Timothy Best's Blog, page 2
April 11, 2018
THE THING WITH MARGOT IS ROMANCE MAGAZINE'S "EDITOR'S PICK."
I’m very pleased to share that my latest novel, The Thing With Margot, is one of this month’s “Editor’s Picks” in the April edition of In D’ Tale Magazine, a magazine for the romance reader enthusiast. http://magazine.indtale.com/magazine/... (Review is on pages 83.)
The Thing With Margot received a four-and-a-half star rating out of five stars, and five out of five tea kettles for “steaminess.” (We are talking romance, after all.) This superb review also makes the novel eligible for nomination into the RONE Awards, an annual award for the romance book industry sponsored by In D’ Tale. I’ll blog more about this in future months.
This is the second time I’ve been fortunate enough to be an “Editor’s Pick” in In D’ Tale. My novel, Substitute Angel, was also an “Editor’s Pick,” a few years back.
I sure do thank Viola Robins of In D’ Tale for her review! It’s the kind praise writers dream about.
Here’s what she wrote:
ROMANTIC COMEDY: Margot is a 27-year-old Canadian who takes many by surprise. A secret agent, she has traveled the world over. Her superiors know she and can get in and out quick and get any job done. Although messy at times, she’s has had to have a few governments create cover stories for some mishaps along the way. When ordered to take time off and stay out of sight for a while, she begins to settle and see what life is like on the other side of all the crimes and killings.
She meets a local college professor named Bennett who comes to her rescue when some unruly frat boys harass her while she is out for an evening stroll. Little does Bennett know that she is no damsel in distress, and it turns into a nice friendly relationship.
Mr. Best has penned a true winner with “The Thing With Margot!” This book has so much action packed in the pages that readers will be transported to the chaotic world of international crime bosses. The story is a steady flow of assassinations, aliases, and cover up stories galore. Creative scenarios are wonderfully written as Margot and her teams attempt to track down some very vicious criminals. Margot’s resume (sharp shooter, martial arts whiz, jet pilot, and a great cook) may be too good to be true for some readers, but Mr. Best makes it all work and delivers a beautiful ending tied up with a big red bow!
The Thing With Margot received a four-and-a-half star rating out of five stars, and five out of five tea kettles for “steaminess.” (We are talking romance, after all.) This superb review also makes the novel eligible for nomination into the RONE Awards, an annual award for the romance book industry sponsored by In D’ Tale. I’ll blog more about this in future months.
This is the second time I’ve been fortunate enough to be an “Editor’s Pick” in In D’ Tale. My novel, Substitute Angel, was also an “Editor’s Pick,” a few years back.
I sure do thank Viola Robins of In D’ Tale for her review! It’s the kind praise writers dream about.
Here’s what she wrote:
ROMANTIC COMEDY: Margot is a 27-year-old Canadian who takes many by surprise. A secret agent, she has traveled the world over. Her superiors know she and can get in and out quick and get any job done. Although messy at times, she’s has had to have a few governments create cover stories for some mishaps along the way. When ordered to take time off and stay out of sight for a while, she begins to settle and see what life is like on the other side of all the crimes and killings.
She meets a local college professor named Bennett who comes to her rescue when some unruly frat boys harass her while she is out for an evening stroll. Little does Bennett know that she is no damsel in distress, and it turns into a nice friendly relationship.
Mr. Best has penned a true winner with “The Thing With Margot!” This book has so much action packed in the pages that readers will be transported to the chaotic world of international crime bosses. The story is a steady flow of assassinations, aliases, and cover up stories galore. Creative scenarios are wonderfully written as Margot and her teams attempt to track down some very vicious criminals. Margot’s resume (sharp shooter, martial arts whiz, jet pilot, and a great cook) may be too good to be true for some readers, but Mr. Best makes it all work and delivers a beautiful ending tied up with a big red bow!
March 16, 2018
AN APOLOGY, MARGOT’S RAVES, AND AN UPDATE ON THE NEXT NOVEL.
I’d like to begin with an apology. It’s been too long between blogs. My last blog was way back in October of 2017. That’s, like, three years in a K-9’s life, and I’ve been a dog for not blogging sooner! But, there were reasons. The biggest one was a new job in the advertising business (my primary source of income) caused my family to move to northern Colorado. New job, new state, new house, and all the settling in that goes with it. We love it here, btw. Every morning, I see the usually snow-capped Rocky Mountains as I drive to work. A few days ago, my wife and I saw a bald eagle hunting on the front range of mountains. We feel very fortunate to live in a place that others travel to for vacation. But it has taken me away from maintaining regular communication with friends and readers, so, I apologize.
Next, I’d like to thank everyone for their kind reviews and comments about my latest novel, The Thing With Margot. Not only have the reviews been kind, they’ve been—well—raves! “Best thing you’ve ever written,” I’ve heard many folks say, and they’re not even related! I know that Margot is the sexiest and most action-packed book I’ve ever written, and I don’t quite know what people liked so much. Should I be writing more sex? More action? Either way, I’ll try to keep the momentum going, which brings me to the next topic.
I’ve been working hot and heavy on my new novel called The Ambassador’s Daughter. Set in the present day, it’s the story of the first romantic relationship between a human (him) and an alien (her) from another world. Like The Thing With Margot, it’s filled with plenty of action and international intrigue. Like Substitute Angel and The Intended Ones, it involves main characters with supernatural abilities. The book is also, like earlier works, largely set in Michigan. That’s partly because it happened to suit the story, and partly a nod of the hat to my home state. I’ve now lived in six states and have enjoyed each experience immensely, but I still consider Michigan home, even though I haven’t actually lived there in decades.
If you haven’t checked out The Thing With Margot yet, please do so. Yes, I’m in the advertising business so I have a penchant for selling things, but readers REALLY seem to like this one! I’ve heard everything from it’s a woman-empowering story, to it’s a great action-adventure, to it's a very tender and funny love story. Not all of those descriptions seem to make sense within the covers of one book, but that’s what it is. So, again, please add it to your reading list; and if you get it on Amazon, a nice review is always appreciated.
