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Wednesday, November 13, 2024

Book Blitz: Playing Tag on the Roof by Michael D. Madera #memoir #nonfiction #selfhelp #rabtbooktours @RABTBookTours

 

Recovering from a narcissistic family through love and psychedelics

 

Memoir, Self Help

Date Published: October 5, 2024


 

Growing up with a father who became Boston's most notorious investment fraudster since Charles Ponzi and a mother who abandoned the family to become a Buddhist nun, Michael Madera and his brothers played a dangerous game of tag on their three-story roof—a metaphor for the precarious childhood that would shape his life.

In this powerful memoir-meets-psychological-guide, Madera weaves together gripping family stories, professional insights from his work as a Harvard-trained psychologist, and original songs written over three decades to explore how childhood trauma ripples through generations and how we can heal. From traditional therapy to psychedelic-assisted treatment, from artistic expression to spiritual seeking, Madera charts an innovative path to recovery that speaks to anyone wrestling with family wounds. Through interactive elements including recorded original music, this genre-defying book invites readers to explore their own journey of transformation while witnessing how one man turned childhood chaos into a life of purpose and healing.

 

About the Author

Michael D. Madera is a psychologist, author, and executive coach with over 20 years of experience helping individuals and family businesses thrive. Trained at Harvard institutions, Michael now specializes in ketamine-assisted executive coaching and psychotherapy and breathwork facilitation, supporting clients through innovative healing modalities. In October 2024, he released Playing Tag on the Roof: Recovering from a Narcissistic Family through Love and Psychedelics, a powerful exploration of personal recovery and transformation.

As a published author, Michael Madera’s articles in the Family Business press have gained significant recognition, frequently ranking among the most downloaded and included in collections of the best work in the field. His expertise has been sought after by executives and family-owned enterprises across the globe.

In addition to his coaching work, Michael collaborates with colleagues to lead transformative plant medicine retreats in Costa Rica, focusing on flourishing and building supportive communities. Outside of professional pursuits, Michael is the lead of a Boston-based dance band and enjoys playing tennis, soccer, and ice hockey. He lives near Boston with his wife and two college-age sons.

 

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Virtual Book Tour: Airmail & Chocolate Pie by Bobby Evers #memoir #nonfiction #rabtbooktours @RABTBookTours

 



Back to Boonetown


Memoir


 

Airmail and Chocolate Pie: Back to Boonetown is a heartwarming and nostalgic journey of unexpected discovery. One moment, Bobby Evers had no plans to write another book; the next, a phone call and an old duffle bag changed everything. The bag, belonging to his father, contained letters from his mother during his father's military service. These letters rekindled Bobby’s passion for storytelling and sparked a deeply emotional connection with his late parents.

Through these letters, Bobby found himself transported to another time, filling the pages with stories rooted in love, family, and history. This compelling book is not just a collection of memories, but a testament to how life’s surprises can lead us back to our passions. With each letter, Bobby connects to the past, shaping a narrative that’s as personal as it is universal.

Join Bobby on this touching adventure, where past and present intertwine, and see how the discovery of his parents' letters inspired him to create something truly special. Whether you’re a fan of heartfelt stories or historical reflections, Airmail and Chocolate Pie: Back to Boonetown will resonate deeply with anyone who cherishes the power of family and the written word.



About the Author

Bobby Evers is a life-long Tennessean, a theater enthusiast, and avid traveler. Being a keen people-watcher, he has always been a storyteller, and now he brings those stories to the page in his first book. He has worked in the construction business, and as an interior designer and architectural consultant for over thirty-five years.

 

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RABT Book Tours & PR

Tuesday, November 12, 2024

Cover Reveal: The Storm Descends by Valerie Storm #fantasy #yafantasy #comingsoon #bookcover #rabtbooktours @Valerie_Storm @RABTBookTours

 

 

Demon Storm, Book 7

 

Young Adult Fantasy

Date Published: 12-13-2024

Publisher: Shadow Spark Publishing

 

The Catalyst is quiet

The Catalyst is quiet.

Kari struggles with the damage she did when she lost control.  Her loved ones suffered at her hands, leaving Ari scarred in ways she will never be able to ignore.

How he survived?  Only the Seraph of Nalmi knows.

