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& giveaway contest!
Loving the Missing Link is a fabulous tale about love, success, hope and music. During the 1970s, Young Cheryl Simpson feels trapped in her small Missouri town. As her mother tries to help her find a way up and out, Cheryl begins to feel that it is all an impossible dream. She sees herself living a boring and dismal life for the rest of her days. Just at the moment when she is about to give up on happiness, she gets the opportunity to join her high school band. The band promises a connection with the world outside her town, but Cheryl does not see any future for herself in music. It is just a tool to get where she wants to go. However, Cheryl’s mother arranges for Cheryl to take private lessons with an accomplished musician, who helps her realize the beauty and awesome power of music.
Still, Cheryl feels that small-town inferiority and finds it too hard to believe that she could ever be anyone special out in the “real” world. On the eve of a music contest that could help her earn a music scholarship, Cheryl begins to panic. Scared and feeling alone, Cheryl runs off with her high school sweetheart and gets married, leaving the band behind.
During the next years, Cheryl and her husband make a life for themselves. Cheryl meets friends along the way who help guide her to becoming the woman she wants to be. She becomes interested in the arts again. All the while, Cheryl and husband Jerry face the challenges of homelessness, miscarriage and an extra-marital affair before an unexpected disaster brings Cheryl’s life crashing to the ground. Cheryl survives, with the help of her extraordinary friends and her life-long love for music.
Paperback: 190 Pages
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing (August 6, 2013)
ISBN-10: 1480106240
Twitter hashtag: #LMLThomas
Loving the Missing Link is available as a print and e-book at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and IndieBound.
Book Giveaway Contest:To win a copy of
Loving the Missing Link, please enter using the Rafflecopter form at the bottom of this post. The giveaway contest closes this Friday, September 13th at 12:00 AM EST. We will announce the winner the same day in the Rafflecopter widget. Good luck!
About the Author:Julia Asel Thomas writes stories with vivid descriptions, authentic dialogue and revealing narration. Her debut book, Loving the Missing Link, presents the engrossing and moving story of a young, small town girl who grows up, lives and loves while trying to find a balance between despair and hope.
Like the protagonist in her debut novel,
Loving the Missing Link, Julia Asel Thomas knows small town life. However, Julia’s experiences were quite different than Cheryl’s. Julia is the middle child of seven children and the daughter of a church organist and a business manager. Growing up in the small town of Hamilton, Missouri, Julia’s family enjoyed a reputation as a bright and interesting family. Julia thrived on the quiet and carefree life she lived in that gentle place.
When Julia was in high school, she earned a scholarship for a trip to Cali, Colombia as a foreign exchange student. The experience, although it only lasted a few brief months, had a profound influence on the rest of her life. After her time abroad, Julia realized in a very real way that, although customs may differ from culture to culture, the substance of human emotions is constant. We all need love. We all need to feel secure. We all have happy moments and sad moments. Back from Colombia, Julia become ever more interested in capturing these human emotions through music and writing.
After high school, Julia took a break before going on to college. During this time, she married her husband, Will. Will joined the Air Force, and Julia accompanied him to bases around the country, taking college classes in each town where they resided. Their two children were born in Las Vegas, Nevada, while Will was stationed at Nellis Air Force Base. Married in 1976, Julia and Will are thrilled to celebrate each new anniversary and look forward to staying together for life.
Julia began writing fiction at the age of ten, when her 5th grade teacher gave her the assignment to write about “My Worst Day.” Julia took the opportunity to concoct every possible disaster a young child could face during the course of a normal day. The teacher loved her work and asked her to read it to the class. From then on, Julia wanted nothing more than to be a writer.
In 2007, Julia began earning her living by writing articles, press releases and website content for a number of clients. As she settled into a routine of working every day on her writing, the old urge to write fiction resurfaced. In 2012, Julia started with a story she had written in 1985 and continued it to create the story in Loving the Missing Link.
After Julia’s husband, Will retired from the Air Force, they moved back to Missouri and now live in Kansas City, Missouri. Find out more about this author by visiting her online:
Author blog:
http://lovingthemissinglink.com/Goodreads:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7171277.Julia_Asel_ThomasFacebook:
http://www.facebook.com/JuliaAselThomasTwitter:
http://twitter.com/juliasselthom-----Interview by Crystal J. Otto WOW: Julia, I loved the little book store Sid’s Shelves in Loving the Missing Link, is that mirrored after a particular shop and did you really work at a quaint little book store?Julia: No, the store was just a conglomeration of images and experiences I’ve had in similar bookstores around the Kansas City area. A book store called “Rainy Day Books” comes to mind when I think of a relaxed place to buy high-quality books, but Sid’s Shelves is it own unique entity. As I was writing, I came to enjoy the parts that took place in that fictional store. It just felt like home. I have never worked in a bookstore, but I did work in a library for a short time years ago. I loved handling the books and choosing the ones I wanted to read as they came through the back room, which is an element I included in the story.
WOW: I can picture you really enjoying a bookstore like that; glad you made it part of the story. At the beginning of Loving the Missing Link, your depiction of bassoon lessons and the instrument itself is very detailed. Are you a bassoon player and can you tell us more about the importance of music in your writing career and life?Julia: I did play bassoon when I was in school. Unfortunately, I didn’t own the instrument. My parents had planned to buy me a bassoon if I had chosen to major in music, but I decided on English instead. I did take lessons from an accomplished bassoon player, but unlike in the story, he didn’t have to convince me to love the bassoon—I already did. Music has always been a passion of mine. Of course, nearly everyone on the planet enjoys some kind of music at one time or another. For me, music has been a constant companion. However, I am not able to play music as I once did. I have developed a strong tremor in my hands—enough so that I can’t play the piano anymore. I sold mine to my son Damon last summer. In fact, Damon was my inspiration for having Cheryl learn the guitar. He often comes over to my house, carrying his guitar, and when he does, I know I am in for a treat. I don’t plan on writing another story that is so heavily dependent on music, but who knows? It is an important part of my life.
WOW: Music seems to as important in your life as in your story, I have a feeling there will be more musical stories in your future. That was one of the things I really enjoyed about Loving the Missing Link!I struggled with the insecurities of young Cheryl; she seemed to lack self-confidence and direction; is that how you felt as a young girl? What can you credit for pushing you forward as the independent woman you are today? Julia: I started out being very independent. I only began to have trouble around 1985, when I was a 20-something student at Wichita State University. I had suffered a major crisis of confidence and was feeling very lost and insecure. The professors and other students were wonderful and tried to encourage me. I felt they expected too much of me, and I felt inadequate to live up to expectations. Not coincidentally, this was the time when I wrote the first two chapters of
Loving the Missing Link. When I went back to it to make it into a novel, I tried to recapture those feelings in order to maintain some semblance of consistency throughout the book.
After leaving WSU, I floundered for a long time, not feeling strong enough or good enough to do anything productive. Then, one day, my daughter offered to set me up with her copywriting client so I would have something to occupy my time. In less than a month, I had transitioned from doing nothing to writing 12 to 14 hours a day, 7 days a week. The pay was abysmally low, but over the years it has increased tremendously. What is important is that the copywriting helped me develop a strong discipline for writing. It also made me realize that I could indeed do something worthwhile that could be valued by others. My life has never been the same. My independence, then, was a direct result of hard work and the increased self-confidence I gained while copywriting.
WOW: I’m glad you found the encouragement you need—no one wants to feel lost and insecure. It’s nice to have friends in your corner when it comes to self-publishing. Was there one person in particular who was really the driving force behind your publishing Loving the Missing Link? Julia: I felt a strong sense of urgency to get this book in print. After all, I wrote the first two chapters in 1985, and my greatest dream for all these years since was to complete the novel and publish it. Now that it is done, I feel more patient. I am considering other avenues for publishing my current novel, a work in progress.
WOW: You certainly are patient. I'm glad you didn't wait any longer and that you kept pushing for your dream of publishing. More and more people are opting for self-publishing, so you are not alone in your decision. What is your favorite book? What is it about that book that you love so much?Julia: My favorite book changes yearly. Right now, my favorite book is Thomas Mann’s
The Magic Mountain. It is actually a translation from the original German text, but the translation is so spot-on that it is a joy to read. Plus, Mann is such a master of description and characterization that it energizes me in my own writing.
WOW: Being energized and feeling supportive can make all the difference when taking on any challenge. Speaking of which, has your community been supportive with your writing goals? Julia: I was invited to join the Kansas City Writers Group a few years ago. The problem was that I am not much of a driver and didn’t have any way to get there. Now that my husband is retired, he has offered to drive me any time I want to go. He is so sweet that way. So, I intend to get involved with them as soon as possible.
WOW: Sounds like your husband really is your number one fan; that’s so sweet!
When did you first consider yourself an author? Julia: That is an interesting question, Crystal. In fact, one day in the last month, I looked at a friend of mine and said, “You know what? I’m a writer. I’m really a writer!” He smiled and said, “Of course you’re a writer. You’ve been making your living writing for years now.” I told him, “Yeah, I know I write. What I just realized is that it is what I am.” I suddenly shifted from the attitude that writing was something I did to the realization that a writer was who I was. It was a life-changing moment.
WOW: I’ve heard that same sort of story from artist and musician friends as well. Giving ourselves those titles seems to really change our outlook. You’re definitely an author now Julia; congratulations!
