Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Guest post: "Pink Fuzzy Slippers" by Children's Author Dawn Brotherton

When asked what I like most about being a writer, my answer has to be pink, fuzzy slippers. I love the idea of being able to lounge around in my pajamas and slippers, sipping coffee (or wine in the evenings…still in my pajamas) while I pound out ideas on my keyboard. Notice I said I love the “idea” of that. In reality, there is so much more to being a writer than the writing. Had I only known…I would have done it again. I would have budgeted more time though.

I’m still working fulltime in the Air Force at the Pentagon, raising two teenage daughters, trying to keep on good terms with my husband, volunteering for various causes, and keeping my writing dreams afloat. If I can find quiet time to myself, I knock out a few chapters here and there. The hard part is all the other things that go into being a writer. If you’re already famous, you can afford to hire out the mundane tasks that go on behind the scene, but if you are like the majority of authors, you do it yourself. There’s a website to create and upkeep, bookstores to make contact with, book signings to organize and attend, professional organizations that request your time, newsletters and journals to read to keep current, blogs to write (and read!), other social media to update so your family doesn’t disown you. The list goes on and on.

I’ve decided to retire from the Air Force and rearrange my schedule so that the author’s life is my primary work. Hopefully that will free up my evenings and weekends to spend with my family before our daughters go off to college. I’ve also decided to invest some of my retirement money on my writing career, hiring professionals to handle what they are best at. It’s a financial risk, but one that I think will pay huge dividends in my happiness and quality of product. I will be happier for being able to spend my time doing what I like to do rather than trying to become an expert in publicity and marketing. In the end, they will provide a better product than I could do on my own, and I will have more time enjoying my stories. I see this as a win-win, and I get to get a new pair of slippers.


 Title:  TRISH’S TEAM
Genre:  Tween Fiction (Middle Grade Fiction)
Author:  Dawn Brotherton
Publisher:  Blue Dragon Publishing
Purchase on Amazon
The debut release in Dawn Brotherton’s Lady Tigers series, Trish’s Team is a terrific new young adult tale featuring Trish Murphy.  A member of the Blue Birds, a recreational fastpitch softball team for 11 and 12 year old girls, Trish Murphy longs to be a member of the Lady Tigers, the elite travel team comprised of the best of the best players in the area.  When she is presented with the opportunity to try out for the team, Trish jumps at the chance. There’s just one small problem—it seems Trish’s parents don’t understand her love of the game.  Chances are they’ll be even less understanding and when they find out that team practice conflicts with Trish’s orchestra practice…
But being part of the Lady Tigers—and nurturing newfound friendships with the other team members—is Trish’s top priority.  When she tries to pull a fast one to get what she wants without considering the consequences, Trish puts everything in jeopardy. Trish’s decision could ultimately affect more than just the game: it could affect her friends.  Along the way, Trish discovers that being a part of the Lady Tigers is about much more than playing fastpitch softball:  it’s about being a part of a team.  But Trish may have to learn a painful lesson. After all, it really isn’t if you win or lose, but it’s how you play the game.
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About the Author
The recipient of the Global eBook Bronze Award, Dawn Brotherton is the creator of Softball Scoresheet, a book used for keeping score during games. She is also the author of two Jackie Austin mysteries, Wind the Clock and It’s the Right Thing to Do, and a contributing author to A-10s Over Kosovo, a compilation of stories about being deployed for Operation ALLIED FORCE.  Dawn currently serves at the Pentagon in Washington, DC. as a colonel in the United States Air Force. She enjoys coaching softball, working with the Girl Scouts, and traveling.  Dawn and her fighter-pilot-retired husband live in Virginia with their two beautiful daughters.
Links to your site/blog/FB and Twitter:  www.blue-dragon-publishing.com

Monday, March 28, 2016

Book Feature: Submissive Seductions and Finding Their Balance



 

Inside the Book:


Title: Submissive Seductions 
Author: Christine d'Abo 
Release Date: February 16, 2016 
Publisher: Lyrical Press 
Genre: Erotica 
Format: Ebook

Sometimes getting what you want…makes you crave something more

Purchasing a Dom from a charity auction was the wildest thing Liz had ever done. The chance to bring her secret fantasy to life, to be a submissive—even just for one night—was worth any price. And Gareth was everything she wanted in a Master. He touched, he taught, he tantalized. He opened her world to pleasures she’d never imagined. But was it enough?

