Thursday, December 13, 2012

Orangeberry Book Tours – Lost Samba by Richard Klein


‘Lost Samba’ is an account of Rio’s bitter-sweet ‘golden days’ in the sixties and the subsequent roller-coaster ride from the military sponsored Brazilian “Economic Miracle” to the depths of the 1980s Brazilian economic catastrophe, all seen through the eyes of the author, a European who grew up as a citizen of Brazil’s legendary Copacabana and Ipanema.
Klein was born to an ex-pat British mother and a holocaust-survivor father in the iconic year (1962) which also gave birth to the Beatles as a recording band, the ‘Girl from Ipanema’ and Brazil’s second World Cup victory. His book describes the Brazilian 1970 World Cup triumph, seen through the eyes of an eight year old boy living in Rio, in the era of Pele, and the subsequent football fever that engulfed the country. As a musician, Klein also gives a personal insight into the evolution of Brazilian music from the Bossa Nova of the sixties to the rock scene in the eighties.
The author says: “With the world’s eyes turning once more to Brazil – hosting the soccer World Cup in 2014 and the Olympics in 2016 – Lost Samba peers through the clichés to give a true, first person guide to the country’s recent history and its colourful and vibrant lifestyle.
“Lost Samba describes my personal contact with a wide range of Rio de Janeiro society, from the elite in the American School to Favela drug dealers. It takes the reader on an eventful hitch-hiking journey in the heat of the Brazilian summer, through the hippy-style culture and intense carnivals of Brazil’s north-eastern region, and describes my interaction with the heads of the quiet revolution that overthrew the military dictatorship and with the people who would tackle the hyperinflation that devastated the country until only 20 years ago.”
Klein’s Jewish background and humour, as well as his closeness to Britain, where he now lives, make Lost Samba an accessible and catchy read for people who want to understand and get closer to this emerging country that will be so prominent on the world’s stage over the next four years.
Buy now @ Amazon
Genre – Memoir / Adventure
Rating – PG13
Connect with Richard Klein on Facebook
Blog http://lostsambablog.com/
Website http://www.lostsamba.com/

Author Interview – Richard Klein


Buy now @ Amazon
Genre – Memoir / Adventure
Rating – PG13
More details about the book
Connect with Richard Klein on Facebook
Blog http://lostsambablog.com/
Website http://www.lostsamba.com/
If you could travel in a Time Machine would you go back to the past or into the future? I would go back to the past, to the 1960′s. My parents had me late in life so, in a way, I belong to that lucky generation and I would like to experience how it was.
If you were stranded on a desert island what 3 things would you want with you? My guitar, a bicycle and an airplane to come and go.
If you were a superhero what would your name be? The Intergalactic Justiceiro.
What is your favorite flavor of ice cream? Acai
If you could meet one person who has died who would you choose? Vinicius de Moraes, a Brazilian poet, my intelectual and spiritual mentor.
Night owl, or early bird? Night owl, since a very early age.
One food you would never eat? Eel
Pet Peeves? Bragging.
Please tell us in one sentence only, why we should read your book. A special guide to a special country.
Any other books in the works? Goals for future projects? I am starting to work on the continuation of Lost Samba, the original project was to do three books but now I am reflecting about how to get the entire story out there in a different format. Four years down the line of writing and dealing with the publishing world I am starting to see that there are many interesting alternatives available. My goal now is to find a way to unite writing, music, video, images and blogging into one media and offer a new sort of experience to the public out there.
What inspired you to want to become a writer? I have always wanted to be in the position of content provider. What ignited the writing process was when I rented a flat from an author and had the vision that “if this guy can make a living out of it I can do it too”.
Tell us your most rewarding experience since being published. A reader that put his facebook profile with my book.
If you could jump in to a book, and live in that world.. which would it be? Capitaes de Areia (Captains of the Sands) of Jorge Amado
What is your dream cast for your book? Brad Pitt playing me :-) .
What was your favorite book when you were a child/teen? Robinson Crusoe
Is there a song you could list as the theme song for your book or any of your characters? Roda Viva, Chico Buarque for Brazilians, Mother Nature’s Son, the Beatles, for non-Brazilians.
What’s one piece of advice you would give aspiring authors? Don’t dive in straight away, start by blogging your work. Read the The Elements of Style, by William Strunk.
If you could choose only one time period and place to live, when and where would you live and why? Rio de Janeiro in the early 1970′s, I actually was a boy back then, but the place was a paradise for grown ups, the economy was good, the country was booming, people were experimenting with the novelties although there was still innocence and the nature was still there to be seen.
If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be? Ilha de Marajo, the delta where the Amazon river meets the Atlantic ocean. Still unspilt.
What is your favorite Quote? If not now, when?
When you were little, what did you want to be when you “grew up”? A film director.
How did you know you should become an author? As a child I had delusions of being someone who has something to say, I guess it came from there.
Who are your favorite authors of all time? Miguel de Cervantes, Dostoyevski, Amos Oz and Jorge Amado
How do you react to a bad review? Makes me want to improve.
If you were a super hero what would your kryptonite be? Ayahuasca
You have won one million dollars what is the first thing that you would buy? My freedom form the “treadmill”.
Which authors have influence you most how? Stephen King, I read his book on how to write books and Amos Oz, who taught me that common people can make great stories.
In your wildest dreams, which author would you love to co-author a book with? Napoleon