Cheryl’s relationship with her mother was interesting, is that any indication of how you and your mother interact? What role has your mother played in publishing your first book? Julia: Actually, my relationship with my mother is so far from the one Cheryl has with her mother that they cannot even be compared adequately. My mother has always been a gentle presence in my life. I call her every Monday, and we sometimes talk for hours. Even when I was a teenager, I counted on my mom to help me put things into perspective. Cheryl’s relationship with her mom was really based on the relationship of a close family friend and her son. The mother saw the son as an extremely talented person, perhaps even a genius. The son is definitely bright, but he rebelled against his mother’s demands. He is living a peaceful life now, working in a restaurant and hoping to buy a boat so he can live on the water. He is a good friend. It is a shame that he didn’t accomplish more in the eyes of his mother, but he is very happy. And isn’t that the greatest accomplishment of all?
WOW: The happiness factor is definitely important and sometimes living up to our own expectations is more important than living up to the expectations of others. I glad your friend is happy and I hope is mother is happy as well in her own way.Any sneak peeks for us about what is in your future? Is there a sequel to Loving the Missing Link? Another project?Julia: I am so excited about my next project! I just resolved a structural problem that had me stumped for over a month. Now, the writing is flowing smoothly. The story is about these 5 people who are admitted into a psychiatric hospital. It is about how they interact with each other and how they respond to the help that is offered. Perhaps a more positive spin on “Cuckoo’s Nest.” I think it is an ambitious project; I hope to have the new book ready for edits in a few months.
WOW: I can’t imagine keeping it all straight and I can’t wait to read about the story—adding 5 different perspectives definitely is ambitious!
Anything you’d like to add that readers should know about you or Loving the Missing Link?Julia: The main thing I hope readers will get from the story is a new perspective on what success is, and to understand the difference between hope and fantasy a little bit better. And I hope to inspire people to live the best lives they are capable of living.
----------Blog Tour DatesMonday, September 9 (today!) @ The MuffinStop by for an interview and book giveaway!
http://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com/Wednesday September 11 @ CMash ReadsGet in on the giveaway for Loving the Missing Link and hear from Julia Asel Thomas with her guest post "Life Long Learning and Self-Education"
http://cmashlovestoread.com/Thursday, September 12 @ My Fiction NookGiveaway and guest post by Julia Asel Thomas today! She shares her debut work with Loving The Missing Link and speaks candidly offering insight in her guest post “Establishing a Writing Routine”.
http://www.myfictionnook.com/Friday, September 13 @ Steph the BookwormDon't miss your chance to win a copy of
Loving the Missing Link and hear what Stephanie has to say after reading this first published work by Julia Asel Thomas.
http://www.stephthebookworm.com/Monday, September 16 @ All Things AudryGet in on the giveaway of Loving the Missing Link and enjoy a guest post by author, Julia Asel Thomas with the fun topic of “Life Experiences in Fiction”
http://allthingsaudry.blogspot.com/Wednesday, September 18 @ Selling BooksDon't miss today's author interview with Julia Asel Thomas and find out more about her debut book
Loving the Missing Link!
http://www.sellingbooks.com/Tuesday, September 17 @ Create Write NowJulia Asel Thomas writes about "Therapeutic Journaling" in her blog stop at Create Write Now - also happening at this stop is a giveaway of Julia's first published works
Loving the Missing Link. Don't miss this stop!
http://www.createwritenow.com/Thursday, September 19 @ Thoughts in ProgressToday is your day to hear what Julia Asel Thomas has to say in her guest post about "Journal Writing to Enhance Your Fiction" and an added bonus - get in on the giveaway of Julia's new book Loving the Missing Link (#LMLThomas)!
http://masoncanyon.blogspot.com/Friday, September 20 @ The Book BagThe Spotlight at the Book Bag is none other than Julia Asel Thomas and her New Adult Novel,
Loving the Missing Link (#LMLThomas); check out this great blog stop and get in on the givewaway!
http://susan-thebookbag.blogspot.com/Monday, September 23@ Bring on LemonsGiveaway and guest blog stop for Julia Asel Thomas, author of
Loving the Missing Link - Julia visits the lemons to lemonade blog and shares her wish for music education titled: "Channeling the Spirit of Professor Harold Hill". Don't miss this stop and giveaway opportunity!
http://bringonlemons.blogspot.com/Tuesday, September 24 @ Words from the HeartJoin author, Julia Asel Thomas as she discusses "The Pros and Cons of Teen Marriage" and offers a giveaway and some insight into Loving the Missing Link. Find out more about Julia and her first published book!
http://contemplativeed.blogspot.comWednesday, September 25 @ Words by WebbHear from Jodi Webb as she reviews Loving the Missing Link by Julia Asel Thomas - don't miss this great giveaway and insight!
http://jodiwebb.com/Thursday, September 26 @ I’d So Rather Be ReadingJoin Julia Asel Thomas, Author of Loving the Missing Link as she blogs about "Choosing Your Words Carefully: a guide to finding the best verbs for your purpose" and don't miss this giveaway of her newly published work!
http://www.idsoratherbereading.com/Tuesday, October 1 @ Mom-E-CentricJulia Asel Thomas, Author of Loving the Missing Link offers a giveaway opportunity and shares her insight on “Finding Realistic Hope” this is something we can all benefit from; don’t miss this tour stop!
http://momecentric.com/To view all our touring authors, check out our
Events Calendar. Keep up with blog stops and giveaways in real time by following us on Twitter
@WOWBlogTour.
Get Involved! If you have a website or blog and would like to host one of our touring authors or schedule a tour of your own, please email us at
[email protected].
Book Giveaway Contest: Enter to win a copy of
Loving the Missing Link Just fill out the Rafflecopter form below. We will announce the winner in the Rafflecopter widget THIS Friday, September 13th.
a Rafflecopter giveawayGood luck!
& giveaway contest!How long could you have faith? Believe in the impossible? Rely on the strength of the smallest person you have ever met? In the memoir
The Summer Called Angel, Sola Olu tells of her family’s refusal to accept the possibility that their premature daughter would not defeat the odds.
The Summer Called Angel is a memoir about survival: survival of a premature baby, survival of a brand new family, survival of love, and survival of faith. This memoir is both frightening and inspiring. You’ll find yourself cheering on this family fighting for the life they dreamed of and wondering where they find their strength. This book also includes a few welcome additions such as poems and resources for other families of premature infants.
Paperback: 192 pages
Publisher: Create Space (November 7, 2012)
ISBN-10: 1460932676
ISBN-13: 978-1460932674
Twitter hashtag: #SummerCalledAngel
The Summer Called Angel: A Story of Hope on the Journey through Prematurity, is available as a print and e-book at
Amazon.com, as well as your local independent bookstore.
Book Giveaway Contest: To win a copy of
The Summer Called Angel, please enter using the Rafflecopter form at the bottom of this post. The giveaway contest
closes this Friday, January 25 at 12:00 AM EST. We will announce the winner the same day in the Rafflecopter widget. Good luck!
About the Author:
Sola Olu was born and raised in Nigeria. As a child, she loved making up stories and as soon as she could write she started putting them down on paper. She holds degrees in English and Information Systems, Sola works in the retail industry and volunteers as a counselor to mothers of premature babies. Her writings include essays, poetry and children's stories. She loves to cook, travel and attend the theater. She lives in Illinois with her husband and two children.
Find out more about the author by visiting her online:
Sola's author website:
http://www.solaolu.com/ Sola's blog:
http://www.solaolu.com/Blog.htmlFacebook:
http://www.facebook.com/TheSummerCalledAngel------Interview by Jodi WebbWOW: What type of writing had you done before you began work on The Summer Called Angel?Sola: Just a lot of half projects on my computer, essays, unpublished romance manuscripts, children's stories, and a blog that I abandoned but have this year restarted:
http://solamusings.blogspot.com/.
The Summer Called Angel took me eight years to write because I was working, had two kids and took time to take care of myself.
WOW: It's good you took time to take care of yourself! It's something all of us need to do. So, do you have any memoir writers you enjoy?Sola: I like Sue Silverman and enjoyed her guide to memoir writing,
Fearless Confessions: A Writer's Guide to Memoir, as I edited mine.
WOW: We love Sue William Silverman! She actually did a blog tour with WOW for Fearless Confessions. It's such a great guide, and I'm so glad you used it for your book! How did The Summer Called Angel come into being? Did it begin as something written during your experience of dealing with your daughter's premature birth as a personal exercise . . . a journal, letters, a blog? Or was it something you wrote after the fact, looking back on your experiences?Sola: A little bit of both. It began as a journal. During my daughter's hospital stay, it began as a "mummy was here today . . ." kind of journal entry, just to have something to remember that time; but as her hospital stay became longer, it became more difficult and I actually stopped for a long time until she came home. Of course, with her home and with all then therapies, I again stopped for a while, then wrote from recollection; and then I had my second child, and I'm like now the story takes a different turn. Eventually, I requested her medical notes to ensure that I had the right sequence of events and to add to how I felt as well as validate the medical issues we had to deal with.
WOW: I found your book incredibly emotional, as it brought back some of my own experiences with premature labor. Was it difficult reliving your family's experiences? Sola: Oh sorry to hear about that. It was difficult. And it's funny you bring that up because I had a family member tell me to "move on." For a long time I was very emotional, even though she was fine; I would remember some painful episodes and tear up, but writing helped me through. I guess that was why there were so many stops—you have to be ready to write about what you went through, and then the healing comes with that. Ultimately, the story ends well. I decided to put everything out there because when I was going through those emotions of dealing with a sick child, I wondered if those feelings were valid or maybe I was just weak. But in speaking to other parents through the volunteer program I joined after my daughter came home, I realized other parents have those feelings too; and by putting it out there, I'm saying, "It's OK to cry. It's OK to heal in your own way."
