Promo 101 - Promotional Interviews with Authors

Start with the facts – Paranormal Romance/Erotica author Tessa Lane

2009-08-23T19:32:00.002-04:00

1 - How did you get interested in the topic that’s featured in your book?

My e-book novella, The Wolfen Lover (Amira Press) tells the story of the forbidden love between a vampire princess and a Wolfen creature. The magical Wolfen tribe are wolves by night, and human by day. They are the natural enemies of the vampires who inhabit their area.

I have always enjoyed reading about vampire lore and magical things. It’s amazing how much vampire and shifter fiction there is out there, and the way it continues to fascinate, decade after decade.

2 - Tell us a bit about your background. What have you done in the past that relates to your book and that topic?

I’ve written stories and poetry throughout my life. I’m experimented with different genres, and I find I have an affinity for grown-up fairy tales. I write for magazines and I freelance full-time, so I’ve honed my writing skills in a variety of ways.

3 - What advice would you give to someone who is interested in your topic?

Try to be different. With e-books, I notice that many of them seem similar, whether they are paranormal or not. It’s important to understand the genre, but also to keep your sense of self as a writer. Finding your own voice is more satisfying than imitation.

4 - What do you see as the benefit to participating in groups and organizations? My first thought would be networking opportunities and the chance for personal and business growth. What are your reasons?

There are great benefits from joining on-line reader and writer groups. For example, I’m a part of the CoffeeTime Romance website, and they feature a full message board, author chats, and honest reviews. They gave The Wolfen Lover a great review, and that made me very happy. It’s nice to be a part of groups where everyone is interested in the same things. Networking is vital for a writer.

5 - Who is the ideal person to read your book? If each person that reads this was going to recommend your book to one person, what sort of person would they want to chose?

The ideal reader for The Wolfen Lover is looking for sensual romance with an otherworldly element. Someone who enjoys adult fairy tales with real longing and passion between the two main characters will enjoy my story.

6 - What do you think ignites a person’s creativity?

I have a lot of drive to be a writer. It seems to just be there, and I don’t have to force myself to write stories. I think life’s experiences, such as relationships and hardships, bring out character and depth that comes through in a person’s writing.

7 - What have you found to be the biggest stumbling block for people who want to start writing?

Just the publishing business…it’s a jungle out there! There is lot for a new, naïve writer to learn about getting published and who they should work with. Arm yourself with knowledge before you sign a contract. You can never do too much research into a company. Luckily, Amira Press are one of the good ones. Working with them has been a pleasure.
8 - How would you suggest they can overcome that?

You can go online and check out companies. Then, you’ll know who is legit, and you won’t waste valuable time. Look into BBB rankings and things like that. Once you’re confident, just keep submitting your work. Listen carefully to any criticism, but don’t let it change your whole style as a writer. It’s best to be yourself and do what feels right to you.

9 - What do you find is the biggest motivator for people to succeed? Is it money, security, desire for fame or something else?

I suppose the desire for recognition does factor in, but it’s a quiet kind of desire. I want people to read what I write and like it a lot.

10 - Who is the “perfect” person to read your book?

Women who love books like The Mists Of Avalon or The Other Boleyn Girl may appreciate my writing style. I love those books and I try to write intelligent, meaningful stories that resonate with the reader.
11 - Is there anything else you would like to share with us?

Please visit www.amirapress.com and search for Tessa Lane! You can read free excerpts and my review from Coffeetime Romance & More. Thanks!

On My Own In Detail

2009-08-23T19:28:00.002-04:00

Tell us the book title and your author name.

The book is called On My Own Now: Straight Talk from the Proverbs for Young Christian Women who Want to Remain Pure, Debt-free and Regret-free and my name is Donna Lee Schillinger

What inspired the book?

I was rereading Proverbs one day thinking, "I wish I had never stopped reading Proverbs when I was a teenager."

What makes this book special to you?

I started the project as a sort of scrapbook of my stories for my daughter. Regardless of the success it may achieve, it will foremost for me be a gift for Gwen.

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

This book is full of valuable lessons. I accept that I have made many mistakes in the past and I wish to spare young women some hearache by sharing those stories with them. I find the ideas and advice from the Proverbs and all the wisdom they have to offer.

What people NEED to read this book and WHY?

I only wish that after young women read my book they'll feel empowered to make wise decisions and commit to living a regret-free life.

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

I'm not sure I've a creative person. I can turn a phrase, but it seems to be a genetic thing.

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

Just time. My bread and butter job pays half the family bills, so I don't have luxury to throw myself into this the way I might if I didn't need utilities.

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

Such an excellent question. I'm afraid the answer might reveal some certifiable narcissism or neediness, so I think I'll pass on trying to psychoanalyze the author.

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

I've not gotten as crazy as I know I will some day because I'm not so brave just yet. I have a hard time mustering up the nerve to do a book signing! I did have a scarebrain idea for another author, Narciso Zamora, author of Walking Man: A Modern Missions Experience in Latin America. He was doing a book tour in July and his last stop was Orlando, the International Christian Retail Show. The next to last stop was Marietta, Ga. My idea was that he should walk between those two destinations and gather media attention along the way. In retrospect, I think he would have just dropped dead around about Macon, Ga.

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

I wouldn't go as far as to say I'm the best person to write this. I just am the one who wrote it. I've learned a lot of lessons in my own errant youth and a lot through working with homeless single mothers. I have a strong relationship with the Creator, but I'm no expert on the Proverbs.

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

I'm not sure what I could say to get a young, single Christian woman to buy the book. But to her mother or grandmother, all I have to say is: Your daughter is about to leave home. Are you ready for this? Send your influence along in her suitcase, covertly disguised as a cute little graduation gift. If she doesn't read, download the free audiobook (that comes with the purchase of the print book) on to her MP3 player the night before she leaves home.

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.

On My Own Now is about strengthening young women’s faith and preventing the screw-ups that can brand us for life. I draw on my eclectic past as a rebellious youth, Peace Corps volunteer, social worker, single mother, court mediator and executive director of a home for single young mothers. I use gender-reversed Proverbs with real-life applications to wave the red flag of caution for young women, warning against the pitfalls of a post-modern, sexually casual, consumer-is-king society that is indelibly scarring youth with cynicism, sexually transmitted diseases and bad credit.

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.

This book ties in to gobs of current events, everything from the economy to sexually transmitted diseases.

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

This book makes a great devotional for a young woman. It's broken up into sections that take about 5 minutes each to read.

Start with the Facts About On My Own Now

2009-08-02T23:20:00.000-04:00

1 - How did you get interested in the topic that’s featured in your book?

I was rereading Proverbs one day thinking, "I wish I had never stopped reading Proverbs when I was a teenager."

2 - Tell us a bit about your background. What have you done in the past that relates to your book and that topic?

I draw on my eclectic past as a rebellious youth, Peace Corps volunteer, social worker, single mother, court mediator and executive director of a home for single young mothers.

3 - What advise would you give to someone who is interested in your topic?

Don't try to consume the book of Proverbs in a month, like everyone I've ever heard recommends. Take one proverbs a day (or one small section in the places where a few verses work together to form one idea). Just one a day and meditate on it. Proverbs for your spirit are like Vit C for your body. When you get too much in you, the excess just spills out, it doesn't get absorbed. So no need to waste your time and enthusiasm on a bunch of Proverbs that you're just going to overflow. One a day is good. And be consistent.

That's a good reason. Support is another good reason. I belong to a Yahoo group on publishing and the folks on that have been very helpful where Google falls short. And that's one of the reasons I go to church too. Support!

5 - Who is the ideal person to read your book? If each person that reads this was going to recommend your book to one person, what sort of person would they want to chose?

All young women on their own or about to head out on their own for the very first time.

6 - What do you think ignites a person’s creativity?

It can be anything, everyday experiences, memories, random ideas, important people in one's life, etc.

7 - What have you found to be the biggest stumbling block for people who want to start writing?

Time is problematic for almost everyone. We all have busy schedules, maybe even a day job, and families. Finding sufficient time to develop fully your ideas can be a struggle.

8 - How would you suggest they can overcome that?

Building it into your schedule has done the trick for me. Even if that means getting up a little earlier or going to bed later, you need to commit to writing.

9 - What do you find is the biggest motivator for people to succeed? Is it money, security, desire for fame or something else?

Probably the desire for fame. I think it's burning in all of us. I think it's hard-wired, a social manifestation of that survival of the fittest concept.

10 - Who is the “perfect” person to read your book?

Young (17-23) Christian single women leaving for college or getting their very first apartment.

11 - Is there anything else you would like to share with us?

I reverse the gender in most of the proverbs I use and it really opens them up for a lot of application one wouldn't have previously considered. Also, I tell a lot of my dirt in the book, not sure if that's good, bad or neutral.

Author Interview with Krista Tibbs

2009-08-02T23:01:00.000-04:00

Your Name: Krista Tibbs

1. Where you are from and where are you now?
I was born in Pennsylvania, grew up in Lincoln, ME, and now live in the Boston area.

2. How did you get started writing?
I found that writing my thoughts on paper helped me to focus on other things, until eventually I realized I enjoyed the writing more than the other things!

3. What do you do when you are not writing?

I work in clinical research (human studies) in the biotechnology industry. I am currently working on a gene therapy for Parkinson’s disease. When I’m not working or writing (which takes up most of my time!), I like to swing dance.

4. What would readers like to know about you?
I honestly don’t know!

5. What inspired your first book?
Most of the books I’ve read on the topic of drug development portray greed, corruption and ineptitude as the root of all problems. I have worked in the biotechnology industry, government, and academic research, and I haven’t encountered a single evil mastermind in my travels. I have seen a lot of people trying to do the right thing but getting in each other’s way, which is a more complex, interesting, and important story, I think.

6. How many books have you written?

I have only finished one so far.

7. What are the titles of your books and what genres are they?
The Neurology of Angels is mainstream fiction, with political, medical/science and famile elements.

8. How do you decide on that topic or genre? Why are you specially qualified to write about this topic?

Because I used to work in the lab and now work in biotech industry, I have an insight to the process anddecisions that must be made to develop and market a drug. I have also worked in Washington, DC in the Executive Office of the President, so I have spent time on Capitol Hill and have some insight into that world as well.

9. How do you manage to keep yourself focused and on track when you’re writing a book?
I have a schedule to make sure that I write at least 5 days a week. And I constantly ask myself when I start to do something instead of writing – is this necessary for my health? That generally ensures that I don’t clean just to procrastinate and that I go out for fun on occasion to maintain my sanity.

10. Do you write to make money, for the love of writing or both?
For the love of it. (By “it”, I mean writing, not money!)

11. What are some traditional methods of marketing you have used? Which were the most successful?

I’ve tried celebrity endorsement, sending postcards, handing out bookmarks, in person book signings, and visits to independent stores. But the most successful traditional method I have used is simply getting reviewed. Getting the first one took quite a bit of time and effort, but one legitimate review made others more open to reading the book and to posting reviews on their blogs or Amazon or goodreads.com, etc. Word of mouth is still the best publicity.

12. What are some unique methods of marketing you have used? Which were the most successful?
I’m still in the process of all of the online possibilities through social networks, which seem endless. The most successful non-traditional thing I have done was a preview video, which may not be particularly unique, but it’s fairly new, I believe. I have received many comments on it and suggestions to send it to anyone who’ll look at it. In fact, here’s a link now: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACtarZ1e72s

13. Do you sell through a website? If so, what’s the address? If not, why not?

www.neurologyofangels.com

14. Where can people order your books?
The book is available on that website or a variety of online retailers including Books a Million, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Target, or through most local bookstores.

15. What format are your books – e-book, print, audio etc?

The book is in print in trade paperback, and there is an electronic version for Amazon Kindle.

16. Will you write more books?
Yes, I have one that keeps me up nights right now.

17. What do you have in the works now?
I don’t like to talk about what I have in the works, because there is always more research to do, and I want to leave the characters free to take the book in a direction that might not have occurred to me yet.

18. What does the future hold for you and your books?
The only thing that is certain is lack of sleep in the near future!

19. What was the most successful thing you did to promote your books?

True relationship building. It takes time, but nothing has been more of a sure thing than just getting to know people and letting them know me and my characters’ story.

20. What was the least successful thing you did to promote your books?
Sending press releases upon publication. Even though I had a press release that was relevant to current news (not just “hey, my book came out”), it didn’t receive any response that I could measure, not even a request for a review copy. However, it was good to have a press release available for later, to have something to publish in the local paper just before a book signing.

21. Tell us about your most recent book.
The Neurology of Angels is a novel about the hearts inside the business and politics of drug development and the consequences of a choice between saving one child and treating thousands.

22. What makes this book special to you?
It is my first.

23. What sort of comments have you gotten about the content of the book?
My favorite comment was “This book will not only make you cry, it will make you think.” That is all I could ask for.

24. What makes this a book that other people MUST read and WHY?
Decisions made about the health care system affect everyone in the country. It is vitally important that different sides of the issues are seen in context so we can understand the full complexity of the reasons drug development takes so long and costs so much, in order to: a) avoid unintended consequences from one-sided decision-making and b) think about creative ways to change the system or find what works and make it better.

25. What people NEED to read this book and WHY?
Anyone who cares about someone or represents someone or is someone or might become someone who has a disease with no cure. Because this book gives you a voice and encouragement to act.

26. What sparks your creativity? Any tips to help others spark their own creativity?
Forcing myself to write every day, even just in a journal gets the juices flowing and also helps me to see themes that are important to me. Whenever I read anything, I keep a notebook by my side and stop mid-sentence to jot down ideas. Actually, I have a notebook in my car and every room of my apartment (yes, every room), because I’ve realized that the best ideas hit when I’m concentrating on something else, and I won’t remember them later. Funny thing, how the brain works.

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

I once had a friend whose father was an engineer-turned-minister, and he said that being a minister is something you only do because you have to. For me, writing is like that. I do it because it nags at me and stirs inside me and clogs my brain until I get it out. Then it bothers and bothers until I edit it into submission. It’s either write or go insane!