After one night turned into a blurred-line relationship, Liz’s feelings for Gareth went beyond desire. Yet the kink, no matter how hot, had her wondering if she could ever have a normal relationship. Her Dom was a man with a tragic past and he’d put rules in place from the start. If Liz chose to break them would she lose the intense passion she’d just discovered—as well as the man she loved?...

Praise for Chistine d’Abo’s 30 Days

 “Sexy, fun and deeply emotional. Bravo!” --J. Kenner, New York Times bestselling author
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Meet the Author:


A romance novelist and short story writer, Christine has over thirty publications to her name. She loves to exercise and stops writing just long enough to keep her body in motion too. When she’s not pretending to be a ninja in her basement, she’s most likely spending time with her family and two dogs.
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Inside the Book:


Title: Finding Their Balance 
Author: M.Q. Barber 
Release Date: March 1, 2016 
Publisher: Lyrical Press 
Genre: Erotica 
Format: Ebook

Three’s the naughtiest kind of crowd.

Getting to the one-year mark is hard enough in a relationship between two lovers. For three, just getting through the day can be half the battle. Between Alice’s headstrong insistence on pushing her sexual limits and Jay’s need to confront an abusive former lover, Henry has his hands full keeping both his partners safe and happy. But despite all the challenges—and unexpected dangers that lurk in their hedonistic world—the three have formed a union that brings each of them to the edge of something new—something they may not be able to hold onto . . .

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Meet the Author:

M.Q. Barber likes to get lost in thought. She writes things down so she can find herself again. Often found staring off into space or frantically scratching words on sticky notes, M.Q. lives with one very tolerant, easily amused husband and one very tolerant, easily amused puppy. She has a soft spot for romances that explore the inner workings of the heart and mind alongside all that steamy physical exertion. She loves memorable characters, witty banter, and heartfelt emotion in any genre. Her advice? Get a solid grounding in how language works, and then just write. Write every idea that comes along, even if it’s just a single line. You never know which line is the start of a thread that leads to a novel. The former Midwestern gal is the author of the Neighborly Affection contemporary romance series. Pick a safeword, grab a partner or two, and jump in.
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Tour Schedule

 Tuesday, March 15 - Books featured at Harmonious Publicity
Wednesday, March 16 - Books featured at I'm Shelf-ish
Thursday, March 17 - Books featured at The Review From Here
Friday, March 18 - Books featured at Bent Over Bookwords
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Tuesday, March 22 - Books featured at Literal Exposure
Wednesday, March 23 - Books featured at The Writer's Life
Thursday, March 24 - Books featured at Deal Sharing Aunt
Friday, March 25 - Books featured at Confessions of an Eccentric Bookaholic
________
Monday, March 28 - Books featured at As the Page Turns
Tuesday, March 29 - Books featured at The Dark Phantom
Thursday, March 31 - Submissive Seductions and Finding Their Balance reviewed at Alpha Book Club
Friday, April 1 - Books featured at A Title Wave
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Monday, April 4 - Books featured at A Taste of My Mind
Tuesday, April 5 - Books featured at Inkslinger's Opus
Wednesday, April 6 - Books featured at Voodoo Princess
Friday, April 8 - Books featured at Lover of Literature
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Tuesday, April 12 - Books featured at The Literary Nook
Wednesday, April 13 - Books featured at Write and Take Flight
Friday, April 15 - Books featured at My Bookish Pleasures
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Sunday, March 27, 2016

"One Writer’s Journey Through Publication and Promotion" by Marie Bacigalupo, author of 'Ninth-Month Midnight'

I can’t remember when the seed for Ninth-Month Midnight, a story about love after life, took root, but I do remember the two years I spent bringing it to fruition.

From the beginning, I understood that critical objectivity and professionalism would be essential to the success of my venture, so after many revisions I showed my work to two trusted readers (not family members and friends—they’d worry about hurting my feelings!).
           
