Please state your name and location. (City and State or Province, Country)
Michele Doucette, Stephenville, Newfoundland, Canada
Tell us the title and publisher of your book:
A Travel in Time to Grand Pré
St. Clair Publications
Tell us about yourself:
A Special Education teacher of 25 years, I am as equally passionate about the written word; I love to orchestrate and manipulate words. I spend countless hours working on genealogy; sourcing and validating relationships. I am a firm believer in the healing energies of crystals, stones and positive thinking.
When was the book released?
The first edition of the book was available on July 3, 2009. The revised edition became available on March 16, 2010.
Give us an overview of your book.
A Travel in Time to Grand Pré is a historically informative adventure, tying the history of the descendants of Yeshua (Jesus) to modern day Nova Scotia, Canada. Madeleine Sinclair feels disconnected with the era of her birth, yet intuitively aware of herself in another time period in history. Transported back to 1754, she comes to learn, live and experience firsthand the lives of the French Acadian people, meeting Michel (dit Sophie) LeBlanc, her love of that time.
Through the warm, loving and helpful guidance of fellow time traveler, Madame Pêche, she comes to understand the predetermined course of her Sinclair bloodline, beginning with Rollo the Viking, father of William Longsword, a line that is shown to be linked to the Merovingians, the Cathars and the Knights Templar (protectors of the Holy Grail).
Before long, the reader is led to the very apex of this time travel adventure. Madeleine has been decreed the one who is to introduce the words of Yeshua, spoken in Aramaic at the height of his ministry, to the modern world. Herein, Yeshua explains how individuals can find their way, their truth(s), so as to live their lives to the fullest.
What inspired you to write this book?
In a plot that came to me in 1996, I knew how I wanted the story to begin and I knew how I wanted the story to end. While I was sure about certain elements for inclusion in the story, I was very surprised at how the story unfolded.
I was inspired by my French Acadian heritage, my fascination with genealogy and current DNA findings, my attraction to quantum physics (courtesy of the spiritual and metaphysical realms) and my enthrallment with the plausibility of a holy bloodline as discussed in The Holy Blood, The Holy Grail.
In addition, it seems that I had been duly positioned, beforehand, to conduct extensive research: authors, books, websites, email communication (regarding genealogy) with countless individuals.
When the time came for me to begin writing, the entire process took less than six months.
How is your book different from other books in this genre?
Having researched my own genealogy for close to 20 years, this book incorporates linkages to several ancestors of historical import.
Where can people buy your book?
Amazon US, Amazon Canada, Amazon UK, Barnes and Noble
Direct from the publisher at http://stan.stclair.net
Direct from the author via email at michele.doucette@nf.sympatico.ca
Are you working on another book? If so when do you expect it to be published?
Since A Travel in Time to Grand Pré was released, I have gone on to release several spiritual / metaphysical books, both published through St. Clair Publications. The next few months shall see the publication of two additional spiritual / metaphysical tomes followed by several in reference to the wisdom of crystals and stones.
Currently, I am busy reading and researching for Back Home With Evangeline, the sequel to A Travel in Time to Grand Pré. In keeping, I am aiming for a Summer 2011 publication date. I shall also be releasing Germain Doucet (Sieur de LaVerdure): Ancestry of Michele Doucette, based on my paternal lineage, in the not too distant future.
If you self published, what advice can you give to fellow writers?
Take the time to conduct thorough research into POD (Print On Demand) publication services before making a final decision. I also heartily endorse Stanley J. St. Clair of St. Clair Publications as a possible publisher.
If published traditionally, tell us how you benefited:
N/A
Can you share one of your marketing successes with us?
N/A
How did you find Allbooks Reviews and what are you hoping for in your relationship with us?
A good friend of mine, an author by the name of Jean-Claude Koven, was also reviewed by Allbooks Reviews, winning the Editor’s Choice Award for Best Metaphysical Book. It was this that led me to you.
Was the low cost a surprise? What other things would you like Allbooks Reviews to offer writers?
I was pleasantly surprised by both the low cost as well as all that was contained within that price. To be featured for one month with the review thereafter being posted in the Review Showcase for the period of one year is sensational. In addition, the initial review is posted in a wide variety of publications, both printed as well as online. Interviews are also posted on the website. To know that your website is denoted as being one of the best websites for authors speaks volumes. Just knowing that each book is automatically considered for the Editor’s Choice Award at each year end is quite the opportunity.
While I am unsure as to anything else that Allbooks Reviews might be able to offer, especially after citing the previous information, I am sure that they will be able to come up with something fantastic.
Thank you for this interview and best of luck with your book.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Monday, August 2, 2010
Allbooks Review August 2010 Newsletter
Nominate us for a listing in Writer's Digest's 101 Best Sites
of The Year. Please send your nomination, along with our web
name Allbooks Review and our URL www.allbookreviews.com
to: writersdig@fwpubs.com Subject "101 Sites".
Thank you for all of your support.
*****************************************************************************
ALLBOOKS REVIEW IS NOW ON iFOGO. Be sure and join the Albooks Review Author’s Group where we can share our success and our mistakes. Also join iFogo and get www.booksonfilm.com. Great promo for a great price, post audio, book trailers, contact with agents and producers and much more. Be sure and let them know Allbooks Review sent you and join our group.
http://ifogo.com/buy/order_abr.html USE THIS LINK TO JOIN TODAY
CALL FOR ENTRIES: Dream Quest One Writing Contest! Write a poem, 30 lines or fewer on any subject or write a short story, 5 pages maximum length, on any theme, for a chance to win cash awards!
