Monday, May 12, 2014

NEW RELEASE: Bait Shop Blues by Nancy Pirri

I'm so pleased to announce the release of a brand new book by Nancy Pirri (aka Nancy Schumacher). Not only is Nancy an author, but she is the editor-in-chief of Melange Books, a small press that's grown in leaps and bounds over the last few years. I've known Nancy since she was an assistant editor in 2009, when I published my very first Tallenmere novelette ('Let There Be Love'). Back then, the press was called Midnight Showcase Fiction. Nancy took over the biz and has worked extra hard to make other authors' dreams come true while putting her own writing on hold. So, let's make her comeback special!! Enter the giveaway and share the news!
Release and Giveaway:
Prizes:
2-$15 Amazon Gift Cards
2-Ebook Copies of Bait Shop Blues
CLICK THE LINK TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY:
Bait Shop Blues by Nancy Pirri
Finding love shouldn’t be so hard…
What does a successful businesswoman born and bred in Chicago want with half-ownership of a quaint bait shop in northern Minnesota, willed to her by her grandfather? And how will the reclusive half-owner of the shop convince the woman to sell out her half to him? For Cassandra Thompson, a Marilyn Monroe look-alike who's recently been dumped by her second fiancĂ© in two years, it could mean a well-needed change in life. For Leif Halverson, a handsome man of Ojibwa extraction, and co-owner of the shop, it could mean disaster—like falling in love. Leif is far from happy about this city woman invading his territory so he challenges her to a wilderness survival contest where the winner takes all.
Buy Links:
 Excerpt:
“You know, I was surprised to hear Roy had a granddaughter. He’d told me often during the past fifteen years he had no family.” He raised his brow. “Makes me wonder why you suddenly appeared out of nowhere.”
Cassandra frowned. “The private investigator he’d hired had learned about the car accident that had taken my parents’ lives. After that he managed to track me down. Didn’t Grandpa tell you he’d been searching for us?”
“Yeah, he did.” He gave a short irritable laugh. “About two days before he died.”
“Oh! I’m sorry. You must have been surprised,” she murmured. She tried to imagine how she’d feel if someone had butted into her business, Pretty Woman Cosmetics. She’d be furious.
“Not just surprised, but stunned. Roy then told me he’d had a falling out with his only son years ago.”
“Unfortunately, that’s true. I was three years old at the time.”
“Roy was real torn up when he heard about your father’s death.”
She sighed. “I imagine he was, seeing as my grandfather and father hadn’t spoken to each other in years. He said it was the saddest day of his life, and he’d forever regret they hadn’t mended their fences. I wish I’d had the opportunity to see Grandfather before he passed away. I was so young when my parents took me away from here that I’ve no memories of him.”
As she peered out the window, the beauty of the vivid green treetops caught her interest, but then she shuddered at the grayish-colored water. After awhile she sank back in her seat and grimaced, identifying the pungent odors in the plane. Leather, gasoline and the distinct odor of fish blended together, yet each scent was distinct.
She was uncomfortably conscious of his maleness. Virile and confident, but without being macho and overbearing would aptly describe him—the little she knew of him. Yet, her awareness of him as a very attractive man was starting to bother her. He was just another handsome man. She’d dated plenty of good-looking guys and had learned her lesson well. She bit her lip thoughtfully, gauging her attraction to him and decided, in the end, she must be experiencing some sort of chemical imbalance.

 About the Author
   Nancy Schumacher is the owner-publisher of Melange Books, LLC, writing under the pseudonyms, Nancy Pirri and Natasha Perry. Nancy started writing eighteen years ago while raising four children. She is a member of Romance Writers of America. She is also one of the founders of the Minnesota RWA chapter, Northern Lights Writers (NLW).
Nancy's debut historical romance, THE MACAULAY BRIDE, set in late 19th century Scotland, was published in 2003. The debut book received several contest wins and received a TOP PICK award from Romantic Times Book Club publication in Oct. 2004. BAIT SHOP BLUES is her second full-length novel. She has written five full-length novels, and many stories included in anthologies with Melange Books, LLC.

Get in Touch With Nancy:

Friday, May 9, 2014

Reviewer #2: Srilakshmi Indrasenan (aka Stri) from Strilish Talks



Since becoming an author, I've met some wonderful book reviewers. These reviewers take their job seriously. Whether they love a book or hate it, they know how to maintain a respectful and professional attitude and web presence. Please welcome our second book reviewer of the month, Stri from Strilish Talks:




From what corner of the world do you call home, and what do you do when you’re not reading and reviewing?