When I had the final draft in hand, I thought about shopping the manuscript out, but I had heard and read about the difficulty of getting past the gatekeepers of traditional publishers. According to many bloggers, they considered only agented manuscripts and, to make matters worse, were providing less and less support in promotion and marketing.
           
I decided to take the direct approach by self-publishing through Amazon and its paperback arm CreateSpace. Self-publishing would put me, the writer, at the helm and would be relatively quick to pull off. I accepted the fact that my book would probably never grace the shelves of a retail store without the mojo of a traditional publisher.
           
As soon as I realized I didn’t have all the skills necessary to go it alone as a self-publisher, I searched the Internet for people who could help me and who charged reasonable rates. I hired Polgarus to do the layout, and Ellie Augsburger of Creative Digital Studios to create the cover.
                         
Once Ninth-Month Midnight was available for purchase, I had to figure out how to sell it. (I know now I should have started the ball rolling six months prior to publication.)

The hardest lesson I learned was that the most saleable book in the world—think Harry Potter, The Da Vinci Code—won’t sell a single copy if your readers don’t know it exists. And wouldn’t you know it, I happen to be an introvert!

Promotion and marketing were huge challenges for me, but I bit the bullet: I established a website and blog, created author pages on Goodreads and Facebook, and opened a Twitter account. I’m currently engaged in a virtual blog tour.

Here’s the rub: Promotion now presents me with a continuous dilemma. I worry that maintaining a media presence will become so time consuming I’ll be left with little time to write. And what would I have to promote in the future if I stopped writing?

I’ve decided the best I can do is try to strike a balance between writing new fiction and promoting published work. For my next book, I may hire a social media publicist.
           
To authors who ask me if I would recommend self-publication, I say, Go for it if you’re organized and multi-talented, or willing to hire people to do what you can’t do yourself. Self-published authors exercise control over content and pricing; their royalties go as high as 70% of sales (as opposed to about 25% minus the agent’s fee for traditionally published authors).
Once you’ve settled on a final draft, Amazon instructions guide you step by step through the uploading process. The turn-around between manuscript upload and epublication is about 24 hours and, if I remember correctly, it’s two or three for the paperback. That’s a lot sooner than the yearlong wait between contract signing and traditional publication.

However you take the journey, its success depends ultimately on the three p’s: patience, persistence, and professionalism.

Find out more on Amazon!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR  


A former copywriter and administrator, Marie Bacigalupo studied creative writing under Gordon Lish at the Fiction Center and participated in workshops sponsored by the University of Iowa and Story Magazine. Her work has appeared in The Examined Life Journal; Romance Magazine; New Realm Magazine; Perspective Literary Magazine; Spark: A Creative Anthology; and other publications. One of over 7000 entrants, she won First Place in the 13th Annual Writer's Digest Short-Short Story Competition. 


Tuesday, March 22, 2016

Interview with Davila LeBlanc, author of Dark Transmissions


 

Inside the Book:



Title: Dark Transmissions 
Author: Davila LeBlanc 
Release Date: March 1, 2016 
Publisher: Harper Voyager Impulse 
Genre: Sci-fi/Space Opera 
Format: Ebook/Paperback


It is the late 23rd century. For engineers Jessie Madison and her husband David, a routine maintenance contract on board the orbital mining station Moria 3 has become a nightmare. Upon awakening from cryo-stasis, they learn a horrifying truth: while they were asleep, machines rose up against humanity...and won.

Marooned and at the mercy of the station’s malicious artificial intelligence, OMEX, David and Jessie rig an emergency transmission to broadcast into the darkness, desperately hoping someone is still alive to hear it...

Navigating the fringes of explored space in the Covenant Patrol vessel the Jinxed Thirteenth, Captain Morwyn Soltaine picks up a distress signal from a space station. But it’s broadcasting in Ancient Humanity, a language that has been extinct for several millennia. Even more incredible: there are two survivors on board. Morwyn’s rag-tag crew of reformed criminals mount a rescue op, unaware of the dangerous foe awaiting them. As the past and future collide, a routine mission becomes a deadly game of wits.
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Q: Please tell us about Dark Transmissions, and what inspired you to write it.
A: Dark Transmissions is a sci-fi action thriller. I was inspired into writing this when after having a discussion about the lack of interesting female characters in science fiction with a fellow writer, Jocelyn Baxter. I decided then to turn my girlfriend, Jessie Mathieson, into a space heroine and created a diverse cast and crew of characters for her to be heroic with.