28. Tell me about the most unusual things you have done to promote any books?
I once stood in line outside a concert venue in the middle of a hurricane to give my book to one of the performers that I knew liked to read.

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

I would say, take 2 minutes to watch the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACtarZ1e72s

Promotional Interview with Karen Leland - Author of Time Management in an Instant: 60 Ways to Make the Most of Your Day (Special Event July 20--24th)

2009-07-19T15:55:00.001-04:00

Tell us the book title and your author name.

Time Management In An Instant: 60 Ways to Make the Most of Your Day

Karen Leland and Keith Bailey

What inspired the book?

After years of leading time management classes we decided it was time to try and capture the information and put in in a place where people who could not come to our live courses could find it.

What makes this book special to you?

In order to update the book, Keith and I did a ton of research on the leading edge of what is happening in the field of time management. This book is special to me, because of that research and because it's a topic very close to my own heart!

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

I think this is a must ready because it covers some of the most critical time issues we face today such as multitasking, procrastination, lack of focus etc... The book has a great deal of practical information that can help people solve everyday time issues.

What people NEED to read this book and WHY?

Same answer as above.

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

Well, I'm embarrassed to say that a clean and organized desk and work area is one of the things that defiantly helps spark my creativity. This might explain why I am such a time management geek. But also, space to reflect. I find that if I book every moment of every day, I don't have the space I need to be creative.

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

By far the biggest stumbling block is just finding the time to sit down and do it! Once I get going I'm into it and thing flow, but finding that starring time can be a bear. What I have started to do is schd. an hour first thing in the morning just for writing.

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

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

I belted out 'Oh What a Beautiful Morning' form the musical Oklahoma at a book signing, on a dare.

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

I've been leading time management workshops for close to 25 years. During that time I've studied the topic, spoken about it to countless conferences around the globe and written about for a wide variety of magazines and newspapers. But more than any of that, I've been working with my own time management habits for 40 plus years. I've tried all of this out on myself to see what works and doesn't.

I would ask the person where in their life they could use more specific support to fight distraction and find their focus. What goals are they having trouble achieving? Could they use more of a feeling of accomplishment at the end of the day? Would they like to knock off work an hour earlier a few days a week or take a real vacation? The information in the book, could contribute to all of that.

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.

A recent study by the Families and Work Institute found that more than 50 percent of those surveyed said they are either handling too many tasks at the same time or are frequently interrupted during the workday—or both. I'm passionate about finding ways to overcome this condition, and create a balanced.

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.

Karen Leland - Bestselling author of Time Management In An Instant: 60 Ways to Make the Most of Your Day

Buy a copy of Time Management In An Instant the week of July 20th and receive a free license to view the Essential Email online course. To buy the book and claim your bonus, or just to buy the book go to: http://www.quality-service.com/timemanagementinaninstant

Karen Leland and Keith Bailey are the bestselling authors of six books including Time Management In An Instant: 60 Ways to Make the Most of Your Day. They are the co-founders of Sterling Consulting Group, which helps organizations and individuals learn how to fight distraction and find their focus in a wired world. For more information please contact: kleland@scgtraining.comTell us the book title and your author name.

Time Management In An Instant: 60 Ways to Make the Most of Your Day

Karen Leland and Keith Bailey

What inspired the book?

Same answer as above.

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

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

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

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.

Karen Leland - Bestselling author of Time Management In An Instant: 60 Ways to Make the Most of Your Day

SPECIAL OFFER FOR BLOG TOUR VISITORS ONLY THE WEEK OF JULY 20th

Buy a copy of Time Management In An Instant the week of July 20th and receive a free license to view the Essential Email online course. To buy the book and claim your bonus, or just to buy the book go to: http://www.quality-service.com/timemanagementinaninstant

Karen Leland and Keith Bailey are the bestselling authors of six books including Time Management In An Instant: 60 Ways to Make the Most of Your Day. They are the co-founders of Sterling Consulting Group, which helps organizations and individuals learn how to fight distraction and find their focus in a wired world. For more information please contact: kleland@scgtraining.com

Start with the Facts with Bryn Colvin

2009-06-09T20:38:00.000-04:00

How did you get interested in the topic that’s featured in your book?
Seth Lakeman’s song ‘The White Hare’ drew me into looking at west country hare mythology, and the novel grew out of that.

Tell us a bit about your background. What have you done in the past that relates to your book and that topic?
Much of what happens in this story, I have no personal experience of, for which I am deeply grateful. The magical/shamanic aspects are rooted in my own beliefs and experiences though.

What advice would you give to someone who is interested in your topic?
Check out Seth Lakeman, invest in a Druid Animal Oracle set, and keep reading the history books!

What do you see as the benefit to participating in groups and organizations? My first thought would be networking opportunities and the chance for personal and business growth. What are your reasons?
Most of my inspiration comes from people I meet. The various groups I am in have given me opportunities to connect with some truly amazing people. In the case of this book, I had a lot of practical support from people at folk club, when it came to doing the necessary research.

Who is the ideal person to read your book? If each person that reads this was going to recommend your book to one person, what sort of person would they want to chose?
Someone of a pagan inclination, with an interest in folklore and history – and that’s not as niche a target audience as it may sound.

What do you think ignites a person’s creativity?
Nothing beats having someone else tell me their stories – anything true is good. I’m blessed with some seriously inspirational people in my life.

What have you found to be the biggest stumbling block for people who want to start writing?
Having enough ideas is always an issue. The other one seems to be having the focus and discipline to see a book through to the end. Lots of people start writing novels, few of them finish.

How would you suggest they can overcome that?
Designating a little time every day, or setting targets for words per week might help I suppose. It’s not a problem I’ve ever really had!

What do you find is the biggest motivator for people to succeed? Is it money, security, desire for fame or something else?
I think that depends on the individual. I write for the joy of creating, and in the hopes of engaging other people in some way that works for them.
.

Who is the “perfect” person to read your book?
Someone who likes their stories to be unpredictable.

Start with the Facts with T David Lee

2009-05-02T18:22:00.000-04:00

Tell us the book title and your author name. "108th Street" by T David Lee

What inspired the book? My own childhood experiences

What makes this book special to you? It gave me the opportunity to re-visit my own childhood and recall its grandeur and brevity. I've also been told by many readers that they could easily identify with the characters and situations, which validated my original intentions in writing it.

What makes this a book that other people MUST read and WHY? This is a very funny story. Times are very tough for a lot of people; the book will bring them back to a simpler time and give them a chance to smile at the story, take a fresh look at their own childhoods and perhaps be distracted from their own difficult circumstances.

What people NEED to read this book and WHY? Everyone who's been a child or has children needs to understand the viewpoint of the main character so they can balance their childhood innocence with what's become of it -- or what is left of it -- since.

What sparks your creativity? Any tips to help others spark their own creativity? Most important is the ability to frame a story or passage out of some mundane event, to be able to take something everyday ordinary and expand it into something memorable.

What has been the biggest stumbling block in your writing? Can you share some tips to help others get past similar problems? Time to write in a continuous stream. Life intervenes way too much on the writing process to allow people the time and focus to create the storylines and narratives they conceive but don't have the contiguous time to put to page.

What do you think motivates people to become authors? What motivated you to get into this unusual industry? I saw this as a challenge to see if could tell a story that would resonate with a large segment of the reading population. I wanted to see if I could bring strangers into my experience and have them enjoy it as much as I did.

Tell me about the most unusual things you have done to promote any books? Did a blind radio interview. I think there's a Braille version available.

FICTION - If there is a setting, tell us how you decided on that setting and what you did to create a complete and vivid setting for your readers? The book is set in New York City as I remember it in 1958. I tried to create an atmosphere that would immerse the reader in that time and circumstance so they would better understand the lifestyle as well as the distinct differences between then and now.

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. There is no "hero", just a typical boy growing up in the late 1950s. There's no shame in being ordinary. Great things happen to ordinary people without their becoming the least bit heroic. Readers will find the characters memorable because they will equate them with figures from their own past experiences.

FICTION - Is there a villain or something that causes friction in your story? Tell us about what or who it is and how that contributes to the story. Any details about conflict and friction is good information to know. There is a villain, and in a story about ten year-old kids it's got to be a bully, something we've all experienced at one point or another. This is another device to draw the reader into the story and make him familiar, if perhaps not comfortable, with the characters and the story. Even a broad comedy such as this has to have elements of drama or conflict to succeed.

There is a web site at which the book can be ordered. It is www.eloquentbooks.com/108thstreet.html.

Promotional Interview with C A Milson

2009-05-02T18:05:00.000-04:00

You have been invited to share your promotional experience with others.

Your Name: C.A.Milson

1. Where you are from and where are you now? I grew up in Brisbane Australia. I now reside primarily in Samara Russia although I travel internationally a great deal.

2. How did you get started writing? I first discovered writing when I was in grade 9, when I attended Kedron State High School. Instead of reading a book and writing a report on what I thought about the topic, I decided to pen a short story. In about 2 hours I penned a short sci-fi story, which was my first attempt at the world of writing. The story received top marks from my English professor, who also encouraged me to continue writing. That was the first and seemingly last time I put pen to paper.. That was until the summer of 1989....

3. What do you do when you are not writing? When I am not writing I spent a lot of time working as a Recruiter and spend a lot of time blogging about The Chosen, as well as about my upcoming novel, Bloodline of Darkness.

4. What would readers like to know about you? I am pretty much the same as everyone else. I have hopes and dreams, triumphs and tragedies.

5. What inspired your first book? The inspiration for the first novel came from a hobbytex picture my mother had on the wall in her apartment. In 1989, I was living in Melbourne at the time, and once again I found myself writing. My first short story was titled "Shack of Evil", a 9 page story based on the character Jamiesonn. The story idea came from a Hobbytex picture my mother had on the wall of her apartment.

6. How many books have you written? The Chosen was my first full length publication. The Chosen was written after I laid the foundation for the short story titled "Shack of Evil". After I wrote Shack Of Evil, I went on to write an additional 25 short stories, all of different genres, including a childrens story. That original story later become the base for what is now the trilogy of The Chosen, Bloodline of Darkness, and Prophecy's End.

7. What are the titles of your books and what genres are they? My debut novel is titled The Chosen. I am working on Bloodline of Darkness currently. Both are Supernatural Horror.

8. How do you decide on that topic or genre? Why are you specially qualified to write about this topic? I was not automatically drawn into horror, but after reading stories by H.P. Lovecraft and Misery by Stephen King, I knew that I wanted to write novels that would entertain and scare the audience. But like some beginning writers, I had no idea how to get storyline past the seemingly impossible short-phase and also written in the third person context. I have studied different theologies about the supernatural throughout my life and I have always been fascinated of what possibilities would lay in other spiritual worlds, so my writing maintains a basis of the cliched "good versus evil" and the "what-if" scenarios without coming across to heavy.

9. How do you manage to keep yourself focused and on track when you’re writing a book? When I actually get focused on writing, different scenarios pop into my mind, and where I want to take a scene, so I write it exactly as I see it. Like, at the moment, I am writing the third chapter of Bloodline, and so far the main character has had a series of dayvisions, where he thinks that the world around him is real, then he wakes up, to later find out that he is in another nightmare..

10. Do you write to make money, for the love of writing or both? I write because that is my first passion in life. It may sound cliched, but I was born to write. Sure, to have an international best seller would be a bonus, but that is not my motivation. Never was. I am the first to admit that back in the 90's when I fantisized about the lifestyle, the famousosity, the big wads of cash, the hollywood parties, and all the rest that goes with mega-celebrityism that did seem like a fun thought… I guess maybe at one time or another all of us have entertained those thoughts, but that is not what writing is about. Writing for the sole purpose of "I'm getting paid a million to write this" would not be as fun as writing for the pleasure of creating alternate worlds where anything you dream can exist J

11. What are some traditional methods of marketing you have used? Which were the

most successful? Being one who has been in marketing for 14 years, I have seen nearly every form of marketing known to man. In my time I have done sub campaigns and promoted everything from concerts to land investments, and I have to say that this, promoting a novel, is something I was so unprepared for. I took it for granted initially that when a book comes out, it would get on the NYT list, and so forth, but that is not how it is. Apart from the PR's that I have sent out to various newspapers (which don’t seem to work), the only things that have gotten attention are the posts I put on Social Networking sites such as MySpace and Facebook.

12. What are some unique methods of marketing you have used? Which were the most successful? I once had some ads on free classified sites like Gumtree but that didn't attract much attention. The most successful is when I blast bulletins on Netowrk sites or am on other blog sites. On days like that I see the number of hits soar, expecially in December. I just hope that those hits have also turned into book sales J

13. Do you sell through a website? If so, what’s the address? If not, why not? My works are available through most online retailers such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Amira Press, just to name a few. Best way to see what list of retailers stock The Chosen, just google my name "C.A.Milson." I think at the moment I am on some 4,000 websites.

My personal websites are:

www.authorcamilson.com and http://authorcamilson.info

14. Where can people order your books? The Chosen can be purchased from Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/Chosen-C-Milson/dp/1934475815

15. What format are your books – e-book, print, audio etc? E-book and paperback

16. Will you write more books? Absolutely! My intention is to complete Bloodline of Darkness by February, and then Prophey's End sometime in 2010.

17. What do you have in the works now? Bloodline of Darkness.

18. What does the future hold for you and your books? Next for me is writing Bloodline of Darkness, which is the second in the trilogy in the life of Alex Manning - A man who is put in the middle of a spiritual conflict he otherwise wants no part of. Bloodline of Darkness is set seven years after The Chosen. Alex has forsaken his powers to live a "normal" life, and the forces of Tartarus have arisen to harvest the souls of humans and plunge the world into darkness. Alex once again must stand and save humanity but can he overcome the ever present darkness that also reigns in his own heart?