I am an Indian who was born and brought up in a city called Chennai in India. Although, Chennai is my home I can never call it a home as I travel a lot and anywhere I am comfortable I feel at home be it the party town Goa, or the divine Tanjore, or the busy Mumbai. When I am not reading or reviewing, I write for my blog, and I am writing a novel. Apart from that I work as Academic Coordinator in India’s leading playschool and I also travel a lot.

Tell us a little about your blog and what sorts of books you prefer to review there?

My primary blog is I am Stri – http://www.iamstri.wordpress.com/
In this blog, I not only review but also write under various categories viz. short stories, memoir, humor, romance, love and relationships, feminism, social causes, crafts and arts, and freestyle.

My exclusive review based blog is Strilish Talks – http://www.strilishtalks.wordpress.com/
Strilish Talks is the blog which contains reviews of Essential Fashion goodies and books. This is a new blog that I have exclusively created for reviews alone.

My kind of books to be reviewed on blog varies from romance to mystery, literature to sci-fi. Being a voracious reader, I love reviewing all genres and I prefer to review budding and new authors more as I feel there are many brilliant debutant authors who need better recognition.

Check it out on Amazon!
Is there any genre you won’t read?

Well, there isn’t any particular genre that I don’t read but yeah auto-biography and biographies are my least
favorites.

How do you structure your reviews?

The structuring differs at times but an overall format is as follows;
1.       Brief Author Intro.
2.       Book Information – Name, Publisher, Number of Pages, Rate, Where to Buy, etc.
3.       Blurb of the book in my words.
4.       The Pros and cons.
5.       What I liked in the book and what I didn’t.
6.       Summary or the gist of the story (I avoid this if the book has tons of suspense or if it is mystery or thriller genre).
7.       Rating.

If you find the book you’ve read is just not your thing, how would you go about reviewing it (or not)?

Having been reading for so long, I think I mastered the art of reviewing the books without personal biasing. Additionally, if I have completed a book fully then it means I like it and I will definitely review it.

Can you share the opening line/paragraph from one of your favorite review books? (250 words or less)

I started to read “The One You Cannot Have” by Preeti Shenoy at 9PM and after a lot of emotions and feelings I finished it by around 12 (mid night). 3 hours I was engulfed in her magic. Yes indeed the book was magical. Here is small gist about the book which I summarized.

Suave Anjali wanted no one else before she met Sensible Guy Aman who in turn wants the Confusing Shruti. But what Shruti wants? Oh yeah! There is Rishab who she is married to. And does Rishab want Shruti? Their lives are entwined in a strange mess – Thanks to past affair of 4 years between Aman & Shruti. One silly, untimely breakup that shakes 4 lives now.

What’s coming up next on your review schedule?

This weekend I am reviewing a debutant Indian Author Amit Singh’s “Sorry…Again? Can he purge his sins?” This is a romantic novel filled with suspense and lot of WOW moments. I am currently reading this and I will be up with the review by next week.

Here’s a totally random question for you: Aliens have invaded Earth, and they’re making humans their slaves. Do you: A) Pledge allegiance right away (they do have a good health plan); B) Join the revolt (you’re likely to be disintegrated, but the only programs on TV are reruns…); C) Hide out with other refugees in the abandoned Starbucks (slaves can’t afford that frou-frou coffee).

Well, I was laughing out loud seeing this question because, this is something me and my BFFs always discuss among ourselves on boring nights and the talk goes for hours together. Every time I would pick a new situation, a new decision, and discuss on it. This time I prefer option A. Pledge allegiance right away but then I will have a trick up to my sleeve and I will pull them down discreetly by gaining their trust. It may sound cunning but at times being clever and cunning is fruitful.

Thanks so much for stopping by!

****



Srilakshmi Indrasenan aka Stri is a freelance content writer and editor. She is also working as the academic coordinator for a leading preschools’ brand in India. She writes technical, creative, fiction, motivational, fashion, and relationship based contents. She has 4+ years of experience in content writing and editing and also she is open to jobs like Event Management, Editing Books, EmCee, and Wedding planning. She blogs at http://www.iamstri.wordpress.com/ where she writes on categories like reviews, fashion, social issues, short stories, memoir, and humor. She has a fashion and book review blog http://www.strilishtalks.wordpress.com/ where she blogs about reviews of fashion goodies, and books.

