Diane Bator's Blog, page 43
July 8, 2021
Caramel Lucas releases her new book In Love With the Other Man
IN LOVE WITH THE OTHER MAN
THE STUNNING DEBUT BY CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED PODCASTER AND MODEL, CARAMEL LUCAS
Released and published by Authorhouse!
The books will be available worldwide in digital and print across all platforms!
This is the story of the lives of four ladies: Denise, Keisha, Liz, and Tonya. Denise is living the most normal life she possible can with her husband, Eric, the man she loves and whom she will never leave. Keisha, a real estate agent, enjoys the single life until she meets a man named Robert, who is a handsome and rich bachelor. Keisha is very independent, living her life and doing her own thing; no man is going to change her lifestyle . . . or will he? Liz is married with three children, but she is still lonely because her husband, Mr. Frank, is never home. Liz meets a young man named Terrence and falls deeply in love with him. What will Liz do? Is she in love with the other man? Tonya does anything with anyone and lives the single life. Tonya doesn't care about herself, her five-year-old child, or her mother, even though she is still living at her mother's home. Watch out for Tonya; she may be with your man . . . or your woman.
NOW MADE INTO A FEATURE FILM
https://www.authorhouse.com/en/bookstore/bookdetails/496798-in-love-with-the-other-man
https://www.amazon.com/Love-Other-Man-Francina-Lucas/dp/1491826851
https://www.dymocks.com.au/book/in-love-with-the-other-man-by-francina-lucas-9781491826874
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/in-love-with-the-other-man-francina-ms-caramel-lucas/1117534316
https://www.walmart.com/ip/In-Love-with-the-Other-Man-9781491826850/53080534
ABOUT CARAMEL:
Podcaster Host/Published Author & Poet/Keynote Motivational Speaker/ Creative Writer/Standup Comic/Actress/Model.
Caramel Lucas is knowledgeable in the business and entertainment industry. She has been in both industries for over 15 years. Caramel has uplifted so many people with her outgoing personality. Caramel is a motivated entrepreneur and continues to reach for the stars. Caramel is a Podcaster Host with her own show called Keepin It Real w/Caramel "As We Say 100" on Anchor.fm which has a very wide digital platform. She interviews entrepreneurs who wants to be heard and give her listeners inspirational and motivational messages as well as give the entrepreneurs a chance to let the world know the impact they are making in the world. Therefore, Caramel writes her own newsletter with Substack called Keepin It Real w/Caramel. This gives Caramel a chance to be creative in her writing. This gives the readers opportunity to relate to the articles and give the readers inspiration. Caramel’s articles have the scenario, the truth, and the conclusion with an inspirational poem at the end of each article. Caramel has been writing for a long time ever since she was 5 years old.
In 2018, Caramel became a Published Poet with Eber & Wein Publishing and Poetry Nation. She was published in the Upon Arrival Edition and Quarantine Edition. She received a plaque for both and became one of the best poets in 2019 & 2020. As Caramel keeps pushing her career, she decided to continue her education at IAP Career College and became a Keynote Motivational Speaker. Caramel speaks about Relationship, Life Experiences, Online Dating, Parenting & Motivation. In 2013, Caramel became a Published Author and published a novel called "In Love With The Other Man with Authorhouse and became a best seller. Caramel has written, produced and directed her own movie of the novel.
Caramel does not stop there she furthers her career and made her own perfume fragrance with Waft called " Taste of Caramel." With Caramel’s outgoing and funny personality Caramel does Standup Comedy. Caramel does clean and adult comedy, which she is hilarious at both. Caramel has performed at many comedy clubs, fashion shows, etc. She also became a member of Comedy Network Live (thenativesociety.com) and Entertainers Worldwide. Caramel is a member of the National Association of Professional Women (NAPW), Notary Association, IAPO (International Association of Professional Motivational Speakers) and a member of the American Legion since 1997 and still active.
Caramel has recently signed with Talent USA INC and she have graduated from several modeling school such as John Casablanca, Vogue Modeling Agency, Denise Carol Modeling and Talent Agency. In her modeling career, she has done multiple fashion shows such as Southern Women at the Prime Osborne in Jacksonville, Florida, New Day in Newark with major designers, hairstyles, and models all over the world. She has modeled for Careese Modeling Network in North Carolina with Celebrity Fashion Designers, The Look 42 and Lauren DeVaughn. Caramel has won beauty pageants at the "Kings and Queens Beauty Pageant" and was crowned Queen. She has been in many music videos, magazines hardcopy/online and have won many modeling competitions. She has directed many music videos & commercials. Caramel never stops in her acting career she has been in many acting gigs such as an extra "News Reporter" on the movie "Recount" with John Travolta on HBO Productions, Room 236, The Kupid Killer, The Gathering, Dead Con, Logistics, etc. She has her IMDB credits for her acting. Meanwhile, she had a great opportunity to auditions for the TV shows "She Got The Look," "Bad Girls Club" and “America's Got Talent” which they all were great experiences. Caramel was in two National Commercials an extra for Sports Authority and Dick Sporting Goods.
In 2010 Caramel was Ms On Air Personality for Hot1079, myblockradio.net &myblocktv.net out of Charlotte, NC (704djs). She had her own shows "Grown and Sexy" every Sunday and on Tuesday and Thursday "Silk Music." Caramel has done mixtapes and hosted many events. Caramel has hosted a reality TV Shows called Who Smarter Than a Hotdog, Drinking With Comedians, Talking With Caramel, The Morning Show & Dota2clan.com. Caramel has volunteered her time to different events and still does. In her adventures Caramel has done business and interviewed many celebrities. Caramel loves her journey, and she will continue moving forward.