19. What was the most successful thing you did to promote your books? Blogsites

20. What was the least successful thing you did to promote your books? Newspapers

21. Tell us about your most recent book. My first novel is called The Chosen. It is a Supernatural Horror, set in modern times. It is the story of Alex Manning who is “The One”, well actually Alex Manning is a nice guy, with anxiety attacks who has visions. He doesnt know he is “The One” until he gets wrapped up in the investigation of the Jamiesonn house. Then he is drawn neck deep into betrayal, battling demons, freaky scary ghosts, and falling in love again tossed in for good measure.

22. What makes this book special to you? This book is the first one that I have seen to be published. From the orginaly concept in 1989 til now has been close to 20 years. That is an externity, and a life-long dream come true. So naturally this first one will always be something to tell my children when they get older.

23. What sort of comments have you gotten about the content of the book? I have had many comments from people, mostly congrulatory, but naturally there have been the odd one who has slammed what I write.

24. What makes this a book that other people MUST read and WHY? This book defines a new era in horror, dare I say? I explore the boundries of horror and bring a new change to the world of supernatual fiction. Imagine a world beyond our own where Dark Forces reign, and only one mortal stands in the way of their enslavement of humanity. The Chosen, Bloodline of Darkness, and Prophecy’s End follow the life of Alex Manning. A hero called to stand for humanity and face a destiny that he wants no part of.

25. What people NEED to read this book and WHY? Anyone who loves horror, the supernatual and action should read this book. Do you like ghost stories? What about horror? Gothicism? Mysticism? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you need to read this book. J

26. What sparks your creativity? Any tips to help others spark their own creativity? Music usually gets me going. But my advise to any aspirign writer is find something that sparks that creative grey matter in your brain and go from there. Start with an idea, build life into a character to make them appear as real as anyone else. Build on their character with real thoughts, dreams, hopes, failures, fears, delusions. When I am writing a character, I "put myself in their shoes" and think, "Now what would I do if I was.." Visualization helps. I find that when I am listening to my music collection on the laptop, I just write for hours at a time.

27. What do you think motivates people to become authors? What motivated you to get into this unusual industry? I would like to believe that people become writers for the love of writing. My motivation was simple. I am a creative person and I write based on what inspires me.

28. Tell me about the most unusual things you have done to promote any books? "Win a date with me!" Of course, in the history of bad ideas, that was about the lamest J

29. If a potential reader thinks that your book wouldn't interest them, what would you say to convince them to buy? I'm thinking something better than "Its the greatest book ever." Give me something more specific :) I would say something along the lines of "Have you seen Hellraiser? Or works by Clive Barker? Stephen King? Seen LOTR? Ever seen any of M. Night Shymalan's work? Okay, if you have then you will like this."

30. 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 have always had a fascination with the Supernatural, and if anyone likes to watch the true ghost stories, then this will be right up your alley. Now, for those who have watched docos on Ghost hauntings, about a ghost terrorizing a house or a person, The Chosen can be compared to that, except, imagine a Supernatual Force that does it on a much larger scale!

Interview With Patti Ogden Author of Keoni's Big Question

2009-04-24T12:32:00.000-04:00

Tell us the book title and your author name.

Keoni’s Big Question

Patti B. Ogden

What inspired the book?

A story told in several sermons of William Branham

What makes this book special to you?

Keoni’s Big Question is very special to me because it tells such a sweet story of a curious little boy that just wanted to know more about God. The little boy reminded me of myself. As a child I was very curious about the deep questions of life and I was just as determined to find the right answers.

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

Keoni’s Big Question has a beautiful message with a surprising answer that will impact it’s readers for a lifetime.

What people NEED to read this book and WHY?

This 32 page fully-illustrated book is a wonderful book for all children, but I have had its meaning inspire parents as well. It’s an endearing story of faith, Christian values and the how and why of reaching out to God for answers in our life.

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

They say good authors are good readers and I agree with that. My mind often starts to form ideas after reading inspirational items and great literature.

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

One of the biggest stumbling blocks is coming to a word road block. You know what you want to say but the correct words or phrases escape you. The on-the-tip-of-my- tongue problem. That is frustrating! I get past this by going for a long walk to clear my head and then flipping through reference tools like my Thesaurus.

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

This is something I wanted to do since a high school creative writing class. I think the motivation is the basic human desire to express ourselves. Writing is a channel that we can freely do that.

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?

Keoni’s Big Question is centered around a fishing trip Keoni takes with an old family friend. The setting was easy as it was a part of the original story told by William Branham. Yet that was only an outline and I had to fill in the gaps with fiction. I decided that the fishing trip had to become dangerous to make a way for Keoni to communicate with God so he would come naturally to the answers to his big question.

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.

Keoni inspires me because he never gives up. He knows there are correct answers to his questions and he persevered until he was satisfied in his soul. I admire that. It shows great faith.

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 friction in this story are the many disappointing answers that Keoni receives when he first begins his search for answers. Sadly, this is too often seen in our modern society- people who are too busy to sit down and have serious conversation with children. Keoni begins to feel rejected and pacified and the reader will soon feel great empathy to what he is going through.

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.

Keoni’s Big Question and it’s message is very important - now more than ever. Headlines and current events are becoming more fearful about the state of the world, the economy and the prophecy of the end of times. Children are especially sensitive to these things, they see their families worried about job loss, higher bills to pay, etc. This book helps them to realize there is a higher power to call upon. One that can instill peace and joy.

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

Watch for the Keoni’s Big Question book trailer in May.

I also have two more books that are coming out this year.

“Shamgar and the Ox Goad” is scheduled next. I am very excited about it! It is a very imaginative tale of the little known story of Shamgar, who was only mentioned twice in the Bible, yet greatly used of God. Taken from one verse in the book of Judges, this is a story of one man and how delivers Israel from the hand of the Philistines. This is the first volume in our Untold Heroes of the Bible series and is a powerful, intriguing story that teaches children the virtues of Godly character and faith.

“Momma, Am I Pretty?” is about a young girl who deals with her first experience of religious persecution and how the wisdom of her mother helps her through her emotional reaction. Illustrator and designer Robert Sauber is busy working on this project and we hope to have this one out by late summer.

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

Thank you! It was my pleasure.

Keoni’s Big Question is available at :

Amazon.com - http://www.amazon.com/Keonis-Big-Question-Patti-Ogden/dp/098167836X

BarnesandNoble.com

Bookch.com.

I would like to invite readers to stop by our website.

Http://www.Capstone-Productions.com

Meet Heather Matthews - Author of Carolina

2009-04-14T15:54:00.000-04:00

You have been invited to share your promotional experience with others.

Your Name: Heather Matthews

1. Where you are from and where are you now?

My name is Heather Matthews. I grew up in New Brunswick, Canada. I now live on the West Coast, in Vancouver. It rains now and then, but I love it.

2. How did you get started writing?

I started writing essays in school, and I was encouraged to write more. From the age of 8, I was writing stories on my own, but I tended to keep them private. As an adult, I developed the courage to share my work with the outside world. I began writing for magazines like Canadian Living, and doing freelance work for clients all over the world. Then I knew I was ready to start writing novels.

3. What do you do when you are not writing?

I’m a Mom, and I have a fourteen year old son named Jeremy. I enjoy spending a lot of time with him.

4. What would readers like to know about you?

I am a true romantic. I believe in love, and I feel inspired by the passion two people can share. I try to bring this spirit into my work.

5. What inspired your first book?

I’ve gone through hard times, just like my main character, Carrie Evans. I’ve felt the same heartache and the same doubts. But I have never given up on my dreams, and my heroine is just the same. I chose to write about a woman who rises up to great success, because I believe anything is possible.

6. How many books have you written?

I’ve written two.

7. What are the titles of your books and what genres are they?

My first novel, Carolina (drama/romance), is coming out on March 27^th. My second novel, a magical adventure for young readers (Below The Sapphire Sea), will be released next October.

8. How do you decide on that topic or genre? Why are you specially qualified to write about this topic?

Anyone who has experienced love, with all its trials and tribulations, is probably qualified to write romance. However, I’ve spent years perfecting my craft through freelance work and short stories. I’ve devoted myself to creating truly memorable characters.

9. How do you manage to keep yourself focused and on track when you’re writing a book?

I always get caught up in my stories, so it’s easy to stay on track. Sometimes I even dream about my characters.

10. Do you write to make money, for the love of writing or both?

I write because I have to. It’s my form of creative release. I would do it no matter what. I’m learning a lot about the publishing business, and my greatest hope is that I can reach a wide audience. If money comes from that, it will be a nice bonus.

11. What are some traditional methods of marketing you have used? Which were the
most successful?

My website is quite successful. I post all my freelance work on the site, along with some blog posts. I write about all kinds of things: astrology, parenting, phobias, current affairs, Hollywood…I get a fair bit of traffic to the site. People can see my book when they visit, and order it through a link I’ve set up.

12. What are some unique methods of marketing you have used? Which were the most successful?

I have found social networking sites like Facebook and Myspace are a fun way to promote. It’s not work to talk about my book when I’m chatting to good friends. Facebook is a great tool for writers, and a wonderful meeting ground for old and new friends.

13. Do you sell through a website? If so, what’s the address? If not, why not?

I sell the book through a link on my own website: www.heathermatthews.ca By clicking on my book cover, you can go straight to Amazon and pick up a copy.

14. Where can people order your books?

My book is available on Amazon.com. Target.com, and at www.cacoethespublishing.com. It will be available at Borders and Barnes & Noble websites in the near future.

15. What format are your books – e-book, print, audio etc?

My book is available in e-book format, as well as print format.

16. Will you write more books?

I have already finished my second novel, and I’m definitely going to keep writing novels. It’s my favorite way to write.

17. What do you have in the works now?

I’m currently writing a novella. It’s a romance. And I’m sketching out some ideas for my third novel.

18. What does the future hold for you and your books?

Hopefully, my books will touch readers. Once they feel connected to my work, things will fall into place. I’m committed to getting better and better, so I can keep my bond with readers alive.

19. What was the most successful thing you did to promote your books?

Setting up a website has been very positive for me.

20. What was the least successful thing you did to promote your books?

It’s too early to tell. My book comes out on March 27^th. I’ve been selling pre-sale copies on Amazon, and I’m happy with the way things are going so far, but I’m bound to make some mistakes.

21. Tell us about your most recent book.

My first novel, Carolina, is a glitzy romance in the vein of Jacqueline Susann (The Valley Of The Dolls) and Judith Krantz (Princess Daisy). I’ve always enjoyed romance with a touch of Hollywood glitter, so I wrote about a poor girl, Carrie Evans, who endures hardship and heartbreak. Eventually, she becomes country music’s hottest new superstar – Carolina. Along the way, she meets Jacob Goldman, a record company executive who sees her true potential – and falls deeply in love. Unfortunately, he’s involved with Stella Davis, a country star of his own creation. And she doesn’t take kindly to competition.

22. What makes this book special to you?

I poured my whole heart and soul into this book. I tried to show a range of emotions, while maintaining a fast-paced story that features glamorous locales like LA, Memphis, and even Jamaica. Carrie’s journey is something any woman can relate to. We all have our dreams and desires, and you may find you care very much about her life after only a few pages.

23. What sort of comments have you gotten about the content of the book?

I’ve been told that the book has everything it needs to keep a reader turning the pages. Readers enjoyed the scope of emotions, the changes in scenery, and the believable characters. My editor expects my book to do well, and I hope it does.

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

The book is very current. It had lots of pop culture references, and they give the novel a gritty, contextual feel. The main characters are well drawn and dimensional. Noone is a cookie-cutter stereotype. My characters make decisions that are good and bad, and they work through problems, just like real people do.

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

This book will take you into another world, and it will allow you to live out the dreams we’ve all carried with us since childhood. For example, many of us have imagined ourselves living the life of a glamorous celebrity. For Carolina, this dream comes true, and we can live through her and feel all of her emotions.

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

I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember. I lose myself in my own stories, and they seem to take on a life of their own. When I go back and re-read my work, and enjoy my own story, I know I’ve done something right. This keeps my creativity flowing. Films, books, and music are also powerful creative tools for me. I would recommend that any fledgling writer set up a little creative time each day, surrounded by music and other things that inspire beautiful words and imagery.

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

It comes from the heart. I would write, even if I were the richest woman on earth. I think most authors feel the same way.

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

I’ve done all the typical things, such as setting up a personal website: www.heathermatthews.ca www.toptenz.net. By writing interesting material, and putting a big ad for my book on the bottom (through the kindness of my employers), I’ve found a wider audience for my work.

My book isn’t a typical romance, and yet it’s very romantic. There is passion and longing, but also a lot of other feelings. Depression, jealousy, and grief also surface in the book. One character struggles with addiction, just as so many people do in the “real world”. Another suffers tragedy that scars her from within. There are many areas to explore in the human heart, and I try to touch on all of that in this book. It’s a little deeper than some romances, and it may touch you for this reason.

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

Give us a hook to reel in new readers. In the age of American Idol, America loves contests and competitions. My character becomes involved in a huge competition, and it’s exciting to read about it from the “inside”. If you love shows like American Idol, you’ll enjoy Carolina.

Meet David S Brody Author of Cabal of the Westford Knight: Templars at the Newport Tower

2009-04-11T20:50:00.000-04:00

Tell us the book title and your author name.

Cabal of the Westford Knight: Templars at the Newport Tower, by David S. Brody

What inspired the book?

As a resident of Westford, Massachusetts, I had long known of the legend of the Westford Knight (Scottish explorers visiting Westford in 1398 and carving an effigy in stone in Westford to commemorate the death of a fallen comrade). As I researched the subject further, I realized there is other evidence in New England that corroborates this legend. Further, the legend is consistent with many European sources. This hidden history is a story that needed to be told.

What makes this book special to you?

The research. It is truly fascinating, almost addictive. The artifacts and sites speak to us from 600 years ago. I feel like I’ve been looking through a window into our hidden history, and now I get to share my findings with the public through my book.

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

I’m not sure I would use the word, “must.” But I will say that anyone who enjoys historical fiction, anyone who likes books that allow them to learn about history while at the same time being entertained, “should” read this book. Not to belabor the point, but it really does give readers an opportunity to learn about a fascinating, hidden history involving medieval exploration of America.

