A Life Through Books

Friday, May 19, 2017

Blog Tour & Interview from @K_OMalley67 for her novel Coming Home Enter the #giveaway
9:26 AM 3 Comments

Contemporary Romance
Date Published: 3-7-17
Publisher: self/ Carolina Blue Publishing

Dr. Elizabeth Abbott Fitzgerald has spent the last ten years of her life running; from tragedy, from family, from love. But now her mother’s failing health calls her home to Windsor Falls, North Carolina; to the place where her past awaits. Sam Bishop can’t believe his eyes when the love of his life returns after ten long years. All he wants is to clear his conscience and get back the family he lost when Connor, his best friend and Elizabeth’s husband died tragically. Could it really be true that time heals all wounds?


Interview

What is the hardest part of writing your books?
For some reason, the external conflict is the hardest part for me. My characters have all kinds of internal conflicts…probably because I’m a psychiatric nurse in my other life.

What songs are most played on your Ipod?
I have a playlist entitled “happy music” with an odd mix of up-beat songs like Mark Ronson’s “Uptown Funk” and “Happy” by Pharell WIlliams. I play it at the gym and whenever I need a little bit of happiness.

Do you have critique partners or beta readers?
I’m very new to this. I have a few beta readers, close friends who will be brutally honest. I would love a critique partner; just haven’t found the right one yet.

What book are you reading now?
I just (at midnight last night) finished Elizabeth Kelly’s Broken. I laughed. I cried. I said a few bad words. It was amazing.

How did you start your writing career?
I wrote Coming Home in 2002, over the course of about 3 weeks. My husband and I were waiting to adopt our daughter from Russia. I came home from work every day and sat at the computer to write. It was my salvation. Then we got our child and a son two years later. I went to nursing school. Life became hectic, and Coming Home languished on the shelf, so to speak. In 2015, we moved from the Mid Atlantic to Charlotte. In the move, I found my manuscript and started all over again.

Tell us about your next release.


Taking Chances is book 2 in the Windsor Falls series. It’s about Katie & Flynn who were introduced in Coming Home. They work together in the critical care unit. She’s a nurse who was burned by love. He’s the new to town cardiologist who tries to convince her to take another chance on love.

About the Author

Kimberley O’Malley is a recent transplant to Charlotte, North Carolina from the frozen North. She is learning to say y’all but draws the line at sweet tea. Sarcasm is an art form in her world. When not writing, she is a full-time nurse and part-time soccer Mom, but not necessarily in that order. She shares her life with an amazing husband of more than twenty years, two teenagers, and one very sweet Shetland Sheepdog, Molly.



Contact Information
Twitter: @K_OMalley67


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Tuesday, May 16, 2017

Blog Tour for Radio Programming and Branding by Gary Begin #interview
9:13 AM1 Comments



Public Relations & Marketing
Date Published: 03/10/2015
Publisher: Library Tales Publishing

Radio Programming and Branding: The Ultimate Podcasting and Radio Branding Guide is designed to offer techniques for broadcasters, radio bloggers, radio entrepreneurs and students who wish to start and run their own radio show or station. This book will help you improve your craft and effectively develop a winning brand that attracts attention, followership, and, ultimately, advertisers.


Interview

What is the hardest part of writing your books?

Taking the time to sit and write.  I have a business that makes a lot of my time, so I most often write at night.

What songs are most played on your Ipod?

Jazz and 50’s-70’s oldies.

Do you have critique partners or beta readers?

No

What book are you reading now?

“Slow Transit” by Michael C. Keith

How did you start your writing career?

I’ve been writing since I was a young boy.  My wife begged me to start expanding articles I’d been writing for radio trade publications.  I did and the book only took four months to write.



It’s a book on Podcasting.  Titles is a work in progress.




Author Bio

Gary Begin, the founder and president of Sound Advantage Media, a radio programming consulting firm, possesses over thirty years of radio programming experience. Begin's programming and on-air experiences have included diverse markets such as Tampa and Sarasota, FL, Providence, RI, Saginaw, MI, Hagerstown, MD, Columbus, GA, Portland and Waterville, ME.  Begin attended Dean College in Franklin, MA and has continued to enhance his skills with regular attendance at many programming seminars. In addition to Sound Advantage Media, Begin also owns Gary Begin Voice Talent, providing voice talent services for clients all across the United States. 

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Monday, May 15, 2017

Blitz: 7 Days with You by @hugosa #ya #romance #giveaway #excerpt
8:48 PM0 Comments

YA Romance
Date Published: 11/04/2017
 Publisher: Leap of Faith Publishing

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Sean Johnson's life as a small-town farmhand has been nothing but predictable, but when he meets Sophia Hillingdon at the local animal sanctuary, she gets him out of an eighteen-year rut, away from the mundane existence on the farm, and a grieving, drunken father.

