... I do many types of writing: feature stories, Op-Eds, speeches, site content, advertising content, media releases and press releases (different in that media releases are geared for broadcast and digital media, press releases for print publications ) and more. I find inspiration by looking out the window. I have some miniature toy cartoon characters, some thought-provoking newspaper cartoons and some inspirational thoughts on my desk that make me think outside the box.

What has been the biggest stumbling block in your writing? Can you share some tips to help others get past similar problems? Not knowing how to proceed has been a real stumbling block. Before I wrote my first genuine press release, I had to do some research about press release preparation. Before I wrote my first novel I focused on whatever I'd learned as an English major. I also read books and magazines about novel writing. Before I began writing It's MY Crisis! I'd been aware that the "How to Do Anything" and "Anything for Dummies" books only offer titles dealing with specific medical or psychiatric diagnoses. Amazon.com does not list any books as broad-based and inclusive as mine. It's MY Crisis! is a neatly packaged survival tool that can be shared with loved ones, packed in a suitcase and shown to health care professionals. I wrote what the book market and some readers needed. Study up on your subject. You can use and reject what you learn as desired.

What do you think motivates people to become authors? What motivated you to get into this unusual industry? Oy. Only an optimist or a masochist would become an author. There are exceptions to the rule, of course. I write because I'm good at it. People have been paying me to write for them for a long time. I'm not good at many other career paths. Some people make excellent plumbers or architects. I'm wired to be a writer.

Tell me about the most unusual things you have done to promote any books? I haven't done anything unusual. Yet. Now you've made me think about the alternative!

NON FICTION - Why are you the BEST person to write this book? What in your background or in your research makes you qualified to do justice to this topic? What an excellent question! My book is written from the heart as much as it's written from my mind. Not only did I experience a life-or-death medical crisis, I've worked in the medical industry. Insight from both sides of the hospital bill influences It's MY Crisis! And I'll Cry if I Need To. I sympathize with anyone going through a medical emergency or situation.

NON FICTION - If a potential reader thinks that your book wouldn't interest them, what would you say to convince them to buy? I'm thinking something better than "Its the greatest book ever." Give me something more specific :) I'd suggest that they read two pages (that'll give them a chance to be drawn into the text) or scan the book untiil they find something that grabs their attention.

NON FICTION - Why does the topic of your book interest you? Why would it interest potential readers? Give us a hook to reel in new readers. Have you, a friend or a loved one received a nightmarish medical diagnosis? Calm down with It's MY Crisis! And I'll Cry if I Need To: A Life Book that Helps You to Dry Your Tears and to Cope with a Medical Challenge.

NON FICTION Is there a way to tie your book topic to current events? If so, tell us about how you could do that. I have a blog to feature information and examples about tying books into current events that might be a good place for you to promote your book. People in Peru are suffering from medical complications they've blamed on a meteor. Governments and everybody around the world are scared of biological weapons of mass destruction. Robin Williams of ABC television is experiencing breast cancer. Montel Williams has Multiple Sclerosis. Michael J. Fox has Parkinson's Disease. College students suffer all kinds of stuff after being exposed to germs in limited spaces. The news media are full of reports about epidemics and preventative techniques. Even the kid down the block can tell you who's not feeling so good these days and feeling stressed out about it. People in all kinds of occupations and social situations suffer medical problems. The Internet is full of helpful information and so is the library. Even the brochure rack in your doctor's office offers information about something or other. But bringing it all together in order to cope with a medical crisis is a whole other story! My book reduces your stress by showing you how to take things in logical order and how to cope with a medical situation. No way did I write the only book you'll ever need for coping with medical crises. But I did write a book that helps you to calm down, to think clearly and to show you what to do about many medical problems. Think of the book's complete title: It's MY Crisis! And I'll Cry if I Need To: A Life Book for Helping You to Dry Your Tears and to Cope with a Medical Challenge
Wow, can it make a great stocking stuffer!

If there's anything else you would like to share, this is the time and place. It's MY Crisis! And I'll Cry if I Need To is a book to share with someone you love or feel compassion for. Family and friends, even colleagues at work can share it with each other. Medical and mental health therapists can use it with patients and clients. Gyms can sell it to patrons, Retiree organizations can provide it to members. Chartiable organizations and pharmacies can give it out to people who need it. No matter the person, no matter their medical crisis,It's MY Crisis! And I'll Cry if I Need To is a book for helping you to cope in a forthright, pro-active manner. It fits the Self-help genre, the Spiritual genre, the Medical genre, even a Gifts Section genre. Recipients will be glad to get It's MY Crisis! And I'll Cry if I Need To.