Then a request arrives, a simple task compared to everything else she has been through: travel as Freehaven's emissary and meet with Brianna, a now-ancient half demon who destroyed the first demon city across the sea - and who may have some information on defeating the Catalyst for good.  Kari, Ari, and Guine prepare to cross the Demon Sea...

But the shadows await them.


About the Author

Valerie Storm was raised in Tucson, Arizona. Growing up, she fell in love with everything fantasy. When she wasn’t playing video games, she was writing. By age ten, she began to write her own stories as a way to escape reality. When these stories became a full-length series, she considered the path to sharing with other children & children-at/heart looking for a place to call home.

 

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Preorder Blitz: Danine by Alice Gene #romcom #urbanfantasy #fantasy #preorder #excerpt #comingsoon #rabtbooktours @ChangelingPress @RABTBookTours


Rom Com, Urban Fantasy

Date Published: November 15, 2024

 

 

Michael has enrolled at The Familiar Training Academy to be paired with the familiar who’ll be at his side for life. Only, the Academy has chosen to put him with their problem child. And he’s supposed to teach her obedience?

Danine hangs out with wild raccoons and has no intention of taking orders. But Michael makes the bond so sweet, she has to stick around for more. When a class project gets her lost in a charmed forest, will he find her?


 

 

EXCERPT

 

For some reason, the administrator was nervous. As a brand-new student, Michael Bedford should have been the anxious one. After all, he was entering the Familiar Training Academy as a rank amateur sorcerer. The coursework would test even the brightest students, and he’d have to take charge of a familiar.

As of right now, he had no idea what sort of person they’d linked him to. And not just person. His familiar would also be a shifter… able to change into an animal. She could be any species at all, and within minutes of meeting her, he’d have to bond with her physically.

No pressure there, right? Wrong. He was going to have to perform with a perfect stranger. He’d never had a problem in that area, but this was different. In fact, he’d been looking forward to it ever since he’d received the acceptance letter from the Academy. How they got along now would color the rest of their time together, probably until one of them died.

“Um.” The administrator cleared his throat. “We’ve sent folks to find Danine. She should be here any minute.”

“Can you tell me more about her?” Like what kind of creature he’d be taking to bed as soon as she arrived.

“Danine is… well… special to all of us,” the administrator said.

“How special?”

“Bear in mind, our selection was based on quantitative measures of your personality and needs,” the man said. “Highly scientific.”

Something was definitely off here. The man was dodging Michael’s questions. Had their measurements paired him with something truly unpalatable? Maybe a banana slug or dung beetle. Maybe something dangerous like one of those frogs indigenous people used to make poison for their darts. If he licked her at the wrong time, he might end up dead. Or stoned out of his mind.

“Let’s try this another way,” Michael said. “Is she animal, vegetable, or mineral?”

“Ha-ha. Good one.” The man fidgeted with his pen. “She’s definitely animal.”

Brother. At least they were narrowing it down. “Mammal or marsupial? Feline? Canine? Ungulate? She’s not venomous, is she?”

Laughter again, this time high pitched. “Not at all, and she’s had all her shots.” The man continued to laugh, this time at his own joke. It hadn’t been all that funny.

“Then, we’re talking mammal,” Michael said.

“I must stress that you are the sorcerer here and she the familiar. She needs to obey you. Obedience in all things.” Michael had never expected a woman to obey him. If he was lucky, a woman might agree with him, but in his experience, trying to boss a woman around was only asking for trouble.

“Oh, my.” The man checked his watch. “She knew she was supposed to meet you twenty minutes ago. Where is she?”

“Maybe I should come back at another time.” And miss out on bonding, at least for now. Damn it. He’d counted on settling into his rooms here with some really good sex. As long as he didn’t have to do it with a banana slug.

Finally, a scratching came at the window, like claws against the glass. The administrator looked in that direction. “Well, here she is now.”

Michael glanced over to find a raccoon balanced precariously on the windowsill. It continued to swipe at the glass with its paws. The administrator got up, went to the window, and opened it with some effort. The buildings were old here, and no doubt things got stuck.

“Where have you been?” the administrator demanded. “Bedford has been here for a good fifteen minutes.”

“Twenty,” Michael corrected, although his watch said it was more like twenty-five. The raccoon sniffed a bit, sampling the air for… what? Human scent? Michael’s? Raccoon faces didn’t give much away. Then, it climbed down into the room and approached the chair next to Michael’s. It left a trail of dirty paw prints all the way across the floor.

