Diane Bator's Blog, page 36
December 11, 2021
You Are Not Alone, new insight from Mentoring Expert Doug Lawrence
YOU ARE NOT ALONE
Mental Health Mentors – Take the Journey with you
A new insight of experience with Mentoring Expert
Doug Lawrence
Published by Silver Dawn Publishing and available in Paperback and E-book January 2022.
"You Are Not Alone" came from suggestions/recommendations that I write a book that speaks to how mentoring can bring value to the support structure for mental health. After a rather extensive review of the literature that is out there, I found that there was literature that looked at mentoring and mental health from an academic perspective but not from a practice perspective. That needed to change.
Writing this book providing me with the opportunity to confront some of my demons and to also better understand why I had behaved the way that I did. I realized that I had Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and that I had not treated it properly. I had relied on my spouse and two children to provide the support that I needed and yet they had their own trauma in dealing with my behaviour. This book will give you a glimpse into my own story which will help you understand the value that mentoring could have brought me.
"You Are Not Alone" provides you with some insight into the world of mentoring and mental health. I hope that you come to the same conclusion that I did. There is truly a place for mentoring as part of the support structure for mental health. The benefits are many and include; reduced sick time in the organization, engaged employees, less turn over, less stress and anxiety, to name but a few.
I have learned so much in writing this book for you. I sincerely hope that you get the same value that I did and that together we can become part of the support structure and walk beside people that are beginning their healing journey.
Amazon.ca: You Are Not Alone: Lawrence, Doug: 9780578995076: Books - Amazon.ca
Amazon.com: Amazon.com: You Are Not Alone eBook : Lawrence, Doug : Kindle Store
More from Doug Lawrence
A MESSAGE FROM DOUG LAWRENCE:
I am honored and humbled to be able to share some of my experiences as an effective mentor with you. Effective mentoring is a life long journey of learning and developing personally and professionally. I hope that you will grow as much as I have with the guidance provided through the "Gift of Mentoring".
Amazon.ca Buy Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Gift-Mentoring-Lawrence-Doug-ebook/dp/B0147WVG6I
Amazon.com Buy Link: Amazon.com: Gift of Mentoring eBook: Doug, Lawrence, Emily Hunter: Kindle Store (amzn.to)
ABOUT DOUG:
Doug Lawrence is the founder of TalentC® and Co-founder of the International Mentor Community.
Doug leads organizations to experience the benefits how mentoring will encourage workforce culture to flow in harmony (mentors), improve productivity from employees (mentees), reducing costly employee onboarding improving the bottom line (organizations).
Doug is an International Certified Mentor, and has obtained his Certificate of Achievement – Mentoring and his Certificate of Competence – Mentor from the International Mentoring Community (IMC). Doug is currently obtaining his Certificate of Competence – Journey Mentor.
Doug’s Practice of Mentoring has resulted in his accumulation of 2,000 hours of mentoring (in person and virtual), 197 hours of speaking opportunities and 672 hours teaching others how to effectively mentor.
Doug is a volunteer mentor with the Sir Richard Branson Entrepreneur Program in the Caribbean and with the American Corporate Partners in the United States working with military personnel in their transition from military life to civilian life. Doug is currently working with researchers to examine the role of mentoring as a support for those struggling with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). His experience in law enforcement coupled with working with people suffering from PTSD has afforded him a unique view of mentoring and PTSD.
Doug is an international speaker and author about all facets of Mentoring and more information can be found about him at: Doug Lawrence, Author at Talentc
To request additional review copies or an interview with Doug, please contact Mickey Mikkelson at Creative Edge Publicity: mickey.creativeedge@gmail.com / 403.464.6925.
We look forward to the coverage!
December 9, 2021
Sharon Daynard treats us to the anthology A Plot for Any Occasion
Welcome to fellow Sisters In Crime author, Sharon Daynard!
Sharon Daynard’s writing runs the gamut from light and quirky to downright dark and troubling. Her debut novel, Murder Points North, puts a humorous spin on murder in a small town. Her short stories include “The Boss of Butler Square” which received Honorable Mention for the Al Blanchard Award and “Widows Peak” which was short-listed for a Derringer Award. She’s been offered the services of a hitman, crossed paths with a serial killer, testified before grand juries, and taken lie detector tests. She is a member of the New England chapter of Sisters in Crime.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sharon.Daynard.Author
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SharonDaynard
Potter’s Field Publishing
Twitter: https://twitter.com/@PottersFieldP
How did you get involved with this anthology?
How did I get involved with this short story anthology? Ironically, that’s a long story.
After years of having my short mystery stories appear in various anthologies and magazines, I thought it was time to try something new. So, in 2019, I found a partner and launched a publishing company—Potter’s Field Publishing. A Plot for Any Occasion is the second book we’ve published. Each crime story in the anthology is based on or incorporates a traditional holiday, observance day or appreciation day.
I’ve been part of the mystery writing community for over twenty years, having served as Sisters in Crime/NE president and as a co-chair on the New England Crime Bake conference. Finding authors willing to submit their stories wasn’t going to be a problem. We decided to keep our first foray into publishing anthologies small, and limited the number of submissions and authors who’d be part of the project. We’re pleased by how well turned out and may open the submission process to everyone if we continue the theme in an annual anthology. With over a thousand different National or World days for writers to choose from, the anthology would always be something original.
Besides A Plot for Any Occasion being an opportunity to share two of my dark and twisted stories with readers, Potter’s Field Publishing was established with a social conscience from day one, pledging and fulfilling a commitment to donate a portion of book sales to help fight food insecurity. In the first year of the pandemic, we gave a hundred percent of our gross sales to area food banks and soup kitchens.
Do your reading choices reflect your writing choices?