Humorous passages and thoughtful witticisms from famous personalities in It's MY Crisis! provide comic relief, enabling relaxed readers to benefit from the workbook's eye opening, life-saving content. Nancy Rosenfeld, author of Just as Much as Woman: Your Personal Guide to Hystterectomy and Beyond, and Unfinished Journey: Two People, Two Worlds, From Tyranny to Freedom. has said that It's MY Crisis! is "compelling, inspiring, and merits publication." Medical and mental health professionals, clergy of different faiths, even a Fortune 500 motivational speaker praise it on the book cover and inside! Buy it for someone you love. Including yourself.

--
Yocheved Golani
Self Help Coach
Make the Changes You Need in Your Life.
http://itsmycrisisandillcryifineedto.blogspot.com/

Three Feet Under - Journal of a Midlife Crisis

2007-11-08T14:24:00.000-08:00

Tell us the book title and your author name.

Three Feet Under: Journal of a Midlife Crisis

Christee Gabour Atwood

What inspired the book?
A desire to laugh at myself and see if anybody else laughed along. And the fact that I had a rent payment due.

This book has also been therapy for me. I don’t like it when I see people upset by midlife experiences, when I see the lack of appreciation of elastic waistbands, and also when I see airbrushed supermodels creating unrealistic ideals of what beauty is. Writing this book has helped me put those thoughts on paper and see that I’m not the only who thinks that way.

What makes this book special to you?
This book is special because it made me realize that it’s okay to be myself and to write what I enjoy reading. I discovered that if I write something that appeals to me, at least I have an audience of one. I can build from there.

What makes this a book that other people MUST read and WHY? People must read this or I’ll come to their houses and talk to them. Yes, be afraid. Be very afraid.

It’s also a great book for airplane trips and trips to the bathroom. Not as a toilet paper replacement, but as short format reading for the attention-challenged like myself. I get bored and trail off when…

It’s also a chance to laugh if you recognize yourself in any of these episodes. And isn’t that what makes life fun?

If laughter is the best medicine, this book replaces at least one dose of fluoxetine. (If you recognize that drug, welcome to my club. You need this book.)

What people NEED to read this book and WHY?
Everyone in the world needs to read this book. Is that too obvious?

Okay, almost everybody in the world needs to read this book. Infants can wait a few years before they pick it up. People need to read this book to help them understand friends who are going through midlife crisis, to prepare themselves for surviving it, or just to laugh at midlifers. Either way, they’ll get a laugh. Or they’ll decide they never want to sit next to me on a plane. Either one is a valuable lesson.

What sparks your creativity? Any tips to help others spark their own creativity?
You know what’s funny? I get creative when I get angry. I found that writing is my therapy. I remember coming home from a job interview and banging on my typewriter (yes, this was a while back) and complaining about the guy with seven strands of hair draped across his head who seemed more interested in doodling on his desk blotter than in my brilliant answers to questions. So I wrote and wrote and little by little the anger started getting really funny. I took the interview to the furthest extreme by describing the fellow as a superhero who only interviewed people in between saving the world from fast food drive-thru workers. From this experience, my humor column was born.

We decide our responses to situations. Anything that makes us mad can also make us laugh. We just have to flip it and take it to the extreme.

What has been the biggest stumbling block in your writing? Can you share some tips to help others get past similar problems?
The biggest stumbling block in my writing is the attachment of my rear end to a chair. I found that the answer for me was to start with short format materials. With the attention span of an over-caffeinated gnat, it really helped to be able to sit down and write a humor column that was complete at the end of the sitting. It was those humor columns that eventually became the basis for this book.

Also, try writing the worst book you can. This really helps relieve the pressure we put on ourselves when writing. Geez, even Pavarotti had to clear his throat before he sang. Plan to write a lot of phlegm before some good words sneak onto the page.

What do you think motivates people to become authors? What motivated you to get into this unusual industry?
People become authors because they like to be abused by editors, agents, and critics. Because they feel that performance appraisals by one boss are not enough. Instead they want their work appraised by everyone, including that crotchety woman who said that no one has written a good book since Gone With The Wind. In other words, we write because we’re insane.

I became a writer because I love the thrill of creating a world and living in it while writing the story. I get depressed when the story is finished because I don’t want to leave. It’s like the darkness in the theatre when a good movie fades to black. It’s nice because you were there, but you still want more.

It’s also therapy and is a heck of a lot cheaper than a psychiatrist.