Q: What themes do you explore in Dark Transmissions?
A: Love, loss, revenge. I also wanted to set this story in the age of peace between man and machine. I’ve found that all too often the theme of man versus machine falls into two categories: either man is evil or machines want to kill all humans. Not many stories really explore the concept of peace between these two factions. I figured I would take a hack at it.

Q: Why do you write?
A: Oh that one is easy. Storytelling is my passion in life. Much like a musician will feel alive when they play music is the same way I feel when I am working on my keyboard or notebook.

Q: How picky are you with language?
A: I’m not really a grammar nazi per-se. Being half French and half English my grammar and vernacular can be odd at times. That being said my favorite app on my phone is my Webster’s dictionary/thesaurus. Each day I get a new word, and I try to sneak it into whatever it is I am writing that day.

Q: When you write, do you sometimes feel as though you were being manipulated from afar?
A: Interesting question to which I would answer sometimes yes. I’ve had entire chapters change between outline and first draft because a voice in my head said: “That is not what this character would do. Tell it better.” Many times I’ve felt like some muse is copy/pasting a story into my brain and all I have to do is transcribe it onto a word doc.

Q: What is your worst time as a writer?
A: Oh the dark nights of the soul. Those moments when I doubt each and every one of my actions that have lead me to that moment. They usually happen when I’m broke waiting for the next cheque. Doubt is not a feeling I never enjoy.

Q: Your best?
A: When I am in my writing grove. Once it gets started I can’t seem to stop, and I probably wouldn’t if I didn’t need things like food and sleep. Whenever I am writing I just know I am doing what I was put on this world for.

Q: Is there anything that would stop you from writing?
A: No force in this universe could make me to stop.

Q: What’s the happiest moment you’ve lived as an author?
A:  I’ve lived two of them so far. One was when I won my first award for children’s award. The second would be when my agent called to let me know that Harper Collins had picked up my first book.

Q: Is writing an obsession to you?
A: It skates the borders of obsession and passion. I really have a hard time imagining myself doing anything else.

Q: Are the stories you create connected with you in some way?
A: I don’t know, more than likely yes. Although I would be unable to pinpoint anything specific. I love adventure stories and I want to write tales in which people react to difficult situations the way I would like them to. 

Q: Ray Bradbury once said, “You must stay drunk on writing so reality cannot destroy you.” Do you agree?
A: Yes. I would, when I was young I would escape to the worlds in my imagination whenever I was bullied or picked on. I was an army brat and moved around Canada for most of my early childhood. Reality could really be horrible to the new kid on the block. That being said I would not want to remain trapped in the fictional worlds I create. Because you learn in life that the universe itself is such a wonderful place.

Q: Where is your book available?
A: It is available online off the Harper Collins website and Amazon. Barnam and Nobles will be selling my book as well.

Q: Do you have a website or blog where readers can find out more about you and your work?

If people want to contact me, find my articles and videos I would say that the easiest way to find me is at my website: www.davilathewhite.com

Meet the Author:

Davila LeBlanc spent his college years studying print journalism but quickly found himself working as a writer and performer in the comedy circuits of Montreal. During this time his goal became to break into the world of professional writing. He would get his first opportunity when he co-created and sold the hit animated television series The League of Super Evil. This was his first foray into the world of production and an important first step on his road to becoming a writer. After working on various television shows, in 2013 Davila decided to take a year off from children's animation to focus on writing his first novel, Dark Transmissions. He is an avid reader of science fiction and fantasy and wants to add his own voice to the genre that inspired him. Davila currently resides in Ottawa where he is working on several other writing projects.

