Y.S. Pascal's Blog, page 6

Dead Air by Deborah Shlian and Linda Reid now an Audiobook

I am so excited! For those of you who like to listen rather than read, Dead Air is now an Audiobook from De Novo Productions.  Barbara Whitesides, nationally known radio talk show host recorded the book. You can buy it on CD on their site. It will soon be available as an MP3 download at De Novo's site as well as through Amazon (Audible.com) and iTunes.

Buy it and let me know what you think. Your feedback is always appreciated!!

Rabbit in the Moon by Deborah and Joel Shlian: A great read for Chinese New Year

Gung Hay Fat Choy! Happy Chinese New Year 2011!!

Normally I write about my own adventures, but since this is Chinese New Year, I thought it would be nice to let you know about my friend Lili Quan who stars in another terrific novel written by Deborah Shlian- this one with her husband Joel. Rabbit in the Moon

Rabbit in the Moon is the story of American-born-and-proud Lili Quan – a young medical doctor, passionately strong in her convictions and views on life (not unlike me in that respect).  She's also stubbornly avoiding a heritage she'd rather not identify with.  But when two completely different cultures and secret political agendas collide, she slowly learns that her overall importance in a whirlwind of seemingly unconnected events cannot even begin to be imagined.  It's an east vs. west, old vs. young, democratic vs. communistic, yin vs. yang struggle for an elusive secret with unlimited and priceless potential.  One that men…and even governments…are willing to kill for… Set against the most tumultuous 7 weeks in recent Chinese history from the rise of the democracy movement in April to its fall with the June 4th massacre in Tiananmen Square, this novel is perfect for book clubs and reading groups.

Now about the Chinese New Year.

The Year of the Rabbit begins tomorrow on February 3, 2011 and ends on January 22, 2012.

Anyone born in 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999 or 2011 is born under the sign of the Rabbit.

As many of you who have already read the international thriller, Rabbit in the Moon by Deborah and Joel Shlian know, the Rabbit, or Hare as it is referred to in Chinese mythology is the symbol of longevity. It is the 4th of the 12 animal signs of the Chinese Zodiac. And is said to derive its essence from the Moon

In the novel, Dr. Lili Quan's mother was born under this sign and was typical of such individuals – reserved and introverted.  But she was also a friendly person who liked the company of good friends.

Good news for a troubled world: according to Chinese tradition, the Rabbit heralds a year in which you should take a deep breath, and calmly approach problems that arise with the goal of creating a safe, peaceful life.  Trying to force issues will only bring failure. Negotiation is a much more effective approach to problem solving. This is a year to focus on home and family.

As a symbol of the Moon, the Rabbit represents the Yin, while the Peacock, symbol of the Sun, represents the Yang of life. In the Year of the Rabbit, the wish-granting aspect of the Sun and the Moon combined is extremely strong.  It is said that on each of the full moon nights during this year, if you go into your garden to gaze into the full moon, visualize plenty of moon energy flowing into you and you will strengthen your inner energy (Chi). Not only will be granted fearlessness, love and courage but this will also bring wisdom into your life.

I wish that and more for all of you this year!!

Comment on today's blog on this site or here and win a chance for an autographed copy of Rabbit in the Moon

 

 

Shlian Books Newsletter

Hi:

Sign up for the Shlian Books Newsletter and a chance to win a free autographed copy of Devil Wind by Deborah Shlian and Linda Reid. Here's the link. Lots of news about me and my creators. Hope to hear from you!!

Dive Into "Sin Creek"!

Sammy: Hi, Sammy Greene live with author Susan Whitfield, creator of awesome Agent Logan Hunter.    Welcome, Susan, thanks for joining us.   Can you tell us about  about "Sin Creek"?  Sounds like Logan's in some deep waters this time…

Logan Hunter in deep waters!

Susan: Sin Creek is a mystery/suspense novel and the fourth book in the Logan Hunter Mystery series. When a college student is brutally murdered and her body dumped miles from campus, Agent Logan Hunter investigates. She quickly learns that this emaciated freshman was selling herself to raise tuition, enjoying the rough and rowdy lifestyle and getting attention.  When Hunter questions the victim's roommate and others, she learns that many of them have been involved in the seamy side of town, some unwittingly. As the investigation moves on, Logan dresses up in a maid costume and sneaks onto a porn ferry to have a look. What she learns unravels every nerve and she jumps into a life raft to make a hasty retreat. Unfortunately, her 4-inch heel punctures the raft and she spends the night on an alligator-infested island in the middle of the Cape Fear River.

