Weeping Well by Angel M.B. Chadwick

Fear is like a looking glass.....

Eva Murphy loses something she'd never thought she'd lose. From that day forward her world changes and her journey begins.

Love and devastation come her way constantly and as she comes of age, her inner strength is tested over and over again.

Interview with Telly Glanville from Weeping Well:

     -Telly Glanville. I'm 18 years old. I'm from the UK. I play centre for the rugby team  at Summerville Boarding School.
     -Keeping afloat in the struggles of life. Embracing the darkness and knowing that there is strength in vulnerability. 
     -Eva Murphy. She's a spitfire. She always lets you know where she stands.
     -She thrives in the darkness. Because of this her works and characters are complex,    authentic and unique as well as relatable. She has a unique insight into mankind. She doesn't  live vicariously through her characters, we live vicariously through her.
     -Because it's her life story. She has an abundance of  her own real life stories to show and tell.  Yes, I agree with her perspective because it's universal as well as extremely personal.
Where you can find Weeping Well:
https://www.amazon.com/Weeping-Well-Mrs-Angel-Chadwick/dp/1541341082/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1491981014&sr=8-1&keywords=weeping+well
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/weeping-well-mrs-angel-mb-chadwick/1125412278?ean=9781541341081
Where you can find Angel:
https://www.facebook.com/angel.chadwick.10
https://www.amazon.com/Mrs.-Angel-M.B.-Chadwick/e/B00O4KZI8Q/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0
https://www.wattpad.com/user/Amaboo

Writer's Retweet Audiobook by Piers Anthony

A new audio book by Dreaming Big Publications!

Horrifying illusions. Classified government operations. Heavily guarded secrets. Cryptic rumors. Dangerous prisoners. Irresistible passion. Demonic magic.

Piers Anthony weaves this and more into Writer’s Retweet, a collection of five short stories abounding in the adventure, magic, and naughtiness that fans have come to know and love from this author.

In “Experiment,” “Discovery,” and “Mission,” painfully average Bigelow Bilge and Paula Plaintiff are thrust unwillingly into a world fraught with terrifying, victim-specific illusions. Who—or what—is the source of these horrifying encounters? Why have Bigelow and Paula been targeted?

A newspaper reporter in “Dull Street Incident” gets wind of a delicious scandal rumored to have punctuated a stale suburban street. Menacing prisoners, conniving teenage girls, and one well-kept secret leads this reporter to the story of a lifetime. But who will believe it?

In “Forbidden Fruit,” dowdy, middle-aged Edith happens upon a mysterious fruit that completely alters her life—and the life of Kent, an attractive, young neighbor. Seduced by her newfound magical abilities and rediscovered sex appeal, Edith plunges into a world filled with demons, pleasure, and unthinkable risk.

ABOUT THE NARRATOR:   As a child, Harry Benjamin spent many hours lying on his bedroom floor, reading his favourite novels aloud in time to the accompanying audiobook. Now a young actor with a passion for telling stories, it is only natural that he has made the leap into audiobook narration himself, something he intends to keep doing for a long time to come! In addition to voiceovers, Harry also acts, writes and directs for theatre, and is a member of the recently formed theatre company Colossal Porpoise, who can be tracked down on Facebook and Twitter.

Where you can find Writer's Retweet:

https://www.amazon.com/Writers-Retweet-Piers-Anthony/dp/1535513314/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1491727480&sr=8-1&keywords=writer%27s+retweet

Not Alone by Gaelyn Whitley Keith

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The details of Joe's life coming apart are covered in great depth. As a reader, it can be heartbreaking to see everything taken away from a man who is unaware of any reason why he should be so punished. Readers familiar with C. S. Lewis's The Screwtape Letters will find the behind-the-scenes interplay between the angels and demons familiar yet still fresh and interesting.

Perhaps one of the greatest and most fascinating surprises of this book was the amount of action contained within. Despite its zoomed-in focus on Joe and Grace, the movements and deployments of the demons and the observatory defenses of the angels are covered in a fashion one would expect of a military history story. Additionally, nearly every demon is accompanied by a harrowing description of grotesque features and actions designed to complement their respective nefarious specialties. Once the battles begin between the angels and the demons, the action can be quite fast and frenetic as each side seeks to seize the souls of Joe and Grace at all costs.

Where you can find Not Alone:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/not-alone-gaelyn-whitley-keith/1122407426?ean=9781680284331

https://www.amazon.com/Not-Alone-Gaelyn-Whitley-Keith/dp/1680284339/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1474603907&sr=1-1&keywords=not+alone+keith

Where you can find Gaelyn:

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26489271-not-alone?from_search=true

www.TheFatherofHollywood.com

Gaelyn's Bio:

Gaelyn Whitley Keith was raised in Manhattan Beach, California, a stone's throw

from Hollywood. Gaelyn went to college at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo in the early

1970’s and spent the years after college travelling around the world, writing short

stories and working for South Bay Magazine. She has been awarded top honours in

national writing competitions.

Gaelyn discovered her longing to be a writer when she was a child listening to her

mother’s imaginative true stories about Hollywood. She has an amazing heritage as

her great-grandfather, H J Whitley, is the Father of Hollywood.

In adolescence, encouraged by English teachers who described her as a “born

writer,” she began writing her own stories, as well as keeping prolific journals that

chronicled her experiences, both internal and external, a practice she has continued

throughout her life. Today Gaelyn lives beside a lake in El Dorado Hills, with her

husband Randy. She writes in a book-lined upstairs study where she can look out at

the lake and wildlife.

~The Virginia Kingdom Chronicles by L.L. Livesey~

the-virginia-kingdom-chronicles

Set in a fascinating world that’s reemerging from a devastating famine caused by genetically modified seeds, The Virginia Kingdom Chronicles, Book 1: The Crown begins in 1992, when a Dutch accountant flees to the United States after stealing millions from a notorious drug cartel. Adopting a new identity, Espen Koning settles down on a remote Virginia farm.

Two hundred years later, nineteen-year-old Lady Elise Koning’s induction as heir to the prime governorship of Virginia is underway. However, her indolence causes her grandmother, the current ruler, to warn Elise that her succession is not set in stone. She could still name her youngest son, Carl, as the heir instead. But unwilling to give up on Elise just yet, she recruits the former adviser to Elise’s deceased father to groom the young woman for her leadership role.

The rules of the game are changing, as Virginia follows the lead of neighboring Carolina in transforming into a sovereign kingdom. Elise is changing as well—to the chagrin of her longtime companion, Decker Regan.

As Elise prepares herself for the rigors of being a strong ruler, will treachery undo her efforts to rise to the occasion?

Where you can find The Virginia Kingdom Chronicles:

https://www.amazon.com/Virginia-Kingdom-Chronicles-Book-Crown-ebook/dp/B010W96QLK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1476579003&sr=8-1&keywords=the+virginia+kingdom+chronicles

Interview with L.L.:

1. What prompted you to write your book?

During elementary and high school, I always enjoyed writing short stories and completing the creative writing tasks assigned in my English classes. I even attempted to write a Sweet Valley High book that I’d totally planned on mailing to the publisher in the hopes they’d include my idea in the series, although truthfully I never neared completion. Many years later, while sitting with my good friend on his balcony one night, we were talking about books and he confessed to recently losing all interest in reading. A copy of Game of Thrones that I’d lent him had sat on his shelf untouched for months. I told him in jest that if I wrote a book myself then he'd have no choice but to read it. The very next day, I started typing up an idea, and from there the story grew and grew into the Virginia Kingdom Chronicles. Koning House is actually based on the National Ballet School of Canada which sits across the street from my pal’s balcony. And the idea for the Black Harvest stemmed from his constant failure to grow potted tomatoes and peppers to which I always joked we’d starve to death if we relied on him to provide us with dinner. As for the idea of the Kingdom of Virginia, we once had a full conversation debating that if the American Revolution had failed, would the colonies have followed the European royalty system, unfolding into their own separate kingdoms with time?

