This Blog Content Has Been Moved - Update Below

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

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

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

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

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

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 Kevin Gerard

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

The Joy of Pregnancy by Tori Kropp

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

Retirement Life by Pamela Pope

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

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.