“Danine, this is Michael Bedford, your new master,” the administrator said.


About the Author

Alice Gene likes her romance hot.  She writes in a number of different genres, including paranormal, historical, and contemporary.  As Alice Gaines, she’s a USA Today bestselling author.

Alice has a PhD from UC Berkeley and lives in an apartment the size of a postage stamp in Oakland.  She loves knitting, singing in her church choir, and funking out with Tower of Power. She also loves hearing from her readers!

 

Publisher on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok: @changelingpress

 

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RABT Book Tours & PR

Virtual Book Tour: The Happiness Cocktail by Nathalie Botros #selfhelp #women #psychology #nonfiction #giveaway #rabtbooktours @BonVivantGirl @RABTBookTours

 

The Right Ingredients for a Life of Happiness and Hope

 

Self-Help, Women, Psychology

Date Published: September 24th

Publisher: Gifts Of Legacy LLC


 

Discover the secrets to living a life brimming with joy and fulfillment with Nathalie Botros, the renowned Happiness Ambassador. Known for her rich multicultural background and infectious positivity, Nathalie has dedicated her life to empowering women around the world. As a psychotherapist, author, speaker, and mindset/happiness coach, she brings a unique perspective to the art of happiness.

The Happiness Cocktail: The Right Ingredients for a Life of Happiness and Hope is not just another self-help book - it's a life-changing journey towards lasting happiness and fulfillment. Experience the incredible results of unlocking your happiness potential with Nathalie Botros' expert guidance and personal experiences.

 

Why You Need This Book:

 

    • Proven Strategies: Incorporate actionable steps and practical exercises into your daily life to boost your happiness and well-being.
    • Inspiring Stories: Motivate yourself with personal anecdotes and success stories from Nathalie's own journey.
    • Expert Insights: Benefit from the latest research and insights from happiness and mental well-being experts.
    • Holistic Approach: Overcome negative thoughts and emotions and cultivate a mindset of positivity and resilience.
    • Empowerment: Take control of your happiness with a step-by-step guide to creating your own personalized Happiness Cocktail.

 

In this book, you will discover:


    • How to create a lasting state of joy and fulfillment in your life.
    • The power of gratitude and positive thinking in cultivating happiness.
    • Techniques for overcoming negative thoughts and emotions.
    • The ingredients for your personalized Happiness Cocktail.
    • Strategies for maintaining a happy and fulfilling life long-term.

 

Don't wait any longer - unlock your full happiness potential today and start living the joyful life you deserve! Buy now before the price changes.

 

  


About the Author

 Nathalie Botros, the Bon-Vivant girl is known as the  Happiness Activator around the world. With her rich multicultural background, she brings a unique perspective to her mission of spreading joy. Nathalie wears different hats – she’s a Psychotherapist, Author, Speaker, and Mindset/Happiness Coach with a special focus on empowering women.

Her mission hasn't gone unnoticed. In 2023 alone, she's been crowned  Top Happiness Coach of the Year by IAOTP and recognized as The Top Women to Watch in New York  by Soeleish Magazine. Featured in major media outlets such as NBC TV, Authority Magazine, and Thrive Global, Nathalie graced the covers of Passion Vista, Soeleish, Best Holistic Life, and Healthy Life Magazines.

Author of If You Are What You Eat, Should I Eat A Skinny Girl? and creator of Happiness Cards, her happiness tips resonate with millions globally, shared through social media, podcasts, and articles.

Nathalie spreads happiness one smile at a time.


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You Are a Queen by Celia Anzalone Bowers #giveaway #nonfiction #selfhelp #selfimprovement #rabtbooktours @RABTBookTours


 

Nonfiction / Self-Improvement

Date Published: October 1, 2024


 

Celia Anzalone Bowers went from a drug addict hooked on methamphetamine and cocaine to a pageant queen, Love Waits for You podcast host, TEDx speaker, nationally ranked-triathlete, mother, committed spouse, published author, and a multi-million-dollar business entrepreneur.

After surviving a traumatic childhood accompanied with abandonment, sexual abuse, drug abuse, and physically and verbally abusive relationships, Celia overcame her trauma and all the ways she coped with it—overachieving, people-pleasing, and addictive behaviors—by transforming her pain into her power and healing herself—body, mind, and soul.