2. Who are some of your favorite authors and why?

George R.R. Martin- He didn’t just write a fantasy series, he created an entire other world that feels no less real than this one. Maurice Druon of the Accursed Kings series- This French writer brings to life the personalities of the 14th century French royal family and aristocracy, cloaking his historical books as page-turning novels. Nele Neuhaus- I love her thrillers covering the unique cases of German police detectives Oliver von Bodenstein and Pia Kirchoff. Once you start reading one, it is near impossible to put down. She is a master at plot-crafting which is why her novels top the German book lists. Julian Fellowes- The creator of the Downtown Abbey television series has also penned a couple novels, Past Imperfect and Snobs. These stories offer insight into the world of the English upper-classes, presented in a soothing reading-style to reveal the social nuances that separate the haves from the have-nots.

3. What inspires you to write?

Once I began thinking about writing an actual novel for my friend, all these characters and places and ideas started swarming about in my head so there was an urge to start putting everything to paper (or laptop screen). Yet even as the story takes form, there are days when I find myself weather-proofing my boots in the middle of summer rather than wanting to plug away at the keyboard. Sometimes I am just stuck on what to do with a character or how a story line should progress. So I leave it be and pick up another book, immersing myself in a completely different story. If I what I am reading is entertaining, the book often instigates a spark into how I shall continue my own story, and even if the book isn’t up to par, I find myself thinking, “Hey—I can do better than this!” And then I find myself right back at the old laptop…

4. If you could meet one celebrity, who would it be and why?

I am a huge soccer fan which is why I rarely write on weekend mornings while the English Premier League is in session (five hour time difference between Toronto and England). I cheer for Manchester United, so if I could meet any one celebrity it would definitely be the legendary and recently retired team manager, Sir Alex Ferguson. I envision us drinking lager and sitting side-by-side in the stands of Old Trafford as Manchester plays on, trading quips and commentary, laughing as he regales me with locker room gossip. I believe Sir Alex would be a right hoot to spend a match with.

5. What would you like your readers to know about you?

I work in Canadian government, so I am very familiar with the inner-workings of the political system and how the lure of power and money can easily corrupt. There is a lot of background plotting in the Virginia Kingdom Chronicles which is based on my own observations from my career in politics. I am actually in my late-thirties (although I don’t feel it,) and when I started a twitter account to help promote my book, I realized not a single one of my friends actually participates on Twitter. I guess Facebook is enough for my crowd. I love to travel, and one of my next planned destinations is to the Netherlands. For although the country plays an important role in my series, I’ve never actually had the pleasure of visiting. I can’t wait to walk along the canal in Amsterdam.

6. If you could give me one piece of advice about life, what would it be?

Always be prepared with a Plan B. It helps take the sting out of disappointment and rejection. For example, with the release of the first book of the Virginia Kingdom Chronicles, there is always the uncertainty that readers will hate the concept, detest the writing, and flag it down with one-star reviews. How can I brace for that? I have another completely different novel in the works. Meaning, if need be, I can just start placing my concentration on that book, and having that back-up novel immediately gives me more confidence. Going for a promotion at work? Why not apply to outside jobs too? Knowing there are always other options will lessen the blow if that promotion doesn’t come to fruition.

Where you can find L.L.:

Genesis by Dr. Andreas Laurencius

An interesting perspective, though not one I completely share with the author.  I believe strongly in God and His goodness, however I also believe that we weren't created to die.  So I'm intrigued by the presentation of the possibility that death can be thwarted.....that being said, I am willing to present different opinions on my blog.  That's what gives life character! genesis_cover_for_kindle-september

"There is no good or evil. We classify things into good and evil because we are currently unable to solve the two problems of the world: death and dearth. If there ever comes a time when we can solve these problems, we won't be required to do this anymore.”

Where you can find Genesis:

https://www.amazon.com/Genesis-Dr-Andreas-Laurencius/dp/1515057615/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1474792637&sr=8-1&keywords=genesis+dr+laurencius

Interview with Dr. Laurencius:

1. Please tell me about your book and why you decided to write it. I'm a medical doctor. I've seen many deaths. Some are young people, most are old people. I'm appalled at our believing the Gods depicted in the scriptures and here I'd like to open our eyes and make us see the fundamental error that these scriptures have, therefore they will come to a conclusion that these scriptures are merely notes written by people of the past, and not by God. The world is evolving and knowledge is the only thing that can enable us to choose. Without knowledge, we can not exercise free will against diseases, pain, and ultimately, death. It occurred to me that we are what we are because, and what we produced was the product of what we know -- and sadly -- of what we don't know. Now that we know, we have to change. Free will exists in the simplest form of choice, the choices that we can do only because we have evolved. Before 1906, a person who was diagnosed with tuberculosis was simply waiting for him/herself to die. But after Calmette and Guérin achieved the first success in immunization against tuberculosis in 1906, we were able to exercise free will against tuberculosis. Here we see, free will can be used for good, and free will toward goodness can only be achieved through knowledge. Death will hurt us. If it hasn't, it will. The main purpose of this book is to let us realize that there is a way to defeat death! I am a medical doctor and know this: it can be done. 2. Do you have any works in progress? If so, what are they? Currently, no. 3. What do you hope to accomplish by publishing your story? I hope all people will read it and support a research in neuroscience to defeat death. 4. What would you like your readers to know about you? I'm just a regular boy with a big heart. 5. Preferences: Night or day? Camping or a resort? Gourmet or fast food? Coffee or cocktails? I must say day, resort, gourmet, and cocktails ;) 6. If you could give me one piece of advice about life, what would it be? Innovate! Because you could be our last hope.

Where you can find Dr. Laurencius:

Website: www.andreaslaurencius.com (coming soon) Facebook: www.facebook.com/andreas.laurencius Facebook page: Genesis Readers Twitter: @genesisthebook

Fractured Angel by Ken Williams

fractured-angel-by-ken-williams
How would you go about trying to help your daughter who, suffering her first psychotic break at fifteen, is chased by her wounded mind to the streets of Santa Barbara? That is the dilemma that Lynne Swanson faces. Out of her element, and definitely out of her comfort zone for this professional woman, she is forced to seek the help of Kerry Wilson, a social worker for the homeless. Unfortunately for her, Kerry is a rough-necked loner that has no inclination to hold the hand of a woman who he feels is out for a lark at the expense of his homeless clients. The harsh and deadly realities of the streets in one of the wealthiest cities in the world and an attempt to close a homeless shelter just as winter sets in produces a dramatic race against time with the life of Lynne’s daughter in the balance.
Praise for Fractured Angel:

Format: Kindle Edition

California is portrayed as some kind of paradise where everyone and everything is perfect, the reality is somewhat different to this Hollywood creation. Fractured Angels is all about the homeless in Santa Barbara, particularly a mother and daughter pair who are just trying to survive. Williams is a Santa Barbara author so this is a deeply personal writing and this really comes through in the book, you can really tell this is something he really, deeply cares about. After reading the book you will care about it too.

All too often the disparity between the haves and have not’s is swept under the carpet and hidden away. This disparity is oh so clear as people at the very bottom of the ladder are fighting for survival, not metaphorically, but literally, survival in what is one of America’s (and by extension, the world’s) most affluent areas. The characters are beautifully written; you really come to feel for them and want to actively help them out. I find it somewhat repulsive that there are people starving and living in the streets while not so far away there are folks with so much excess it is unbelievable.

The book is very well written and if you are interested in books about the homeless specifically or books about poverty in the western world, then you will love this. 5 stars and highly recommended from me.