Sophia is the first person who understands him and makes him believe that he might get out of their small town, who tells him, he has the potential to be whoever he wants to be and do whatever he wants to do.

But as their relationship unfolds, it is the most devastating of news that will change both of them forever.


Excerpt

Her face was nearer than it had ever been. Her skin felt smooth and warm. All I could do was lean further into her, losing myself in the moment. And then there were her piercing blue eyes-even more extraordinary up close. Before I knew it, I’d brought my hands to her chest as our parting lips collided. We kissed for hours, inhabiting each other with such force as our bodies rolled across the cooled grass. She was the change I had been searching for. It was the first time I realized; I could be anywhere in the world, but nowhere without her.




About the Author


Hugo Driscoll is a 25-year-old British author and content writer for an online publication in London.
When he's not working, you can usually find him writing in the basements of cafes or looking serious in black and white photos.
You can also find Hugo on Twitter, Facebook, and his personal blog, which he updates regularly.
Seven Days with You is his first novel.

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Saturday, May 13, 2017

Blitz Day: 7 Days With You by @hugosa #excerpt #giveaway #yaromance
4:20 PM0 Comments

YA Romance
Date Published: 11/04/2017
 Publisher: Leap of Faith Publishing

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Sean Johnson's life as a small-town farmhand has been nothing but predictable, but when he meets Sophia Hillingdon at the local animal sanctuary, she gets him out of an eighteen-year rut, away from the mundane existence on the farm, and a grieving, drunken father.

Sophia is the first person who understands him and makes him believe that he might get out of their small town, who tells him, he has the potential to be whoever he wants to be and do whatever he wants to do.

But as their relationship unfolds, it is the most devastating of news that will change both of them forever.


Excerpt

Her face was nearer than it had ever been. Her skin felt smooth and warm. All I could do was lean further into her, losing myself in the moment. And then there were her piercing blue eyes-even more extraordinary up close. Before I knew it, I’d brought my hands to her chest as our parting lips collided. We kissed for hours, inhabiting each other with such force as our bodies rolled across the cooled grass. She was the change I had been searching for. It was the first time I realized; I could be anywhere in the world, but nowhere without her.




About the Author


Hugo Driscoll is a 25-year-old British author and content writer for an online publication in London.
When he's not working, you can usually find him writing in the basements of cafes or looking serious in black and white photos.
You can also find Hugo on Twitter, Facebook, and his personal blog, which he updates regularly.
Seven Days with You is his first novel.

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Thursday, May 11, 2017

Blog Tour: Elfin Nights by @Brantwijn #interview #giveaway
8:24 AM1 Comments

Fantasy Erotic Romance
Chronicles of the Four Courts, Book 2

Date Published: May 1st, 2017

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A fae Knight’s life belongs to the monarchies, but for Finn of the Morrigan, his life comes second to his heart. And his heart belongs to his ladies.
The changeling princesses of the Springtime elves share a unique bond with their Knight—a bond that must remain perfectly secret. When the Queen of the Elves discovers their passionate love, she curses and exiles Finn from the elfin lands forever. With their guardian sent away to a lifeless wasteland, the royal changelings have no defense when the unseen enemies of the Four Courts attack, and the House of Elves falls.
To save his loves, Finn will need to break out of prison, undertake a perilous journey across the lands of Thairy, face wicked creatures, rogue Knights, and one of the most dangerous monsters in the fae world.
The enemy will soon learn what it means to provoke a true Son of War.

Interview

What is the hardest part of writing your books?
There is always, inevitably, a point at which I look at what I’m writing and think, “It’s all wrong.” In the beginning, before you get the eyes of your beta readers or your editor on it, it’s a bit like walking the plank. I’m so unsure about how everything will turn out. Is it just a harmless diving board with an exciting plunge awaiting me? Or are there sharks in the water ready to tear me apart? There’s just always a period—sometimes more than one—of really frustrating doubt.


What songs are most played on your Ipod?
Since Blood and Fire, Book 3 is currently on my writing desk, I’m listening to my “book soundtrack” a lot. That means quite a bit of Within Temptation and Sirenia, some Sonata Arctica, and a few Lady Gaga numbers, all of which have in some way helped me build this story out. The list is pretty much on repeat while I work.


