Diane Bator's Blog, page 45
May 27, 2021
Kristine Raymond releases short story collection Seasons of Love
SEASONS OF LOVE
A collection of short stories to entertain throughout the year by Kristine Raymond
Released independently
The book is available worldwide in digital and print across all platforms.
Four couples. Four seasons. A lifetime of love.
Dogwoods in Springtime
Still in mourning three years after her husband’s death, Caroline Ballard’s solitary life in rural Kentucky is disrupted by a broken water line, of all things. As if the lack of running water wasn’t bad enough, her immediate attraction to plumbing contractor Rick Spencer unearths emotions long thought buried. Opening her heart to love for a second time, a malicious lie told by his ex-wife threatens to end the budding relationship before it begins.
Seashells in Summer
Having adopted her four-year-old daughter, Lily, at birth, Taylor
Brightman is suspicious when former Marine Sergeant Grant Cutler appears on her Nantucket Island doorstep claiming to be the girl’s biological father. Wary of his motives, his good looks and charming personality win her over, but can she trust that she won’t lose custody along with her heart?
Aspens in Autumn
Ramsey Fiorentino is having a bad day. On the run for her life after witnessing a murder, she’s being pursued by none other than Bishop Hamilton, a private investigator hired by the person who committed the crime. When he catches up to her and the truth comes out, they flee to the mountains of Flagstaff, Arizona to hide, but it’s only a matter of time before their newfound romance is tested in the wake of a deadly confrontation.
Snowflakes in Winter
When New Hampshire State Trooper Alex Ballard becomes stranded during a blizzard in the middle of the night, he seeks refuge at a local bed and breakfast, surprised to discover the owner, Chloe Mancuso, is the sole occupant. A passionate night spent in each other’s arms ignites feelings neither thought possible, but there’s someone else with his eye on Chloe and he’s not willing to share.
Amazon.com : Seasons of Love: A collection of seasonally -themed short stories
Amazon.ca : Seasons of Love: A collection of seasonally - themed short stories
Barnes & Noble
:
Seasons of Love: A collection of seasonally
-themed short stories
"...each story is drastically different from the others. I enjoyed how each season also had you feeling
their pain and/or adventure.", _ Review by Lisa from Up All Night w/ Books Blog
“The covers reflect the storyline settings, and in the last story a link between the stories is revealed. It was fun "meeting" the characters and they all ended too quickly for me. Any time of the year is a perfect time to fall in love.”, _ Review by Badass Lioness
“I really enjoyed reading Seasons of Love. The novellas were sweet and touching and perfect for reading at the beach! They all had a good storyline, and the writing was well done.”, _ Rachel, Reviewer from BehindClosedDoors Book Review
More from Kristine Raymond:
A secret message hidden inside of an antique wooden box, an unidentified dead body, and a mother determined to marry her off to the high school crush whom she hasn’t seen since…well…high school.
There’s no doubt about it; Finn Bartusiak’s life in the seaside town of Port New is about to get interesting.
Coming into possession of a 19th-century, bronze and mahogany writing box under somewhat suspicious circumstances, Finn’s accidental discovery of a coded note leads her and Spencer Dane, bestselling novelist and love of her life (though he doesn’t know it yet), on a quest to unravel the mystery behind the jumble of letters. But they’re not the only ones interested in the cryptic message. There’s a con man on their trail, and he’ll stop at nothing, including murder, to claim the ‘treasure’ for himself.
About Kristine:
It wasn’t until later in life that Kristine Raymond figured out what she wanted to be when she grew up, an epiphany that occurred in 2013 when she sat down and began writing her first novel. Over a dozen books in multiple genres later, there are a multitude of ideas floating around in her head thus assuring she’ll never be idle.
When a spare moment does present itself, she fills it by navigating the publishing and promotional side of the business. When not doing that, she spends time with her husband and furbabies (not necessarily in that order) at their home in south-central Kentucky, gardens, reads, or binge-watches Netflix.
To find out more, please visit her website at www.kristineraymond.com and follow her on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and BookBub.
To request additional review copies or an interview with Kristine Raymond, please contact Mickey Mikkelson at Creative Edge Publicity: mickey.creativeedge@gmail.com / 403.464.6925.
May 25, 2021
The Year of the What? by author and actress Jennifer Lieberman
A coming-of-age journey with empowering feminist intention 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.
Six months after Dana’s first break-up she is single and heartbroken in New York City. At 25 she is a virgin once removed and navigating the Manhattan dating world is daunting. Having only been intimate with one man, Dana feels ashamed of her desires and keeps trying to squash them in order to be a ‘good girl’. With the help of Kelly, her unabashedly promiscuous roommate, Dana embarks on an outrageous adventure of sexual discovery and finds power and confidence while taking charge of her erotic exploration.