Format: Kindle Edition

This book was AMAZING! [Ken Williams] tells the inside story of working with the homeless in the backyard of the rich and famous. In [Fractured Angel] he draws on his own experiences to create a fictionalized account of a social worker, a mother, and a fifteen year old runaway all trying to cope with their demons. [Williams] has a way with storytelling and the empathy he shows for all his characters shows through in his words.
Where you can find Fractured Angel:
http://www.amazon.com/Fractured-Angel-Ken-Williams/dp/0991180763/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1456162007&sr=8-1&keywords=fractured+angel+by+ken+williams
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fractured-angel-ken-williams/1119916882?ean=9780991180769
http://sakura-publishing.com/product/fractured-angel/
Interview with Ken:
1.     Tell me about your book and why you decided to write it.
FRACTURED ANGEL is the story of Lynne Swanson, mother, professional, middle class who is forced to visit the world of the homeless in Santa Barbara CA when her fifteen year old daughter, suffering her first psychotic break runs there.  To access this alien world she is forced to seek the help of Kyle Wilson, a social worker for the homeless.  Their interaction: mistrustful at first and eventually romantic drives the story as does the shock of the often brutal world Lynne’s daughter now finds herself trapped in.  With the approach of the cold and wet winter, known as the “killing season” amongst those who serve the homeless the search takes a desperate and dramatic turn.
 
The seeds of this story was planted several years ago when a man from Silicon Valley was told by the police that if anyone in Santa Barbara could help him find his daughter, who had run there after suffering a psychotic break it was Ken Williams.  The clashing life styles of this man and myself stood in stark contrast that day we met.  He was refined and his clothes and mannerism spoke of wealth.  The two of us would never have interacted in our respective worlds—except his daughter, with a wounded mind was somewhere out there who needed help.  The sadness in his eyes, his being humbled with the need to seek that help from me was etched on his face.  But the love of his daughter trumped all.  He gave me a picture that day of his daughter.  It was torn in half to protect the identity of other family members.  I have that photo to this day.  And sadly I have met many other parents looking for their mentally ill sons and daughters living on Santa Barbara’s cold and unforgiving streets.
 
2.     What is your favorite genre to write and why?
I have written in literary fiction, urban fantasy and currently speculative fiction.  Each one has its owns challenges and pluses.  The novel I am working on currently is speculative fiction and I find that intellectually stimulating.
 
3.     What do you hope to accomplish as an author?
I look to the writings of John Steinbeck, Upton Sinclair and Harriet Beecher Stowe—Uncle Tom’s Cabin as leaders in how novels can change reality.  President Abraham Lincoln is rumored to have said to Harriet Beecher Stowe when he met her: “So you're the little woman who wrote the book that made this great war!”  In my small way I hope to be part of a wave that will challenge how people view the poor, the mentally ill and especially the homeless and help end this national disgrace.
 
4.     What would you like your readers to know about you?
Even from darkness light can emanate.  My worldview and perhaps my sensitivity to injustice were born in conflict.  My time served in Vietnam during the war had a profound impact on me, including having a novel I read while recuperating on a hospital ship setting my life’s course of working with the mentally ill.  (I Never Promised You A Rose Garden). Then the streets, their brutality and the beauty of those who have nothing yet try to help someone in even worse dire straights taught me humility and well as humanity and how to keep things in perspective.  We are not able to avoid pain.  The only “free” choice we have is how we react to it.  We can fall victim to racism, sexism, blaming the “other,” or use our intellect and heart to make things better.
 
5.     Do you have any works in progress?  What are they?  
Since FRACTURED ANGEL I have completed two novels. HOMELESSNESS, A COMBAT VETERAN, MENTAL ILLNESNSS, A LOVE STORY is in fact a love story between a Marine combat veteran of Afghanistan and a mentally ill Vietnamese-American.  The backdrop is an abandoned warehouse taken over by the homeless.  GAIA’S REVOLT takes place twenty years in the future when global warming is having devastating consequences in California and throughout the world.  It is a story of how the fabric of our society is brutalized by those events.  Unending wars for natural resources, racial strafe, growing poverty of the middle class and rampant homelessness of the poor.  Sort of reads like today’s headlines doesn’t it?
 
6.     If you could have one wish granted, what would it be?
Interesting question… Perhaps that we quit fearing the “other.” That we simply see everyone as equal in our collective struggle to bring dignity and meaning to our lives.  Then again there is that brutal war in Syria.  Suffer the poor children. Why?
Author Bio:
For over thirty years Ken Williams worked for the homeless in one of the wealthiest cities in America: Santa Barbara. His clients included the mentally ill, alcoholic/drug addicts, war veterans, the infirmed, people with AIDS, the neglected, survivors of sexual violence and the aged. During that time he also battled the prejudices and fears directed against these new lepers. He was instrumental in establishing homeless shelters, soup kitchens, halfway houses and other client centered services. His most cherished project was Casa Rosa a recovery home and rescue for pregnant homeless women who were battling addiction or mental illness, and Maritza’s Cocina, a children’s soup kitchen. He won many awards for these efforts including being recognized as Public Citizen of the Year for California by the National Association of Social Workers. He also won the 2010 Civil Rights Award by the Santa Barbara Chapter of the A.C.L.U. He used these experiences to write novels, screenplays and columns for local media outlets.
Where you can find Ken:
http://kenwilliams-writer.com/
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22774590-fractured-angel?from_search=true&search_version=service
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1365099038

The Improbable Wonders of Moojie Littleman by Robin Gregory

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Moojie Littleman is not just another disabled orphan with extraterrestrial friends, he is not just a kid who falls into a series of magical, mystical adventures involving love and family and watermelons. He is, above all, the most unlikely and powerful hero ever known. Moral allegory, magical realism, and lyrical prose, "The Improbable Wonders of Moojie Littleman" tells the story of a disabled boy who is sent to St. Isidore's Fainting Goat Dairy, where determination to "belong" stirs up trouble and leads to a surprising destiny--if only he can survive one last terrifying trial.

Awards for The Improbable Wonders Of Moojie Littleman:

Literary Classics Int'l Book of the Year 2016, Best First Middle Grade, Gold & Pre-teen Fantasy, Gold Mom's Choice, Best Books 2016, YA Fantasy, Gold Library Journal, Self-e, Indie California Book Collection 2016, Curated Pick IPPY, Book of the Year 2016, Cover Design ~ Fiction, Gold International Book Awards, Book of the Year 2016, YA Fiction, Finalist Rave Reviews Book Club, President's Pick 2016 Foreword Reviews' INDIEFAB Awards, Book of the Year 2015, YA, Finalist; Cover design, Gold Gelett Burgess Children's Book Award 2015, Fantasy, Gold Kirkus Reviews, Best Indie Books of the Month, December 2015 Kirkus Reviews, Best Indie Books of the Year 2015, current long list

Where you can find The Improbable Wonders Of Moojie Littleman:

https://www.amazon.com/Improbable-Wonders-Moojie-Littleman/dp/1942545002/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1473322777&sr=8-1&keywords=the+adventures+of+moojie+littleman

Interview with Robin:

1. What prompted you to write this book?

For most of my life, I’ve been drawn to the unseen, primary forces of life and the universe, and in discovering my relationship to them. At first, I did this through art. It was only later that I discovered writing. Both mediums have been a way to put what I’ve learned from life experience, spiritual study, and practice into coherence.

2. Is there anything autobiographical in your story?

My son inspired MOOJIE LITTLEMAN. Actually, I’ve had a pretty interesting life, beginning with being one of eight children in a pretty messed up family. This led to a lot of heartache, loneliness, and feelings of “not belonging.” I spent many years searching for spiritual answers, but the healing of these wounds really began when my husband and I adopted a baby with special needs. In spite of his difficulties, our son is the most kindhearted, courageous, and bright boy I have ever known. He has been teaching me so much. Especially, he is teaching me not to judge people by appearances, and to forgive others for hurting me. I wanted to put some of his life lessons together with mine to make a story that would inspire anybody who is dealing with difficulties and challenges.

3. Do you have any works in progress?

Right now, I am working on the audio book of MOOJIE LITTLEMAN. After auditioning readers worldwide, I, and my beta group, chose an incredible reader, James Stephens of London. We are on Chapter 4. It will be released Spring of 2016 through ACX, an Amazon company. I’m excited to know that the audience for the book will include folks who have challenges that prevent them from reading.

4. What do you hope to accomplish as a writer?

What a great question! I want to do my part to provide solace, laughter, and inspiration to readers. To help others recognize a greater sense of their divine nature. What starts with the imagination can flower into recognition and manifestation. Each of us is destined to awaken from material beliefs, and actually experience heaven on earth. As Moojie’s story points out—as Jesus, Buddha, Muhammed, Rumi, Kierkegaard, de Chardin, Mother Theresa, Martin Luther King, Jr., Amma, our present pope, and many more great leaders have taught—true change begins with love and compassion.