I suppose another reason why it’s been so long between blogs is because I don’t blog unless I’ve got something to say. I figure the world is oversaturated with content as it is, so I don’t write regularly and editorialize on things like politics, pop culture, current events, etc. I think a writer’s blog should be about writing, either theirs or someone else’. So that’s what I try to keep focused on, although, no doubt, a little editorializing sneaks in here and there.
Anyway, as ever, my deep thanks for taking the time to visit my page. Enjoy the colors and rebirth that is spring and I’ll be in touch more often.
Next, I’d like to thank everyone for their kind reviews and comments about my latest novel, The Thing With Margot. Not only have the reviews been kind, they’ve been—well—raves! “Best thing you’ve ever written,” I’ve heard many folks say, and they’re not even related! I know that Margot is the sexiest and most action-packed book I’ve ever written, and I don’t quite know what people liked so much. Should I be writing more sex? More action? Either way, I’ll try to keep the momentum going, which brings me to the next topic.
I’ve been working hot and heavy on my new novel called The Ambassador’s Daughter. Set in the present day, it’s the story of the first romantic relationship between a human (him) and an alien (her) from another world. Like The Thing With Margot, it’s filled with plenty of action and international intrigue. Like Substitute Angel and The Intended Ones, it involves main characters with supernatural abilities. The book is also, like earlier works, largely set in Michigan. That’s partly because it happened to suit the story, and partly a nod of the hat to my home state. I’ve now lived in six states and have enjoyed each experience immensely, but I still consider Michigan home, even though I haven’t actually lived there in decades.
If you haven’t checked out The Thing With Margot yet, please do so. Yes, I’m in the advertising business so I have a penchant for selling things, but readers REALLY seem to like this one! I’ve heard everything from it’s a woman-empowering story, to it’s a great action-adventure, to it's a very tender and funny love story. Not all of those descriptions seem to make sense within the covers of one book, but that’s what it is. So, again, please add it to your reading list; and if you get it on Amazon, a nice review is always appreciated.
I suppose another reason why it’s been so long between blogs is because I don’t blog unless I’ve got something to say. I figure the world is oversaturated with content as it is, so I don’t write regularly and editorialize on things like politics, pop culture, current events, etc. I think a writer’s blog should be about writing, either theirs or someone else’. So that’s what I try to keep focused on, although, no doubt, a little editorializing sneaks in here and there.
Anyway, as ever, my deep thanks for taking the time to visit my page. Enjoy the colors and rebirth that is spring and I’ll be in touch more often.
October 30, 2017
NEW BOOK COMING NOVEMBER 10!
I’m happy to share that my latest novel from TouchPoint Press, The Thing With Margot will be released Friday, November 10. Just in time for the holidays if you want to give yourself or someone you love the gift of literature. If you’d like to pre-order the e-book, here’s the link:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076XSN5RX
It’s the story of an unassuming but charming history professor at the University of Alabama who becomes involved with a young woman who seems to be the perfect, Disney-like girl next door. She loves to bake, decorate, watch Hallmark movies on TV, and her iPod is full of romantic, upbeat love songs. But she’s also got a secret. She happens to be a deadly assassin for a foreign government who’s in hiding. When the brother of her latest victim tracks her down in Tuscaloosa, AL, it triggers a series of events that takes our heroine on a chase around the world. The novel is certainly a love story, but it’s also packed with plenty of action and laughs. As the outside cover promises: “Margot is killer fun!”
A large part of the book takes place in Tuscaloosa and was inspired by my three years as an Adjunct Professor there. But key scenes also take place in London, Paris, Moscow, Ottawa, the deserts of Iraq, and the jungles of Serra Leone to name but a few. I’m really proud of The Thing With Margot and sure hope you’ll check it out.
I’m also thankful to my publisher, Sheri Williams, for not only her continued faith in my writing but also her patience with the cover. Although I appreciated the efforts that went into the first version of it, I didn’t think it accurately reflected the story inside, so Sheri commissioned another version that, for me, was spot on. When you buy a book, DVD, CD, or album, I believe the packaging outside is just as much a part of the experience as the entertainment inside. This is partially because of my background in advertising and partly because I’m a child of the late 1960’s and 70’s. I remember how excited I was when I was a teenager and my favorite musical artists released new albums. Even though I was purchasing music, the cover art was an intrinsic part of the experience. It represented the physical look and feel of the music and, if the album happened to come with a poster inside, so much the better! So I really appreciate the extra effort that went into the cover.
But there’s no poster. Sorry.
As I write this, I’m looking out of my office window at the snow-capped Rocky Mountains. Besides the new book, I’ve taken a new job as a Creative Director with an ad agency in northern Colorado and am in the process of moving my family from Alabama where we’ve been for the past seven years. So my heroine, Margot, isn’t the only one having a grand adventure these days.
Besides the new book, please remember that my previous TouchPoint Press novels are also available, and they likewise make wonderful stocking stuffers. Especially the e-books, which go for a modest $3.99. They include:
• Substitute Angel: a paramedic in a small town in northern Michigan hits a deer in a
snowstorm one night while driving home from work. At least, he thinks it’s deer. But it actually
turns out to be an angel sent down from heaven to prevent the murder of a local young woman. Though not a Christmas story per-se, most of the book takes place between December 1st through the 24th.
• The Intended Ones: It’s both the sequel and the prequel to Substitute Angel. The book volleys back and forth in time, telling the stories of the angel who used to live the same small northern Michigan town in the 1950’s until her unexpected death, and the paramedic in the present day, who has fallen in love with the young woman he and the angel helped save in Substitute Angel. You don’t have to read the first book to get the second, but certain events and descriptions will mean more if you do.
• A Farm In Pennsylvania: Winner of a 2016 Gold MarCom award for “Best E-Book.” Unrelated to my first two novels, it’s the story of a farmer from Ohio in 1863 who travels to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania five weeks after the notorious battle is fought there searching for his missing brother. While there, he becomes involved in the lives of a young Hispanic woman and her son, the farm they run, and the woman’s brutal taskmaster of a husband.