Sunday, December 2, 2012

First Time Blog Tour + Giveaway

Tour Schedule

Tens List

Top 10 Music to Listen to While Writing



10. The Man From Snowy River by Bruce Rowland
9. Field of Dreams by James Horner
8. Any instrumental work by The Glenn Miller Orchestra (I can't write and listen to lyrics at the same time)
7. Brave by Julie Fowlis & Patrick Doyle
6. Dances with Wolves by John Barry
5. Waiting for Spring by David Benoit
4. Water Music by Handel
3. The Lord of the Rings by Howard Shore
2. Indiana Jones by John Williams
1. Star Wars by John Williams

First Time: The Legend of Garison Fitch

"What if history didn't happen that way ... the first time?"

Garison Fitch was one of the most revered scientists in the Soviet Americas until he left fame behind to work on a secret project in his log cabin in the mountains of Marx.

But something went wrong. Instead of traveling interdimentionally, Garison has traveled through time ... twice.

Now, he's in something called "The United States of America" and a woman he's never met before is calling herself his wife. It it a hoax? Or, has he somehow changed history?

If so, can he return the world to what he believes is "normal", or must he live in this strange world he created?




Purchase





Praise:

"Sam continues to weave his magic as a storyteller. I always find myself anxious to find out what will happen next and what kind of twist will befall the adventurers. It helps to be familiar with the places that the heroines go, which adds to the story."
~Labdaddy, Texas

"I've had a few very unproductive but enjoyable days thanks to Samuel Ben White. If you haven't read Sam's books you have been missing a treat. These were funny, suspenseful, spiritual and kept you turning the pages."
~Karen S.

"Just wanted to say how much I have enjoyed your books. I have a Kindle and I have purchased all of the Garison Fitch novels. I am in Saudi Arabia and your books have really helped take me away from here."
~Scott, Saudi Arabia


Also Part of the Series:



Saving Time

Two years ago Garison Fitch traveled through time and rewrote history. An accident in the eighteenth century created a whole new world, and even gave Garison a wife he had never met before. Now, he’s got a daughter and he’s coming to enjoy this world he created. Until he’s attacked by men masquerading as Indians, and a funeral procession from out of the past enlists his help, and a tree grows from sappling to full-grown in a matter of minutes, threatening his daughter’s very life. Time itself is unraveling and Garison’s trips through time seem to be the cause. Garison must go back in time once again and keep himself from making the original trip that started the problem. But he can’t use his time machine to go back. How does one sew up a rip in time?





Lost Time

Jason Kerrigan and Brownwyn Dalmouth are pilots with the Republic of Texas Army Air Corps. A world war is going on and bombs have just brought an end to Crockett Air Field in south Texas. Jason and Bronwyn, though, are called away from the battle to be test pilots for a new aircraft that-they're told- will bring the war to an end. The experimental craft lives up to expectations in early tests, but then it lands them somewhere it never should have sent them. Another place? Another time? Another dimension? Somehow, they've taken a trip to the future and changed the past. Or did they? The answer to their change of reality may be known to a Justice of the Peace in Colorado named Garison Fitch. To figure it out, though, Garison may have to team up with his least favorite person: Bat Garrett.