5. If you could have one wish granted, what would it be?

When I look back at my life one day, I would like to feel that I learned to put my limited sense of “self” behind, and helped others do the same, that we rose together out of the tomb of fear and fulfilled our greatest potentials.

6. If you could give me one piece of advice about life, what would it be?

Learn to be quiet. Avoid busyness, for it delays awakening. Liberation from suffering begins with silencing old beliefs, patterns, reactions, and allowing the divine pattern to surface.

“You do not need to leave your room. Remain sitting at your table and listen. Do not even listen, simply wait, be quiet still and solitary. The world will freely offer itself to you to be unmasked, it has no choice, it will roll in ecstasy at your feet.”—Franz Kafka

Thank you, dear Bright Souls.

Where you can find Robin:

http://www.madmysticaljourney.com/

http://facebook.com/RobinGregoryAuthor

http://www.amazon.com/author/r.s.gregory

Twitter @ tweety_robin

Escape From Palmar by Joseph J. Miccolis!

 

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Kodus has lived a boring life in Stronghaven, sheltered from the world and isolated from any social interaction. This is until he meets a girl who leads him to adventure into Estonia. His life in Stronghaven was forced by his parents only for protection. His mother and father were the king and queen of Dagmarth, a beautiful planet considered the center of all galaxies, until a savage enemy led a surprise attack that nearly obliterated it. Some Dagmarthians found safety on the planet Palmar, where his parents hid for years before coming back to our own world.

It was a new prophecy told on Palmar that encouraged one last hope for winning the ongoing war and restoring Dagmarth to freedom and peace. But, every promising future comes with a cost. Dagmarth must convince one extraordinary boy to become its bright-shining hero. His name will be Kodus Solaris Hemsley.

All of Dagmarth will realize the hard part is not protecting Kodus, but convincing the boy to fight for them and all planets on its side. He will discover magical powers and skills that outmatch any warrior. It will be his destiny to be the hero for all – the hero of a new generation of freedom and peace. A quest that begins with an escape from Palmar and depends on Kodus accepting the truth and his destiny.

Reviews:

Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase

This book was a mix of prophecy and a strangely entertaining style of storytelling which reminded me in concept of Enders Game at times. I thought it was both original in come it and execution - I enjoyed what felt like an almost religious feel to the prophecy as I personally haven't seen that before - this was a fast and entertaining read! I'm sure this author will be one to watch. Check it out!

Awesome book. The story pulls you in and you won't be able to put the book down. It's a great sci-fi story and I eagerly await the sequel.Published 2 months ago by Paul

Where you can find Dagmarth:  Escape From Palmar:

https://www.amazon.com/Dagmarth-Escape-Joseph-J-Miccolis-ebook/dp/B01GWON93C/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1472885816&sr=1-1&keywords=escape+from+palmar+joseph+miccolis

Interview with Joseph:

Where you can find Joseph:
https://www.facebook.com/josephjmiccolis
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Zimrah, Dream Singer by Susan Valles!

Zimrah Dream Singer by Susan Valles

In the land of ancient Israel, in the days just before the miracles of Jesus the Christ began, there lived an orphan girl named Zimrah. A foreigner and slave with no knowledge of who she is or where she is from, Zimrah has many demons to overcome.

Living among people that fear and reject her because of her foreign features and uncommon grey eyes, she finds shelter in the last Jewish house in a City of Refuge only to find her master suffers demons of his own. She soon discovers that the dark spirits who have tormented her all her life, can not only be battled, but defeated when she begins to heed the gentle Voice speaking to her in her dreams…the Voice that teaches her to sing.

Who is this Voice? Will she dare to hope in the Light it offers? Can the promises hidden in the songs with words she remembers from the ancient texts of her childhood, really be speaking of a future different from the past she has always known?

Reviews:

Gripping! Wonderful story! Great teaching tool for anyone yearning to embrace God's truth. Only put it down to sleep!

Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase

Zimrah, Dream Singer blessed me immensely, and continues to bless me. I did not want it to end. The story beautifully weaves scripture throughout. Through the experiences of Zimrah, I was able to gain a deeper level of understanding about the spiritual war that is waged against us and how God protects and prepares us, and He sees us through. While the story is powerful, I think applying it to my own life and experiences has helped me to rest in HIS goodness and His love, and to even experience His presence in a deeper way. It has helped me to see the power in not only hearing but listening & obeying His voice. It has challenged me in my walk with the Lord, and given me even more courage in my faith. My favorite quote from Zimrah, "Eventually I climbed out of the small place, the prison of my fear, and He taught me to soar high with Him where the air is clear and the songs are full of life and freedom. I still have so much to learn but He is teaching me." I can't wait to read book 2!
Where you can find Zimrah, Dream Singer:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017ZEYD0G/ref=cm_sw_su_dp
Interview with Susan:
1.  Tell me about your book and why you decided to write it.
Writing this book was not a conscious decision. I didn’t wake up one day and say, “I’m going to write a book.” It was more like a desire that I had, for as long as I can remember, but didn’t think I could ever actually do it. Being a believer in Jesus, I knew the verses that say that He wants to give us our desires, fulfill our dreams, but I had given up on my desire to write a book. It was buried deep, surrounded by the fear that I could not write well enough, and did not have what it takes to finish a novel. But God does not forget any of our dreams. I literally woke up one morning in September of 2014 with the first lines of the book in my mind. I am a songwriter and am used to keeping my laptop beside my bed, so I got up and wrote down what I was hearing. Then I heard some more and wrote some more. Nine months later it was finished. The fictional character of Zimrah and her story emerged out of my life experiences, how God taught me that He was real and that He loved me...through song. Like Zimrah, His love freed me from my fears.
2.  Is there a certain genre you prefer to write?  Why?
This is a story set in a specific time in history, but it came more out of my love for the stories and people of the Bible than trying to write a genre. It is also filled with what some may call fantasy, the idea of a spiritual dimension that exists alongside this one, where darkness and light battle for human souls. This is both fascinating and exciting to me! So you could say I prefer to write Historical Fantasy because those are the two things that I am the most passionate about.
3.  Do you have any works in progress?  What are they?
 
I am currently working on the second book in the Zimrah Series (called “Zimrah, Dream Walker”), and on recording the songs that are in Dream Singer. Some of my readers have asked to hear the songs that are so much a part of Zimrah’s journey, and I am thrilled to let them!
4.  What would you like your readers to know about you?
I am a mother of four (from teens to toddlers) and was homeschooling two of them, as well as running a music ministry while I wrote this book. That was when God saw fit to give me the passion to write this story, not when my life was slow or when all my kids were out of the house! 
5.  What do you hope to accomplish as an author?
If I can help people to understand God differently, I would be a happy woman! He is not at all what I grew up believing. He’s not angry or vengeful. He is just the opposite. There is so much more going on around us than we can see with our eyes. If my books help people to shift their thinking even just a little, I would call that success.
6.  If you could give me one piece of advice about life, what would it be?
In the Bible, God spoke most often to people when they were sleeping, through dreams. So…pay attention to what you’re dreaming. The answers to your prayers may be hiding there.
Where you can find Susan:

~Spotlight: Perfect World by Shari Sakurai~

Perfect World Cover

It is the year 2115 and the world is very different. With climate changes, natural disasters and war shaping the landscape, England has become a nation made up of several super cities and wasteland in between.

Eric Rawlins is a genetically engineered superhero created by the London Security Agency (L.S.A) to defend and protect the city against both national and international threats. With his superior abilities, celebrity status and beautiful girlfriend, Eric appears to have the perfect life. However, it is an illusion created by the L.S.A in order to control him.

Eric's nemesis is the charismatic Adam Larimore. The only son of billionaire business tycoon Victor Larimore, Adam is gifted with a genius level IQ as well as the same longevity as Eric.