Prizes: Writing - $500, $250, $100. Poetry - $250, $125, $50.
Entry fees: $5 per poem, $10 per story. Postmark deadline: July 31.
Visit http://www.dreamquestone.com for details and to enter!
Military History Articles Wanted
--------------------------------
Military History Quarterly welcomes feature articles. All eras are of interest, particularly ancient times, if the writer bases an article on up-to-date historical research. Rates for feature articles start at $800 (more if special expenses incurred) for 1500-6000 words. Pays $400 for departments. View website for
details: http://tinyurl.com/28q8auo
Science Articles Wanted
------------------------
Cosmos, the Australian science magazine, is open to submissions.
Cosmos is largely interested in ideas, particularly those that involve, or are driven by, science and technology. Payment for features ranges from A $900 to a maximum of A $3,000. View PDF for full guidelines.
http://www.cosmosmagazine.com/pdf/Cosmos_writers_guidelines.pdf
How to Get the Media Interested in You
You May Be Newsworthy Without Even Knowing It
Do you know what the media would consider newsworthy about you or your company?Many new clients come to us with a strong opinion about what their "pitch" should be, but often miss the mark, in terms of knowing what will get the media to sit up and pay attention to their message. But it's very understandable that this could occur, if you're not working with the media the way we do, day in and day out, developing story angles intended to grab their interest.
For those who are new to PR, my message is this - think outside of the box! As normal as it is to be focused on your own company and industry or field of interest, there is a lot going on in the world, and your expertise might be news in ways that you've not previously envisioned.
I always recommend to my clients that they try to view their companies from the outside looking in, particularly, from the perspective of the media. The best way for you to garner the media's interest is to understand what it is about you and your company that might be interesting to them. The process is actually quite simple.
1. Read the News - If you want to be featured in the news, you should read the news. Be general in your approach. Read the top headlines in all the categories, even if your company is in a niche industry, because you never know what is going to happen. For instance, the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico has focused a spotlight on oil rigs and the people who work on them. Journalists are looking at the companies who own oil rigs, drilling rights, and other oil company service firms. Analysts in that small business niche are being quoted in top tier media outlets, after existing for decades completely outside the reach of the media's radar. So, go broad with the topics that you track, and don't be afraid to become a little bit of a news geek. Being better informed about the world around you isn't a bad thing, and the by-product is that you'll be far more media savvy.
2. Track it Back - Now, as you absorb the headlines and the stories of the day, think about how one or more of them could track back to you, your company and your key messages. A good example comes from one of our clients, a maker of natural health supplements. Their primary product line uses a natural ingredient called Resveratrol. Clinical research has uncovered that Resveratrol can be helpful in reducing fatigue, restoring energy and safeguarding your immune system. Now, earlier this month, Reuters reported that doctors who performed an 11-year study of British civil servants discovered a direct link between heart disease and working 11 hours or more each day. Another story quoted U.S. Department of Labor statistics that more than 7 million Americans work at least two jobs. We combined those two pieces to demonstrate that millions of Americans are working way more than 11 hours, and are at risk for everything from chronic fatigue to heart disease. From there, it wasn't too difficult to beat a path back to the client's physician spokesperson who recommended a series of tips to prevent those outcomes, including a short tip about how some natural supplements can be helpful. At first blush, you wouldn't imagine that labor stats and a medical study in Great Britain would have any relationship with a natural health supplement, but by thinking creatively, we were able to make the connection and develop a strong radio pitch for that client.
3. Be Opportunistic - The news happens fast, so be prepared to think just as fast. Recently we took on a client named Jane Heimlich, who has a dual claim to fame. She is the daughter of dance hall king Arthur Murray, who established the largest chain of dance instruction centers in the country. She is also the wife of chest surgeon Dr. Hank Heimlich, the creator of the life-saving, anti-choking first aid technique called the Heimlich Maneuver. She had just written her memoir, and was looking to promote it via media interviews. When we brought her on board, the new season for the network TV show Dancing with the Stars was about to begin. In reading her book, we discovered that her father's TV show, The Arthur Murray Party, was the first network TV dance contest - and it involved the big stars of the day. So, we put together a radio pitch with the headline "Remembering the Original Dancing with the Stars." We booked 15 radio interviews and a full print campaign with that angle, and we just refreshed the angle with the CBS announcement that they are giving Paula Abdul her own TV dance competition.
At the end of the day, recognize that your expertise can be stretched beyond what you have in your marketing plan, and you'll be able to make you and your company more relevant to the press in a lot of creative ways.
Marsha Friedman
CEO EMSI Public Relations
We love to hear of your success stories, submit them to us at: allbookreviews@aol.com
Remember to post your book signing, guest speaker events on our Bookstore page. Simply send us an email with details of your events and we will be happy to post them. Just part of the Allbooks service to our authors.
Congratulations to:
Conversations with Jerry and Other People I Thought Were Dead won the silver medal in the 2010 IP Death and Dying Category, and was a Finalist in the 2010 Indie Excellence Awards.