And I also say I am in no way diminishing the fact that there are so many stories out there that don't have a happy ending and I can't imagine how people cope when they have to deal with that.
WOW: What made you decide to publish your experiences as a book?Sola: It's funny—I have always dreamt of being an author. I wrote two young adult romance novels when I was a teenager. When my premature birth happened, I didn't think,
Oh here's a book . . ., even though I started journaling. The first time I thought about it becoming a book was when we were coming home from hospital one day and I told my husband that we had missed summer—we didn't have a summer—and he replied that yes we did, we had a summer called Angel. My inner writer had flipped up and I thought,
Hmmm that sounds like the title of a book, but at that time I didn't know what the ending would be.
So my dream of becoming an author came through with my memoir, and that has now given me the inspiration to dig up my old manuscripts and revamp.
WOW: That's a great story about your title. Can you tell us a bit about your path to publication? Did you look for an agent or traditional publisher or did you feel that self-publishing was the best choice for you?Sola: I went for a writers conference in 2010 at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. It was my first, and I plan to go again this year. While there, I learned so many things about the publishing industry and writing in general. Even though I "pitched" to agents and they seemed interested, I guess I felt overwhelmed by the whole traditional publishing route, and just came back, looked around, and selected self-publishing. I just felt I had written for 6 years at that point and I was ready. It would take another 2 years from that point though—to eventually revise, edit, and get the memoir published.
Would I choose that route again? I'm not sure—I hope not. I hope I'm able to find a publisher for my next work.
WOW: From your experience, what are the advantages (or disadvantages) of self-publishing?Sola: The advantages of self-publishing are that you're in control of your own pace, you set your time frame and commit to it; you have editorial control of what goes in your publication; and if you have a more flexible contract, you can publish almost anywhere, especially the e-book format.
The disadvantages—especially if you're a novice like me—are that you sometimes don't have a clue what you're getting into. I learned the hard lesson that salesmen are all the same, and will sell to you to make a commission, so choose your packages very carefully. Almost every correction I made, I had to pay a fee, and it took 7-10 business days.
You also do all your own marketing. Most book stores will not carry print on demand, so you ultimately have to get your own ISBN if you want your book in stores.
WOW: What are you working on now?Sola: A children's book for now and then back to my young adult manuscripts. I am very excited. Thank you.
WOW: Thank you, Sola, for chatting with us today! I admire you for putting yourself out there with The Summer Called Angel, and I look forward to your future projects.----------Blog Tour DatesMonday, January 21 @ The MuffinStop by for an interview and book giveaway!
http://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com/Tuesday, January 22 @ The Book CastHave you ever wondered what determination sounds like? Listen to an audio interview with Sola Olu, author of
The Summer Called Angel and you'll hear it in her voice.
http://www.thebookcast.com Wednesday, January 23 @ Thoughts in ProgressSola Olu, author of
The Summer Called Angel, stops by today with some thoughts about premature birth.
http://www.masoncanyon.blogspot.com Thursday, January 24 @ CMash Loves to ReadStop by for an introduction to Sola Olu, memoirist, about her family's struggle and triumph over prematurity.
http://www.cmashlovestoread.com Monday, January 28 @ Read These Books and Use Them!New mom Margo reviews
The Summer Called Angel, a memoir about the challenges a new mom faced.
http://margodill.com/blogThursday, January 31 @ Joanna CelesteCheck out a review of a heartwarming memoir:
The Summer Called Angel.
http://www.joannaceleste.com Monday, February 4@ GEO LibrarianStop by for a visit with Sola Olu, author of the memoir
The Summer Called Angel.
http://geolibrarian.blogspot.com Wednesday, February 6 @ Words by WebbDon't miss a review of a touching memoir of the survival of a brand new family:
The Summer Called Angel.
http://jodiwebb.com Friday, February 8 @ Capability MomDon't miss a guest post by Sola Olu on the healing power of writing.
http://capabilitymom.com Monday, February 11 @ Tiffany Talks BooksHave you been thinking about love lately? Learn what true love is when you read the review of
The Summer Called Angel by Sola Olu. Last chance to win a copy on the tour!
http://tiffanytalksbooks.com Thursday, February 14 @ Read it Here FirstDon't miss today's interview with Sola Olu, the author of the memoir
The Summer Called Angel.
http://fromtheauthors.wordpress.com To view all our touring authors, check out our
Events Calendar. Keep up with blog stops and giveaways in real time by following us on Twitter
@WOWBlogTour.
Get Involved!If you have a website or blog and would like to host one of our touring authors or schedule a tour of your own, please email us at
[email protected].
Book Giveaway Contest: Enter to win a copy of
The Summer Called Angel! Just fill out the Rafflecopter form below. We will announce the winner in the Rafflecopter widget this Friday, December 14.
a Rafflecopter giveawayGood luck!
& special e-book giveaway!
Sadly, I’ve spent my entire adult life letting other people choose my wine for me with a wave of my hand and an uninterested “Whatever.” Recently, a friend decided it was time for me to start acting like a grown-up and appreciate wine making as the true art it is. Slowly, I’m starting to recognize different types of wines and, instead of drinking whatever is placed before me, decide what I truly like.
If you’ve decided to expand your knowledge of wine, look no further than the beginner wine series by sommelier Sara Fasolino. Her book Cabernet Sauvignon: Beginners Guide is the perfect place to start. In addition to advice on choosing a good Cabernet Sauvignon, there is wine trivia and history, food pairings, and other tips for wine lovers. It’s a book everyone should have on their e-reader.
And, in the interest of making sure everyone has some wine knowledge on their virtual bookshelf, Sara and 101 Publishing are offering everyone a book. Yes, everyone! All you have to do is fill out the form on the Facebook App. You can choose Cabernet Sauvignon: Beginners Guide or one of 20 other wine books! Along with familiar types such as Champagne and Zinfandel there are a few I’ve never even heard of . . . Melon de Bourgogne, Nebbiolo, Tempranillo and more! The giveaway contest closes on the last day of the tour Wednesday, September 7 at 11:59 PM, PST. Don’t let your friends miss out. Tweet about this great giveaway using our hashtag #Wine101CabSauv.
E-Book: 22 pages
Publisher: 101 Publishing (July 1, 2012)
Genre: Nonfiction
ASIN: B008GWI5T2
Twitter Hashtag: #Wine101CabSauv
Cabernet Sauvignon: Beginners Guide is available in e-format at Amazon.
About the Author:
Sara Fasolino is the Beverage Systems Manager at Morton's The Steakhouse and is recognized in the industry as a Certified Sommelier by the Court of Master Sommeliers, as a Certified Specialist of Wine by the Society of Wine Educators and as an Advanced Mixologist. Fasolino's role with Morton's includes overseeing the restaurant's beverage inventory for all its locations, serving as the restaurant's liaison with the Court of Master Sommeliers and managing all educational and training materials related to the restaurant's wines, liquors and beers. Fasolino's experience in the restaurant industry dates back to her college years in Ohio, where she was a server in a restaurant. Upon graduation from Marietta College with a bachelor's degree in psychology, she worked with a beverage marketer and distributor in Ohio before relocating to Chicago in 2005. Originally from Buffalo, N.Y., Fasolino has been with Morton's The Steakhouse since 2007, working in its global headquarters.
Find the author on Twitter: @SommelierSara
---------Interview by Jodi Webb
WOW: Sara, when I read that you were a "Certified Sommelier by the Court of Master Sommeliers" my imagination ran wild. I could picture you being "knighted" by some sort of Wine King. But seriously, tell us how you became a sommelier. What's an average day like for a sommelier?
Sara: Well actually, it was a bit like getting knighted by a wine king! Let me explain. First, I decided to go about this course at the suggestion of my former boss and mentor while working as the Corporate Beverage Manager for Morton’s The Steakhouse. I have been in the restaurant/beverage industry since college and he felt that it would give all of that hard work some added credibility. After panicking a little, I finally agreed to the challenge.
Becoming a Sommelier is a difficult task. Within the Court of Master Sommeliers there is a four tiered structure that leads to the eventual goal of becoming a Master Sommelier. Keep in mind there are only about 100 Master Somms in the US. So the first exam is called the Intro Exam. This is a written exam that focuses on regions, grape varieties . . . things like that. Upon passing this exam a person may call themselves a Sommelier, but they are technically not “certified.”
The second exam is the Certified. It is about a hundred times more difficult than the Intro Exam and consists of a written exam as well as a service practical where you have to properly serve a Master Sommelier still or sparkling wine while they fire questions at you about regions, styles, vintages, food pairing, cocktails, beers, cigars and things like that. If you get through that without shaking so badly you spill wine everywhere, and you have passed the written exam, you can call yourself a Certified Sommelier.
Once this task is achieved, you can apply to take the Advanced Exam. If your application is accepted, you are subject to almost certain death. Your life stops and all you do is study and taste and practice. The exam is a week long affair. It begins with a practical exam that is a thousand times more difficult than the Certified. After that, you move to a service practical that is three parts: Decanting, Champagne Service, and food pairing/spirit identification. Again, at each of these three tables, the Master Somms are firing questions at you about everything under the sun. The third part of this exam is the blind tasting where using a deductive process you have to identify the grape variety, region and vintage of 6 wines–the caveat is you have to do it in about 12 minutes. If you make it through this (only about 4% of the people taking the exam pass) you may or may not get invited to take the Master Exam. Honestly I’m emotionally exhausted just thinking about this process! I have attempted the Advanced Exam and was not part of the 4% but I fully intend on going back and subjecting myself to more pain.
