David A. Cleinman's Blog, page 4

Kourageous Kids Storybooks

Today I am pleased to welcome Danielle and Matt Drake, authors of custom storybooks for children who are suffering from life-threatening illnesses. Their charity: Kourageous Kids Storybooks strives to bring hope to these children, and the families who love them. Matt and Danielle were recently featured on the initial broadcast of the Blog Talk Radio Book Junkies Interview Livecast, hosted by myself. You can enjoy the recording here: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/book-junkies-interview-livecast/2012/02/09/book-junkies-interviews-presents-danielle-and-matt-drake and then feel free to stop by FB group Book Junkies and share your thoughts.

1.     When did you decide to get serious about Kourageous Kids?

When we realized that our words had the power to reach children, the power to encourage them, and give them hope.

  2.     What inspired you to really get going with this?

Betty Dravis, with her attitude, made us realize there is a lot to be said for always being kind to people; and Kourageous Kids inspire us. Strong little fighters who are so amazing, they really are little heroes and heroines.

  3.     Share some information about your charity with us:

We write books for children with cancer and terminal illnesses, in which they are the heroes/heroines. We publish/print/ship each book out to the families, at no cost to them. We pay everything out of pocket. When we get ten or so stories we will make an anthology, and that will be available for purchase. Proceeds will go to NCCS and Stand Up to Cancer.  

  4.     What started you on the journey to write this these book Stories?

We found out a friend's child was going to have surgery. The idea was to write him stories to read while he recovered. Our story for him was unique, it featured him as the hero. His mom confided that he loves science and horror. So, after thinking about it, we wrote him a story about zombies. He learned that people were becoming zombies due to a lack of Malic acid and that apple juice was a sure cure. So, armed with a squirt gun, his little cuz, and a helpful officer, he saved the world in his short story. 

5.     What is your process for creating characters?

Well, we have parents send in a short bio of their child, with likes/dislikes, etc. We actually use info (Like their favourite food) To make them the focus of their story, along with photos, which are converted into sketches.

  6.     What does writing do for you, personally? How does it make you feel?

We feel like we are reaching people, helping bring hope and smiles to children who need it most. It is an amazing feeling. We want to be supportive, make a difference, and show these Kids we're rooting for them!

  7.     What new projects are you currently working on?

Well, we don't want to go into to much detail, but we are a tag team. I write, our support editors edit, and Matt takes over art/formatting/publishing. He drew the short straw. (laughs)

  8.     What is the story you remember best from childhood, and does it still influence your writing today? 

Danielle: I remember a story (The Rainbow Fish) about a fish with shiny scales. The story was about sharing, making others happy. I would say it does, indeed, influence me still. Matthew: The story of Ferdinand the Bull, its about judging people before you know them. It still influences me. 

  9.     Where do you see yourself as writers five years from now?

Tired, happy and with a full inbox, writing a lot of stories for a lot of very deserving children.

  10.  Is there anyone you'd like to give a mention to?

Betty Dravis, for reminding us that a kind heart opens doors, Cathy Speight, for spending hours tirelessly editing for us, and all our supporters. We wouldn't be here without support, and we really appreciate it. Finally, for Kourageous Kids everywhere, never give up.

11.  Any last words for our readers?

If you know any Kourageous Kids, please, send them our link. Feel free to stop by, chat, leave us comments, support, volunteer, or simply smile at all the love and joy.

For more info, to volunteer, or to just give some words of encouragement, please visit:

Http://www.wix.com/KourageousKids/Storybooks

Witch Way Olivia Hardin Bends

Today I welcome Olivia Hardin who has written the Bend-Bite-Shift paranormal romance trilogy. 

 

Tell us what the book is about:

Well it's the story of Devan Stowe.  She's on a mission to end her father's child trafficking business, so she teams up with Kent Crosby.  She thinks Kent and his associates were hired to track down and stop the Org too, and in a way she's right – what she doesn't know is thatKentis a witch and that all the members of his team have some sort of powers.  And of course she's even more shocked to eventually discover that she too possesses magic.  She has to learn to trust herself if she's ever going to stop the Org. 

