D.E. Haggerty's Blog, page 93

How to write a review request

As a book blogger, I get plenty of requests to review books. Sometimes I’m so turned off by the email requesting the review that I don’t even bother to finish reading it before firing off my ‘thanks but no thanks’ reply. On a few occasions, I didn’t even bother replying (even though that made me feel guilty after the fact). Writing the perfect review request takes time and effort. Following a few, simple rules will make the task that much easier.

Let me know I’m special. If I’m sent a request in which I’m obviously just one of hundreds (in a bcc no less!), I’m not going to feel particularly bothered to read the email, let alone the book. At least know my name! I’ve gotten several emails addressed to the wrong person. I don’t bother to respond to those. I understand that it’s sometimes difficult to find the actual name of the blogger. Some bloggers keep their name private as they don’t want to get tons of spam. In that case I always make sure I mention the blog. That way the reviewer knows I’ve had a look at their blog and possibly their review policy.
Catch my interest. Most book bloggers get several review requests a day. You need to do something to stand out from the crowd. A form email isn’t going to cut it. A long detailed resume is going to put me to sleep.
Don’t make me work for it. Book bloggers are busy people. Often they blog in addition to normal jobs or are writers who blog on the side. There’s nothing worse than getting a review to request a book which doesn’t contain a synopsis of the book! In addition to not having the time to research the book to find a synopsis, I’m now annoyed because I feel like the writer didn’t even take the time to write a decent proposal. What am I – chopped liver?
Don’t start with rave reviews. I review (mostly self-published) books because I want to help authors. (Although I do admit to sometimes signing up to review a book because I love the author and am anxiously awaiting her newest novel.) If you start your review request with a bunch of rave reviews, my first thought is ‘this author doesn’t need me’. Delete, delete, delete.
Don’t be something you’re not. Don’t write a funny review request for a serious book and most definitely do not write a serious request for a witty book. When I read a review request, I’m also checking out the author’s writing. How do I know if your book will be funny if your email is stuffy? I sometimes write humorous review requests for one of my serious books as I find the blogger fun, but I always warn the reviewer that the book is actually quite serious.
Follow the review policy. If a reviewer says she doesn’t review self-published books or thrillers, then don’t request a review for your self-published book or thriller. It’s that simple. It’s painful, I know. Sometimes I come across a blog that I think is a great fit for my writing but then I read the review policy and see the dreaded words ‘do not accept self-published works’. In that case, take a look if the blog accepts guest posts. I’ve had a few bloggers refuse to read my book, but agree to post an article I’ve written. Often this leads to a great relationship and eventually a review.
Keep it short, simple, and informative. This is why writing review requests is hard work. You’ve got to give the reviewer enough information so that she can make up her mind, but not too much information that she rolls her eyes and hits the delete button.
Spell check, spell check, spell check. If an email has spelling or grammatical errors, then what does the book look like? I don’t care how many four and five star reviews a book has, if the synopsis has grammatical errors, I’m not reading it.

And always remember, no means no. Don’t argue with a book blogger who has decided – for whatever reason – she’s not going to read your book. Always maintain a good relationship. Maybe she is interested in reading your next book or is willing to post a book spotlight for you.

Promo Blitz ~ Sexy Bastards Boxed Set

Romance
Date Published: November 24, 2015

**Available for a LIMITED TIME, this boxed set contains over FORTY DOLLARS worth of books for only 99 cents!**

***Warning: Contains thousands of pages of sexy alpha males, steamy sex, and passionate romance.***

For the first time ever, bestselling authors Alice Ward and Helen Grey combine to bring you their complete collection of the sexiest, wickedest books—guaranteed to melt your heart and panties!

From hot and dominant soldiers to seductively bad stepbrothers and billionaire playboys, this TWENTY-EIGHT BOOK BOXED SET indulges every sensual desire you’ve ever had.

You know it’s true… everyone loves a sexy bastard…


Contained inside this mega-bundle:
Alice Ward
Reckless Box Set (contains complete 5-part series)
Taming the Billionaire Box Set (contains complete 5-part series)
My Stepbrother, My Lover (complete standalone novel)
Love All Out—A Stepbrother Romance Box Set (contains complete 5-part series)
Stage Struck (contains complete 2-part series)
Helen Grey
Serving the Soldier—An Alpha Military Romance (contains complete 5-part series)
Flaming Desire—An Alpha Billionaire Romance (contains complete 5-part series)






Taming the Billionaire by Alice Ward – Excerpt

“I don’t know about you, but I’m exhausted,” Drake said, pulling off his shoes. He stripped down to his silk boxers and crawled between the sheets. I moved to the foot of the bed and stood before him with a coy smile on my face.

“Before you nod off, I have a confession,” I began.

Drake raised an eyebrow and returned my grin. “Oh yeah? What’s that?”