WOW: I may have to lie down after hearing about that! If that’s what the test is like, what's an average day like for a sommelier?
Sara: An average day for a Sommelier can vary vastly given your duties and job description. For me personally, I oversee the Beverage Programming for 822 Chili’s Locations and 44 Maggiano’s nationwide, so my duties fall in more of negotiations with suppliers to find the best products at the best price. For most Somms, however, working in the restaurants directly with the guests in service and sales is their main activity while others work in sales with wholesale distributors. One common thread we all share, though is that we have a passion for teaching about wines and spirits. Most Somms should be very down to earth and willing to help you understand things without making you feel embarrassed; that said, if you ever run into a snobby one you have my permission to call them out or completely ignore them. They are not doing their job correctly!
WOW: You're touring with Cabernet Sauvignon: Beginners Guide but you've written several books on several different wines. Do you have a favorite type of wine? If you were stranded on a deserted island with one bottle of wine, what would it be?
Sara: I really don’t have a favorite type; I like pretty much all of them. For me, winemaking is an art and I respect any artist who makes an attempt to put themselves out there to be judged—that’s scary and deserves respect. I typically choose wine in two ways: either by the food I am eating with it or by the weather. For example, on a hot summer day I would be more likely to choose Sauvignon Blanc than Merlot. If I were choosing Sauvignon Blanc regardless of whether or not I was pairing it with food I would then choose the style. Do I want fruity from New Zealand or flinty from the Loire? My mood and the food are typically the deciding factor on that.
So to answer your question about the Island—well, the food would likely be fish and the weather would be sunny and warm so . . . I would stick with a white wine—a nice white Grenache would be great or maybe a Riesling from Germany or a Torrontes from Argentina . . . so many choices, so little time!
WOW: Oh my, I’m still caught up in the fact that you described a wine as “flinty.” I can’t even begin to understand what that means! I must confess, I always let friends choose my wine for me. Why should we all know at least a bit about wine?
Sara: That’s a very good question . . . everyone should know a little about wine so that you can choose what you like rather than relying on someone else’s ratings, reviews or marketing. I often see people buying wine because someone else rated it highly and I think that is a dangerous thing in a way.
Think about it this way—how do you like your peanut butter and jelly? Do you like more peanut butter? More Jelly? Equal amounts? If you ask a group of people this question you will find many different answers. Our taste preference is strongly related to our upbringing and the things we were exposed to.
What I am saying is just because someone who happens to write reviews for a magazine likes something it doesn’t mean that they are right about their review or that you will or will not like something that they love or hate. Having a little knowledge can give you the confidence to make those decisions on your own and find what YOU like.
The other reason is that the wine industry is a for profit business like any other—sure, there is passion and love but at the end of the day it is a commodity like any other. A little knowledge can help you weigh out the good from the bad. For example, a passionate winemaker may make an incredible wine and charge—say $50 for it—while another perhaps not so scrupulous winemaker may try to make it seem like their wine is also worth $50 and it's really worth about $5. On the flip side of that, from a retail standpoint, a little knowledge can help you understand if the retail mark up is in line with where it should be. If you visit a few different stores you will notice that they pretty much (depending on the state laws) have different pricing on the same items. Knowledge is power!
WOW: I'm sure many people think of wine as a rich man's interest. Do you have to be wealthy to enjoy good wines? Can those of us smack in the middle of the middle class (who are worrying about our children’s looming college tuition bills) also find worthwhile wines to match our budget?
Sara: Indeed . . . YES! There are so many good wines out there that are budget friendly! The best advice I can give here is to take a deep breath and break away from the brands you know best. You’ll be amazed at the quality of the lesser known brand names. I recently did a side-by-side blind tasting of wines specifically geared towards budget friendly and was surprised by how good the lesser known brands tasted. Some I had never even heard of tasted much better than the big names!
WOW: And now a quick question for the next dinner party I'm invited to . . . is Cabernet Sauvignon a good wine to take as a gift when you're invited to someone's home? Is it versatile? Do most people like it?
Sara: Absolutely! Cabernet Sauvignon is still King among grapes. It is good to drink on its own and pairs well with rich foods like steak but its biggest strength is that it is positively brilliant with chocolate!
WOW: Wine and chocolate? You’ve convinced me!
--------- Blog Tour Dates
Wednesday, August 15 @ Books, Books, The Magical Fruit
Although Books, Books The Magical Fruit calls the land of wine (California) home, she's eager to learn more about Cabernet Sauvignon from wine expert and author Sara Fasolino.
http://booksbooksthemagicalfruit.blogspot.com
Friday, August 17 @ A Writer’s Life
Need the perfect wine for your next dinner party? Maybe sommelier Sara Fasolino can help you. Don't miss a review of her book Cabernet Sauvignon: Beginners Guide.
http://carolineclemmons.blogspot.com
Tuesday, August 21 @ CMash Loves to Read
Stop by for male and female points of view on a great wine book for beginners: Cabernet Sauvignon: Beginners Guide.
http://cmashlovestoread.com/
Wednesday, August 22 @ Thoughts in Progress
Come enjoy a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon with us and read the review of Sara Fasolino's Cabernet Sauvignon: Beginners Guide.
http://www.masoncanyon.blogspot.com/
Monday, August 27 @ Misadventures with Andi
Experiment with a new wine after reading Sara Fasolino's book about Cabernet Sauvignon.
http://www.misadventureswithandi.com
Wednesday, August 29 @ Donna's Book Pub
Want to know more about the world of wine? Stop by to learn about a wine series and receive a free e-book on the wine of your choice.
http://donnasbookpub.blogspot.com
Friday, August 31 @ Empty Nest
Last chance to read a review of Sara Fasolino's Cabernet Sauvignon: Beginners Guide and register for a free e-copy.
http://emptynest1.blogspot.com
Get Involved!
If you have a website or blog and would like to host one of our touring authors or schedule a tour of your own, please email us at [email protected].
There are 21 books to choose from!
----
& giveaway contest!Destiny Allison was living an all-too-common existence as a wife and mother who had lost her sense of self, and yet, she felt a stirring underneath. One frustrating evening she took up a handful of hobby clay and molded a figure. In this figure she recognized the chasm between the lives we bear and the lives we desire.
What lies beneath the personae we don each day? How do we uncover our masked face? Where can we find a reflection of our true self and the courage to exchange living for existence? Destiny Allison found her answers at the intersection of art and life.
Shaping Destiny: A Quest for Meaning in Art and Life isn’t just a book on transformation; it includes studies in form, structure, and vision. It isn’t just a book about art; in it the author candidly shares personal philosophies and life changes. This is a book with a holistic view of the mergence of art and life.
Destiny begins each chapter with an art lesson followed by her autobiographical narrative bringing us along as she discovers her passion for art, uncovers her abilities, and sculpts a new life.
Shaping Destiny has been compared to
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance and Destiny’s writing has been compared to that of Anne Lamott and Annie Dillard. If you are a creative or artistic person, if you enjoy memoirs, or if you are at a crossroads and need a bit of encouragement I highly recommend
Shaping Destiny: A Quest for Meaning in Art and Life. Shaping Destiny: A Quest for Meaning in Art and Life is available in print and for Kindle at Amazon.
Free Download Days! Download your copy of
Shaping Destiny for
Free today August 6 and on the following Saturdays: August 11, 18, & 25. Enter to win a print copy in the Rafflecopter form at the bottom of this post.
Enjoy the
book trailer of Destiny talking about her book below!
About the author
Destiny Allison is an artist, a business woman and an author. Her work is collected by public institutions and private individuals internationally. In addition to her numerous awards for excellence in art, she was also recently named Santa Fe Business Woman of the year for 2011. She works as an artist full time. She is also a managing partner in La Tienda at Eldorado—a commercial complex, community center, and arts center in Santa Fe, NM. She is represented in prominent galleries across the country and owns her own gallery, Destiny Allison Fine Art, located at La Tienda. Allison’s first love was writing. Her first poems were published while she was a child and she received numerous awards during adolescence. The story of how she became a visual artist is told in her book,
Shaping Destiny: A quest for meaning in art and life. While her focus over the last 20 years has been primarily on sculpture, Allison also paints on steel using acids and natural oxidation, and in acrylics. Allison currently resides in Santa Fe, NM.
Find the author online:
Website for Destiny’s Art:
http://www.destinyallison.com/Book Website/Blog:
http://www.shapingdestinythebook.com/------Interview by Robyn ChausseWOW: Your love of language goes back to your childhood; can you share a little on that? Destiny: I have always been an avid reader. I think I learned to read when I was three and have been literally devouring books ever since. When I was eight, I started writing poetry. I’m not sure what inspired me to do this but it brought me very close with my father. We spent countless hours together going over my poems and when I watched what happened when we replaced one word with another, or rearranged a line, I was enthralled. Later, in high school, I was fortunate to have Latin as a required class. I loved it. The origins of words, their roots and intended meanings opened up a whole new world for me. When I began to study Greek mythology, that awareness deepened and I was forever hooked. The stories of Narcissus, Pan, Eros, inspired my imagination. Language, or rather the written word, was my first love.