When the actions of the L.S.A throw the two of them together Eric finds himself questioning everything that he has ever known as well as discovering the true course of events that led to Adam turning to a life of crime. As they become closer Eric realises that the L.S.A may be the real threat to London. But can he trust Adam or is he part of Adam’s plan for revenge against those who have wronged him?

Reviews:

5 stars
In the distant future, London is ravaged by the great tsunamis of 2049. This was a disaster on a global scale. War and strife followed, the struggle for resources seemed without end - until the LSA was formed. The LSA (London Security Agency) became the greatest asset in restoring order and peace to the world.

With the world's greatest arsenal of weaponry at their disposal, holographic technology that can recreate the old world at a whim; and genetic engineering able to completely map and control the human genome, the LSA eventually established total control over a weary, splintered population -- or so they thought.

Eric Rawlin, the LSA's best genetically engineered super soldier, is the face of hope against all who would threaten this new-found peace, the pinnacle of their achievements. Eric has never questioned his loyalty. He would give his life for the cause, and as with any cause, there will always be those who would seek to end it.

Adam Larimore is such a man: the greatest terrorist the world has ever faced. He is the perfect weapon, with a burning hatred for the LSA, and the means to destroy them.

As Eric moves to put an end to Adam, he must delve deep into the mind of the enemy, into the secrets of his past, and he must, for the first time, question the organization that created him.

Will Eric find the answers he needs in order to defend London, or will he wish he never started looking to begin with?

Shari Sakuri has created an amazingly detailed world in the distant future. I found myself right at home, in this space opera. She describes the tech with great intricacy, down to the dates of its conception.

Eric Rawlin is an absolute bad ass with an immediately likeable personality. It was a pleasure to see how he evolved from soldier to a man, in control if his own life, in this tale. His supporting cast is fleshed out and realistic down to their postmodern wardrobe.

Adam Larimore provides the perfect counterpoint to the flawless order of the LSA. At first, I considered him an ever-present antagonist, always popping up to taunt Eric and drive him forward. Although certain plot points related to him were a little cliché, as the story progressed, I found Adam to be so much more. And the twist between Adam and Eric came as a complete but welcome surprise to me.

The only complaints I have about this book are its few grammatical errors, and a bit of lag towards the middle of the story.

I know the year is young, but I feel it is going to be tough for any book to beat Perfect World. I immensely enjoyed Shari's writing style and beautiful story. There is even a teaser for another one of her books after the epilogue. I'll probably check it out very soon. If you enjoy, sci fi, martial arts, romance, and technology; be sure to give this book a read. I look forward to her next.
J.B Maynard (http://www.tabbyafae.com)

4 stars
Perfect World caught me completely off guard. I expected an LGBT romance set in a SciFi world. But what I go was a really deep book that focused on many different elements. While Adam and Eric's romance isn't the highlight of the book, it is still sweet and I enjoyed it. I actually like that the author paid more attention to the whole story instead of focusing on the romance.

The pacing was great. There were never moments of lag, and I enjoyed this book all the way until the end. The ending, though. It's a bit of a cliffhanger. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Adam and Eric's story isn't over yet!
Kristen Noel (http://www.prettylittlepages.blogspot.co.uk/)

Where you can find Perfect World:

http://www.amazon.com/Perfect-World-Shari-Sakurai-ebook/dp/B00LXPO5WA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1456643250&sr=8-1&keywords=perfect+world+shari+sakurai

Where you can find Shari:

Website:  http://www.sharisakurai.com/

Perfect World website:  http://www.perfectworldseries.com/

Twitter:  @ShariSakurai

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/sharisakurai

Blog:  https://sharisakurai.wordpress.com/

Interview with Shari:

1.  Please tell me about your book and why you decided to write it.

Perfect World is a science fiction and LGBT novel and is the first book in the series of the same title. The novel takes place in London in 2115. The protagonist, Eric Rawlins, is a genetically engineered superhero and part of the London Security Agency (L.S.A), which is the organisation that created him. The L.S.A has given Eric the perfect life with his superhero abilities, longevity, celebrity status and beautiful girlfriend, but in reality they control him and use his popularity with the public to their advantage. Eric’s nemesis Adam Larimore was also genetically engineered and has a genius level IQ and longevity. As the novel progresses Eric begins to see a darker side of the organisation that he works for and also learns that Adam isn’t quite the villain that he’s made out to be. They become closer throughout the novel but Eric remains unsure of whether he can trust Adam or if he is being used.

Perfect World decided to write itself really. One day out of the blue I had the idea and I just had to start writing it!  

2.  Do you have any works in progress?  What are they?

Yes, I'm currently working on a companion novel to the Perfect World series as well as Book 2 in the series.

3.  Who are some of your favorite authors and why?

My favourite author is James Clemens. I love his style of writing and the worlds that he creates.

4.  Favorites:  food, color, activity, place?

My favourite food is a tie between macaroni cheese and pizza! Apart from writing my favourite activity is going to live music concerts. You just can't beat seeing your favourite artists live! My favourite place is London; there's just so much to see and do there!

5.  What would you like your readers to know about you?

I am a perfectionist when it comes to my work. I have to be completely happy with every word before I can even think of publishing something. As a result I go through many rewrites until I am satisfied that my work is as perfect as I can make it.

6.  If you could give one piece of advice about life, what would it be?
Don't put things off. If you want to do something then do it! It's better to regret doing something than regret not doing something!

~Spotlight: The Leprechaun Delusion by Dr. Leviak B. Kelly and Idav Kelly~

cover_front_book2_001

In the years between 2004 and 2006 of our current calendar, a social movement among atheists rose to popularity across the world. At first many atheists around the world, particularly the anti-theists, were overjoyed at the new movement that eventually became known as the New Atheist movement or simply New Atheism.

Then as the years went by, the atheists around the world began to see the growing suppressed and repressed inherent anger in the rally cries of the spokesmen of this movement. Yet the general populace of discontent and disenfranchised middle class males and a smaller amount of people of various descriptions seemed to find their niche in the movement.

The movement became a voice for those that were looking for meaning outside churches, mosques, synagogues and temples. New Atheism resonated with the frustrations and other issues that harboured, both knowingly and unknowingly, within these individuals. Groups on social media of these devoted followers began to hold events and establish various internet media into “their” voice.

This was their chance to change and inform the world. It was their chance to vent their frustrations on religion, especially monotheism. However, they did not critique religion, they lambasted it with the mockery and ridicule that gave rise to other atheists and religious followers to mark their obvious fundamentalism.

Their vision, however, was not just skewed by psychological issues but by a blindness of their own “enlightened” intellect. They failed to see that religion was more than monotheism. They failed to use the very science they claim to rally around to search out the environment they were getting stuck in by manipulation. So centered are they on their pot of gold that they do not realize that they have been hoodwinked into a new religion, by both a sociological standardized cult definition and by self-identification from its founders.

In their desire to right the wrongs and bring a multiplicity of light to bear on religion, they have followed a carefully crafted set of mythic leprechauns, the founders, through a rainbow of logical fallacies and ignorance, to a pot of iron pyrite. They have, like many, been lead into the end of St. Elsewhere, trapped in a snowglobe environment called the Leprechaun Delusion.

Reviews:  

Okay, let's be honest - no one really likes the New Atheists except for the New Atheists. They're rude, abrasive, obnoxious, they get in your face, they write books like "Manual for Creating Atheists". This book says what we're all thinking: New Atheism is just another fundamentalist religion. What the New Atheists generally argue is that they aren't religious because they don't do anything that's really all that harmful, but this book proves that statement wrong: The New Atheists DO do harmful things - like ridicule, which causes violence, or like racism, or sexism, or advocating thousands of people being killed just because they're scary muslims. Some of the things the "Four Horseman" said were so bad that I had to look up the citations to make sure the author wasn't making things up. The saddest part was that the author *was not* making any of this up - Sam Harris really suggested that people of color might be less intelligent, and Christopher Hitchens really did advocated that all of Turkey could be blown to smithereens without shedding a tear; all of them made similar infractions to these and more, Richard Dawkins calls Yahweh infanticidal, and then later says that infanticide of Down Syndrome children is acceptable? And then on top of that, all of them are pushing for communism. You'd think they'd have learned something from the past century.