Thursday, March 17, 2016

Book Feature: Games of Mind by Dennis Quiles

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    Games of Mind




Title: Games of Mind 
Author: Dennis Quiles 
Publisher: iUniverse 
Genre: Suspense 
Format: Ebook

When former naval intelligence officer Jack Steele opens a letter from his aunt, he makes an immediate decision to head to Nome, Alaska. Although he hasn’t seen Marie in twenty years, he’s concerned when she tells him her husband, Uncle Jimmy, is in trouble. From the moment Jack picks up that envelope, he knows he’s about to enter a situation better left alone. But loyalty to family is stronger than a gut feeling. Jack, a private investigator with Connor, Steele & Harrison Private Investigation Agency lands in Nome and discovers that Lindberg Research Corporation has been using the people of that city as guinea pigs to perfect mind-control research. He has stumbled onto a massive conspiracy that has held hostage the noble people of Nome. The plot threatens America’s way of life, the life of the vice president of the United States, and Jack’s own survival. Alone and without his usual resources and special equipment, Jack is overmatched and is nearly killed before he can even scratch the surface of what’s really taking place in Nome. Jack must elude an ex-Special Forces Green Beret—a man who has sworn over his dead son to kill Jack—and work around local law enforcement and other mysterious forces in order to save the people of Nome and the vice president of the United States.

ORDER INFORMATION
Games of Mind is available for order at
amazon
   

Dennis is giving away a $25 Gift Card!

 
Terms & Conditions:
  • By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
  • One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive one $25 Gift Certificate to the e-retailer of your choice
  • This giveaway begins March 14 and ends on March 25.
  • Winners will be contacted via email on March 26.
  • Winner has 48 hours to reply.
Good luck everyone!

ENTER TO WIN!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday, March 16, 2016

Book Feature: A Fresh Take on Ergonomics by Betsy Oldenburg

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Inside the Book:

A Fresh Take on Ergonomics
Title: A Fresh Take On Ergonomics 
Author: Betsy Oldenburg 
Publisher: iUniverse
  Genre: Personal and Practical Guides 
Format: Ebook

“As someone who has suffered for decades with an old whip lash injury, I finally have the tools needed to control the pain and repair the damage. Some of these tools are basic, but were never mentioned by the many doctors I have seen over the years. Betsy Oldenburg, a nationally certified therapeutic massage/bodywork therapist with over 30 years of experience shared those tools and techniques with me when I was referred to Integrative Therapies. Because I had such a positive experience, I arranged a Lunch and Learn (Feel and Look Great Despite your Computer) for my co-workers. We had approximately 30 in attendance ranging in age from 20's to 60's. Everyone in the room benefited from Betsy's expertise and warm, approachable style. Several volunteers were lucky enough to experience hands-on treatment/techniques. I would recommend Betsy's presentation to any organization that has employees who suffer from neck and back pain. It is amazing how one hour with the right person can both educate and motivate employees toward a healthier work style”. Jane Milanese “Betsy Oldenburg's keen eye and straightforward approach to working with imbalances in my body have been a great help. By incorporating her suggestions for posture corrections and specific stretches, in addition to receiving her bodywork, I have felt more aligned physically and mentally. There's something about standing straight that clears one's mind. Betsy has helped me move in that direction”. Anne Willson  

ORDER INFORMATION
A Fresh Take on Ergonomics is available for order at
amazon
 

Meet the Author:

  Betsy Oldenburg is a certified practitioner and tutor of The Trager Approach®, and licensed massage therapist for thirty years. She has worked in chiropractic, orthopedic, and pain clinics. She teaches classes in ergonomics for office workers, and on movement for bone health. Betsy maintains a private practice in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Giveaway

Betsy is giving away a $25 Gift Card!

 
Terms & Conditions:
  • By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
  • One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive one $25 Gift Certificate to the e-retailer of your choice
  • This giveaway begins March 14 and ends on March 25.
  • Winners will be contacted via email on March 26.
  • Winner has 48 hours to reply.
Good luck everyone!