I tend to read more cozies and horror than any other genre. Not so coincidently, my writing runs the gambit from cozy to dark fiction. My debut novel Murder Points North was a humorous holiday cozy with a female geology professor as its protagonist. My two short stories in A Plot for Any Occasion, “Lothario” and “The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year,” are dark crime fiction. One revolves around a serial killer with a penchant for leaving a gruesome grin on the face of his victims. The other takes place during the holidays with a crime kingpin known as Saint Nick who’s hellbent on ruining Christmas for everyone on his naughty list.
Do your characters come before or after your plot?
For my novel, Murder Points North, the murder weapon came first. I have a degree in geology and my favorite mineral made for the perfect murder weapon. The protagonist and antagonist quickly followed along with the plot. Supporting characters filled in as the story took shape.
When I write a short story it’s typically the character that comes first—a serial killer with a morbid sense of humor and Santa reimagined as a thug.
Which type of characters do you love to write?
I love offbeat characters with a sense of humor, be it dark or lighthearted. In Murder Points North, one of my favorite characters was Martha Washington, an elderly rough talking, whiskey drinking, pathological liar who makes me laugh every time she opens her mouth.
I had a lot of fun writing the character of the Christmas curmudgeon, Nick Caedwalla, in my short story, “The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year” for A Plot for Any Occasion. I wanted the reader to despise him, but found myself liking him more and more as the story progressed.
How do you choose a villain and how do you make them human?
I give my antagonists/villains quirks and flaws to make them relatable to the reader. Their backstories are woven throughout the story, slowly revealing their pangs, faux pas and unfulfilled dreams, almost endearing them to the reader. I blur the line between good and bad.
What genre do you mostly write in and why?
I mostly write mystery or crime fiction. They allow me the freedom to tell stories that can be anywhere from laugh-out-loud funny to downright terrifying, and everything in between. I enjoy writing both novels and short stories, although I would have to admit that a short story provides almost instant gratification.
A PLOT FOR ANY OCCASION
https://www.amazon.com/Plot-Any-Occasion-Crime-Anthology-ebook/dp/B09LP8MVMF/ref
From hot cocoa cozies to rotgut whiskey noir, A Plot for Any Occasion features eleven original crime stories based on traditional holidays, not-so-familiar observances and appreciation days.
With Mardi Gras beads, Santa suits, drops of blood, mahjong tiles, birthmarks, and a doctoral thesis found among its pages, this anthology is a diverse collection by award-winning short fiction authors, seasoned storytellers and fresh voices.
MURDER POINTS NORTH
https://www.amazon.com/Murder-Points-North-Sharon-Daynard-ebook/dp/B0812F6H9Q/ref
With one week until Christmas, picturesque Points North, New Hampshire, hasn’t seen as much as a token flurry and the temperatures are almost as high as local tempers. The lack of snow, however, is the least of Liesl Alan’s worries
Liesl teaches geology, collects rocks, minerals and ex-husbands—three at last count. On the brink of turning forty, she finds herself living amongst a group of eccentric “innmates” at the Muddled Moose, an inn her family has owned for generations. Hardly in the Christmas spirit, the last thing Liesl’s looking forward to is a night of wearing a too tight, too ruffled, too plaid gown for the village’s annual Home for the Holidays open house celebration.
When the event ends in a fiasco and someone from the Muddled Moose is found murdered, Liesl becomes the prime suspect of everyone from the lead homicide detective to her own mother. Fellow residents at the inn are even offering fashion tips for her inevitable perp walk and mug shot.
Determined to prove her innocence and find the real killer, Liesl teams up with a private eye wannabe. With a list of suspects that might as well include all of Points North, she has her work cut out for her, especially when each new clue points her in a different direction.
December 7, 2021
Wayne Sumbler's debut cookbook Sex, Drugs and Pots & Pans
I love it when someone I know personally becomes a first time author! Welcome and Congratulations to Wayne Sumbler on his first of many cookbooks!
Wayne Sumbler was born in the small town of Welland, Ontario, Canada in 1956. His first exposure to rock and roll was watching the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan show. His first guitar was an acoustic one that he received as a gift from his parents after having a serious accident by falling from a tree. He then proceeded to a Kent Electric guitar as a gift for Christmas, where he had learned to play his first real songs (surprisingly, that guitar disappeared until a few years ago, as he forgot it was left at a cousin’s home. It sat there for 40 years on a wall, until the cousin was reminded at a funeral that he still had it and Wayne got it back and now restoring it). The first song he learned to play was Love is all around by the Troggs and the second was Crimson and Clover by Tommy James and the Shondells (Oops, forgot the Monkees). Once he got into his mid and late teens, he purchased a white and black Les Paul guitar. He can still remember the first time that he was able to play Stairway to Heaven (All thanks to Kevin). That was when classic rock became part of his life. Led Zeppelin was his first love. He played in several bands that covered versions of Rush, Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Boston, Cream, The Rolling Stones, Bowie, Black Sabbath, Kiss, Queen, Uriah Heep, Alice Cooper, Thin Lizzy, Jimi Hendrix, The Who, Roxy Music, ZZ Top, and many, many others.
Now to his time as a cook. His mother was Italian, so you know where the genetics come from right? He proceeded to cook at various restaurants for a period of 4 plus years. He has cooked for the family in different locations in the world, picking up recipes as they went along. Singapore, Malaysia, Bali, Japan, England, France, Scotland and their latest, Italy. I really hope you enjoy the recipes he has provided as well as the YouTube links to the various bands. A special thank you goes to Carl as he gave Wayne the inspiration in creating this book. Yes, the author played with him as well, and they still jam quite often. This is a fun book and will provide recipes for every classic rock fan worldwide. Enjoy! Keep on Rockin’ Folks.
https://www.austinmacauley.com/book/sex-drugs-and-pots-pans
What prompted you to create this book?
A friend of mine who has a band and who I jam with still today had a gig at the Hamilton Legion. My wife and I went to see them play. After a long night and helping as a roadie friend we arrived back at his home around 2am. Being an early morning riser, I went out at a store to get a rockstar pick me up. Got back to their place around 6am or so. Had the drink and cooked like a madman for an hour or so or more. He heard me in the kitchen and said what the heck are you doing? I told him I had so much energy that I started cooking for like 8 people when there were only the four of us. I told him that is what rock star does. He said I should create a cookbook on that.