WOW: Tell us about your pre-sculpture writing life.Destiny: I was first published at nine. The local newspaper ran a youth section and regularly paid young authors for their poems, short stories and essays. I was one of their frequent contributors. After that first taste, I planned to be a writer. Through high school and into college, I pursued writing with a vengeance. Then, in my early twenties, I re-read a couple of my favorite books and realized I didn’t have an original thought in my head. I was just recycling what I had gleaned from them. I gave up any aspirations to write for a living and after that, I only wrote for myself.
WOW: When it came to discovering, or uncovering, yourself, what did sculpture give you that words could not?Destiny: Sculpture is so demanding physically that it is almost impossible for me to get lost in the wanderings of my mind or my emotions alone. It requires an intense focus not unlike the focus you develop when you are engaged in competitive sports. Somehow, the combination of physical and mental exertion is merged and it’s like I am in the “zone.” I am not thinking. I am just being. Mind, body, and spirit are working in unison and I am fully present in my creativity. What that really means is that I can’t talk myself into or out of anything when I’m working on a sculpture. It will demand its own from me and it has taught me how to be fully present in whatever media I happen to be using.
WOW: What prompted you to write Shaping Destiny?Destiny: Something called me to do it. I’m not sure if I can say with any certainty what that was. I think there were lots of things at play. I knew I was ready to look back and let go of some of the grief I was still carrying. I also wanted to understand how I got to where I did and really look at the impact of art on my life. There was also a very real desire to share what I had learned with others who find themselves trapped in lives that make them miserable. I wanted, through the book, to inspire them to break out, walk away, do what they have to do to be themselves and make a life of their choosing.
WOW: In your preface you state that several of the stories you shared later proved to be incorrect, yet it was those memories that shaped you. “Getting the story straight” can block a would-be memoirist; what advice would you offer her?Destiny: I wrote that in deference to my mother and other people in the book who remembered some things differently than I did. I think what is true is always a matter of perspective. For example, let’s say I am sitting on one side of a table and another person is sitting across from me. In the center of the table there is a large vase of flowers. From where I sit, I see three daisies, two roses, a sprig of green, and a purple iris. My companion, looking at the same vase, sees two daisies, three roses, and a sprig of green. We both agree we are looking at the same vase of flowers. Later, when we describe that bouquet to a friend, I might speak of the purple iris. My companion will not recall an iris. She might even swear that there were no irises in the vase and imply that my memory was faulty. The truth is we are both right. Our memories of the same thing are distinctly different. One memory is no more valid than another. For me, the purple iris may have stuck in my mind because it reminded me of the wild irises growing in the canyon where I grew up. As a memoirist, it is not my job to be a historian. It is my job to sort out what the memory means to me, how it informed my knowledge, and what part it played in my story.
WOW: Wonderfully stated! Shaping Destiny has a wide appeal—beyond those who might be considered “artists.” What are your thoughts on that?Destiny: I am thrilled by this. I had imagined that the book would primarily appeal to women artists. As it turns out, men and women, artists and non-artists love it. I think this might be because we all wrestle with the conflict between who we are supposed to be and who we actually are. The letters and comments I get are filled with appreciation for the inspirational aspects of the book. I think people who read the book realized that they can change their lives. They can be honest with themselves and those they love and that fundamentally they are also creative, passionate, amazing people whether they are artists or not.
WOW: I fell in love with the book by the end of the first chapter; Shaping Destiny is up on my “top five” list! The way you tell your story encourages readers to take an objective look at themselves and their lives. So often people are afraid to move forward—whether it is out of an unfulfilling relationship or into a new career or self-expression. What would you like to say to them?Destiny: Do one thing that makes you happy. Just one. Then see where it goes. We all get stuck and afraid from time to time and we think that we need to make a huge shift in our lives in order to be happy. I have found that baby steps usually take me where I need to go.
Just recently, I made a small change that has made a huge difference. Over the last year, I have been increasingly unhappy and have been feeling really guilty about it because I have nothing to be unhappy about. I love my husband. I have great kids. My sculptures and book are selling well. Things are great. So why do I feel like crying or raging so often?
In an off the cuff comment to my husband, I realized that I am miserable because my life is really noisy. Kids, dogs, telephones, video games, Television, on top of the noises of work—grinders, compressors, and business meetings—fill pretty much every waking minute. I need quiet. I need alone time. One afternoon, without telling anyone, I took over a guest bedroom, decorated it with things I love, and made a space just for me. I told my family they were not to enter without permission. I promised myself I would meditate every morning for at least fifteen minutes, and I would write a minimum of 500 words a day. Basically, I gave myself permission to take an hour every morning to myself. I reminded myself that I am as important as everyone else in my life. The effect has been profound. I am bubbling. I am writing fiction, of all things, and having a blast. My family is cheering me on because, frankly, I’m a lot more fun to be around when I’m not so cranky. They couldn’t give me what I needed until I was willing to take what I needed.
Maybe you can’t take an hour a day. Maybe you can only take an hour a week. It doesn’t matter. Take what you can and do one thing you want to do. But just do it. Don’t take a class. Don’t even share what you are doing. Don’t let anyone watch you, or try to help you. Let it be your secret, your treasure, your sacred space. Then, journal about what you experience when you take that time. Write about all the thrills, fears, joys and frustrations. Give your journal 5 minutes before you start doing whatever it is you decide to do. You don’t have to make major changes all of a sudden (unless you are in an abusive relationship. Then you have to run). As you find your joy, your life will evolve and the changes you seek happen naturally.
WOW: You have a wonderful community on your blog, plus you support other artists at La Tienda; tell us a little about how you give back to other artists.Destiny: As a culture, we put so much emphasis on the art object that we actually kill the creative process in many instances. Artists and writers work so hard on the things they think will sell that they stop being artists and become manufacturers. This is not good for the world. Artists need places where they can be passionate about the work that matters to them. They need to be part of communities that accept, embrace, and support their creativity. Communities need artists to express our commonality, local aesthetics, and community values. Consequently, my husband and I sponsor a large professional gallery space that we let local artists use for free. The artists keep 100% of their sales. We also sponsor monthly independent film screenings, author readings, art talks, live music, and anything we can think of to promote the arts and ensure that art is an intrinsic part of community life. The effects of this have been amazing. The community has transformed itself and the businesses are healthy, in spite of the current economic climate. Having art be part of every day life has inspired even non-artists to pursue their passions. We now have garden tours, cycling groups, and lots of other community activities that all stemmed from making artists, as well as their art, important.
WOW: What are you working on now?Destiny: I think the best answer to that question is, “What time is it?” I think I am always working on something. This fall, I hope to start a new nonfiction work that focuses on how art transforms communities and I am doing research and collecting data for it now. I am also working on a novel and am ridiculously excited about it. In addition, I continue to sculpt and am in my studio for several hours almost every day. When I am not writing or sculpting, I am at La Tienda where, as a managing partner, I am running the exhibit space, performance space, and doing the marketing for the center as a whole.
WOW: Sounds like a beautiful, passionate . . . and very busy life! ---------Blog Tour DatesAugust 8 @ A Slice of Life WritingDestiny Allison shares her perspective on the relationship between art and life.
http://lindahoye.com/August 10 @ Beads & BooksGain an artist’s perspective! Artist and Craft Book Editor, Michelle Mach, hosts an art-centered interview with Destiny Allison today and also gives us her review of
Shaping Destiny.
http://michellemach.com/blog/August 13 @ CMash Loves to ReadDestiny Allison says our lives are our greatest works of art. Join us for a guest post today! You might win a print copy of
Shaping Destiny: A Quest for Meaning in Art and Lifehttp://www.cmashlovestoread.com/August 15 @ Women’s MemoirsConfused by publishing options? Destiny shares why she chose to self-publish her book
Shaping Destiny.
http://womensmemoirs.com/August 20 @ Margo Dill's Read These Books and Use ThemThe husband, the kids, the bills…and work! How do you do it all? Join us as Destiny talks about the unique challenge of being a woman artist. You might win a print copy of
Shaping Destiny!
http://margodill.com/blog/August 22 @ All Things AudryBecause life is too short not to! Destiny guest posts today about living your passion!
http://www.allthingsaudry.blogspot.com/August 23 @ Women’s MemoirsLearn more about Destiny Allison and her experience with her autobiography,
Shaping Destiny.
http://womensmemoirs.com/August 28 @ Craft GossipJoin indie-crafts editor Rosie Bromberg for a review of
Shaping Destiny!
http://indiecrafts.craftgossip.com/August 29 @ Book Talk with Barbara BarthAuthor Barbara Barth shares her review of
Shaping Destiny: A Quest for Meaning in Art and Lifehttp://barbarabarthbookblog.blogspot.com/August 30 @ Woman on the Edge of RealityJoin us for one of Linda’s fun, and sometimes revealing, interviews! Today’s guest is Destiny Allison, author of
Shaping Destiny: A Quest for Meaning in Art and Life. Enjoy a book review and enter to win a signed copy of Destiny’s book!
http://womanontheedgeofreality.com/To view all our touring authors, check out our
Events Calendar here. You can also follow our tours by adding
@WOWBlogTour to your Twitter account!
Get Involved!
If you have a website or blog and would like to host one of our touring authors or schedule a tour of your own, please email Robyn or Jodi at
[email protected].
Prize Giveaway Contest:
Enter to win! The winner will receive a signed copy of
Shaping Destiny: A Quest for Meaning in Art and Life! Fill out the Rafflecopter form below. Winner will be announced on Friday, August 10th.
a Rafflecopter giveawayGood luck!
& book giveaway contest!We all face obstacles in our lives. Some days it seems just too tough to go on, battling against our problems. The memoir
RagDoll Redeemed: Growing Up in the Shadow of Marilyn Monroe will be an inspiration to everyone who reads it, no matter what demons they face in their own life.