To request additional review copies or an interview with Caramel Lucas, please contact Mickey Mikkelson at Creative Edge Publicity: mickey.creativeedge@gmail.com / 403.464.6925.
July 6, 2021
Susie Black launches her first cozy mystery Death By Sample Size
Welcome to author Susie Black who has a wonderful sense of humor.
Her author bio alone made me run out to grab her book! I hope you enjoy our interview.
Born in the Big Apple, Susie Black now calls sunny Southern California home. Like the protagonist in her Holly Swimsuit Mystery Series, Susie is a successful apparel sales executive. Susie began telling stories as soon as she learned to talk. Now she’s telling all the stories from her garment industry experiences in humorous mysteries.
She reads, writes, and speaks Spanish, albeit with an accent that sounds like Mildred from Michigan went on a Mexican vacation and is trying to fit in with the locals. Since life without pizza and ice cream as her core food groups wouldn’t be worth living, she’s a dedicated walker to keep her girlish figure. A voracious reader, she’s also an avid stamp collector. Susie lives with a highly intelligent man and has one incredibly brainy but smart-aleck adult son who inexplicably blames his sarcasm on an inherited genetic defect.
Looking for more? Reach her at mysteries_@authorsusieblack.com
Side note: Just behind my college graduation, wedding day, and birth of my son, June 9th was truly one of the most amazing days of my entire life. My debut cozy mystery Death by Sample Size was released for publication. I am humbled, honored, and proud to be able to say that now I am officially a published author! A life-long dream has come true, a hard-fought- for goal has been accomplished.
Tell us about your life outside of writing.
Like the protagonist in Death by Sample Size, I am a Los Angeles-based sales exec in the ladies’ swimwear industry. I am married to a highly intelligent man who still makes me laugh every day and have one adult irreverent son who is a linguistic Psychologist. I am a college graduate and speak, read, and write mid-level Spanish; regrettably, with absolutely NO accent whatsoever. I am a dedicated walker, voracious reader, and have been a stamp collector since childhood.
Do you have a work in progress?
I do. The second book in the Holly Swimsuit Mystery Series is in editing stage right now. It may take a bit longer than originally planned as I am contemplating adding a new continuous character, a pet, and the hint of a love interest for the protagonist.
What was the most difficult section/piece you ever wrote?
The most difficult section I ever wrote was the middle of the story. What made it difficult? It was difficult because there were two potential versions that I liked equally, but choosing one over the other would have an impact on how the story ended. I solved my dilemma by allowing the characters to control the middle of the story and drive the plot to the end. I figured if the book was a nuclear bomb, I could blame the characters…LOL! So far, the reviews have been excellent and the characters haven’t stopped bragging how they are responsible for how successfully the book has been accepted. Believe me, these characters are getting a swell head.
What sort of research do you do for your work?
Since all my stories take place in the sane industry I am actually in, my every day work is the main source of my research. People in my industry and everyday life situations are my best sources of research. I have kept a daily journal during the course of my entire career where I chronicle the quirky, interesting, sometimes challenging people I’ve encountered and the crazy situations I’ve gotten myself into and out of. All my characters and plots are based on the people I’ve met and the situations I’ve been in, using a good deal of poetic license of course.
Which books and authors do you read for pleasure?
I tend to read books and authors in the humorous cozy mystery genre, the same genre I write in. Is there an author who inspires you? I have been inspired by many authors, but if I had to choose one that inspired me the most, it would be the late, great Joan Hess. Her irreverence and wise-cracking way of commenting on society’s foibles via her characters is something I have emulated.
Was there a person who encouraged you to write?
Yes, there were several. My maternal grandmother, my dad, and my high school journalism teacher.
DEATH BY SAMPLE SIZE
BONUS!! Death by Sample Size Excerpt
When the elevator doors opened, I had to stop myself short not to step on her. There was Bunny Frank-the buying office big shot-lying diagonally across the car. Her legs were splayed out and her back was propped against the corner. Her sightless eyes were wide open and her arms reached out in a come-to-me baby pose. She was trussed up with shipping tape like a dressed Thanksgiving turkey ready for the oven with a bikini stuffed in her mouth. A Gotham Swimwear hangtag drooped off her lower lip like a toe tag gone lost. Naturally, I burst out laughing.
Before you label me incredibly weird or stone-cold, let me say genetics aren’t all they’re cracked up to be. If you’re lucky you inherit your Aunt Bertha’s sexy long legs or your father’s ability to add a bazillion dollar order in his head and get the total correct to the last penny. Without even breaking into a sweat, it’s easy to spout at least a million fabulous traits inheritable by the luck of the draw. Did I get those sexy long legs or the ability to add more than two plus two without a calculator? Noooooooooo. Lucky me. I inherited my Nana’s fear of death we overcompensated for with the nervous habit of laughing. A hysterical reaction? Think Bozo the clown eulogizing your favorite aunt.
I craned my neck like a tortoise and checked around. Then I clamped a fist over my mouth. Cripes, how could I possibly explain my guffaws with Bunny lying there? The disappointment was simultaneously mixed with relief when there was no one else in the parking lot. Where was security when you needed them?
I toed the elevator door open and bent over Bunny. I’d seen enough CSI episodes to know not to touch her. She was stiff as a board and I attributed the bluish tinge of her skin to the bikini crammed down her throat. I was no doctor, but I didn’t need an MD after my name to make this diagnosis. Bunny Frank was dead as the proverbial doorknob.
It was no surprise Bunny Frank had finally pushed someone beyond their limits. The only surprise was it had taken so long. The question wasn’t who wanted Bunny Frank dead. The question was who didn’t?
In case you’re like me and can’t wait to read more….