What was the most difficult part of this project?
The editing process! Really that was the most of all. Re-reading countless times, correct spelling, paragraph. Food photographs were not the biggest thing. It was the entire editing process which really gave me headaches. The editor kept suggesting things which I did not want like band names, band songs, spacing, blank sheets which we were able to take care of. Items missing or in the wrong place.
What is the best part?
The best part was finally seeing it in my hands with covid delays. It would have been out sooner.
Who encouraged you the most to follow through with it?
My friend Carl who plays in the band Rise Again and still plays. It is really cooking related right. Dough rises. We actually jam quite often today.
What advice would you give to other people who want to write?
Follow your dream and never give up. It took me some time, but if you work hard at it, it will come. Be like a pit bull and fight for everything to realize your dream. It will not be handed on a silver plate for you. And be patient, which is weird, because I am not the most patient person in the world. Being part Italian, patience is not one of my virtues. Sometimes I am, most times I am not.
Do you have a new book in the works?
I do have a new book I am presently working on. Features my dog instead of me on the cover. He is popular as well as my passenger in my scooter side car, and we can dress him in anything. Photo of him on the kitchen counter with a chef hat on while I was preparing food. He is such a ham. Working title which I now can confirm will be the title. Sex, Drugs and Pots and Paws????? For Ladies only.
Chapters I have began so far are For Ladies only rock goddesses from the 60's 70's and 80's. Chapter Two. Canadian Eh? classic rock bands that are specifically Canadian only. The bands Toronto, Loverboy, Lee Arron. Prism, Teenage Head, Alanis Morrissette, Rough Trade (Carole Pope). Avril Lavigne, Tragically Hip (steak), Neil Young. Still working on other chapters but keeping it a little shorter this time. Not like a 168 page book, but you never know. A lot of bands I have not covered in the first one. Chapter one will feature, Joan Jett, Pat Benatar, Heart, Debbie Harry, Linda Ronstadt and others. Maybe this will be another 100 plus page book?
SEX, DRUGS and POTS & PANS
Do you love classic rock music and food, and cooking? If so, this is the perfect book for you, your family, and your friends. The greatest songs of the 60s, 70s and 80s combined with the tastiest meals globally all wrapped in one book. Cover to cover, you will rock and roll to your heart's delight.December 4, 2021
Welcome to Stephen Ethier, author of Relic and The Void Revealed
Welcome to author and good friend, Stephen J. Ethier!!
I'm so excited to have Stephen on my blog. I was fortunate to be a beta reader for Relic, an enjoyable sci-fi adventure!
Stephen J. Ethier has a lifelong interest in science fiction and fantasy, both the reading and the writing of it. Although he has written over thirty-five books in other fields, he is excited to delve into the world of fiction. Currently he has published three fiction novels with many ideas for more.
He paints and draws with precision and feeling, carves, sculpts, and builds with real talent, and was a wonderful teacher with boundless patience and enthusiasm. He even moved quickly from novice to expert in most sports he attempted. And, when it comes to the written word, his ability to paint vivid pictures is one of his most stunning gifts as a writer.
In his career as a college instructor, he taught ages 18-senior in a variety of disciplines in a variety of countries. And, as time went on, he developed his burgeoning skills into many academic books on computer-aided design, modeling in three dimensions, architectural design, animation, mechanical design, and other areas in that broad field.
To summarize, he has taken his skills in a variety of areas and intermixed them into the conception, creation, and production of his books. He designed and produced the covers for all his technical books as well as his three novels.
Website and other links:
Author Website: https://stephenjethier.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorStephenEthier/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/836654.Stephen_J_Ethier
Twitter: https://twitter.com/stephenjethier
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephenjethier/
Do your characters come before or after your plot?
Usually, an overall concept comes to mind from something I’ve recently read or dreamed. From there I try to determine what the outcome might be. I say “try” because, once I develop the characters and set them on their way, they often have a way of altering the route, more often for the better. I want a strong plot with a believable end with my characters providing the driving force.
How do you choose a villain and how do you make them human?
I prefer to call my “villains” “antagonists” as they are usually in the way of my protagonists reaching their goals. But I find the connotation of the villain to be too black and white as my antagonists can be both good and bad. Their characters have developed from their own past experiences that usually lead them to make the wrong choices. My antagonists can certainly have villainous traits but often they have an understandable reason for why these traits developed. They are not completely evil, but they certainly want to hinder my protagonists.
So, to answer “how I choose a villain”, having read many books both fiction and non-fiction, I suppose my opposing characters come from a composite of real-life people and fictional ones. Of course, I tailor each antagonist for a particular protagonist, having traits that will contrast and cause conflict. I make them human by developing a believable history about what caused them to choose the path on which they travel.
Do your reading choices reflect your writing choices?
To some extent, my reading choices reflect my writing. I have loved reading science fiction and fantasy books since high school. So, my early endeavours in writing were along similar lines. But as I matured, my reading choices broadened into many other genres both fiction and non-fiction. “Real-life” books contain a wealth of realistic plots and characters because these things really happened. However, to hone my craft I read all types of fictional books such as suspense, mystery, crime. I try to understand how those authors develop plots and character to further my own stories. Even television and movies can provide interesting ideas on choices that writers make.
Which type of characters are your favorite to write?
This may sound like an easy out, but I enjoy writing all my characters, even a few of the subordinate, background characters. I think of each book as its own world, populated by a variety of characters and each one that participates in the story is important. So, I spend a significant amount of time on each one and get excited as their characteristics develop. When I have developed a character sufficiently to “live” on its own, I am extremely happy. I have often said my characters have a mind of the of own once I have laid the groundwork and as such, they dictate the twists and turns my stories may take. Sometimes I will be writing along a particular path and then suddenly realize that character wouldn’t do that or say that, and the story has to deviate from its initial trajectory. But to be honest, sometimes the antagonist can be truly fun to write because they would do things I would never do. It’s almost like a guilty pleasure.