May you all have a joyous holiday season and, as always, many, many thanks for your continued interest and reading!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076XSN5RX
It’s the story of an unassuming but charming history professor at the University of Alabama who becomes involved with a young woman who seems to be the perfect, Disney-like girl next door. She loves to bake, decorate, watch Hallmark movies on TV, and her iPod is full of romantic, upbeat love songs. But she’s also got a secret. She happens to be a deadly assassin for a foreign government who’s in hiding. When the brother of her latest victim tracks her down in Tuscaloosa, AL, it triggers a series of events that takes our heroine on a chase around the world. The novel is certainly a love story, but it’s also packed with plenty of action and laughs. As the outside cover promises: “Margot is killer fun!”
A large part of the book takes place in Tuscaloosa and was inspired by my three years as an Adjunct Professor there. But key scenes also take place in London, Paris, Moscow, Ottawa, the deserts of Iraq, and the jungles of Serra Leone to name but a few. I’m really proud of The Thing With Margot and sure hope you’ll check it out.
I’m also thankful to my publisher, Sheri Williams, for not only her continued faith in my writing but also her patience with the cover. Although I appreciated the efforts that went into the first version of it, I didn’t think it accurately reflected the story inside, so Sheri commissioned another version that, for me, was spot on. When you buy a book, DVD, CD, or album, I believe the packaging outside is just as much a part of the experience as the entertainment inside. This is partially because of my background in advertising and partly because I’m a child of the late 1960’s and 70’s. I remember how excited I was when I was a teenager and my favorite musical artists released new albums. Even though I was purchasing music, the cover art was an intrinsic part of the experience. It represented the physical look and feel of the music and, if the album happened to come with a poster inside, so much the better! So I really appreciate the extra effort that went into the cover.
But there’s no poster. Sorry.
As I write this, I’m looking out of my office window at the snow-capped Rocky Mountains. Besides the new book, I’ve taken a new job as a Creative Director with an ad agency in northern Colorado and am in the process of moving my family from Alabama where we’ve been for the past seven years. So my heroine, Margot, isn’t the only one having a grand adventure these days.
Besides the new book, please remember that my previous TouchPoint Press novels are also available, and they likewise make wonderful stocking stuffers. Especially the e-books, which go for a modest $3.99. They include:
• Substitute Angel: a paramedic in a small town in northern Michigan hits a deer in a
snowstorm one night while driving home from work. At least, he thinks it’s deer. But it actually
turns out to be an angel sent down from heaven to prevent the murder of a local young woman. Though not a Christmas story per-se, most of the book takes place between December 1st through the 24th.
• The Intended Ones: It’s both the sequel and the prequel to Substitute Angel. The book volleys back and forth in time, telling the stories of the angel who used to live the same small northern Michigan town in the 1950’s until her unexpected death, and the paramedic in the present day, who has fallen in love with the young woman he and the angel helped save in Substitute Angel. You don’t have to read the first book to get the second, but certain events and descriptions will mean more if you do.
• A Farm In Pennsylvania: Winner of a 2016 Gold MarCom award for “Best E-Book.” Unrelated to my first two novels, it’s the story of a farmer from Ohio in 1863 who travels to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania five weeks after the notorious battle is fought there searching for his missing brother. While there, he becomes involved in the lives of a young Hispanic woman and her son, the farm they run, and the woman’s brutal taskmaster of a husband.
May you all have a joyous holiday season and, as always, many, many thanks for your continued interest and reading!
September 26, 2017
NEW BOOK COMING SOON!
It’s been a while between posts but a lot’s been going on with yours truly. One big piece of news is my family has moved from Birmingham, Alabama, to Loveland, Colorado due to a new Creative Director job I’ve taken with a great ad agency. Colorado is beautiful and my new office has a splendid view of the snow-capped Rockies. If you’ve ever made a move, you know the thousand-and-one-things involved: from putting your house on the market, to packing things up, to looking for a new house, to trying to get to the grocery store in your new town without having to use the GPS. We’re also adjusting to a true change of season, something we really didn’t have in the South, unless you want to count “humid” and “non-humid” as seasons.
Another big piece of news is I’ve been preparing my next book, The Thing With Margot, for release. As I write this, I’m pretty sure the release date is going to be October 6, but I’ll keep you posted on this. I’m so grateful to the folks at Touchpoint Press and my publisher, Sheri Williams, for their continued belief in my work. This’ll make two books I’ve put out this year, and I’m three-quarters of the way finished with the next one. So, between promoting A Farm In Pennsylvania, which came out in February, getting a new job, moving, preparing The Thing With Margot for release, then the working on the next book, life has been busy.
After spending over a year researching and writing A Farm In Pennsylvania, which was set in the 1860’s, it was a nice change of pace to hop into the present day and write The Thing With Margot. It’s the story of a college professor who leads a quiet life, then falls for a Disney-type young lady who loves to bake, decorate, wear skirts, and watch Hallmark movies. Problem is, she also happens to be a deadly assassin for a foreign government that’s in hiding.
The book certainly has its share of romance, but it’s also got some laughs and plenty of action. It also ping-pongs the reader around the world with locations that include London, Ottawa, Paris, Moscow, the deserts of Iraq, the jungles of Sera Leone, the Florida Keys and, of course, good ol’ Tuscaloosa, Alabama, home of the U of A Crimson Tide.
In fact, 70% of the book takes place there and was heavily influenced by my three years as an Adjunct Professor. I taught copywriting there during the spring terms of 2013, 2014 and 2015 and the book is dedicated to both my students and my former department head, Joe Phelps. It’s also dedicated with love to my sister Sue, who has always been a strong supporter of my writing.
Soooo, I hope you’ll check out my two offerings of the year. For old-world romance set during America's Civil War: A Farm In Pennsylvania. For modern-day romance with round-the-world action and smiles: The Thing With Margot, coming soon. Hopefully, Friday, October 6.
Another big piece of news is I’ve been preparing my next book, The Thing With Margot, for release. As I write this, I’m pretty sure the release date is going to be October 6, but I’ll keep you posted on this. I’m so grateful to the folks at Touchpoint Press and my publisher, Sheri Williams, for their continued belief in my work. This’ll make two books I’ve put out this year, and I’m three-quarters of the way finished with the next one. So, between promoting A Farm In Pennsylvania, which came out in February, getting a new job, moving, preparing The Thing With Margot for release, then the working on the next book, life has been busy.