Tell me about the most unusual things you have done to promote any books?
Last year, for National Novel Writing Month, I put on a chicken suit and sat in the window of a Waldenbooks for a month, writing a novel called, “Danger, Deceit, and a Demon … named Myron”. I got some incredible press – in fact, you can even see the article on CBS News webpage at http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/12/08/print/main2241177.shtml

I was on the national radio show, The Satellite Sisters, and other various radio shows, television shows, and possibly even made it into a junior high school newspaper, but that might have just been a rumor.

I’ve emceed a Menopause Fashion Show for a hospital. Lots of elastic in that one. I’ve done talks for anyone who would stand still – and that includes turning around in elevators and saying, “I suppose you wonder why I called this meeting.”

I’ve offered myself as a fill-in guest for any radio or TV show within driving radius on a very short turnaround time. I’ve gotten calls with “We’re taping in 30 minutes. Can you talk about something?” and I’ve done it.

After the chicken suit episode, I got a reputation and ended up hosting the Harry Potter Release Party at a mall in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Now, they’ve called me back to be Mrs. Claus and read my children’s Christmas poem to kids who’ve eaten too much candy.

I’m working on a promotion idea right now to do a “mall tour” because I can create events with malls and I can shop at the same time. Sounds like heaven to me.

I created a Girls Night Out group that met at a local bookstore and discussed our midlife adventures. We later moved to bars and liked it much better… although we tended to forget what we had talked about.

And the list goes on and on…

Why are you the BEST person to write this book? What in your background or in your research makes you qualified to do justice to this topic?
I’m living this book. I’m not the only person who could write this book. That’s what makes it special. This is a book any person can and should write about their experiences. It’s sharing these experiences that makes this time of life fun instead of frenzied, happy instead of harried, bonding instead of brooding, and other assorted alliterations…

I hope other people will read this and say, “I could do that” and turn around and write their stories. The more of this that we share, the more we’ll all realize that we’re crazy … but at least, we’re in the same boat.

If a potential reader thinks that your book wouldn't interest them, what would you say to convince them to buy? I'm thinking something better than "It’s the greatest book ever." Give me something more specific :)
Every once in a while we need to realize that there are others like us. There are other people who pretend they’re on the cell phone in the car so people in the neighboring cars won’t realize that they’re talking to themselves. Others who read the comics instead of the business section of the paper. Others who think that, if God had intended us to stay one waist size, he wouldn’t have invented elastic waistbands. This book shares those moments. It’s a great gift to remind ourselves that we’re not alone.

Also, it’s not just a book for midlifers. It helps others understand midlifers.

Why does the topic of your book interest you? Why would it interest potential readers? Give us a hook to reel in new readers.

This quiz will tell you if this book is for you:

Do you use your exercise bike as a coat rack?
Do you want to know how to look cool while searching for your car in the mall parking lot?
Do you believe people on the show Survivor could never last through 39 days in your workplace?
Do you believe that cheesecake and Prozac share many of the same healing qualities?
Do you use the phrase, “I remember when none of that was here”?
Do you list your hair color as “Number 168”?
Do you believe that the birthday of Thomas Hancock, the inventor of elastic, should be a national holiday?
If you even grinned at any of those, you need to read this book…

Is there a way to tie your book topic to current events? If so, tell us about how you could do that. I have a blog to feature information and examples about tying books into current events that might be a good place for you to promote your book.
November is National Novel Writing Month, where thousands of people worldwide will try to write a 50,000 word novel in one month. Everyone has a book in them. They just need permission to give it a shot. This is the month to do it.

I’m a Municipal Liaison in Louisiana, which means that I help writers in the state coordinate events and communication during the month.

I’ll also be writing my sequel to Three Feet Under, entitled In Celebration of Elastic Waistbands, during this month. Like I mentioned before, last year I got national attention when I wrote my novel in the window of a bookstore while wearing a chicken suit. This year I’ll be wearing elastic waistbands. Much more comfortable than a chicken suit…

If there's anything else you would like to share, this is the time and place.
I believe that one of the greatest gifts we can share is laughter. And, as an added bonus, it burns calories.

My theme for life is “If I laugh at myself first, then the rest of the world is laughing with me, not at me.”

Thank you for visiting with me and in closing, give us your website address and a link to order your book.

Thank you! This has been a lot of fun and it’s kept me from hitting the refrigerator for a few minutes. That’s a good thing, because there’s just so much elastic in the world…

Website: Christee.biz

Blog that’s just getting started: http://elasticwaistbands.blogspot.com/

You can order Three Feet Under: Journal of a Midlife Crisis at Amazon.com or any online bookstore as well as getting at your local bookstore. If they don’t have it, please ask them to order it!