What people NEED to read this book and WHY?

Anyone who enjoyed The Da Vinci Code really needs to read this, as it turns out the medieval exploration of North America is directly related to the families, themes and sites discussed by Dan Brown in his book. To be specific, I’m talking about the Knights Templar, the Jesus bloodline families, the Freemasons, so-called “paganism” within the Church, Roslyn Chapel—they all play an important part in who came to North America in the late 1300s and why.

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

More than anything else, I think passion sparks creativity. Everyone has something they are passionate about, something that will get them up early in the morning or make them take that long walk into the woods. That’s what aspiring authors should write about.

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

I have a rule: I never let a day go by without working on the book I am writing. If I’m not actually writing, I’m researching or editing, even if for only a half hour. In that way my brain never disengages from the story. It has really helped me avoid writer’s block, helped me avoid putting the project down and then not picking it up for weeks or months at a time.

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

For me, my family is big into reading. We always had books in the house, always viewed reading as the best form of entertainment. I think everyone has a creative streak in them—literature was a natural venue in which to express mine.

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

My first book, Unlawful Deeds, is a legal thriller that turns on a series of real estate transactions. It has an obvious appeal to real estate attorneys and paralegals. I used to go into the county registries of deeds, where closings were held, and tape promotional flyers on the tables where buyers and sellers transacted the closings. It worked pretty well—the book became a bestseller.

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

The characters in the book travel across New England researching and investigating the medieval sites and artifacts much as I did when researching the book. Of course, they do so while being hunted down by enemies trying to keep this hidden history a secret. Nobody was trying to kill me while I was doing my research!

Both Cameron and Amanda, the hero and heroine in the story, are at sort of a crossroads point in their lives. That makes them open to new ideas and new adventures. And also open to a possible romance.

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

There are a couple of different villains in the story, but I’m especially happy the way the Salazar character turned out. He is a hired assassin who between assignments is a doting and loving single father to his young daughter. He has the same dreams and concerns and feelings as any parent—the only difference being he kills people for a living. Despite what he does for work, it’s hard to dislike him.

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

As you can probably tell, I’m very passionate about this story! If readers would like to see the sites and artifacts that I talk about in my book, they can go to my blogspot: http://westfordknight.blogspot.com/ . Many so-called experts believe these are all modern-day hoaxes or forgeries. I strongly disagree, and invite readers to reach their own conclusions.

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

My website is www.davidbrodybooks.com

The link to purchase the book on Amazon is:

www.amazon.com/Cabal-Westford-Knight-Templars-Newport/dp/0977389871/

Darryl Hagar - Before He Was Published

2009-03-31T15:06:00.000-04:00

I was now two years sober.I had been to over 300 12 step meetings, worked with a therapist twice a week, attended group mental health recovery classes for a year straight. My head was clearing and I really didn't want to go back to sea. What did I have to offer the world? I had navigated 900 foot supertankers for 20 years. I couldn't that ashore. I had drank and drugged for 27 years and unfortunately that was the only other thing I really knew a lot about.

I could write a book! God it would be an awesome read. All my sea stories, piracy, exotic ports and women, but most of it would be risky behavior about drugs and alcohol. I had done a lot of things that were socially unacceptable but there were dozens of lessons to be learned. I could make an impact on the world and leave a legacy of helping future generations srtuggling with addiction. I could even help an entire shipping industry, the merchant marines, that had a long reputation for drinking too much. What do you do with a drunken sailor? Well perhaps I could teach some sailors through my story not to be drunks.

I prayed to God to give me the courage, the wisdom, the strength to use my drug and alcohol crazy past to teach others about the disease of addiction and alcoholism. About how I succumbed to the temptation to drink and drug every day and how it ruined my career, my health, and nearly caused me to lose the one thing in life I loved the most, my son.

I wrote my entire life story, blow by blow, drink by drink,arest by arrest. I left nothing out nor did i embelish any of the events. It would be a no holes barred book that would stir peoples emotions, fuel their anger, and cause everyone involved how to better fight alcoholism and drug addiction, no matter what industry or population involved. I might have legal problems as a result of my writings but I would ask God for help. I couldn't help others unless I wrote down my story and shared it with the world.

The Man Overboard

How a Merchant Marine Officer Survived the

Raging Storm of Alcoholism and Drug Addiction

was born and available at www.themanoverboard.com and www.amazon.com

Now I just had to have the courage to sign on the dotted line. As if a message from God came down from heaven I received the following two emails, One from one of my former Captains and the other from a major oil executive I had never spoken to in my entire life. I no longer believed in coincidences and after I received these emails, I moved forward and released my story to the world.

"I have had the pleasure of viewing your website,www.themanoverboard.com and wanted to let you know how proud I am having known you and what you are currently doing. As one of your prior supervisors, I apologize for not being more in-tuned with your needs at that time. Just know, as time progresses, we gain wisdom through experience. I have gained from this experience. Keep up the great work! I will continue to look for the good things in life that you have accomplished."

-Captain Richard Holman, Overseas New York and The Kenai

"Writing The Man Overboard and sharing your life experiences with alcoholism, ships, and the lessons you've learned takes great courage and will be helpful to our industry. I believe men will tuck your book in the bottom of their sea bags, right next to their dirty magazines, and read it back on the ships. I think men will look at their own lives, change their behaviors, and in turn, you will have helped prevent oil pollution and accidents. I will spread the work of your recovery and sobriety.

-Annonymous, West Coast Oil Tanker Port Captain

The Last Stop: Lincoln & the “Mud Circuit” by Alan Bower

2009-03-29T16:29:00.000-04:00

Alan Bower

The Last Stop: Lincoln & the “Mud Circuit”

http:alanbower.com

1 - How did you get interested in the topic that’s featured in your book?

In March of 2006, I attended a meeting, in Taylorville, Illinois with its mayor, tourism council and president of the local historical society along with others interested in documenting Lincoln’s presence, activities and relationships in the city. This information would be used in promoting the city and its connection with Mr. Lincoln as part of the Looking for Lincoln project. “The Last Stop” was the result of that research project I agreed to undertake.

2 - Tell us a bit about your background. What have you done in the past that relates to your book and that topic?

I am directly descended from Joseph Durbin Sr., one of the first settlers who came to Christian County in 1829 and lived on Bear Creek, then part of Montgomery County. His brother, John “Stumpy” Durbin, arriving a year earlier is the great-great-great grandfather of Illinois Senator Richard Durbin. They both knew Lincoln for he represented members of their families in several cases. The two brothers are buried in the Durbin ancestral cemetery on Bear Creek in Christian County.

3 - What advice would you give to someone who is interested in your topic?

The number of books available on Mr. Lincoln is said to number in excess of 15,000. I am sure the reader can find something that would interest them.

My reasons are the same as your original thoughts.

5 - Who is the ideal person to read your book? If each person that reads this was going to recommend your book to one person, what sort of person would they want to chose?

Anyone having a keen interest in the early years of Mr. Lincoln in the Illinois Assembly and his life on the Eight Judicial Circuit would find “The Last Stop” valuable in studying the types of cases he had including the extremely important relationships he established which would lead him to the White House.

6 - What do you think ignites a person’s creativity?

Passion…without it nothing happens.

7 - What have you found to be the biggest stumbling block for people who want to start writing?

They perhaps fail to realize that anyone can write or they think they don’t have the time.

8 - How would you suggest they can overcome that?

A great journey begins with one small step and the same can be said for writing. The prospect of writing book can be intimidating and daunting task but if broken down into its individual parts the process soon looses it’s sense of enormity.

9 - What do you find is the biggest motivator for people to succeed? Is it money, security, desire for fame or something else?

Motivation to succeed in anything we attempt comes from many sources and not always measurable in terms such as money or fame which can be fleeting.

10 - Is there anything else you would like to share with us?

Never be afraid to try something you have never done before….you might be greatly surprised at the results…the best hitters in baseball strike out 70% of the time.

Meet Maria J. Andrade, M.F.T.

2009-03-29T15:14:00.000-04:00

You have been invited to share your promotional experience with others.

Your Name: Maria J. Andrade, M.F.T.

1. Where you are from and where are you now?

Maria :I was born in the middle of the earth, Ecuador, South America. I was

raised in New York and in California where I now live with my husband,Sy.

2. How did you get started writing?

Maria : I wrote poetry and plays as a child. My undergraduate degree is in English but I studied psychology in graduate school. After becoming a Marriage, Family, Child Therapist

I wrote a book to help people succeed in love and marriage, entitled, Heart Magic, Keeping Love Alive & Well. It was translated into Spanish. I also wrote a book of poetry,

Singing My Self Home, a spiritual journey on the crisis of our time and my recent eco-social book and CD for children, Youngen Finds Her Song, which contains allegories about their global inheritance.

3. What do you do when you are not writing?

Maria: I work with people in the field of counseling every day. I also garden, read and work on my house, which has become synonymous with working on myself!

4. What would readers like to know about you?

Maria: I don’t know what they would like to know. I am a pretty open person so whatever they wish to know they can always ask by going to : www.magicunion.com

5. What inspired your first book?

Maria: The divorce rate. Its like a crap shoot. One out of two marriages ends in divorce.

I also didn’t like to see the suffering it caused children. So I wrote a small self-help guide

to inform people about the greatest of all arts - the art of relating. It is not entirely true

what the Beetles said, “All you need is love.” I think we need some preparation in this

area!

6. How many books have you written?

Maria: The three I mentioned and 3 other kids’ books which will be coming out in 2009,

a science fiction novelette and a novel on the life of 3 women’s friendship which takes place in the 30s and a comedy play which I hope will be published by 2012.

7. What are the titles of your books and what genres are they?

Maria: “Why Dear Mrs. Sullivan Is Distressed” and “Buster” are children’s stories in poetry. “Jennifer Magicum” is also for kids. The science fiction story is called, “The Return” and I don’t yet have a title for the novel or the play.

8. How do you decide on that topic or genre? Why are you specially qualified to write about this topic?

Maria: I write what insists on being written and there are a lot of topics fighting for my attention so I usually give in to the one that most vehemently pursues me.

9. How do you manage to keep yourself focused and on track when you’re writing a book?

Maria: Guilt- in part.I am sure I would have written much more if I had been more focused. My problem is I am interested in any number of things but I also have this commitment to my writing like a mother has to her children. It isn’t just about bringing them into the world but it is also helping them find a place there so they can have lives of their own!

10. Do you write to make money, for the love of writing or both?

The priority is writing which I have done when I made no money at all at it but I like to know people are reading my work so obviously I will get paid. I have also given books away. This last book, Youngen Finds Her Song, An Inspiring Adventure From The Heart Of Nature, which as I mentioned, has an audio-book version with the voices of birds and insects conversing about “humans” and special sound effects and music. We gave many of the books and CDs to children who had special needs.

It is a book about hope, self-confidence, caring, earth stewardship and peace and I wanted to give it to them as a gift.

11. What are some traditional methods of marketing you have used? Which were the

most successful?

I think the reviews on Barnes and Noble and Amazon.com has helped and the American Book Sellers Association have done a great job getting the book out. Press Releases

are useful but not as helpful as forming relationships with people in the book trade

such as with this blog here with you! I appreciate the opportunity to be here.

12. What are some unique methods of marketing you have used? Which were the most successful?

Maria: Although the book just came out barely a month ago it is already being used in schools. This is because of the work the publisher has done to inform teachers and libraries. We also have started a contest for students who write essay about the four basic concepts in the book, which includes some kind of drawing with it.

13. Do you sell through a website? If so, what’s the address? If not, why not?

Maria: Yes I do. I will be putting more information about the contest on my website: www.magicunion.com under “Children Books”

14. Where can people order your books?

Maria: They can order them through major book stores. However, for signed copies and for the audio book which seems to entertain and inform kids from 3 to 93 go to my website or write (Clara Publishing): clarapub@ca.rr.com

15. What format are your books – e-book, print, audio etc?

Maria: I mentioned print, audio and also e-book.

16. Will you write more books?

Maria: Do dogs have fleas? How many is the question based on what the gal upstairs decides.

17. What do you have in the works now?

Maria: Most immediately I am working on the illustrations for one of the children’s books and I want to finish what needs completion the play and novel.

18. What does the future hold for you and your books?

Maria: I intend for people all around the world to read my books while I am above the sod. So I have my work cut out for me don’t I? Right now my children’s book, “Youngen” and “Rufus” (the two main characters in my book -birds) have flown to Canada to be part of the “Blossom Project” an organization that works with girls who are the first to go to college. They are also flying to Africa – to be part of the Woza Moya Poject to help children who have Aids. These are two good organizations for your audience to check out.

Who knows where my books will go next?

19. What was the most successful thing you did to promote your books?

Maria: Make connections with organizations and people like you.

20. What was the least successful thing you did to promote your books?

Maria: Probably press releases. I wonder if anyone actually reads them?

21. Tell us about your most recent book.

Maria: This is a story about a small Thrush, who accompanied by her friend and guide an Owl, goes on a journey to find her unique song. She starts out without one, which is rare for a Thrush because they are beautiful singers. This is partly due to the fact that she has no confidence in herself. In one chapter she tries to put other bird’s feathers in her own!

At any rate in her journey she finds her song but she also discovers what “Humans”

are like and learns about the incredible beauty and wonder of the world around her.

22. What makes this book special to you?

Maria: This book contains everything I believe in.

23. What sort of comments have you gotten about the content of the book?

Maria: My favorite comments are from kids. I actually wrote this book with children ages 7-13 in mind. However, sophomores from Upland High School in CA wrote:
“Youngen is a great book. It taught me to respect nature.”

“What I liked about the book is that it showed some of the world’s problems through the eyes of two birds. I also liked that she went through a journey.”

A teacher wrote: Fabulous story! There are lots of insights and lessons for young readers.

For myself, once I started reading, I did not want to put it down!