Irene
GREAT AUTHOR SERVICES
I highly recommend this cover designer. Trisha FitzGerald
COVER DESIGN www.myspace.com/bookdesign
PUBLISHING: E Books www.theebooksale.com
POD: www.realtimepublishings.com
EDITING: www.allbookreviews.com
Allbooks Reviews INTERVIEW:
Please state your name and location. (city and State or Province, Country)
Kerin Bellak Adams Englewood NJ
Tell us the title and publisher of your book:
AD/HD Success! Solutions to Boosting Self-Esteem: The Diary Method Ages 7-17
ISBN 978-1-61599-024-5
Tell us about yourself:
Kerin Bellak-Adams is accredited through ICF with an ACC certification and has years of experience as a highly respected coach, speaker, and expert on AD/HD. She has taught elementary school children with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and comes from an unusual background being the daughter of world-renowned psychiatrist Dr. Leopold Bellak, a pioneer in ADD, back in the 1960s. From her teaching experience, Kerin not only developed this book, but specializes in coaching parents on such issues as: how to find your child or teenager’s gifts, how to ask questions that help with focus and get the actions you most desire, and much more. She also coaches kids ages ten and older with ADD symptoms and helps them define small steps that will help them feel more in control of themselves and happier.
When was the book released?
Feb. 2010
Give us an overview of your book.
The book boosts self-esteem by developing a child or teenagers awareness of what comes naturally to them. The book also directs the reader to focusing on the areas that are challenging each day at school, helping them to emphasize their focus which is based on time-management, organization, and other areas, while gently encouraging and strengthening behavioral skills. Chapters are broken out to handle problems and situations common to children in specific age brackets within the overall range of 7-17 years old.
What inspired you to write this book?
My father who was a pioneer in the psychiatric study of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), and being influenced by Dr. Edward Hallowell, author of Driven to Distraction.
How is your book different from other books in this genre?
There is no other type book on the market that inspires the reader to grow, while boosting and maintaining their newly developed self-esteem. This book also is one of a kind as it directs and encourages the student to focus on challenging areas through prompts and questions while encouraging social skills. This book is both educational and for the home. Focus. There is a specific home/school accountability form designed for teachers and parents to use to communicate regularly on the students strengths and weaknesses, as they develop throughout their school life. There is also a parent evaluation and self-esteem logs and graphs.
Where can people buy your book?
Most people are buying it through online stores such as Amazon.com but you can call or visit your neighborhood bookstore and have them order it for you from Ingram with no shipping charges to pay.
Are you working on another book? If so when do you expect it to be published?
Yes I am. It will be published in 2 years.
If you self published, what advice can you give to fellow writers?
Don’t give up 5 minutes before the miracle!
If published traditionally, tell us how you benefited:
It creates some marketing ability, and cuts down on some costs.
Can you share one of your marketing successes with us?
My website has been the most successful marketing tool. Through a professional designer, I've been able to add book reviews, videos, promote events, and even add a special "Members Only" area where people who've purchased the books can download printable worksheets and extra content for free. I have to admit, a website is an author's best friend!
How did you find Allbooks Reviews and what are you hoping for in your relationship with us?
Through my publisher, Loving Healing Press Inc. Victor Volkman tells me that he is starting to use Allbooks Reviews both to promote brand-new self-help and personal growth titles AND to revive interest in backlist titles. He says an Allbooks Review is always fresh and generates new buzz.
Was the low cost a surprise? What other things would you like Allbooks Reviews to offer writers?
I'd like to see a Content Management System (CMS) based website so that Allbooks Reviews could take better advantage of social networking tools. Imagine what using Drupal or Joomla could do to make visitors stays more interesting on the site!
Thank you for this interview and best of luck with your book.
Thank you for the opportunity to speak with you, I really appreciate it.
Italian Writers Fight for More Rights
-------------------------------------
Four young Italian writers have set up a protest group, Writers in Litigation, to protest what they see as unfair practices on the part of the Italian publishing industry. It appears that authors in Italy do not always receive their fair share of royalties.
For more on this story visit: http://tinyurl.com/36qvj67
Publishing Industry Unlikely to Return to Pre-Recession Heights
---------------------------------------------------------------
After eight out of ten publishers reported a fall in sales in 2010, the Chief Executive Officer of HarperCollins, Victoria Barnsley, has warned that sales are not likely to return to pre-recession figures. HarperCollins saw sales fall by over 13% in 2010 and as a result have reduced the number of books they will publish by 20%.
For more on this story visit: http://tinyurl.com/33bgx5s
Monday, July 26, 2010
ATTN: Authors
Dear Allbooks Review Friends,
Here's an announcement from one of our sponsors about a free
telephone seminar this Thursday, July 29th with ex-Oprah guest booker on secrets to getting booked as a guest on national TV shows.
We encourage you to check it out and enjoy!
Want to be on TV? Ex Oprah booker tells how
ATTN: Non-Fiction Authors ....Ex-Oprah Guest Booker Tells How to Get Publicity As A Guest on National TV Shows
Would you like to be a guest on a top national TV show like Oprah, Good Morning America, CNN or Fox News?
Of course you would because there are few faster ways to instantly reach millions of people and make your book sales really take off than getting big-time TV publicity.
It's no secret the right national TV appearance can catapult a book to the top of the Bestseller List.
In fact, bestselling author Deepak Chopra told me sold 800,000 books in the month after his first Oprah appearance.
Curious to know how YOU might get on national TV?
Find out on a free 90-minute telephone seminar on Thursday, July 29th on ...
"The Three Big Secrets for Getting Publicity as a Guest on Top National TV Shows"
I'm Steve Harrison, publisher of Radio-TV Interview Report (RTIR) magazine and I'll be your host.
In addition to me, you'll hear from a former Oprah guest booker, a former Fox News Channel producer and other surprise guests. Together we'll teach you things unknown to 95% of all publicity-seekers.
To register for this call -- which is free except for your normal long distance charges -- go here now:
http://www.getmajorpress.com/call858
On the call, you'll learn things like:
* Specific ways to increase your odds of getting free airtime as a guest on Oprah, Fox News Channel, CNN and other top shows.