July 3, 2021
Lillian & Dave Brummet celebrate their latest release From One Small Garden
Welcome to Lillian & Dave Brummet and their many books!
Lillian and her husband Dave are the team behind Brummet Media Group, high-fiving cheerfully as they pass each other on the way from checking off one item or other from their long to-do list. After moving to their dream location (in the Kootenay Region of BC, Canada), they have been methodically converting the abused lot over to the little park it has become – and in doing so have gained certification with bee, pollinator and wildlife organizations. Their home, too, has become energy efficient via the many upgrades they have done. Their business includes Dave’s music studio and percussion accessory products and graphic design work as well as numerous award-winning non-fiction books and popular blogs. Today we help them celebrate their latest book release - From One Small Garden, with over 300 delicious, nutritious recipes!
Links:
Amazon Author Page: https://amazon.com/author/lillianbrummet
Brummet's Website: http://BrummetMedia.ca
FaceBook: http://facebook.com/lillian.brummet
Q: How many (books) bookshelves do you have in your home?
L: A walking tour through our home and studio reveals 3 wall units upstairs, 4 shelves in the studio and 1 shelf in the kitchen - all of them filled with books. I'd guess at perhaps 6-dozen novels, and probably 8-dozen reference books ranging from photography, music, computer programs, gardening, writing and health.
Q: Why did you feel this book needed to be written?
D: I think the times we are living in dictate a turn towards people growing more of their own food in their backyards. With this in mind and the fact that we have been doing exactly that for over 30 years we felt our collection of well-refined recipes could be very relevant and well received. We have had people showing keen interest ever since we started the project so many years ago. Another twist of the book is that it is not as meat-heavy as the average North American diet tends to be. As former vegetarians, we realized a compromise is all too possible. Like the Asian style of diet they have a small serving of protein with a lot of vegetables and rice or noodles. The typical North American plate has a big chunk of meat with a small portion of vegetables possibly. I always feel less energetic after a meal heavy in protein unless I have just been on a big hike or ride and have the need for that kind of portioning to replace what I burned off.
Q: What was your path to publication?
L: From One Small Garden started out as a collection of recipes we gathered from friends and family or created ourselves and over the years this developed into 2 binders filled with recipes. We decided to systematically go through them deciding on the best-of-the-best and organizing them for ourselves. It helped that at the time (1998), I had been in a car accident and was home to do this task. After we became writers and had been in the career for a few years, we decided that this collection needed to be published. That was some 18 years ago... and since then the manuscript has been worked on sporadically, set aside while we took on various life challenges, business and work projects, publishing 6 other books and renovated and landscaped 2 different homes we bought/sold. Finally in 2019, we again took up the task of completing the cookbook project, organizing for beta testers/readers, editing, book cover design, etc. and by early 2021 it was released.
Q: What are the biggest surprises you’ve encountered as a writer?
D: The surprise was that the work only increases after your book is published. As a self-promoting team we have to do everything we can to get the book to the attention of the audience we wish to target. Of course this was different decades ago when you might have a publishing company involved in this, but the world of books has changed. Unless you are a big name you are going to be on your own for the most of it and it can be intense. You need to have a well thought out plan and stick to it in order to get noticed. Flexibility is the key – always be ready to adapt to what ever comes your way. It will keep you pliable and ready for anything.
Q: What is your proudest writer moment?
L: Our Trash Talk series is probably the project that I find the most pride in. Through this series we have influenced people all over the world to live more proactively, consciously saving money and reducing consumption of resources, while helping their own communities. My proudest moment came when the Recycling Council of British Columbia presented us with an award for "outstanding use of various media in on-going outreach work to reduce waste in our environment" and then we were recognized as Community Heroes by the LiveSmart BC program. Mere words cannot describe how it feels to hear from our former radio listeners, and our readers over the years... their stories of how we influenced them to become proactive and make a difference.
Q: What business challenges have you faced as a writer?
D: The learning of new software and web design has been a big challenge in my end of things. There is always something to learn in the realm of graphic design but it is a challenge I love to take on as it only increases my knowledge and ability to do all of our own promotional projects for all aspects of our business.
Q: What is your writer life philosophy?
L: Find a problem that affects people's lives and the health of the planet, solve the problem and provide a step-by-step guide for others to follow. For me, the task of making that information palatable and enjoyable for the reader comes afterwards. Writing is a way for me to leave a positive legacy, to make a difference for others and to have a lasting impact on the environment.
Q: What is the wisest thing anyone has said to you?
D: My African friend and drum mentor David Thiaw once said to me: “Share the information I have given you with others to perpetuate the craft of drumming. Don’t keep it to your chest like a thing to be hoarded, but give it willingly and share it with anyone that will listen”. I take this approach with everything I write or teach my students. I founded my drum studio on the premise that absolutely everyone goes away with some tidbit of drum, percussion or music knowledge that was not known to them previously.
Q: When starting a book project do you choose the title first, or does that come later?
D: Sometimes the title might be preconceived but usually by the time the manuscript is finished the title has gone through a few changes. It really depends on the market you are aiming to sell to and also what is relevant to the times. Often by the time you finish your book maybe someone else has used a title similar to yours so you might change it based on that.
Q: What impact do you hope this book will have on the reader?
L: I hope that people are able to reduce food waste and enjoy a more frugal menu plan that is filled with fresh, locally grown produce. From One Small Garden encourages the concept of growing food, even if it is just a few pots on the front step or a vine trellis with beans or cucumbers growing up it, blocking the sun on the deck. It encourages composting, and gives some tips for energy and water conservation. I hope that people are healthier and have found ways of extending their budget based on ideas we share in the book.