What are you working on now?
That is a bit complicated because I get ideas at an alarming rate. I may be in the middle of a particular writing project and another, to me, brilliant idea surfaces that would not work in the current project. So, I must press pause on the current project and get enough framework down on the “brilliant” idea. Then I can return to the paused project, press play, and get back at it.
To illustrate my answer, I am currently working on the third book in the sci-fi/fantasy series Origo Essentia. I have the plot and new characters developed and have written three chapters. However, I recently had an idea on a twist in the plot which will involve a completely fresh start to the book. And back I go.
What sort of research do you do for your work?
Even though my books are science fiction/fantasy related I want to populate them with believable environments. This involves a mass of reading on assorted topics that would be involved in the story.
If it’s hard science fiction, I research current and advancing technology and tweak that technology to work with my story. I often take a piece current technology and extrapolate where it might end up in a hundred years into the future. In this way the reading feels more grounded.
If it’s fantasy, I look to history and environmental sources to make the unbelievable easier to grasp. I design the land to have relatable aspects so that the reader can have something to grab onto when the magic whirls about them. And historical events are always valuable resources to understand how primitive life was in the past. My search for genuine historical detail has even led me to things like a trip to Great Britain to take a course at Oxford University on Neolithic standing stones. As a writer, rich environments like these leave me even more anxious to put my proverbial pen to paper and continue to create.
I just want to finish off by saying thank you for allowing me to express myself in this forum. Writing can be a very solitary art and it’s nice to share some of what goes into writing to others.
THE VOID REVEALED
A Deeply Symbolic and Riveting New Fantasy World.
The Void Revealed begins an incredible new adventure of epic proportions with a strong female lead.
Elise, the intended ruler of Windhold, is thrust into peril when she is forced to enter the spellbinding and magical world of the Void, a place of myths and legends, but also home to the dreaded Red Death. She must quickly learn the rules of this hidden world or her life will be soon forfeit.
High above the Void lies the fortress of Windhold, perched on a monolith of natural rock called the Spire. Intended to be the savior of the people, the fortress now holds one of the last vestiges of humankind and is controlled by the ruthless leader of the Brotherhood.
The situation is precarious when the Fury, whose devastation formed the Void seven hundred years ago, is showing signs of return. It will be up to Elise’s tenacity and her unique group of steadfast companions and intelligent creatures that join her quest, to find a way out of the Void, stop the corruption of a would-be dictator, and save everyone from the oncoming Fury. Will there be enough time?
However, there is even a more dangerous threat that looms on the horizon, one whose very existence has been lost for thousands of years. Could this foe be the source of the supernatural Fury and, if so, what is its motivation? The epic fantasy series, Origo Essentia, will reveal all the answers to the mystery.
Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Void-Revealed-Origo-Essentia-Book-ebook/dp/B07Z2866GP/
RELIC
Extra sensory perception, a xenophobic culture, and a forgotten relic beyond known space.
Cal Spicer, captain of the independent starship the Far Sea, has a reputation for his keen intuition and his ability to find what others cannot. He has made a career of it, while deftly keeping the real source of his talent hidden. Now, when the three ‘person’ crew of the Far Sea make the joint decision to commit to a job ferrying one of the intolerant Ascetic’s of the feared Almd-Tg-Cee, they are understandably wary.
But nothing could have prepared them for what happens on the barren world of 294M-001. And the events that transpire there are only the beginning of what becomes a wild and dangerous ride. After the assignment goes in an unexpected direction, the crew of the Far Sea are pitted against the resources of the xenophobic Ascetics in a race to reach another massive relic beyond known space. To their benefit, Miranda Lankier, an expert xenoarchaeologist, joins them and together Cal, Mir, and the lethal Tyra, a techno-biologically enhanced Cogen, take off on the race to find the relic. Rounding out Cal’s crew, to his distinct advantage, is the technical savant, Soont, a versatile invertebrate Urtkian. Together, the divergent band take on the Ascetics in a mission to save a long dead alien culture that may have been instrumental in the birth of life on innumerable worlds.
Join the crew of the Far Sea on a new Finder’s Quest adventure.
Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Relic-Finders-Adventure-Stephen-Ethier-ebook/dp/B09HN1CGPH/
December 2, 2021
Gloria Ferris features her books Blood Patch and Corpse Flower
Welcome to fellow mystery author, Gloria Ferris!
Gloria Ferris is a former procedure writer at a nuclear power plant, an exciting job to be sure, but it afforded little opportunity for plot and character development. So, she turned to fiction writing and is now the award-winning author of the humorous Cornwall & Redfern mysteries and the Blood YA urban fantasy series. She co-authored the Blair & Piermont suspense series, and occasionally will write a short story just for the heck of it. Her latest short story, Respite in Hel, will appear in the 2022 No Ordinary Day anthology.
Gloria loves old cemeteries, and all things “skull”, managing to work one or both of these elements into her books. She once tried to write a serious book but it didn’t go well, so she abandoned that writing style and now lets her snarky humour prevail.
She lives in southwestern Ontario and is a member of the International Alliance of Independent Authors.
Website: www.gloriaferris.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gloriaferrisauthor/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/GloriaFerrisAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GloriaFerris
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5295615.Gloria_Ferris
What would you say are your strengths as an author?
Attention to detail. I enjoy picking up plot holes and detail discrepancies, whether in my own books or when I’m beta-reading for others. Each time I edit my own work, I make a note of any aspect of setting or characterization that doesn’t match a previous reference. I seem to be able to remember how many times a particular (unusual) word was already used, write it down, and do a find and replace to change it.
In character building, I find it easy to visualize each character – what they look like, how they speak and act. I think this helps in dialogue and in keeping individuals unique.
How often do you write, and do you write using a strict routine?