All in all, great book. It revealed a lot about New Atheism that I didn't know before.

5 star review by James Landon

Where you can find Leprechaun Delusion:

Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Leprechaun-Delusion-Revealing-Religion-Atheism-ebook/dp/B00Z8QWX1K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1456521694&sr=8-1&keywords=the+leprechaun+delusion

Barnes and Noble:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-leprechaun-delusion-dr-leviak-b-kelly-dd/1122370792?ean=9781512318135

Where you can find Idav:

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14188907.Idav_Kelly

Twitter:  http://twitter.com/alixetiir

Website:  http://skeletonscomic.blogspot.com/

Tumblr:  http://alixetiir.tumblr.com/

Where you can find Leviak: 

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/35027587-leviak-kelly

Twitter:  http://twitter.com/veritasubique

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/Leviak-B-Kelly-Doctorate-of-Divinity-836941823058244

Interview with Idav:  

1.  What prompted you to write your book?

I saw the problems with the New Atheist movement, and I don't believe that just because I'm not religious that I have to 'side' with them.

2.  What do you hope the publishing of your book to accomplish?

I'm hoping to reduce the number of people who want to ridicule people for their belief systems, especially when those people are falling into their own trap.

3.  What would you like your readers to know about you?

I tend to avoid sticking to one side or the other on partisan issues, which, in a way, is part of the motivation for writing my book. I don't believe anyone is above criticism if they're not telling the truth.

4.  Who are your favorite authors and why?

Well, definitely Carl Sagan. He knew how to be spiritual. I also like a variety of fiction authors, but Edgar Allan Poe is still one of my favorites because his horror stories are so sophisticated. If you check out my Goodreads page, you'll also see a few web cartoonists who I like because they were funny and also inspired me to write my own comic.

5.  If you could meet one celebrity, who would it be and why?

Strangely enough, I'd probably want to meet Megyn Kelly, the reporter, because I think we'd see eye-to-eye on a lot of issues and I like her attitude. When people interview her offstage, she's not the ultra-conservative that she's been painted as.

6.  If you could give me one piece of advice about life, what would it be?

Keep working even when things seem bad. Studies show that perseverance is the most correlated trait with success.

~Spotlight: Miscalculated Risks by Maria Riegger~

MiscalculatedRisks What would you do if you met someone who defied all of your stereotypes?

Outspoken and abrasive, law student Isabel enjoys arguing with just about everyone, including her friends. It's 2010, and her strained relationship with her mother, less-than-stellar job prospects and frustrations with the conformist political culture of Washington, DC have left her resentful and unfulfilled. Only her sisters and a few good friends are able to keep her semi-grounded. When she meets a new fellow student who dares to challenge her, she is intrigued but skeptical. While Isabel is risk-averse where her feelings are concerned, she is also becoming increasingly curious. She's afraid to get close, because being vulnerable always lead to being hurt, doesn't it?

Where you can find Miscalculated Risks:

http://www.amazon.com/Miscalculated-Risks-School-Heretic-Book-ebook/dp/B014N9SJLU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1453879152&sr=8-1&keywords=miscalculated+risks

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/miscalculated-risks-maria-riegger/1122823090?ean=2940151015813

Where you can find Maria:

Author website/blog: www.lawschoolheretic.com
Twitter: @RieggerM
Google+ Maria Riegger
Interview with Maria:
1. What prompted you to write your book?

The storyline came to me all at once. I had some ideas for scenes, and then everything coalesced one day. I wanted to write a book with Washington, DC, my hometown, as a setting, and also wanted to write about what it was like to go to law school there as a young professional.

 

I also wanted to experiment with characters who didn't act the way people expect. The main character, Isabel, doesn't always act as you would expect a woman to act; however, there are reasons for that. Isabel also applies her own stereotypes to people, which end up turning out to be untrue. This novel was a lot of fun to write.

2. What is your favorite genre-to read and write?

I love to read thrillers. When I was younger, I read a ton of Agatha Christie. Ken Follett is my favorite author. Eye of the Needle is a classic spy novel, and Pillars of the Earth is an epic. Follett writes a fast-paced thriller, but also has the ability to write in different genres. His novels always include strong female leads. I also enjoy reading Neil Gaiman; he is a great storyteller. His novel American Gods is incredible.
 
I enjoy writing women's fiction with a brash, independent edge. I really enjoy getting into the characters’ heads. I prefer characters who have a mix of positive and negative traits, who have some redeeming qualities but also (sometimes major) flaws. I also enjoy writing witty, sarcastic exchanges between characters.

3. Do you have any works in progress? If so, what are they?
I'm working on Acceptable Misconduct, the sequel to Miscalculated Risks; and I'm working on a political fiction novel. You can't get away from politics in the Washington, DC area.

4. What do you hope to accomplish as an author?
I write because I have something to say. If my books make people think about things, then I consider my job done. Writing is also cathartic for me, since I draw on some of my own experiences and feelings.

5. What are your favorites-food, color, place, activity?
Hmmm, it's difficult to narrow it down. Coming from an Argentine family, I love pasta. My favorite color is deep red. My favorite place depends on my mood, but right now that would be Toledo, Spain, a medieval walled city that is packed with tourists during the day but silent at night (perfect for writing in solitude!). My favorite activity is spending time with my young son. As the child of an attorney, he is always giving me a piece of his mind.

6. What would you like your readers to know about you?
I work full-time, write, volunteer and take care of my family. People ask me how I have the time. I make time for the things that matter to me. If you want something badly enough, you will find a way to do it.

7. If you could give one piece of advice about life, what would it be?
Do your own thing, and don't let other people's words of discouragement affect you. You are the master of your own destiny.

~Spotlight: Lost and Falling by Marlina Williams~

cover_fall

Thirteen year old Bailey is on a collision course to meet lost boxer puppy Goldie. Bailey lives an overindulged supervision free life in Colorado. She used to be a sweet girl, but recent events inspired her to become an online bully. Once she starts bullying she enjoys the thrill and is egged on by "friends". After she posts a shockingly cruel message to a girl who used to be her friend, Bailey's life begins a downward spiral. When her parents discover the bullying they decide to take away all electronic devices and send her to her grandparents' secluded farm in West Virginia.

Goldie is on track to becoming a superstar show-dog for Starbright Kennel. When a major storm causes a tree to crush part of the kennel, he tastes freedom for a short time before being captured by a caretaker. After his capture he escapes into an unfamiliar wilderness where he must survive a harrowing journey to find Bailey.

Where you can find Lost and Falling:

http://www.amazon.com/Lost-Falling-Marlina-Williams-ebook/dp/B014V1AKY4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1443796043&sr=8-1&keywords=lost+and+falling

Where you can find Marlina:

http://www.familywriters.com/

Interview with Marlina:

1. Tell me about your books.

So far I have written and published two books, and I’m currently working on edits for a third, to be released in the near future.

My debut novel THE RAD MISFITS is a Young Adult novel with light dystopian elements set on a post- apocalyptic stage, really more human interest/animal hijinks than sci-fi. The story is about a group of mutant teenagers trying to save their colony from early death. Residual radiation from world ending events causes people to die by the age of thirty-four. The Rad Misfits, as they call their quirky group, go on an adventure in search of a cure for their colony’s sickness.

My recently released novel LOST AND FALLING is Middle Grade fiction about thirteen year old bully, Bailey, and lost boxer puppy, Goldie. When Bailey’s online bullying goes too far, her parents take away all electronics and send her to her grandparents’ secluded farm. Meanwhile, Goldie is lost somewhere in the wilderness of West Virginia after escaping his captor. Bailey and Goldie are on a collision course to meet. If Bailey can overcome her selfishness, she may be able to save Goldie and right the wrongs of her earlier bullying.

My third novel TRAGIC RENEWAL is Women’s fiction with suspense/thriller elements. The story is about Harper and her struggles to overcome a recent divorce and the death of her best friend, Cara. Harper’s journey carries her cross-country to try to live Cara’s dream of running a u-pick fruit farm. When Harper arrives she is confronted with a depressed Akita that misses his mistress, two horses, and a farm to run. When her old life intrudes upon the new she must overcome her inner abuse and protect the new life she has built.