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

Maria: I believe there is crisis in our country and around the world, which is social, economic, moral and spiritual. Fundamentally it is an opportunity for the human race to re-evaluate its priorities. My book written for children allows us to see what is truly important in life. These are things like family, friendship, community and the connectedness of all life. I think our ability to choose our priorities wisely now is a matter of our survival.

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

Maria: We need to get in touch with hope and this book offers that vision! It is not a Pollyanna kind of hope but based on some facts which people of all ages need to know.

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

creativity?

Maria: I love poetry and a good poem sparks my creativity but so does a good meal. I think it is important to be open to the world, people, nature, beauty, books, art. Etc. Keep being curious and being open to learning. I was thinking of learning to play the ducimer.

I am as old as dirt but hey, I would love to play that instrument when I do a poetry recital.

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

Maria: The need to communicate with large numbers of people about things you care about motivates authors. However, they usually begin by writing for themselves. I wrote poetry as a kid because I was moved by joy, sorrow, fear etc. I also wrote plays to see words come to life. It is something that is organic like becoming a kind of tree.

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

Maria: I think right now it is the contest which will offer kids a $50.00 US Savings Bond for writing an essay on one of 4 concepts in the book, Youngen Finds Her Song:

Self-confidence, Community, Earth Stewardship, or Peace.

Maria: Teach Your Children Well! This book contains a essential values not only for an individual to create the “good life” but these are life enhancing values for a united World.

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

Maria: The major theme of the 21^st Century is “Relationship” with self, other and the natural world.

The lone wolf mentality is over. We can see that as we look at the impact of things like global warming, the economy, and human rights. We will either make it together or we don’t make it at all. My book reminds us that our chance of making is - good!

Jamie Glazov Author of United in Hate: The Left's Romance with Tyranny and Terror

2009-03-24T09:45:00.001-04:00

Tell us the book title and your author name.

United in Hate: The Left’s Romance With Tyranny and Terror

What inspired the book?

When I saw my leftist acquaintances and leftists on the world stage cheering when 9/11 hit, I realized it was time to write a book exposing the Left’s charade of being for humanitarianism and social justice.

What makes this book special to you?

This book is special to me because I wrote it out of respect for the victims of tyranny and terror – who the Left tries to push into realms of invisibility. The Left’s priority is to wipe out the memory of the victims of adversarial regimes so it can keep its own agenda in place.

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

If people want to arm themselves with knowledge to see more clearly the insidious forces that want to take our freedoms away, they need to read this book.

What people NEED to read this book and WHY?

People just need to have a passion for freedom and to be interested in preserving it.

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

My creativity is sparked by my yearning to fight for the truth. I don’t think I can give tips to spark others’ creativity. This is something that must come from within. If anything, you have to rest. You can’t create properly when fatigued.

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

Sometimes a project seems so large that you don’t know how you will overcome it. The key is to go step by step.

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

Everyone is different. In my case, it was personal. Communism killed millions of my people. It killed members of my family. I wanted to expose the Left for its veneration of the killers that led that system, and other systems.

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

Nothing really unusual. Just the standard interviews and reviews.

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

I am the best person to write this topic because I come from a tyranny and know what freedom and despotism are. I have dedicated my whole life to analyzing the leftist mindset.

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 :)

If a potential reader thinks that my book wouldn’t interest them then I would tell them they will never see the world in the same way if they did read it. My book unlocks the mystery of why leftists worship regimes under which they themselves would be killed.

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.

United in Hate solves the mystery of why believers in the West venerate regimes and ideologies under which they themselves would be extinguished.

The Obama administration is planning to give $900 million to Hamas. Why would you fund a Nazi organization? My book shows how this is just another continuation of the Left’s romance with tyranny and death.

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

United in Hate rips the mask off of the Left. The Left loves to portray itself as humanitarian and for social justice. My book reveals that the Left is vicious and has blood on its hands.

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

www.Frontpagemag.com

http://www.amazon.com/United-Hate-Romance-Tyranny-Terror/dp/1935071602

In Detail with Jerry Pollack Author of Divinely Inspired

2009-02-08T11:44:00.000-05:00

Tell us the book title and your author name.

Thank you Nikki for the opportunity to have this interview. I’m always grateful to share. It’s not a question of selling books because the economy has soured and people are hurting. Message and empowerment are the motivating factors. The name of my spiritual memoir is Divinely Inspired: Spiritual Awakening of a Soul. My name is Jerry J. Pollock. The book was originally published in 2003 and it was just reissued in 2009 along with my debut spiritual novel, Messiah Interviews: Belonging to God.

What inspired the book?

Who rather than what? It was God. I don’t mean directly. He never told me that I should write the book. Nor have I had conversations with him. However, I’ll be bold and tell you that I did hear His Voice twice in 1982 and once again at the end of 1998 when I was blessed to have a series of spiritual miracles come into my life from the Creator. The miracles continued into 1999 and thereafter. There are some that were not written in Divinely Inspired but are described in the Messiah Interviews.

What makes this book special to you?

That I am giving back to my Creator for His Divine intervention into my life.

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

I believe in our God-given gift of free will, so nobody must read this book. Not that this wouldn’t be a bad thing because when we read about other peoples’ experiences we can learn something. In this modern world of mass media, we are bombarded by sounds and messages. Most we ignore, some we hear, a few we actually integrate into our brains and in a rare instance, the message can change our lives. The messages that I received from the Creator have changed me for the duration. I’m hoping that I can pass this exhilaration onto whomever so chooses to seek God’s spiritual path.

There are many books out there on spirituality and there are as many preachers as there are stars from all kinds of religions and beliefs. However, I’ve been a foot shoulder in the trenches and what I pass on comes from actual personal Divine experiences. I’m just not spouting theology or making up stories. Even Messiah Interviews is a ‘not so fictional, novel. I feel that puts my books in a very different category. Being a scientist, I see not only the whole picture but all the details and my books are therefore research oriented and provide knowledge to the reader. You cannot separate the science in me from my unshakable belief in God. I believe God is the master scientist and that both Evolution and Creation lie in His domain. I believe that He has always had a failsafe plan for humankind, the Messianic Age where those who are worthy shall live again. Readers can read the Messiah Interviews first and then go back and read the prequel, Divinely Inspired.

What people NEED to read this book and WHY?

There is a biblical saying, “God leads people in the direction they wish to go.” It’s ironic that God’s gift of free will was purposely meant for the disinterested party who would use that gift of free will to choose to disbelieve in Him. I believe God set it up this way so we would discover faith on our own. His intention was to create an interesting world.

That being said, it wouldn’t be a bad idea for people who have grown up in a dysfunctional family or who have been unfortunate to acquire mental illness to read Divinely Inspired. Neurosis and Bipolar disorder have been part of my membership clubs, although I have moved on in my life through spirituality. People should know that the down spiraling in life is actually part of a greater upward ascent. In March of 1995, I swallowed 200 pills and by right I should be dead now. Had I not survived, I never would have appreciated that from the deepest darkness, there is light especially God’s Light if you have faith.

I would want my books to be a message of Hope for those struggling in these difficult times. Sometimes you just cannot solve problems on the material level until you bring in the spiritual. Being Jewish, it’s ironic that the Jewish community on the whole seems indifferent to my books. I’m not surprised because on the one hand I am spiritual and do not lead a religious life and on the other hand, only 30 percent of Jews believe in God. I think Jewish people should read Divinely Inspired (and Messiah Interviews) because our whole heritage is tied to God. I think the same holds true for Christian people. I don’t know about hard core atheists but there is hope for those who are sitting on the fence with their faith

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

It’s interesting that you asked this question because I do think about this but I’ve never put my thoughts down on paper. So here goes. Creativity is not intelligence. I view intelligence as being static; that is, unchanging. Creativity is, however, more fluid and dynamic. Part of Creativity is genetic, but I think it is true that we use only 5 percent of our brains. That means that we can still tap into 95 percent more of our creativity, even if we were not initially blessed to have smart parents or ancestors.

In the bible, Job says it best, “Days speak and a multitude of years speak wisdom.” It takes time to acquire wisdom. Yet, wisdom I feel is not intelligence. It is the creative thought process that unfolds when you look past the material world into the spiritual world. King Solomon was not as intelligent as Einstein but he was probably wiser, because he looked for his answers in the spiritual world as well as the physical world. We tend not to do that.

I would suggest that others begin their climb on the spiritual ladder. I recently wrote an article on The Spiritual Ladder and how to begin the climb. You can find the article on my blog on my website. Go to either www.thirdtempleinfo.com or www.shechinahthirdtemple.org

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

I don’t really have any stumbling blocks. I always told my kids to do something in life that they like and what comes easy to them. I’ve been blessed that writing serves both aspects for me even though I started out as a scientist and not a writer. The research for writing the books is much harder for me. I spend years on the research. My advice is to write about what you know and what you have experienced. If you haven’t experienced much, it’s time to start. Good writers leave a part of themselves in their books, not that I am claiming to be a good writer.

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

Everyone seems to be writing a book. I guess there is at least one book in everyone. I originally wrote Divinely Inspired for mostly my own ego and partly to give back to the Creator. With Messiah Interviews, those reasons have been reversed and there is much less for myself. I didn’t, however, realize this until recently when I would examine my motives for writing the books. Some people are motivated to see their name in lights while some have a genuine belief that they have something to offer. It’s a mix.

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

It may not seem unusual, but at 67 I started a blog. I’m just learning and I hope to be on all the social networks for the books. One plus of the learning process is that I will be able to keep up with my grandchildren who are flying on a different airplane in this technological age. I’ve also been thinking about two other ways to promote the books that are different than the usual ways. My editor had suggested that the Messiah Interviews would be a good stage play. I would love a playwright to write a play based on the book. If I don’t find anyone, I’ll have to learn and do it myself. I just also said to my wife that I thought I might write a newspaper column to promote the books. Perhaps on this last one, I’m whistling in the wind.

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?

As I wrote above, I’m the one with the actual spiritual experiences. Of course, you can be President of the United States without serving in the military. I think I also have the science background which lets me look a little differently at spirituality than someone who doesn’t. The Ph.D. and the research is wonderful training for the writing.

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

That’s fine brother. It’s your choice but you might be surprised at what you might gain in reading my books. These books of mine can empower you to improve your character in this lifetime for a possible chance to live again in the Messianic Age.

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.

Everyone is interested in God whether we believe in Him or not. God is shrouded in mystery. He is the greatest mystery of civilization. Divine Providence is now imprinted in my life. There is no turning back for me. I am part way up the spiritual ladder and I intend to keep climbing until I reach the top. I write about ancient biblical times and the Ten Commandments because I actually have envisioned myself crossing the Sea of Reeds with the Israelites 3300 years ago at the time of the Exodus from Egypt. No one knows the Essence of God but everyone is fascinated by Him, even the atheists who actually acknowledge Him by their atheism.

My hook for readers is my own quote in the Messiah Interviews. “Man achieves the possible. God accomplishes the impossible.” King Solomon says that if you return to God, He will return to you. It’s time to read the books and take the first step.

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

Yes, we have been discussing bits of this relevance in this interview. I have articles I have written on a variety of subjects for the blog tours that I would be happy to share with your readers. If there is anything I can do to help, I will.

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

I read this recently. It’s beautiful. Someone once asked Michelangelo how he produced such beautiful sculptures, He replied, “I saw an angel trapped inside the marble and I carved to set her free.”

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

The links for ordering eBooks or the paperbacks are given on our website and Blog, which I repeat from above www.shechinahthirdtemple.org. Readers can go to Amazon or make a request at their local library or bookstore. We soon hope to have an audio book of the Messiah Interviews. Shechinah means Divine Presence in Hebrew.

How To Submit Information About Author Pets

2009-01-24T19:21:00.003-05:00

This idea was too fun not to implement. Do you have a furry writing companion that you would like to share? This is the place to do that.

Send a picture of your pet or pets and write a couple of paragraphs about how they help or hinder your writing. While you're at it, send me a cover for one of your books and a brief synopsis about the book - might as well promote a book while we're here :)

Please send the pictures as a photo file and the content as an RTF file to nikki_leigh22939@yahoo.com and put "Pet Blog" in the subject line. I post all blog submissions on a first come, first serve basis and I email the link to you when its posted.

Nikki

The Last Stop: Lincoln & the “Mud Circuit” by Alan Bower

2009-01-24T17:54:00.000-05:00

Alan Bower

The Last Stop: Lincoln & the “Mud Circuit”

http:alanbower.com

1 - How did you get interested in the topic that’s featured in your book?

2 - Tell us a bit about your background. What have you done in the past that relates to your book and that topic?

3 - What advice would you give to someone who is interested in your topic? The number of books available on Mr. Lincoln is said to number in excess of 15,000. I am sure the reader can find something that would interest them.

My reasons are the same as your original thoughts.

5 - Who is the ideal person to read your book? If each person that reads this was going to recommend your book to one person, what sort of person would they want to chose?

6 - What do you think ignites a person’s creativity?

Passion…without it nothing happens.

7 - What have you found to be the biggest stumbling block for people who want to start writing?

They perhaps fail to realize that anyone can write or they think they don’t have the time.

8 - How would you suggest they can overcome that?

9 - What do you find is the biggest motivator for people to succeed? Is it money, security, desire for fame or something else?

Motivation to succeed in anything we attempt comes from many sources and not always measurable in terms such as money or fame which can be fleeting.

10 - Is there anything else you would like to share with us?

Never be afraid to try something you have never done before….you might be greatly surprised at the results…the best hitters in baseball strike out 70% of the time.

In Detail With Mary Fagan

2009-01-24T17:22:00.001-05:00

Title: AMMANON Book One, The Prophecy

Author: Mary Fagan

What inspired the book?

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

What makes this book special to you?

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

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

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

What people NEED to read this book and WHY?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

AMMANON BOOK ONE - THE PROPHECY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About the Author:

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

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

Promotional Interview with Stacey Deanne

2009-01-24T17:11:00.000-05:00

Your Name: Stacy-Deanne (pronounced Dee-Anne)

1. Where you are from and where are you now?

I am from Houston, Texas. I was born and raised here. I’ve lived her all my life except for a year when I lived in East Texas. I’ve recently moved back to Houston.