“I spent more money today than you realized,” I told him as I unwrapped the belt of my wrap dress. “I wanted to show you how much I appreciate the way you’ve spoiled me today.”
The dress fell open, revealing the peach silk lingerie I’d found in a small boudoir shop. The translucent fabric clung to my curves, barely covering the crotchless panties beneath.

Drake pushed himself up in the bed and parted the sheets, nodding for me to slip in beside him. “You look stunning, Chelsea. I hope there’s more where this came from,” he added, stroking the soft fabric. He brushed the silk against my body and my hair stood on end, as if electrified. I reached between his legs and found him stiff and ready.

Drake lifted his hips off of the bed and slipped out of his boxers. He tossed them to the floor before lying on his side and pulling me into his arms. We kissed lightly, our lips barely touching, as the jet began to move.

“I have an idea,” I told him, sitting up. Drake moved with me as I fell back to the mattress, this time with my head near the footboard. I wanted Drake inside me as the jet climbed to the heavens, and he caught on to my plan without explanation. He left my side just long enough to fetch a condom and roll it down his eager shaft. He returned to the bed and I pulled him down on top of me.

Our lips met as the jet slowed to a stop again. I knew we’d reached the runway and were waiting for final clearance. Drake held me close and we kissed softly, our bodies pressed together. We moved in unison, our bodies seamlessly joining as the jet lurched forward again. As we bumped down the runway, Drake’s cock touched places inside me I’d never known existed.

“Oh my God,” I gasped as the force of the jet pushed him deeper inside me.

The front of the jet lifted off the ground and Drake wrapped his arms around me, holding our bodies together. I moved my hips in circles, grinding into him as I planted my palms on the footboard to hold myself steady.

“Jesus, Chelsea,” Drake moaned. “I didn’t know I could get so deep.” His hips moved in instinctive, rapid thrusts as we climbed into the sky. Essentially, we were hanging upside down, and all of my senses were distorted. Drake wove his fingers through my hair and gave it a quick tug just as his teeth clamped down on my earlobe. The mixture of pleasure and pain was overwhelming. I bucked wildly against him and reached ecstasy just as the plane righted itself. Drake let out an animalistic grunt and with one hard push, he exploded within me. He immediately collapsed on the bed, gasping for breath.

“That… was… amazing.”

“Yes, it was,” I agreed, reaching for the bedside mini-fridge. I grabbed a cold bottle of water and took a long sip before passing it to Drake. He finished it in two long gulps and wiped his mouth with a sigh.

“So,” he said, pulling me back into his arms. He fingered my silk negligee. “Is there more where this came from?”

I smiled and nuzzled into his neck. “I guess you’ll just have to wait and see.”






Flaming Desire by Helen Grey – Excerpt

I got right to the point. “I’ve been told that you’ve alienated one of the doctors—”

“Doctor Linder?” Matt asked.

I nodded.

“He’s a prick.”

Startled, I almost laughed. “Didn’t take you long to peg him, did it?”

He shook his head. “I didn’t say anything earlier because I didn’t want to embarrass you for one, and for two, I’m not familiar with how things work at this hospital. But I did see the good doctor leaving the supply closet just moments before Vanessa did. I could tell by the look on his face and the smirk he gave you what had been going on in there.”

I said nothing, surprised that Matt had seen and not said anything.

“Look, I know stuff like this happens in the workplace—any workplace. But what’s the protocol here? Has that happened before?”

I nodded. “It’s a tricky situation,” I explained. “I can’t report him without evidence to back it up. You see, Matt, we’re just nurses… and as you know, nurses don’t have that much power when it comes to the doctors and surgeons.” I shrugged. “Most of the physicians here are good people. Still, there are some, like Doctor Linder, who take advantage. I’ve seen it happen elsewhere too. Santa Fe General is not unique.”

“He’s an arrogant ass,” Matt said. “But your point is well taken.”

I nodded and began to walk toward my car, not really surprised that Matt kept in step with me. I didn’t want to be rude and tell him to go away, because to be honest with myself, I didn’t. Still, I had to be careful. I was his mentor, even if it was only for the next couple of days. We would also be going on the ride-alongs with the paramedics in the morning. I was supposed to set a good example, but I didn’t suppose there was anything wrong with him walking me to my car, was there? Besides, it was getting dark, and I appreciated the escort.

“So, Jesse—”

“Jessica,” I sighed.

“So Jessica, what do you do in your downtime?”

I glanced up at him in surprise. “Why?”

He shook his head. “Just an attempt at friendly conversation.”

We were steps away from my car now. I pulled the keys from my purse and pushed a button on the remote. My headlight and taillights flashed, and then I pressed another button. The back window popped open. Reaching for the door handle, I opened the door toward me. I looked up at him only to find him staring at the contents stowed behind the rear passenger seats.