RagDoll Redeemed is the story of Dawn Novotny’s triumph over the problems that seemed destined to conquer her.
Early on, Dawn learned that her body could get her things she wanted . . . not luxuries like diamond rings or fancy clothes but simple things we all take for granted like food and safety. As the years passed, Dawn began a search for that thing all teenage girls want more than anything: love. She thought she found it with Joe DiMaggio Jr. but quickly learned that, like all the other men in her life, he was just interested in a trade. If she would fulfill his Marilyn fantasies, he would give her safety.
RagDoll Redeemed is the story of Dawn’s realization that she would have to provide her own safety and her long journey to discover what love truly was.
Paperback: 180 pages
Publisher: Dog Ear Publishing LLC (January 12, 2012)
Genre: Memoir
ISBN-10: 1457506173
ISBN-13: 978-1457506178
Twitter Hashtag: #Novotny
RagDoll Redeemed: Growing Up in the Shadow of Marilyn Monroe is available in paperback at
Barnes & Noble,
Amazon,
Dog Ear Publishing, and your local independent bookstore.
Book Giveaway Contest: If you would like to win a copy of
RagDoll Redeemed: Growing Up in the Shadow of Marilyn Monroe, please leave a comment at the end of this post to be entered in the random drawing. The giveaway contest closes this
Thursday, May 10 at 11:59 PM PST. For an extra entry, link to this post on Twitter with the hashtag
#Novotny, then come back and leave us a link to your tweet. We will announce the winner the following day--Friday, May 11. Good luck!
About the Author:
So many words describe Dawn Novotny: clinician, teacher, author, workshop leader, wife, mother, stepmother, grandmother, recovering addict, breast cancer survivor, reader, swing dancer, and snorkeler. But what she is most proud of is her ability to “thrive.” She thrived in the face of poverty, abuse, and addiction to finally become the woman she is today. She wrote her memoir to encourage other women to look past their difficulties to what is possible, to the women they should be.
Find the author online:
Blog:
http://www.thefaceswelive.comTwitter:
@DawnNovotny
& special giveaway contest!
Journaling, like any writing adventure or exercise program, tends to be cyclical—there are the times when you can’t wait to get-to-it and times when you can’t get started. Mari has the fix! It is her new workbook,
Start Journaling and Change Your Life in 7 Days.
In this workbook, Mari addresses the most common roadblocks we come against in our journaling practice, from writer’s block and lack of time to finding motivation and silencing our inner critic. Whether you are new to journaling or need to climb out of a slump, these seven days of writing prompts will get you moving in the right direction.
While looking through this book, my first important realization was that I relate journaling to assigned writing—it’s a chore. Mari opens the book with a collage project! Perfect for drawing out my inner child and re-associating journaling time with play time. Sue Bradford Edwards tells us more about
Start Journaling and Change Your Life in 7 Days, and shows us her collage, in her
book review.
I haven’t worked through this book yet because I’m waiting to work through it with you! Join me for Mari’s upcoming
Start Journaling and Change Your Life in 7 Days Challenge June 4-10 and we will re-discover journaling together! Signing up for the challenge is free. See what fellow WOW
! team member, Anne Greenawalt, had to say about the challenge in the video below!
Start Journaling and Change Your Life in 7 Days is available from Create Write Now as an
eWorkbook,
spiral bound print copy, or
Kindle e-book.
Special Giveaway Contest!Give your journaling a true jumpstart with Mari’s
Journaling Jumpstarter Kit and an ecopy (.pdf) of
Start Journaling and Change Your Life in 7 Days! The Journaling Jumpstarter Kit includes Create Write Now's Signature Journal (spiral bound), 85 of
Mari's Most Musefull Journaling Tips (spiral bound) and luscious lavender scented pen. Simply leave a comment at the end of this post to be entered in the random drawing. The giveaway
contest closes this Thursday, May 3 at 11:59 PM PST. For an extra entry, link to this post on Twitter with the hashtag
#7DaysStart
& book giveaway contest!Have you ever daydreamed about leaving your everyday life behind? Charlotte "Charley" Parkhurst, the woman who inspired the novel
The Whip, had that dream. But it wasn't boredom that made her muse about a new life. It was something much darker: revenge.
After her family was murdered all she wanted was to avenge their deaths. To do that she left everything behind: her home, her life, even her sex. She headed West, disguised as a man, searching for the murderer. As a man, Parkhurst found a job as a stagecoach driver, found fame as the killer of an outlaw and even found love in unexpected places. But none of it was as important as the search for the man who had destroyed her family.
The Whip is full of characters that truly show you who put the "wild" in Wild West. It's a book full of adventure, romance, and history that is almost too amazing to believe. It's a book that makes you wonder, how far would I go for love?
Paperback: 302 pages
Publisher: Hansen Publishing Group, LLC
ISBN-10: 1601823029
ISBN-13: 978-1601823021
Twitter Hashtag: #WhipNovel
The Whip is available as a print and e-book at
Barnes & Noble and
Amazon, as well as your local independent bookstore.
We don't have a written interview for you today because Karen is traveling on her book signing tour across the southwest--through various storms, no less!--but we interviewed her for a feature article,
It's Not Easy Being a Historical Fiction Writer: Experts' Insight into the Genre, in the latest issue of WOW
! And we have a
video interview she conducted with NPR radio book critic Peter Robinson, below. They chat about
The Whip while sitting in an old Wells Fargo Stagecoach. Enjoy!
Book Giveaway Contest: If you would like to win a copy of The Whip, please leave a comment or ask a question to be entered in the random drawing. The giveaway contest closes this
Thursday, April 26 at 11:59 PM PST. For an extra entry, link to this post on Twitter with the hashtag
#WhipNovel, then come back and leave us a link of your tweet.
We will announce the winner the following day, Friday, April 27. Good luck!
About the author: Karen Kondazian’s life dream was to be a CIA spy . . . until she turned eight and she was invited to appear on Art Linkletter’s
Kids Say the Darndest Things. After several days of missing school to tape the show Karen realized that acting was indeed her true calling. Karen has an extensive list of both theatre and television roles she’s pla
& book giveaway contest!If you've ever whiled away a sunny afternoon creating animals out of puffy clouds, wondered at the latest potato a farmer swears is the spitting image of George Washington, or enjoy the hidden picture puzzles made famous by Highlights you'll get a kick out of The Smiley Book of Colors. In it Ruth Kaiser illustrates a children's book about happiness with her own special obsession: Smileys.
What are Smileys? Quite simply they're smiley faces: eyes, nose, mouth, just the usual. But the fun part is finding Smileys in unusual places...in the milk in your coffee, the headlights of a firetruck, the leaf of a tree. They're everywhere! After reading
The Smiley Book of Colors you'll find you can't stop searching for the next Smiley.
Hardcover: 32 pages
Age Level: Ages 3 and up
Publisher: Random House, Golden Books
ISBN-10: 0375869832
ISBN-13: 978-0375869839
Twitter Hashtag: SmileyBookThe Smiley Book of Colors, a children's book that adults will love also, is available for purchase in print form at
Amazon,
Barnes & Noble, and your local neighborhood book store.
Check out the
Smiley Song Video below! It will make you smile! :)
Book Giveaway Contest: If you would like to win a copy of
The Smiley Book of Colors, please leave a comment at the end of this post to be entered in the random drawing. The giveaway contest
closes this Thursday, March 22 at 11:59 PM PST. For an extra entry, link to this post on Twitter with the
hashtag #SmileyBook, then come back and leave us a link to your tweet. We will announce the winner the following day--Friday, March 23. Good luck!
About the Author:
Ruth is proud to be a self-proclaimed, happy-go-lucky, cockeyed optimist! She is mom to three of the greatest kids ever who, even though they are all out in the world pretending to be grown-ups, will always be her babies. Ruth owns a chain of preschools called TOT DROP where for 18 years she has been known and loved as "Teacher Ruth." To quote one of her mommies, "Everyone should have a 'Teacher Ruth' in their life!"
Although completely allergic to cats, she is also completely enamored with them. So Philbert, Noodle, Rooster and Mr. Simon have the run of the house and Ruth sits on a plastic chair and washed her hands a hundred times a day.
Ruth studied art at the University of California at Berkeley, but really believes that everyone is an artist. With excitement she proclaims, "How cool is it that the Internet has given us all an avenue to share our art!"
& book giveaway contest!Most of us have heard of that famous literary nurse, Cherry Ames. Cherry Ames' only dream was to be a nurse, she never went anywhere without her perky smile and things always worked out perfectly for her. Lois Roelofs is no Cherry Ames...but then, Cherry Ames is no Lois Roelofs! Roelofs' memoir
Caring Lessons: A Nursing Professor's Journey of Faith and Self focuses on her nursing career but it isn't a book just for those in the medical profession. Her memoir is a record of making difficult choices, dealing with changes in the workplace, returning to school, juggling career and family—challenges we can all identify with no matter what our chosen career.
Paperback: 224 pages (and e-formats)
Publisher: Deep River Books
ISBN-10: 1935265377
ISBN-13: 978-1935265375
Twitter Hashtag: #CaringLessonsThe memoir
Caring Lessons: A Nursing Professor's Journey of Faith and Self is available in print and e-book formats online at
Amazon and
Barnes and Noble as well as at your local bookstores.