TITLE: From One Small Garden
SUBTITLE Over 300 Delicious Nutritious Recipes
AUTHORs: Dave & Lillian Brummet
This collection of recipes is the ultimate guide to utilizing fresh fruits and vegetables from backyard gardens to farmer’s markets - the freshest, purest source of food we can draw from. Loaded with lots of interesting tidbits of historical and nutritional information, this book is more than just a recipe book - it is a way of treating yourself to the healthy, delicious rewards of one small garden...
WEBSITE: www.BrummetMedia.ca
AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE: https://amazon.com/author/lillianbrummet
GENRE: Cookbook / health
PAGE # 275
ASIN: B08T7YRHPN
ISBN-13: 979-8596847116
Available at:
AMAZON USA: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08T7YRHPN
AMAZON CANADA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B08T7YRHPN
July 1, 2021
Keri Brown showcases her Origo fantasy series
Welcome to fantasy author, Keri Brown!
Keri Brown was born in Tennessee and raised in Chicagoland. She loves mythology, dark fairy tales, and anything medieval, so she put them together in her writing. Keri now lives south of Chicagoland with her husband Jim and children.
www.origonow.com is my website
Twitter and Facebook, I am @KeriBrownAuthor
Link to series Origo (2 book series) Kindle Edition (amazon.com)
What would you say are your strengths as an author?
Originality, since I don't read much in the genre that I write, I am mostly uninfluenced by the styles and ideas of other fantasy authors.
How often do you write, and do you write using a strict routine?
I like to write every day when I am writing. However, I usually can't write while editing, so I usually focus on one or the other. This last book has changed my mind and I hope to try to keep writing next time I edit. Not only did I go a full year without writing, but it also severely dampened my ability to pick back up again.
Five years from now, where do you see yourself as a writer?
I hope to have a finished series and at least one book into another series. I am working on side stories that will be free for newsletter subscribers and I hope to expand the already-free Origo The Campaign, a D&D 5E compatible RPG game.
If you could offer once piece of advice to a novice writer, what would it be?
Don't wait to interact with the writing and reading community. You can gain a following before your first book is even ready, and they will be eagerly awaiting its release. What a boost it will give! ALSO don't fret over being pirated. Celebrate! It means you're worth stealing. lol. Underexposure is a far deadlier threat.
What would you consider to be the best compliment a reader could give your book?
The parts that grab you the most. Or any remark that specifies something about the book. Or even a part that pissed you off! The last thing an author wants to hear is a generic "It's good" or "I liked it." Some people can write entire reviews that never mention a single element about the story itself.
What are you working on now?
Right now I am trying to pick up book three in the Origo series. When I wrote book one, it originally included the first 10 chapters of book two. I trimmed it back, and so when I started book two, I had quite the head start. Now, two of those 10 chapters were added afterward, so it was technically an 8 chapter boost, but still, it was a boost. This time, I didn’t keep going, so I have no boost and I'm trying to pick up where I left off. This is a lot harder than the other way. Lesson learned. lol.
Book 1: SON OF DARKNESS
Could a human child destroy a world of dragons?
Jak is a human, adopted by his loving family of shapeshifting dragons. That’s why he fears the ancient prophecy. The one that says he may be the Son of Darkness who will destroy them and everyone else on the planet Origo.
Jak bears the mark of the Son of Darkness, and he can’t control his temper. Each time he confronts danger, even to defend his family and friends, Jak unleashes dark powers and takes another step toward becoming their doom.
Only one thing stops the prophecy from being fulfilled. Jak has no counterpart. The Daughter of Light, whom the Son of Darkness is destined to kill, doesn’t exist…
Until he cracks a dragon egg that was never supposed to hatch.
Book 2 DAUGHTER OF LIGHT
The Daughter of Light has been kidnapped.
Is the Son of Darkness her only hope?
On Origo, little Lilink has been stolen away to the ash-covered ruin called Caligo. Different factions want her for their own purposes, including fulfilling the prophecy that would destroy the planet.
And Jak is in pursuit.
He and his brother Gray will let nothing stop them from finding Lilink. On their path, they encounter strange and powerful creatures who try to harm them during their relentless pursuit.
But will a reunion between Jak and Lilink fulfill the terrible prophecy?
Meanwhile, a war brews with Houses in the North, East, and West positioning their armies. Humans, dragons, trolls, and wolves must choose sides when an evil force starts a domino effect that could lead toward Origo’s destruction.
If the prophecy doesn’t destroy Origo, will the coming world war bring the planet’s end instead?
June 29, 2021
Brenda McDaniel shares her new release My Angel My Hero
Welcome to author Brenda McDaniel!
Brenda McDaniel is a retired and a first-time author. I also write for a digital Christian magazine. Called Faith on Every Corner. That goes out to 78 countries. I am a southern lady, living in Virginia. I have loved to write since childhood. Writing short stories and poetry. I also have a B.S. in Psychology. And an M. A. in Counseling.
Websites/links to my social media pages:
https://www.mcdanielsbooks.org
https://www.facebook.com/snowe333
https://www.facebook.com/mcdansbooks/
https://www.instagram.com/brendaemcda...
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brenda-mcdaniel-866122191
https://myangelmyhero46891542.wordpress.com/
What is your latest release?
My latest release is my book My Angel My Hero. It was released in September 2019 by Page Publishing. It's a Christian biography/Memoir about my parents. Who lived during the depression and WWII. My mother Olga(my angel) and my father Earl(my hero). And about my family. It's about faith, hope and love. The greatest of these being love!!
What are you working on now?