What is special about the main character?

Devan is a lot of me and I think that's why I probably channeled her the way I did for my first book.  She's strong-willed but she isn't really self-confident.  That makes her very endearing, but also makes it easy for those she loves to want to "shelter" her a bit.  She has to learn that what's inside of her is what will get her where she needs to be and it takes a lot of support from old and new friends to do that.

What conflicts drive the story?

Well, there's the classic good versus evil undertone.  There are some really bad guys and even some who just walk the edge of bad.  But underneath it all is Devan's quest to learn about herself and what she's capable of doing.  And also she'll realize some of what she possesses can only truly be unlocked when she connects with others.

What would you say the theme of the book is?

I'd say the theme has a lot to do with the power of relationships – friendships in particular – and also of learning to find your true self. 

Who would be most interested in this novel?

I've had some lively discussions on what this book is about.  In my mind this is a paranormal romance, but a friend of mine has insisted that this is a "paranormal/fantasy" book with some romantic undertones.  So, what I hope this means is that there's something in the book for many different people.  I will say this is definitely an adult book.

What prompted you to write the book?

I wanted to write.  Honestly, I was approaching 35 and just felt like I was grasping at who I was.  If you asked anyone in my high school what they thought I'd be doing now, I think they would all have said I'd be a writer.  Somehow I forgot that over the years.  It was a need deep inside and since I've started doing it again it's been absolutely fulfilling.  So when I made the decision to pursue writing, I went back through old works I'd started years ago and found these three little pages based on a strange dream… and there it began!

When you write, how does it make you feel?

Oops, I guess I sort of answered that in the previous question.  It is usually a wonderful release for me.  By the time I get to sit down to the keyboard I've already been massaging ideas and scenes in my head and so I'm desperate to get them on paper.  That said, sometimes I have to force it.  There are days when the words just won't come, but I've learned that I just have to make myself sit and write something so that I don't lose the impetus.

What authors inspire you?  Whose books can't you put down?

A few years ago I read Karleen Koen.  Her first book evoked so much emotion in me that I was brought to tears by its tragedy.  And I loved every moment of it.  I was completely and irrevocably married to the characters and when I began writing I made myself the pledge that one day I want to write something that would touch someone in just that way.

Would you like to share any other stories or books that you have written?

I expect Book 2 of the Bend-Bite-Shift Trilogy to be released by the end of Spring.  Bitten Shame will be the story of Devan's best friend, Jill and the strange circumstances that lead to her becoming a vampire.  There's also a short story about Kent's best friend Langston.  That story, called "Tell A Soul," will be released in an upcoming anthology called Cupid Painted Blind.  That book should become available in the next month or so.

Please tell us about yourself and your family

Probably the first thing I tell people is that I'm a Texas girl, born and raised.  I can't help being proud of it – it must be something in our water here.  I live inEast Texas now with my husband, Danny and our pup, Bonnie.  I have a fascination with history and I like to include a history blurb at the end of each of my stories.  Aside from writing, I love to craft, though I've been known not to finish every project I start.  I also sometimes fancy myself an artist, though I'm usually too much of a perfectionist to enjoy my own work.  Folks can connect with me online here:

My Blog     Goodreads    Twitter    Facebook

What projects do you have planned for the future?

Book 3 in the Bend-Bite-Shift Trilogy will continue the original quest of the characters and will focus on a dhampire named Nicky and a shapeshifter named Gerry.  I expect to start writing Shifty Business soon, with expected publication late this year.  After I finish the trilogy I also have a story that I started last year when I participated in NaNoWriMo (for those who might not know, that's National Novel Writing Month) called Dark Road Winding.  It's a ghost story based on an urban legend. 