After spending over a year researching and writing A Farm In Pennsylvania, which was set in the 1860’s, it was a nice change of pace to hop into the present day and write The Thing With Margot. It’s the story of a college professor who leads a quiet life, then falls for a Disney-type young lady who loves to bake, decorate, wear skirts, and watch Hallmark movies. Problem is, she also happens to be a deadly assassin for a foreign government that’s in hiding.
The book certainly has its share of romance, but it’s also got some laughs and plenty of action. It also ping-pongs the reader around the world with locations that include London, Ottawa, Paris, Moscow, the deserts of Iraq, the jungles of Sera Leone, the Florida Keys and, of course, good ol’ Tuscaloosa, Alabama, home of the U of A Crimson Tide.
In fact, 70% of the book takes place there and was heavily influenced by my three years as an Adjunct Professor. I taught copywriting there during the spring terms of 2013, 2014 and 2015 and the book is dedicated to both my students and my former department head, Joe Phelps. It’s also dedicated with love to my sister Sue, who has always been a strong supporter of my writing.
Soooo, I hope you’ll check out my two offerings of the year. For old-world romance set during America's Civil War: A Farm In Pennsylvania. For modern-day romance with round-the-world action and smiles: The Thing With Margot, coming soon. Hopefully, Friday, October 6.
June 6, 2017
Get a #free #ebook from author Timothy Best!
Buy any 2 paperbacks by Timothy Best during the month of June and get the ebook edition (any single format) of any 1 of Timothy's titles free (with proof of purchase*)
All Timothy Best award-winning titles are perfect for any occasion including #FathersDay, #graduation, #traveling, or grab for a great #beachread
Substitute Angel
The Intended Ones (the sequel & prequel to Substitute Angel)
A Farm In Pennsylvania
Available at #Amazon #BarnesandNoble #BAM and other major retailers
"With a solid plot of plenty of buildup, the characters almost jump off the page. The action and history will keep romance fans involved from start to finish."--InD'Tale Magazine, review of A Farm In Pennsylvania, May 2017
*Proof of purchase must dated between June 1 -30, 2017 to receive your free ebook. Submit proof to media@touchpointpress.com. Submissions received after June 30 are not eligible.
All Timothy Best award-winning titles are perfect for any occasion including #FathersDay, #graduation, #traveling, or grab for a great #beachread
Substitute Angel
The Intended Ones (the sequel & prequel to Substitute Angel)
A Farm In Pennsylvania
Available at #Amazon #BarnesandNoble #BAM and other major retailers
"With a solid plot of plenty of buildup, the characters almost jump off the page. The action and history will keep romance fans involved from start to finish."--InD'Tale Magazine, review of A Farm In Pennsylvania, May 2017
*Proof of purchase must dated between June 1 -30, 2017 to receive your free ebook. Submit proof to media@touchpointpress.com. Submissions received after June 30 are not eligible.
May 14, 2017
NEW NOVEL GETS 4 STAR RATING, PLUS A BIG JUNE PROMOTION IS COMING!
I’m happy to announce that my latest novel, A Farm In Pennsylvania, just got a pretty stellar review in In D’Tale Magazine, the leading online publication for the romance reader enthusiast. It received a four star (Excellent) rating and was also awarded three out of five tea kettles for its “steaminess.” A one tea kettle rating is hand holding, and a five tea kettle rating is a book you’d hide in a drawer. So, three tea kettles is a great place to be. Among other things, the review said:
“With a solid plot and plenty of build up, the characters almost jump off the page. The action and history intermingled will keep historical romance fans involved from start to finish.”
Wow! Thank you Sarah Bradley of In D’Tale!
A lot of people have asked me about a sequel to this book. It seems A Farm In Pennsylvania has struck a positive chord with folks. One of the reasons I was so intrigued with the idea in the first place was there have been tens-of-thousands of books written about the battle of Gettysburg, but none that I know of that are love stories set in the aftermath of the battle. So I’m delighted the response has been so enthused.
When I wrote the book, I did jot down some notes on how the story could continue, so maybe a sequel is indeed a someday project. But in the immediate future, I’ve got two other manuscripts in the pipeline. The Thing With Margot, which is tentatively scheduled for release this summer, and, The Ambassador’s Daughter, which will hopefully be released in 2018. I’ll write more about both of these novels in future blogs.
In the meantime, my publisher, TouchPoint Press, is going to run a promotion on my catalog during the month of June. (It’s so surreal to even say I’ve got a “catalog.”) Buy any two of my books in paperback, and get a third one free on Kindle. Pretty sweet, eh?
So, you could buy two paperback copies of A Farm In Pennsylvania to give to friends for summer reading, then get a third Kindle version for yourself absolutely free. Or, get my first TouchPoint Press novel, Substitute Angel, its follow-up, The Intended Ones, both in paperback, then get A Farm In Pennsylvania on Kindle. All three titles are award-winning and all three were rated four stars or higher by In D Tale Magazine.
I’ll write more about the promotion in the next blog about how to verify proof of purchase and all that other legal stuff. But for now, please keep it in the back of your mind and don’t forget, if you’d like me to address your book club via Skype, just reach out.
As always, my deep thanks for your continued interest and support!
“With a solid plot and plenty of build up, the characters almost jump off the page. The action and history intermingled will keep historical romance fans involved from start to finish.”
Wow! Thank you Sarah Bradley of In D’Tale!
A lot of people have asked me about a sequel to this book. It seems A Farm In Pennsylvania has struck a positive chord with folks. One of the reasons I was so intrigued with the idea in the first place was there have been tens-of-thousands of books written about the battle of Gettysburg, but none that I know of that are love stories set in the aftermath of the battle. So I’m delighted the response has been so enthused.
When I wrote the book, I did jot down some notes on how the story could continue, so maybe a sequel is indeed a someday project. But in the immediate future, I’ve got two other manuscripts in the pipeline. The Thing With Margot, which is tentatively scheduled for release this summer, and, The Ambassador’s Daughter, which will hopefully be released in 2018. I’ll write more about both of these novels in future blogs.
In the meantime, my publisher, TouchPoint Press, is going to run a promotion on my catalog during the month of June. (It’s so surreal to even say I’ve got a “catalog.”) Buy any two of my books in paperback, and get a third one free on Kindle. Pretty sweet, eh?
