E.Michael Helms's Blog: Michael's Musings, page 6

September 22, 2014

How an Author can use Pinterest

Somebody way back when (okay, not THAT long ago) suggested that writers/authors should have an active Pinterest account. Okay, I thought, I'll do just that. So, I opened one, accumulated a few pins about the outdoors, traveling, hobbies, etc. But what the heck good is this doing for my writing career? I asked myself.

Then one day I stumbled upon a blog post by an author (whose name, regretfully, I can't recall). She (that much I DO remember!) said in order to give "life" to her books and characters, she used Pinterest to post photos/events/signs, etc., that illustrated her books, their plots, scenes, characters, etc., etc.

The proverbial light bulb flashed on! Hey, what at nifty idea! So, I visited my Pinterest page and created a new board for my "Mac McClellan Mystery Series." I spent several fun hours searching the web for photos and other stuff (all in the public domain, of course -- I hope!) that illustrated various scenes and locations from my "Mac" mysteries, both published and yet-to-be published. Here's the URL:

http://www.pinterest.com/emhelms63/

Take a few minutes to go there and browse through my "Mac" board. If you're a writer/author, you might pick up some ideas. If you're a reader, it might stir your interest, especially if you've read any of Mac McClellan's adventures (or, misadventures, as some might say). Give a try. It's fun!
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September 19, 2014

ONLY HOURS LEFT TO ENTER!

Win 1 of 3 autographed sets of "The Proud Bastards"/"The Private War of Corporal Henson" --

http://tometender.blogspot.com/2014/0...

Good luck, and please spread the word!
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Published on September 19, 2014 09:58 Tags: addiction, combat, counseling, healing, loss, ptsd, recovery, romance, usmc, vietnam, war

September 17, 2014

THE CLOCK IS TICKING! THE SAND SLIPS THROUGH THE HOURGLASS! THE SUN SETS AND RISES! (Yikes!)

ONLY THREE DAYS LEFT TO ENTER!

Win 1 of 3 autographed sets of "The Proud Bastards"/"The Private War of Corporal Henson" at:

http://tometender.blogspot.com/2014/0...
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Published on September 17, 2014 07:43 Tags: combat, counseling, hand-to-hand, love, love-story, marines, post-tramatic-stress-disorder, trust, vietnam, war

September 3, 2014

New Giveaway!!! "OF BLOOD AND BROTHERS: BOOK TWO"

Beginning September 4 and continuing through September 21, I'm giving away four (4) autographed copies of the second book of my two-part Civil War/Reconstruction historical saga, "Of Blood and Brothers." Please check out the reviews for both novels on Goodreads or at Amazon.com, and then go to the Goodreads giveaway page and enter to win:

https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/sh...

Good luck to one and all!!!
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August 21, 2014

"THE PRIVATE WAR OF CORPORAL HENSON" HAS LAUNCHED!

As of August 19 my new baby has been sent out into the cold and sometimes cruel world of publishing. Now it's up to readers like YOU to cradle it in your hands and show it some affection.

Seriously, BUY THE BOOK! Feed a starving author, here. Okay, things aren't THAT desperate, but I do hope you'll give "Private War" a try. It's a story of healing and acceptance, and of love lost and regained. Here's the link to it's page at Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/The-Private-War...

Thanks to all!
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Published on August 21, 2014 08:04 Tags: combat, healing, hope, love, post-traumatic-stress-disorder, relationships, romance, therapy, usmc, vietnam-war

August 14, 2014

FOUR (4) DAYS & COUNTING!

Only four days left to enter the Goodreads Giveaway for a chance to win 1 of 4 autographed copies of my new autobiographical novel, "THE PRIVATE WAR OF CORPORAL HENSON" (Stairway Press).

"PRIVATE WAR" is a fictional sequel to my Vietnam memoir, "THE PROUD BASTARDS," which has remained in print for over twenty years (currently published by Simon & Schuster/Pocket). It is the story of former combat Marine, Nathan Henson, and his battle to overcome Post Traumatic Stress Disorder which has haunted him ever since his tour of duty in Vietnam.

