THE JAMES MASON COMMUNITY BOOK CLUB discussion
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Archives - Member Introductions
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PLEASE INTRODUCE YOURSELF TO YOUR FELLOW JAMES MASON MEMBERS!
Hey Everybody,Great thanks to Rick for the invitation. Okay, here’s my checkered past:
At one time or another I've found work as an industrial spy; a producer of concert videos for Rolling Stone's greatest singer of all time; one of the few male contributors to Gloria Steinem's Ms. Magazine; a writer of an appellate brief for those convicted in one of Detroit's most sensational drug trials; the author of a true crime book that garnered a bigger advance than a top ten best-selling American novel; a project coordinator/fundraiser for a humanities council; a small business owner; the writer/producer/director of numerous long-form documentaries; a golf course clerk; a college instructor who taught courses in advanced composition, music and poetry appreciation, introduction to philosophy, remedial English, and American Literature--all in the same term; a ghostwriter; a maker of corporate/industrial videos; a member of a highway surveying crew; a speechwriter for auto executives; a TV producer of live event specials; an editorial writer; the creator of 15-second corporate promos for the PBS series Nature; and a novelist. There is a sense in which that last occupation was the reason for all the others. Almost anyone who's ever tried to make ends meet as a novelist knows what I'm talking about.
And here’s the more conventional bio:
T.V. LoCicero has been writing both fiction and non-fiction across five decades. He’s the author of the true crime books Murder in the Synagogue (Prentice-Hall), on the assassination of Rabbi Morris Adler, and Squelched: The Suppression of Murder in the Synagogue. His novels include The Obsession and The Disappearance, the first two books in The Truth Beauty Trilogy, and the soon-to-appear Sicilian Quilt. Seven of his shorter works are now available as ebooks. They were first published in various periodicals, including Commentary, Ms. and The University Review, and in the hard-cover collections Best Magazine Articles, The Norton Reader and The Third Coast.
I’d love it if you’d visit: www.tvlocicero.com. There’s more info on my strange history and my books, but also my video profile of the great Elmore Leonard.
I’m looking forward to coming back here often.
Best to all,
Tom
I'm back. I was a member and then I dropped when overwhelmed.
I taught English literature and composition to high school juniors and seniors for 33 years. I retired young and began writing classes at UCLA extension.
Three novels and four anthologies later, I am doing what I like to do: read, walk my dogs, and write.
The promotion part of writing is hard for me, but I'm learning it. Favorite authors--impossible to choose, but I have a fondness for Yeats' poetry and for Robert Graves and Margaret Atwood.
My newest book is a prequel to Dickens' A Tale of Two Cities. It is called Sydney's Story. I promised my students I would write this book, and now I have!
Onward!
I taught English literature and composition to high school juniors and seniors for 33 years. I retired young and began writing classes at UCLA extension.
Three novels and four anthologies later, I am doing what I like to do: read, walk my dogs, and write.
The promotion part of writing is hard for me, but I'm learning it. Favorite authors--impossible to choose, but I have a fondness for Yeats' poetry and for Robert Graves and Margaret Atwood.
My newest book is a prequel to Dickens' A Tale of Two Cities. It is called Sydney's Story. I promised my students I would write this book, and now I have!
Onward!
Well hello there all, Rick was so kind to send me an invitation to join your group. I thought I'd pop on over and see what's going on. I really love that the group rules state I need to ENJOY! I love to enjoy, that's what life should be about on a daily basis! I am the author of Return of the Crown, which was released this past summer. Looking forward to making some new aquaintances that delight in the love of reading and writing! Happy Wednesday!
Mod
Great thanks to Rick for the invitation. Okay, here’s my checkered past:
At one time or another I've found work as an industrial spy; a producer of concert videos for Rolling Stone..."
Eileen wrote: "I'm back. I was a member and then I dropped when overwhelmed.
I taught English literature and composition to high school juniors and seniors for 33 years. I retired young and began writing classe..."
Millie wrote: "Well hello there all, Rick was so kind to send me an invitation to join your group. I thought I'd pop on over and see what's going on. I really love that the group rules state I need to ENJOY! I..."
Welcome back Eileen!!
Wonderful to welcome Millie and Tom
Facinating intros!!!!