Sammy: Wow.  I can't wait to read the book.  I enjoy reading about strong women who get themselves in and out of trouble.   What inspired you to write "Sin Creek"?

Susan: Perhaps the letter I wrote to readers says it best:

Author Susan Whitfield

Dear Reader,

Inspiration for the book you're holding in your hands is based on a repulsive truth I fashioned into fiction to raise awareness about the seamy side of some young lives, and the monetary lures that plunge far too many into Internet notoriety, terminal disease, and sometimes, violent death.  When I was a high school administrator, I asked a student of mine how her sister coped with college life. She told me her sister found a lucrative way to raise tuition and live "the high life." What this student said next left me shaken, and I've never been quite the same since.  I went home that night and searched for information the student had casually given me, hoping to find no truth in what she said. I couldn't have been more wrong! I still shiver that some among us are so willing to be part of the filthy underbelly that runs beneath many of our towns and cities. Research for this book challenged me to search my soul, and I stopped on many occasions not certain if I should continue. But someone needs to tell this story—as ugly and offensive as it may be. SIN CREEK is truly a work of fiction. However, the seed that started it is alive and spreading like a lethal dose of poison throughout society.

WARNING! This book contains sexually graphic scenes!  It is not meant to offend but to inform.

Sammy: So your characters and plots are based on real-life experiences?

Susan: As the letter indicates, the seed was planted, but the book is entirely fiction.

Sammy: What motivated you to become a writer?

Susan: I have been an avid reader since I was a small child. I love books, and have wanted to write since high school.

Sammy: And you've written several Logan Hunter books, right?

Susan: Yes.  Genesis Beach introduces Logan Hunter is a focused but sometimes bumbling investigative intern. She chases the wrong suspect for months and endures a tropical storm and a hurricane that destroys her old house on the beach. She befriends the victim's chef, who shows up in the other books.

Just North of Luck finds Logan assigned to the Blue Ridge Mountains to stop a serial killer who's targeting teachers. She joins forces with a local detective who introduces her to a testicle festival and her first taste of love.

Hell Swamp takes Logan back to her childhood home near Black River where she finds the gutted body of a woman strung up in Black River Plantation. An array of odd deer hunters are the prime suspects.

Sammy:  Sounds like you love mysteries.

Susan: The four finished books are all mystery. I am currently writing a contemporary fiction. I read all genres but my first love is…you guessed it…mystery. However, I am in the process of researching an ancestor of mine who was a Knight of the Bath. I hope to write an historical mystery about him.

Sammy: Sounds great.   I admire writers who try to make a difference in our world.  Who do you hope will especially enjoy Sin Creek?

Susan: The book is for adults of all ages.   Not sure they readers will "enjoy" the book as much as I hope they learn from it, or are at least aware that evil is out there waiting for the unsuspecting and naive.

Sammy: Where and when can readers find "Sin Creek"?   Will you be setting up any activities where readers can communicate with you?

Susan: Print copies of Sin Creek are available on my website, www.susanwhitfieldonline.com but ebooks and Kindle must be ordered from Amazon, Fictionwise, or Barnes and Noble. My next event is February 4-5, The Cape Fear Crime Festival in Wilmington, NC. I'm already posting on Facebook, Booktown, and other social media sites. I blog at www.susanwhitfield.blogspot.com

Sammy: Can you give us a heads up on your plans for the future?

Susan: I hope to be able to complete more Logan Hunter mysteries, maybe more contemporary fiction, and at least the one historical book. I continue to promote myself and others online and love to meet fans, readers, and fellow authors. I try to attend at least two large conferences per year.

Sammy: Well, I know folks will look forward to meeting you in person.  I'm afraid we're out of time–thanks so much for coming on the show today.

Susan: Thank you so much for the interview. It's been fun.

Sammy: Susan Whitfield author of the new novel, Sin Creek.  Number one on my reading list this week!