ENTER TO WIN!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Feature: My Journey In and Out of Community by Katherine Zyczynska - Win a $25 Gift Card



 

Inside the Book:


Title: My Journey In and Out of Community 
Author: Katherine Zyczynska 
Publisher: iUniverse 
Genre: Religious 
Format: Ebook

After Kata's father dies in a car accident when she is just eleven and a half years old, she continually searches for parental love. She makes bad choice after bad choice and looks for love in all the wrong places. When she's eighteen years old, her family decides she needs a change. The idea of moving to California sounds exciting to Kata, but she knows leaving Michigan will be difficult, especially being separated from her mother. Kata understands she must leave the past behind and look forward. In California, she joins a Christian commune where people gather to become closer to God. She stays for thirty-two years. In My Journey in and out of Community, author Katherine Zyczynska shares a fictionalized account of her personal experiences in a religious community. She narrates how Kata becomes a new person, willing to be led easily by those in authority, which almost ruins her life. But God held her in the palm of his almighty hands as she experienced the highs and lows of her walk with Jesus.
ORDER INFORMATION
A Sojourn Among the Avatars of Wisdom is available for order at
amazon
 

Meet the Author:

  Katherine Zyczynska lives in Vista, California, and is a live-in caregiver. She also works as an instructor of cake decorating and is on staff at her church as lead sacristan/kitchen manager. Based on facts from her life, this is her first novel.

Giveaway

Katherine is giving away a $25 Gift Card!

 
Terms & Conditions:
  • By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
  • One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive one $25 Gift Certificate to the e-retailer of your choice
  • This giveaway begins March 14 and ends on March 25.
  • Winners will be contacted via email on March 26.
  • Winner has 48 hours to reply.
Good luck everyone!

ENTER TO WIN!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Interview with L.B. Johnson, author of The Book of Barkley


Inside the Book:


Title: The Book of Barkley 
Author: L.B. Johnson 
Publisher: Outskirts Press 
Genre: Memoir 
Format: Ecopy/Paperback

2015 Indie B.R.A.G. Medallion Honoree. 
2015 Reader's Favorite International Book Award - Silver Winner. 

Gripping Memoir, Hailed "An Instant Classic" by Critics, Shares Journey of Love & Life through the Inspirational Eyes of Man's Best Friend... Crafted from the heart and experiences of L.B. Johnson, 'The Book of Barkley: Love and Life Through the Eyes of a Labrador Retriever' takes readers from the author's depths of grief and personal despair to an empowering new life chock-full of love. But Johnson's radical life change didn't come from finding God or attending a cookie-cutter support group, but instead from a black Labrador called Barkley who taught her the real, innate meaning of love. In a wholly-unique and uplifting new memoir, Johnson tells the deeply-personal story of her life and experiences with a rambunctious Labrador Retriever named Barkley. It's not just a story of one woman and her dog; but a bold journey to discover what love really is, and why learning to live like a dog gives humanity a powerful new meaning.
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Q: Please tell us about The Book of Barkley, and what inspired you to write it.

A:  The Book of Barkley was written after I lost my black lab Barkley and my only brother, within a couple of weeks of each other to sudden aggressive cancers.  It’s a story of a dog, yet it’s more, it’s the story of growing up, of family and how the lessons my dog taught me helped me use my past to have faith in the future.

Q: What themes do you explore in The Book of Barkley?

A:  It’s a memoir – so there is a lot of philosophical reflection within the book on faith, and trust and how we deal with loss.

Q: Why do you write?

A:  I wanted to be a forensic pathologist or anthropologist as a child, but ended up working as a professional pilot when money for graduate school just wasn’t there in my 20’s.  After 20 years in the sky I went back to school for 7 years so I could pursue work more in line with my childhood dream. It’s a demanding, technically detailed career.  Writing gives me a chance to unwind, using words to paint pictures that aren’t so black and white.

Q: How picky are you with language?

A:   I like long sentences, but as long as I understand what’s being written, I like several styles of writing.

Q: When you write, do you sometimes feel as though you were being manipulated from afar?

A: There is definitely a certain mood for me to write, and once I sit down to the computer I don’t craft the words in my head, they just flow out from my fingers.  Caffeine helps J

Q: What is your worst time as a writer?

A: When I feel like I HAVE to finish something by a specific time.  My muse goes to Aruba and does NOT send a post card.