2. How did you get started writing?

The interest to write professionally started when I got my first computer when I was nineteen. I hadn’t thought of becoming a writer until then. I always had a great imagination and always had a talent for writing but never thought of pursuing it as a career until I got the computer and then a story popped into my head. I began writing it and before I knew it, I had a completed novel. I realized that this was my calling and loved writing so much that I couldn’t help but go into it professionally.

3. What do you do when you are not writing?

Honestly, I’m always writing. That’s one of my biggest problems. People consider me a workaholic and I am obsessed with writing. My mind is constantly flowing with stories and possibilities. But, when I am not writing I am focusing on promoting myself or relaxing. Honestly, my mind is always on writing whether I’m doing it at the moment or not. I love to search the net, listen to music and watch movies to unwind.

4. What would readers like to know about you?

Probably that I am down to earth. I am a very sweet and simple person. I like the simple things in life and I am probably one of the kindest people you’d ever meet. Becoming a published author hasn’t changed who I am and I hope that it never will.

5. What inspired your first book?

The idea of embarking on a writing career is what made my first book come alive. I hadn’t thought of being a writer before so it made the feat challenging and exciting. Writing opened a new door for me and I couldn’t help but explore it. I realized that was what I was put on earth to do.

6. How many books have you written?

I’ve written probably over twenty books. Three have been published.

7. What are the titles of your books and what genres are they?

"Everlasting" and "Melody" is mainstream fiction that falls under multiple genres. "Melody" is classified as mystery, thriller, detective fiction, women’s fiction, chick lit and multicultural. My first release, "Divas of the New Millennium" is a compilation biography.

8. How do you decide on that topic or genre? Why are you specially qualified to write about this topic?

I am a novelist so naturally I love fiction. I’ve always loved making up stories and thinking of characters. I am qualified because I’ve been in this business a long time, have the talent and ability to write realistic and entertaining fictional stories.

9. How do you manage to keep yourself focused and on track when you’re writing a book?

It’s so easy for me because, like I said, I am a workaholic. I love writing so much that I have no problems doing it. When you love something you delve into it. I am lucky to love something that I’ve made a career out of. My love for it is what keeps me on track. Writing is a part of me and I really don’t do much else.

10. Do you write to make money, for the love of writing or both?

I write for both. I love writing more than life itself but I feel that I deserve to get paid for it too. I do the best to perfect my craft and I’ve paid my dues and became published the right way. It took years of hard work to get where I am today. I think I deserve to reap all the rewards of it, financially, emotionally and career wise. After all, writing professionally is a job and people get paid to do a job.

11. What are some traditional methods of marketing you have used? Which were the
most successful?

I’ve done book signings, festivals, obtaining reviews, and interviews. I’ve also done many other things that stem from online promotion. I am a big fan of online promotion. Interviews work best considering "traditional" marketing. Interviews allow readers to get to know the authors and this makes them more interested in your books. I’ve had tons of reviews done but with reviews you don’t really know if they help sell books or not. You just know that they guarantee some exposure and you hope that translates into sales. I find festivals to be fun but not great for selling books. They should be used for exposure mainly.

I find individual book signings a waste of time. Honestly I don’t know if I’d ever do one again. Not only is it hard to make a sale at a signing, bookstores no longer seem to take an interest in helping to promote signings. There’s only so much the author can do. So, why waste time with something that doesn’t work when you can get definite results from better options? Of course, this is my opinion. Other authors may feel differently. I am also a big fan of free promotion. You should never pay for something you can do yourself and may be able to be more effective with it too.

12. What are some unique methods of marketing you have used? Which were the most successful?

Social networking seems to be more effective for me. I am on many social networking sites and it’s bringing me more exposure than I’ve ever had. I find online promotion in general a must. During the years I’ve done guest blogs, online interviews, blog talk radio shows, chats, contests and more. With the exception of chats and blog talk radio, I’ve seen significant results. Interviews and doing guest blogs bring traffic to your site. All of these things are possibilities but I find that nothing works like connecting with readers on social networks. You just meet so many people and you not only connect with fans of your work but you gain so many new ones. You also gain promotional opportunities because you can come in contact with media people and you find that you’ve landed another chance at exposure like an interview or review that you weren’t even expecting. Also I write articles and am known for giving writers advice, sort of like you do, Nikki, LOL. Writing articles brings additional exposure as well.

13. Do you sell through a website? If so, what’s the address? If not, why not?

No I do not sell through my site. I am traditionally published so my books are available on most online book sites anyway so it’s easy for people to get them through those channels. It’s easier for self-published authors to sell through their sites because they have more freedom to do so. I would have to buy books from my publisher then sell through my site I believe and it would be a waste for me to buy books unless I decide to sell autographed copies. I may look into that but I am busy enough as it is that I don’t want to play salesman, LOL.

14. Where can people order your books?

People can order my books on all online stores that sell books as well as buy them out of the stores.

15. What format are your books – e-book, print, audio etc?

So far my books have been released in Trade Paperback and e-books.

16. Will you write more books?

(Laughing), I am sure you can guess the answer to that. Of course and I am sitting on a pile I haven’t even published yet!

17. What do you have in the works now?

Well, I have begun a detective series starring the detectives in Melody. I am excited about that. I’ve already finished two installments. Also, I am editing previous finished novels and hopefully they’ll be published in the near future. I am also in talks with a playwright to have a play adaptation of Melody. I’m very excited about that and I am also generating interest to make the book into a possible film.

18. What does the future hold for you and your books?

I think anything’s possible. I have a lot I want to do in my career. I don’t know what doors will open for me and when but I don’t plan on giving up until I get everything I’ve dreamed of.

19. What was the most successful thing you did to promote your books?

Social networking! (Stacy throwing a thumbs-up) Online promotion truly makes the difference in today’s market. All promotion works if you work hard at it. The key is finding something that fits you and getting the most out of that.

20. What was the least successful thing you did to promote your books?

Book signings (Stacy sticking out her tongue)

21. Tell us about your most recent book.

Melody is a thriller and mystery. It’s about a young woman who believes her sister’s new boyfriend is hiding something. She spends her time trying to prove to everyone how dangerous he really is and get him away from her sister’s life before it’s too late. Unfortunately for her, that puts her own life in danger. In the meantime there is a serial rapist on the loose and Melody believes her best friend is his next target.

22. What makes this book special to you?

This is truly my second book written. I wrote it back in 1997. This is my favorite book that I’ve written. I just love it because I pushed the envelope with this one and my true creativity came alive. It was just fun to do. I loved writing all my books but I got so close to the characters in Melody that I didn’t want it to end.

23. What sort of comments have you gotten about the content of the book?

I’ve gotten nothing but good comments and very good reviews. Even when people had a little negative criticism, it was still very positive overall. Most people ask if there will be a movie made from it. One lady said that it should be made into a Lifetime movie actually, LOL.

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

Melody is definitely a book that stands apart from many. I feel it’s a book that lovers of thrillers and mysteries will enjoy because it takes a different spin on things. Melody is very different from other thrillers or novels. It is a two-plot story meaning two-stories in one. Its main characters are biracial, Latino and White. All of the characters in the book are culturally and racially diverse. It deals very realistically with the subject of rape. There are many characters all dealing with their inner demons while Melody, the main character struggles to save the most important things around her. It’s sexual, slightly erotic, romantic, horrifying, emotional and mysterious all rolled into one. If someone wants an unpredictable book with twists abound, this one is for you.

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

Anyone who likes thrillers or daring fiction should read this. It’s mainstream fiction and it’s for a universal audience. All you have to do is want to read a book with twists and turns and if you do, it’s for you. There is no specific type that should or shouldn’t read it besides kids. Kids definitely should not read this book. Other than that, it’s for anyone.

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

My creativity comes from an idea then that idea grows when I began writing. For others, my advice is that you tap into your zone while writing. That is when your creativity comes alive. It starts with where you write and the mood you possess while writing. You already have creativity, but it’s the spark that needs to come alive. It comes naturally but you have to give it the opportunity to. You’ll know when it hits you. Sometimes you don’t have to be in any kind of mood to ignite that spark. The most important thing is you have to write as much as you can or you’ll lose it.

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

Writing is a part of me. I love it. I know I was put on this earth to do this. This is my purpose. I can’t speak for others but I feel that a lot of them are misguided and get into writing for the wrong reasons. I think most have good intentions, at least the people who are writers from their hearts. The others are looking for quick fixes and think that writing in real life is like the "idea" of being an author is. It’s usually when those people find out that the real thing is not as glamorous as they perceived, is when they give up. That’s what separates a real writer from those who aren’t. Real writers do not ever give up no matter how long it takes. They can’t, the writing is in them. You can’t give up a part of yourself.

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

Honestly, I haven’t had to do anything unusual. I have done both conventional methods and new methods. There are new things coming up every year for authors promoting online and a lot of them seem unusual at first but turn out to be the norm.

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

I wouldn’t "say" anything. I would simply show them an excerpt and let them read for themselves. That’s how an author shows true confidence in their work. Let the writing speak for itself. If the reader reads it and doesn’t want to continue, well you can’t change that. But most times, if you get their mouths watering with a good hook (which Melody has), they will continue. I’ve never had anyone to say they didn’t want to read Melody. They read the back cover and they all drop their mouths and go, "Wow it’s a lot going on in this book!" LOL, it’s funny to see their expressions. Also, this goes back to knowing your audience. These are the people you should be marketing to in the first place so nine times out of ten they are gonna want to read it if it’s a genre they like.

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

In order to practice what I’ve just preached, here is the opening to Melody. It’s a sample of chapter one:

She had no idea what to make of this. He'd been one of the most attractive men she'd ever seen. His alluring green eyes rested within his creamy tanned skin. His magnificent dark hair completed the picture of perfection. Yet something about Keith Taylor seemed off. Even his good looks weren't enough to keep Melody's mind off his latest action.

She sensed that her being frightened turned him on. He took deep, hollowed breaths. She imagined him smirking. His handsome face flushed with demented delight. How could she feel this way about a man she'd just met? What did he want? Something about him brought out fear that she couldn't explain. Already she felt his mind controlling her emotions.

Official Site: http://www.stacy-deanne.net

MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/stacydeanne

Thanks so much for the opportunity, Nikki! I hope this interview inspires aspiring writers!

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

2009-01-10T17:09:00.001-05:00

Tell us the book title and your author name.

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

What inspired the book?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What people NEED to read this book and WHY?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Special Offer During January 2009 -

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

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

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

Promotional Interview with Lisa Burke

2008-12-28T20:03:00.000-05:00

Your Name:

Lisa Burke

1. Where you are from and where are you now?

Connecticut and Connecticut, respectively.

2. How did you get started writing?

I'm not quite sure how it happened really. My father is a writer, and my parents are both avid readers, so I think their influence preceeded any conscious decision I made to express myself via pen. I think when I was young, I put a few things on paper and thought it resonated more than a lot of other things I'd read and went on from there.

3. What do you do when you are not writing?

I'm mentally hyper and physically lazy. I enjoy hedonistic pleasures like sleeping, eating, internet and love, but when I am able to motivate myself I enjoy spending time with animals, jogging, yoga and exploring buddhism.

4. What would readers like to know about you?

I would like readers to know that my book may writing might be a little different than what they're going to get on the shelves of Borders. That, of course, can be a good or a bad thing, but I hear the theme in this country is "change", so I'm jumping on that bandwagon too.

5. What inspired your first book?

My divorce. Somehow I had to work out the trauma and the only control I had was through my characters.

6. How many books have you written?

Just one!

7. What are the titles of your books and what genres are they?

The Invisible Visitor - General Fiction

8. How do you decide on that topic or genre? Why are you specially qualified to write about this topic?

A good portion of my book is about a young woman's neurosis and guilt. I've lived it, so I'll let that be my qualification!

9. How do you manage to keep yourself focused and on track when you’re writing a book?

Although I am notorious for starting things and not finishing them, since my husband left me two years ago, this novel was my only purpose in life. If I abandoned it I would be abandoning myself. Now, writing is what gives me a good part of my identity. After being in an unfulfilling job for ten years, I welcome a purpose in life and would never betray it.

10. Do you write to make money, for the love of writing or both?

For the love of writing. What artist does it for the money? If they do, I imagine they made a poor vocational choice!

11. What are some traditional methods of marketing you have used? Which were the
most successful?

I have promotional postcards, a website and promotional bookmarks. As my novel is not in print at the moment, I will also venture to do some book signings, hopefully a blog tour, and maybe interviews with local papers. It's too soon to say which one will work best!

12. What are some unique methods of marketing you have used? Which were the most successful?

I've thought about donating copies of my book to prisons.

13. Do you sell through a website? If so, what’s the address? If not, why not?

I have a website, www.theinvisiblevisitor.com which contains a link to www.cacoethespublishing.net where my book can be purchased.

14. Where can people order your books?

www.cacoethespublishing.net and soon www.amazon.com

15. What format are your books – e-book, print, audio etc?

There is an e-book and print option to purchase.

16. Will you write more books?

Yes, hopefully!

17. What do you have in the works now?

I have been bobbing a novel in my head for a while now about jealousy and how it destroys people, but I can't seem to work the characters out. I know that they are currently not likeable, and won't hold a reader's attention. I think this is because my own jealousy makes me into a wretched wench, and the object of my desires is mutated into a demon when he is translated into print. I also have a few articles in mind, one called "A Virgin in Pornography" which would journal my experiences into viewing pornography, which I find morally repugnant. Hopefully there would be a moral at the end. I'm a little afraid of that one though.

18. What does the future hold for you and your books?

Um, great things of course!

19. What was the most successful thing you did to promote your books?

Tell my friends! I'm an extremely private person, so this was actually a big step for me.

20. What was the least successful thing you did to promote your books?

So far, no one is reading my blog that I can see.

21. Tell us about your most recent book.

A lonely woman in her early thirties, Nora Maloney believes she is responsible for the mysterious teenaged death of her childhood love, Stuart. She can no longer handle the guilt and knows that the only way out is to overdose on pills.