If someone would have told her twenty years ago that she would found a nonprofit that touches countless lives, continually be featured on local talk shows across Tennessee for inspiring others, write not one, but three books—much less, use her voice at all—she would have thought they had lost their mind.

She didn’t believe she could ever “come back.”

Two decades ago, Celia had no concept of what she was capable of—what anyone is capable of—because no one had shown her the way.

Trapped in her own darkness, Celia had to feel her way to the light.

Ultimately, Celia realized the healing had resided within her the entire time. She will show you so that you may see to believe for yourself—if she could turn her pain into power—anyone can.

No matter where you are in your healing journey, you will find hope and practical guidance in You Are a Queen: Transform Your Pain into Power.

Whether you are struggling with a break-up, some form of addiction, a lifetime of trauma, financial struggles, a loss of someone or something, or simply searching for a new way to live and to feel less “stuck,” this book will offer you strategies for not only some relief, but for your lasting healing.

 

About the Author

Celia Anzalone Bowers is the Founder and President of the 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Lead with Love International. Through her nonprofit, she has facilitated therapeutic writing workshops in five states and counting since becoming established in August of 2023.

During her workshop, she donates a copy of her first book (Celia’s Eyes, 2011). She shares her raw, authentic story of childhood trauma, addiction, recovery, and ultimately the path that led her to where she is today.

She is an entrepreneur in the mortgage industry, mother of five-year-old twin boys, wife to husband, Dr. Dane Bowers (Au. D.), and is a nationally ranked triathlete.

She is also the host of her podcast, Love Waits for You, serves on the board for CASA, and holds a Bachelor of Science from Bryan College, while she lives and works in the Nashville, Tennessee area.

Her latest book, You Are a Queen: Transform Your Pain into Power is available to purchase!

 

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Teaser Tuesday: Balor (Balor's Saint's MC) by Harley Wylde #fantasy #romance #mcromance #excerpt #rabtbooktours @ChangelingPress @RABTBookTours

 

 

(Balor’s Saints MC)

 

Fantasy Romance, Motorcycle Club

Date Published: November 15, 2024

 

 

Tap into the magick, feel the heat, and ride along with the Balor’s Saints MC on this unmissable journey of danger and desire.

 

Belladonna: My father, the leader of my coven, is a monster. When I hear him talking about selling me in marriage to another coven, I know I need to escape. And there’s only one hope. I have to find the mage who prophesied to father the most powerful child seen in centuries and get him to sleep with me.

I knew tricking the notorious dark mage Balor Hades into bed was risky. But I’d planned to be gone before my spell wore off. Just one problem… He woke up before I did. Now he’s confined me to his house… and he’s beyond pissed.

Balor: The witch should have never darkened my doorstep. She definitely shouldn’t have cast a spell on me. But she did, and now I know she’s mine… my fated mate. I’ve waited two hundred years, and now that I have her in my grasp, I’m not letting her go. I’ll put everything on the line to protect her, even from her own father. But can the town of Darkwood survive a battle with her coven?

My brothers in the Balor’s Saints MC have my back, even if they aren’t too sure about Belladonna just yet. With them on my side, I know we’ll get through this. Except I’ve been keeping something from them -- my real identity. When they find out, will all hell break loose? Or will they still stand with me to fight against the supernatural storm brewing?

 

Dive into this supernatural romance that mixes spicy passion with pulse-pounding action.


 

 

EXCERPT


Balor

Adjusting my leather jacket, I stepped into the clubhouse, letting the door swing shut behind me. Casual attire suited my alter ego -- jeans, a plain T-shirt, and the jacket that was more than just a piece of clothing. It was a symbol.

The low hum of conversation filled the room, mingling with the scent of leather and beer. The clubhouse had an air of camaraderie, the kind that came from shared secrets and mutual respect. Balor’s Saints MC -- my club. My men. Even if they didn’t realize it yet.

I nodded to someone across the room, my gaze sweeping over the familiar faces. Collin lounged on the couch, his eyes fixed on the TV screen. The crime drama playing out seemed a bit too close to home. I’d heard the whispers when he’d come to town. Seen the warrant myself. He’d seemed genuine when he’d said the crime had been justified. Still. I liked to make sure he wasn’t killing anyone while he was here.