“What?”

He grinned. “For one, I just didn’t expect you to drive a Jeep,” he said, shrugging.

“Really?” I asked. “And what exactly did you expect I would drive?” Was he flirting?
“Oh, I don’t know, a Camry maybe, or a Ford Focus.”

I frowned and made a face. “I do a lot of driving between here and Colorado—”

“Seriously?”

I tucked my purse inside a plastic storage crate near the door like I always did, wondering why he stared so curiously at the items in the back. “Yes,” I replied. “I have several friends up there and we get together several times a year—”

He gestured to the supplies I kept for wildfire fighting neatly organized in the back of the Jeep. Ropes. First aid kit. Helmet. Protective gear. He then focused his attention on a pile of supplies tucked up against the back seat. A claw tool. A fire ax, shovel, and beneath the pile, the edge of a firefighter’s helmet. He stared from me to the supplies and back again.

“What?”

“You’ve got quite a rig back there,” he commented. “Mine is almost exactly like it.”

I smiled. You’re an independent contractor too, own your own rig and gear?”

“Most of it,” he said. “If I’m close, I drive, which I’m sure you do as well, considering your choice of vehicles.”

I laughed. He had me pegged. It was a common practice with most contracted wildfire firefighters, hotshots and smoke-jumpers, especially those signed on with the National Forest Service or other agencies. Other than that, independent contractors like us would be grouped into teams and flown into trouble spots by the agency in charge, along with their equipment.

He gave me an appraising look. “Advanced ACLS?”

I nodded. I was Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support certified.

He grinned. I felt an odd sense of pleasure and pride.

I closed the back door and then turned to move toward the side of the Jeep. I thought he was going to step back, but he didn’t, and once again, I bumped into him. Felt his rock hard chest. My hand brushed up against his pants and I realized that he was sporting what I sensed was the beginning of a hard-on. Seriously? Just seeing my rig got him off?

He gently placed his hands on my shoulders until I regained my balance. He stared down at me, his expression serious. “I’m just going to throw this out here, Jesse—”

“Jessica,” I said, although my voice only came out a whisper.

“I’m attracted to you,” he said bluntly. “I know you’re my mentor, and I appreciate that and recognize the boundaries. At the same time, as you obviously just felt, I do have to admit that I’m attracted to you.”

I stared at him a moment, not sure he had just said that. Was he always so blunt? Again I felt the heat of the blush travel up into my cheeks, although I doubted he could see it in the growing darkness. Thank goodness for small favors. Desire surged through me. Would it really matter if I admitted the same? I quickly shook my head. Foolishness. I had enough to do without getting involved with someone like Matt. He was obviously a player. I too had seen the looks women had given him today; the contemplation, the open desire in many of their expressions. I might feel the same, but I certainly wasn’t going to admit it. I wasn’t as easy as Vanessa, that was for sure.

“Want to go have a drink, talk about this?”

I took a step back even though I longed more than anything to throw my arms around him, feel his lips on mine, and make out with him. “I don’t drink.”

“I don’t either, really,” he grinned. “Would it be totally inappropriate if I kissed you?”

The switch in topic startled me. “Yes,” I said, my eyes not leaving his for a moment.

Nevertheless, I didn’t move as he slowly leaned over me. He was going to kiss me. Every nerve in my body anticipated it while my brain kept shouting at me to walk away. Still, I had nowhere to go. My back was practically pressed up against the side of the Jeep. Matt was standing so close to me that I felt the heat emanating from his body. The truth of the matter was, I didn’t want to escape. I wanted him to kiss me. I just wouldn’t say the words.

He obviously didn’t need them. At first, the touch of his lips was light, feathery, and oh so soft. Then, the pressure gradually increased until I responded. Boy did I! My ears began to ring and I vaguely heard the sound of keys dropping. Oh God, I had never been kissed like this. I refused to contemplate exactly how skilled Matt was at kissing when the tip of his tongue caressed first my upper lip, then my lower one, gently urging my lips apart.




About the Authors



Alice Ward is the author of the New Adult series, RECKLESS.


Reading and Writing romance is her passion and she writes with her true heart.


Living in Miami, the beach is her favorite place to relax with her laptop and write her next spicy romance.


However, when she is not reading or writing romance, she also enjoys being with her beautiful family.
 

Contact Links



Alice Ward Website

 

Alice Ward Facebook




Helen Grey is the author of the hot alpha military romance series “Serving the Soldier”.


Her passion is to write steamy erotic romance and she loves hot billionaire bad boys. Lucky for her, these two go perfectly together… Find out how in her books!



Contact Links



Helen Grey Website


Helen Grey Facebook




Purchase Links



Amazon
Amazon UK
 

Starcrossed ~A Review

Title: Starcrossed

Author: Carla Caruso

Genre: Contemporary Romance

~ Synopsis ~

Is love really written in the stars?