Go here to enter:
https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/sh...

Pass the word, and good luck!
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Published on August 14, 2014 12:59 Tags: combat, giveaway, healing, love-story, marine-corps, novel, ptsd, stairway-press, therapy, vietnam-war, war

August 2, 2014

NEW GIVEAWAY! -- "THE PRIVATE WAR OF CORPORAL HENSON"

I'm announcing a giveaway of four (4) autographed copies of my upcoming book, "THE PRIVATE WAR OF CORPORAL HENSON." The giveaway will run through August 18. This semi-autographical novel will be released on Tuesday, August 19, by Stairway Press.

"PRIVATE WAR" is a fictional sequel to my Vietnam memoir, "THE PROUD BASTARDS," which has remained in print for over twenty years (currently published by Simon & Schuster/Pocket). It is the story of former combat Marine, Nathan Henson, and his battle to overcome Post Traumatic Stress Disorder which has haunted him ever since his tour of duty in Vietnam. About 85% of the story is based on actual individuals and events. Of course, names have been changed, and events altered slightly to protect the "innocent." There is also a strong love thread running through the second half of the novel that is instrumental in Nathan's healing and return to a more normal life. Men and women who've read the story have expressed positive reactions to "PRIVATE WAR." I hope you'll take the time to read about the novel, and enter the Goodreads giveaway to win one of four autographed copies. Good luck!
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July 14, 2014

"DEADLY CATCH" Receives Honorable Mention At RONE Awards

"Deadly Catch," the first of my Mac McClellan Mysteries, received Honorable Mention in the Mystery category during the awards ceremony at the Golden Nugget in Las Vegas Friday night, July 11. A big THANK YOU to all who supported me -- I truly appreciate it!
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July 7, 2014

??? QUESTIONS ???

I've joined the "Ask the Author" program here at Goodreads. If anyone has any questions regarding any of my books, my writing habits or routine, or other subjects, feel free to ask. I'll try to answer promptly any reasonable question. Thanks!

--E. Michael Helms
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Published on July 07, 2014 10:12

June 30, 2014

GREAT NEW READ! AMERICAN SKY, by Fred Tribuzzo

Review of American Sky by Fred Tribuzzo on Closed the Cover: closedthecover.com

American Sky is the story of a young man going to work for a father and son, learning the skills for starting a Lycoming or Continental engine on a hot summer day, as well as the daily humor, courage, and vision to pursue dreams. In American Sky, events and people shift in time and experiences blossom unexpectedly. Yet the influence of a mentor remains a visible, poignant anchor.

American Sky by Fred Tribuzzo should be approached by readers as a memoir and collection of short stories rather than as a non-fiction biography detailing his career as a pilot. As a reader who has always been interested in planes and the thrill of flight (have I ever mentioned that I once considered become a pilot) I found this memoir incredibly fascinating.

I love Tribuzzo’s experiences and appreciated that he shared so many details about his flights, flight crew, passengers and others during his career. Some of the stories made me smile (especially the ones about flight instructors and students) while others made me feel a bit more sentimental (especially when Tribuzzo discusses those who inspired him and his career). He shared about emergency landings and how those generated anxiety and stress in a new young pilot.

Tribuzzo really does build a connection with readers and the book feels more like sitting down with a friend as he recalls his adventures in flight rather than reading cold short stories.

While American Sky is likely to appeal mostly to those who have an interest or connection with flight it’s really a book about a man’s love for his career and his passion for people. His heart is enormous and he has a strong desire to help and inspire. This is a wonderful book and a true pleasure to read. While reading American Sky readers will laugh, love, smile and cry. It’s a tremendous read, very well done!

Interested in reading American Sky? We are giving away 10 copies AND a $50 Amazon gift card!

Review by: Ashley LaMar

- See more at: http://www.closedthecover.com/autobio...
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Published on June 30, 2014 08:25

Michael's Musings

E.Michael Helms
The giveaway for my Vietnam memoir, THE PROUD BASTARDS, ends on Halloween! If you'd like to add a signed copy to your Trick or Treat bag, then click on the book's thumbnail which will take you to the ...more
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