I wish I had a routine but I’m just not that organized. I try and write every chance I get but find myself distracted by webinars & Zooms on writing and on-line conferences. I think this started during the first lockdown in March of 2020. There were no more face-to-face library talks or in-person conferences. Nowadays, I try to limit these “distractions” but am easily tempted. My one claim to discipline: I do my reading only in late evening, whether it be fiction or how-to-write books (which I love; always something more to learn).
Five years from now, where do you see yourself as a writer?
I hope to have 5 or 6 more books out there. Other than that, I haven’t a clue. The industry is changing so quickly, I plan to go with the flow and see where the current takes me! Once the pandemic is under control, I hope to attend more live writers’ conferences. So far, I’ve travelled to Victoria, Toronto, Kingston, South Carolina, Long Beach, and Ottawa for conferences and look forward to attending many more in new places.
If you could offer one piece of advice to a novice writer, what would it be?
Please, please learn the craft of writing before submitting your work to an agent or publisher, or self-publishing. That old adage, you never get a second chance to make a first impression, is so true in the writing game. Make sure only your best work is seen. I don’t mean you shouldn’t practice writing while learning, but acquire the skills of plotting, creating unique characters, and using proper grammar if you aren’t sure. There are so many great books on writing as well as courses, seminars, webinars, etc. All readily available for all of us.
What would you consider to be the best compliment a reader could give your book?
I write books to entertain. If there’s a message in there, bonus but, since I read for entertainment, I figure a lot of other people do as well. If a reader comes to “the end” of one of my books and says to themself, “Damn, that was fun. I wonder if there’s a sequel,” that would be the best compliment I could get.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on three projects (could this explain my distraction?). First, I’m writing the 4th book in my Cornwall & Redfern mystery series. Secondly, I’m collaborating with two writer friends on a thriller. We started the story as a way to keep in touch when the pandemic hit but has since morphed into a serious project we want to complete. We use Google Docs and take turn writing scenes, then we use Zoom to hash out plot and character details. The third project is a New Adult Urban Fantasy. I’m having fun with that and look forward to spending more time on it. So many ideas, so little time . . .
BLOOD PATCH
A YA urban fantasy set in Victoria, B.C. where the victims of a mysterious plague display vampire-like symptoms. Sixteen-year-old, fang-afflicted Lenny teams up with a trio of mean girls from school to stop an outlaw biker gang from taking control of the island and spreading the contagion to the mainland.
Universal Buy link: https://books2read.com/blood-patch
CORPSE FLOWER, Book 1, A Cornwall & Redfern Mystery
The quick slide from country club to trailer park leaves Bliss Moonbeam Cornwall with one aim — revenge. But revenge requires money and, for a hefty fee, Bliss agrees to help her cousin propagate his giant, jungle plant. She ignores the body in the cemetery and her drug-dealing neighbours, hoping to accomplish her goal before the scheme blows up in her face. It’s harder to ignore the new police chief, Neil Redfern, who is investigating a second suspicious death near Bliss’ trailer. Blackmail, drugs, and murder. It will take small-town cunning and big-city experience to save Bliss’ life and Neil’s job.
Universal Buy link: https://books2read.com/corpse-flower
November 30, 2021
Randy Overbeck launches his latest novel Scarlet at Crystal River
Welcome to thriller writer Randy Overbeck!
Dr. Randy Overbeck is an award-winning educator, author and speaker. As an educator, he served children for four decades in a range of roles captured in his novels, from teacher and coach to principal and superintendent. His thriller, Leave No Child Behind (2012) and his recent mysteries, the Amazon No. 1 Best Seller, Blood on the Chesapeake, Crimson at Cape May and Scarlet at Crystal River have earned five-star reviews and garnered national awards including “Thriller of the Year--ReadersFavorite.com, “Gold Award”—Literary Titan, “Mystery of the Year”—ReadersView.com and “Crowned Heart of Excellence”—InD’Tale Magazine. As a member of the Mystery Writers of America, Dr. Overbeck is an active member of the literary community, contributing to a writers’ critique group, serving as a mentor to emerging writers and participating in writing conferences such as Sleuthfest, Killer Nashville and the Midwest Writers Workshop. When he’s not writing or researching his next exciting novel or sharing his presentation, “Things Still Go Bump in the Night,” he’s spending time with his incredible family of wife, three children (and their spouses) and seven wonderful grandchildren.
Social Media Handles
https://twitter.com/OverbeckRandy/media
https://www.facebook.com/authorrandyoverbeck
https://www.instagram.com/authorrandyoverbeck/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-KOC0LH2GQRSAjwxOFr5rg
Tik Tok @authorrandyo
What would you say are your strengths as an author?
As a writer, I think I’ve benefitted from my habits and experience as an educational leader. They’ve taught me to persevere, even when the task is daunting as that has helped me continue through obstacles and challenging. Also, my earlier experience with research has allowed me to do the significant research required for my fiction
How often do you write, and do you write using a strict routine?
Pretty much every day I work on different aspects of my writing and/or marketing. Lately my time has been monopolized by promotional tasks, but I plan to devote more time and effort to continued work on my next manuscript.
Five years from now, where do you see yourself as a writer?
I’d love to have one or two novels on the NYT Best Sellers list…and five years ought to be enough.
If you could offer once piece of advice to a novice writer, what would it be?
Writing may be a solitary act, but you do not need to be in this alone. You should attend one or two writing conferences where you can learn a great deal about the art, skill and business of writing. Also, you can get great encouragement and motivation from other successful authors.
What would you consider to be the best compliment a reader could give your book?
When a readers writes and says that he couldn’t put down my novel, or that she stayed up all night to find out what happens or they ask me when the next entry is coming—these are the best compliments I could receive.
What are you working on now?
I’m nearly finished with the full first draft of my next manuscript, another amateur sleuth mystery. This narrative is the story of a new drug being sold to middle school kids who die in a car crash.