Kevin Domenic Talks About Key to the Stars

Today I welcome Kevin Dominic, who has taken a video game concept to a whole new level. As a VG aficionado myself, I love the idea and the interview.  Enjoy!

mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

Tell us what the book is about:

Overall, Key to the Stars is just one piece of a far greater story.  However, this particular book is about Arus Sheeth, a fourteen-year-old swordsman.  He and his best friend Vultrel Lurei are swordsmen under the tutelage of Vultrel's father, Eaisan Lurei.  Having survived a war against an invading race of sorcerers years earlier, Eaisan trains the boys in the ways of the blade so that they may one day be able to protect their village just as he once did.

But when Arus is kidnapped by remnants of those sorcerers and forced to fight against his own people, Eaisan and Vultrel set out on a journey to protect their kingdom and, if possible, save him. 

That is, of course, if there's any humanity left within him to save.

As a special gift, Kevin is offering a free coupon for a Smashwords copy! Just visit this link, and use coupon code: RN39V  http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/24099

What is special about the main character?

Arus is a real hero.  He fights for what is honest, dependable, moral, and just, and does the right thing for the simple reason that it is the right thing to do.  I've been very outspoken about my dislike for the antihero; I think we need role models that teach us to try to be better people.  I don't like protagonists that use underhanded tactics the achieve their goals.  It doesn't set a good example, and Arus is the opposite of all that.

What conflicts drive the story?

That's a loaded question.  Each character has their own distinct conflict driving them, and each are intertwined with the overall main story.  Arus struggles to cope with losing a piece of his humanity after being forcibly enslaved.  Vultrel must brave the dangers of the outside world when he goes undercover as a member of the village militia.  Kitreena encounters unexpected changes as her unique powers begin to develop.  And all of them race to stop Sartan Truce from exploiting his one-of-a-kind weapon for profit.  There's never a dull moment.

What would you say the theme of the book is?

My underlying theme throughout the entire series comes from Hebrews 10:24 in the Bible which is,  "Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works."  Help each other.  Love each other.  Fight for what's right.  I think Ghandi said it best when he said, "Be the change you want to see in the world."

Who would be most interested in this novel?

A couple of readers have called The Fourth Dimension a cross between Lord of the Rings and Star Wars, so I hope fans of both will be able to find something they like.  As far as age ranges, I think teens and adults alike can enjoy this book and hopefully take something positive away from it. 

What prompted you to write the book?

Final Fantasy III on Super Nintendo!  Best RPG ever.  The honest story is that I finished playing Final Fantasy III when I was fourteen and was disappointed because the story was over.  I wanted more, so I sat down and wrote a short sequel to the game.  I enjoyed it so much that I decided to try to create something completely original, and that's when I started the first draft of The Fourth Dimension.

When you write, how does it make you feel?

Free.  My imagination never stops, so even when I'm at work or doing household chores or shopping for groceries, the tales of swordplay and monsters and magic and space-faring warlords continue in the back of my mind.  When I write, I can actually focus on all of it and piece it together.  It's exhilarating to be able to jump into a world where anything can and will happen.

What authors inspire you?  Whose books can't you put down?

The first three or four books of The Wheel of Time were definite page-turners for me.  I still pick up Timothy Zahn's Star Wars books from time to time; Mara Jade was one of my favorite characters.  And just this past Christmas, I became a proud new owner of some of the most imaginative work I've ever come across:  The Complete Calvin & Hobbes Collection.

Would you like to share any other stories or books that you have written?

Yes!  Along with Key to the Stars, Volumes II andIIIare also available for purchase.  Volume II is entitled Alliance of Serpents, and VolumeIIIis called Eye of the Tornado.  Aside from those, I've also written a Christian novel called Building Blocks which is free from most ebook retailers, and a humor book called Retail Ramblings which is a collection of crazy (and true!) stories about customers I encountered during my years of servitude to the retail beast.