* Understanding the mindset of national TV producers and how to get them to book you as a guest.
* What you should send TV producers (and what you shouldn't).
* The most important question you must be able to answer to land a TV appearance.
* Case histories of five authors and entrepreneurs who got booked on top TV shows
* How to stand apart from other would-be guests and dramatically
increase your chances of getting on the top shows.
* The biggest mistakes to avoid when pitching TV producers
(including ones that could even get you black-listed forever!)
... and much, much more!
Again, to sign up go here now:
http://www.getmajorpress.com/call858
Once registered, you'll receive all the details back within five minutes.
Who knows - maybe we'll be seeing you on national TV very soon!
Best,
Steve Harrison, Radio-TV Interview Report
Here's an announcement from one of our sponsors about a free
telephone seminar this Thursday, July 29th with ex-Oprah guest booker on secrets to getting booked as a guest on national TV shows.
We encourage you to check it out and enjoy!
Want to be on TV? Ex Oprah booker tells how
ATTN: Non-Fiction Authors ....Ex-Oprah Guest Booker Tells How to Get Publicity As A Guest on National TV Shows
Would you like to be a guest on a top national TV show like Oprah, Good Morning America, CNN or Fox News?
Of course you would because there are few faster ways to instantly reach millions of people and make your book sales really take off than getting big-time TV publicity.
It's no secret the right national TV appearance can catapult a book to the top of the Bestseller List.
In fact, bestselling author Deepak Chopra told me sold 800,000 books in the month after his first Oprah appearance.
Curious to know how YOU might get on national TV?
Find out on a free 90-minute telephone seminar on Thursday, July 29th on ...
"The Three Big Secrets for Getting Publicity as a Guest on Top National TV Shows"
I'm Steve Harrison, publisher of Radio-TV Interview Report (RTIR) magazine and I'll be your host.
In addition to me, you'll hear from a former Oprah guest booker, a former Fox News Channel producer and other surprise guests. Together we'll teach you things unknown to 95% of all publicity-seekers.
To register for this call -- which is free except for your normal long distance charges -- go here now:
http://www.getmajorpress.com/call858
On the call, you'll learn things like:
* Specific ways to increase your odds of getting free airtime as a guest on Oprah, Fox News Channel, CNN and other top shows.
* Understanding the mindset of national TV producers and how to get them to book you as a guest.
* What you should send TV producers (and what you shouldn't).
* The most important question you must be able to answer to land a TV appearance.
* Case histories of five authors and entrepreneurs who got booked on top TV shows
* How to stand apart from other would-be guests and dramatically
increase your chances of getting on the top shows.
* The biggest mistakes to avoid when pitching TV producers
(including ones that could even get you black-listed forever!)
... and much, much more!
Again, to sign up go here now:
http://www.getmajorpress.com/call858
Once registered, you'll receive all the details back within five minutes.
Who knows - maybe we'll be seeing you on national TV very soon!
Best,
Steve Harrison, Radio-TV Interview Report
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Allbooks Review July 2010 Newsletter
Nominate us for a listing in Writer's Digest's 101 Best Sites
of The Year. Please send your nomination, along with our web
name Allbooks Review and our URL www.allbookreviews.com
to: writersdig@fwpubs.com Subject "101 Sites".
Thank you for all of your support.
*****************************************************************************
ALLBOOKS REVIEW IS NOW ON iFOGO. Be sure and join the Albooks Review Author’s Group where we can share our success and our mistakes. Also join iFogo and get www.booksonfilm.com. Great promo for a great price, post audio, book trailers, contact with agents and producers and much more. Be sure and let them know Allbooks Review sent you and join our group.
http://ifogo.com/buy/order_abr.html USE THIS LINK TO JOIN TODAY
FEATURE
Provide waiting room Copies
When you receive your shipment of books from the printer, open the boxes and hand check each book for flaws. Set side those copies that are less than perfect and negotiate a partial refund from the printer. Place flawed books in waiting rooms throughout your city/county. I've left copies of my Ojai history book in several doctors', dentists', veterinarians' attorneys' and accountants' waiting rooms locally as well as in the lobby of the hospital. Place copies of your novel in the lounge at large companies.
Mark these books "waiting room copy." And, just inside the front cover, tape a list of local bookstores and specialty shops where the book can be purchased.
Is there value in placing books where so many people have access to them? Will people still want to buy your book when they can read portions of it for free? I say, "Yes." After all, how far can they get into a 375-page book in just ten or even twenty minutes? If the book is of any interest to the reader at all, he'll surely want to have his own copy. In fact, the receptionists in those offices where I've left copies of my Ojai book say that they get inquires every week from folks wondering where to purchase it.
From Over 75 Good Ideas for Promoting Your Book (Matilija Press 2000) by Patricia L. Fry
SUCCESS STORIES
We love to hear of your success stories, submit them to us at: allbookreviews@aol.com
Remember to post your book signing, guest speaker events on our Bookstore page. Simply send us an email with details of your events and we will be happy to post them. Just part of the Allbooks service to our authors.
Congratulations to:
Wyndano's Cloak is highly recommended by Kirsten Bussière, Allbooksreviews. Author's Website: www.arsilverberry.com, Publisher: Tree Tunnel Press, Publisher's Website: www.treetunnelpress.com
Retail Price: $21.95,I.S.B.N: 978-0-9841037-6-8
Finalist in the 2010 National Indie Excellence Awards in Young Adult Fiction
Finalist in the 2010 National Indie Excellence Awards in Adventure
• Winner of the 2010 National Indie Excellence Awards in Children's Cover Design
What Can We Do Next? The Adventures of Lexie & Lolly" was reviewed by your reviewer "Margaret Orford" back in October of 2008 . . . I'm happy to mention that my book has won FOUR Awards, and was a Finalist in a fifth competition, so that's pretty exciting for me.