Amazon.com: Year of the What?: Lieberman, Jennifer: 9781775326816: Amazon.com: Books
Amazon.ca: Year of the What?: Amazon.ca: Lieberman, Jennifer: Books
“If you didn’t spend your first year after your first major heartbreak making some of the same mistakes, you’ll secretly wish you did.”--Stacy Dymalski, Comedian and Bestselling Author of Confessions of a Band Geek Mom
“A powerful sex-positive statement on modern female sexuality...” --Rebecca Rosenblat, Sex Therapist, TV Host, Bestselling Author of Sexual Power
“Year of the What leaves you wanting more - and in more ways than one!! I didn't want to put the book down and didn't want it to end…” --Ashley Gianni, Actress and Producer
More from Jennifer Lieberman:
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 two-dozen 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 Details which both screened at the Festival De Cannes' Court Métrage among other international film festivals as well as the wacky web-series Dumpwater Divas. Year of the What? is Lieberman’s first novel. 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.
May 22, 2021
Featuring Ann Simas author of Fossil, Colorado books
Welcome to author Ann Simas, a mountain girl at heart!
Ann Simas lives in Oregon, but she is a Colorado girl at heart, having grown up in the Rocky Mountains. She has been an avid reader since childhood and penned her first fiction “book” in high school. She particularly likes to write mystery-thriller-suspense with a love story and paranormal or supernatural elements. She currently has 34 books in print and one novella that is out of print.
An award-winning watercolorist and a budding photographer, Ann enjoys doing needlework in her spare time. She is her family's “genealogist” and has been blessed with the opportunity to conduct first-hand research in Italy for both her writing and her family tree. The genealogy research from decade's old documents in Italian, she says, has been a supreme but gratifying challenge.
Website/Email
Social Media Links
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ann-Simas-Author-410011319127684/
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/ann-simas
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7039844.Ann_Simas
Amazon: https://amazon.com/author/annsimas
Do your characters come before or after your plot?
I usually have my two main characters fixed in my head before I begin writing. I like to have their names established by then, too, although I have been known to change names mid-stream because I don’t think the name(s) I’ve chosen fits the character.
As for the other characters, some I know ahead of time, but most occur to me as I write, unless I’m working on one of series books. In those, many of the characters are the same, but the new plot introduces new characters. I keep a Word document going on every book. In that document, I list the particulars about the two protagonists, but I keep it simple for the other characters. I don’t like to go into a lot of detail about physical appearances because I like to let the reader’s imagination get a picture in their mind’s eye of what each person looks like to them. I do sometimes include some quirky or habitual traits for each character, though.
How do you choose a villain and how do you make them human?
I’m laughing, because most times, I don’t know who the villain is when I start writing. When I do, it often changes, due to circumstances changing as the plot moves along. But back to the question, I want the villain to be the last person you would’ve suspected. That means sometimes there are multiples to choose from. How do I make them human? Well, surprisingly, aside from the fact that villains are human, a lot of really bad people can’t be sorted out from the really good people. That’s because they’re good at hiding their bad attributes and behaviors.
I worked in law enforcement for a number of years, and I can tell you, not everyone who commits heinous crimes presents as a person who commits heinous crimes. Not that I knew him, but Ted Bundy is a classic example of a guy who came off as a regular Joe. Anne Rule, who wrote book about him, once told me that when she worked the hot line with him, she never would have pegged him for a man who abducted and murdered girls.
Do your reading choices reflect your writing choices?
I like to read mystery-thriller-suspense with a love interest, so, my answer is, yes. I also like some paranormal elements in what I read, as long as it’s not jammed down my throat. When I use supernatural or paranormal elements in my work, I keep that in mind.
Which type of characters are your favorite to write?
I like to write all kinds of characters. Ditzy ones, mean ones, naughty ones, happy ones. My favorites are the ones who have can engage in any kind of repartee—witty, serious, romantic, teasing. Those are usually my two protagonists. They can also have not-so-friendly repartee, because you know, they have to have some friction going on. They won’t always agree, they may not always do things the same way, or even think the same way, but they are falling in love, so they make things work. The bad guys, on the other hand, are the worst ever. I can’t even tell you what I know about how horrible people can be to each other.
What are you working on now?
Right now, I’m writing Framed to Die, which is book seven in my Grace Gabbiano Mysteries. The series is set in Coburg, Oregon, a small historic town about eight miles north of where I live. Grace is a sergeant with Coburg PD, and she has a large Italian family (which is something I know a lot about). After that, I’ll work on Yule Loge, a Christmas Valley Romance (#12), and another new stand-alone title, as yet undecided. Sorry to be so vague on the latter. I have four books partially underway and I don’t know yet which one I’ll tackle to finish first. By the way, the final book in the Fossil, Colorado Books series will be released in May 2022. It’s entitled, Now or Never.
What sort of research do you do for your work?
I love research and I love learning. Sometimes I have to force myself to STOP doing research and get back to writing. These days, I mostly do my research as I go. Often times, I get ideas for my story as I gather information. When I do research online, I make sure I can verify what I find with three other reliable sources, or I don’t use it. When I read books or articles, if I run across anything that makes me doubt what I’m reading, I double-check its authenticity. I also contact experts in the field, either in person or via email. My response rate is about 98%, which is pretty good, considering. I’ve also visited the morgue, done a police ride-along, contacted the FBI and DEA, and taken classes in Forensics and Criminal Investigation. Some of my research comes from personal experience. Even so, I usually confirm what I think I know to be fact to make sure it is. Of course, when I’m writing more “fantasy” elements, I can do whatever I want (like in The Wrong Wicca, Andi Comstock Supernatural Mysteries, Book 5).