I’d built this club gradually, but the idea had come to me about twenty years ago. Maybe slightly longer, or shorter. As long as I’d been alive, forget days blurring together. Entire years did. Collin had joined us about five years ago. I knew for a human that was a decent amount of time. For the rest of us, it was barely a blip on our radar. None of these men had known one another before I’d brought them into the club, and they hadn’t all moved to town even close to the same timeframe. But somehow, we worked well together, even though we all had a darker side, including the human. My club brothers weren’t saints -- despite our club name -- but we didn’t harm the innocent.

I took in the sharp angles of his face, the pale blue eyes that seemed to not miss a thing. I didn’t think anything in the room escaped his notice. Collin was always watchful. I’d wondered if it was because of the life he’d led running from the law, or if it was something else. Right now, he seemed at ease. His dark hair was short, the faintest hint of a five-o’clock shadow along his jaw. He didn’t bother to look my way as I crossed the room to take a seat beside him.

I watched Clay and Jackson play a game of darts. My gaze moved to the TV. I didn’t need to look at Collin for what I had planned. I doubted he’d even realize what I was doing. My magick slid along my skin, like the soft caress of a lover. I let it slither out, searching. When it brushed against Collin’s thoughts, I felt the familiar tingle in my fingertips. He didn’t even flinch. No indication he knew what I’d done. I’d gotten better at being subtle. No images of blood or fear. I did see a few images of him fucking one of the strippers down the road. I wouldn’t deny it made my dick hard. I’d never claimed to be a saint. Even my club brothers didn’t know how true that was.

“Show any good?” I nodded to the TV.

He snorted. “It’s crap. But it’s better than nothing.”

The low hum of the TV nearly drowned out the sound of the darts hitting the board. Someone had turned off the lights in the front of the building, and shadows crept along the walls in the great room.

Collin shifted on the couch. “Didn’t expect to see you tonight.”

I offered a faint smile. “Had some business in town. Thought I’d stop by, have a drink with my club brothers.”

Clay pulled a dart free from the board a few feet away. I watched as the muscles in his back bunched under his shirt. He threw the dart, and I heard the thud as it hit the target.

“Not bad,” Jackson Mays said. He pulled his own darts free and stepped back.

Jackson’s gaze lingered on me for a moment, and I saw his eyes darken. Not with lust. No. The necromancer didn’t want to fuck me. He wanted to pull me apart and see what made me tick. I’d have to watch him. I’d never admit it, but I didn’t know everything he could do. I’d need to look into his kind a bit more, see how much of a threat he could be. Another thing I’d been putting off. It wasn’t like Jackson hadn’t been here for about a decade already. Then again, there was a chance I wouldn’t be able to dig up much, regardless of which contacts I used. He seemed like the type who knew how to keep his secrets buried.

His raven hair was neatly trimmed, his clothing immaculate. I’d noticed he preferred darker colors, and today was no different. The shirt and jeans he wore were black, even his boots.

“Think you can do better?” Clay asked.

“I can try.” Jackson’s tone remained calm and measured.

Clay threw his last dart and joined us, grabbing a beer from the fridge before he settled into a chair. “You’ve got to be cheating. There’s no way you’d consistently win against me, not when my reflexes are better.”

“Just lucky.” Jackson’s lips twitched.

Ben, who’d been sitting at the table, looked up from his phone. He seemed to see right through me. His dark hair was mussed as if he’d run his fingers through it repeatedly. A perpetual smirk played on his lips, and I could see the appeal he’d have for a lot of people. He had a roguish charm and oozed danger. His looks and confidence didn’t hurt either. I knew better than to assume he was harmless. I could see it in the way he carried himself. The others didn’t seem the least bit concerned about him.

I’d heard a little about him before he joined the club nearly twelve years ago. Not enough to satisfy my curiosity. He kept to himself a lot. I’d considered trying to read his thoughts but worried it might scare him off. I’d wait it out. If he was a threat, we’d figure it out sooner or later. I’d hoped it would be later. I liked him, and I knew the others did too.

He stood and made his way over to us. His movements were almost ethereal in their grace. There was something almost intimate about it, and it made me understand why so many people offered up their necks to him, or any other veins he wanted to sink his fangs into.