Purchase



Author Samuel Ben White

Samuel Ben White (“Sam” to his friends) is the author of the national newspaper comic strip “Tuttle’s” (found at www.tuttles.net) and the on-line comic book “Burt & the I.L.S.” (found at www.destinyhelix.com). He is married and has two sons. He serves his community as both a minister at a small church and a chaplain with hospice. In addition to his time travel stories, Sam has also written and published detective novels, a western, three fantasy novels and four works of Christian fiction.</ div>





Links







Blog Tour Giveaway
$25 Amazon Gift Card
Ends 12/18/12
Open to anyone who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent's permission. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.


a Rafflecopter giveaway


First Time: The Legend of Garison Fitch Tour Schedule:
http:// iamareadernotawriter.blogspot.com/2012/10/first-time-blog-tour.html


Poseidon and the Sea of Fury Book Blast

Poseidon and the Sea of Fury 

A young Poseidon must triumph over aquatic terrors in this Heroes in Training adventure. The merciless Cronus and his Titan buddies are in hot pursuit of Zeus, Hera, and Poseidon, who plan to travel across the treacherous boiling sea in order to save a fellow Olympian. They have a boat, but they also have a problem: Poseidon can’t swim and is terrified of the water (well, really of the creatures that lurk in its depths). The group faces danger after danger as they battle singing sirens, a fishy and ferocious Titan named Oceanus, and people-eating monsters sent by Cronus himself. Can Poseidon overcome his fears and help his fellow heroes escape Cronus and his cronies?






Purchase



Heroes in Training by Joan Holub & Suzanne Williams</ b>
Authors Joan Holub and Suzanne Williams deliver fun, adventures, and a few surprises as ten-year- old Olympians go on a journey of a lifetime to discover their true identities and defeat their Titan enemies.


Praise for Heroes in Training
"Readers will gobble this down and look for more, make no mythtake."
~ Kirkus

“This is a fun read, casting Zeus in the role of relatable kid, and there is a nice balance between his primary goal of survival and his sense of destiny and adventure. . . Share this title, and likely more to come, with those still too young for Percy Jackson’s adventures.”
~ School Library Journal



The Series

#1 Zeus and the Thunderbolt of Doom
#2 Poseidon and the Sea of Fury
#3 Hades and the Helm of Darkness
#4 Hyperion and the Great Balls of Fire

Aladdin Paperbacks (ages 6-9)
http://series.simonandschuster.com/ Heroes-in-training




Zeus and the Thunderbolt of Doom (Book 1)


After pulling a magical thunderbolt from a stone, ten-year-old Zeus goes on the adventure of a lifetime in this thrilling start to a brand-new series! The terrible Titans--merciless giants who enjoy snacking on humans--have dominated the earth and put the world into chaos. But their rule is about to be put to the test as a group of young Olympians discover their powers and prepare to righteously rule the universe....
   
     Ten-year-old Zeus is mystified (and super-annoyed) by the fact that he keeps getting hit by lightening. Every. Single. Year. He also longs for adventure, as he has never been far from the cave where he grew up.

     Zeus gets his wish--and a lot more than he bargained for--when he is kidnapped by dangerous, giant Titans! In self-defense, he grabs the first thing he sees--an actual thunderbolt he pulls from a stone that is covered in mysterious markings. Zeus is the only one who can decipher the markings, and sets off on a quest to rescue his youthful fellow Olympians from the evil Cronus. Armed with his trusty thunderbolt (named Bolt, of course), Zeus is on an adventure of a lifetime--and a journey to fulfill his destiny as King of the Gods.



Hades and the Helm of Darkness (Book 3 coming April 2013)


The Heroes in Training are entering the Underworld—if Hades can conquer his canine fears, that is.

The Underworld usually isn’t really meant to be a fun place—but tell that to Hades! He loves the dark and the stinky smell of sulfur. However, there is one thing that Hades is not a fan of: dogs. And when Zeus and his fellow Olympians encounter Cerberus—a snarling, three-headed dog—Hades must conquer his fears and tame the hound so everyone can continue into the Underworld and deposit their Titan prisoner, Oceanus, back where he belongs!