What's New at Allbooks Review
Read our Inspirational column each month on the Inspiration Feature of the Month page in Review Showcase. This column is by Deb Scott, author of Award winning: The Sky is Green and the Grass is Blue.
Inspiration http://www.allbookreviews.com/Default.aspx?tabid=560
Allbooks Reviews INTERVIEW:
Please state your name and location. (city and State or Province, Country)
Mark Whiteway, Storrington, West Sussex, England.
Tell us the title and publisher of your book:
Title - Lodestone Book One: The Sea of Storms
Publisher - Virtualbookworm
Tell us about yourself:
Mark Whiteway lives in rural West Sussex, England, near the former home of H G Wells. A lifelong devotee of H G Wells and Jules Verne, this is Mark’s first science fiction novel, built around the concept of negative matter–an extension of Einstein’s Theory of General Relativity. Mark lives with his wife Sandra.
When was the book released?
April 12 2010
Give us an overview of your book.
Ail-Kar–a white hole–a portal from another universe ejects a stream of material into the Kelanni System, raining meteoroids on to the planet’s surface. But the so-called "lodestones" behave according to different physical laws, changing Kelanni`s society, it’s religion and it’s people.
Now the land is ruled over by a mysterious "Prophet". With the aid of the fearsome Keltar in their flying cloaks, the Kelanni are put to forced labor to mine the lodestones, whilst the Prophet is building a machine of terrible destructive power.
Shann, an orphan with a fiery disposition, witnesses a battle between a Keltar and a stranger bearing a similar flying cloak. Fleeing the Prophet’s soldiers, she sets out to track down the stranger. She learns of the technology behind the Keltars’ power, and joins him on a mission to free the slaves and cut off the Prophet’s supply of lodestones.
Meanwhile, Keris, a Keltar, is sent on a mission to track down the rebels. She is attacked by a flying creature and saved by the enigmatic Chandara. At their Great Tree, she receives a message from the distant past that the Prophet is out to destroy the Kelanni. She must travel to the other side of her world to retrieve a device, designed to disable the Prophets machine. She races to save the rebels from a trap set for them, joining the party.
They flee to a tower containing a displacement transporter, pursued by Keltar. The tower is destroyed as they are attempting to use it. They then make for the coast in a desperate attempt to cross the barrier of storms that divides their world. After surviving a battle with an immense creature, they arrive at the coast and modify a ship to carry them through the barrier. Following a titanic battle at sea, Shann is washed up on a distant shore, where a world shaking revelation awaits.
What inspired you to write this book?
Einstein’s Theory of Relativity predicts a number of strange consequences for our understanding of reality. One of these is the possible existence of negative matter. Although negative matter has never been found, we know from the math involved that it would have some highly peculiar properties, including negative inertia. My thought was “What might happen to an alien society that was exposed to a source of negative matter and the power it offered?” The result has been the Lodestone series of books.
How is your book different from other books in this genre?
As far as I am aware, no previous Science Fiction series has comprehensively explored the concept of negative matter in this way. In addition, the series weaves in alien life cycles, ultrasonics, electro and gamma ray laser technology, null space transporters, the “action at a distance” effect of particle physics, black holes and time dilation in a gripping action oriented story involving complex and engaging characters.
Where can people buy your book?
Direct from the publisher Virtualbookworm, Barnes and Noble, Amazon.com or any good bookstore. Links appear below.
http://www.virtualbookworm.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=bookstore&Product_Code=Lodestone_Book_One&Category_Code=
http://productsearch.barnesandnoble.com/search/results.aspx?WRD=lodestone+book+one
http://www.amazon.com/Lodestone-Book-One-Sea-Storms/dp/1602645469/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1272215579&sr=8-1
Are you working on another book? If so when do you expect it to be published?
The second volume in the Lodestone series, subtitled “The World of Ice and Stars” is now complete and is already at the publishers, receiving its final edit prior to publication. I am very excited about it. The characters really come into their own and there are a lot of twists and turns along the way. I am hoping that those who enjoyed the first book will be swept up in the story as it progresses. I anticipate a publication date of August/September 2010.
I am now writing the third volume, “The Crucible of Dawn.” Look for it during the first half of 2011.
If you self published, what advice can you give to fellow writers?
The route I took amounts to something of a middle way between self and traditional publishing. Virtualbookworm only accept manuscripts of suitable quality. Once my work was accepted, I found them generally very helpful and would have no hesitation in recommending them to authors like me who are starting out.
If published traditionally, tell us how you benefited:
See above.
Can you share one of your marketing successes with us?
Well my first book has only just been published, so it’s a little early. However, can I say that my Allbooks review has already attracted a fair amount of attention?
How did you find Allbooks Reviews and what are you hoping for in your relationship with us?
I Googled you (like everyone else).
I will be sending you my second book for review as soon as it’s ready. I’m confident you will give it the same careful consideration as you gave the first.
Was the low cost a surprise? What other things would you like Allbooks Reviews to offer writers?
That sounds exactly like the sort of question that an American would ask!
Thank you for this interview and best of luck with your book.
www.allbookreviews.com Your one stop author promo and review source since 2000.
Monday, May 31, 2010
What's New at Allbooks Review?