Thanks for the invitation Rick. I'm a mystery and paranormal writer, and I look forward to participating in the group and meeting fantastic fellow authors. Below is a quick bio:Mike Ricksecker is the author of the paranormal books 'Ghosts and Legends of Oklahoma' and 'Ghosts of Maryland,' and mystery novels 'Deadly Heirs' and 'System of the Dead.' He has appeared on Animal Planet’s 'The Haunted' television show, will appear on a forthcoming episode of 'My Ghost Story,' and his show 'Ghosts & Legends' runs weekly at GhostTalesTV.com. In addition to the books, Mike writes an Oklahoma City paranormal column for Examiner.com and is a frequent contributor to LifesGift.com and darkmedia.com. He's also a paranormal investigator and “ghostorian” with Society of the Haunted, and regularly speaks about the paranormal, history, and writing. Official site: www.mikericksecker.com
Mike Ricksecker
System of the Dead
Deadly Heirs
Ghosts and Legends of Oklahoma
Ghosts of Maryland
Mod
Mike Ricksecker is..."
Super to have you here Mike!!
Here is what Rick had to say about my book...The Morrow Secrets
My rating: 5 Stars!
The Morrow Secrets (Tallitha Mouldson, #1)
by Susan McNally (Goodreads Author)
Rick F.'s review
Sep 22, 12
Read in September, 2012
"The Morrow Secrets’ is a high-fantasy gothic adventure story written for children in the 10 to 14 year age group but also enjoyed by adults who love delving into the world of mystery, suspense, imagination and make-believe. It is the first book in a series about Tallitha Mouldson, a headstrong girl caught up in the sinister web of her eccentric family"
A most magical and wonderful fantasy- while geared towards the YA crowd-The Morrow Secrets makes for a splendid read for all ages!
I was entranced from the very first page- the imaginary prowess of Susan McNally is to be greatly admired!
Characters and locations burst off the page with lusterous gusto- the prose is finely tuned and fast paced- and the plot never slows- Highly recommended for many reasons- wonderful writings style, unique characters and most certainly the first in what promises to be a most remarkable new Fantasy series!! Bravo Susan McNally!!
AN OFFICIAL JAMES MASON COMMUNITY BOOK CLUB MUST READ
RICK FRIEDMAN
FOUNDER
THE JAMES MASON COMMUNITY BOOKCLUB
Hi, thank you so much for inviting me to your group! I'm a first time author working on a science fiction novel called Stealing Time. It's set in 2004 in Florida during the worst hurricane season in Florida history. Here is the excerpt from my webpage kjwaters.com
Ronnie Andrews finds herself inexplicably thrown back in time during Charley, the first hurricane to hit Central Florida in over forty years.
She becomes hopelessly entangled in the life of Jack Ingram, a cruel Londoner, whose world is crumbling at the hands of an unprecedented shift in time.
Nice to meet everyone and hope to speak to many of you soon.
Hi all, haven't had a chance to intro myself and thank you for the invite! I'm also an author (kid's, nonfiction, miniatures, plus I have a ya zombie book coming out next year). Dog lover, crafter, dollhouse creator, yeah, many things. ha! Love for you to friend me and to see what everyone else is reading! Good to meet everyone! Chris VerstraeteWebsite: http://cverstraete.com
Blog: http://candidcanine.blogspot.com
Mod
KJ wrote: "Hi, thank you so much for inviting me to your group! I'm a first time author working on a science fiction novel called Stealing Time. It's set in 2004 in Florida during the worst hurricane season i..."
WELCOME!!! KJ and Christine!!
Mod
The Morrow Secrets
My rating: 5 Stars!
The Morrow Secrets (Tallitha Mouldson, #1)
by Susan McNally (Goodreads Author)
Rick F.'s review
Sep..."
Wonderful read!!!!
Thanks for inviting me to join your vibrant book group, Rick!I'm a romance writer and reader (of course, I read lots of other genres too). My next book TAKE ME HOME (published by Montlake Romance) comes out November 6th (Election Day, so you can buy my book and read it while you're waiting in line to vote). It's set in the mountains of West Virginia and has a very special horse in it. To read an excerpt you can visit my website www.NancyHerkness.com .
I grew up in West Virginia but now live in New Jersey with my husband and two mismatched dogs. TAKE ME HOME is my fourth published novel. If you are interested in chatting about it in more detail I've started an "Ask the Author" thread on Goodreads.
I love to talk about books in general too and look forward to hearing what folks in the club have to say about what they're reading.