So, you could buy two paperback copies of A Farm In Pennsylvania to give to friends for summer reading, then get a third Kindle version for yourself absolutely free. Or, get my first TouchPoint Press novel, Substitute Angel, its follow-up, The Intended Ones, both in paperback, then get A Farm In Pennsylvania on Kindle. All three titles are award-winning and all three were rated four stars or higher by In D Tale Magazine.
I’ll write more about the promotion in the next blog about how to verify proof of purchase and all that other legal stuff. But for now, please keep it in the back of your mind and don’t forget, if you’d like me to address your book club via Skype, just reach out.
As always, my deep thanks for your continued interest and support!
March 27, 2017
A FARM IN PENNSYLVANIA GETS AN “A” WITH TEACHERS.
Recently I’ve been speaking to book clubs around the country either through Skype or FaceTime to promote my latest novel, A Farm In Pennsylvania.
It’s set in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, 1863, just a month or so after the battle of Gettysburg. A battle that most historians believe changed the course of the American Civil War. It’s the story of a man named John Dorian from a prominent farm family in Ohio. He comes to town looking for a brother who was with the Union army and is now reported as missing. What he finds is a place still smoldering from the largest single battle ever fought in the Western hemisphere. Gettysburg is bursting at the seams with left-behind wounded, morbidly curious tourists, and other people like John trying to learn the fate of loved ones.
He winds up working for room and board at a farm a couple of miles out of town. It’s run by a lonely Hispanic woman name Maria Samuels who is trying to maintain her husband’s property while he’s off fighting for the Union. But John soon learns that Maria and her nine-year-old son from a previous marriage are virtually prisoners. This is partly because of their skin color, partly because Maria’s husband has a fearful reputation for having a violent temper, and partly because a no-account childhood friend of her husband who is supposed to look after them has actually become their taskmaster.
Since this story is a romance, I’ll reveal that John and Maria become involved and discover that theirs is the kind of intense, passionate love that happens once in a lifetime. But their story is also etched with twists and turns that’ll both surprise you and keep the pages turning. At least, that’s the consensus of a book club of teachers I recently spoke to in Florida.
Although most of these teachers lived and worked in the Sarasota area, there were a couple from different areas of the county who were guests of the regular Sarasota group because they visiting on Spring break. One was from New York while another was from North Dakota. So I had a nice little sampling of teacher/readers from around the country in this one group of nine women.
Since this is a historical novel, the teachers, being teachers, were looking for historical inaccuracies in the story. Happily they didn’t find any in the battle references, or the description of Gettysburg at the time, or the clothing, or the medical procedure narrative, or the weapons. So, they found themselves concentrating on the language and dialog of my characters.
For example, in one exchange of dialog, one of my female characters says to the main protagonist: “It’s you, you dolt!” The teachers wondered: “Was ‘dolt’ a word that would’ve been used in Pennsylvania in 1863?” Turns out the answer was yes. But as the author, I had already researched this. In another dialog exchange, one of my characters refers to another as “A big dick.” The teachers wondered: “Was ‘dick’ a slang expression that would’ve been used in 1863?” Once again, the answer was yes. Someone in the group told me the origin of the word as slang can be traced back to the early 1700’s. They looked it up.
“Man,” I thought to myself as I was FaceTiming with these women, “these teachers are tough!”
But I learned that they had found historical flaws and caught modern language in historical novels before and, at least for them, it really interfered with the suspension of disbelief. So they were pleased that I’d done my homework. They were also unanimous in wanting to read a sequel. This is actually the second book club I’ve spoken to that has mentioned this to me. Hmmm… are you listening, my friends at TouchPoint Press?
The teachers then wanted to know if I had an outline for a sequel yet. I answered that I had a few ideas and shared some plot lines with them. This sparked some very lively discussion. One teacher said: “No, that character would never do that in a follow up story.” While another argued: “Sure she would. Don’t you remember in Chapter 3 of this book how she did (such and such)? That totally follows for a sequel.” It was very interesting to have these nine women sit around and talk about things my characters would or wouldn’t do, as if they were real beings, in a story I hadn’t even written. The following day, the hostess of the Sarasota club called me to say that was the best meeting she’d ever had with her book club. Naturally, I was thrilled. But I was also a little humbled because the teachers had infused my characters with traits and reasoning that weren’t necessarily ever intended by yours truly.
I remember John Lennon once said: “People see things in my music that I don’t. I just put it out there, try to be clever with it, and if people dig it, the music takes on a life of its own.”
In a small, small way, I have a better understanding of what he meant. At least, when it comes to teachers.
In a book club you’d like me to address via Skype or phone? I'd be happy to. Just reach out at timbest07@yahoo.com.
It’s set in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, 1863, just a month or so after the battle of Gettysburg. A battle that most historians believe changed the course of the American Civil War. It’s the story of a man named John Dorian from a prominent farm family in Ohio. He comes to town looking for a brother who was with the Union army and is now reported as missing. What he finds is a place still smoldering from the largest single battle ever fought in the Western hemisphere. Gettysburg is bursting at the seams with left-behind wounded, morbidly curious tourists, and other people like John trying to learn the fate of loved ones.
He winds up working for room and board at a farm a couple of miles out of town. It’s run by a lonely Hispanic woman name Maria Samuels who is trying to maintain her husband’s property while he’s off fighting for the Union. But John soon learns that Maria and her nine-year-old son from a previous marriage are virtually prisoners. This is partly because of their skin color, partly because Maria’s husband has a fearful reputation for having a violent temper, and partly because a no-account childhood friend of her husband who is supposed to look after them has actually become their taskmaster.
Since this story is a romance, I’ll reveal that John and Maria become involved and discover that theirs is the kind of intense, passionate love that happens once in a lifetime. But their story is also etched with twists and turns that’ll both surprise you and keep the pages turning. At least, that’s the consensus of a book club of teachers I recently spoke to in Florida.
Although most of these teachers lived and worked in the Sarasota area, there were a couple from different areas of the county who were guests of the regular Sarasota group because they visiting on Spring break. One was from New York while another was from North Dakota. So I had a nice little sampling of teacher/readers from around the country in this one group of nine women.