SCARLET AT CRYSTAL RIVER
· Release by Wild Rose Press—September 13, 2021
· Paranormal mystery
· All Darrell Henshaw wanted was to enjoy his honeymoon with his beautiful wife, Erin, in the charming town of Crystal River on the sunny Gulf Coast of Florida. Only a pair of ghosts decide to intrude on their celebration. And not just any ghosts, the spirits of two young Latino children. Unwilling at first to derail the honeymoon for yet another ghost hunt, Darrell finally concedes when a painting of the kids comes alive, weeping and pleading for his help.
When he and Erin track down the artist, they discover the children’s family were migrant workers the next county over. But when they travel there, their questions about the kids gets their car shot up and Erin hospitalized. Torn between fear and rage, Darrell must decide how far he will go to get justice for two young children he never even knew.
Tagline
Darrell and Erin thought they were heading to Florida for a carefree honeymoon, but the ghosts of two immigrants children haunt them, pleading for help.
Trailer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLhuf7RGtCs
Review Blurbs
“Scarlet at Crystal River is an eerie paranormal mystery I couldn't stop reading. Randy Overbeck is a masterful writer of the paranormal, drawing the reader in before instilling shivers down the spine. 5+ stars." –N. N. Light's Book Heaven
“A rollercoaster of a mystery, hurtling up and down hills and sharp corners until the very end, when the reader is left slightly breathless, waiting for their hearts to beat back to a normal rhythm. ★★★★★—ReadersView
“Scarlet at Crystal River is a suspenseful paranormal novel with compelling characters and an enigmatic mystery that drives the story to a riveting conclusion. Overbeck is a master at building tension–-this is easily a one-sitting read.” ★★★★★—Literary Titan
“This is another masterpiece from Randy Overbeck. His excellent writing style has left me speechless for one more time. He writes in a way that makes you feel what the characters feel and you have no choice but to partake in the journey with them.” ★★★★★—Ioanna’s Reviews, Greece
Purchase Links
https://www.amazon.com/Scarlet-Crystal-Haunted-Shores-Mysteries/dp/1509237879
https://www.bookbub.com/books/scarlet-at-crystal-river-by-randy-overbeck
Link to Trailer
November 27, 2021
JACKRABBIT JINGLE BALLS Released by Ann Charles November 26 2021
JUST IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS!
JACKRABBIT JINGLE BALLS, The newest novella in the Jackrabbit Junction series by
USA Today Bestseller, ANN CHARLES!
To be released on November 26 th !
Holiday Recipe for Madcap Merrymaking in Jackrabbit Junction
Start with a bawdy night sprinkled with tinsel tassels and jingle balls, toss in a missing pair of underwear, and top it all off with plenty of sugary shenanigans. Serve with a side of naughty and nice.
Claire Morgan and her sisters are a tad twitchy. Their father is on his way for their first Christmas in Arizona, but the tidings of joy are few and far between. For one thing, their mother is pissed about her ex-husband flying in to play Santa. For another, their mother is just pissed. Period.
Christmas will never be the same again for the Morgan sisters!
More books in the Jackrabbit Junction series:
Praise for the Jackrabbit Junction Series:
“You give me sassy women who stick their noses in things they probably shouldn't. You give me old folks who give me a giggle with their candid observations on life and the women they want to bed. You give me danger and mayhem and kisses that steam up the pages” _ Kelly, Reviewer at Reading The Paranormal
“So refreshing! This author's voice is different and you can just feel that she had fun writing her words. In fact, many times they made me wish I'd come up with the line”_ Mimi Barbour, New York Times and USA Today Bestseller
A bout Ann Charles:
USA Today Bestselling author, Ann Charles, writes spicy stories full of mystery, comedy, adventure, suspense, romance, and supernatural mayhem. When she's not dabbling in fiction, she's arm wrestling with her two kids, attempting to seduce her husband, and arguing with her sassy cats.
Website: http://www.anncharles.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnnCharlesAuthorPage
Twitter: https://twitter.com/annwcharles
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ann_charles
Snapchat: https://www.snapchat.com/add/annwcharles
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/AnnWCharles
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/ann-charles
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4605878.Ann_Charles
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Ann-Charles/e/B004JLYPFW
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/AnnCharlesAuthor
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/anncharles
To request additional review copies or an interview with Ann Charles, please contact Mickey Mikkelson at Creative Edge Publicity: mickey.creativeedge@gmail.com/ 403.464.6925.
W
e look forward to the coverage!
November 25, 2021
A.M Westerling featured in Hugs, Kisses and Mistletoe Wishes Christmas Romance Collection
Welcome to fellow Canadian and BWL Author, A.M Westerling!
A.M. Westerling, a top selling author for boutique Canadian publisher BWL Publishing, writes historical romance, including Barkerville Beginnings, Book 4 of the popular Canadian Historical Brides Collection issued in honour of Canada’s 150th birthday.
A former chemical engineer, Astrid traded in her calculator, mechanical pencil and spreadsheets for a keyboard, history books and membership in her local RWA chapter. From Vikings to Viscounts, her adventure filled stories span the ages. Sophie’s Choice andLeah’s Surrender, the first two books in her Ladies of Harrington House Regency romance series, were finalists in Long and Short Reviews Book of the Month, with Leah’s Surrender winning that honor for May 2021.
She enjoys walks in the great outdoors, spending time in her garden and camping. This avid sports fan loves watching NFL (ballet on the grid iron!) and NASCAR (hot cars, cute drivers!), and cheering on her hometown teams, the Calgary Flames and Calgary Stampeders. Find her books at www.bookswelove.com/westerling-m/
Website:
https://www.facebook.com/A.M.Westerling
https://twitter.com/amwesterling
A.M. Westerling (Author of The Countess' Lucky Charm) | Goodreads
A.M. Westerling Books - BookBub
Tell us about your life outside of writing.