2. What prompted you to write your books?

Each book has its own unique reasons for being written.

The Rad Misfits - I’ve allows enjoyed cheesy Sci-Fi and some dystopian themes. The one thing I never cared for was the darkness that almost always surrounds world ending scenarios. I wanted to tell a lighter version, where women ruled and accomplished rebuilding a thriving society without violence. Including horses and a nutty dog made writing this story exciting. I truly enjoyed bringing the animals to life based on my crazy dogs and a horse that thinks he’s a dog. I left the ending open enough to become a series if the mood strikes me someday. I already have a name lined out - The Radder Misfits.

Lost and Falling - I was inspired to write because too often the story focuses on the bullied rather than the bully. I wanted to tell a story about the bully and, while not justifying, at least explaining her reasoning. Her excuse for becoming a bully is two-fold, and the egging-on from friends ultimately overrode the original justification. Many times outside influences or hoping for other’s approval pushes a person to become something he or she isn’t. In this book, Bailey, gets the chance to reveal her story and attempt to save a puppy from certain death.

Tragic Renewal - The idea for this book came about due to the prevalence of dash-cams and the devastating effects of drinking and driving. This story is about a woman overcoming numerous obstacles while learning to become a new person. Many women put up with horrible abuse, but it’s not always physical. Sometimes the scars that we can’t see are the most devastating. Harper’s years of emotional abuse from her military officer husband shadows every thought and action. When she breaks free she learns to love herself and find truths where only lies existed. I also included an Akita in this story for their fiercely loyal nature and their staunch refusal to be anything less than the household guardian.

3. What is one of your main objectives as an author?

First and foremost, I’m simply telling a story I would find interesting. So far each story I’ve written has an underlying moral to teach. The basic theme of each story is similar - don’t judge based on appearances alone. Mutant teens, teen bully, or overweight divorcee aren’t typical heroes, but each gets a starring role and a chance to prove their self-worth. Each story also has animals because animals deserve a starring role from the comfort and companionship they give those they love.

4. What would you like your readers to know about you?

At heart I’m shy and socially awkward. My stories give me a chance to express myself in ways that I would not normally do in day to day life. If you ask me in real life what my stories are about, I might just clam up and not know what to say. Selling myself has never been my strong suit, I’m more comfortable sitting in the background and listening.

5. If you could meet one celebrity, who would it be and why would you like to meet him/her?

I don’t have a specific celebrity I’d like to meet. I admire many celebrities, but I’d be afraid meeting them would tarnish their projected persona. I think cloaks are worn by many in the spotlight and when we put too much hero-worship on their shoulders, they are bound to fall. I remember growing up watching the Cosby show… enough said on that subject.

6. If you could give me one piece of advice about life, what would it be?

When you ride a high-horse remember that life is full of potholes.

~Spotlight of Into The Light by P. Wish~

Into The Light by P Wish

Into the Light is a versatile collection of nine short stories. The book is divided into three segments: science fiction, human interest and comedy. These enigmatic tales examine the relationship between technology, society and humanity. From a website that can undo your mistakes to a heartwarming tale of love, this book will take you on a journey unlike any other…

Interview with P. Wish:

1.  Tell us about your book-the inspiration behind the story? Into the Light is inspired by many things and events in my life. As it is a collection of short stories spanning three genres, the range of inspiration is very wide. I will be a doing a series on my blog titled ‘Story behind the stories’ which will detail my reason for writing each of the nine stories in the collection. As the general theme of the book is humanity and society, these were definitely major themes that inspired me.

2.  Is there anything autobiographical about your book? Like Oscar Wilde said ‘A woman’s face is her work of fiction.’. I think my experiences invariably make their way into the stories that I write. That being said, this collection is mostly fictional. A few bits are inspired by my life but most of it is my imagination.

3.  What is your favorite genre to write?  To read? My favorite genre to write is probably thriller. I love to write anything that has a complex plot. I also enjoy writing chick lit, romance and comedy which is at the opposite end of the spectrum. My favorite genre to read is definitely historical romance. A few of my favorite writers are Barbra Cartland, Judith McNaught and Lisa Kleypas. I also like contemporary romances. Besides romance, I like mysteries. Think Agatha Christie and Ellery Queen.

4.  Fantasy vacation-where and with whom? This is a hard question. I love to travel. I would definitely like to visit Shanghai, probably with my friend who is from Shanghai. I need someone who knows Mandarin to survive. She is also great at bargaining, which is always handy. I love big cities. The bigger, the better.

5.  Favorites:  food, color, place, activity? I like anything spicy so Indian, Chinese (Sichuanese) and Korean are my favorite cuisines. I also love sweets. I like all kinds of desserts. I don’t have a favorite color but most of my clothes happen to be blue. My favorite place is Hong Kong (tied with New York). My favorite activity is reading. I also love to paint, dance and watch movies.

6.  What would you like your readers to know about you? I am releasing my debut short story collection, Into the Light on 28th October, 2015. If you would like to know more about me, you can watch my videos on my youtube channel. I am also serializing my debut chick lit novel on my blog currently. Check back for a new chapter every Sunday.

7.  If you could give one piece of advice about life, what would it be? Live.

Where you can find Into The Light:

Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Into-Light-collection-short-stories-ebook/dp/B015QEPPBS/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

Where you can find P. Wish:

Blog: https://www.pwish.net

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/authorpwish

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorpwish

Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+PWish

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/PWish?gvnc=1

Goodreads Author Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13852944.P_Wish

Linkedin: https://uk.linkedin.com/pub/p-wish/105/347/68b

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00YF8RPTM

Spotlight : Naked Tao by Robert Grant

Naked Tao by Robert Grant

Grant Li is a young Louisville attorney who is on top of the world, but his life is about to change.  Following his greatest courtroom victory for Pathogen, a pharmaceutical giant, Grant discovers his client is hiding an amazing medicine from the world.  Not only does it cure everything, it produces optimal health.  Even more astounding, his client has developed a bio-weapon and intends to use it against innocent people.  Grant sets out to stop them at all costs and along the way has a chance meeting with a lost love, Ginny Bardough.

Ginny left Louisville for college and didn’t look back until ten years later. She is forced to return in order to land bestselling author, Padma Ganesha, as the keynote speaker for her company-sponsored conference, “Ideas to Change the World”.  On the trip back home she runs into Grant at a wild party and the sparks begin to fly over their completely different views about love and sex.  Their problems grow when Grant is accused of a murder and Ginny disappears. Where is Ginny?  Will Grant avoid prison?  Can Pathogen be stopped?  Will Grant and Ginny overcome their relationship issues enough to build the amazing life they both hunger for?

Interview with Robert:

1.  What prompted you to write your book?

As long as I can remember, I wanted to be a writer.  Like many young people who are called to a creative life, I had to contend with well-meaning friends and family members who discouraged it.  While I have spent most of my career as a successful attorney, I never forgot my
dream.  In the meantime, I pursued many other interests and was fortunate enough to have some amazing adventures.  One of those interests was martial arts.  I spent many years studying and teaching Chinese Internal Martial Arts.  Before his death, I promised my teacher
I would someday write that book I always wanted to write and began to develop a story idea that pitted a young lawyer/martial artist against a powerful pharmaceutical company in a conflict over a miracle cure.  The hero wants to ensure the cure is freely available to everyone, but powerful enemies want to suppress it.

2.  Do your life philosophies coincide with the philosophies of your book?

Yes, my book provides a platform to discuss Taoist ideas about a well-lived life.  Taoism is the philosophical underpinning of Chinese Internal Martial Arts.  In a nutshell, it suggests strategies that help people live an authentic life and to minimize the harmful effects of well-meaning, but counterproductive advice from others.

3.  What genre of books do you like to read and why?

Over the years, my reading preferences have spanned many genres of books, but these days I read more thrillers than anything.    A good thriller builds suspense by revealing both the hero’s flaws and the overwhelming odds against her.  The stakes are high and she must overcome her flaws to succeed.  Becoming a better person in the face of what seems to be insurmountable challenges is what makes a person a hero.  I enjoy rooting for her.