Too bad things don’t work out as she planned. Instead of winding up dead, she wakes up to a crass but thoughtful, eccentric but witty guardian angel named Cassock, who tries various tough love tactics to open her eyes to the possibility of happiness that lay before her. This unlikely angel tests Nora’s character by frightening her with terrible visions and experiences, but in the good name of regeneration.

22. What makes this book special to you?

The Invisible Visitor is semi-autobiographical. It is a tale of hope and forgiveness. It got me through such a terrible time, and I am forever greatful to it. If I don't sell copy one, it has still made me rich with hope for the future.

23. What sort of comments have you gotten about the content of the book?

I have been told it is witty and the dialogue is compelling.

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

Again, it's different. You'll cross metaphysical boundaries and swoon at the turn of a phrase.

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

Much of modern fiction is not in tune for independent, artistic 20-35 year olds. I feel my work fills a niche, but very present, market.

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

I like to read others' work, just a phrase or title, that sounds really brilliant, and then move forward with it as if it was my own. Complete the story, change the title to something original or scrap the phrase, and I'm all set. I also like random word generators. Also, red wine fueled most of The Invisible Visitor. I kept a goal of 1,500 words per day and almost always met it. However, everyone has their own ways that work for them.

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

As I've alluded to before, I think a power complex makes people want to write fiction. That, or those who just feel out of control in their own lives, or are simply uber-creative. You can create new worlds with your own hands, nix boundaries and societal obligations and rules. What on Earth is better than that? Aside from being a parent or surgeon, this is as close to being God as you can get.

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

Nothing unusual as of yet! I was thinking about taking out a local television ad, but I think I'm too shy.

29. 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 book will give you a new perspective on something. It may be a new look at guilt, a new look at the meaning of life, or new sympathy for very messed up people. Regardless of your outlook, this novel is guaranteed to change your thinking one way or the other.

30. 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 am always interested in finding my purpose and working through current fears and make something constructive out of my life. This book shows how one woman could rise from the ashes of a childhood tragedy and regain her faith in humankind, and more importantly, herself.

This interview was done in conjunction with Nikki Leigh, author of the Book Promo 101 series and owner of Promo 101 Virtual Blog Tours. For more information, visit – www.nikkileigh.com/promo.htm and www.virtualblogtour.blogspot.com

Kindred Spirits by Marilyn Meredith

2008-12-28T19:16:00.000-05:00

1 - How did you get interested in the topic that’s featured in your book?

In Kindred Spirits, the latest in the Deputy Tempe Crabtree mystery series, Tempe visits Crescent City where she becomes friends with a murder victim’s sister and a good friend. Both these women are Tolowa.

I made a visit to Crescent City several years ago where I met a fascinating Tolowa woman who told me a lot about the Tolowa people’s history and their legends. I’d never heard of the Tolowa before. What I learned is the entire Tolowa nation was nearly wiped out through vicious attacks on the men, women and children. Though information about the Tolowa is not the main thrust of the story, much is added as flavor.

2 - Tell us a bit about your background. What have you done in the past that relates to your book and that topic?

Primarily, I am a writer. This is the eighth book in the series and my heroine, Tempe Crabtree, is a Yanduchi, part of the Tule River Indians. The more I’ve written about her, the more I’ve learned about the Native Americans who live on the Tule River Reservation near me–and I’ve renamed the Bear Creek Indian Reservation in my books.

As a writer, I’ve been invited to speak to the local college’s anthropology class and I’ve gone on a field trip with this class to places on the reservation that aren’t known to the general public. One thing I always remind everyone is, I borrow a lot from our local native people and the reservation, but primarily, I’m writing fiction.

I’ve done a lot of research about our local Indians and I have tremendous respect for their spirit and determination despite the hardships and prejudice they’ve been subjected to through the years. And I’m excited about their generosity to the community now that their casino and other businesses have become successful.

3 - What advise would you give to someone who is interested in your topic?

Anyone who writers about Native Americans needs to be respectful and do enough research to present an honest picture.

I belong to many groups and organizations. I am a member and serve on the board of the Public Safety Writers Association and have gained much knowledge about law enforcement and the people who have chosen this profession because of this membership. I have several fans of both my Deputy Tempe Crabtree series and my Rocky Bluff P.D. series in this group.

I am a member of four chapters of Sisters in Crime, my local San Joaquin chapter, Central Coast chapter, the L.A. chapter, and the Internet chapter–of which I’m the president. I’m also a member of Mystery Writers of America, Epic, and Writers of Kern. All of these organizations have listserves which offer a lot of ongoing helpful information. Of course there are all kinds of networking and promotional opportunities. I also attend various conventions and conferences sponsored by these groups. I’ve made life-long friends with members of all these organizations.

5 - Who is the ideal person to read your book? If each person that reads this was going to recommend your book to one person, what sort of person would they want to choose?

First, the ideal person to read Kindred Spirits should be someone who loves mysteries and especially mysteries with a Native American flavor. If someone is looking for a fast moving story with plenty of excitement, they should like my books.

6 - What do you think ignites a person’s creativity?

For an author, it could be almost anything. Meeting Junie Mattice and listening to her stories about the Tolowa people living in and around Crescent City certainly ignited my imagination and I wanted to find a way for Tempe to visit Crescent City and mingle with some Tolowa women with the same sort of dynamic personality as Junie’

7 - What have you found to be the biggest stumbling block for people who want to start writing?

Too many people I run into who want to write will tell you the whole story of what they want to write and have yet to put down a single word. Also, a person who wants to write needs to be a reader–reading the kind of books he or she wants to write.

8 - How would you suggest they can overcome that?

The reading part is easy, go to the library and check out the kind of books similar to what they want to write and read, read, read. Pay attention to how the story is constructed, what makes a chapter, how the dialogue moves the story along, how the writing is balanced between action, dialogue and narrative. Take notes. Go to a writers conference. Take notes. Start writing. Write, write, write. When you’re done, rewrite.

9 - What do you find is the biggest motivator for people to succeed? Is it money, security, desire for fame or something else?

I don’t know about others, but I do know if money was my primary motivator I would have given up long ago. My primary motivator is finding out what my heroine is going to do next. I have to write–I can’t imagine life without writing.

10 - Who is the “perfect” person to read your book?

Anyone who likes a good mystery and wants to be entertained.

11 - Is there anything else you would like to share with us?

I’d like to thank you for doing this, Nikki, for all of us authors. Marilyn http://fictionforyou.com

In Detail With Russell A Vassallo

2008-12-14T21:16:00.001-05:00

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

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

2. What inspired the book?

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

3. What makes this book special to you?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CL Talmadge - Before I Was Published

2008-12-14T20:41:00.000-05:00

I decided to be a writer when I realized, in my late teens/early twenties, that I had no other discernible skill except writing. That pretty much narrows one's career focus. Also, since the age of 13, I had been
day-dreaming about this love story between in prince in peril from his father and the woman he loves who has mysterious healing skills and
abilities. I wanted very much to write the story.

My writing career began in 1976, when I was hired as associate editor for the oldest weekly newspaper on Long Island in New York, The Suffolk County
News.

From there I went on to report and copyedit for several daily newspapers, including the Las Vegas Sun, the Orange County Register, and the Dallas
Times Herald. I then became an editor for Adweek/Southwest, an advertising-marketing weekly trade publication. While at Adweek I picked up freelance assignments for Business Week, Forbes, and the business section of The New York Times, among other media.

I left fulltime journalism in 1989 to write a nonfiction book about a method of emotional and spiritual healing resolution that I ended up self-publishing in 1999. I did odd freelance writing gigs, but was not very good at developing a network of contacts to find more steady assignments.
Two years later I became a staff writer for a broker-/dealer, a job that lasted until I was laid off in 1994.

I returned to freelance writing and added freelance pr to my resume as well-all the while still thinking about the story from my teen years, which by this time had grown to include four generations of women. I finally started writing in earnest in 1998, and a decade later have published the first three novels in what grew to be the Green Stone of Healing(R) epic
fantasy series.

I am close to completing the fourth book, and hope to publish it in 2009 while working on Book Five.

Teel James Glenn Talks About His Book Promotion

2008-12-14T20:31:00.000-05:00

Interview with Teel James Glenn

Where are you from and where are you now?

I’m a Brooklyn boy, born and bread in Flatbush, though as I often point out—I am from Flatbush, not of it. I think of myself as more of a citizen of the world. Though I didn’t get far-I live in Union City New Jersey right now just across the tunnel from Manhattan.

How did you get started writing?

I started writing as far back as I can remember filling notebooks in grammar school with ‘comic books’ of adventure characters.

What do you do when not writing?

I fall down, or get stabbed or set on fire. I am a stunt man and fight choreographer who is a sword expert. I do plays, TV and films (lots of low budget late night drinking party watching films).

What would readers like to know about you?

That I believe in heroes. Not just believe, I actively live my life trying to see the positive, not ignoring the negative, but choosing to operate ‘in the light.’ And so do my characters. I don’t want to spend any more time with ‘villains’ than needed to tell the story-I’m sick of the idea that the badguy is always more interesting dramatically-I thinks that’s not true if you really find the humanity in your hero.

What inspired your first book?

I had a summer writing course in high school and we were supposed to write a short story each week-I talked my teacher into letting me do a ‘novel- a four chapter book (which by the way I rewrote as a novella some thirty five years later and it saw print!)

How many books have you written?

To date I’ve written eighteen books, most of them in the last three years since I committed to writing as a career.

7. What are the titles of your books and in what genres?

The published or contracted books are:

The World of Altiva fantasy series books are: Death at Dragonthroat, Tales of a Warrior Priest, The Daemonhold Curse, Sister Warrior and the forth coming The Daemonhold Inheritance. (All from Epress-online.com)

The Exceptionals Sci Fi Thriller series books are: The Measure of a Man, Across theWasteland and On the Good Ship Caligula (From WhiskeyCreekpress.com)

The Dr. Shadows pulp detective/mystery books set in the 1930s are: A Hex of ShadowsShadows in Hong Kong (both due out from Epress-online late in o8 and 09.) and

And the first books of two series:

Vision Quest Factor (Sci Fi) and Knight Errant: Death ad Life at the Faire (Murder mystery)

Lastly: Them Fightin’ Words: A writer’s Guide to Writing Fight Scenes is a nonfiction book from Epress-Online where I give away some of my tricks.

8. How do you decide on a topic or genre and why are specifically qualified to write on that topic.

My stories always start with a character or two—the theme or genre actually comes later, in fact I ‘ve had characters shift genre’s on me when they wanted (Yes I think of them as alive). And I never write about something I have not experienced or researched very deeply—my varied background in my ‘other job’ has helped with that.

9. How do you manage to keep yourself focused when writing a book?

When I’m starting a book I have to really focus in—until the movie in my mind is running full bore-then nothing can distract me-I write while walking down the street, eating, talking with people—once I’m rolling I’m a ‘writing machine.’

10. Do you write to make money for the love of writing or both?

I write to be read-otherwise I could just fantasize the stories and be done with it. I want money for my writing so I can afford the time to write to be read by more people. Would I write for free? I might tell my stories for free at a gathering of friends but , no- as Robert Parker once said when Mickey Spillane referred to readers as ‘customers’—“That’s right, we ain’t giving it away for free!”

11. What are some traditional methods of marketing you have used. Which are most successful?

I am absolutely no judge of this—I haven’t sold enough for long enough to be able to tell you.

12. What are some unique methods you’ve used? Which are most successful?

Again, not a clue but I hope to have soon.

13. Do you sell through a website? What’s the address, if not why?

I refer people to the publisher’s website or Fictionwise or Amazon—I am not web savy enough to run my own site though someday I’d like to.

14. Where can people order your books?

My books are all available on Fictionwise or Amazon or from the publishers directly. Just goggle my name and I shall appear!

15. What format are your books in? E Book, Print or Audio?

So far both my publishers (and those of the anthology I have a story in) do both print and e versions. Hopefully audio books will follow.

16. Will you write more books?

Try to stop me!

17.What do you have in the works?

I just finished the Third Exceptionals novel and am about to launch into the fifth Altiva novel but I may take a little break to do some short form detective fiction I have a contemporary character Jeremiah Falcon that has been flying around in my consciousness waiting for a landing strip.

18.What does the future hold for you and your books?

I would like to do an illustrated version of some of my work—and a collection called Visions of Altiva-I am a painter/illustrator as well- which would explore the world visually. And The Exceptionals was originally conceived as a TV series and I’d love to shoot it—I did do a pilot trailer for it which I later recut into the book trailer.

19. What is the most successful thing you’ve done to promote your books?

Getting reviews, I would think—I did a lot of research and went after reviewers for my last few books and I think it has helped get the word out. That and making sure the books really were the best thing I could do and had my heart in them—I think the word gets out if you do that.

20.What is the least successful?

I don’t know—it is hard to gage-probably the writers groups I belong to—I don’t think most writers have the money to buy a heck of lot of the competition’s wares. But I might be wrong.

21. Tell us about your most recent work.

The first Exceptionals book: The Measure of a Man came out in May and has been doing well, was in fact the best seller for Whiskey Creek Press. It is about bio-enhanced bounty hunters in the year 2030 whose identities are protected by UN mandate.

22.what makes this book special?

It is my take on realistic ‘superheroes’ filtered through political science and current technology. And a way to examine just what it is, philosophically that makes a person risk their lives to do what they perceive is right. When I created the world of the Exceptionals in 1998 with my writing partner Jerry, we imagined terrorists attacking the World Trade Center in 2010. We were off by years but a lot of the world we foresaw is happening, and maybe will happen.

23.What sort of comments have you gotten about the contents of this book?

It has been doing well, a best seller for Whiskey Creek Press and spent a couple of weeks at number 17 out of 4400 at fictionwise. And one of the reviews at Simply Romance reviews said, in part:

“…The Exceptionals is a great book and the start of what I hope to be a long series in the science fiction/thriller suspense genre. The authors fictional world set in the mid 21st century is so vivid and compelling you find yourself believing that this reality of the world actually exists. Teel James Glenn and Jerry Kokich have created a great fictional world for their Exceptionals and I for one can't wait to return.”