But with magical water that causes forgetfulness, hot beds of lava, and another epic battle with two more Titans standing in their way, will Zeus and his heroes make it out of the Underworld with everyone intact?



Author Suzanne Williams

Suzanne Williams is the award-winning author of nearly 40 books for children, from picture books and easy readers to chapter books and middle grade fiction series. A former elementary school librarian, she lives near Seattle. Her picture book Library Lil (illustrated by Steven Kellogg) won the New Mexico children's choice award in 2000 and was on several other state award lists. She is co-author (with Joan Holub) of the popular Goddess Girls series(for ages 8 - 12) and Heroes in Training (ages 6 - 11). Other series include Fairy Blossoms and Princess Power.








Author Joan Holub

I graduated from college in Texas with a fine arts degree, and then freelanced as an art director at a graphic design firm for eight years. I dreamed of working in children's books, so I moved to New York City and became associate art director in Scholastic trade books, where I designed books for children and worked with editors and illustrators. It was a great job.

I illustrated my first published children's book in 1992 and soon began illustrating full time. I began completing manuscripts and mailing them out to publishers in the early 1990s. In 1996, I sold my first two manuscripts -- Boo Who? A Spooky Lift-the-Flap Book (Scholastic) and Pen Pals (Grosset & Dunlap). Yippee!

Now I write full time and have written and/or illustrated over 130 children's books. Creating books that entertain, inform, and interest children (and me) is a fabulous job that I truly love.





Book Blast Giveaway
$100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 12/9/12


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday, November 30, 2012

Book Blast + $100 Amazon or Paypal Cash Giveaway

Keegan's Chronicles Trilogy Set
Books 1-3

Coexist:
 
Sixteen-year-old Keegan is struggling to keep her huge secret from her friends--she's an elf, descended from a long line of elves that live in secrecy alongside humans.

In elfin society, mates are predetermined but not allowed to meet until they are eighteen. Against tradition, Keegan's brother Thaddeus told her Rourk's name because his visions warned him she'd need Rourk's protection, especially since Keegan will play a key role in the coming war between the dark and light elves.


Conflicted: 
Keegan, is only alive now due to Black Magic, and her bond with her Chosen is broken. She cannot remember Rourk at all.

For the first time, she feels like a normal teenager. She is dating Donald, her long-time crush, and everything seems perfect. But Rourk still feels their bond, and despairs for the woman he was always meant to love.

Keegan's best friend Anna is determined to find a way to use her powers to return Keegan's bond, no matter what it takes. The question is does Keegan even want it?


Consumed: 
Keegan has dealt with a lot over the last two years: Death, black magic and the loss of her bond to her chosen mate. But on her eighteenth birthday, the bond with Rourk returns.

Now, Keegan faces her hardest decision. Tradition requires elves marry at eighteen. If she accepts the path laid out for her, she will be spared a lifetime of physical and emotional pain. But will that life ever really be her own?


Praise:

Really enjoyed this book. The story draws you in, and the characters are engaging, especially Rourk. I've never read a book about elves, so I wasn't sure what to expect. This was really good. Would recommend to anyone interested in a quick, fun, paranormal read. 
-- Amazon Reviewer

I am not one for Elves or Fairies but yeah these Elves RULE! What is not to love? You have an age old prophecy, destined loves, a great family and amazing friends. Not to mention .... Rourk *yummy* All that is left is the amazing way it all is put together into this fantastic story. 
-- Amazon Reviewer

If you pick up this book, I'm sure it will not disappoint, it had everything, it was cute, yet dark..and well that combo just makes for a perfect book on my shelf, Julia has truly written an amazing read. (: 
-- Haley @ Ya-aholic.com


Purchase
Amazon * Nook * iBooks</ div>



Author Julia Crane

Julia Crane is the author of the YA paranormal fiction novels: Keegan's Chronicles, Mesmerized, Dark Promise and Eternal Youth. Julia was encouraged by her mother to read and use her imagination, and she's believed in magical creatures since the day her grandmother first told her an Irish tale. Julia has traveled far and wide to all the places her grandmother told her about, gaining inspiration from her journeys to places like Nepal, Cyprus, Sri Lanka, Italy, France and many more. And who knows? Maybe the magical creatures she writes about are people she met along the way.