4.  What are your hobbies and interests?

My wife and I love the outdoors, so we spend as much time as possible filling our senses with nature.  We are avid backpackers, motorcyclists, and kayakers.

5.  What would you like your readers to know about you?

I’m just a regular guy who likes to live large, so things don’t stay on my bucket list very long.  I’ll choose an adventure any day over a material possession.

6.  Favorites:  food, color, place, activity?

As long as I can remember I have loved the color red.  When I was a kid, my mother would have to chase me down on laundry day to get her hands on my favorite red shirt.  It never seemed to matter to me that I had been wearing it for days and it was filthy.

I love spinach and would eat it every meal if my wife didn’t revolt.

The woods are my favorite place. The instant I step on the trail anything weighing me down just falls away.  It is the best medicine I know of.

My favorite activity is story telling.  There’s nothing like a well-told story to bring us together.

7.  If you could give one piece of advice about life, what would it be?

I find the more I tend to my own life and allow others to tend to theirs, the happier we are.

Where you can find Robert:

www.NakedTao.com
http://www.facebook.com/AuthorRobertWGrant
https://www.google.com/+RobertGrantNakedTao
https://twitter.com/nakedtao
https://www.goodreads.com/goodreadscomRobertGrant

Evanthia's Gift by Effie Kammenou

final cover (1)

In the year 1956, Anastacia Fotopoulos finds herself pregnant and betrayed, fleeing from a bad marriage. With the love and support of her dear friends Stavros and Soula Papadakis, Ana is able to face the challenges of single motherhood. Left with emotional wounds, she resists her growing affection for Alexandros Giannakos, an old acquaintance. But his persistence and unconditional love for Ana and her child is eventually rewarded and his love is returned. In a misguided, but well-intentioned effort to protect the ones they love, both Ana and Alex keep secrets - ones that could threaten the delicate balance of their family.

The story continues in the 1970’s as Dean and Demi Papadakis, and Sophia Giannakos attempt to negotiate between two cultures. Now Greek-American teenagers, Sophia and Dean, who have shared a special connection since childhood, become lovers. Sophia is shattered when Dean rebels against the pressure his father places on him to uphold his Greek heritage and hides his feelings for her. When he pulls away from his family, culture and ultimately his love for her, Sophia is left with no choice but to find a life different from the one she’d hoped for.

EVANTHIA’S GIFT is a multigenerational love story spanning fifty years and crossing two continents, chronicling the lives that unify two families.

Interview with Effie:

1. What made you decide to become an author?

There is no simple answer o the question as to why I decided to become an author. Let me start by revealing that I am a very young fifty-eight year old woman. I attended Hofstra University and graduated with a Degree in Theater Arts. In many of my classes we analyzed plays line by line, or were assigned to write our own original dialogue. Years later, I wrote a few children’s plays for the church Christmas pageants, and another for my daughter’s elementary school class.

My day job over the last thirty-five years has not been in a creative field, but I’ve always found a way to fill that void. Either by working on the children’s plays, getting involved in some type of craft or by cooking and baking. Without realizing it, I ended up running a small side business, making decorative cookie favors for special occasions. I made them for my daughter’s class, and before I knew it, people were ordering them from me. I started writing a food blog a few years ago, sharing not only my recipes, but also the traditions behind the food. Most of the recipes were handed down from my grandmother to my mother and now to me.

When my mother got terminally ill with pancreatic cancer, the memories of growing up with the foods from our Greek heritage became even more important to preserve, as well as the recipes she now entrusted in my hands.

I’d always had a story in my head. I would sometimes daydream, and being the actress that I was, create scenes in my head, and develop characters. I thought that someday I might write it all down, but I wasn’t sure where to start. Then my mother passed away. I started to write in order to work through my grief. I came up with a character that was inspired by her. It was a way for me to honor her, and the heritage she cherished. I combined the story that I’d developed over the years with the one I created inspired by my mother. The result was a beautiful love story and family saga.

2. What is your favorite genre to write about and why?

My favorite genre to write about is women’s fiction/romance. Not the sappy fluff romance, but the genre where you really understand the characters. I like to learn something new when I read. A new culture, or religion. An industry I had no experience with. Maybe an understanding of a mental or physical affliction. Evanthia’s Gift is rooted in Greek heritage and history. To understand these characters, you must understand their customs and the struggle their people endured in their homeland. But ultimately, it’s what I love most – a love story.

3. Tell us what books you enjoy reading and why?

My tastes in books are very eclectic. I am just as likely to read East of Eden or any Jane Austen novel (I’ve read Pride and Prejudice many times), as I am to read Twilight or an erotic fiction. I love trilogies, mainly because I hate the idea of giving up my book friends. Nora Roberts and Jude Deveraux are masters at the love story trilogy. But I must say Sylvain Reynard has captured my attention to the point of obsession. His use of language, his knowledge of art and literature and his sense of romance are unsurpassed. The latest book I’ve read is darker, sadder, and in no way a love story. The Goldfinch took me on an unexpected journey.

4. What are your favorite foods, color, activities and places?

My favorite food is something most people will not be familiar with. It’s an aged and spiced, thinly sliced meat called bastruma. I mainly buy it at the holidays at the Greek grocery store. I am a cheesaholic. I always say, “Give me cheese and bastruma and I could live on those two things for the rest of my life.”

My favorite color depends on what I’m using the color for. I love to wear white. Several of my friends have made fun of me, commenting that my whole closet has nothing but white clothing for the summer. The walls in my home are mostly sage green. If I had a summer home I would decorate it in Caribbean blue and white.

I love to dance. I met my husband at a disco back in the 70’s. He asked me to dance. We still do the hustle on occasion. My children were competitive dancers in contemporary and jazz, and I loved watching them on stage. I miss that. They also played tennis in college. Our whole family plays. I try to play, that is. I cannot live up to the standard and skill of the rest of my family. But it is the only sport I watch and the only one I attempt to play. I also like to swim.

In the summer, I spend a good part of the time on the East End of Long Island. I live relatively close to the Hamptons, and I enjoy going to lunch and shopping there with my daughters. There are over fifty wineries on the East End, mostly on the North Fork, and each year I explore new ones. I write feature article and restaurant reviews for Boating Times Long Island Magazine, so I am always on the lookout for the next great place to dine. My other favorite place is, don’t laugh, Disneyworld. Our family visits Disney like other people travel to the next town. We have annual passes, and quite honestly, the plane ride takes the same amount of time as my husband’s commute into NYC. The EPCOT Food and wine Festival is one of our favorite events to attend.

5. What inspires you to write?

As I mentioned, my mother’s death inspired me to write Evanthia’s Gift. When you read it, you will understand whom she was. Although the book is not her biography, the essence of her shines through – her love, her strength and her determination.

My need to be creative inspires me to write. Whether I’m cooking, acting, or writing, I crave the creative process, and the ability to express myself.

6. What would you like your readers to remember about you?

I would like people to remember that I have a deep soul and that I feel emotions strongly. I want to be remembered as a kind person, who was always willing to help people as much as they have reached out and helped me. I want to be remembered as a good mother, daughter, sister and friend. And of course, I would like for them to think, she wrote that book that I can’t get out of my head.

7. If you could give me one piece of advice, what would it be?

Just one piece of advice? That’s a tough one. I’ve leaned so much in the last three years during this process. Let’s see…Maybe, when you get down on yourself and think all this work and nothing will come of it. That no one will like it, and what am I putting myself through this for….When you say that to yourself, remember that you are doing it for your satisfaction. That you finished it and gave it your full effort. You did something meaningful, something that enhanced and possibly transformed your life. And sometimes that’s all you need.

Visit Effie here:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/effiekammenou Twitter: https://twitter.com/EffieKammenou Effie's Food Blog: https://cheffieskitchen.wordpress.com/

You can buy Evanthia's Gift here: http://www.amazon.com/dp/0692471839/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_CwX3vb1KS8FQ3