For the last couple of years, I’ve read about the elk problem in Estes Park and I wanted to use those elk to my advantage. Run or Don’t starts out in Estes, which gave me an opportunity I was looking for. If you have a Facebook account, you can look at a page called Elk in Estes Park and find some wonderful photos. Elk are magnificent creatures, and I have to admit they are tasty, but they can be obnoxious and dangerous, too. You’ll also see moose and big horn sheep on the page, which is a plus.
FOSSIL, COLORADO BOOKS
HERE AND GONE (Book 1)
Hannah Clarke, a wife and mom one day, is a widow without a child the next. Two years later, living as H.L. Mason in Fossil, Colorado, her safe new world explodes with a revelation so shocking and horrifying she can hardly grasp it. By chance, she meets Sheriff Noah Ward, and though she’s leery of cops after being accused of killing her family, she needs help. Noah, a former Navy SEAL, agrees to do what he can, but they both soon discover that the case is far more insidious than parental abduction.
DISAPPEARING ACT (Book 2)
Georgina Flannery has a new name, a new occupation, and trust issues. She’s lived in six states in eight years, and she has no friends. Fossil, Colorado is her next destination, but she takes a wrong turn and ends up in a creek, only to be rescued by Brant Ward. Georgie prefers to keep men at a distance, but circumstances have taken that away from her and she’s forced to reveal her past to Brant. The more untangled her family dynamics become, the more twisted they get. When the ultimate secret is revealed, it’s incomprehensible. It also raises the question, will Georgie and Brant survive the evil pursuing them?
RUN OR DON’T (Book 3)
Juliette Ward has had a stalker for five months, but she doesn’t take him seriously until he leaves the head of a slaughtered bull elk in her driveway. Fossil, Colorado’s newest resident, security expert Beckett Ford, knows the minute he meets Jules, she’s the one. Jules hires Beck to find her stalker, but nothing prepares her for what the stalker will do next. Beck knows bad people exist, but when they’re bat-shit crazy, well, that’s not something he’s dealt with before. Together or apart, they face every obstacle the stalker puts in their path, but will they survive and have their happily-ever-after?
May 20, 2021
Richard Paolinelli's New Release Galen's Way
GALEN’S WAY
A STARQUEST 4TH AGE ADVENTURE
A Space Opera Set In The StarQuest Saga
By Dragon Award Finalist, Richard Paolinelli
Released and published by Tuscany Bay Books!
The book is available digitally in all platforms!
Millions of years in the future, humanity has been driven out of the Milky Way and now calls the Andromeda Galaxy home. Lost in their murky past are the tales of great knights that held the line against the invasion of a dark force until the rest of humanity could escape their doom. The last and greatest of these knights was Galen Underwood.
Long after that heroic stand, a mercenary by the name of Galen Dwyn has been hired to rescue a kidnapped princess. Enticed by a healthy down payment and a chance to settle an old score, Galen accepts the job, only to find out it's a lot more than he bargained for.
Soon Galen finds himself weaving and dodging through a web of political intrigue as the very forces that chase him have set in motion plans that will throw the galactic alliance into civil war.
To his surprise, he also finds that the rescued princess might not be quite the spoiled brat he rescued from the clutches of her keeper.
Accompanied by the princess, his former mentor, and a snarky AI, Galen sets out to find a way to outsmart entire kingdoms, keep the princess alive, and avert the deaths of millions.
Of course, he'll also learn the reasons behind his namesake's chosen path, as he realizes that the only way to win is Galen's way.
Amazon.com: Amazon.com: Galen's Way: A Starquest 4th Age Adventure eBook: Paolinelli, Richard: Books
Amazon.ca: Galen's Way: A Starquest 4th Age Adventure eBook: Paolinelli, Richard: Amazon.ca: Books
MORE BY RICHARD PAOLINELLI:
Dragon Award Finalist 2017
ESCAPING INFINITY
“As we crossed the threshold the temperature difference between the air outside and the building we were entering was slight. But for some reason I felt a harsh, icy shiver travel the length of my spine. ”Lost on a dark desert highway, Pete Childress just wanted a good night's sleep. Now he must find a way back out of a hotel with no exits and where tomorrow never comes. Worse yet, the fate of a ruined world, and the future of all humanity, hangs in the balance. Working with the lovely, yet mysterious, Hotel Desk Clerk, Liz, and under the ever-watchful eyes of the hotel manager, Pete explores the many mysteries that lay within the walls of The Infinity seeking the answer to the mystery and the way back to the outside world.
“This is an excellent story, with a good amount of thought put into every turn.”_ Alfred Genesson, Reviewer at Injustice Gamer
ABOUT RICHARD:
Richard began his writing journey as a freelance writer in 1984 and gained his first fiction credit serving as the lead writer for the first two issues of the Elite Comics sci-fi/fantasy series, Seadragon. In 2010, Richard retired as a sportswriter and returned to his fiction writing roots. Since then he has written several award-winning novels, two non-fiction sports books, and has appeared in several anthologies including eight of the 11-book Tuscany Bay Books’ Planetary Anthology Series and five Sherlock Holmes collections. He also writes a weekly Star Trek fan fiction series, The Calling, on his website, www.scifiscribe.com.