I’m a retired chemical engineer and don’t miss my profession at all. As a matter of fact, I often wonder how I ever had time to work! I spend a few days a week at my keyboard with writing and writing related activities. Unless I have a deadline, I work at my own pace. I have a husband and two wonderful sons, both married to smart, beautiful women. We recently became grandparents for the first time and oh my, if I had known how much fun it was going to be, I would have been pestering my kids for years!
I love being outside and go for a walk every morning. I love my garden and the Canadian climate is perfect for me – I’m all gung ho in April and May when I’m anxious to get dirt under my fingernails but by the time September rolls around, I’m ready to put everything away for the winter. I adore camping (see above comment re: love being outside!). Don’t get me wrong, 5 star resort hotels are lovely too. But nothing beats sitting outside in the morning with a coffee staring into the forest with the smell of bacon sizzling on the camp stove, or sitting by the fire at night and gazing up at the stars.
I’m also a big sports fan. To me, pro sports is real reality TV. We have seasons tickets for the Calgary Stampeders and of course follow the Calgary Flames as well. I also love watching NFL on Sundays and NASCAR. I have to blame that one on my husband – a number of years ago he suggested that we attend a NASCAR race in Las Vegas and I’ve been hooked ever since. There’s nothing like the sound of 900 hp engines racing and oh my, you have no idea how fast they go unless you see it in person. Love it. Oh, then there’s golf, and curling, and - You get the picture. *wink*
Do you have a work in progress?
Not officially although I do have a half-written Viking romance set in L’Anse aux Meadows (Newfoundland). I have another book coming out in December with BWL Publishing, Catherine’s Passion, Book 3 of my Ladies of Harrington House Regency romance series.
I’m taking a bit of a breather at the moment to focus on marketing the Christmas anthology I’m involved with, Hugs, Kisses and Mistletoe Wishes. After that, I’m not sure whether I’ll finish the Viking one or tackle something brand new. I have a folder of story ideas so I might just see what I can find in there.
What was the most difficult section/piece you ever wrote? What made it difficult?
I have to say it was my Viking romance A Heart Enslaved. My heroine Gisela is a Christian and my hero Thorvald believes in the Norse gods. It’s a source of conflict for them, particularly Gisela. It was difficult to navigate equitably between the two belief systems as I didn’t want to make one belief system better than the other. Also, it was the first Viking era story I wrote so it required a lot of research.
Conversely, Evelyn’s Beau, a novella set in the Regency era and which is my contribution to the Hugs, Kisses and Mistletoe Wishes Christmas anthology, was the easiest book I’ve written so far. It’s a sweet romance and the story centres on a Christmas pageant performed by disadvantaged children which ends in disaster. Because it’s novella length, I didn’t need to weave in many subplots which is usually where my research comes in. I only had to ensure that the language, clothing, food, modes of transportation, etc., were appropriate for the era.
What sort of research do you do for your work?
Haha, well I write historical romance so I do a ton of research. That suits me perfectly as I find the facts I learn always give me story ideas. For example, I learned Vikings could buy their innocence which is the premise behind A Heart Enslaved. I’ve been building up my own library of history books but of course I rely heavily on the internet aka the time suck. I stay away from Wikipedia.
Which books and authors do you read for pleasure? Is there an author who inspires you?
Not really although I was a huge fan of Kathleen Woodiwiss, Rosemary Rogers, Marsha Canham and Johanna Lindsay back in the day. I pretty much stick to historical romance although I will throw in the occasional contemporary romance. Right now I am discovering other BWL Publishing authors such as Victoria Chatham, Rosemary Morris, Tricia McGill and Juliet Waldron. I prefer romance as I read for entertainment and the last thing I want is a depressing book. I like a happily ever after!
Was there a person who encouraged you to write?
No. I started to write because it got to the point that the market was so saturated with historical romances, they were ahem, mostly terrible. I thought I could do better so I actually started my first book (it’s not published, it’s my so called book under my bed) during lunch hours when I was still working. My family of course is very supportive of my endeavours.
HUGS, KISSES AND MISTLETOE WISHES
Hugs, Kisses and Mistletoe Wishes...a Sweet Christmas Romance Collection. Celebrate the magical holiday season with this special gift straight from our hearts, eight enchanting love stories to cherish all year long. Rekindle your love of the holidays with these heartwarming romances.Only available for a limited time. Get your copy today.
Check out the titles below:
Roxy Boroughs: THE SPRITE BEFORE CHRISTMAS
A wisecracking Christmas sprite takes a heartbroken woman on a magical journey to discover the true meaning of love and family, but only if she has the courage to act before it's too late.
S. L. Dickson: MY CHRISTMAS HERO
When a firefighter finds and returns a Christmas sock monkey to its rightful owner, he finds a woman with a zest for life. While the romance sparks, a tragedy occurs. Will they get a second chance? Will a kiss under the Mistletoe fulfill their dreams?
Raine Hughes: LOVE IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS
Ready to move into their newly purchased home, Jamison Baker and his two young girls discover the previous owner and her female boarders haven't vacated. Until new accommodations can be found for the women their only option is to share the renamed house, Baker's Harem...er, Haven. Jamison can't imagine how he'll live with thirteen females, especially the feisty Kat Madison.
Ellen Jorgy: SAFE IN HIS ARMS AT CHRISTMAS
Mix one scared city girl with one guilt-ridden country boy doctor and you get a recipe for love at Christmas, but hidden agendas emerge that could crush not only their hopes of love but might end Nicole's life as well.
Shelley Kassian: A GENTLEMAN FOR CHRISTMAS
In this Downton Abbey meets Outlander romance, a veterinary surgeon pursues a high society lady at the height of the Christmas season. Differing cultures and a high-class father complicate the romance. Will a carol's song and a horse's Lady Luck make the season brighter?
Katie O'Connor: GINGERBREAD DREAMS
Poppy Holiday needs a new oven for her bakery. Darius Badeaux has a reputation to shed. The only way they can both achieve their dreams is by winning the Annual Gingerbread Baking Competition. Together. Too bad there's a hurtful past hanging between them. Will the season of giving bring them together to build the perfect gingerbread house and salvage their careers, or will the past crush their dreams and their hearts?