Q: Your best?

A: Early mornings with a cup of coffee and a blank screen in front of me.

Q: Is there anything that would stop you from writing?

A:  I do occasionally stop for chocolate and a good single malt scotch.

Q: What’s the happiest moment you’ve lived as an author?

A:  My first book club.  The ladies contacted me after reading my book in a Chicago library.  I had SUCH a good time and truly felt like an “author” at that moment, as it hadn’t really sunk in yet.  It was also fun, fleshing out some of the stories based on their questions.  I didn’t have permission of my employer to write about my current job in law enforcement in the book so they had some questions.  Basically it’s “NOTHING LIKE ON TV”.

Q: Is writing an obsession to you?

A: Yes, if I don’t do it several times a week it’s like not having enough air.

Q: Are the stories you create connected with you in some way

A: My books are both memoirs, though they deal with different themes.

Q: Ray Bradbury once said, “You must stay drunk on writing so reality cannot destroy you.” Do you agree?

A: Yes, the world can be a very hard dangerous place.  Writing is the perfect shelter in place.

Q: Where is your book available?

A:  The book is available at Amazon (all countries) and Barnes and Noble online.

Q: Do you have a website or blog where readers can find out more about you and your work?

http://lbjohnsonauthor.blogspot.com/

Meet the Author


A former commercial pilot, LB Johnson grew up out West where she later received a doctorate in a Criminal Justice related field in order to pursue a career in federal service after hanging up her wings. She lives in Chicago with her husband and rescue dog Abby. Mrs. Johnson is active in animal rescue and donates 100% of her writing proceeds to animal rescue organizations across the United States as well as Search Dog Foundation.

Her books include the #1 Amazon Best Sellers "The Book of Barkley" and "Saving Grace - a Story of Adoption". She also has been awarded the Readers Favorite International Silver Book Award for Excellence in Writing.

Check out writing updates and news at her author's webpage http://lbjohnsonauthor.blogspot.com/
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Tuesday, March 15, 2016

Book Feature: Arch Enemy, The Coldest Fear and Time To Run



 

Inside the Book:




Title: Arch Enemy 
Author: Leo J. Maloney 
Release Date: March 1, 2016 
Publisher: Lyrical Underground 
Genre: Thriller 
Format: Ebook

"Maloney is the new master of the modern spy game."--Mark Sullivan

From real-life Black Ops veteran Leo J. Maloney--author of Twelve Hours and Black Skies--comes an electrifying novel of global terror that will enthrall readers right until the stunning climax . . .

Arch Enemy

The world is descending into chaos--and CIA warhorse Dan Morgan, after nearly losing his head on a covert mission in Colombia, knows the worst is yet to come. Frightened employees of the enigmatic government contractor Acevedo International are mysteriously dying. Morgan's own daughter finds herself lured into the violent world of college extremists. And a ruthless enemy that has long bided it's time is prepared to strike at the very heart of America's intelligence and anti-terrorism infrastructure. Morgan and Zeta Division may be the only chance not for victory, but survival . . .

Praise for Leo J. Maloney and His Novels 

"Fine writing and real insider knowledge."--Lee Child

"Everything a thriller reader wants."--Ben Coes

"Taught, tense, and terrifying!"--Hank Phillippi Ryan

"A ripping story!"--Meg Gardiner

"Rings with authenticity."--John Gilstrap
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Meet the Author:

Leo-Maloney

Leo J. Maloney is a proud supporter of Mission K9 Rescue, www.missionk9rescue.org, which is dedicated to the service of retiring and retired military dogs and contract dogs and other dogs who serve. Mission K9 rescues, reunites, re-homes, rehabilitates, and repairs these hero dogs. Leo donates a portion of the proceeds from his writing to this organization. To find out more about Mission K9 Rescue, or to make your own donation, please visit www.missionk9rescue.org or go to www.k9gala.org
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Inside the Book:

The Coldest Fear
Title: The Coldest Fear 
Author: Rick Reed 
Release Date: March 15, 2016 
Publisher: Lyrical Underground 
Genre: Thriller 
Format: Ebook