Fledgling romance author Simona Gemella is hoping the rugged wilderness of South Australia’s Kangaroo Island will help reignite her creative spark after her husband walked out on her (calling her a workaholic and filing for divorce).

She’s joined her best friend, Nessie, on a health and wellness retreat at a mysterious old manor on the island, run by an astrology guru.

Though Simona’s sworn off men, she can’t help being distracted by a darkly dangerous man with a scorpion tattoo – Denham Cobalt – who’s also staying at the manor. Then strange things start to happen, including uncanny accidents and even a possible murder.

It all culminates at a masquerade party on the night of a total lunar eclipse. Will Simona survive – with her heart intact?

Get a copy on Amazon

~ Book Review~

Despite the title, Starcrossed, and a reference to astrology in the description, I hadn’t expected the novel to be obsessed with anything and everything to do with astrological signs. I’m not a believer in astrology and I certainly don’t think a person’s personality is effected by the time of which in which they are born. Unfortunately, this non-belief had me rolling my eyes on several occasions and wondering when the references were going to stop.

I couldn’t find a character in the novel to like. Simona was self-absorbed and obsessive. She wasn’t filled with journalistic curiosity – she was just plain nosey all the time. The other female characters were so busy trying to pretend they were someone else that no one was actually enjoying the retreat. And the men – what a bunch of jerks. The main male, Denham, was so hot and cold I literally wanted to punch him.

I found the first 75% of the story quite boring. I liked the different points of view and the writing style, but until I was on the last quarter of the book I had a hard time caring about the characters or their story. The end of the story had a bit of suspense and some interesting storylines. I can’t help thinking that the book would have been more fun and interesting to read if these storylines were developed more and earlier.

Based on the writing alone, I would definitely try another book by Caruso – assuming astrology wasn’t the main theme.

I received a complimentary copy of the novel from the author in return for an honest review.

~ About the Author ~

Carla Caruso was born in Adelaide, grew up amid a boisterous extended Italian family – yet somehow managed to become a bookworm… Carla always wanted to be a novelist, annoying the kindergarten teachers by dictating long, detailed stories to them. It just took her a while to realise her childhood dream – journalism seemed a more practical course. Her media career has included stints as a newspaper and magazine journalist, government PR and fashion stylist. These days, she works as a freelance journalist and copywriter. She began seriously writing fiction three years ago when she went freelance full-time. The romance genre appeals as she is a sucker for rom-coms (especially if Channing Tatum is in the mix) and likes to think her Italian ancestry means she lives with passion. Hobbies include watching trashy TV shows, fashion (her mum named her after Carla Zampatti!), astrology and running.

Prosecco & Paparazzi

A comical, romantic tale of what happens when the paths of a celebrity god and a mere mortal collide

Title: Prosecco & Paparazzi

Series: The Passport Series, Book One

Author: Celia Kennedy

~ Synopsis ~

When fifteen minutes of fame goes horribly wrong…

Charlotte Young and her five closest friends ring in the New Year on a ski vacation in the swanky, celebrity-packed French Alps, where her world collides with long-time celeb crush, Des Bannerman—aka “The King of Rom-Com.” Unexpectedly, Charlotte finds herself happily reconciled to an innocent evening of drinking champagne, gambling, and chatting to the celebrity of her dreams.

Charlotte’s friends join forces to help her realize her lifelong fantasy, yet his girlfriend, the latest Bond Girl, proves an insurmountable obstacle. Lighthearted banter turns into tabloid fodder and leaves Charlotte saddled with a restraining order.

With the help of her friends, Charlotte finds the answers to life’s biggest questions while trying to deal with the fallout of her fifteen minutes of fame.

Prosecco & Paparazzi is a contemporary romantic comedy about what happens when the paths of a celebrity god and a mere mortal collide.

 “Pure, lighthearted entertainment, one mishap at a time! Charlotte’s misadventures and Ms. Kennedy’s keen sense of wit, charm and humor will leave you with a smile on your face and a passport to fun in your hand!” -Dianne Bylo, Tome Tender

~ A Tasty Cocktail to Drink Along ~

This is my favorite prosecco cocktail… but, I’ve been known to enjoy an ice cold glass of the lively sparkling wine all by itself!—Celia

Lemon and Elderflower Fizz

Ingredients

75 ml gin

Juice ½ lemon

2 t. caster sugar

50 ml elderflower cordial

750 ml bottle prosecco

4 T. lemon sorbet

To decorate 2 T. caster sugar

Juice and strips of zest from ½ lemon

Method

To decorate the glasses with a sugar rim, tip the sugar onto a flat plate and the lemon juice into a bowl. Dip the rim of each glass in the juice then twist on the plate of sugar to stick. Put the gin, lemon juice, sugar, and elderflower cordial into a large jug. Stir until the sugar has dissolved. Add the prosecco then the sorbet, and give it a good stir. Pour into the prepared glasses and pop in a few strips of lemon zest.

