Monday, March 29, 2010

Live Chat/Interview with author Hank Phillippi Ryan




The Writer's Chatroom presents Hank Phillippi Ryan.

WHEN?

Sunday, April 4, 2010

Eastern USA Time.....7-9 PM

Not sure what time that is wherever in the world you are? http://www.worldtimeserver.com

WHERE?

The Writers Chatroom at: http://www.writerschatroom.com/Enter.htm

Scroll down to the Java box. It may take a moment to load. Type in the name you wish to be known by, and click Login. No password needed.

Please note: The chatroom is only open for regularly scheduled chats.

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Review - The Wildcat's Burden by Christopher Hoare



The Wildcat’s Burden
Written by: Christopher Hoare
Science fiction / Fiction / Time travel
Rated: Very Good (****)

Gisel Matah is back! She has a public and powerful leadership role now that has her in the center of the action, but can she handle the responsibility and her personal life, too?

Gisel proved herself as a reliable and crafty soldier at a young age. She’s since been promoted in the ranks, and now has a governorship in her twenties. Being a woman in charge of an entire populous in a world where men rule and women obey causes conflict on its own. Creating alliances and dealing with men in powerful positions is a daily challenge for Gisel, as is having to keep secrets from her husband.

The Wildcat’s Burden is full of action. Allies and enemies and traitors and underground supports fill every page of this adventure that plays out over a handful of weeks. It’s hard to know who to trust, and when the reader thinks he has it figured out, another twist comes into play. It’s a personified chess game, where any move can be counter attacked in a moment and the final champion isn’t clear until all the dust settles.

This story takes off on the first page and doesn’t let up until the last word. So many characters in this novel bear a “burden” to help the cause they believe in, whether rightly or wrongly, but the reader can only admire their passionate stance and watch to see how the scenarios play out.

Author Christopher Hoare has created a unique world that mixes futuristic technology with a time before technology. It’s an interesting mix of a future world with a new world as Gisel and her people from the Iskander try to find a way to live on the young Gaian planet. Hoare has developed the female protagonist to be wise beyond her years. She’s intelligent, strategic, and yet still a woman. The entire novel is visual and intriguing. Never a dull moment.

This is Christopher Hoare’s fourth novel in the Iskander series. Arrival is the beginning of Gisel’s adventure, currently followed by Deadly Enterprise and continuing with The Wildcat’s Victory. The books don’t have to be read in order to enjoy the overall storyline, but allows for insight into characters that move with Gisel through time.

Chris Hoare writes full time and lives in Alberta, Canada at the eastern edge of the Rockies with his wife of almost 40 years, Shirley, and two shelter dogs.

I recommend reading The Wildcat’s Burden if you enjoy exploring old worlds with a modern twist, time travel, military strategy, and a bit of romance. The Wildcat’s Burden is a great story that gives the reader the scoop behind Gisel’s life.

Title: The Wildcat’s Burden
Author: Christopher Hoare
Publisher: Double Dragon Publishing
ISBN: 978-1-55404-729-1
Pages: 271
Price: $5.99

Available through www.double-dragon-ebooks.com

Monday, March 22, 2010

Live Chat/Interview with Hope Clark 3/28/10



The Writer's Chatroom presents C. Hope Clark.

WHEN?

Sunday, March 28, 2010

Eastern USA Time.....7-9 PM

Not sure what time that is wherever in the world you are? http://www.worldtimeserver.com

WHERE?

The Writers Chatroom at: http://www.writerschatroom.com/Enter.htm

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Monday, March 15, 2010

Live Chat/Interview with Julie Eberhart Painter 3/21/10



The Writer's Chatroom presents Julie Eberhart Painter.

WHEN?

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Eastern USA Time.....7-9 PM

Not sure what time that is wherever in the world you are? http://www.worldtimeserver.com

WHERE?

The Writers Chatroom at: http://www.writerschatroom.com/Enter.htm

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Saturday, March 13, 2010

101 Habits of Highly Effective Writers

There's a wonderful article/blog post that talks about 101 Habits of Highly Effective Writers for recommended habits "from all types of writers–from fiction to non-fiction and famous to lesser-known–and all offer great advice."

Broken into the following categories, there is something for everyone: Routine, The Process, Style, Inspiration, Improving Your Craft, Business, Habits You Don't Want to Have, Advice From Writers, and Habits of Famous Writers.