“This is what we’ve come to? Watching bad TV because we’re too lazy to find the remote?” he asked.

I chuckled. “It’s not so bad. Beats staring at a wall.” These men were my brothers, not by blood but by choice. And yet I lied to them every fucking day. If they ever found out… No, it wouldn’t do me any good to go down that road. Not until I had to. Sooner or later, my identity would come out. Nothing remained a secret forever.

Clay took a swig of his beer. “Heard some weird things going on in town. You hear anything?”

I shrugged. “I hear a lot of things. Some of them might even be true.”

Ben snorted. “You’d think people would have better things to do than gossip.”

“Humans have always gossiped,” I said. “It’s in their nature. But supernaturals are even worse.”

Collin leaned back, stretching his legs out. “So, what’s the word on the street, then?”

I let my gaze drift over him. “I hear there’s a human in town who likes to play house with a bunch of supernaturals. As in keeping them like pets.”

Jackson’s eyes darkened, and I wondered if he’d be seeking out that person and liberating the enslaved people. Our people. There weren’t a lot of humans in this town, not compared to the number of supernatural beings, but the ones we did have didn’t typically cause trouble. But this person was new and clearly didn’t know the rules yet.

“Know what else I heard recently?”

 

 

About the Author

Harley Wylde is an accomplished author known for her captivating MC Romances. With an unwavering commitment to sensual storytelling, Wylde immerses her readers in an exciting world of fierce men and irresistible women. Her works exude passion, danger, and gritty realism, while still managing to end on a satisfying note each time.

When not crafting her tales, Wylde spends her time brainstorming new plotlines, indulging in a hot cup of Starbucks, or delving into a good book. She has a particular affinity for supernatural horror literature and movies. Visit Wylde's website to learn more about her works and upcoming events, and don't forget to sign up for her newsletter to receive exclusive discounts and other exciting perks.

 

Author on Facebook, Instagram, & TikTok: @harleywylde

 

Publisher on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok: @changelingpress

 

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RABT Book Tours & PR

Monday, November 11, 2024

Virtual Book Tour: What We Wished For by Lisa Crawford Watson #nonfiction #memoir #giveaway #interview #rabtbooktours @RABTBookTours

 

An Adoption Story


Memoir

Date Published: October 22, 2024

Publisher: Double Entendre Ink


 

A twin herself, Lisa Crawford Watson believes she has the insight needed to mother twins. Mounting obstacles impede the adoption process, and she examines whether such setbacks are signs that she shouldn’t adopt. But when identical twin infant sisters in need of a permanent, stable home come into her life, she falls in love with them and knows what she must do.

Adopting premature twin girls who were born drug- and alcohol-addicted, and jostled, separately, from foster home to foster home, creates one hardship after another. Lisa quickly learns that raising children is a feat of sacrifice and unpredictability, and caring for children born into trauma may be more difficult than she ever could have imagined. Over the years, the twins wreak havoc on every relationship within the family and on Lisa’s heart. Has adopting the girls caused more harm than good?

What We Wished For: An Adoption Story shares a woman’s quest to build a loving family. It is a tale of courage, perseverance, and what remains when things don’t go as imagined. This memoir speaks to anyone who has ever struggled with a life-altering decision, one from which there is no turning back.





INTERVIEW


Can you tell us a little about the process of getting this book published? How did you come up with the idea and how did you start?

I always imagined “What We Wished For” should and would become published. The idea came to me and grew throughout our adoption process, 21 years ago. Along the way, once we had adopted our twin babies, I made notes now and then to help me remember. But I didn’t find the time, the emotional bandwidth, or the writing community to push me to develop and complete my memoir until two years ago. And then it became a calendar of writing conferences and retreats, paired with writing and editing in earnest.

Sitting in a Master class at the Kauai Master Writer’s Conference last November, I heard Holly Kammier, a principal at Acorn Publishing, give a brief guest presentation on her hybrid publishing company. I had been pursuing a conventional publisher through the assistance of a New York agent and was fairly committed to that process. Yet three colleagues taking the course with me leaned out and whispered, “Are you hearing her? This is YOUR PUBLISHER!” After two subsequent months of inertia from my chosen agent, I decided they were right and called Kammier, who had followed up with me immediately after the conference, and I signed with her. It turned out to be the right, the ideal decision.