 ~ About the Author ~

Celia Kennedy’s passion for travel, friendship, self-discovery, wine, chocolate, love, and the designed and natural world is the foundation of her books. She was born on a military base in Wurzburg, Germany. Her parents’ penchant for traveling stuck with her, and she’s lived in and traveled through several countries. Celia has authored three fiction novels and published four anthologies. She is currently working on book three in The Passport Series. She lives in Washington state with the loves of her life. www.celiakennedy.weebly.com

 ~ About Booktrope ~

Booktrope is a new type of publishing company, founded in 2009 in Seattle, WA. We are pioneering a new type of book development process called team publishing. We are committed to the creation of quality books and to our unique marketing methods, which include offering all of our books online to read for free.

 ~ Giveaway ~

Rafflecopter

Finding Us 99 Cent Sale

Finding Us (A Nucci Security #1) by Debra Presley

Pop star Abby Murphy is living every girl’s dream. She has fame, fortune, and a handsome boyfriend, a guitar player named Sean. That changes the night she finds him in the arms of another woman. Hurt and betrayed, Abby ends their relationship. But Sean won’t accept the breakup, and she soon learns that he’s had a hidden agenda all along. Overnight, Sean transforms from loving boyfriend to dangerous adversary, and Abby no longer knows who she can trust among her friends and family.

Abby turns to her bodyguard, Danny Nucci, a man who will do everything in his power to keep her safe. But when Abby realizes her feelings for Danny run much deeper than she thought, she refuses to give in to her attraction in order to preserve her new found independence as well as protect Danny from Sean’s machinations.

When Abby finally finds the strength to reclaim her life and acknowledge her growing love for Danny, will she be able to let him in? And will Danny be able to overcome his own demons to be the man she needs him to be? Or will she be forced to let him go forever?

Check out my 4* review here

Enter the giveaway here

~ Pick up your copy today! ~

Sale is from the 23rd to 29th of November

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1N7Fzdj

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1XqgO0J

Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/1JfnetK

Colin’s Quest by Shirleen Davies

Title: Colin’s Quest

Author: Shirleen Davies

Published: 11/24/2015

Genre: Historical Fiction

~ Synopsis ~

Colin’s Quest, Book One, MacLarens of Boundary Mountain Historical Western Romance Series

For An Undying Love…

When Colin MacLaren headed west on a wagon train, he hoped to find adventure and perhaps a little danger in untamed California. He never expected to meet the girl he would love forever. He also never expected her to be the daughter of his family’s age-old enemy, but Sarah was a MacGregor and the anger he anticipated soon became a reality. Her father would not be swayed, vehemently refusing to allow marriage to a MacLaren.

Time Has No Effect…

Forced apart for five years, Sarah never forgot Colin—nor did she give up on his promise to come for her. Carrying the brooch he gave her as proof of their secret betrothal, she scans the trail from California, waiting for Colin to claim her. Unfortunately, her father has other plans.

And Enemies Hold No Power.

Nothing can stop Colin from locating Sarah. Not outlaws, runaways, or miles of difficult trails. However, reuniting is only the beginning. Together they must find the courage to fight the men who would keep them apart—and conquer the challenge of uniting two independent hearts.

iTunes ~ Amazon

~ Excerpt ~

“You’ve changed since I last saw you.” Colin tightened his grip on her hand.

“Oh?”

“You’re even more beautiful than I remember.” Turning her toward him, he stroked his knuckles down her cheek, watching as her eyes glowed. She didn’t resist when he moved his hand behind her neck to draw her close. “I want to kiss you, Sarah.”

“Aye, it’s been too long.” She sucked in a breath, waiting, as he lowered his head, brushing his lips across hers once, then twice before taking her mouth.

Pulling back, he rested his forehead against hers.

“How many boys have you kissed while you waited for me?” He knew asking wasn’t fair, yet he couldn’t stop the words.

“I’ve kissed only one boy. You. Is it so obvious?”

He made no answer other than to place a trail of kisses down her face, stopping at the corner of her mouth.

“More, Colin. I want more.”

Seconds turned to minutes as the kiss heated, their arms tightening around each other. His hands moved to her hair, threading silken strands through his fingers as he positioned her for better access. Tracing her lips with the tip of his tongue, he encouraged her to open as his hands moved to her hips.

An intense shudder heated her body, her heartbeat pounding in her ears as she squirmed to get closer. The force of the desire she felt shocked her.

Feeling his hands tighten on her hips, sending an involuntary tremor through her and a strange aching in her limbs, she moaned against his mouth.