Read our Inspirational column each month on the Inspiration Feature of the Month page in Review Showcase. This column is by Deb Scott, author of Award winning: The Sky is Green and the Grass is Blue.
Inspirational Feature of the Month
Inspirational Feature of the Month
Allbooks Review June 2010 Newsletter
Nominate us for a listing in Writer's Digest's 101 Best Sites
of The Year. Please send your nomination, along with our web
name Allbooks Review and our URL www.allbookreviews.com
to: writersdig@fwpubs.com Subject "101 Sites".
Thank you for all of your support.
*****************************************************************************
ALLBOOKS REVIEW IS NOW ON iFOGO. Be sure and join the Albooks Review Author’s Group where we can share our success and our mistakes. Also join iFogo and get www.booksonfilm.com. Great promo for a great price, post audio, book trailers, contact with agents and producers and much more. Be sure and let them know Allbooks Review sent you and join our group.
http://ifogo.com/buy/order_abr.html USE THIS LINK TO JOIN TODAY
FEATURE
Here are five tips for using social media to build your opt-in list:
1. Join Targeted Groups and Post Effective Discussions. Within your social networks, choose the groups wisely in which you will participate, focusing on groups that are active and contain your target market. You should post discussions to demonstrate your professional expertise and drive people to your website, taking care to make your headlines short and interesting.
2. Make Sure your Website is "Opt-in" Friendly. Make sure your opt-in form is prominent throughout your website, with a message telling visitors that when they sign up for your list they will receive helpful information (as opposed to spam).
3. Invite Every One...But Don't Pester! Every time you get a friend request or a new follower, send a message introducing yourself and include an invitation (with the link to your site's opt-in form) to sign up for the helpful information you send to your list.
4. Be Direct...But Not Too Often. If you have a helpful and valuable incentive to offer, occasionally post updates inviting your friends and followers to go get it! Keep in mind you are treading a thin line with this type of post, so make sure they are infrequent and are mixed in with many posts that are completely non-promotional in nature. You don't want to be considered "that guy" who's just there to promote to people.
5. Be Consistent in Your Social Networking! The key to making points 1 - 4 above really work for you is - stay active in your networks and groups. If you are only an occasional visitor, you might as well "stay home." In order to reap the rewards of these strategies, post often and wisely, and pay attention to your group members.
Participation in social networks can be enjoyable and rewarding, so start posting and have fun!
Warm regards,
Marsha Friedman
CEO EMSI Public Relations
SUCCESS STORIES
We love to hear of your success stories, submit them to us at: allbookreviews@aol.com
Remember to post your book signing, guest speaker events on our Bookstore page. Simply send us an email with details of your events and we will be happy to post them. Just part of the Allbooks service to our authors.
The Sky is Green, the grass is Blue is a Finalist in the Motivational Category of the 2010 Next Generation Indie Book Awards! Deb
I wanted to share some great news with you: Conversations with Jerry and Other People I Thought Were Dead has been chosen as an IPPY finalist in the category of Death and Dying and will either be awarded the gold, silver or bronze medal. My husband and I will be traveling to NYC for the gala event and award ceremony. I am so very excited, especially since this is my first book! All the best, Irene
PublishingGuru: I am accepting queries for traditional publishing in all genres. todd.rutherford@yorkshirepublishing.com
Congratulations to all of our great authors on their success.
Allbooks Reviews INTERVIEW:
Allbooks Reviews INTERVIEW:(Please put your answers in black)
Please state your name and location.(city and State or Province, Country)
Deb Hosey White
Greensboro, North Carolina USA
Tell us the title and publisher of your book:
Pink Slips and Parting Gifts
iUniverse
1663 Liberty Drive, Bloomington, IN 47403
ISBN 9781440158049, $20.95, www.iuniverse.com
Tell us about yourself:
Thirty years of corporate life never really "cured" me of being an English major, a creative writer, and a poet. And while up to my eyeballs in 401(k) plan administration, ERISA, COBRA, and other stress-inducing arcanity, I never stopped collecting and writing stories. Anyone who has ever worked for a large organization knows that the best workplace stories end up in human resources. Now retired from corporate life, I'm free to share some of those stories--without naming names, of course!
When was the book released?
September 2009
Give us an overview of your book.
When is the first time a CEO dares to say out loud, “It’s time to sell the company”? Does he practice first in front of a mirror? Does he quietly float the idea to his most trusted colleague over dinner? Does he seek legal counsel? SEC guidance? Financial advice? If the CEO is gutsy enough, “selling the company” might quietly pass his lips for the first time during a clandestine meeting with a potential buyer in Las Vegas—setting the bait for a bid that will electrify the decision-makers back home.
Mergers and acquisitions are messy business and they change the lives of everyday people. Pink Slips and Parting Gifts is the fictional account of the sale of a U.S. development company, revealing absurd events mixed with employee anguish as another corporation changes hands and disappears from the big board on Wall Street.
By the time Easton Company CEO Jeffrey Elkins entices a major competitor to buy his Fortune 500 Company, the corporate jet is waiting and his parachute is platinum. In 14 weeks the deal of a lifetime transforms a handful of quirky executives into undeserving multi-millionaires, propels a workforce into unemployment and dispatches unsuspecting retirees into poverty. In the background, security guards dance naked in mall fountains, the corporate jet is sold on eBay, and a CEO utters his final words before relinquishing his title: Make sure the employees get their pumpkin pies.
The memorable cast of corporate characters includes a germophobic CEO, a marketing VP turned Elvis impersonator, the Sundance Kid of Everyman Compensation, and a purchasing director nicknamed the eBay Wizard.