He has multiple novels planned for release this year including the upcoming novel, Galen’s Way, a space opera set in award-winning author John C. Wright’s Starquest Universe and it is due out in just a few weeks. Galen’s Way is the first of six planned novels connected to Starquest that Richard will be writing and releasing over the next two years. He also has three other standalone novels planned for release over the next year.
He also occasionally fills in as a guest co-host here on The Writer’s Block whenever Jim Christina’s horse runs off and leaves him stranded in the middle of the desert.
To request additional review copies or an interview with Richard Paolinelli, please contact Mickey Mikkelson at Creative Edge Publicity: mickey.creativeedge@gmail.com / 403.464.6925.
May 18, 2021
Gregory Erich Phillips new release A Season in Lights: A Novel in Three Acts
A SEASON IN LIGHTS
A NOVEL IN THREE ACTS
BY AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR, GREGORY ERICH PHILLIPS
Released and published by Lucid House Publishing!
The book is available worldwide in paperback and ebook!
Passion, ambition and escape.
In the colorful artistic underworld off-Broadway, Cammie, a dancer in her mid-thirties, has just landed her first part in a show since coming to New York City. Yet the tug of familial obligation and the guilt of what she sacrificed to be there weigh down her dancing feet. Her lover, Tom, an older piano player, came to the city as a young man in the 1980s with a story eerily in tune with Cammie's own. Through their triumphs and failures, both learn the fleeting nature of glory, the sweetness of new love, and how a dream come true isn't cherished until it passes. The bright lights of the stage intoxicate, while degradation and despair lurk close behind the curtain. Their sagas are marred by two pandemics, AIDS in the 1980s and COVID-19 today, which ravaged the performing arts community, leaving a permanent scar on those who lived through them. The poignant intersection of their stories reveals a love affair unbound by time, reaching across decades through the notes of a piano's remembered song.
This remarkable literary novel is the first to address the devastating impact that the pandemic has had on New York City’s performing artists. In this compelling work, Gregory Erich Phillips, an award-winning author, addresses timely topics such as racial prejudice and prejudice against the LGBT community, interracial romance, drug and alcohol addiction, depression, along with classic struggles like sibling rivalry and family drama.
Amazon.com: A Season in Lights: A Novel in Three Acts: Phillips, Gregory Erich: 9781950495122: Amazon.com: Books
Amazon.ca: A Season in Lights: A Novel in Three Acts: Phillips, Gregory Erich: 9781950495122: Books - Amazon.ca
Barnes and Noble: A Season in Lights: A Novel in Three Acts by Gregory Erich Phillips, Paperback | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)
Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/books/a-season-in-lights-a-novel-in-three-acts/9781950495122
Applause for Gregory Eric Phillips’ A Season in Lights: A Novel in Three Acts
“Gregory Erich Phillips’ A Season in Lights is a heartfelt and moving love letter to New York City and its artistic community.” —Geoffrey Owens actor and director
“By drawing us into the glitz and glam of New York City’s creative scene, and by examining the gritty reality beneath the shine, Phillips taps all the senses while reminding us that, no matter what happens in life, the show must go on—especially for those who dare to dream. Want a sensual but poignant romp behind the curtain? This book delivers.”— Julie Cantrell New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of Perennials
“Written by a true creative, A Season in Lights paints a moving picture of artists, dancers and musicians. Gregory Erich Phillips weaves together the heartaches and lucky breaks of two main characters, Tom and Cammie, and their friends and families. The vignettes culminate with the impact of coronavirus on NYC and ends with a surprisingly tender and uplifting finale.” —Carole Van Den Hende
ABOUT GREGORY:
From a prolific literary family, Gregory Erich Phillips tells aspirational stories through strong, relatable characters that transcend time and place. His debut novel, Love of Finished Years, won the grand prize in the prestigious Chanticleer Reviews International Writing Competition. His second novel, The Exile, won first prize in the Pacific Northwest Writers Association Literary Contest. Gregory is also an accomplished dancer and musician who has performed on stages in New York City, San Francisco and in Seattle, Washington, where he lives.
To request additional review copies or an interview with Gregory Erich Phillips, please contact Mickey Mikkelson at Creative Edge Publicity: mickey.creativeedge@gmail.com / 403.464.6925.
May 15, 2021
Dr. Lewena Bayer tells us how to have Civility at Work
CIVILITY AT WORK
How people treatment is a critical success driver for business
The newest book designed for business success by international best-selling author Dr. Lewena Bayer.
The book is available worldwide, in digital and print across all platforms!
In Civility at Work, Lew Bayer describes the business case for civility and explains how organizations can increase employee retention, performance, and overall revenue by creating a workplace culture of human kindness and civility.