Breaking the contact, Colin pulled back, his breath coming in deep gulps. “We need to stop, lassie. We cannot continue like this.”

Her grip on him tightened, confusion replacing the passion he saw moments before.

His strong hands cupped her face as his eyes locked on hers. “If we don’t stop, we may do something you’ll regret.”

Her flesh tingled as his warm breath fanned her face. “Do you not want me, Colin?”

He mumbled a soft curse, realizing she thought his actions were a lack of desire.

“Nae, lassie. I’ve never wanted anyone more.”

Her tongue darted out to moisten her lips, her brows furrowing at his words. “I’ve waited five years for you, Colin MacLaren. I’ll not wait a minute longer.”

~ About the Author ~

 I have been writing most of my life, but only recently began the transition into fiction. Historical romance, contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and short stories are what keep me reading, so that is the focus of my writing.

I was born in California, grew up between a growing beach town and a small town at the base of the San Bernardino mountains. My mother originally planned to name me Katherine, but she read an article in the paper about a woman named Shirleen shortly before my birth, so instead of having a cool nickname, like Kate, I am simply Shirleen. My mainstays growing up were all the Nancy Drew mystery books; I loved them. Eventually I moved on to mysteries, suspense stories, crime novels, and romance. Pride and Prejudice will always be one of my favorites.

Besides California, life changes have allowed me to live in Oregon, Colorado, and Arizona. Everywhere I have lived has been inspirational in one way or another, giving me the opportunity to meet remarkable people with their own stories to tell. I’ve sailed, skied, owned horses plus lots of other animals, and ridden various off-road vehicles. I enjoy dancing, fishing, hunting, being the back-seater on my husband’s Harley, traveling and, of course, reading and writing.

Prior to transitioning to writing fiction, I worked for Fortune 500 and many smaller, start-up companies. Fortunately, I regained my sanity long enough to start my own consulting firm, which I still maintain today.

My husband and I spend most of our time at our main home in the mountains of Arizona and our second home in Southern California. Between us we have five boys with growing careers and families of their own. So, from my perspective, my life is a success and always an adventure. I wouldn’t change a thing; well, except finding more time to write.

I love hearing from readers, so please feel email me at shirleen@shirleendavies.com.

Join Shirleen Davies’ Newsletter to Receive Notice of:

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Review of The Commode Companion

Title: The Commode Companion: Exposing the innermost thoughts of animals, birds, bugs, butterflies, and frogs

Author: Rolf Margenau

Published: July 27, 2015

Publisher: Frogworks Publishing

~ Synopsis ~

An interactive photo book that exposes the innermost thoughts of animals, birds, bugs, butterflies, and frogs. Designed to induce laughter and thwart constipation. No commode should be without a copy.

Get a copy

~ Book Review~

This is not my usual type of book to review, but the author wrote such funny emails asking me to review his book that I just couldn’t resist. Besides, he promised I didn’t need much time to read the book either. I was out of excuses.

First of all, don’t skip over the Author’s Note. It displays Margenau’s dry wit. The rest of the book was cute and funny. It does exactly what it sets out to do – entertain readers otherwise occupied. I received a free ebook from the writer and unfortunately the ebook misses its mark. This type of book – a companion for bathroom visits – needs to be a paperback book so that you can set it next to the toilet. I also found the pictures a bit one-dimensional as my kindle is black and white. That said – I would totally recommend this book if you’re thinking about grabbing the paperback copy.

~ About the Author ~

The author of these books has had a varied career. He has been a scrub nurse in an operating room, a professional photographer, a sergeant during the Korean War, a correspondent for the Pacific Stars and Stripes, an attorney specializing in international corporate law, a volunteer executive running a not-for-profit dedicated to housing the homeless, a manager of large and small businesses and, lately, an author and Master Gardener.

He first published short stories as an English Major from Yale. After that he went astray and became an attorney.

After retirement at an early age, the author discovered that his wife kept all the 300 plus letters he wrote her from Korea. He decided to use that material as the basis for a novel about the Korean War. It was a story he wanted to tell for many years.

Public Information is based on his experiences as NCO in charge of a combat Infantry Division Public Information (hence the title) Office in Korea. It tells the story of Wylie Cypher, a hapless young soldier who arrives in Korea in the midst of bloody combat. Wylie manages to survive his sixteen-month tour of duty as Margenau recounts in gory, ribald, poignant and accurate detail. His adventures are described in military jargon and his sometimes abrasive involvement with the “Army way” describes the good, bad and incredible of life in the military. Along the way, Wylie manages to find and lose love. Pistils and Poetry is the author’s second book. It is a compilation of Margenau’s favorite Elizabethan poems (Shakespeare, Marlowe, Donne, and numerous others) juxtaposed with the author’s photographs of flowers. It is a rich and engaging poetry book, enhanced and complimented by luscious photos of flowers. The book is considered as an elegant way to tease reluctant poetry readers into an appreciation of the beautiful sentiments and language of long ago masters of the English language.