Julia Crane has a bachelor's degree in criminal justice. Although she's spent most of her life on the US east coast, she currently lives in Dubai with her husband and three children.

Links
Book Blast Giveaway Deatils (Starts November 29th)
$100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 12/9/12
*You need not enter your twitter name for each entry. Simply enter it for the first person you follow and leave the others blank.

Open to anyone who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent's permission. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Lawyers, Lovers, and Lies Promo Post


Excerpt




She peeled the neatly pressed suit from his body and watched, as it fell in a hump on the
shiny, black ceramic tile floor. “God, you look sexy,” she whispered. She nuzzled even closer
to him and held him tightly, covering his neck and ears with tiny kisses. Her eyes danced with
anticipation as she reached down and gently, almost teasingly, caressed him. “Come on, let’s do
it right here,” she lovingly said.
His eyes slowly traveled up and down every part of her curvaceous body, as he smiled
broadly. “I love it when you’re the aggressor, Tiff. It’s a real turn-on,” he tenderly whispered,
as his lips passionately met hers. He placed his hand on her hip, as he gently eased her onto the
thick terry towel, where their bodies moved together as one. She squeezed his firm buttocks in
her hands, as his pace quickened. Tiffany screamed out in pleasure, as the moment she’d been
longing for, that deep aching within her, was fully satisfied. Brad drew her close and kissed her
with such passion that she wondered if he wanted to do it all over again.
“You want more?” Her voice had a ring of disbelief to it.
“I can’t ever get enough of you, Tiff. You should know that by now.” He placed her
hand in his and helped her up. “Come on. Let’s get into bed and just see what happens,” he said
with a devilish tone. “It has to be a lot more comfortable than this hard tile.”
“True, but you’ve got to admit that the sex was pretty spectacular, even if it was on the
floor!”
“I can’t disagree with that,” he added, as he led her to their awaiting bed. “That’s one of
the things I love about you. You’re always full of surprises.”
Tiffany’s lips turned upwards. “You’re right about that,” she added, as she placed her
hand lovingly on Brad’s thigh. With a coquettish tone in her voice, she said, “I think this final
surprise will really turn you on.” And with those words, she reached over to the night-stand
drawer and pulled out a bottle of chocolate flavored body frosting. “Tonight,” she
whispered, “dessert’s on me!”












Giveaway



a Rafflecopter giveaway < script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js">

First Time Book Blast + $50 Amazon or Paypal Cash Giveaway

First Time: The Legend of Garison Fitch

"What if history didn't happen that way ... the first time?"

Garison Fitch was one of the most revered scientists in the Soviet Americas until he left fame behind to work on a secret project in his log cabin in the mountains of Marx.

But something went wrong. Instead of traveling interdimentionally, Garison has traveled through time ... twice.

Now, he's in something called "The United States of America" and a woman he's never met before is calling herself his wife. It it a hoax? Or, has he somehow changed history?

If so, can he return the world to what he believes is "normal", or must he live in this strange world he created?



Purchase



Praise:

"Sam continues to weave his magic as a storyteller. I always find myself anxious to find out what will happen next and what kind of twist will befall the adventurers. It helps to be familiar with the places that the heroines go, which adds to the story."
~Labdaddy, Texas

"I've had a few very unproductive but enjoyable days thanks to Samuel Ben White. If you haven't read Sam's books you have been missing a treat. These were funny, suspenseful, spiritual and kept you turning the pages."
~Karen S.

"Just wanted to say how much I have enjoyed your books. I have a Kindle and I have purchased all of the Garison Fitch novels. I am in Saudi Arabia and your books have really helped take me away from here."
~Scott, Saudi Arabia


Also Part of the Series:


Saving Time

Two years ago Garison Fitch traveled through time and rewrote history. An accident in the eighteenth century created a whole new world, and even gave Garison a wife he had never met before. Now, he’s got a daughter and he’s coming to enjoy this world he created. Until he’s attacked by men masquerading as Indians, and a funeral procession from out of the past enlists his help, and a tree grows from sappling to full-grown in a matter of minutes, threatening his daughter’s very life. Time itself is unraveling and Garison’s trips through time seem to be the cause. Garison must go back in time once again and keep himself from making the original trip that started the problem. But he can’t use his time machine to go back. How does one sew up a rip in time?