Do you have critique partners or beta readers?
I have two to three “consultants” I turn to when I hit a snag here or there. I can usually get some beta readers for a short story or a novella, but when it comes to full-length novels, I tend to take them straight to the editor. I put a lot of work into polishing a manuscript before my editor sees it; I want to know I’m putting my absolute best foot forward. That usually means at least two extra passes after the book is done. With that sort of schedule, I really only look for beta readers if I’m feeling something isn’t quite right.


What book are you reading now?
I’m wrapping up a re-read of The Night Angel trilogy by Brent Weeks. Pretty deep fantasy with some very dark moments—today’s read included a king performing a bit of magic date-rape, and I had a hard time getting through that scene—but overall I really enjoy the plot and characters. Lots of assassins and spies, anti-heroes and just enough of the truly pure, noble, and valiant. After Night Angel, I’m not sure what I’ll be turning to. The Dresden Files tend to be my go-to re-reads, when I don’t have anything new at hand, and Harry Dresden’s adventures really give my creative side a jog, if I’m feeling a lack of inspiration.


How did you start your writing career?
I got started in erotic and romantic anthologies. Once I was accepted for an anthology with Breathless Press, I tried submitting my first erotic novel, Lotus Petals. My editor at the time decided to give it a chance, and I became a house author from that point forward.



Well, now that Elfin Nights is out I had intended to work on and submit the third book in my Blood and Fire series, titled Winter Hearts, next. But the manuscript just isn’t ready, so I’ve switched my immediate efforts to polishing a sequel for The Pact, so I can submit it to my editor and keep my release schedule active. That sequel is already written and only needs the last few passes for editing, though, so soon enough I’ll be back to focusing on Winter Hearts. I think, as much as I love writing my fae stories, and getting Finn’s book out has been one of my favorite journeys so far, the Blood and Fire books have a lot of fans who are very eager to know where the story goes. So I’m excited for that, and I hope my readers are too.


About the Author

When she isn't visiting the worlds of immortals, demons, dragons and goblins, Brantwijn fills her time with artistic endeavors: sketching, painting, customizing My Little Ponies and sewing plushies for friends. She can't handle coffee unless there's enough cream and sugar to make it a milkshake, but try and sweeten her tea and she will never forgive you. She moonlights as a futon for four lazy cats, loves tabletop role-play games, and can spend hours pencilling naughty, sexy illustrations in her secret notebooks.
Brantwijn has two romance series currently in-progress with Champagne Books. She's also had short stories published in several small press anthologies. She has author pages on GoodReads and Amazon, and loves to see reader comments on her work. Her short stories and audio readings occasionally pop up her website, www.brantwijn.com.


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Wednesday, May 10, 2017

Spotlight: The Orphan of Mecca
12:00 AM1 Comments


Literary Fiction
Date Published: 9/17/2014
Publisher: America Star Books

America Star Books Presents The Orphan of Mecca, Book One by Harvey Havel

Frederick, MD October 16, 2014 – America Star Books is proud to present The Orphan of Mecca, Book One by Harvey Havel from Albany, NY.

A brief synopsis of the book: "Amina prepares for college on what is expected to be an exciting first day of higher learning. When she steps onto the university campus for the first time, however, she bumps into Raja Gupta, a young, persuasive, and hot-headed university intellectual who lures her into joining a student group whose cause is the liberation of East Pakistan from West Pakistan. What follows is a stormy and passionate romance detailing the lives of both Raja Gupta and Amina Mitra as they both attempt to survive from one of the worst genocides of historical record—a genocide that ultimately leads to the birth of the poor and crippled nation known today as Bangladesh. This novel is written with historical accuracy and is Book One of a trilogy that charts the rise and fall of these two characters, as well as the son that is orphaned after Amina Mitra is forced to abandon him in the Great Mosque of Mecca."
Visit us online at www.americastarbooks.comFacebook and Twitter.

Book 2

In Book Two of The Orphan of Mecca trilogy, Amina Mitra has no choice but to abandon her newborn child to the Great Mosque of Mecca, Islam's holiest place. The child is then taken to an orphanage by the religious police (mutawaffs) and stays there until he is of good enough age to live on his own. The orphan, Ekaja, finds work in a Meccan tourist bazaar that is well known for its wealthy international travelers and global corporate visitors. There, he meets an American who wants Ekaja to work for him. But this is not ordinary work. The American wants to turn him into a spy for the Central Intelligence agency. Ekaja then must choose between loyalty to the CIA and loyalty to his own people regardless of how perverted their view of Islam has become.


Book 3

After being accused of raping the Commanders daughter, Ekaja is thrown out of the house and is forced to leave. He goes to New York where he discovers a Jewish painter who needs his help. Together, they make an important contribution to the New York artists' scene for those who have mental disabilities.