Please tell us about yourself and your family

I am 31 years old, and I live in St. Louis,Missouri with my fiance.  I work a day job as a client services representative, but at night I wield swords, conquer villains, and swim with stars in distant galaxies.  Laura has her own shop on Esty called Keilantra's Kreations where she sells handmade journals of various styles and fabrics. 

When I'm not writing, I enjoy video games, hockey, and sleeping.  I also do some amateur video editing on my Youtube page and try to keep readers entertained on my blog.

What projects do you have planned for the future?

I'm working on an as-of-yet unnamed writing project for my blog, but my next book is currently scheduled to be Volume IV of The Fourth Dimension.

A Chat With Kristina Jackson

Today Kristina Jackson is my guest. Kristina is a single Mum who writes paranormal/romances. Enjoy!

Welcome Kristina! Tell us what The Fool's Journey is about:

Can tarot cards really help a young woman whose life is not all it's cracked up to be? 

Moira is frustrated by her life and even more so because she just doesn't know what to do about it. A spur-of-the-moment decision to attend a psychic fair to get a tarot reading changes all of that. The Tarot reading helps her realise and see exactly what she should do. Moira's friends and family start to question her sanity when she consults pieces of card for guidance. When she decides to quit her job, sell her house and move away, they're sure of it. 

What do Tarot cards mean? Can they help her find out about herself and guide her to a happier future? What has an encounter with a poltergeist and a haunted chest got to do with Moira's journey to find fulfillment?

What is special about the main character?

She is strong. An independently minded woman, who is a Witch.

(My readers know this is my kind of girl! -DAC)

What conflicts drive the story?

Life! Oh, and a mystery chest.

What would you say the theme of the book is?

Paranormal! But nothing like you've read before.

That sounds intriguing! Who would be most interested in this novel?

Anyone who likes a book they cannot put down and those who are a sucker for a happy ending.

Paranormal is a unique genre, with wide open possibilities. What prompted you The Fool's Journey?

I've always wanted to write since I knew someone wrote books. This book, my love of a feel good story and the paranormal.

When you write, how does it make you feel?

I am a very soulful writer, in other words I do not just throw words onto paper. I weave the story. I use my senses, I feel their emotions.

You're really singing my tune here, Kristina! Soul, senses, emotions…I can't live without them in my writing! -DAC

What authors inspire you?  Whose books can't you put down?

J K Rowling because she was a single Mum, writing when she got chance whilst working. Terry Pratchett, because that is a man who has a wonderful imagination. Anyone who writes with passion.

Would you like to share any other stories or books that you have written?

A collection of Ghost Stories with a difference.

From one review:

Tales from the Beyond is comprised of a series of short ghost stories. The five tales are all different and very entertaining. Kristina has a great way of setting up the reader for a totally unexpected ending. I especially liked the last story, "Afraid" where the scared character actually turns out to be someone I would never have dreamed of. This collection of stories is just what a person needs when he/she wants a short easy to read book.

Please tell us about yourself and your family

I am a Wife, Mum of two. Owner of one Dog and Slave to two Cats.  When I am not writing I like reading tarot cards, following my path as a Witch. I am also creative beyond words. I knit, spin, crochet, sew and needlepoint.

What projects do you have planned for the future?

I am moving my work over to my Penname Kay Darling at the end of February. This is for several reasons. I am going to write erotica along with my mainstream work and whilst I am not worried about who knows it, I've decided it is best moved away from the family name. Also I have just become part of the Page Turners Publishing team, as head of Marketing. Therefore it allows me to keep my 'work' and my writing separate.

 

 

Brian Anderson Talks Book Sales

Today, Brian Anderson is my guest, and shares his insights about book sales. Insights that are both inspiring and practical. Enjoy! -DAC

 

I can see it now. You're staring at the screen. Hoping that your Amazon sales ranking improves. Nothing else matters. Your praying "Someone download my book". Then…..crap!!! It went up!!! An hour later….there you are again.