Sherile Reilly: A WISH UPON A CHRISTMAS KNIGHT
Orphaned, Melody Blackwell, lives under the control of her selfish uncle who betroths her, for financial gain, to a cruel old man. Cursed for centuries, Samuel Knight is brought to life by the fair Melody. Together, they must fight an ancient curse that threatens to destroy their love and then kill them. Can they survive?
A. M. Westerling: EVELYN'S BEAU
After a disappointing Season, Lady Evelyn Kendall retreats to Kendall Hall in Cornwall. Her immediate future does not include a husband, although a renewed acquaintance with long-time family friend Oliver Harrington shows promise. When a local vicar offers her an opportunity to organize a Christmas pageant for disadvantaged children, Evelyn accepts, never thinking it would lead to disaster for both her and Oliver.
November 23, 2021
How to Record and Publish Your Audiobook in 7 Simple Steps by Jennifer Lieberman
Make Your Own Break
How To Record & Publish Your Audiobook In 7 Simple Steps
A how-to look into audiobook publishing by critically acclaimed author and actress
Jennifer Lieberman
Released by Maple Mermaid Publishing Corporation
The book is available worldwide in digital, print and audio across all platforms.
NOW AN AMAZON.COM NUMBER ONE BESTSELLER!
“Make Your Own Break: How to Record & Publish Your Audiobook in Seven Simple Steps” is a simple and straightforward 'how to' guide for self-published authors and explains how to record and publish a manuscript as an audiobook.
Award-winning writer, actor and producer Jennifer Lieberman developed this seven step guide based on her background in filmmaking & film production, acting and performance coaching while stumbling through the process of recording her own audiobook.
This resource walks you through what to expect in the process by breaking it down into seven steps from time management, necessary equipment as well as tips on preparation, recording and editing.
More expertise from Jennifer Lieberman:
As virtual meetings have gone from the exception to the norm in the business world, many professionals feel unprepared for this new "on-camera" shift.
Filmmaker, producer and award-winning actor Jennifer Lieberman created a simple seven-step approach when coaching executives and business professionals with their virtual presence. In this simple and straight-forward guide Lieberman walks through tricks and tips from the film industry to help you "master your virtual meeting" every time.In this book Lieberman covers the technical aspects from camera placement and lighting setup to presentation techniques specific to achieving an impactful on-camera performance. If you are interested in learning a consistent and effective method to master your virtual meetings this is the book for you.
About Jennifer:
JENNIFER LIEBERMAN is from Maple, Canada and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from York University in Toronto. She has appeared in over thirty stage productions in Toronto, New York City, Los Angeles, Europe and Australia; including her Award-Winning solo-show Year of the Slut, which her novel Year of the What? was adapted from. In addition to her performance career, she has penned a number of screen and stage plays; her short films Leash and Detailswhich both screened at the Festival De Cannes' Court Métrage among other international film festivals as well as the wacky web-series Dumpwater Divas. More information can be found about Jennifer at: Home (jenniferliebermanactor.com)
To request additional review copies or an interview with Jennifer Lieberman, please contact Mickey Mikkelson at Creative Edge Publicity: mickey.creativeedge@gmail.com / 403.464.6925.
We look forward to the coverage!
November 20, 2021
Anne Scottlin, award-winning writer, podcaster and founder of The Power of Joy Institute brings you Live for Joy!
LIVE FOR JOY
By Anne Scottlin
Published by The Power of Joy Institute
This title is available in hard cover, soft cover and Kindle.
Even if you only have a minute or two, you can create a mindset that helps you start celebrating your life again and become the kind of person you are proud to be. Anne Scottlin, award-winning writer, podcaster and founder of The Power of Joy Institute brings you her 286-page book, Live for Joy!
“I decided to write a personal empowerment book that would deliver honest and authentic food for thought even if you only had two minutes,” Anne says. “I also wanted to create an experience that was not only poignant but also visually thought provoking and inspiring.”
The 12 chapters of Live for Joy bring you 12 ways to inspire your self-awareness and support a mindset for a more joyful and authentic life. Each of Anne’s compelling messages appear opposite extraordinary full-page art and photography, creating a visually stunning feast for the senses.
Whether you consume Live for Joy in one sitting or keep it close-at-hand for quick infusions of courage or moments of contemplation, you will find it an indispensable tool to support you in tapping into your best version of yourself.
Available on Amazon, BarnesandNoble.com, or through your favorite bookstore.
ABOUT ANNE:
Anne Scottlin, MA, CPC has worked in the industries of motivation and wellbeing for over a decade. Anne is a nature and animal lover, mountain hiker, humanitarian, world traveler, doting dog mama, influencer and award-winning writer and actress. Her friends and clients love her for her warm empathy and joie de vivre. She lives with her husband and two Mini Schnauzers in Santa Monica, CA or at her secret mountain hideaway.
Anne is the founder of The Power of Joy Institute, which is dedicated to the study and practice of joy and offers corporate training and retreats supporting emotional wellness and optimal work-life integration.
More information about Anne can be found here:
Website: http://www.annescottlin.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AnneScottlin
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annescottlin
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annescottlin
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnneScottlin
Amazon Author Page:
https://www.amazon.com/Anne-Scottlin/e/B099VV6MDX/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_book_1
A peek at words of praise for Live For Joy . . .
"One of this decade’s philosophers … Anne Scottlin’s words of wisdom come like raindrops on dry land."
Mohammed Darweesh, Madrid
"I always eagerly anticipate Anne's work. Her words bring hope, promise and sunlight to an often dark world."
Gary Canning, UK
"Anne Scottlin is a thought leader of scope and depth, a role model of impact."
Anthony C. Gruppo - CEO, Author/Speaker, New York
To request additional review copies or an interview with Anne Scottlin, please contact Mickey Mikkelson at Creative Edge Publicity: Mickey@CreativeEdgePublicity.com | (403) 464-6925