What inspired you to write this book?
I spent more than 30 years in corporate America as a manager and a consultant. During that period I collected hundreds of stories about companies and the people who work for them.I also experienced firsthand the merger that inspired Pink Slips and Parting Gifts.As a corporate human resources director I was required to help "turn out the lights" at my company as it was sold to a competitor.I dealt with retirees whose health insurance and pensions were ripped from their aging hands; with long-term employees whose jobs were abruptly eliminated; and with a community that lost it's premier hometown corporate citizen.
Reading the news coverage of that merger and many others, I was struck with the realization that the stories being covered were heavily weighted to the top of the corporate heap—the CEOs, big stockholders,and top-level management who benefited most from the merger-mania. I wanted to get behind the headlines and tell the realities of those stories—the incredible perks, corporate jets, and multi-million dollar goodbye packages—but I also wanted to tell the stories of the maintenance workers, secretaries, and others whose lives were upturned by the merger.
How is your book different from other books in this genre?
Pink Slips and Parting Gifts is business fiction. That's not a genre that fits neatly onto library shelves or bookseller databases. But fiction set in the workplace is still a strong sub-category of modern literature. As such, Pink Slips and Parting Gifts shares a lineage with Up in the Air, The Bonfire of the Vanities, and The Devil Wears Prada. What is unique about Pink Slips and Parting Gifts is that it tells the story of a corporate merger not just from the perspective of the news-makers—the CEOs, board members, and power brokers—but from the mailroom clerks, secretaries, retirees, mid-level managers and even the homeless man living on the company's loading dock.
Also, Pink Slips and Parting Gifts employs flash fiction storytelling -- a unique format for a novel. Each chapter tells its own small story within the context of the larger novel. Many of the chapters could stand alone as stories within a story. The best example is the embedded "Tales of the Sofa." Many readers have commented on their enjoyment of the "sofa story" within Pink Slips.
Where can people buy your book?
The book is available online from:
• Amazon.com
• BarnesandNoble.com
• iUniverse.com
• Amazon.ca
• Booksamillion.com
• Amazon.co.uk
• Waterstones
Are you working on another book? If so when do you expect it to be published?
Yes.I am in the initial stages of a new workplace novel—publication date unknown.Also working on a screenplay for Pink Slips and Parting Gifts, and a poetry collection.
If you self published, what advice can you give to fellow writers?
The publishing industry has been in a state of upheaval in recent years and self-publishing is a reality for many writers. In this reality, the author must take on tasks traditionally performed by professional agents, editors, copy-proofers, designers, and publicists. Print-on-demand publishers offer a Chinese menu of add-on (read that "extra cost") services, but the quality of those services may vary greatly. I experienced issues throughout the process–from layout and production concerns, to accounting issues, to unprofessional publicity services.
I would advise writers to first attempt to find a professional agent and/or publisher. If that is not possible–and the odds are stacked against new writers–then enter the self publishing world with eye wide open:
• Solicit a team of literate readers who will critique your manuscript (I used volunteers from a literary book group).
• Find a capable person to assist with editing, proofreading, and other production-related tasks.
• Budget more time than you think might be necessary to the critiquing, editing, proofing, and production process.
• Explore third-party publicity services rather than add-on services offered by the publisher. Be prepared to do much of the promotional process yourself.
• Submit your finished book for review by services such as AllBooks Review.
• Do not expect bookstores to stock your self-published book, but be aware of the multitude of online book selling services that predominate today's market.
If published traditionally, tell us how you benefited:
Can you share one of your marketing successes with us?
Because my book is topical/newsworthy, I was able to arrange an interview from a regional newspaper in a city that has been affected by corporate mergers similar to the story in Pink Slips and Parting Gifts.
How did you find Allbooks Reviews and what are you hoping for in your relationship with us?
Allbooks Reviews was included on a list of reputable reviewers on the Midwest Book Review website. My hope is that the insightful Allbooks review of Pink Slips and Parting Gifts will receive broad international circulation and that it will be quoted and noted in numerous sources.
Was the low cost a surprise? What other things would you like Allbooks Reviews to offer writers?
Allbooks Reviews offers timely and personal service to their authors--something not to be undervalued in the 21st century literary marketplace!
Thank you for this interview and best of luck with your book.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Allbooks Review May 2010 Newsletter
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FEATURE
Podcasting Your Way to Success
By Sigrid MacDonald
About two years ago, one of my science-fiction clients started a podcast series. Every week he would put a new chapter of his book on audio, and upload it to iTunes and MySpace. He had a tremendous following and I really admired his form of promotion, but I thought it would be too difficult and expensive for me. Wrong! Podcasting is simple and affordable. And it can be an effective way to get the word out about your book because you are offering free content, which people love.
How do you make a podcast? Download free software from Audacity.com or splurge for the user-friendly package by RecordForAll. I went with the latter because it has an easy navigational system, and only costs $39.99. After listening to the tutorial, I was ready to record. I had long pauses in my sentences, but the software gave me the ability to edit. After recording, I took out the blank spaces, and the few times I coughed, or said, "Um" or "Ah." The end result was a polished product.
What can you talk about? Anything related to your book. My new book is called Be Your Own Editor. It's a crash course in grammar basics that deals with the most common errors people make when they're writing, as well as editing issues related to creative writing. So, I made ten different podcasts and broke them down as follows:
1. How to Avoid Writing Run-On Sentences
2. How to Use Apostrophes Properly
3. How to Establish Realistic Dialogue
I made each podcast brief since people have short attention spans online. If you have a nonfiction topic, podcasting is a breeze. Identify key points in your book and abbreviate them. This is a great teaser; it introduces people to you and draws them to your material. You won't be giving your whole book away - just pieces of it to whet a prospective reader's appetite.