I have several projects that I am working on now. I hope to publish my second book called My Angels, My Companions. Published by Covenant Publishing very soon. It's about our mysterious and miraculous pet's. I am also working on a book of short stories. And another book of poetry. I also write articles for the international Christian magazine called Faith on Every Corner. Published in 78 countries.
Was there a person who encouraged you to write?
Yes I felt led by my Lord, after my parents passed away, to write. To tell people of his love, miracles and blessings. That he gave my family throughout our lifetimes. And my Christian mother also influenced me to write. With her example of love, hope and faith. Loving other's as she loved herself. She also took a writing course. When she retired and wrote one book.
What would you say are your strengths as an author?
I think my strengths as an author are compassion and love for other's. And a heartfelt and mindful way of writing. Not just putting words on paper. But writing from the heart and mind. To try to encourage and get people thinking about their lives and decisions. I also have a B.S. in Psychology and M. A. in Counseling. And have taken writing and English classes. So I have a rounded education to help with my writing skills and emotional impact on other's. You have to know how, when and where your books will go. Be very descriptive and interesting. As I try to write also.
How often do you write and do you write using a strict routine?
I write when I feel a yearning desire. Or have a pressing idea I need to write about. My writing routine is to go to a quiet part of the house. Set in a relaxing position. Turn on relaxing, peaceful instrumental music. I try to write immediately. While my ideas are still fresh in my mind.
Five years from now, where do you see yourself as a writer?
In five years, I hope to have published several books. With favorable sales. And if possible to have started writing children's books. Also, I hope to write for various magazines. As I enjoy working articles about various subject's. And hopefully getting well paid too!!
This book is a written testament to the power of love, faith, hope, and strength. It details the life and death of a woman named Snowe (my mother) who came as close to being an angel as possible. And a veteran of WW II who fought in the war as a Navy man. He also fought the demon of mental illness, and eventually won both battles. He was my father Earl who is my hero. It also tells about their family life, too. They both were the generation who saved the world from the evil of Nazism and the tyrant called Hitler. And they also suffered through the Depression. Both, especially my mother, were Christians with a strong faith that helped them through difficulties and hardships, and gave them joy and love all during their lifetime. And now, their love is eternal. Even in death, it continues for each other and their loving Savior Jesus Christ and his Father.
Buy links-
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44612392-My-Angel-My-Hero
https://www.amazon.com/My-Angel-My-Hero/dp/B07WL82L6J
https://www.audible.com/pd/B07W44K1CS/
https://www.play.google.com/store/books/details?id=TzSUDwAAQBAJ/
June 26, 2021
Jenna Greene's new release Renew
The Red Queen meets The Hunger Games In
RENEW
Book 2 of the Reborn Marks Series
Read Renew to find out if being branded a reborn is a myth, a curse...or a destiny.
Haunted by memories of those left behind, Lexil and Finn are forced to venture back into the Wastelands.
The Unclaimed Cities are not the idyllic setting Lexil, Finn, and Ceera thought it would be. This new land has challenges of its own – which they soon discover.When Lexil and Finn return to the Wastelands, they are accompanied by Kaylen, someone they can’t decide is a friend or foe. As they retrace their path, they meet up with old allies and enemies, and encounter other treachery embedded in the Wastelands. The trio are forced to face their own assumptions, prejudices, and fears.
Released and published by Foundations Book Publishing
The book is available electronically and print across all platforms!
ISBN: 978-1645830498. 266 pages
Amazon.ca: Renew: Amazon.ca: Greene, Jenna: Books
Amazon.com: Renew (The Reborn Marks): Greene, Jenna: 9781645830498: Amazon.com: Books
More Books in The Series:
The marks on Lexil's skin state she is a Reborn - someone who has lived before. As such, she must toil in service to those who have only one chance at life. Sold at auction, she is fearful but accepting of her new life. Everything changes when she must save a young child from a fate worse than death.
With the help of a new ally named Finn, she flees to the Wastelands. There she struggles to survive, while discovering more about herself, the world, and what it truly means to be Reborn.
About the Author:
Further information about the book and Jenna can be found at: JENNA GREENE - Jenna Greene
Jenna is available for interviews, media appearances, speaking engagements, and/or book review requests - please contact mickey.creativeedge@gmail.comby email or by phone at 403.464.6925.
June 24, 2021
Anzar The Progenitor, a new memoir from Bruce Olav Solheim Ph.D.
ANZAR
The Progenitor
A true memoir of contact with an ancient alien mystic
By Bruce Olav Solheim Ph. D
Published by Boots to Books
Available in print and E-Book across all platforms
Anzar is an ancient alien mystic whom I have known most of my life and have been in weekly direct contact with since 2018. Anzar the Progenitor documents my spirit communication with this ancient alien, including his prophecies, sage advice, and commentary on the world. The book has extensive endnotes and includes my research on the nature of this communication through mediumship and my theory of how the alien world, the spirit world, and the quantum world are the same—a quantum nexus. We can no longer wait for government disclosure about UFOs and aliens. The time has come for personal revelation through a leap of consciousness in a new Era of Reconversion. We are all related and we are the aliens.
Now Listed as an Amazon Hot New Release for May!!!