You can also check out my new business and training books, Succession Planning Basics, Presentation Skills Training, and Manager Skills Training at Amazon.com.

In Detail with Leeanne Marie Stephenson

2007-11-04T18:40:00.000-08:00

Tell us the book title and your author name.
A PRESCRIPTION FOR LOVE
BY LEEANNE MARIE STEPHENSON

What inspired the book?
my life took a dramatic turn as I was diagnosed with kidney failure
due to my diabetes. The prognosis was less than promising. As my
physical condition deteriorated, I was forced to give up my career as a
nurse. Fatigue and weakness encompassed my entire world as I underwent
dialysis treatments. Desperate and determined to still be part of this
wonderful profession, I started writing a romance novel based on the
experiences I had encountered as a nurse. When the days that lie ahead
of me seemed impossible to face, I did not allow my tears to compromise
my strength. Instead of giving up, during the darkest time in my life,
I drew on the love that surrounded me from my wonderful husband and
family to write this loving story. When I wrote, I was released from my
physical problems and taken back into the world of nursing, which I
loved so much. Romantic stories can always release us from the problems of
real life. They send us into a fantasy world where our
imaginations can soar. I strove to take my readers and myself into
that world. Thus was born my book, “A PRESCRIPTION FOR LOVE”.

What makes this book special to you?
This book is so very special because it represents the strong love I
had surrounding me, and what I could accomplish because of it, during
the lowest point in my life.

What makes this a book that other people MUST read and WHY?
It is a truly wonderful romantic journey, where you will wish that
the Hero was definitely the man in your life! You are drawn into the
drama of the medical world with breath taking life and death scenarios, a
world of wealth and prestige, and underhanded schemes that lend the
many twists and turns to this hard to put down read. You will wish it
would never end!
It also is a book that demonstrates what can be achieved when life
seems overwhelmingly hopelss.

What people NEED to read this book and WHY?
Lovers of romance novels, people wanting to know what true love is
and how it is demonstrated between 2 people. People facing the
challenges of great adversity in their lives will hopefully be inspired to read
this book, to see how I achieved my dream while living without any hope
in my life.

What sparks your creativity? Any tips to help others spark their own
creativity?
My creativiety for this book came from the great love affair I have
with my usband. Also, I wanted to still of the medical world so I
wrote about that. I think you can be very creative if you use a lot of
your own personal experiences in your writing.

What has been the biggest stumbling block in your writing? Can you
share some tips to help others get past similar problems?
The hardest thing about writing when you are sick, is the fatigue and
weakness that you experience. You just have to have an unfathomable
resolve to forge ahead and accomplish what you set out to achieve!

What do you think motivates people to become authors? What motivated
you to get into this unusual industry?
I became an author, because the writing allowed me to escape into my
imagination and go to a place where the world was wondrful! It allowed
me to escape the horrible world and circumstances I was in. I wrote
about a place in life that I loved which was being a Nurse.

Tell me about the most unusual things you have done to promote any
books?
I persistently sent many media packages and e-mails to a TV show
until they relented and had me on their show.

FICTION - If there is a setting, tell us how you decided on that
setting and what you did to create a complete and vivid setting for your
readers?
My setting is where I worked my own career as a nurse so it is
very personal to me and easy to describe throughout the book.

FICTION - What inspires you about the hero or heroine in your book?
What makes them memorable for the reader? What motivates the hero and/or
heroine? You can include information about both if you want.
Weel, the heroine is a Nurse as I was, so alot of her characteristics
magnify mypersonality. The hero is every woman's dream, truly aloving
caring man.

FICTION - Is there a villain or something that causes friction in your
story? Tell us about what or who it is and how that contributes to the
story. Any details about conflict and friction is good information to
know.

There are several villains in the story, all with the same goal of
keeping the hero and heroine apart! Each has their own selfish reasons
for their phoniness and manipu;ations of the chracters. It lends many
twists and turns to the plot with their underhanded schemes!

If there's anything else you would like to share, this is the time and
place. After a year on dialysis, I was told I could have a kidney
transplant. My wonderful brother stepped forward and gave me the gift of
life. From that moment on, my whole world changed for the better and I
eagerly embraced this second chance at life. When I felt well enough,
I set about getting my romance story published, so I could be an
inspirational example of what can be accomplished when life seems
overwhelmingly

Thank you for visiting with me and in closing, give us your website
address and a link to order your book.

http://www.lmstephenson.com

http://www.amazon.com/Prescription-Love-Leeanne-Marie-Stephenson/dp/1424165075/sr=8-12/qid=1172424584/ref=sr_1_12/104-7067955-3361511?ie=UTF8&s=books