Since this is a historical novel, the teachers, being teachers, were looking for historical inaccuracies in the story. Happily they didn’t find any in the battle references, or the description of Gettysburg at the time, or the clothing, or the medical procedure narrative, or the weapons. So, they found themselves concentrating on the language and dialog of my characters.
For example, in one exchange of dialog, one of my female characters says to the main protagonist: “It’s you, you dolt!” The teachers wondered: “Was ‘dolt’ a word that would’ve been used in Pennsylvania in 1863?” Turns out the answer was yes. But as the author, I had already researched this. In another dialog exchange, one of my characters refers to another as “A big dick.” The teachers wondered: “Was ‘dick’ a slang expression that would’ve been used in 1863?” Once again, the answer was yes. Someone in the group told me the origin of the word as slang can be traced back to the early 1700’s. They looked it up.
“Man,” I thought to myself as I was FaceTiming with these women, “these teachers are tough!”
But I learned that they had found historical flaws and caught modern language in historical novels before and, at least for them, it really interfered with the suspension of disbelief. So they were pleased that I’d done my homework. They were also unanimous in wanting to read a sequel. This is actually the second book club I’ve spoken to that has mentioned this to me. Hmmm… are you listening, my friends at TouchPoint Press?
The teachers then wanted to know if I had an outline for a sequel yet. I answered that I had a few ideas and shared some plot lines with them. This sparked some very lively discussion. One teacher said: “No, that character would never do that in a follow up story.” While another argued: “Sure she would. Don’t you remember in Chapter 3 of this book how she did (such and such)? That totally follows for a sequel.” It was very interesting to have these nine women sit around and talk about things my characters would or wouldn’t do, as if they were real beings, in a story I hadn’t even written. The following day, the hostess of the Sarasota club called me to say that was the best meeting she’d ever had with her book club. Naturally, I was thrilled. But I was also a little humbled because the teachers had infused my characters with traits and reasoning that weren’t necessarily ever intended by yours truly.
I remember John Lennon once said: “People see things in my music that I don’t. I just put it out there, try to be clever with it, and if people dig it, the music takes on a life of its own.”
In a small, small way, I have a better understanding of what he meant. At least, when it comes to teachers.
In a book club you’d like me to address via Skype or phone? I'd be happy to. Just reach out at timbest07@yahoo.com.
February 4, 2017
A FARM IN PENNSYLVANIA NOW AVAILABLE!
I'm happy to announce the release of my latest novel, A Farm In Pennsylvania. Please check it out! I think you'll enjoy it. If you do, and you buy it on amazon, please don't forget to write a nice review. As always, my deep thanks for your support! The official press release follows:
A FARM IN PENNSYLVANIA NOW AVAILABLE.
A Farm In Pennsylvania, the first historical novel from award-winning author Timothy Best is now available from TouchPoint Press. It’s available in both paperback and Kindle through amazon.com, the bookstore at www.touchpointpress.com, www.timbestonline.com, and it can also be ordered through major book retailers like Barnes & Noble and Books-A-Million.
Just weeks after the battle of Gettysburg in 1863, farms and lives lie in ruins. Amidst the piles of animal carcasses burned daily and the thousands of wounded left behind, a farmer named John Dorian comes to town looking for his missing brother.
Instead, he finds Maria Angelina Alvarez Samuels and a love affair that defies convention, holds secrets, and has deadly consequences. A Farm In Pennsylvania is the romantic saga of two lonely people who unexpectedly discover happiness, then risk everything to keep it.
Prior to its release, advance copies were made available to certain award shows and the book won a Gold Award for “Best E-Book” at the 2016 MarCom Awards based in Dallas, TX. The MarCom Awards is a national and international competition honoring the best in writing, marketing, video production, digital and social media. It is administered and judged by the Association of Marketing and Communications Professionals. The MarComs have been in existence for nearly 20 years and the competition continues to grow in both national and international prestige. This year, there were over 6,500 entries from the United States and 18 other countries. Best’s previous novels, Substitute Angel and its follow-up The Intended Ones, were also MarCom Award winners.
“I’m really excited about this book for several reasons,” the author said. “It’s my first historical novel, my first novel that required a lot of detailed research, and my heroine is Hispanic. To my knowledge, there hasn’t been a strong representation of Hispanics in a Civil War setting.”
Readers who love stories that transport them in time like Gone With The Wind or The Thornbirds will enjoy A Farm In Pennsylvania. Timothy Best’s next book, the romantic comedy The Thing With Margot, will be released by TouchPoint Press in the future.
A FARM IN PENNSYLVANIA NOW AVAILABLE.
A Farm In Pennsylvania, the first historical novel from award-winning author Timothy Best is now available from TouchPoint Press. It’s available in both paperback and Kindle through amazon.com, the bookstore at www.touchpointpress.com, www.timbestonline.com, and it can also be ordered through major book retailers like Barnes & Noble and Books-A-Million.
Just weeks after the battle of Gettysburg in 1863, farms and lives lie in ruins. Amidst the piles of animal carcasses burned daily and the thousands of wounded left behind, a farmer named John Dorian comes to town looking for his missing brother.
Instead, he finds Maria Angelina Alvarez Samuels and a love affair that defies convention, holds secrets, and has deadly consequences. A Farm In Pennsylvania is the romantic saga of two lonely people who unexpectedly discover happiness, then risk everything to keep it.
Prior to its release, advance copies were made available to certain award shows and the book won a Gold Award for “Best E-Book” at the 2016 MarCom Awards based in Dallas, TX. The MarCom Awards is a national and international competition honoring the best in writing, marketing, video production, digital and social media. It is administered and judged by the Association of Marketing and Communications Professionals. The MarComs have been in existence for nearly 20 years and the competition continues to grow in both national and international prestige. This year, there were over 6,500 entries from the United States and 18 other countries. Best’s previous novels, Substitute Angel and its follow-up The Intended Ones, were also MarCom Award winners.
“I’m really excited about this book for several reasons,” the author said. “It’s my first historical novel, my first novel that required a lot of detailed research, and my heroine is Hispanic. To my knowledge, there hasn’t been a strong representation of Hispanics in a Civil War setting.”