Amazon.com: Anzar the Progenitor: Solheim, Bruce Olav: 9780578909196: Amazon.com: Books
Amazon.ca: Anzar the Progenitor: Solheim, Bruce Olav: 9780578909196: Books - Amazon.ca
More Works from Bruce Olav Solheim:
“Within the pages of this fascinating book cum journal, Bruce tiptoes into the realm of alien life, the visits from ‘out there’ to this planet – to Bruce Solheim. Aided by the illustrations of artist Gary Dumm, his experiences range from the year 1964 to the present, and it is his polished skill of communicating ‘scientifically’ (complete with quotes from important voices) as well as ‘paranormally’ that suffuses the veracity of his prose. He invites the reader into the ‘unknown’ and is able to bring belief, and acceptance, of his myriad possibilities, realizing that the spirit world, the alien world, and the quantum world are all the same. This is a very fine exploration of a more expansive ‘reality.’ It is bracing, challenging - and reassuring!” _ Grady Harp, Reviewer with Top Shelf Magazine
About Bruce:
Bruce Olav Solheim was born in Seattle, Washington, to Norwegian immigrant parents. Bruce was the first person in his family to go to college. He served for six years in the US Army as a jail guard and later as a helicopter pilot and is a disabled veteran. Bruce earned his Ph.D. in history from Bowling Green State University in 1993. Bruce is a distinguished professor of history at Citrus College in Glendora, California. He was a Fulbright Professor and Scholar in 2003 at the University of Tromsø in Norway. Bruce has published twelve books and has written ten plays, five of which have been produced. The Bronze Star won two awards from the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival. The Epiphany was commissioned by the Kingdom of Norway and funded for a full production run with the original American cast. Bruce founded the veterans program at Citrus College and cofounded Boots to Books, the nation’s first college-credit transition course for veterans. Bruce is also a co-founder of Lockdown Theatre, which has produced three streamplays (online, live, remote actors) during the COVID-19 pandemic. He has published a trilogy of non-fiction paranormal books: Timeless, Timeless Deja Vu, and Timeless Trinity. Bruce has also published a comic book and a graphic novel featuring an alien hybrid character named Snarc. He has been on Coast to Coast several times and was a featured speaker at Contact in the Desert. Bruce is married to Ginger and has four children and two grandsons.
Bruce is available for interviews, media appearances, speaking engagements, and/or book review requests - please contact mickey.creativeedge@gmail.com by email or by phone at 403.464.6925.
June 22, 2021
Charlene Jones talks about her book My Impossible Life
Welcome to author and inspiration, Charlene Jones!!
My life as the title of my memoir suggests, has been as impossible as possible. Raped and tortured, global gypsy meeting heads of Tibetan Buddhism, initiations, silent retreats for as long as 3 months, death-defying journeys, publishing a few books, performer with the trio Uncritical Mass, double Masters, podcasting, psychotherapist in private practice for 23 years, meditation teacher and mother.
That last is what I’m most proud of…
In my 7thdecade I take no pills, sleep half a circadian rhythm many nights and enjoy a quiet life on a small lake with my partner of many years.
I mentioned my current life a bit above. I meditate regularly, and with a group on internet. We follow the Moon and meditate on New and Full Moon. Anyone may join!
The hardest part about Covid for me, as I know for so many of us, is not being to hold my grandchildren, visit my son and daughter who live far away. But I am grateful for FaceTime.
My life is quiet, beside the lake watching the wildlife and lately my partner and I have discovered the magic of the forests in York Region. I am so grateful for these places of healing.
The most difficult book I wrote was my memoir. This wasn’t for the obvious reason, that some of the contents were difficult. I wrote the book over a period of 50 years, many times. And during that time I wrung the emotional content out of the memories, through deep body work, dream work and meditation. So that wasn’t the struggle.
The struggle was in the structure of memoir, which remains unique. It is a form unto itself and the best memoirs adhere to the structure. It took a few years and a few memoir courses, notably with Sue Reynolds and with Linda Joy Myers of National Association of Memoir Writers before I gained some control of the material.
For my non-fiction works, Medicine Buddha Medicine Mind and Medicine Mind Medicine Buddha I read Dr. Doidge’s The Brain That Changes Itself, and his The Brain’s Way of Healing, along with The Tell Tale Brain by VS Ramachandran, Brain Mapping by Rita Carter, Cure by Jo Marchand, The Master and His Emissary by Iain McGilChrist and a few others.
Many authors inspire me. When I think about how hard it is to not only write, but then Indie publish and try to establish a place in the market, I am toppled by the amount of dedication, perseverance and commitment Indie authors have to our craft.
For pleasure I read memoirs, most often from Indie writers. For four years my weekly podcast was dedicated to interviewing Indie memoirists. I have just shifted the focus of the podcast to Meditations for Life. These are short, 15-20 minute podcasts in which I meditate for 5 minutes, sometimes twice, and talk a bit in between about meditation.
I have taught meditation to beginners for about 35 years and the truth is we are all always beginners.
Who encouraged me to write? Cecilie Kwiat, my meditation teacher, sister of my heart and person who is although she has passed on responsible for my still being here at all—she kept me committed to poetry.
Many professors in university encouraged my writing, in English courses and in others such as Logic.
Like many writers, I maintain the position of wobbling on high heels in mud when it comes to believing in my writing.
Thanks for this opportunity Diane to sift through some thoughts and offer a few bits. I look forward to reading the works of others here.
Links to Social Media Pages
https://podcasts.soulsciences.net
www.facebook/charlene.jones.1042
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1691498.Charlene_Diane_Jones
https://www.linkedin.com/nhome/?trk=
twitter@charlenejones18
She fled horrendous suffering and stumbled into the arms of merciless men. Will she ever break free of her traumatic emotional prison?
Canada, 1968. Sixteen-year-old Charlene Jones was desperate to escape her family’s relentless abuse. But when she ran away and hitched a ride in a brand new Pontiac with two strangers, her situation went from unbearable to a living nightmare. At the mercy of armed and violent escaped convicts, she endured three days and nights of unspeakable assault and torture.
Guided by dreams and angels, Charlene returned home scarred and spiraled into four years of self-destruction… until a vision spurred her on a trip to India. But her first step in a foreign land was only the beginning of a journey trotting the globe to overcome a world of hurt.