Elizabeth Owens, signing in for the first time. I've never joined a group, so this really is unique for me.I have been fortunate to have had 4 books published thru Llewellyn, all nonfiction. But now I'm into fiction, so self-publishing is the new avenue for me.
All my books are shown on this site, as well as Amazon and my website. I'm having a ball writing my Cassadaga Book Series. I'll explain what Cassadaga is to those who don't know, but at a later time. It's almost midnight in Florida, have to go to sleep soon or my brain won't function tomorrow. I can't walk around with scrambled eggs for brains!
BTW, just started a giveaway for one of my books...
I would like to thank you Rick for the invitation. I am very excited to be in this group.
Mod
I have been fortunate to have had 4 books published thru Llewellyn, all nonfiction. But ..."
honored to be first Group you have joined Elizabeth!! Welcome!!
Mod
I'm a romance writer and reader (of course, I read lots of other genres too). My next book TAKE ME HOME (published by Montlake Romanc..."
Marta wrote: "I would like to thank you Rick for the invitation. I am very excited to be in this group."
So very happy to say HI!! and Welcome!!
Hi all. Great to join this amazing book club. My 2012 novel 'Dysfunctional Romance!', is a (very) cheeky and hilarious Irish romcom. Dysfunctional Romance! has over 22,000 followers on Twitter, was No 1 in Amazon's Top 100 Humour Chart, has 33 5* reviews on Amazon and continues to conquer the world! Check out my blog: http://www.derickhudson.blogspot.ie/Cheers, Derick :-)
Hi, I am an independent author in pursuit of all existentialist in the form of a literary fiction. Too many ideas are always good although I am trying to fight the balance with finding time to develop those ideas.
You can find a bit more about me from my blog http://www.theindifferentconcept.com.
My first and for now only published book is called "Indifferent". My friends and family, and a few other people have read it. I have received positive comments, although I have never received a truly unbiased one. If you happen to read this literary book, a bit dark and heavy to read, please share you thoughts on it.
Thanks,
Branko
Indifferent
Branko, don't give up.Reviews of my first book revealed the usual first attempt comments, but I took these to heart & later issued a revised edition, after first writing another one, which is now the object of this month’s free giveaway contest for the Time Travel Group.
I also got 100 Kindle downloads this past weekend, so keep at it & pay attention to those unbiased reviews, as being from the end-user they are most helpful.
Good luck.
Howard,Thanks a lot for the encouraging words. I will also now create a kindle version of my book and I hope I would manage to appeal to a wider audience.
Branko
No problem, Branko & if you have a Kindle (or app for your computer or phone etc., I think) the book is a FREE download through this Wed, the 3rd:http://www.amazon.com/Piercing-the-El...
Again, good luck to you
Rick read one of my blog posts on book titles that grab readers and then invited me to become a part of the James Mason Community Book Club. That's a compliment, and I thank you.I'm a crime writer, currently writing two series, the James Early Mysteries and the AJ Garrison Crime Novels. The Early stories are set in Kansas in the late 1940s/early 1950s and feature a county sheriff, James Early. The Garrison stories are set in eastern Tennessee in the late 1960s/early 1970s and feature a female defense lawyer, AJ Garrison.
In November, I will release a short story collection, "A James Early Christmas & Other Stories of the Season".
You'll find me on Facebook at several places, JERRY PETERSON WORDSLINGER, http://www.facebook.com/jerrypeterson... , EARLY’S WINTER, www.facebook.com/earlyswinter , JERRY PETERSON MYSTERIES, www.facebook.com/jerrypetersonmysteries , and my personal page as well. Do also pop over to my website, http://jerrypetersonbooks.com/
Thanks for the invite. I write historical fiction.Tom Blubaugh, Author
Night of the Cossack
http://tomblubaugh.com
Thanks for the invitation to join your group, Rick!I am an author of romantic comedy/women's fiction novels. My third book, Frisky Business, is out now and is currently in a Goodreads giveaway: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13...
You can find out more about me and my books at my website: www.clodaghmurphy.com
Look forward to chatting to you all!
Mod
Tom Blubaugh, Author
Night of the Cossack
http://tomblubaugh.com"
Jerry wrote: "Rick read one of my blog posts on book titles that grab readers and then invited me to become a part of the James Mason Community Book Club. That's a compliment, and I thank you.