Book Giveaway Contest: If you would like to win a copy of
Caring Lesson: A Nursing Professor's Journey of Faith and Self, please leave a comment at the end of this post to be entered in the random drawing. The giveaway contest
closes this Thursday, March 15 at 11:59 PM PST. For an extra entry, link to this post on Twitter with the hashtag
#CaringLessons, then come back and leave us a link to your tweet. We will announce the winner in the comments section of this post on the following day Friday, March 16. Good luck!
About the Author:
Lois Roelofs describes herself as a rebellious minister's daughter, a reluctant nurse, a restless mom and a perpetual student who eventually became a fun-loving teacher of mental health nursing. During her forty-year nursing career, she cared for patients and taught nursing students primarily in mental health and medical-surgical settings. As a caregiver, she learned the value of caring for herself and did so by changing jobs to suit her interests, going back to school more than once to feed her craving for learning, and seeking professional help when personal and family crises invaded her life.
You will be amused, saddened, and inspired as you read this intimate and introspective memoir. Plus you will learn the importance of faith, family, and friendship—whatever your profession—and come away with a new appreciation of caring for yourself as well as caring for others.
Find the Author Online: http://loisroelofs.com--------Interview by Jodi WebbWOW: You've led a very busy 30+ years in various positions in the nur
& book giveaway contest!Remember those car trips of your childhood? Trapped in a vehicle with people (also known as siblings) who wouldn't stop talking or kicking your seat or flicking your ear? Eating cold lunches at picnic tables and greasy fried food at questionable diners? Feeling if you didn't escape the Midwest flatness (or the mountains or the shoreline) you would go crazy? Would you voluntarily take that same trip today?
West of Wawa is about taking that seemingly endless car trip except instead of family you're traveling with a revolving cast of complete strangers and instead of a few days the trip last for weeks. Loveless and jobless, Benny thinks maybe she'll find what she's looking for on a bus trip across Canada. Her adventure—like life—is a mixture of humor, horror, the unexpected, and boredom that readers won't soon forget.
Paperback: 260 pages
Publisher: Inanna Publications
ISBN-10: 1926708245
ISBN-13: 978-1926708249
Twitter Hashtag:
#WestOfWawaWest of Wawa is available online at
Amazon and
Indigo as well as at your local bookstores.
Book Giveaway Contest: If you would like to win a copy of
West of Wawa, please leave a comment at the end of this post to be entered in the random drawing. The giveaway contest
closes this Thursday, March 1 at 11:59 PM PST. For an extra entry, link to this post on Twitter with the
hashtag #WestOfWawa, then come back and leave us a link to your tweet. We will announce the winner in the comments section of this post on the following day Friday, March 2. Good luck!
About the Author:
Originally from South Africa, Lisa has been a Canadian citizen since 2003—although she still retains a lilting voice that causes fellow Canadians to ask, "You aren't from Canada, eh?" With a Bachelor's of Arts in English Literature and Philosophy, Lisa has also lived and worked in the United States, Australia, and Great Britain.
Lisa thought she was on her way to fame and fortune when the South African edition of
Cosmopolitan bought two of her poems in 1986. Sadly, the road to being a published writer was not as easy as she hoped! Throughout her writing career, Lisa has tried her hand at everything from children's picture books to short stories to novellas to feature magazine articles. Her first novel
The Hungry Mirror, which won an IPPY Gold Medal for Women's Fiction in 2011, was inspired by her work as art director for magazines including
Vogue and
Marie Claire. Lisa is now working on her next novel
Between the Cracks She Fell.
Find the Author Online:A
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By: Jodi Webb,
on 12/12/2011
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& book giveaway contest!Does it drive you crazy to happen upon the third or fourth book in a fabulous series? You love the book but aren't sure if you're "getting" it all. Who are these people? Why do they keep talking about landscaping or Shakespeare or pineapples? Well, today's your chance to get in on the ground floor of an up-and-coming book series the
Bibliophiles with
Book One: A Whisper to a Scream. Don't miss it...Book Two will be released early next year!
How are friendships created? Shared history. Common interests. Membership in the same community, whether it be an actual community, a work community, even the "we ride on the same commuter train every morning" community. What if the only tenuous tie binding you together was a once a month meeting at a Classics Book Club? Could you create a friendship? Could you confide the secrets in your heart...even if you each want what the other has?
In
A Whisper to a Scream, Annie and Sarah are two women who become unlikely friends after both joining a book club. For a long time each of them has held secret wishes in her heart, just whispers really. But those secret wishes have been growing more and more insistent, the call to change her life screams to each woman. Can these polar opposites help each other decide whether to choose new lives or settle for the old familiar ways?
Paperback: 278 pages (and e-formats)
Publisher: CreateSpace
ISBN-10: 145659365X
ISBN-13: 978-1456593650
Twitter Hashtag: #Bibliophiles1A Whisper to a Scream, the first book in the
Bibliophiles series is available for purchase in both print and e-formats at
Amazon and
Barnes and Noble.
Book Giveaway Contest: If you would like to win a copy of
A Whisper to a Scream, please leave a comment at the end of this post to be entered in the random drawing. The giveaway contest closes this
Thursday, December 15 at 11:59 pm PST. For an extra entry, link to this post on Twitter with the hashtag
#Bibliophiles1, then come back and leave us a link to your tweet. We will announce the winner in the comments section of this post on the following day Friday, December 16. Good luck!
About the Author:Karen Wojcik Berner lives a provincial life tucked away with her family in the Chicago suburbs. It was good enough for Jane Austen, right? However, dear Miss Austen had the good fortune to be born amid the glorious English countryside, something Karen unabashedly cov
WOW
! is very happy to welcome back Journaling Guru Mari L. McCarthy who is here to share her new eBook
Dark Chocolate for the Journaler’s Soul (doesn’t that sound decadent?). This time Mari is treating us to a very special tour filled with wonderful treats so read on...
Some of you may know Mari from her previous tours with WOW
! when she shared her How-To journaling books
Peace of Mind and Body: 27 Days of Journaling and
Who Are You? How to use Journaling Therapy to Know and Grow your Life.
Dark Chocolate is a different type of journaling book; it is more like a journaling chat room where all your journaling friends are discussing how they use their journals and what their BFF (Best Friend Forever) has taught them.
Settle back and relax while 17 journaling experts share:
- What you should do when you find yourself cheating on your journal
- How you can make the Blank Page work for you
- What it's like to reconnect with your Inner Kid
- How journal writing hastens healing
- What the best time of day to journal is
and many more journal writing tips and tricks, ideas and inspiration that will help you jumpstart your personal journal practice for the first time or the four hundredth time.
Dark Chocolate is a community of journalers sharing what they love, and since the holidays are all about community, friendship, and a bit of self indulgence there is no better time to share
Dark Chocolate.
Special Tour Price! The 51 page
Dark Chocolate for the Journaler's Soul eBook will be available through January 6th at the
Special Tour Price of $7.97 when you order direct from Mari at
Create Write Now. Available as a pdf and eBook for iPhone, Nook, and Kindle.
Book & Journal Kit Giveaway Contest: Happy Holidays! Win a copy of
Dark Chocolate for the Journaler’s Soul AND a
Journaler’s Jumpstarter Kit. The kit consists of Create Write Now’s Signature Journal (spiral bound),
Mari’s Most Musefull Journaling Tips (spiral bound), and an intoxicating Lavender Scented Pen (the actual pen is scented, not the ink).
To win a copy of
Dark Chocolate for the Journaler’s Soul and Mari’s Jumpstarter Kit, please leave a comment at the end of this post to be entered in a random drawing. The giveaway contest
closes this Thursday, December 8th at 11:5
& book giveaway contest!With Thanksgiving just days away many of us will be moved to contemplate what we are thankful for this year. The lists will be as varied and unique as fingerprints. I remember seeing an unusual list in a Kindergarten classroom that included "playing basketball" and "M&Ms." Family, whether it be blood relatives, friends who become family, or even the four-legged version, often top lists of "Things to Be Thankful For."
At WOW
! we found it fitting that we are starting Thanksgiving week with the tales of patients, families, and medical professionals telling how thankful they were for a pet during a time of hospice care. Like any family member, these furry (and feathery) family members brought comfort, joy, happy memories and even laughter with them.
Hospice Tails is made up of fourteen stories about pets and the role they played in a hospice patient's care. Meet King, an abused pit bull fiercely loyal to his rescuer, Jasper and Jackie, Amazon parrots who sang their person to his final sleep, Washington, a golden retriever who became the only connection to the world for an Alzheimer's patient, and ten other animals who accompanied their beloved people on the hospice journey.
Paperback: 108 pages (and e-book)
Publisher: Booklocker.com Inc.
ISBN-10: 161434261X
ISBN-13: 978-1614342618
Twitter Hashtag: #HospiceTailsHospice Tails: The Animal Companions Who Journey with Hospice Patients and their Families is available for purchase in both print and e-book format at
Amazon and
Barnes & Noble.
Book Giveaway Contest: If you would like to win a copy of
Hospice Tails, please leave a comment at the end of this post to be entered in the random drawing. The giveaway contest closes this
Thursday, November 24 at 11:59 PM PST. For an extra entry, link to this post on Twitter with the hashtag
#HospiceTails, then come back and leave us a link to your tweet. We will announce the winner in the comments section of this post on the following day Friday, November 25. Good luck!
About the AuthorIn addition to her parents and two sister, Debra's family includes four cats. The current crew includes a grouchy nine-year-old named Achilles; and orange tabby and alpha male named, appropriately enough, Alexander; and a black and white long-haired cat with attitude named Leroux. Then there's the foster cat named Pumpkin. Of course, it all started with a three-month-old brown-and-gray tabby named Calypso who had strong feelings about most people. And not warm fuzzy feelings. Calypso even had the dubious honor of being banned by not one, but two vets.