The tragedy is that in the time you spent worrying about Amazon, you could have sold books. Lots of books. Lots and lots of books. Created a fan base. Made yourself known. But instead you spent your time staring at Amazon.

Don't get me wrong, Amazon is a great sales source, but they are not the only game in town. Moreover, they're not the best game in town. As an independent writer your best chance to sell a book is by selling it yourself. By becoming a published writer (self published or small press…there is little difference) you have opened a small business. In order to promote that business you must remove yourself from the emotional attachment you have to your product. Yes….that's right. You have to quit loving your book.

I have just asked every writer to do the seemingly impossible. But, unless to have an agent to do your footwork for you, I'm telling you what you MUST do. Your book is a product. Treat it like a product. When I was a sales professional, I had to look at what I was selling objectively. Also, I had to appreciate that no matter how good the product, it doesn't sell unless I sell it. You can write the best novel ever written , but if you can't treat your book like a commodity, who will ever know about it?

Okay…you've somehow disassociated yourself from the thing you put all of your heart and soul into, and you're ready. You've logged off Amazon, turned off the computer, and you're primed to sell books. "Now what, mister smarty pants?" you ask. "How do I do it?"

Here's the thing. There is no formula. You're independent. That means that you must think independently. I'll give some suggestions, but the real work is yours, and yours alone.

One: Local support. Find local businesses that will sell your book. Don't limit yourself to bookstores. If the deli around the corner will sell it…put it there…or the taxidermist, or the barber…anyone willing.

Two: Sell plugs. If you can manage a blog spot or any media coverage, offer a plug to anyone that will order at least 5 copies of your book from the publisher. In order to get wholesale prices, most publishers require an order of at least 5 copies.

Three: A booth. Find a place to set up a booth. Sell your book one on one. This goes a long way towards great PR. Besides, you can keep all the profits.

Four: This is the most important one. Listen!!! What has worked for other authors? If they're selling books, find out how. Make their knowledge yours.

The rest is up to you. I can think of a million ways to sell books…but so can you. 

Review of Dixon Rice's The Assassin's Club

The Assassin's Club is the saga of various types of psychosis, in a way, and chronicles the lives of the good, the bad, and the ugly, and their attempts to control their worlds in their own unique ways. Good and bad. In this action-filled romp, the author takes us through the mind of the founder of the club, Tyler Goode, and his desire to bring balance to the world by destroying its exploiters of the young: women and men who have been used, abused, and defrauded at the hands of the wealthy, and or powerful. It also takes us through the mind of Jesus, or an individual who truly believes he is, in a sweeping side-story that is as original as it is disturbing.

The Club gets its start when Tyler kills a brutish lout in self defense. Instead of feeling guilty, he decides that one fewer criminal is a boon to society, and so begins his campaign of clever assassinations. Later he is joined by two deputies who have been observing him, and want to form an Assassin's Club.

The side-story is cleverly weaved into the book, and I will not say much about it, except to say Tyler and his club is not the only "assassin's club" out there, and they are destined to collide at some point in the book.

One of my favorite forms of novel is the one where you can visualize the fiction as if it were non-fiction. So real you can taste it. This is the case with this novel. I can picture myself driving through the region (much of which is real Montana), eating at these restaurants and taverns, talking with the characters, and even joining a shoot-out or two. I would also not mind getting to know some of the women Tyler meets and enjoys.

Parts of this novel are action-adventure, some could be classified as horror, it definitely has excellent elements of psychological thriller, and overall, it is a character driven story. It has something for everyone (adults that is), and is written at a pace that even wears out the main character.

Of the hundreds of books I have read in the past few years, I can honestly say this novel has few flaws. It is immaculately crafted and every loose end is neatly tied and wrapped. The end leaves an opening for an endless array of possibilities, and there is a sequel in the works, according to the author's note.

The Assassin's Club stands out as an exceptional work of fiction that will grab you, draw you in, and keep you engaged from start to finish. When you are done, plan on wanting to start the next book immediately.