In case you were not aware, research focusing on both Canadian and U.S. companies shows that a whopping 98% of people polled have experienced uncivil behavior on the job. And, according to the fourth annual study on Civility in America: A Nationwide Survey, conducted by global public relations firm Weber Shandwick and public affairs firm Powell Tate in partnership with KRC Research, civility in America continues to erode. This year’s study found that 70% of the Americans believe incivility has reached crisis proportions. Alarmingly, 81% of the Americans think that incivility is leading to an increase in violence at work. Notably, 80% of the people are dissatisfied with their jobs.
Increasingly, people are choosing employers who understand that civility is good business. In Civility at Work, Lew Bayer describes the business case for civility and explains how organizations can increase employee retention, performance, and overall revenue by creating a workplace culture of human kindness and civility.
OTHER WORKS BY DR. LEWENA BAYER:
Incivility at work is real. And it is real in manufacturing. According to a Gallup State of the American Workplace report, 75 percent of manufacturing workers are disengaged at work. In fact, the manufacturing industry, according to the Gallup report, is the least engaged industry across sectors. A closer look at the research reveals that a primary cause for this disengagement is poor leadership. Specifically, supervisors and managers with low social acuity are co-creating uncivil workplace cultures. Manufacturing Civility provides a 6Cs formula for solving people problems. These strategies result in continuous improvements that shift workplace culture away from traditional toxic and uncivil organizations towards healthier, more positive workplace experiences for employees in manufacturing environments
The "people-treatment" aspects of the proprietary Manufacturing Civility methodologies have been co-created by 20-year, internationally recognized experts in the field of civility training-Lewena Bayer, CEO of Civility Experts Inc., and a veteran of the manufacturing industry, Christian Masotti. The tried-and-true methodologies shared in the book have been proven to impact individual morale, wellness, and outlook in organizations across sectors, including manufacturing.Civility-when specifically applied to how people are treated at work, is a continuous improvement strategy that has been proven to have measurable impacts on:• Retention and engagement• Performance• Workplace wellness and safety• Innovation, creativity, and problem-solving• Bottom-line business metrics, including profitability
“This is a book to absorb, not scan. Every reader will benefit from the wise guidance of this superb coach. Very highly recommended.” Grady Harp, Top 100 Amazon Reviewer and Top Shelf Magazine
“A truly fulfilling professional life leads to a healthy family life - a necessity for the future of our planet. Let Lew show you how to improve your company's bottom line while helping restore psychological safety to our workplaces. A book filled with useful facts and excellent advice.” Jay Remer, The Etiquette Guy
About Dr. Lewena Bayer:
Lew believes that “Civility is its own reward”. She suggests that “In choosing civility, people find their best self, and in doing so, they experience the grace, courage, generosity, humanity, and humility that civility engenders.”
For more than 20 years Dr. Lewena Bayer has been internationally recognized as the leading expert on civility at work. With a focus on social intelligence and culturally-competent communication, the team at Civility Experts – which includes 500+ affiliates in 48 countries has supported 100’s of organizations in building better workplaces. In addition to her role as CEO of international civility training group Civility Experts Inc. www.CivilityExperts.com which includes The Civility Speakers Bureau, and Propriety Publishing. Lew is Chair of the International Civility Trainers’ Consortium, President of The Center for Organizational Cultural Competence www.culturalcompetence.ca, and Founder of the In Good Company Etiquette Academy Franchise Group www.ingoodcompanyetiquette.com. Including 2-time, international bestseller, The 30% Solution, and the pending December release of Golden Rule Peace and Civility Lew is a 16-time published author. Lew is also a proud mentor for The Etiquette House, a member of the Advisory Board for A Civil Tongue, was a national magazine columnist for 10 years, and has contributed expert commentary to many online, print, and television publications. More information about Lewena can be found at: Lew Bayer – International Civility Expert
To request additional review copies or an interview with Dr. Lewena Bayer, please contact Mickey Mikkelson at Creative Edge Publicity: mickey.creativeedge@gmail.com / 403.464.6925.
May 13, 2021
Chasing Vega: a new Audio Series by Terry Shepard
CHASING VEGA
Book One: The Jessica Ramirez Series
A Tantalizing New Audio Series by Critically Acclaimed Author Terry Shepherd
The book is available worldwide in digital across all platforms!
When a meth lab bust goes bad, Detective Jessica Ramirez finds herself banished to Flagstaff, Arizona, in pursuit of a serial killer who targets "bad guys who got away with it." Jess and her partner, computer forensic expert Alexandra Clark, soon discover that their perp is involved in something much deeper and much more deadly. Surrounded by an ensemble cast of fascinating characters, Jess and Ali race against the clock to try and prevent a cyber terror attack that could change the course of history.
A new audio book read by Cynthia Farrell!!