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Interview with Lillian Brummet - Part III



Welcome, Lillian Brummet, to Reviews and Interviews. It's a pleasure to chat with you once again. [This interview is broken into three segments over three months, and this is the 3rd of 3. Part 1 is here, Part II is here.]


Now we’ll focus a bit on your published writing, particularly your third book.

Please tell us about Purple Snowflake Marketing - How To Make Your Book Stand Out In A Crowd

What inspired you to write this book?
Actually, Purple Snowflake Marketing really is our own personal marketing plan. It is what we use to query or promote each piece we write, whether it is an article, poem, story or a book. The basic plan is the same – who you query changes and how long you market the piece changes… but the basically the same steps are taken along the way.

I found that after years of being referred to as the “pink bunny” because our marketing keeps going and going (you know, like the battery-bunny you see on commercials?) and also as the “marketing gal” or a “guru” on forums, I was being inundated with people wanting to know information about the world of writing. Often I was repeating the same answers over and over, so Dave and I then decided to put an e-book together with our own experience in this career for 10 years or more and resources we’ve continued to use in a step-by-step guide format.

Did you enjoy the research process? What did it entail?
The hardest research chore was researching our competition. I bought, borrowed and begged every writer’s advice book I could find from friends, family, libraries, stores and courses that we took over the years and found that many of them had gaps, just briefly described a step but didn’t cover the whole issue and the various ways it could be applied, or the subject matter was scattered all over the book instead of being in a neat chapter all together. With this in mind we knew we could make a much more user-friendly guide in e-book format for today’s writers, who are online a great deal of the time.

What was the hardest part of writing the book?
The organization and especially the appendices took a great deal of time and effort, as such I would have to say that this would be the hardest for me in retrospect – keeping in mind that patience is not my strongest suit. (She laughs).

Did you learn anything from writing your book? If so, what was it?
Purple Snowflake Marketing, both the 1st and 2nd editions, were our first experiences in the world of e-books as writers, as such it meant a whole new realm of research in how to market this genre and following up on all the amazing online resources there are for e-book authors.

After the completely revised edition of Purple Snowflake Marketing was released in the summer of 2009, we embarked on putting all our books in this format to reach this niche market of readers. We are now developing an online bookstore for our website where people can purchase the e-books we’ve written directly from our site. We are also setting up affiliate programs for those who’d like to sell our books on their site, or through their publication and receive a little kick-back each time someone purchases our work through them.

If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in this book?
That is an interesting question and brings me to one of the greatest assets of an e-book… it can be updated, revised or edited anytime! As such we intend to update Purple Snowflake Marketing as often as once every 12 to 18 months, with rich new content, new resources and tips that we have learned ourselves.


And now for a few fun questions.

What have you read for fun lately?
You really had me thinking about this question since I’ve just not had a chance to delve into a book in the last week or so. Normally, you don’t see me without a book – I’m not kidding! I’d be holding one while stirring the soup, watering the plants, eating… (she laughs).

Let’s see, the last book I read for fun, that didn’t have anything to do with work or setting up for a guest that I’ll be interviewing or something like that, was Prayer of the Dragon by Eliot Pattison, one of the “keepers” on our bookshelf. I’ve read this one a few times. It’s an interesting adventure involving Tibetan and Chinese traditions during a deadly period of political upheaval when the government was doing their best to eradicate certain religious groups. There is a mysterious murder that involves gold, greed and a desperate attempt to keep a tribal village from being ruined by outside intervention. A traveling Navajo American Indian monk was near the scene of the murder and in his trance was arrested and taken to the village. Two monks who are on the run from prosecution are charged with the solemn duty of solving the murder and help the villagers at the same time.

Besides writing, what do you do for fun? What are you hobbies?
My greatest joys in life happen in nature, or when I’m spending time with our dogs. I have a passion for music, lyrics and poetry and I enjoy spending the occasional hour or two pouring over a difficult Suduko or Logic puzzle. Dave and I love to garden and he is really an exceptional cook – whereas I prefer to bake.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
Having way too many screens open on my computer at any one time! This habit can often be helpful when I’m dealing with several programs such as e-mail, ical, and excel while communicating with a radio guest for instance. However, it can also be distracting since I’m notified when an e-mail arrives (which on a busy day is every few minutes) and I can get frustrated if I can’t find a screen buried under the others fast enough.