What surprised you most about getting your book published?

I was surprised and pleased to learn that pursuing a less conventional publishing route was not only acceptable—I had believed there was only one way to define “success” in publishing—but it was highest and best for me, for this particular book. I knew the process would be demanding, nevertheless, and it did not disappoint.


Tell us a little about what you do when you aren’t writing

When I am not writing books, I am writing articles. I am a freelance feature journalist, with many thousands of articles in print. When I am not writing, I am teaching writing and other communication courses at Monterey Peninsula College and at CSU Monterey Bay. Apart from that, I run, bike, swim, bake cookies, set beautiful tables, and call my twin sister every day.


As a published author, what would you say was the most pivotal point of your writing life?

I have written seven other books, which have been published, and all have been someone else’s novel, memoir, history of somewhere. This memoir is my first published book that carries my story. The process of writing and publishing this book not only has served to elevate my writing, but it also brings an achievement many years in the making. This is my pivotal point.


Where do you get your best ideas and why do you think that is?

I get my best ideas from the people I interview, the stories I hear from friends and family, the one-liners I hear on television, at the market, in the gym, in the classroom. . .everywhere. I think this is the case because people are infinitely interesting and complex and wise, and this all seeps out, leaving me inspired to write. My favorite phrase, perhaps among others, is, “That’s a story.”


What is the toughest criticism given to you as an author?

“You shouldn’t write this book.” Fortunately, legions more said I should, and when I listened to my truth, I knew I must.


What has been your best accomplishment as a writer?

In addition to publishing this book, my best accomplishment has been when my writing elevates someone else, changes their life for the better, puts a spotlight on their needs or achievements, shares their worthy story.


How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have?

This is my eighth book, which has achieved publication. All of the others besides my new release, was someone else’s story, which sometimes, I was hired to ghostwrite. In addition to “What We Wished For,” I currently have two more in the works, also my own inspirations.

Thank you for asking,

Lisa Crawford Watson

 


About the Author

A fifth-generation Northern Californian, Lisa Crawford Watson has published seven books and thousands of articles in local and national newspapers and magazines. She earned a bachelor’s degree in sociolinguistics from the University of California, Davis, and a master's degree in education administration from California State University, Sacramento. She currently teaches communications, writing, and journalism at California State University, Monterey Bay.

Lisa lives with her husband in Carmel on the legendary Monterey Peninsula, where she focuses on fitness, family, and philanthropy. As a resident of the “Canine Capital of the Country,” Lisa has a devoted following for her weekly dog column, for which she has profiled more than seven-hundred furry friends.


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Website: lisacrawfordwatson.com

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Book Blitz: Brothers by Vincent Orza #political #thriller #rabtbooktours @RABTBookTours

 

 

Political Thriller


 

Brothers: a novel of political intrigue and family turmoil.

Brothers is a fast paced political thriller.  A modern-day story of Cain and Abel that asks the question, ‘Am I my brother’s keeper?’ The answer depends on which brother is asking the question and the women they encounter.

 

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Speaker of the House or Representatives Gianni Simonelli is a second-generation New York Italian American hell bent on not being associated with the Mafia. The problem is his brother is a member of a New York crime family.

On the Inauguration Day, the newly elected President steps to the podium to address the nation and is shot and killed by the Secret Service agent assigned to protect him . Reeling from the assassination Gianni is called upon to help stabilize the administration.

Someone identified as the ‘Emperor’ leads a domestic terror organization known as VIPER that has infiltrated America’s national security agencies to gain control of its military power and wealth. With evidence the Secret Service and FBI may be part of VIPER, Gianni turns to CIA Director Jill Shelton to find out who’s behind the insurrection. As events spiral out of control, Gianni is left with no alternative but to seek help from his estranged brother Mario.

When the Mafia strikes VIPER in a brutal but effective way to help save the democracy from being overthrown, Gianni and Shelton face the real possibility collaborating with the Mafia could result in them becoming crime family puppets.