Will Charlene’s quest for healing help her find peace in her heart?
In this powerful memoir that follows her travels through Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, and Norway, Charlene shares an intimate narrative of her high-stakes adventures searching for recovery through meditation, holistic strategies, and mystic experiences. And for those tormented by personal tragedy, this brave woman’s ability to finally face her memories and release their hold over her will give hope that the human spirit can always triumph.
My Impossible Life: Trauma, Travel & Transcendence is an inspirational exploration of never giving up, no matter how hard. If you like relatable people, luminous prose, and the intersection of Eastern and Western thought, then you’ll love Charlene Jones’s moving revelation.
Buy My Impossible Life to shake off the chains of pain today: mybook.to/myimpossiblelife
Have you tried Mindfulness but find your brain does not stop?
Do you long for a mind that defaults to quiet relaxation?
Ever wonder what meditating with both sides of your brain is like?
Drawing on over 30 years of teaching Visualization Meditation author Charlene Jones, M.Ed/M.A weaves Western reason with Eastern faith. Her journey with Visualization began in a Tibetan Temple in the north of India, Dehra Dun, where she was initiated into the major vibrations of Tibetan iconography: visualized pictures and whispered mantras. She was 20 years old. She has been teaching this method of meditation for over 30 years to novices, experienced meditators, lay people and other meditation teachers.
Through easy to understand neuroscience Medicine Buddha Medicine Mind’s easy-to-read self-help explains the measurable, quantifiable changes Visualization Meditation practice brings to your brain.
You will learn—
· how physical and emotional pain can be reduced or erased leaving you free to enjoy life
· what Western Reason and Science say about Eastern Visualization Meditation Practice
· the mantra neuroscientists use to control change in the brain's neural structure
· the power of practice: what repetition does to promote the brain with new and vital ways to behave
· why your ability to read and conjure inner worlds is the secret way you are already Visualizing!
If you believe in combining Western Reason with Eastern Faith, if you enjoy knowing the science behind how meditation works, you’ll love Medicine Buddha Medicine Mind.
Begin meditating with both sides of your brain. Buy Medicine Buddha Medicine Mind now!
To buy: mybook.to/medicinebuddhamind
June 20, 2021
Wendy Kendall features her new cozy mystery Kat Out of the Bag
Welcome to cozy mystery author Wendy Kendall!
Wendy Kendall has a passion for purses and stories of the women through history who carried them. Her cozy mystery Kat Out of the Bagintroduces Katherine Watson purse designer/sleuth, investigating murder at her gala opening. The prequel novella Purse-Stachio Makes A Splash delves into a chilling cold case. Snow Kiss Cookies To Die For out November 2021, an intriguing tangle of mystery and love. Wendy enjoys the Pacific Northwest life and time with her two sons. She's a blogger, YouTube podcaster, speaker, project manager, and syndicated columnist, while she works on the next of the In Purse-Suit Mysteries.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WendyKendall...
Twitter: wendywrites1
Instagram: wendyekendall
What would you say are your strengths as an author?
I'm very enthusiastic about what I'm writing. The characters and the stories are so much fun for me, I'm motivated.
As a reader, I've always been a great fan of mysteries. I enjoy writing them just as much, and adding the element of romance to the stories is an exciting dynamic. I love the challenge of it all, and although at times it can be overwhelming, I've found that persistence is an important strength.
I'm also constantly learning and improving at the craft. I'm never done learning. I learn from other authors, especially my terrific critique group and beta readers, and from my brilliant editor at The Wild Rose Press.
How often do you write, and do you write using a strict routine?
I'm most productive when I work to deadline. With that in mind, I set weekly and monthly goals for myself. It really helps that my critique group meets weekly and one of my goals is always to have a scene ready for them to review.
I don't have set days and times during a week for writing, but I do have a couple of spots where I work. In good weather I work outside on my balcony. In Seattle you have to plan for indoor weather too, so I also have a room in my house called my studio. Both rooms are my favorite rooms of the house. When I'm at one of these usual writing places, and I have my cup of tea, with some of my favorite instrumental music playing low, then I know I'm ready to get to work. My most creative, and favorite time of day to write is at night.
Five years from now, where do you see yourself as a writer?
In my intriguing dreams for 2026, my In Purse-Suit Mysteries series will have grown to many books to follow the first, Kat Out of the Bag. There will be more novellas too about the people of my cozy mystery's town of Bayside. These will be gathered in an anthology along with the prequel Purse-Stachio Makes A Splash published last year, and the new romantic mystery Snow Kiss Cookies To Die For coming out later this year.
In my romantic dreams for 2026, I have a new series I'm working on that are romance stories.
In my post-pandemic dreams I'm meeting lots of readers at appearances and book signings. How fun! And I'm still presenting at speaking engagements and teaching writing workshops. In these events I get to share what I've learned, and I also learn a lot from the attendees.
If you could offer once piece of advice to a novice writer, what would it be?
The joy is in the journey. Take the time to relish every experience and every step of the way to your success. There's no single time table to publication. Everyone arrives there at their own time, and publication looks different for each person too.
Along the way I hope you meet as many incredible people as I have. I hope you make as many great friends. I hope you cherish every experience and every version of your story.
What would you consider to be the best compliment a reader could give your book?
I couldn't put it down!
What are you working on now?
Final edits for my romantic mystery novella Snow Kiss Cookies To Die For are in process with my editor, and it's expected to be available for readers later this year. Just when Bayside Elementary school teacher Desiree Tucker is starting to believe in magic again, she finds herself fighting for her life. Someone wants to teach her a deadly lesson. Can love save her?