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
Sadly, I didn’t really believe I would grow up. Even when I was a teenager and young adult I always believed I would die young. I guess it came from the upbringing I had, the chronic nightmares and the lack of hope for the future as a child. Looking back though, a memory arises of my dream to pursue a career in biology – I loved biology courses and really felt this was my calling. At the time, however I made the choice to stay and pursue the relationship with Dave – which I do not regret doing.

Yet I have always found comfort with the pen and when I search my vault of memories I can see many instances that point to a career with words. My earliest memories involve elementary classes where I was awarded several times for my writing. Once I remember being shocked that my story could make a teacher cry – it was a bit scary and I stopped writing for a while. The story? I remember clearly – it was about an elderly woman who wore bright gaudy clothing and thick orange lipstick and walked every day about town. I wrote about how meticulous she was in choosing each item that day and how it helped fill the gaping hole of depression and loneliness inside her and helped brighten her day – at least visually. I wrote that story before I was 7 years old, and although I do not have a copy of it – the teacher’s response must have shocked the memory permanently into my mind (she laughs).


And to wrap up…

Would you like to share a little about your blog with the audience?
Sure, I’d love to – Thank you. Well, the Brummet's Conscious Discussions Blog – is where you will find environmentally-conscious tips for every-day living, quote of the day and many resources for green living. You will also find interesting views into the world of writing, literacy, updates on the Conscious Discussions and Authors Read radio shows, prize contests and more.

Would you like to give a little information about your radio shows?
Ok – Conscious Discussions Talk Radio began back in 2007 on the Blogtalk Radio Station – which is now the #1 online talk radio station in the world. Conscious Discussions has now grown to air several times a week – on Tuesday and Thursdays I interview interesting individuals from around the globe who have found a way to make a positive difference. Every other Sunday offers Positive Eco-news Segments and in the growing season (April-September) I also offer a special episode called Sunday Gardening, where I talk about sustainable, organic gardening using bio-intensive, inter-cropping methods and open-pollinated crops. Listeners may hear me speaking about pollination issues one day and then tune in to hear me discuss growing a particular plant variety or giving composting advice the next time. It varies with each show.

Do you have a website where writers can learn more about you and your writing?
Yes, it is: www.brummet.ca - this site has links to everything we do, excerpts from all of our books that you can access for free to see if it appeals to you or not… you’ll find articles, resource links and much more there.

People can easily contact us via that same website address – just click on the “contact” link and follow the instructions on how to email us from there. Its really very easy and we love to hear from people.

Thank you for your time in answering my questions over this three part interview.
It has been a sincere pleasure, thank you for inviting me to be a part of this wonderful project!

Monday, March 8, 2010

Live Chat/Interview with Franz Wisner 3/14/10



The Writer's Chatroom presents Franz Wisner.

WHEN?

Sunday, March 14, 2010

Eastern USA Time.....7-9 PM

Not sure what time that is wherever in the world you are? http://www.worldtimeserver.com

WHERE?

The Writers Chatroom at: http://www.writerschatroom.com/Enter.htm

Scroll down to the Java box. It may take a moment to load. Type in the name you wish to be known by, and click Login. No password needed.

Please note: The chatroom is only open for regularly scheduled chats.

Sunday, March 7, 2010

Review of Love Each Day by Gail Bernice Holland


Genre: Inspiration & Personal Growth
Title: Love Each Day
Author: Gail Bernice Holland

Have you ever thought about living a day in such a way that you would want to live it again? Love Each Day is a beautiful reminder that joy and happiness can be found, maybe not every day, but on most days, if we just look for it.

Love Each Day is a compilation of forty distinct and individual stories of people from different walks of life. Each short essay focuses on a particular day in someone’s life that stands out as a day they would like to live again. Whether it was a life-altering event that made the day memorable, or something small and simple like a smile or a handshake when least expected, it is an event the individual treasures.

Author Gail Bernice Holland spent time talking with people as she traveled. She wanted to know what it would take to “Live each day so you would want to live it again.” Her compilation of stories shows there isn’t any one particular universal thing; it is as unique as an individual. She varies the stories in first and third person and it works well.

Gail is an author and award-winning journalist who has worked on newspapers and magazines in Britain and the United States. Holland is known for her books and articles that explore new ways of thinking and acting. She has authored other books including, Forget-Me-Not: A Memoir of Anne Bashkiroff’s Alzheimer’s Crusade.

The variety of the stories in the book make the compilation uplifting and inspiring for just about anyone. Love Each Day is a recommended read. Reviewer: Lisa Haselton, Allbooks Reviews.

