In Detail With Dave Richardson

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

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

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

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.

In Detail With Debbie Williamson - Author of Stand

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

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.