Encouraged by the reception for his first novel, Margenau published Master Gardener in March, 2013. It is a story that explores conflicts between the benefits of engineered crops and their potential for ecological disaster. Wylie Cypher, the hero of Public Information, is now seventy-five years old. He uses his life and legal experience to defend one of the women in his life, Anne Proctor, against the machinations of malevolent BIG AG. BIG AG wants to suppress magic seeds Anne found in the Amazon jungle. Senior citizens band together as eco-terrorists to save the monarch butterfly, and Dick Geier, the ruthless and profane CEO of BIG AG, engages in corporate shenanigans that reflect current headlines. The story is set in Middletown, New Anglia, not too far from Philadelphia, and is bracketed by episodes along the Amazon River in Peru.

His third novel, published in August 2014, is High Andes, a thriller. The central narrative follows Wylie Cypher, in his mid-forties and suffering from a serious mid-life crisis, and his daughter, Mercy, as they try to elude various villains chasing them across the White Mountains of Peru. The story deals with armed insurrection by Maoist guerillas, smuggling ancient artifacts, “disappearances” of troublemakers, a five hundred year old child mummy, and the CIA.

During the winter of 2015, the author was inspired to create another book of photos – this time animals and other critters who speak to he reader. The Commode Companion is a photo book with comic captions, generally described as hilarious.

Rolf is now writing a satirical novel about what happens, in the near future, when Congress decides to bail out a bankrupt country by privatizing America’s National Parks. The author lives in rural New Jersey with his wife, three dogs, a flower garden favored by monarch butterflies, and many woodlands creatures, including a bear who loves bird feeders.

Is blogging writing? Does it matter?

I recently started watching the show Californication. Don’t judge me. My husband likes it and I think I may like it. The jury’s still out. Whatever else you can say about the show, it does make a writer think. Last night we watched an episode in which the main character proclaimed that blogging isn’t really writing. I had to stop the show at that point. That’s not true, I proclaimed to my husband. Before he even had a chance to reply (I don’t even know why he’d try), I quickly amended my statement. I do see where he’s coming from though, I said and then started the show up again.

Just as newspaper articles are not always fine examples of writing, it is not always the purpose of blogging to write literature or showcase writing talent. There are tons of reasons to blog – to market a product, to bring your name into the limelight, to vent frustrations, to review a product, to explain how something works. The list goes on and on.

I can’t deny that some – perhaps even the majority – of my blogs don’t even come close to literature. And that’s okay. My blog has two purposes: to market myself and to introduce readers to my writing. As a self-published author struggling to do all my marketing myself, I have done and continue to do an obscene amount of research into how to sell more books. It’s pretty much unanimous. Everyone thinks authors (self-published or otherwise) should have a blog. So I have a blog to try to bring my name in front of potential readers.

I also use the blog to introduce readers to my writing. In the digital world of two-second soundbites, it’s not always advantageous to write long blog posts to showcase writing talent. People just don’t always have the time to read everything they may want. So sometimes I write little snippets that I know are in no way ‘literature’ to attract some attention. According to my research, lists of 10 (10 things I love, 10 books you need to read in your 30s, etc.) and blogs with pictures are the most re-blogged and read. Which means I sometimes write these types of blogs in the hopes that some kind person in the Internet universe will re-tweet it or re-blog it or maybe even read it.

These silly blog posts are also a showcase of my writing as the majority of my books are humorous (because I prefer my mystery and romance with a huge side helping of laughter). Maybe the post doesn’t show my writing to the best potential, but if I can make a reader laugh with a silly blog post about reading addiction, then there’s a chance the reader will check out my books. And that’s all an indie writer can hope for.

To answer my own question then, blogging is not always ‘writing’. And, depending on the purpose of the blog, it doesn’t matter.

Journey Through Morowak

Title: Journey Through Morowak

Author: Kari Peterson

Published: 4/25/15

Genre: Fantasy Adventure

~ Synopsis ~

It is medieval times in the land of Morowak.  Kings and Queens maintain sovereignty, and wielders of magic and fire breathing dragons are real.  Nobleman’s daughter, Arabella Wallington, is about to embark on a journey across the kingdom to meet her betrothed.  Stengar McKinnon is a titled soldier in the King’s army and she is assured a life of wealth and bliss. Arabella is herself a gifted war maiden, yet she follows her father’s orders and employs someone to protect her along the perilous crossing.  She chooses a man named Briol, whose magical abilities are tested throughout their adventure, and an enigmatic bond forms between them. Briol realizes there is something unique about Arabella, and it is brought to light.  A new unforeseen path now lies ahead.  This journey challenges everything Arabella has ever known.