24. What makes this a book other people must read and why?

It offers hope for that darker world to come and deals with some eternal issues about life, its meaning, purpose and direction. And the action is darn good.

25. What people need to read this book?

Anyone who loves adventure writing, strong women characters and political thrillers.

26. What sparks your creativity? And any tips for others to help them spark theirs?

I can get my inspiration from anything—A tv show that I didn’t like the plot twist and so see it going another way—or one I liked so much I want to do my version of it. A book I read, an article. Or some location I think a character should go to. As to sparking others’ creativity—just be open it comes at you from all sides. Just pick one and go with it.

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

I think it is the same motivation that the firs story tellers had sitting around a campfire—they have something to say- about themselves, the state of the world or some hope they need to express. It is easier now than ever to get your story out there—less of a monolithic new York tower to climb so more people are taking the plunge-which is good in many ways but bad in the sense that there are so many voices now that it is hard to be heard even if you do have something to contribute.

As for me—I have always wanted to share my stories with people. One of my biggest thrills is reading my work ( ala Dickens) at conventions. I do story telling at Ren faires and to know my work can touch people is a tremendous feeling. It is a hard industry, however, and so I have had to work to become a craftsman as well as a storyteller and that is the stage, I am afraid many new authors don’t embark on—it is the hardest part.

28. What is the most unusual thing you have done to promote your books?

Let people hit me in the head with pipes. On screen. The book trailer I did for Measure of a Man, culled from the TV pilot has me being bashed about quite a bit. And I do a lecture demo for Them’s Fightin’ Words that has a bunch of that in it.

29. If a potential reader wasn’t interested in this book what could you say to convince them to read it?

If they aren’t hooked by the first page I’d be surprised. It starts off at a dead run and doesn’t stop; the characters, even the bad guys- are people you can relate to.

30. Why does this topic interest you and why would a reader want to read it?

The search for meaning is universal and ultimately that is what all my work is about—that and the search for love to give life meaning. Even heroes need love

Purple Snowflake Marketing – How to Make Your Book Stand Out in a Crowd

2008-12-14T20:17:00.000-05:00

Purple Snowflake Marketing – How to Make Your Book Stand Out in a Crowd (2007; Dave & Lillian Brummet)

1 - How did you get interested in the topic that’s featured in your book?

Lillian: Actually, you might laugh at this, but we were so inundated with questions via email or through forums on marketing and managing a career in writing that we were often called "marketing gurus" and I’ve even been given the title of the “pink bunny” because our marketing endeavors just keep going, and going… J It was around this time that I was feeling like a good portion of my time was spent simply responding to the questions by others and realized that an e-book based on our personal marketing plan would be perfect for everyone involved.

2 - Tell us a bit about your background. What have you done in the past that relates to your book and that topic?

Lillian: The Purple Snowflake Marketing book is really a compilation of knowledge that Dave and I obtained through over 12 years of hands on experience as writers and business owners, tips we learned through writing courses, forums and conversations with others who write as a career. Dave and I have participated in numerous business courses which focused on organization, methodology and marketing. The e-book relays all of this information in a condensed format for the reader’s convenience.

3 - What advise would you give to someone who is interested in your topic?

Lillian: Few people realize the work that is involved in running a business. Those that do, know that you are putting in much more office time after the typical 8-hour day is over because of all the paper work, record keeping and book keeping duties. Having a career in writing is exactly the same - you are self-employed. So you must balance the office chores, marketing and communications with writing the next project. Sometimes this brings some conflict with others, we find they are assuming we have the time for this or that, when it is really quite the opposite. Or perhaps we have conflict with ourselves, because so many things around the home or family are allowed to take precedence. So I guess the best advice I could give anyone is to have self-discipline and create a balanced plan.

Lillian: Authors, poets and storytellers are online doing research, gathering resources, garnering contacts and selling their wares – and that is our focus group for Purple Snowflake Marketing. As such, our marketing plan includes ample use of networking sites and writer’s groups to reach new contacts in this field. Writer’s groups or resource sites (e-newsletters & e-zines) are great places to consider for advertising if you are trying to reach this group.

5 - Who is the ideal person to read your book? If each person that reads this was going to recommend your book to one person, what sort of person would they want to chose?

Lillian: Well, this book is really a reference guide for self-marketing authors who want to be noticed in a snowstorm of writers – like a purple snowflake in a snowstorm. With 19 chapters and more than 500 resources in the 21 Appendices, this e-book is a means for authors to design an effective marketing plan and utilize frugal promotional tools with the click of their mouse. Whether it is utilized by order of chapters or randomly at the reader’s discretion the book is a marketing plan in itself. In fact, Purple Snowflake Marketing provides reassurance to authors along with ample advice for avoiding pit-falls and setting a comfortable pace for marketing endeavors. Writers within most genres will find this inspiring book an essential component for marketing their book in a way that suits their unique situation.

6 - What do you think ignites a person’s creativity?

Lillian: When it comes to a marketing plan, creativity is the key to survival. Just how do you plan to sell that particular project? Why is it so special among the thousands, or perhaps hundreds, of books or articles within that genre? How can you reach the intended audience, grab their attention and hold it? That is where creativity comes in.

7 - What have you found to be the biggest stumbling block for people who want to start writing?

Lillian: Sadly there is a real misconception in the world of writing that the author is taken care of, and just relaxes once the book is written. In fact people feel writers have a leisure life – which is, of course, far from the truth. 80% of a writer’s life is spent dealing with various aspects of marketing their wares. While that number might seem shocking, it is very true. The rest of the time they have to balance record keeping and writing the next project and dealing with finding a publisher or magazine for that new piece and so on. Writers do not have a 9-5 schedule with weekends, mornings and evenings free. Like most people who are self-employed, they write or market whenever the gigs come and in-between all of this, they have to balance the rest of their life such as family, spouses, household duties and, let’s not forget, taking care of themselves too! Sometimes it feels like a never-ending balancing act and a lot of people just are not prepared for that when they delve into writing. The only thing I can offer in the way of advice for this is simply to do your research, find a balance and be disciplined enough to keep that balance.

8 - What do you find is the biggest motivator for people to succeed? Is it money, security, desire for fame or something else?

Lillian: I think for most people their motivation is money and security, honestly. But there are a growing number of writers who write because they really do believe in the message they are trying to relay to their readers. For us, that message is that the individual truly has value, that they can make a real and measurable positive impact on the planet and their communities, and that the past can be both embraced and released. Passion is the one thing that will sell you, and your book, to your audience.

9 - Who is the “perfect” person to read your book?

Lillian: Authors, poets, freelancers and storytellers who want to reduce the number of rejections they receive, who want to learn how to save money and get noticed in a positive way will certainly benefit from this book.

11 - Is there anything else you would like to share with us?

Lillian: Yes, definitely! Purple Snowflake Marketing is so well received that our publisher will be releasing a second edition in late 2008 with new information and a larger appendix section that offers an additional 200 marketing opportunities with a click of a mouse. Keep an eye on our blog or on the publishers site for more information (www.twilighttimesbooks.com) Also, I would love for your readers to visit Dave and I at: www.brummet.ca There people will find our free newsletter and blog, a long list of free resources for greening the office, the home and eco-crafts for families. They can also find more information about all the things my husband and I do, including our 3 non-fiction books and our 2 radio shows. I think your readers would be very interested in one of those radio shows in particular – Authors Read, because on this show offers authors, storytellers and poets a chance to read from their published work for 10-12 minutes. There is nothing like hearing a story told the way the writer intended it to be read… straight from the writer's lips is even better!

CJ Scarlet Tells Us What Led to The Kindness Cure

2008-12-08T11:28:00.000-05:00

It is said that each of us is fighting a heroic battle. My name is CJ Scarlet and this is my story. Since 1990, I have lived with Lupus and Scleroderma, both autoimmune diseases that left me with constant pain and debility. When I was told in 2002 that my disability had progressed into a life-threatening heart condition, life as I knew it ended with a sickening thud. My family quickly dove into denial, leaving me with no one to talk to about my fears. I was terrified!—of pain, of debility, of dying—and yet there was no one I could turn to for comfort and wisdom.

I spent the first year after my diagnosis completely freaking out, growing more isolated and angry as each day passed. Author Steven Levine says that most people die an “Oh, shit!” death—one of total shock and terror just before the car crashes or the heart attack turns deadly or the kidneys begin to fail. I was afraid that would be me. I went through the traditional stages of grief: denial and isolation, anger, bargaining, and depression, but couldn’t move past them to the acceptance phase.

Part of the problem was that I had a dark past, marred by a series of traumatic events and tragic mistakes, and my death sentence felt like an apt ending to an unfulfilled life. Desperately ill, I struggled to make the best of my remaining time, but my overwhelming fear and misery overrode my attempts to be happy and robbed me of hope.

Then I had the opportunity to meet with a Tibetan lama for advice. I poured out my tale of woe, expecting the lama to shower sympathy and compassion on my deserving shoulders. Instead, he told me with loving ferocity to stop feeling sorry for myself and start focusing on the happiness of others. I argued that I was too sick to help myself, let alone other people, but the lama insisted. Although I had been a victims’ advocate for years, I had been so focused on my own suffering, that I had become oblivious to the needs of others. So I began as I could, with small acts of kindness, such as saying a prayer when an ambulance passed by and letting people go ahead of me in the checkout line at the grocery store. I bought a tank of gas for a woman whose husband had lost his job so she could get to work the next day. I spent long hours on the phone with a friend who was going through a difficult time. I did everything I could within my limited abilities to think about and act for the happiness of others. I also began to practice an ancient prayer technique called Tonglen (that I teach my clients) that helped me to transform my fears and anger into gratitude and peace, and even decreased the pain I experienced.

Gradually, I noticed that every time I did something nice for someone else, I felt a small rush of happiness. At the physiological level, the “happy endorphins” my body created in response to each act lowered my blood pressure, regulated my breathing, and reduced the stress chemicals that were so deadly to me. I began to notice that I had less pain and more energy.

I graduated to larger acts of generosity—co-signing on a car loan for a young woman so she could secure a job and volunteering at the Red Cross after Hurricane Katrina. I became even happier, and the happier I became, the better I felt, until I reached a state of such emotional healing that it no longer mattered whether I lived or died—I was happy regardless of the obstacles I encountered or how much time I had left. In fact, if someone had offered me one more day to live feeling as I did at this point or ten more years feeling as I did before my diagnosis, I would choose that one precious day. Finally, I had reached the stage of acceptance and I was loving my life, every precious moment of it.

Then the most amazing thing happened; my condition began to reverse itself and today I feel better than I have in 20 years! I still have periods when I am laid low by my illness and I experience some cognitive impairment, but my happiness point is set so high now that I am unfazed by them. I will still die one day, as we all will, but the “when” is less important to me than the “how.” I am determined to die with the words, “I love you” on my lips and with the glow of joy and gratitude on my face.

Reaching such a stage of joyful acceptance is not only possible for you, but even more likely than for a person who is not facing a life-challenging illness. The fact is, your illness can be the gift that sets you free to live a life—and die a death—overflowing with happiness and gratitude.

For More Information

See What It’s All About - http://www.thekindnesscure.org/video

We Invite You To Join the Kindness Cure Social Network And Share The Progress of the Kindness Cure - http://www.thekindnesscure.org

For full details about the Kindness Cure Virtual Tour - http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/10/cj-scarlet-is-starting-kiss-revolution.html

Friend Finder from Google

2008-12-05T11:27:00.000-05:00

This is a beta test of a new application from Google. Let's all jump in and see what we can figure out. The idea is that you can add a social network to any site... We'll see.

Nikki Leigh

Mark Tewart Author of How To Be A Sales Superstar

2008-11-25T18:12:00.000-05:00

Mark’s own words -

“For the last 15+ years I have been a professional speaker, trainer and consultant.

I work with multiple organizations in various industries in helping them to increase their sales to explode their bottom line profits.

My areas of expertise are sales, sales marketing, sales management, sales motivation and creating a superstar life.

I entered the sales field at nineteen and became one of the youngest executive managers in the country at twenty seven.

I have spoken to thousands of audiences, published hundreds of articles and newsletters and have been interviewed in numerous magazine and newspapers as well as appearing on a top ranked satellite training network for several years.

I am also the founder and President of three other companies that are involved in the fields of products sales, insurance and real estate.”

Mark’s Accomplishments and Credentials – His Qualifications to Write How to be a Sales Superstar
• Spoken to over 2,000 audiences since 1993
• Professional Member of the National Speakers Association
• President and founder of 3 successful companies
° Seminar, Speaking, Training and Consulting company
° Software company
° Direct Response Sales Event Company
• Markets and performs over 100 seminars per year
• Had top ranked TV show for several years
• Published Hundreds of Articles
• Published numerous training manuals
• Created and sold thousands of videos and audio products
• Moved from entry level sales position to General Manager of a multimillion dollar company by the age of 27

Mark Tewart is a renowned expert on sales, sales marketing, sales management and creating a high performance life. Mark is a motivational speaker, consultant, coach, entrepreneur and owner of four businesses, and author of "How To Be A Sales Superstar - Break All the Rules and Succeed While Doing It" published by Wiley which is available in book stores and Amazon. Mark has spoken to over 2,000 audiences in the last fifteen years. Also, Mark has published hundreds of articles in numerous trade magazines and authored numerous books, audios, videos and online training materials. Mark has had a top ranked Satellite TV show and been interviewed by magazines, newspapers, radio and TV shows across the world.

Mark Tewart’s websites include: www.marktewartlive.com, www.marktewart.com and www.howtobeasalessuperstar.info

To read the first chapter of How to be a Sales Superstar and to receive several FREE bonuses from Mark Tewart, visit www.marktewartlive.com.

Full tour details are posted at http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/10/how-to-be-sales-superstar-by-mark.html

This book can be ordered on http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0470300965