Thursday, May 8, 2014

Reviewer Interview #1: Sue Gesing from Read Around Sue



Since becoming an author, I've met some wonderful book reviewers. These reviewers take their job seriously. Whether they love a book or hate it, they know how to maintain a respectful and professional attitude and web presence. Please welcome our first book reviewer of the month, Sue Gesing from Read Around Sue:




From what corner of the world do you call home, and what do you do when you’re not reading and reviewing?

I live in Northeast Ohio and believe me, we just survived one of our longest winters ever.  That kind of weather gives me lots of time to read for my blog but that’s not all I do.  I walk 3 miles every day and workout with a buddy five days a week.  I am totally into Polyvore, an online fashion site where I can design my own sets of clothes.  It’s a perfect world there where I am a size 4—totally not the real me!  I spend lots of time with my sister too. We love to shop! I’m also pinning a lot about weddings since my son just got engaged.

Tell us a little about your blog and what sorts of books you prefer to review there?

I started ReadAroundSue so I could use my own format to review YA books and some adult fiction.  I’ve only blogged since September 2013 so I feel I’m still finding my audience and my voice.  I have been privileged to meet some wonderful authors who are working for boutique publishers or are independent.  It makes me feel great to get books out there that people may not normally come across.
On Thursdays, I do a Kidz Korner where I recommend children’s books for toddlers to age 8.  It’s fun because I love kiddie lit and I taught Kindergarten for many years. 

Is there any genre you won’t read?

I won’t do horror or erotica.  That’s just not for me.

Check it out on Amazon!
How do you structure your reviews?

First I give a summary of the book without having any spoilers.  Sometimes that’s hard to do but I genuinely try.  After the summary I usually talk about the main characters and why they appealed to me and then go on and talk about the other characters and plot points I really liked.  I will talk about things I don’t like but I always try to do a positive review.  If I can’t give a book three stars, then I don’t review it.  There’s enough negative in this world already; I’m not going to add to it if I can help it.

If you find the book you’ve read is just not your thing, how would you go about reviewing it (or not)?

Well, I won’t finish a book I don’t like.  I just don’t have the time for that.  If I don’t like it, I don’t read it and I made sure I stated that on my policy page.  I just return the book to the author with thanks.

Can you share the opening line/paragraph from one of your favorite review books?

“Boredom, boring, bored.” From Waiting for Dusk by Nancy Pennick.  When I read that first line, I thought it would be a boring book but it turned out to be one of my favorites!

You can’t judge a book by the first line or even the first chapter.  I have to read at least four chapters before I put a book down.

What’s coming up next on your review schedule?

I am sticking with YA books through the month of  May.  I’m really happy with the books I’m reviewing!  They are all great.  One of my favorites is Jen Ibarra’s Polaris Uprising. I’m also going on “summer vacation” for my Thursday feature, Kidz Korner.
I’ll return to it in the fall.

Here’s a totally random question for you: In your travels, name the tallest building you’ve toured, the largest body of water you’ve touched and the biggest city you’ve visited.

A)           The Eiffel Tower

B)            The Pacific Ocean

C)            Paris, France


 ****





 Sue Gesing is a retired teacher whose love of books led her to start a book review blog, ReadAroundSue.  She lives with her husband and has two grown kids who both live nearby.  Sue enjoys reading, shopping, Pinterest, Polyvore and old movies.


Sue is a hopeless romantic who is also a kid at heart.  Her favorite book growing up was Henry Huggins by Beverly Cleary but now she loves so many books she can’t pick a favorite.

Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Guest Post: Don't Forget About Paris by Ren Garcia

Don’t Forget about Paris …
by Ren Garcia
January 13, 2011

I looked at the phone and held the receiver in my disbelieving hand.

Is it 2 … 3 … 7 … ?

I could not remember my mother’s phone number. My mom’s had the same phone number for thirty years. Land-line, old school. I know that number backwards and sideways. I’ve known it since I was a kid, when Mom used to write it down on a scrap of paper for me to take. “Now, call home if you need anything,” she said. I didn’t need the paper–I knew it cold.

I knew it cold …

And now I’m standing there with the phone in my hand and I can’t remember mother’s number. I could, of course, grab my Smartphone and speed dial it out of the Contacts list, but what would that prove, that my mom’s nothing more than a blip on a screen.

I stood there completely blank.

Why? What happened? I’ve spent so much time locked in the basement like a family secret, writing my stories in millions of words and reveling in things that never were. I am a god in the basement where I create all things. I step out and what am I? A creature who’s quickly forgetting many of the things that matter most.
You cannot spend so much time in the make-believe that you forget to exist in the real world. I promised my wife I’d take her to Paris–and I have not taken her to Paris. I’ve made lots of promises, how many have I broken?