Barnes and Noble ~ Smashwords

~ Excerpt ~

She looked at him with a storm brewing behind her eyes.  She turned away before he could see the tears beginning to form.  He had made himself vulnerable telling her the piece of his past; she could do the same with a piece of her future.  “I go to Dragon Crest to meet my betrothed.  He is in the King’s army, and it is of my father’s arrangement that we are to wed.”

It was as though she told of her own death.  “And yet, it sounds as though you do not wish to marry him.”

“No, I do not.  I know that once I am his wife, I will no longer be able to continue what I have fought for these last few years.  Like I mentioned before, I cannot have both.  What I want is to continue fighting for the cause, but I cannot defy my father.  It would be as if I defied the King himself, and I will not do so.  I have given my word and must now honor it.”  A tear rolled silently down her cheek.

Briol knew then Arabella was to be a part of his life.  As what, he could not yet tell.  All he knew was that he had grown to care for her and he would forever be her confidant.  “But you deserve to have both, m’lady.  If you do not wish to marry this man, then do not marry him.  Perhaps your father would understand if you tell him how unhappy it would make you. But do not lay down your bow.  I dare say you will lose your fire entirely should you give up your life’s work.”

Arabella stopped her horse.  “And do you truly believe a proud warrior of the King would tolerate having a war maiden for a wife?  Do you think he would stand in our doorway awaiting my arrival and rejoice each time I return home from protecting the kingdom when he was home training with his men?  It is supposed to be him taking the lead while I dotingly wait for him.  There is no resolution to this, Briol.  I have fought my father for a year now.  He will not see the day where I give up the marriage to a worthy man to fight alongside him.  I have no choice.”  She kicked her horse and they continued on.

~ About the Author ~

I am not your average gal.  I didn’t grow up playing with Barbies or dressing in my mother’s clothes, jewelry or makeup.  I drove my matchbox cars over obstacle courses, climbed trees, built forts, dreamt of owning my own horse, and pretended to be an elven princess.  I continued to live my life on my terms, while staying true to my old fashioned values and respect.  After completing high school, I took on a full-time job and put myself through college.  In just under three years, I earned a degree in computers.  I try to use that knowledge as often as I can.

In 2006, before I had even discovered my passion for writing, I married a wonderful man named Mark.  Our love story is blissfully unique.  We now live in Washington State with our three rambunctious boys, a beautiful chocolate lab, a bouncy min pin, and a tubby tailless kitty.  I am as passionate about my books as I am of my family.  This is exactly where I’m supposed to be right now. Email: petersonbooks@live.com

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter

The Reader’s Point of View ~ How Not to Make an Author Website

Although I call myself a writer (and after having published six books I’m cringing less and less every time I say that), between reading books to write reviews and reading for relaxation, I probably spend more hours a day actually reading than I do writing. The fact that English television in Turkey is limited probably contributes to all that reading as well. Because I’m an indie writer myself, I try to find self-published books to read and that often leads me to author websites. I’m in no way an expert on website design. I’m still struggling with my own site design! But I do know what I don’t like. Due to my vision, I also have specific complaints with regards to the visual layout. Because I love to compile lists, I went ahead and made a list of ‘do nots’ with regard to author websites.

Do no use a huge picture as the top banner of your website. For those of us who live in countries where the government needs to slow down our Internet service so that they can have a peek at everything we’re doing, it’s really annoying. It takes forever for the picture to download. And I’m not really sure why a huge photo of the author playing with his dog is going to make me want to buy a book anyway.
Do not use constant pop-ups to get readers to sign-up for your newsletter. I’ve got one word for this – annoying! I understand the desire to have newsletter subscribers. Boy, do I! But bullying a website visitor into signing up for your newsletter isn’t going to help with book sales. It may actually do more damage than good.
Do not use a dark background. A dark background makes it nearly impossible for those of us with bad vision to see the actual content of the website. The same is true for a really light background. There needs to be enough contrast between the background and the content so that both are visible.
Make it interesting. Why should I buy your books? I’ll often go on an author’s website when I’m on the fence about buying a book. I’m surprised by how often I’m disappointed by the website. It seems a bit silly. Writing a book is a lot of work. If you’re going to go the self-published route, than make sure you do everything you can to sell that book. I understand that not everyone wants to put in tons of effort with marketing campaigns, social media and so forth, but at least have a good website that makes readers excited about your books.
Keep it up! There’s nothing more discouraging than finding a writer’s blog and discovering the blog hasn’t been updated in more than a year. Personally, I try to blog once a week, which a lot of experts out there tell me is not enough, but it’s what I can manage and so I stick with it. If for some reason, you’re not going to be able to update your blog for a while, tell your readers what’s up. If it’s too personal, just say that. But for gosh sakes don’t leave us hanging.