Fear as a Weapon

The heartbreaking tragedy in Arizona highlights the consequences of using fear and violence to manipulate behavior for political ends.   Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims of the attack, and our condolences to the families of those who were lost in that senseless and brutal assault.  Engendering fear and fomenting violence can inspire vulnerable or unbalanced individuals and groups to lash out at perceived targets–those who preach violence are as guilty as those who practice it.

"Devil Wind" due out in April, examines the consequences of using fear to manipulate politics, create terror, and risk innocent lives.  We must advocate for an end to war, not only abroad, but at home.

–Sammy Greene

Dead Air by Deborah Shlian & Linda Reid featured on Kindle Nation

Just in time for the New Year, Kindle Nation is featuring Dead Air. So, head on over by clicking here ! Dead Air is a great read if I do say so myself (after all, I am the star). Deborah and Linda have been busy writing me into all kinds of adventures. Stay tuned for Devil Wind which arrives in April. As Donald Bain (author of Murder She Wrote) says, "it's a whirlwind of a mystery"

Dead Air by Deborah Shlian & Linda Reid: Another Yiddish dictionary

Hi:

Lots of you have asked me about the Yiddish words in Dead Air and the upcoming novel Devil Wind. I posted one some months back (check under Yiddish). Well, here's another. Not many young people know how to speak the language, although many phrases have creapt into our everyday language – like chutzpah. So have fun!! And read Dead Air- I'm in it!! You can order directly from my website

Dead Air by Deborah Shlian & Linda Reid: why set the story on a college campus

People asked Deborah and Linda why they placed Dead Air, the story of an unethical medical research project, on a college campus. Here's what the authors said in a recent interview:

"We were both physicians at UCLA and have spent much of our professional lives on campuses, gaining first-hand experience with medical centers and research. Because less public money has been available in recent years for clinical studies, universities have increasingly looked to corporate or private moneyed entities for funding. These relationships have the potential to create conflicts of interest, negatively affecting the mission, vision, and operations of these institutions. Researchers, like the fictitious Dr. Palmer in our novel, may compromise ethics to meet corporate goals and objectives. Sadly, we've seen how inaccurate and false results on several drug studies have actually harmed real patients. As one reviewer wrote, 'Dead Air is eerily timely.'"

Check out more about Dead Air on my website. You can read Dead Air in hardback or eBook now. The audio version will be coming in a few months!

 

 

Dead Air and Devil Wind featured on The Chick Lit Show

Linda Reid and Deborah Shlian, authors of the series about me (Sammy Greene) are featured on The Chick Lit Show which hails from Australia. Click here for a look. Dead Air is available now in hardback, e-book and soon in audio. Devil Wind will be out in April. You can pre-order with a big discount from Amazon right now. Click on my website for the link.

Devil Wind by Deborah Shlian & Linda Reid: Keep fear alive

Anyone who went to or watched today's Washington, DC Rally for Sanity and/or Fear appreciates what Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert are trying to say: when you inject fear into a society, all rationality disappears. Actor Sam Waterston read a poem by Stephen Colbert (I'll try to get a copy) that essentially listed every possible imagined fear in one's life: from dirt in the food you eat, to potential muggers, to terrorists, to STDs, to bears (Stephen's worst fear) and on and on… The point is, it's time to bring "reasonableness" back into public dialogue- especially after an election "season" that hit new lows in terms of negativity.

This is 2010, but ironically, Devil Wind by Deborah Shlian and Linda Reid, which takes place just before Y2K (2000), addresses this very issue. Read what happens when a rogue CIA operative tries to inject fear into the upcoming presidential election in an effort to influence the outcome.

Devil Wind will be out in hardback, eBook and audio in April, 2011. Check out my website for the countdown. As the time gets closer, you'll be able to pre-order at a discount from Amazon. Bestselling authors, Donald Bain (Murder She Wrote), Gayle Lynds (Book of Spies), Dennis Palumbo (Murder Image), Susan Arnout Smith (Timer Game); nationally known radio talk show host, Barbara Whitesides and two-time Oscar winner for Hurt Locker, sound engineer, Paul Ottosson, all give the book a thumbs-up.

I can't wait to hear what you think…