I'm a crime write..."
Clodagh wrote: "Thanks for the invitation to join your group, Rick!
I am an author of romantic comedy/women's fiction novels. My third book, Frisky Business, is out now and is currently in a Goodreads giveaway: ..."
Branko wrote: "Hi,
I am an independent author in pursuit of all existentialist in the form of a literary fiction. Too many ideas are always good although I am trying to fight the balance with finding time to de..."
Welcome to you all!!!!
I would like to thank Rick for the invitation to join the group. I am a new Goodreads member and this will be my first group. I am looking forward to connecting with people that share my interest, but especially those that have a different perspective. It should be an interesting experience. I published my first book The Plectra Conspiracy in June 2012 (www.theplectraconspiracy.com). It has been an eye opening experience. It is a contemporary thriller based on the premise that the balance of global power is poised to shift away from America as China becomes the sole economic superpower.
Enough about me. Hopefully we will connect as I find my niche within the group.
Happy reading !!!
Richard
Mod
Barbara wrote: "Hi. Thanks for the invitation to join the group, Rick! I'm really glad to be here.
I write cozy romantic mysteries set in the fictional beach town of Pajaro Bay. I'm also an avid reader of mysteri..."
Welcome Barbara and Richard!!!!
Thanks for the invitation, Rick. My name is Horton Deakins, and I am the author of the hard sci-fi book Time Pullers, published by a small indie called 4RV Publishing. You can read some of my reviews on goodreads, some on Amazon, and a few different ones on my website, www.hortondeakins.com . On my site, there are some free short stories, as well as a link to chapter one of my book. You can also find my blog and my fb fan page from there, and there are links to interviews I have done and links to my book trailers. I wrote the music to my trailers, by the way, so if you listen/watch, I'd be interested in your thoughts.
I forgot to mention that my book, Time Pullers, is available on the giveaways, but only for the rest of today:http://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/ent...
Horton, I just entered your contest & are you a member of the Time Travel Group?You'd be a natural.
You can win an autographed copy of my book, The Plectra Conspiracy, by entering the Goodreads giveaway contest (ends tomorrow).Good luck !!
Richard
Hi all and thank you Rick for the invitation. I was just now wondering if you have a Facebook page as one of the other Goodreads group does that I belong to. Because I want so much to click a "like" button. This group just boggles my mind. I've never met anyone for such a passion for reading as this group, Rick in particular. I'm a new author. I consider myself an accidental author because it was out of boredom on my job that I started writing little snippets about a vampire romance novel and shared it with my coworker and her two girls. It is now for sale at the Kindle store and in paperback. Please visit my Goodreads page for more info. Thanks.
I have introduced myself once before but since my crime fiction novel has been receiving SO MANY 5 Star reviews on Amazon (Thanks to all our reviewers) I am excited to introduce myself again.My name is R.A. Robinson and I am the author of a crime fiction series titled Thuggin In Miami,and the first novel from this series is titled The Family Is Made, the founder of this community Rick has read the novel and given it the 5 STAR approval and I think everyone and anyone that likes fast-paced, easy-reads would love this series and this novel. If you have ever read a crime fiction in the present or in your past then I am sure that you will definitely agree that you haven't ever read this type of crime fiction.
Other than just writing exciting, hip, and fresh content I have an ultimate mission that involves helping kids, and young adults. My mission is to go to schools nationwide and speak to the youth and voice my failures and successes and redirect the focuses towards a positive and brighter future. This novel is the conduit that manifests my writing as an author with a voice of influence, and I would like to use this influence in a positive way. This is a little or a lot about me; send me a follow request and lets get acquainted.
Also, I am also giving away E-copies of the novels to people that wish to review the novel on their favorite retail sites, so don't hesitate to ask.
Greetings from Manila! My name is Wen-Szu. Short version of how I got here. From Taiwan originally, grew up in the US, moved to Beijing a few years ago to open up Auntie Anne's Pretzels in China, currently in Manila since my wife (who is from here) will be giving birth to our 2nd child in the coming weeks. Love to travel, love to write, and love to read.