This novel gets five stars from me, and that does not come lightly.

I Interview Cheryl Bradshaw!

Today I welcome Cheryl Bradshaw as my guest! Cheryl happened to be very busy the last time we tried to get together, and I'm happy to say we finally managed it! For those who don't know, Cheryl is the founder of the Facebook group Indie Writers Unite. Where I spend a lot of quality time.

Cheryl

Welcome Cheryl! Tell us what your book is about

What if you'd been given a second chance to catch your sister's killer—would you take it? And if you did, would a lifetime behind bars be justice enough, or would you need to see him dead?

MEET SLOANE

Private Investigator Sloane Monroe has solved every case that's come across her desk with the exception of one—the brutal murder of her sister Gabrielle.

Three years have passed without a trace of the killer until today, when a young woman's body is discovered on a patch of dirt in front of the local supermarket at daybreak. Now Sloane is faced with the most difficult challenge of her life—finding a man who's a master at concealing his identity before he captures his next victim and sends them to eternal rest.

MEET SAM

Park City, Utah was a peaceful place until Sinnerman came to town.

Enter the mind of Sam Reids, a serial killer who slashes his trademark letter S into the wrist of his female victims before he discards their body in the same place he found them.

Who is he, and why does he prey on innocent women?

I know she has suffered a great loss. Tell us more about the main character

She has been given a second chance to avenge her sister's death as well as the opportunity to save lives in the process.  She's passionate and doesn't let anyone get in the way of a goal once she's set it. 

I definitely like passionate and determined female characters!

What conflicts drive the story?

The biggest conflict for Sloane is whether she will be able to turn Sam over to the police to face justice or if she will end his life to satisfy her need for revenge.  Three years of pent-up anger, range and sadness over a loved one does that to a person

I can see that as completely realistic…I've seen it happen!

What would you say the theme of the book is?

It's a dark thriller. 

Who would be most interested in this novel?

Anyone who enjoys mysteries/thrillers, stories about serial killers, stories with a strong female lead. 

This concept is pretty unique. How did you come to write the book?

First and foremost, I love writing fiction that pulls a reader in and takes them out of the ordinary in their lives.  I've also been fascinated with the lives of serial killers since I was a teenager, and I wanted to incorporate some of my knowledge into why they kill and what motivates them into this novel. I've had a lot of feedback from readers on this who enjoyed that aspect.   

I very much enjoy the psychological aspects of thrillers. It adds real dimension and impact.

When you write, how does it make you feel?

Liberated.  Free.  I've always felt like I'm a mediocre verbal communicator, but when I write, the words flow out faster than I can get them down on paper.

I can identify with that, completely.

What authors inspire you?  Whose books can't you put down?

Agatha Christie, Robert B. Parker.  I'm the pickiest of readers.  If a book doesn't pull me in by page three, I'm done, no matter who the author is.  

Would you like to share any other stories or books that you have written?

Book 1

Book 2

Book 3 (Spring 2012)

Romantic Suspense Novella

 

 

 

 

 

Please tell us about yourself and your family

I grew up in sunny California but married into the Wild West of Wyoming near the area that Butch Cassidy once hid out (true story).  I have a few girls and one day hope to move to Jackson Hole or back to Park City, Utah where I lived for a few years prior to getting married. 

I've been writing since I was in middle school, and used to make up stories for my sister at bedtime.  It took twenty years to write my first novel, but now I put out at least two a year. 

***In 2011, Sinnerman was nominated for a Whitney Award. 

***In 2011, I formed the author group Indie Writers Unite on Facebook and have over 900 members.

***I also run two blogs: Unearth the Clues for Writers, and Cheryl Bradshaw Books for Readers.

What projects do you have planned for the future?

I am finishing up I Have a Secret (Spring 2012) and will also write the fourth in the series this year as well as one or two more novellas.