Readers who love stories that transport them in time like Gone With The Wind or The Thornbirds will enjoy A Farm In Pennsylvania. Timothy Best’s next book, the romantic comedy The Thing With Margot, will be released by TouchPoint Press in the future.
November 16, 2016
A FARM IN PENNSLYVANIA WINS MARCOM AWARD!
Wow, it’s been seven months since my last blog, and I’m sorry that my supposedly “monthly blog” has been—mmm—intermittent. But there have been reasons. The biggest one is I haven’t had anything new to report. Earlier this year, I announced that my latest novel, A Farm In Pennsylvania, would be out in May. Unfortunately, there were some hold ups with the cover art. First, I was going to oversee it. Then, my publisher was going to oversee it. Then, there were other authors at TouchPoint Press who were ahead of me insofar as getting the attention of some art directors. But now I understand from my wonderful editor that some art directors have finally been freed up. So I hope to have art and a firm release date in the not too distant future.
Another reason for my silence was I was putting the finishing touches on a brand new novel. Yes, even newer than the still unreleased A Farm In Pennsylvania. It’s called, The Thing With Margot, and this new story will also be released from TouchPoint Press at some future date. Once again, I’ll be working with editor Ashley Carlson, which I’m very excited about. I’ll write more about The Thing With Margot later. But for now, I just wanted y’all to know why I’ve been silent in the blog department: Nothing to report on the new book, and I’ve been finishing the “next new book.”
Clearly, I need to get a life.
But I digress. Some advance copies of A Farm In Pennsylvania were sent out to reviewers and award shows—sans cover art—and whatdoyaknow, the unreleased historical romance just snagged a Gold MarCom at the 2016 MarCom Awards.
What follows is the official press release. Please give it a read as I’m, understandably, quite proud. More about A Farm In Pennsylvania will be coming soon. Soon as the bloody cover art is finished! ‘Til then, thank you as always for your interest and support, and Happy Holidays!
NEWEST NOVEL BY TIMOTHY BEST WINS MARCOM AWARD.
November 10, 2016. A Farm In Pennsylvania, the latest novel by TouchPoint Press author Timothy Best has won a Gold MarCom Award at the 2016 MarCom Awards based in Dallas, Texas.
The MarCom Awards are a national and international competition administered and judged by the Association of Marketing and Communications Professionals. The MarComs have been in existence for nearly 20 years and the competition continues to grow in both national and international prestige. This year, there were over 6,500 entries from the United States and 18 other countries.
The awards are comprised of several different categories ranging from the best in television and radio commercials, to print, to digital and social media. A Farm In Pennsylvania won in the category of “Best E-Book.” Winners are identified with three levels of distinction: Platinum, Gold and Honorable Mention.
This is the third time that books by Timothy Best have been honored by the MarComs. The first was in 2013 when he won a Platinum Award for “Best E-Book Cover Design” for his novel Substitute Angel. He won a second Platinum Award in 2014 for “Best Paperback Book Cover Design” for his novel The Intended Ones. Both cover designs were conceived by Best and were also published by TouchPoint Press.
“I’m thrilled to be the recipient of another MarCom,” said the author. “This year’s award is perhaps the most meaningful since the first two were for the packaging of the books, but this honor was for the writing itself.” A Farm In Pennsylvania has been released to the press and award shows with advance copies, but is not yet available to the public.
Being a Platinum or Gold Winner is a tremendous achievement symbolized by the intricately detailed 13” high MarCom statuette. The MarCom graces the trophy cases of some of the top business and communication firms in the world. Some of this year’s corporate recipients included Allstate Insurance, Bank of America, Estee Lauder and Hilton. The statuette was created by Society Awards, a high-end design and manufacturing firm that recently updated the Golden Globe, Clio, MTV and Academy of Country Music awards.
A Farm In Pennsylvania is Timothy Best’s third novel for TouchPoint Press but his first historical romance. Just weeks after the battle of Gettysburg in 1863, farms and lives lie in ruins. Amidst the piles of animal carcasses burned daily and the thousands of wounded left behind, a farmer from Ohio named John Dorian comes to town looking for his missing brother. Instead, he finds the farm of Maria Angelina Alvarez Samuels and a love affair that will change his life. It’s a love that defies conventions, holds secrets, and deadly consequences. A Farm In Pennsylvania is the romantic saga of two lonely people who unexpectedly discover happiness, then risk everything to keep it.
Please refer to www.touchpointpress.com or www.timbestonline.com for release date information on A Farm In Pennsylvania. You can also follow Timothy Best’s blog at www.goodreads.com. Simply search his name to find his author’s page.
For more information contact Sheri Williams of TouchPoint Press: touchpointpress@gmail.com.
Another reason for my silence was I was putting the finishing touches on a brand new novel. Yes, even newer than the still unreleased A Farm In Pennsylvania. It’s called, The Thing With Margot, and this new story will also be released from TouchPoint Press at some future date. Once again, I’ll be working with editor Ashley Carlson, which I’m very excited about. I’ll write more about The Thing With Margot later. But for now, I just wanted y’all to know why I’ve been silent in the blog department: Nothing to report on the new book, and I’ve been finishing the “next new book.”
Clearly, I need to get a life.
But I digress. Some advance copies of A Farm In Pennsylvania were sent out to reviewers and award shows—sans cover art—and whatdoyaknow, the unreleased historical romance just snagged a Gold MarCom at the 2016 MarCom Awards.
What follows is the official press release. Please give it a read as I’m, understandably, quite proud. More about A Farm In Pennsylvania will be coming soon. Soon as the bloody cover art is finished! ‘Til then, thank you as always for your interest and support, and Happy Holidays!
NEWEST NOVEL BY TIMOTHY BEST WINS MARCOM AWARD.
November 10, 2016. A Farm In Pennsylvania, the latest novel by TouchPoint Press author Timothy Best has won a Gold MarCom Award at the 2016 MarCom Awards based in Dallas, Texas.
The MarCom Awards are a national and international competition administered and judged by the Association of Marketing and Communications Professionals. The MarComs have been in existence for nearly 20 years and the competition continues to grow in both national and international prestige. This year, there were over 6,500 entries from the United States and 18 other countries.