Publisher: Modern History Press
ISBN: 978-1-932690-79-8
Pages: 124
Price: $16.95

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Interview with poet and author Floriana Hall



Floriana, welcome to Reviews and Interviews. It's a pleasure to have you stop by. I'd like to introduce you to my readers with a few questions.

When did you realize you wanted to be a writer?
I was inspired at the age of 68 in church as a poem literally popped into my head while the pastor was speaking. I had written some poems and stories earlier but never entered them anywhere. This time, I entered the poem LOVE NEVER DIES in the National Library of Poetry and won the Editor's Choice Award. That started the whole writing process.

What do you enjoy about each type of writing: poetry, short stories, and nonfiction books?
I have always loved poetry since I listened to nursery rhymes read to me by my mother. My favorite is rhyme, which is fun for the tongue. I write all types of poetry, though, and teach it. I founded and coordinate The Poet's Nook which is a group of twenty local poets who meet once a month at the Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, library. It is the only group like it in the Akron area. I have edited and published four books of poetry for them. The Poet's Nook is a nonprofit organization who has a charitable mission each year and holds an annual Children's Poetry Contest in April.

Short stories are easy to write. I have a book of inspirational short stories that have a subtle message as do all my short stories published online. The purpose is to help people realize positive morals and/or to laugh. Laughter is the best medicine, for sure.

When writing nonfiction books, I tend to write about actual happenings in my life or others I am close to. I do not think I would want to write a novel because I write about things I know and believe that truth is stranger than fiction. A book takes at least a year to write and at 82, I have one more in mind but have not started writing it as yet. I am currently waiting for a young children's book to be published titled SIMPLE PLEASURES.

My daughter who is a fifth grade teacher, asked me to write my first book, SMALL CHANGE, revised later to THE ADVENTURES OF FLOSSIE, ROBBIE, AND JUNEY During The Great Depression. She was looking for a book that contained history, prices, and an exciting story. She and other teachers read it to their classes and the students write letters to me telling me that they learned to appreciate what they have after hearing it. It is in many libraries of schools in my area.

What type of research was involved in writing FRANCIS, NOT THE SAINT, and how long did it take to write?
I checked history books, but I remembered most of it myself. It took a year to write.

Would you change anything in FRANCIS, NOT THE SAINT?
No, but perhaps I should have included more poetry and short stories in SELECT SANDS OF RHYME AND REASON.

Do you have a day job?
Yes, I take care of my husband who had a stroke last year but has recovered nicely. His slight dementia is not as bad as it was before the stroke and he is now able to take the trash out and actually cleared the walk yesterday of snow. He is 88 and I do most of the work and all the driving now. It is a relief that he is doing better, but no matter what, I always find time to write.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
My writing quirk is that I tend to do my own thing when it comes to writing poems. Sometimes I use different combinations of style.

Besides writing, what do you do for fun? What are you hobbies?
I love being with my great-grandaughters and my children and all my family. We celebrate birthdays and there are many. Wholesome movies are entertaining. I go to water exercise at least three times a week at the Cuyahoga Falls Natatorium. I used to love to sew, but cannot thread the needle now. I used to love to hike, but cannot walk far now. And last, but not least, I love to read, especially biographies. Teaching poetry is fun, too.

Can you tell us a bit about your next project?
My next exciting project will be another book POEMS OF BEAUTIFUL OHIO by The Poet's Nook. Judging the Children's Poetry Contest is enlightening and brings a lot of laughs. One of my (The Poet's Nook) books TOUCHING THE HEARTS OF GENERATIONS is compiled with winning poems of children.

Do you have a website where writers can learn more about you and your writing?
My websites are: www.alongstoryshort.net/FlorianaHall.html
www.LSSWritingSchool.com
www.BooksofExcellence.com/hall.html

Monday, March 1, 2010

Live Chat/Interview with Stephen D. Rogers 3/7/10



The Writer's Chatroom presents short story author Stephen Rogers.

WHEN?

Sunday, March 7, 2010

Eastern USA Time.....7-9 PM

Not sure what time that is wherever in the world you are? http://www.worldtimeserver.com

WHERE?

The Writers Chatroom at: http://www.writerschatroom.com/Enter.htm

Scroll down to the Java box. It may take a moment to load. Type in the name you wish to be known by, and click Login. No password needed.

Please note: The chatroom is only open for regularly scheduled chats.