Amazon.ca: Chasing Vega, Volume 1: Shepherd, Terry: 9781735150840: Books - Amazon.ca
“Terry Shepherd is one of those rare authors who manages to pull off both an intoxicating plot and descriptive prose. It's hard to believe that Chasing Vega is a debut novel because Shepherd's writing is top-notch and reads like that of a long-time, accomplished writer. His main character, Jessica Ramirez, is one that I easily got attached to and kept wanting to learn more about both her professional and personal life. Going forward, Shepherd's books will always be on my to-read list.”, Kate Anslinger (Author of the McKenna Mystery Series)
OTHER WORKS BY TERRY SHEPHERD:
ABOUT TERRY:
Terry Shepherd wrote his first short story at age eleven and was first published as a non-fiction author in 2008. He created Detective Jessica Ramirez in 2019, publishing his thriller "Chasing Vega" in 2020. The book earned 5-Star ratings on Amazon and is also available in audio book and Spanish language editions. When his grandchildren asked to star in their own stories, he created the "Waterford Detective" stories for his grandson and published the popular "Juliette and the Mystery Bug" series, co-authored with his wife, Colleen, when his granddaughter wondered how kids could protect themselves during a pandemic. His forthcoming books include "Chasing the Captain," (May 2021) the second in the Jessica Ramirez trilogy and "Students In Time,"(September, 2021) a time travel adventure that parallels the 4th grade public school history curriculum. His published short stories include “The Corona Ripper” and “Chasing Cody”.
Terry is also a prolific book narrator and audio-artist, voicing Dänna Dennis Wilberg's "Borrowed Time: Book 1 - Broken Promises" and Louise Dawn's thriller "Siren in the Wind," along with dozens of commercials and promotional trailers. He hosts the popular Authors on the Air podcast, was a moderator and panelist at Bouchercon 2020 and is co-chair of the Sisters In Crime - Capitol Crimes Chapter's 2021 Anthology project. He was an early social media adopter, authoring "Social Media and Your Personal Brand" in 2012.
He has authored over 400 motivational essays since 2004, the best of which were aggregated into three popular self-help books.
Terry and Colleen live on the ocean in Jacksonville, Florida and are co-founders of "Down Syndrome Nation" a web resource for friends and families of persons with Down syndrome. Terry is a graduate of Michigan State University, has studied at both Harvard and Oxford and toured South America as a rock drummer in the summer of 1972.
TerryShepherd.com
@TheTShepherd on Twitter
TerryShepherdWrites on Facebook
The.Terry.Shepherd on Instagram
Terry Shepherd on Clubhouse
Terry Shepherd
Terry@TerryShepherd.com
TerryShepherd.com
Facebook.com/the.terry.shepherd
To request additional review copies or an interview with Terry Shepherd, please contact Mickey Mikkelson at Creative Edge Publicity: mickey.creativeedge@gmail.com / 403.464.6925.
May 11, 2021
Mandy Eve-Barnett talks about The Commodore's Gift and The Twesome Loop
Welcome to Canadian author, Mandy Eve-Barnett!
Mandy Eve-Barnett is a multi-genre author writing children’s, YA and adult books. Every story has a basis of love, nature, magic and mystery. Her passion for writing emerged later in life and she is making up for lost time. With nine books published since 2011 and another five awaiting the writing and editing process, she indulges her Muse in creative as well as freelance writing. Mandy regularly blogs at http://www.mandyevebarnett.com ,where she encourages support and networking for writers and readers alike. She is also prolific on social media. As Secretary of her local writers group, the Writers Foundation of Strathcona County, where she hosts the monthly meetings and creates weekly writing prompts for the website. She has also hosted presentations on a variety of subjects, which are practical, inspirational, interactive and actionable and has a successful freelance business. Mandy is also the past President of the Arts & Culture Council of Strathcona County Council. She lives her creative life to the fullest.
Social Media:
Twitter https://twitter.com/mandyevebarnett
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Mandyevebarnettcom/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mandyevebarnett/
Freelance https://tailoredthemedtosuit.wordpress.com/
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandy-eve-barnett-58235250/
Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/mandywordsmith/
Blog https://mandyevebarnett.com/
Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B01MDUAS0V
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/search?query=Mandy+Eve-Barnett
Alberta Authors http://www.albertaauthorscooperative.ca/
Publisher: Dream Write Publishing. www.dreamwritepublishing.ca
What would you say are your strengths as an author?
I am committed to my craft, giving my characters, settings and story lines a unique voice. I draw from the three continents I have lived on as well as a childlike love of nature and the magical realm. I am a strong advocate for the writing community to support, encourage and mentor.
How often do you write, and do you write using a strict routine?
Unfortunately, I have a day job, which seriously cuts into my writing time! So I write when I can juggle it between normal life commitments, my freelance client’s projects and dog walking. I regularly go on writing retreats, which helps a great deal in giving me time to create. I also do not have a TV – although I do watch movies on the laptop.
Five years from now, where do you see yourself as a writer?
To still be enjoying the process of creating and publishing novels – I consider it my legacy. Also to continue being involved with my local writing group, Writers Foundation of Strathcona County, as well as growing my freelance business, and growing a cooperative I am part of, Alberta Authors Cooperative, which focuses on Alberta authors. I am looking forward to having more time to write as I retire.
If you could offer once piece of advice to a novice writer, what would it be?
Find a local writing group, where you are supported and encouraged. Ensure that they accept multiple writing styles, abilities and genres, while offering constructive critique. Be open to learning your craft continually.
What would you consider to be the best compliment a reader could give your book?
That the story transported through my world building to another place and time and that they empathized with the characters and could not put the book down.
What are you working on now?