Wen-szu wrote: "Greetings from Manila! My name is Wen-Szu. Short version of how I got here. From Taiwan originally, grew up in the US, moved to Beijing a few years ago to open up Auntie Anne's Pretzels in China, c..."Congrats on the coming baby Wen-Szu. I'm a newbie here myself. Nice to meet you.
hi all, good to join you. i read most genres though not really a horror/scifi fan. Just read a really good book on brand new Kindle [thanks Pat!] Kiss and Tell by TJ Cooke. reviewed it and really enjoyed it. crime fiction but with a twist, inventive and probably appeal to some who don't usually give the genre a go...
I received Rick's invitation to come on board. So pleased he's asked me to join this great group of book lovers.I write young adult and middle grade fiction. I have two young adult books out: Sliding on the Edge and The Princess of Las Pulgas. I recently published my first middle grade novel, Alligators Overhead. I was fortunate enough to be asked to contribute short stories to two anthologies, so Premeditated Cat appears in The First Time and Into The Sea of Dew appears in Two and Twenty Dark Tales just out this month.
Of course, I share a passion for reading as well as writing and I like to read in several genres. I look forward to getting to know you and to exchange thoughts about books.
Mod
My n..."
Wen-szu wrote: "Greetings from Manila! My name is Wen-Szu. Short version of how I got here. From Taiwan originally, grew up in the US, moved to Beijing a few years ago to open up Auntie Anne's Pretzels in China, c..."
C. Lee wrote: "I received Rick's invitation to come on board. So pleased he's asked me to join this great group of book lovers.
I write young adult and middle grade fiction. I have two young adult books out: Sli..."
Glenda wrote: "Hi all and thank you Rick for the invitation. I was just now wondering if you have a Facebook page as one of the other Goodreads group does that I belong to. Because I want so much to click a "like..."
ALWAYS!! so happy to welcome new members!!!
Hello everyone. Thank you, Sir Rick. Have a nice day y'all. ^_^
Wen-szu wrote: "Greetings from Manila! My name is Wen-Szu. Short version of how I got here. From Taiwan originally, grew up in the US, moved to Beijing a few years ago to open up Auntie Anne's Pretzels in China, c..."Welcome and congratulation for your 2nd child..
Thanks for inviting me to join your awesome group of authors and readers alike. It's great to be here. My name is Karen Docter and I write both contemporary romantic comedy and romantic suspense novels. You can find out more about me at www.karendocter.com or check out my blog (post 5 times week)at www.karendocter.com/blog/. Most of what I post on my blog is aimed at readers: author interviews, sneak peeks into authors and their books. I share peeks into my current project, as well as a diary about reading and writing. I read across the board. My favorites are, of course, romantic suspense and contemporary. But I also love P/TT/F/F and historical. Sadly, there aren't enough hours in the day for me to give equal time to both of my loves, reading and writing, so I tend to blast through writing for a while, then reading for the next while. Looking forward to chatting with you all!
Mod
Karl Marx wrote: "Hello everyone. Thank you, Sir Rick. Have a nice day y'all. ^_^"
Great to welcome you Karl and Karen!!!
Well hello there! And thanks for inviting me to this classic group of readers and authors! I look forward to getting to know you! I'm an avid reader (OK, so full blown bibliophile is a better description!) and author of time travel/urban fantasy novels. I have been both traditionally published and Indie. My Time Master Book series I have published digitally and am getting book two in the series ready for release this holiday season. I was also a book reviewer for over five years and got to know and become friends with numerous authors whom I hold dear. So looking forward to chatting, cajoling, and just plain talking BOOKS!Time Masters Book One; The Call, An Urban Fantasy, Time Travel Romance
The e-book version of Time Masters has been revised from the original print version.
You can find me at:
www.authorgeralynbeauchamp.blogspot.com
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Time-M...
Geralyn, are you a member of the Time Travel group?As I advised Horton above, you'd be a natural.
I found a time travel romance group. Is the time travel group you speak of different?
Yes Geralyn, as our group is not limited to romance, but we're not against it, either.At least I'm not.
Hello,My name is Tory Allyn and I will be a debut author when my novel entitled Alter Ego is published in November by Spore Press.
Mod
My name is Tory Allyn and I will be a debut author when my novel entitled Alter Ego is published in November by Spore Press."
Welcome Tory and congrats on debut novel!!! keep us posted on it!!
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Thank you for the inviting me Rick.
My name is Jim and my reading interests are wildly eclectic. My bookshelf here gives a pretty good sampling - lots of escapism entertainment and g..."
Welcome Jim- very interesting sounding books!!!love the varied genres!!