My Honeydo list is intolerable.

I stood there with the phone, the dial tone converting to an accusing howl. I clicked the switch and started over and forced the unreal from my head. I forced myself to remember my mother’s number, seeing the digits in my head, tracing it out on the dial pad with my finger. One digit at a time, then: “Hello?”
“Hi, mom …” I couldn’t even recall what I was calling about . It didn’t matter. I’d remembered my mother’s number.

So, to my wife–I will take you to Paris. I’m sorry, my love, please forgive me.

To my mom–I will never forget your number again. Oh look, your birthday is coming up. I won’t forget.
I swear it.

UPDATE: 2014

So, here it is just a little over three years since I posted this cathartic little item when I became distant from the people I love. I’m happy to say I kept my promises to myself. I still remember my mother’s phone number and I took my wife to Europe last year(just not Paris–that’s next trip!). This post was a harsh wake up to myself reminding me not to allow the unreal to dominate my time and thoughts, at least not to the point of madness and obsession. I have since changed my writing process. I migrated from the basement to upstairs in the bright lights of the loft where my wife watches television. I stand at a podium with my latest WIP while the giant TV blares. I talk to my wife. I ask her about her day. We laugh. I peck away at the WIP.

I still create a host of strange things, just not as quickly as before. I keep things in perspective.

You cannot allow yourself to become like I did, a wraith in the basement possessed with an imaginary world. No matter what your personal situation is, it’s simply not a healthy way to carry on. Ask yourself some tough questions: Have you broken any promises? Have you forgotten important things? Have you neglected yourself and your health?

Be honest in your answers. Change things up, alter your process, adjust the mood. Take a day off every so often. Set yourself a limit, I usually don’t go much past 2000 words a day. 2000 words is good. Very good.
While creating the lives of imaginary people, don’t forget to live a little yourself.

Bowl Naked

RG

****

Ren Garcia is a Science Fiction/Fantasy author and Texas native who grew up in western Ohio. He has been writing since before he could write, often scribbling alien lingo on any available wall or floor with assorted crayons. He attended The Ohio State University and majored in English Literature. Ren has been an avid lover of anything surreal since childhood, he also has a passion for caving, urban archeology and architecture. His books are published by Loconeal Publishing. He currently lives in Columbus, Ohio with his wife, and their three dogs.






Monday, May 5, 2014

Guest Post: A Bestselling Author's Secrets to Selecting Unforgettable Settings

Hiya peeps! The month of May will feature a variety of posts that will center on writing, books, authors, and reviewers. Things may be a little slower as I start the final draft of my current novel in progress, but be sure to follow me on Twitter (@MystiParker) or subscribe to the blog by email (*see the form in the right sidebar*). 
Please welcome author Christopher Kokoski to Unwritten, where he will share...
A Bestselling Author's Secrets to Selecting Unforgettable Settings
Whatever your opinion of him or his writing, Dan Brown is a juggernaut in the publishing industry. His novel series starring Harvard Symbolist Robert Langdon is a perennial bestseller. Personally, I think the man can write one heck of a thriller.
One of his many talents is selecting unusual and unforgettable settings to play out the scenes in his story. I am reminded of this strength as I read his latest blockbuster, Inferno.
Three of the most memorable scenes (in my opinion):
Map of Boboli Gardens
·        Evading security forces (including a miniature drone) in the Boboli Gardens
·        Sneaking across support beams high above famous Palazzo Vecchio
·        Dunking a death mask of Dante in a baptismal font under grotesque images of a three-headed devil in the Florence Baptistery...