The awards are comprised of several different categories ranging from the best in television and radio commercials, to print, to digital and social media. A Farm In Pennsylvania won in the category of “Best E-Book.” Winners are identified with three levels of distinction: Platinum, Gold and Honorable Mention.
This is the third time that books by Timothy Best have been honored by the MarComs. The first was in 2013 when he won a Platinum Award for “Best E-Book Cover Design” for his novel Substitute Angel. He won a second Platinum Award in 2014 for “Best Paperback Book Cover Design” for his novel The Intended Ones. Both cover designs were conceived by Best and were also published by TouchPoint Press.
“I’m thrilled to be the recipient of another MarCom,” said the author. “This year’s award is perhaps the most meaningful since the first two were for the packaging of the books, but this honor was for the writing itself.” A Farm In Pennsylvania has been released to the press and award shows with advance copies, but is not yet available to the public.
Being a Platinum or Gold Winner is a tremendous achievement symbolized by the intricately detailed 13” high MarCom statuette. The MarCom graces the trophy cases of some of the top business and communication firms in the world. Some of this year’s corporate recipients included Allstate Insurance, Bank of America, Estee Lauder and Hilton. The statuette was created by Society Awards, a high-end design and manufacturing firm that recently updated the Golden Globe, Clio, MTV and Academy of Country Music awards.
A Farm In Pennsylvania is Timothy Best’s third novel for TouchPoint Press but his first historical romance. Just weeks after the battle of Gettysburg in 1863, farms and lives lie in ruins. Amidst the piles of animal carcasses burned daily and the thousands of wounded left behind, a farmer from Ohio named John Dorian comes to town looking for his missing brother. Instead, he finds the farm of Maria Angelina Alvarez Samuels and a love affair that will change his life. It’s a love that defies conventions, holds secrets, and deadly consequences. A Farm In Pennsylvania is the romantic saga of two lonely people who unexpectedly discover happiness, then risk everything to keep it.
Please refer to www.touchpointpress.com or www.timbestonline.com for release date information on A Farm In Pennsylvania. You can also follow Timothy Best’s blog at www.goodreads.com. Simply search his name to find his author’s page.
For more information contact Sheri Williams of TouchPoint Press: touchpointpress@gmail.com.
April 28, 2016
SUBSTITUTE ANGEL TO BE A FEATURED AT AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION EVENT.
I’m pleased to announce that my otherworldly novel, Substitute Angel, will be one of the titles in the “Hot Indie Author Guide” at the upcoming American Library Association’s Conference & Exhibition being held in Orlando, FL, in June. I’m told that over 150,000 folks will attend and I’m very proud that Substitute Angel will be showcased at the event. So thank you to Jackie Velnoskey who made the invitation!
This was just the little boost I needed this past month because I’m not so sure my newest novel, A Farm In Pennsylvania, will be dropping in May as I previously announced. My publisher has informed me the cover art is still being developed. So, although the text is ready, the packaging isn’t. But rest assured, I’m sure it’ll be coming “sometime” in the near future. I’ll be sure to keep everyone posted.
Meantime, I want to give special thanks to Ashley Carlson of TouchPoint Press who was my editor on A Farm In Pennsylvania. She worked really hard on the book and helped me with not only the usual grammatical stuff, but also some of the historical aspects as well. Historical stories are always tricky things. On the one hand, you want to be as accurate as possible and capture the period in the reader’s mind. On the other hand, the more detail one goes into, the larger the risk of getting something wrong, not to mention weighing down the pace of the story with too much description. So, it’s a bit of tightrope, but Ashley helped me walk that rope really well.
Someone recently asked me what books inspired me to write A Farm In Pennsylvania. Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier had something to do with it. To a lesser degree, so did Stars In Their Courses, The Gettysburg Campaign, by Shelby Foote. There’s even a scene or two in the novel inspired by Tara from Margaret Mitchell’s Gone With The Wind. But what really inspired me was the LACK of stories set in Gettysburg after the battle and the almost anonymous presence of Hispanics in the north back in the 1860’s. As I’ve written before, I love that my heroine is ethnically diverse.
Anyway, see if you recognize these literary influences when A Farm In Pennsylvania finally debuts. Meantime, if you haven’t yet read Substitute Angel, please get yourself a copy. I always prefer a hard copy version over the digital. I want my stories to have weight to them. I want to enjoy the cover art. (Y’know—when its ready.) I want my shelves to be filled with books. They’re like old friends I can visit whenever I want.
And speaking of friends, as always, thanks so much for reading!
This was just the little boost I needed this past month because I’m not so sure my newest novel, A Farm In Pennsylvania, will be dropping in May as I previously announced. My publisher has informed me the cover art is still being developed. So, although the text is ready, the packaging isn’t. But rest assured, I’m sure it’ll be coming “sometime” in the near future. I’ll be sure to keep everyone posted.
Meantime, I want to give special thanks to Ashley Carlson of TouchPoint Press who was my editor on A Farm In Pennsylvania. She worked really hard on the book and helped me with not only the usual grammatical stuff, but also some of the historical aspects as well. Historical stories are always tricky things. On the one hand, you want to be as accurate as possible and capture the period in the reader’s mind. On the other hand, the more detail one goes into, the larger the risk of getting something wrong, not to mention weighing down the pace of the story with too much description. So, it’s a bit of tightrope, but Ashley helped me walk that rope really well.
Someone recently asked me what books inspired me to write A Farm In Pennsylvania. Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier had something to do with it. To a lesser degree, so did Stars In Their Courses, The Gettysburg Campaign, by Shelby Foote. There’s even a scene or two in the novel inspired by Tara from Margaret Mitchell’s Gone With The Wind. But what really inspired me was the LACK of stories set in Gettysburg after the battle and the almost anonymous presence of Hispanics in the north back in the 1860’s. As I’ve written before, I love that my heroine is ethnically diverse.
Anyway, see if you recognize these literary influences when A Farm In Pennsylvania finally debuts. Meantime, if you haven’t yet read Substitute Angel, please get yourself a copy. I always prefer a hard copy version over the digital. I want my stories to have weight to them. I want to enjoy the cover art. (Y’know—when its ready.) I want my shelves to be filled with books. They’re like old friends I can visit whenever I want.
And speaking of friends, as always, thanks so much for reading!