Lost Time

Jason Kerrigan and Brownwyn Dalmouth are pilots with the Republic of Texas Army Air Corps. A world war is going on and bombs have just brought an end to Crockett Air Field in south Texas. Jason and Bronwyn, though, are called away from the battle to be test pilots for a new aircraft that-they're told- will bring the war to an end. The experimental craft lives up to expectations in early tests, but then it lands them somewhere it never should have sent them. Another place? Another time? Another dimension? Somehow, they've taken a trip to the future and changed the past. Or did they? The answer to their change of reality may be known to a Justice of the Peace in Colorado named Garison Fitch. To figure it out, though, Garison may have to team up with his least favorite person: Bat Garrett.





Purchase



Author Samuel Ben White

Samuel Ben White (“Sam” to his friends) is the author of the national newspaper comic strip “Tuttle’s” (found at www.tuttles.net) and the on-line comic book “Burt & the I.L.S.” (found at www.destinyhelix.com). He is married and has two sons. He serves his community as both a minister at a small church and a chaplain with hospice. In addition to his time travel stories, Sam has also written and published detective novels, a western, three fantasy novels and four works of Christian fiction.</ div>





Links




Tour Schedule





Book Blast Giveaway
$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 12/16/12
*You need not enter your twitter name for each entry. Simply enter it when you follow Sam then you can leave the others blank.

Open to anyone who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent's permission. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Dianne Harman – Blue Coyote Motel


You’ll never look at motel air conditioning the same way after you read Blue Coyote Motel.
Blue Coyote Motel is a suspense filled thriller about six travelers who stop and spend the night at a remote California desert motel. Each of them leaves the following morning “feeling good,” but unaware that they have inadvertently become addicted to a gaseous drug piped into their rooms. ‘
Jeffrey, the owner of the motel, is a scientist who was recently fired by a prestigious Southern California drug manufacturer for giving an anti-aging hormone he discovered to his beautiful Latina wife. Spinning slowly into the depths of insanity, he decides to test the effectiveness of another of his drug discoveries on unsuspecting motel guests. He calls the drug Freedom because it frees people from depression, anger, stress, grief, and aggression. Jeffrey has grandiose plans to make Freedom available throughout the world in order to bring about peace and harmony, but instead it causes grief and chaos in the lives of the motel guests. The cast of characters includes a defrocked priest, a Native American pediatrician, a wealthy widow, a Brazilian couple who owns gold mines and a salesman intent on finding himself.
Blue Coyote Motel presents an engaging look at the human frailties present in all of us.
Buy now @ Amazon
Genre – Suspense / Thriller
Rating – PG13
Connect with Dianne Harman on Facebook & Twitter

Author Interview – Dianne Harman


If you could invite any 5 people to dinner who would you choose? Ayn Rand, Buddha, Stephen King, John F. Kennedy and Georgia O’Keefe.
If you were a superhero what would your name be? Daring Dianne.
What is your favorite flavor of ice cream? Dulce de Leche.
If you could meet one person who has died who would you choose? Buddha.
What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? Leftovers from last night’s dinner.
Night owl, or early bird? Early bird.
Pet Peeves? People who talk loudly on their cell phones in public places.
Skittles or M&Ms? Definitely M&Ms.
Please tell us in one sentence only, why we should read your book. You’ll get lost in the engrossing story and forget whatever problems you may have.
Any other books in the works? Goals for future projects? Yes, Tea Party Teddy, a tell-all novel about California politics will be out in early 2013. I am in the process of editing the sequels to Tea Party Teddy and Blue Coyote Motel.
What inspired you to want to become a writer? A quiet air-conditioner at a boutique hotel in Palm Springs in 106 degree weather. What would happen if someone pumped a “feel good” drug into the air-conditioner and everyone felt good all the time?
Tell us your most rewarding experience since being published. Having a trade industry buy 350 of my books to put in their “goodie bags” for attendees at their conference.
What was your favorite book when you were a child/teen? The Bobbsey Twins.
What’s one piece of advice you would give aspiring authors? Read Stephen King’s book, On Writing.
If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be? I’m living there.
What is your favorite Quote? “I didn’t make the rules, but I can play by them.”
When you were little, what did you want to be when you “grew up”? I’ve reinvented myself so many times, I’m still not “grown up.”
How did you know you should become an author? I didn’t. It just stemmed from so many years of being a voracious reader.
Can you see yourself in any of your characters? Not completely, but places, circumstances and events that have been a part of my life certainly make their way into my books.
What’s the best advice anyone has ever given you? Take your time
Hidden talent? I’m a gourmet cook.
Favorite Food? Pasta.
Favorite Candy? Caramels.
If you were a bird, which one would you be? A quetzal.
You have won one million dollars what is the first thing that you would buy? An African safari photography trip.
What do you do in your free time? Read, cook, and play word nerd games.
If someone wrote a book about your life, what would the title be? She played the hands that life dealt her and never looked back.
What’s your favorite season/weather? I live near the beach in Southern California so I rarely see rain and I love it the infrequent times it happens.
Who or what inspired you to become an author? My husband believed in me.
Favorite places to travel? Wherever I go.
Buy now @ Amazon
Genre – Suspense / Thriller
Rating – PG13
More details about the book
Connect with Dianne Harman on Facebook & Twitter