Fiction is a little more complicated but you could read your book chapter by chapter on audio. If you choose this method, stop after two or three chapters. That way the reader is left hanging and needs to know the end of the story. Second, you could read excerpts from your book, and talk about yourself and what motivated you to write it. I hosted my podcasts on MySpace and searched the site using the terms writers, poets, editors, etc. Your search words would relate to your book.
You can also load your podcasts on iTunes. This requires software that has a feed such as FeedForAll and a website that will give you more space for hosting like Mevio, which is free.
We've come a long way, baby, since I started writing in my teens. Now that we have blogs, websites, video, web cams and podcasts, why not take advantage of them?
---------------------------------------------------
Sigrid Macdonald is the author of three books, including Be Your Own Editor. Visit her at http://sigridmacdonald.blogspot.com or http://beyourowneditor.blogspot.com.
SUCCESS STORIES
We love to hear of your success stories, submit them to us at: allbookreviews@aol.com
Remember to post your book signing, guest speaker events on our Bookstore page. Simply send us an email with details of your events and we will be happy to post them. Just part of the Allbooks service to our authors.
Pink Slips and Parting Gifts was awarded Editor's Choice from the iUniverse recognition program this week.
Deb Hosey White
Pink Slips and Parting Gifts
CONGRATULATIONS DEB !
Shirley A. Roe is collaborating with screenwriter, director Randall Rutledge to bring her book Dreams and Nightmares to the big screen. All of us at Allbooks Review congratulate Shirley on this accomplishment.
Allbooks Reviews INTERVIEW:
Please state your name and location. (city and State or Province, Country)
Jonathan Maxwell. Taylorsville, Georgia.
Tell us the title and publisher of your book:
Murderous Intellectuals: German Elites and the Nazi SS. American Book Publishing, which is based in Salt Lake City.
Tell us about yourself:
I’ve been a writer and editor for about four years now. I hold a BA in English from Berry College in Rome, Ga., along with a psychology minor. I also possess a Paralegal Certificate. Since the publication of my first book- Murderous Intellectuals- I have written two additional books. I have also penned op/ed pieces for various newspapers, have contributed critical reviews to literary journals, and have written chapters for history textbooks. As an editor, I have worked for the publishing giants Harcourt and Pearson.
When was the book released?
November 2009.
Give us an overview of your book.
My book examines why so many well-educated professionals- such as doctors, lawyers, professors, scientists, and engineers- willingly joined the Nazi SS, the notorious group that spearheaded the Holocaust.
What inspired you to write this book?
My interest in the Holocaust- the Nazi war against Jews, Slavs, Gypsies, and other “undesirables”- began in high school. I read many excellent books about the subject through the years, but, eventually, I noticed a dearth of information in at least one crucial area. Popular culture tends to depict the Nazis as being brutes, but many Nazis did not fit this stereotype. Many Nazis, in fact, were superbly educated, graduating from the best universities in Europe. At times, books would briefly examine this contradiction, but no author that I knew of wrote a book about this phenomenon and what motivated these “murderous intellectuals.” I read book after book, but none dealt satisfactorily with the subject. Eventually, I got frustrated and decided to write the book myself.
How is your book different from other books in this genre?
Many books have been penned about the Final Solution (the Nazi term for the Holocaust), but comparatively few histories have examined the motivations of Nazi elites from psychological, sociological, political, and historical perspectives.
Where can people buy your book?
People can purchase a copy at www.amazon.com, www.barnesandnoble.com, and www.pdbookstore.com.
Are you working on another book? If so when do you expect it to be published?
My second book, Piltdown Man and Other Hoaxes, will be released in late 2010. It’s a far cry from my first one. The book is a lighthearted, fun examination of scientific frauds through history, such as the Missing Link Hoax and the Minnesota Iceman Hoax.
If published traditionally, tell us how you benefited:
Working with traditional publishers helps to ensure that you get a quality product. My publisher, for example, requires your assigned editor to edit your manuscript four times. Then, your copy editor edits it once, and, finally, the proofreader edits it at least once. The editorial stage, then, transpires for at least a year. In addition, your book designer spends about six months creating a suitable cover, selecting fonts, choosing colors, and so on. It’s a slow, painstaking process, but in the end, you appreciate the results. Everything looks sensational.
Can you share one of your marketing successes with us?
Take a multi-tiered approach to marketing your work. Do signings at the book stores and libraries. Submit press releases to local and regional newspapers. Send out galleys to reputable reviewers. Perform lectures at schools, colleges, service organizations, and elsewhere. Get radio interviews. Don’t try starting at the national level. If you’re a new author just starting out, USA Today and Book TV are not going to give you publicity. Start out locally and work your way up.
How did you find Allbooks Reviews and what are you hoping for in your relationship with us?
I stumbled upon Allbooks Reviews while searching for book reviewers on the Internet. I was impressed by the website and I sent out an e-mail asking for more information. The information I received impressed me further, so I decided the use the company’s services.
Was the low cost a surprise? What other things would you like Allbooks Reviews to offer writers?
Publicists are a requirement in the publishing industry, and Allbooks Reviews provides the most services at the most economical rates. To Allbooks Reviews, all I can say is: Keep up the good work!
Thank you for this interview and best of luck with your book.
Thank you!
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