Harvey Havel is a short-story writer and novelist. His first novel, Noble McCloud, A Novel, was published in November of 1999. His second novel, The Imam, A Novel, was published in 2000. 

In 2006, Havel published his third novel, Freedom of Association.  He has published his eighth novel, Charlie Zero’s Last-Ditch Attempt, and his ninth, The Orphan of MeccaBook One, which was released last year.  His new novel, The Thruway Killers is his latest work.  The Orphan of Mecca, Books Two and Three, will be released next year as well as a book, An Adjunct Down, which he just completed.  His work in progress is called In the Trenches, about a Black American football player.
He is formerly a writing instructor at Bergen Community College in Paramus, New Jersey.  He also taught writing and literature at the College of St. Rose in Albany as well as SUNY Albany.
Copies of his books and short stories, both new and used, may be purchased at www.barnesandnoble.comwww.amazon.com, and by special order at other fine bookstores. 


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Monday, May 8, 2017

Blog Tour: d4 by @cinnabar01 with a #interview and #giveaway
12:00 AM1 Comments
Speculative Fiction 
Date Published: Jan. 31, 2015
Publisher: Cinnabar Press

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A clairvoyant young woman finds her visions of the future to be a nuisance, until she discovers that she is hardly unique. An entire group of seers has learned how to profit from their knowledge in ways that Ariel has never considered. Another group is obsessed with using their talents to understand a dark future they cannot ignore.
An alliance with either crowd looks dangerous, given that they both seem a little crazy. There is no possible way to help them both. Worse yet, each group is convinced that Ariel is more than a potential asset; she’s the one thing that they must have in order to fully succeed.


Interview

What is the hardest part of writing your books?
Getting started. Literally. The first word is the most difficult thing for me. To get around that, I went ahead and selected a starting word for each of the six books in this collection before I ever began writing it. I know it sounds goofy, but it worked pretty well.



What songs are most played on your Ipod?

The songs without lyrics. I like all kinds of music, but I have trouble shutting out words when I’m writing, editing, or even just trying to think. I have a couple of playlists (slow, fast) that mix classical, jazz, new age, world, soundtrack and electronic selections.


Do you have critique partners or beta readers?
Both. Critique partners kind of come and go for me, as it’s a relationship that is so situation dependent, and during each book I’ve been in a different situation. On the other hand, my group of beta readers just keeps growing because when I’ve turned to people to lend me specific expertise on one novel, they’ve often asked if they could be a beta reader for the next one as well.   


What book are you reading now?
Most of my reading these days is research for my own writing so I’ve got I book on judo and Steven Pinker’s “The Language Instinct” on my reading pile. I did take a break recently and let myself read Charles Yu’s “How to Live Safely in a Science Fictional Universe.” I loved it.


How did you start your writing career?
By making up bedtime stories for my little sister.



It’s the final novel in a six book collection. Each of the previous five books featured the story of an individual family member, and this one is the story of how they all five learn to combine their superpowers and work together.


About the Author

Sherrie Roth grew up in Western Kansas thinking that there was no place in the universe more fascinating than outer space. After her mother vetoed astronaut as a career ambition, she went on to study journalism and physics in hopes of becoming a science writer.
She published her first science fiction short story long ago, and then waited a lot of tables while she looked for inspiration for the next story. When it finally came,  it declared to her that it had to be whole book, nothing less. One night, while digesting this disturbing piece of news, she drank way too many shots of ouzo with her boyfriend. She woke up thirty-one years later demanding to know what was going on.

The boyfriend, who she had apparently long since married, asked her to calm down and  explained that in a fit of practicality she had gone back to school and gotten a degree in geophysics and had spent the last 28 years interpreting seismic data in the oil industry. The good news, according to Mr. Cronin, was that she had found it at least mildly entertaining and ridiculously well-paying  The bad news was that the two of them had still managed to spend almost all of the money.

Apparently she was now Mrs. Cronin, and the further good news was that they had produced three wonderful children whom they loved dearly, even though to be honest that is where a lot of the money had gone. Even better news was that Mr. Cronin  turned out to be a warm-hearted, encouraging sort who was happy to see her awake and ready to write. "It's about time," were his exact words.

Sherrie Cronin discovered that over the ensuing decades Sally Ride had already managed to become the first woman in space and apparently had done a fine job of it. No one, however, had written the book that had been in Sherrie's head for decades. The only problem was, the book informed her sternly that it had now grown into a six book series. Sherrie decided that she better start writing it before it got any longer. She's been wide awake ever since, and writing away.

Contact Links

Twitter: @cinnabar01

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