Author Interview – Cheryl Carpinello


If You could choose only one time period and place to live, when and where would you live and why? I would pick Medieval Wales around 600/700 AD. I‘m an Arthur groupie. I’m also a romantic. The times of knights riding in on white horses to rescue maidens in trouble appeals to me. The code of chivalry encompassing honor, loyal, and friendship, even though it didn’t work, is for me a blueprint of how people should live their lives.
Another reason I would pick this time is that I would love to be a knight. I’m still a tomboy at heart. A Dame is what I would be called. I’d like to think that I could be as brave and honorable as those knights in shining armor.
What is your favorite Quote? Sic volvere Parcas – So spin the Fates. Another of my favorite historical eras is Ancient Greece.
Who are your favorite authors of all time? I devour everything written by the duo Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child, and have since I first discovered The Relic way back when. I love JRR Tolkien and have read The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings several times.
Can you see yourself in any of your characters? I think any author can. Mixed in with each characters’ individual traits are pieces of their author. My own sense of loyalty, friendship, and honor are imbedded in all my Arthurian characters. I also carry my own love of adventure, mystery, and magic into my stories for my characters to enjoy as well as my readers.
What movie and/or book are you looking forward to this year? I actually have two movies I can’t wait to see. The first is the new James Bond film Skyfall. It opened in November and is on my short list for December. I’ve been a James Bond since high school. The second film is The Hobbit which will be released in December. I’m excited to see it.
You have won one million dollars. What is the first thing that you would but? Before I ever bought anything for myself, I would give my kids and their families some mad money. Then I would buy children’s books to donate to the schools in our area who  are unable to buy them. I do this now each year, and it gives me such pleasure. I would be able to give to so many more. Then I would put myself and my husband on a tour around the world. There is so much out there to see, and I want to see it all.
Which authors have influenced you the most and how? I would have to say Joseph Campbell. I first read The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings by Tolkien in 1973. I was newly married and looking for my place in the world. Looking back, I see it was the journey of Bilbo and Frodo that drew me in. Like them, I was also on a journey and had no idea of the ending. A few years later, I discovered Joseph Campbell and the Hero’s Journey. I realized that this was the attraction for me and a whole world of readers in the works of Tolkien, T. H. White, George Lucas, and J. K. Rowling. What I have tried to do in The King’s Ransom (Young Knights of the Round Table) is write a story that would couple the Hero’s Journey with the King Arthur Legend.
What are your favorite places to travel? Of places I’ve already been, it would be Mexico and Egypt. Mexico time runs much slower than my time. I feels as if I could catch up with all my work if I stayed there long enough! I would love to go back to Egypt and spend more time there. It felt unreal to be touching the pyramids, viewing the temples of Karnak, Luxor, and Abu Simbel, and walking through the Valley of the Kings. We explored only the surface when we were there. I know so much more now that I’m eager to go back and learn more.
Of places I have yet to visit, there are several. On the top of my list is Wales and the country of King Arthur. I’m a lover of history, so I also want to see Greece and Mount Olympus, Italy and the Roman Coliseum, France and where the Bastille once stood, and Transylvania and the heart of the legend of Dracula.
If you could travel in a Time Machine, would you go back to the past or into the future? I would go back to Ancient times. The past has so many lessons to teach us, and it actually lives in the world today right along side of us. The cliche of learning from the past is not really a cliche, but a truism. I’ve taught the literature of Ancient Greek and Rome for many years, and would love to be there to experience what is thought to be the beginning of the modern world.
What is the one book everyone should read? The Once and Future King by T.H. White. He brings the Arthurian Legend right into everyone’s home with his story. Through Wart’s (young Arthur) experiential lessons, readers understand the idea of might not being right, the fragile nature of this world we live in, and that none of us are perfect. The amazing thing about this is that White does all this with stories of knights, jousts, and quests.