 

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Friday, November 8, 2024

Virtual Book Tour: The Stars Rain Down by Glenn Thomas #scifi #sciencefiction #giveaway #interview #rabtbooktours @RABTBookTours

 


 

Who Owns You?,  Book One

 

Science Fiction

Date to be Published: October 11th

 

 

Set in the early 23rd century, THE STARS RAIN DOWN follows an android woman pursuing a renegade human. At the same time, he searches for his missing wife and child, abducted by alien pirates, and sold into slavery. Special Agent Catherine Mercer, an artificial intelligence and agent of Interplanetary Security (think FBI in space), is given the assignment to pursue and apprehend Rick McCabe, a freighter pilot suspected of illegally smuggling passengers to the free colony of Aranae, some 1300 light years from Earth. Rick, on the other hand, on route to Aranae, was attacked by pirates and separated from his pregnant wife, Sarah, who was captured. But, having come under the suspicion of IPS of illegally transporting passengers, Rick goes rogue and sets off to find Sarah while evading Catherine trying to capture him. Rick and his tech-savvy partner QR follow a trail of clues and tips that lead from one planet to another, from one hostile slave owner and alien race to more pirates and unsavory characters. Along the journey, Catherine learns that being human is more than possessing a flesh and blood body. The transitory body holds an eternal spirit that yearns to be free.




Interview

What is the hardest part of writing your books?

Thomas: Coming to a dead end in the plot and not knowing where to go from there. I usually outline the plot ahead of time, but sometimes, I leave holes that I hope to fill when I get there. And, as expected, the hole doesn’t get filled, and I sit and stare at the screen, thinking, “Where do we go from here?” Eventually, it gets worked out, and progress continues.



What are your most played songs?

T: I assume this is music playing in the background while I write, yes? Most of the time, I find ambient music on YouTube, maybe some classical or Philip Glass. But I gotta have something playing; I can’t write in total silence like I’m writing in a mausoleum or something.



Do you have critique partners or beta readers?

T: I have some beta readers on Fiverr that have given some good notes, mostly. I like them ‘cause they don’t know me, and I don’t know them, just like the reader who buys my book. I get good notes from them, in general, and make changes based on their notes if I agree with the change. I don’t have critique partners except maybe a writer friend I used to work with at an old job years ago. We’d exchange each other’s works and talk shop.



What book are you reading now?

T: Several. Right now, I’m reading “The Days Are Long But the Years Are Shorter” by a friend of mine, Angel Balestier. He was a recording engineer for many highly recognized musical artists from the 60s. He recorded and was friends with Jimi Hendrix, among many others. I’m also reading “Unknown Waters,” a novella by my sister, D. Thomas Treadwell, a character-driven pirate story—not the kind of pirates you’d expect. Very well executed and paced and worth looking into. In science fiction, I’m reading “The Second Life of Jonathan Sendel” by Jeffrey Ashkin. Now you see how my reading habits are: bouncing from one book to the other.



How did you start your writing career?

T: Not sure if it’s even started yet. Whether it’s a career or not, I just keep writing.



Tell us about your next release.

T: I’m well into Book 2 of “The Stars Rain Down” series. But I can’t tell you when it will launch; we’re too far out from a date. Also, can’t tell you what happens, as you might expect. No spoilers. I can only say that Catherine’s adventures in pursuing Rick continue with lots of surprises, twists, and turns.

About the Author

Glenn Thomas’s life path has been a meandering one, setting new life goals at various points along the way, gaining skills in art, photography, film-making, driving, and ultimately, writing in screenplays and prose.  As a self-described “high-functioning daydreamer,” Glenn often finds contentment in self-imposed isolation, in conversation with characters only he sees and hears, in universes of his own creation.  Once in a while, he writes them down into scripts and novels to share with the world.

Glenn lives in the Los Angeles area and works as a driver for a major motion picture studio.  His first self-published work was a series of short Science Fiction stories called The Spiderboys of Aranae, which appeared in 2015.

In 1986, when Glenn was convinced he was at the start of a long and prosperous career as a visual artist, an idea for a sci-fi story came to him.  A guy loses his wife to space aliens, and he searches the galaxy to find her.  As a fan of the genre, Glenn sat down with paper and pencil to write the story, and two years later, No Longer Mourn for Me was finished.  It then sat on the shelf, unpublished, for nearly 35 years.  Glenn thought about that crudely executed early work, got ideas to improve it, and sat down at the computer for a rewrite.  The original story was completely gutted, retooled, and reborn with a new title: The Stars Rain Down.

 

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