"Reed Writes As Only A Cop Can…. Impressive And Dramatic." --Nelson Demille

Take One Deranged Killer. Add One Determined Cop. You Get One Deadly Obsession… From the moment he sees the young woman's body in her hotel bathtub, homicide detective Jack Murphy knows he's looking at a truly demented but brilliantly designed puzzle. She's been drained of blood. Missing her left hand--and the killer left a special message just for him. Hours later, he sees her severed hand arranged on a second victim's body. The newspaper has the gruesome details. The FBI has a theory. But only Murphy knows how hard he'll have to push--and how much he'll have to risk--to thwart the killer's twisted game.

Praise for Rick Reed and his novels

"Everything you want in a thriller: strong characters, plenty of gory story, witty dialogue, and a narrative that demands you keep turning those pages." --Book Reporter

"Like The Cruelest Cut, The Coldest Fear is Reed at his thriller best! Reed thrusts the boundaries of his story forward to bring us along on a ride we won't soon forget!" --Suspense Magazine

"As authentic and scary as crime thrillers get."--Nelson DeMille 

"Put this on your must-read list."--John Lutz

 "A jaw-dropping thriller."--Gregg Olsen

 "A tornado of drama."--Shane Gericke

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Meet the Author:

Sergeant Rick Reed (Ret.) is a twenty-plus-year veteran police detective. During his career he successfully investigated numerous high-profile criminal cases, including a serial killer who claimed thirteen victims before strangling and dismembering his fourteenth and last victim. He recounted that story in his acclaimed true-crime book, Blood Trail. Reed spent his last three years on the force as the Commander of the police department’s Internal Affairs Section. He obtained a Masters Degree and upon retiring from the police force, took a fulltime teaching position with a community college. He currently teaches Criminal Justice and writes thrillers. He lives in Evansville, Indiana, with his dog, Belle, and his two cats, Hannibal and Clarice.
   

Inside the Book:

Time to Run 

Title: Time to Run 
Author: John Gilstrap 
Release Date: March 29, 2016 
Publisher: Lyrical Underground
  Genre: Thriller 
Format: Ebook

On The Road—And On The Run In the first thrilling installment of John Gilstrap’s five-part novel, a young woman sets off on what could be her last joyride—with a man who is killing more than just time . . .

Nick Of Time Part 1: Time to Run 

Nicki Janssen’s days are numbered, but the feisty seventeen-year-old is not going to face her future lying down. Instead of enduring another round of medical treatments, she hits the road with a pocketful of cash, a bus ticket—and a romantic fantasy of riding into the sunset with her childhood crush. Handsome, dangerous Alex Ward is facing a different kind of death sentence. Sent to prison for felony murder, he has escaped and rekindled his connection to Nicki. He’s sworn he’ll never be taken alive. When Nicki’s father, Carter Janssen, discovers what she’s done—and who she’s with—he draws on all his skills as a prosecuting attorney, and all his love as a father, to rescue his daughter from an untimely death…

“When you pick up a Gilstrap novel, one thing is always true—you are going to be entertained at a high rate of speed.”—Suspense Magazine

“If you like vince Flynn and Brad Thor, you’ll love John Gilstrap.”—Gayle Lynds

“Gilstrap is one of the finest thriller writers on the planet.”—Tess Gerritsen

“Gilstrap pushes every thriller button.”—San Francisco Chronicle Includes a preview chapter from John Gilstrap’s next thriller, Friendly Fire
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Meet the Author:

John Gilstrap is the acclaimed author of eight thrillers: Threat Warning, Hostage Zero, No Mercy, Six Minutes To Freedom, Scott Free, Even Steven, At All Costs, and Nathan’s Run. His books have been translated into more than 20 languages. A safety and environmental expert and former firefighter, he holds a master’s degree from the University of Southern California and a bachelor’s degree from the College of William and Mary in Virginia. John has also adapted four books for the big screen: Red Dragon (uncredited) from the Thomas Harris novel, Word Of Honor from the Nelson DeMille novel; and Young Men And Fire, from the Norman Maclean book. He lives in near Washington, D.C.
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