What is your favorite flavor of ice cream? Coconut ice cream. I first had this in Mexico. It tastes delicious!
What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? I love breakfast burritos complete with chorizo, potatoes, green onions, red and green peppers, cheddar and Pepper Jack cheeses, salsa, and sour cream all smothered with green chili!
Night owl, or early bird? Definitely a night owl. I never go to bed before 11:30/12 pm, and I detest getting up before 8:30 or 9 am. When I was teaching full time, I had to be up at 5:30. On the weekends, I never got up before 9:30.
Please tell us in one sentence only, why we should read your book. Experience the true meaning of friendship and loyalty as three friends, motivated by their belief in the Wild Man’s innocence, embark upon life-changing quests testing their limits and forcing each to confront and conquer their fears or face humiliation and/or even death.
Any other books in the works? Goals for future projects? My current work-in-progress takes my readers out of Medieval England and back to Ancient Egypt. Sons of the Sphinx is a mystery/adventure for tweens/YA and introduces readers to a different type of quest.
Future projects include a sequel to Guinevere: On the Eve of Legend. I’ve had several readers ask me what becomes of Guinevere’s friend Cedwyn, so I’m working on a storyline there. And, somewhere soon, I’m going to do another Young Knights of the Round Table. I haven’t decided yet whether to continue with the same characters, or to give a new group of young people a chance at joining the Round Table.
What inspired you to want to become a writer? Teaching students in high school who didn’t like to read or who found a million other activities to do rather than read motivated me to dig deeper into my curriculum. It is always challenging to find reading material that excites every student. In fact, it’s nearly impossible. Then one spring I decided to do The Once and Future King by T. H. White. My freshmen were ecstatic. We read; we discussed; we drew murals of chapters; we wrote poetry and songs; and we attempted to earn Knighthood in seven days! Boy, what a discovery I’d made.
I continued to teach the King Arthur Legend, and the enthusiasm never waned. I had students who would give 100% on this unit when I struggled to get them to read other literature. These kids were my inspiration for choosing the legend of King Arthur for my writing. I use the appeal of King Arthur to encourage young kids to read more and to believe that they can write. I always come away from a school visit believing that I have helped the students relate better to their writing, and hopefully, ignited a little spark in the reluctant readers to pick up a book.
Tell us your most rewarding experience since being published. This would have to be my Medieval Writing Workshops for elementary and middle school students and the Colorado Girl Scouts. We explore writing and reading, and it is fulfilling to see young students excited about writing and reading. The kids enjoy writing their own medieval stories complete with dragons, wizards, unicorns, and knights!
What was your favorite book(s) when you were young? Like many young girls, I was and still am crazy about horses. For years (and I mean years) all I read were horses stories. My two fiction favorites are the Golden Stallion series by Rutherford Montgomery and theBlack Stallion series by Walter Farley. I also read non-fiction dealing with horses.
What’s one piece of advice you would give aspiring authors? I know it’s been said many times, but writers need to write what they love. Also, don’t be afraid to explore and expand on that. It was my love of the works of Tolkien along with the connection to Joseph Campbell and the hero’s journey that inspired me in my writings. It has taken me beyond Arthurian Legend to ancient Egypt where a young pharaoh embarks upon his own journey to write a wrong and be united with his one true love.
Sometimes a person’s writing can take them places they never imagined. Rejoice in that and embrace it!
If you could be one of the Greek Gods, which would it be and why? Athena. She is the goddess of wisdom, judgment, peace, and courage. She is also a teacher as exhibited inThe Odyssey when she guides Telemachus, Odysseus’ son, in his journey to become his father’s son.
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Genre – Arthurian Adventure
Rating – G
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