I am currently writing and editing the first book of a detective trilogy – The Delphic Murders. The series follows three detectives in three different cities in Alberta. Apart from previously writing a sequel due to reader demand, (Rython Legacy follows the story initially written in The Rython Kingdom.) this will be my first series. It has challenged me to become more of a planner rather than a panster – as writers we are always learning that is what makes this creative pursuit so enjoyable.
THE COMMODORE’S GIFT
Under the Buldrick Empire’s rule, Owena finds herself fighting alongside a rebel force. Her aptitude for strategy and swordsmanship come to the fore as she fights for acceptance as a worthy comrade. When she meets Galen, not only does she fall in love but becomes even more determined to end the Buldrick Empire’s tyranny side by side with him.
https://www.amazon.ca/Commodores-Gift-Mandy-Eve-Barnett/dp/1988723760
THE TWESOME LOOP
Is it possible to change our destiny, break free from the echoes of our past lives? The Twesome Loop is an erotic romance novel with a reincarnation twist.
A picturesque Italian Villa holds a hidden past of a pact that cannot be broken - a secret untold. Passion, pleasure, and pain play their part as seemingly chance meetings reveal secrets and hidden agendas. One dark secret is coupled with a burning desire to extract revenge. It will see four guests re-living their past lives - for love, for lust, and for revenge.
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B075DRWHXN/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i7
May 8, 2021
Liz Butcher releases her new suspense novel Never Never.
Welcome to thriller author Liz Butcher!
NEVER NEVER
Suspense at its greatest by critically acclaimed author,
Liz Butcher
More than 20 years after her abduction at the hands of the elusive Pan, Wendy Darling is all grown up and a successful detective. But when a local girl vanishes in the middle of the night, her past comes rushing back.
Grieving the death of her mother, Detective Darling wants nothing more than to throw herself back into work. When the Lord Mayor’s daughter, Rosalie, vanishes, she insists on taking the case, triggering memories of her own past abduction. For years, Wendy struggled with her nonsensical memories of her captor, who she only knows as Pan. Yet the more she uncovers about Rosalie’s disappearance, the more Wendy is convinced her worst nightmare has come true—Pan’s back. Her fears are confirmed when the girl suddenly reappears and Wendy realizes she’s walked straight into Pan’s trap…
Amazon.ca: Never, Never eBook: Butcher, Liz: Amazon.ca: Books
Amazon.com: Amazon.com: Never, Never eBook: Butcher, Liz: Books
Amazon.au: Never, Never eBook: Butcher, Liz: Amazon.com.au: Kindle Store
Other Works by Liz Butcher:
LEROUX MANOR
Camille’s father just inherited the family manor from his estranged uncle, forcing her to leave her friends and city life just before her senior year of high school for the small town of Woodville, England. After seeing a strange old woman lurking on the estate grounds, she embarks on a mission to uncover the history of her new home. What she finds is wilder than she could have imagined—the murder of her ancestor, Caleb LeRoux, on the same day his six-year-old daughter vanished without a trace. And an unforeseen connection to Camille herself, as the only female LeRoux born to the family in over two hundred years. With the help of her new school friends, Camille delves into the secrets of the manor, uncovering an all-encompassing truth that will change the entire course of her life—past, present, and future.
FATES FURY
The last thing Jonah Sands expected on his thirtieth birthday was to have his life thrust into the hands of a dangerous, red-haired woman—or to be the only person in the world to survive an encounter with her. As the death toll skyrockets, Jonah and his two best friends, the siblings Tristan and Ava Carter, find themselves at the epicentre of inexplicable phenomena—a stranded ferry transforms into a barge headed for the Underworld; young girls levitate to whisper ancient riddles; technology across the globe is controlled by some unseen hand. And it all seems to lead back to the woman with red hair. When a stranger finds them in the midst of a thunder storm and offers his otherworldly assistance, Jonah finally unravels the truth about who he really is. And what it means for the rest of humanity.
Praise For Liz Butcher:
“What really sticks out from the very first chapter is just how fast the author takes readers into the action and mystery of this story.” Anthony Avina, Top Book Reviewer Book Sirens
“Readers will love the larger-than-life characters, mayhem, and magic. I heartily recommend this book and urge you all to grab yourselves a copy if this is your type of story. Or even if it’s not!” Reads and Reels
“This is one impressive debut from an obviously gifted artist who knows how to blend human drama with metaphysical fantasy and mythology to create a splendidly unique novel with visceral force. Very highly recommended.” Grady Harp, Top Shelf Magazine
About Liz:
Liz Butcher resides in Australia, with her husband, daughter, and their two cats. She’s a self-confessed nerd with a BA in psychology and an insatiable fascination for learning. Liz was previously the former Executive Assistant at the Horror Tree, which is a mainstream resource for authors and has published a number of short stories in anthologies including her own collection, After Dark, in 2018. Fates Fury was her debut novel and LeRoux Manor, her stunning new novel set for release, September, 2020. More information can be found about Liz at her website: https://www.lizbutcher.com.au/
To request additional review copies or an interview with Liz Butcher, please contact Mickey Mikkelson at Creative Edge Publicity: mickey.creativeedge@gmail.com / 403.464.6925.