I'm finishing my first draft of the sequel to Kat Out of the Bag. This is another exciting cozy mystery for purse designer/amateur sleuth Katherine Watson. It's an intriguing adventure in purse-suit of a killer, and her women's history purse museum adds a couple of new exhibits. Favorite characters are back like Moonjava, Pam, the ladies of the round table, officer Jason Holmes, and of course his K-9 partner Hobbs, and Katherine's cat Purrada proudly waving her tail. There are some fun new characters too.
The first draft of my newest work is also well underway. This one is a wonderful romantic novel. I'm planning on it being the first in my new romance series.
I'm so looking forward to these books getting in readers hands. And I'd like to thank readers who have let me know how much they've enjoyed reading my books.
And thank you for your invitation to join you on an Escape with a Writer.
BUY LINKS - Kat Out of the Bag
When celebrated international purse designer, Katherine Watson, hosts a gala for her Purse-onality Museum, she never expected the next day's headline to read: 'Murder at the Gala Premiere.' But after a dead body is found during the event, that's exactly what happened. Working to solve the murder, Katherine matches wits with local cop Jason Holmes and his K-9 partner, Hobbs. Although Holmes and Watson disagree often, they discover an undeniable attraction building between them. But they'll have to put their feelings on hold and focus on solving the murder, before Katherine becomes the killer's next knock off.
Buy Links (including Goodreads and BookBub):
BookBub - https://www.bookbub.com/books/kat-out-of-the-bag-in-purse-suit-mystery-by-wendy-kendall
Google Play - https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Wendy_Kendall_Kat_Out_of_the_Bag?id=dErbDwAAQBAJ
Kobo- https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/kat-out-of-the-bag
Designer Katherine Watson is enjoying a delectable frozen pistachio treat at Ginardo's beachside ice cream shop when her friend issues a playful dare. Katherine can't resist accepting the challenge and finds herself tasked with creating a designer purse out of pistachio shells. But the fun day takes a chilling turn when Katherine uncovers a clue in the ice cream store to a decades old missing persons case--and she suspects there may be a killer in their midst.
Katherine is soon up to her shoulder bag in danger, but she's determined to see that a murderer gets his just desserts.
BUY LINKS:
BookBub - https://www.bookbub.com/books/purse-stachio-makes-a-splash-by-wendy-kendall
Google Play - https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Wendy_Kendall_Purse_Stachio_Makes_a_Splash?id=8gb5DwAAQBAJ
Kobo- Purse-Stachio Makes a Splash ebook by Wendy Kendall - Rakuten Kobo
June 18, 2021
June Round Robin Blog Fest
Welcome back to yet another fascinating installment of our blog fest!
At this time of year, I'm trying to spend weekends up at the lake away from technology--HA!!!--as if that ever works. But I'm happy to join in to answer this month's burning question:
In your writing how do you recognize and overcome plot problems or failures?
If you're a writer of any sort of genre, chances are you've had a plot problem. Particularly for those of us who don't outline but let the story and characters take us where they want to go. Recognizing these "creative challenges" sometimes take the eye of a beta reader or an editor because writers can become so close to their work they don't read the actual words on the page but their brains substitute in the words that should be there. Which is why a lot of people have a tough time to self-edit.
This year, I'm training to become a Book Coach. Yup, that's a real thing! How cool, right? In my very first practicum, my client said that, since he's a pantser, he has a hard time remembering details and incidents from earlier chapters. That's one of the simplest ways for a plot problem to rear up.
I had a few suggestions for him:
Keep an open Word page so at the end of each chapter he can make the necessary notes about key characters and information for following chapters. In effect creating a step by step outline, but while he writes.Sticky notes!! I love using sticky notes in the same way and used this method for All That Shines. Writing down my outline and putting those notes in book order on a posterboard on my wall enables you to see the whole book plotline by plotline. I can take it down if I need to, but the information I need for further chapters is laid out in such a way I can just look up and find what I need.There's a great device we use in book coaching called the Inside Outline. Basically, making note of each scene then the point behind the scene. If there is no point to the scene, take it out if it doesn't drive the story forward.Finding the plot issues is one thing. Fixing them...Sometimes, like with one of my books that is back from a fresh edit, it takes a minor adjustment at the beginning of the book, to make the plot work. Because I had added a scene at the beginning of the book and didn't follow through to the rest of the book, the plot line had holes. Happily, all I have to do is soften the new scene to make it work.Sometimes plot problems can be fixed during editing with just a few changes throughout the manuscript. Other times, the fix must be made much deeper to the story's structure.
Having some form of an outline can help you identify problems by seeing yours story structure whether it be with a synopsis, an outline, or sticky notes on a posterboard. I'd highly recommend using whichever way works best for you.
Watch for the pre-release of my newest novella Dead Without Remorse coming July 1st with a release date of August 1st! Gilda Wright is at it again! This novella takes us back in time to when the former Yoshida Martial Arts building is destroyed and a man found dead inside.
I got to do a fun radio interview for my new book All That Shines, you can listen here: https://shows.acast.com/houseofmysteryradio/episodes/diane-bator-all-that-shines
Have fun seeing how our other amazing authors overcome their plot problems!
Marci Baun http://www.marcibaun.com/blog/
Skye Taylor http://www.skye-writer.com/blogging_by_the_sea
Connie Vines http://mizging.blogspot.com/
Diane Bator http://dbator.blogspot.ca/
Beverley Bateman http://beverleybateman.blogspot.ca/
Judith Copek http://lynx-sis.blogspot.com/
Dr. Bob Rich https://wp.me/p3Xihq-2lz
Rhobin L Courtright http://www.rhobincourtright.com