These impressive settings escalate tension, intrigue readers (and characters) and enhance the conflict in the scenes. What is Dan Brown’s secret to selecting these remarkable settings? While personal preference and style likely play a role (among other things), perhaps the following tips provide a sneak peak into the mind of a literary master.
Explore Your Story World: It is no secret that Dan Brown thoroughly researches the settings of his books, even taking behind-the-scenes tours of hidden escape hatches and secret doorways. 
·        Odds are the global setting of your story (i.e. town, underwater, outer space, state, deserted island, castle, alien planet, etc) already includes many succulent settings. The key is uncovering and exploiting them in your scenes.
Devilish relief in the Florence Baptistery 
·        Do some investigation, dig for details and, if possible, visit the locations. Ask around. Take a tour. Read a book. Google it. Contact someone who lives in the area for background, history and insider information.
Story Web: Every character, scene and setting in bestsellers often connects (and interconnects) deeply. Dan Brown’s novels are no exception. Every setting relates to the overall plot.
·        Consider the goals, conflicts and characters in your story. Where would they have to go to accomplish the major objective of the story? Where would the antagonists go?
·        Dig into the education, experience and expertise of your characters. What places might they know about that others wouldn’t?
Emotional Magnification: The settings in Dan Brown’s books not only intrigue readers, they also magnify the emotional texture of each scene. Walled in gardens magnify tension. Creeping along support beams with the real fear of death by falling through ancient, irreplaceable art jumps up tension. The horrific depictions of the devil escalate fear and mystery in the Baptistery.
·        Consider the emotional objectives in each of your scenes. Name the feelings you want readers to experience (joy, fear, love, suspense, etc).
·        Now brainstorm settings that amplify and exacerbate those feelings.


By following these guidelines, you can select scene settings that readers will remember long after the last page of your story.


If you’ve enjoyed this post, please check out my other posts at: http://chriskokoski.wordpress.com. While you’re there, please click the follow button.

See my novels, Dark Halo and Past Lives at my Amazon.com Author’s page: http://amzn.to/1crccRc

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Christopher Kokoski is a professional author, trainer and speaker. His published credits include the novels Dark Halo and The Past Lives series, the nonfiction book 101 Ways To Pray Better and Get Faster Results, the short stories Drown and By the Hair of My Chinny-Chin-Chin, national training materials, and dozens of articles, including one peer-reviewed journal article that he uses to impress people much smarter than himself. He is deeply grateful to God, his family and to the gift of storytelling, which he naĂŻvely believes can transform the world.

Thursday, May 1, 2014

Win a #KindleFire and find great #books!

Win a Kindle Fire!

Welcome to the May Kindle Fire Giveaway! Entering is simple–just follow the directions on the rafflecopter at the bottom of this post! But first, take a moment to learn about an amazing book from one of our giveaway sponsors!



Thunderstorm by J.M. Schroder 

What you thought you knew about the BIBLE is about to CHANGE. 

What if you found out you were the granddaughter of the first woman.  No, not Eve, but Lilith? After 150 years Dika Edens, the oldest of 4 girls each destined to live forever finds out that very thing.  She is not sure if it is a curse or a gift from the Gods.  All she knows is the man that has informed her of this has way too much guilt on his shoulders regarding her and her past.  Chrome is her Guardian, but that does not mean he can protect her from everything.  He should be the first one to know that - since he is the one telling her that she must save the world. 
My name is Dika, I am an American born Hungarian, Polish, Spanish Gypsy with a little bit of something special, born right here in the green state of Oregon, home of the Beavers.  History would be changed in a matter of a few words spoken from the man that has been haunting my dreams.  My sisters and I need to save the world, and if we don't, the Universe will cease to exist as we know it. 

My name is Chrome Jai, Dragon Guardian to Dika Edens, created to protect her from the evils of the first human woman mother of mankind.  I will protect her as she fights to save the humans, but her first assignment will be to make it through the first 48 hours and find her Aunt and her Grandmother. 

We will go together to hell and back just to fix the mess of the Gods and mankind. 

Special Offer: A Ranger's Tale just $0.99!!

That's right! All month long, I'm focusing on some great deals and steals, tips of the trade, and more to tickle the fancies of writers and readers alike.

Let's start with....A Ranger's Tale, Book One in my standalone fantasy romance series. From now until May 31, you can pick up your Kindle copy for just $0.99. This fast-paced, spicy romantic tale combines classic fantasy elements reminiscent of Tolkien with the epic romance of Mercedes Lackey.

"There was something hypnotic about Ms. Parker's writing and this was my kind of love story. It had heart, adventure, mystery, magic, twists, and a love triangle that rocked! I seriously did the squeeze-chest-shoulders-giddy-claps with a big grin after finishing the read because I was so happy." ~Jinky is Reading, July 29,2013



Follow Caliphany, an elven noblewoman and gifted fire mage who wants a taste of life outside the city walls of Leogard. She gets much more than she bargained for when handsome half-elf ranger Galadin Trudeaux saves her from an attempted kidnapping. After she convinces him to train her in the ways of a ranger, the two of them embark upon the adventure of a lifetime. Not only does Caliphany fall hopelessly in love, but she will experience more hardship, happiness, and heartbreak than she ever imagined. Most importantly, she must learn to merge past and present to become the woman she was always meant to be.