May 6, 2021
Diane Bator's latest release All That Shines (Glitter Bay Mystery book 2)
Due to a sudden opening in the Escape With a Writer Schedule, I decided to fill it in myself and feature my Glitter Bay Mysteries! The questions are an amalgamation of answers to questions from a variety of interviews I've done over the past couple months. There are a couple of fun surprises if you keep reading to the bottom. I hope you enjoy!
What made you decide you wanted to write mysteries?
I’ve always loved to read them but never actually thought about writing them until I took part in a contest called Mystery in Ink put on by a small publisher in North Bay, Ontario. We had to use a murder mystery party game and write 10 chapters, each from the perspective of a different character. I loved it! And I won! My very first published book was that little novella called Murder on Manitou, which I plan to re-release one day soon. I was hooked!
Do you have a special place you like to write?
I used to love to write in a local coffee shop but I have written practically everywhere! Trying to write with three kids around, I learned to summon the muse wherever I stopped for a minute. Even while I was cooking dinner!
Where do the ideas for your books come from?
Anywhere and everywhere. I’ve had ideas come from dreams, from conversations, from seeing photographs or memes, you name it. My latest play idea hit me while I walked from my office ten feet down the hall to my livingroom. I had it outlined fifteen minutes later. It doesn’t always happen that fast, but when inspiration hits it can be like a runaway train!
What is the first book you remember reading?
I remember having lots of Little Golden books as a kid. Aside from every Hardy Boys or Nancy Drew mystery I could get my hands on, I read a Sidney Sheldon novel, I think it was The Other Side of Midnight, that I was totally absorbed in until the ending. Someone had torn out the last few pages and I was livid!!
If you were friends with a character in this book, what kinds of things would you do together?
Sage loves yoga as well as being active when she’s not working in her vintage boutique. Hanging out with her would involve some sort of outdoor activity. I’d love to walk on the beach and chat with her and ride the trails along the ocean that she’s likely discovered.
What does it mean to you to be called an author?
Even as I write more books, I always find it a thrill to think of myself as an author. For so long, I’ve only ever said “I write books.” With 11 novels published and a lot more social media presence, I’m starting to feel more like an author. That I actually know a little something about writing.
How do you define success as an author?
Deep down, a part of me won’t feel successful until I can write all day and quit my day job! The dream we all dream of! The other part of success is getting letters and reviews from readers who loved a character or a storyline and it made some sort of impact on them.
There are more great things below! You can also follow me on:
ALL THAT SHINES, Glitter Bay Mysteries, Book 2
Sage Miller is knee deep in fashion designers—whether she wants them in her new vintage boutique or not.
One winds up dead.
Another isn’t what he seems.
A third is treasure hunting.
Sage is stuck in the middle trying to solve a murder before the grand opening of Vintage Sage, which involves a fashion show she’d rather not be part of.
Excerpt:
“Sebastian helped to me get away from my ex.” Laken joined me. “Actually, not so much my ex as the paparazzi. Those guys are like wasps. They can hunt you down and swarm like heat-seeking missiles. I couldn’t have escaped Hollywood and settled here with you without his help.”
Only half convinced, I turned on the kettle.
Laken switched it off then opened the fridge. She handed me a well-chilled, half-full bottle of pinot grigio. “You’ll probably want this instead.”
“There’s more?” I gasped as I leaned against the cupboard. While my migraine would prefer the chamomile, my nerves won out. Pinot it was. I couldn’t take any more of Laken’s surprises without a little support.
My sister wasn’t stingy when she filled my glass. It seemed I was in for more revelations. Since she no longer drank alcohol, she filled her glass with sparkling water.
I took a large gulp before I dared to ask, “What’s going on?”
“We need to sit.” Laken half-dragged me back to the living room. She turned off her laptop before we sat in front of the fireplace. “I’m sorry I bought everything without showing you first.” She winced. “Sebastian is… Well, he’s…”
“He’s what?”
Laken chugged her sparkling water then sighed. “He’s part of the package.”
My eye twitched. I grasped my glass with both hands before I did something silly like drop it. “Who is Sebastian and what package is he a part of?”
“He’s a fashion designer who owns House of Hayward. That thirty thousand dollars includes his expertise to help set up Vintage Sage like a shop on Rodeo Drive.”
“Oh no.” I stared at her in the hope she would crack a smile or tell me she was joking. When neither came, I shook my head. “No, no, no, no, no. Send it all back. The cases, the dummies, the snooty designer…especially the snooty designer. We don’t need this, Laken. I’ve done perfectly well without Hollywood intruding.”
ALL THAT SPARKLES, Glitter Bay Mysteries Book 1
What do a trunk full of vintage clothes, a handsome land developer, and a fifty year old diamond heist have in common?
Laken Miller receives a trunk full of expensive vintage clothing and a stack of newspaper clippings about a fifty-year old diamond heist. Now all she has to do is figure out who murdered Tilly San Vicente before the killer silences her as well.
Buy links:
AND ONE MORE THING!!!
To hear more I dropped by the House of Mystery not too long ago and made it Shine!
Listen now at: https://shows.acast.com/houseofmysteryradio/episodes/diane-bator-all-that-shines
CHEERS!! Diane