Whe
& book giveaway contest!We've all heard the saying "The straw that broke the camel's back." What's your straw? The event that would cause you to straighten up and say, "That is IT! I am going to change my entire life!"
For Catherine "Cat" Larose that straw was a Paris sunset full of amazing colors...in stark contrast to her usual life that was, well...colorless. Her memoir,
Any Color But Beige: Living Life in Color, chronicles her journey from her colorful childhood to the predictability and security of a beige suburban marriage to the major life changes that she initiates in her quest to live life in color.
Any Color But Beige is a tale of metamorphosis, international travel, and romance as exciting and enthralling as any novel.
With the New Year and its accompanying resolutions is right around the corner,
Any Color But Beige is the ideal inspiration for readers who want to shake up their lives to celebrate 2012.
You can enjoy the
book trailer for
Any Color But Beige (also shown below) and a
video of Cat wandering the colorful streets of her hometown and celebrating her book's release with friends.
Hardcover: 232 pages
Publisher: Friesen Press (August 2011)
ISBN-10: 1770674896
ISBN-13: 978-1770674899
Twitter Hashtag: #NoBeige
Any Color But Beige: Living Life in Color is available at
Amazon in print or as an e-book for Kindle.
BOOK GIVEAWAY CONTEST: If you would like to win a copy of
Any Color But Beige, please leave a comment at the end of this post to be entered in a random drawing. The giveaway contests closes this
Thursday, November 17 at 11:59 PM, PST. For an extra entry, link to this post on Twitter with the hashtag
#NoBeige, then come back and leave us a link to your tweet. We will announce the winner in the comments section of this post on the following day, Friday, November 18.
BOOK CLUB CONTEST: Cat is also sponsoring a
Color-tastic Book Club Contest so you can share
Any Color But Beige with your favorite book club! Visit any participating blog before Friday, December 16 and leave a comment on the
Any Color But Beige Blog Tour post with the words "Book Club Contest" in the message. If you win, your book club will win 10 copies of
Any Color But Beige, a virtual visit from Cat at your next book club meeting, and several other surprises. Don't miss this fabulous giveaway!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Catherine is one part hot blooded Latin and one part wild eyed Celt. She's the oldest of seven children raised in a large Irish/Italian family--Catholic, of course. But family and friends think of her as the gypsy. She's spent her life studying, living, and working all over the place. Cat is forever destined to wander. Blessing or curse? Grandma V
Believe it or not we have officially entered the holiday season. As we plan our Thanksgiving menus (for those in the U.S.) and write our Christmas lists our thoughts turn to home and to the friends and family who make our lives complete.
WOW
! is very happy to kick off your holidays with a modern day classic tale called
The Christmas Village.
In this story, Jamie is having a difficult time because his father recently left and nothing feels right. While staying at his grandparent’s home for Christmas, Jamie’s attention keeps going to his grandmother’s miniature Christmas Village where everything seems so perfect. One night, Jamie is magically drawn into the little village, and he finds that things are not always as they seem. Can Jamie help his friends? Will he ever find his way home?
It’s a winter adventure for the child in each of us—but instead of telling you about it I want to show you!
I just love that
book trailer!
The Christmas Village is available at
Smashwords and at
Amazon in print and for Kindle.
Paperback: 198 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace (October 2011)
ISBN-10: 1463646259
Hashtag:
#TCVllgBook Giveaway Contest: If you would like to win a copy of
The Christmas Village, please leave a comment at the end of this post to be entered in a random drawing. The giveaway contest closes this
Thursday, November 10th at 11:59 PM, PST. For an extra entry, link to this post on Twitter with the hashtag
#TCVllg, then come back and leave us a link to your tweet. We will announce the winner in the comments section of this post on the following day Friday, November 11th. Good luck!
About the Author: The Christmas Village is Melissa Goodwin’s first novel, but Melissa has been writing for children for some time now in publications such as
Fun for Kidz,
Boys’ Quest and
Hopscotch for Girls. In addition to writing for children’s publications, Melissa writes articles targeted at the opposite end of the age spectrum. She’s fun and friendly, she’s a restorative yoga instructor, and she’s married to an artist! I just can’t wait for you to meet her.
Stay in touch with Melissa at:
Melissa Ann Goodwin:
http://writeryogini.blogspot.com/The Christmas Village:
http://thechristmasvillagebook.blogspot.com/FaceBook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Christmas-Village/243381569015162
27 Comments on Melissa Ann Goodwin Launches The Christmas Village: Tour and Giveaway, last added: 11/10/2011
Who are you? What are your strengths, your fears, your goals? What have you learned so far and where do you go from here?
Sometimes who we really are is a mystery even to ourselves. As we grow into adulthood and through the phases of establishing home and job, raising families, divorce and loss, career changes and daily life something happens. We are no longer who we thought we were or who family and friends think they see—but who are we really? It is a mystery only we can solve—with some quiet introspection. Mari L. McCarthy’s new e-book
Who Are You? How to Use Journaling Therapy to Know and Grow Your Life was written especially for the purpose of this journey through self-discovery.
Within this 30 page e-book Mari will guide you to:
- Make peace with the past and gain new respect for the wiser you.
- Learn to recognize and work with your inner critic and inner coach.
- Explore your dream language.
- Develop a new sense of wholeness in the connection of mind and body.
Whether your intent is to invite healing, seek change, or simply discover more about what makes you tick (or ticked off),
Who Are You? How to Use Journaling Therapy to Know and Grow Your Life will help you uncover the answers.
Read Marcia Peterson's review of
Who Are You? on
The Muffin.
Blog Tour Special! Purchase a copy of
Who Are You? How to Use Journaling Therapy to Know and Grow Your Life by Mari L. McCarthy at
20% off.
Who Are You? is available as an e-book for Kindle, Ibook, Sony, Nook and on Smashwords. Download a FREE chapter
here.
Special Giveaway Contest—A Book & A Song: We’re giving away a copy of
Who Are You? How to Use Journaling Therapy to Know and Grow Your Life and a download of Mari McCarthy singing "Rhapsody in Truth" from her album "The Barry Thought of You." Please leave a comment at the end of this post to be entered in a random drawing. The giveaway contest closes this
Thursday, August 25 at 11:59 PM, PST. For an extra entry, link to this post on Twitter with the hashtag
#WhoRUBook, then come back and leave us a link to your tweet. We will announce the winner in the comments section of this post on the following day Friday, August 26. Good luck!
About the Author:
Mari states that, “Journaling is unparalleled in its ability to reveal new information about our inner life, conditioning, experiences and thoughts.” Mari knows thi
& Book Giveaway Comments Contest! A bout with breast cancer and a betrayal by a loved one encouraged Tracy Seeley to search for her past in what she had believed to be a long forgotten childhood in Kansas. A plan for just one trip back to the past evolved into several trips to the Midwest that revealed her hidden feelings about the meaning of family.
Along with beautiful descriptions of a state most of us know little about and associate with...flatness and cornfields, Seeley paints for us an inner map. The map from the interactions of her childhood family to her present day relationships with the men in her life. Seeley has put away her wandering shoes long enough to join us for a WOW Blog Tour featuring her memoir My Ruby Slippers: The Road Back to Kansas.
ISBN: 978-0-8032301-0-1
Format: Paperback, 208 pages
View the fantastic book trailer for My Ruby Slippers: The Road Back to Kansas below.
If you would like to win a copy of My Ruby Slippers: The Road Back to Kansas, please leave a comment a the end of this post to be entered in a random drawing. The giveaway contest closes this
Thursday, June 30 at 11:59 PM PST. For an extra entry, link to this post on Twitter with the hashtag
#RubySlippers, then come back and leave us a link to your tweet. We will announce the winner in the comments section of this post the following day, Friday, July 1st. Good Luck!
With a Ph.D. in British Literature, Tracy Seeley teaches literature and creative nonfiction at the University of San Francisco. She can claim 26 addresses as her own including towns all across the midwest, Dallas, Austin, New Haven, Los Angeles, Caracas, Budapest, and Barcelona. When not tracking down Kansas addresses that no longer exist, Seeley lives in Oakland, California with her filmmaker husband, Frederick Marx. In an attempt to put down roots she has started a vegetable garden and is considering buying chickens.
Visit Tracy Seeley at:
-------- Interview by Jodi Webb
WOW: You're a professor of creative writing, so I'm guessing this
& Book Giveaway Comments Contest!
How many different kinds of parental love are there? Is it more loving to hold on or to let go? Melissa Foster's novel Megan's Way addresses those questions and more.
Melissa Foster is founder of the Women's Nest, a social and support community for women. Melissa has written a column featured in
Women Business Owners Magazine, and has painted and donated several murals to The Hospital for Sick Children in Washington, DC. Melissa is currently working on her next novel and collaborating with a director to create a script for
Megan's Way.
Melissa's interests include her family, reading, writing, painting, friends, and helping women see the positive side of life. Although Melissa lives with her family in Maryland, she uses every and anything as an excuse to visit one of her favorite spots: Cape Cod.
Find out more about Melissa by visiting her online:
Author's website:
http://melissafoster.com/Blog:
http://melissafoster.com/blogs/melissa Women's Nest:
http://thewomensnest.com/Twitter:
http://twitter.com/melissa_foster Facebook Fan PageBook Giveaway Contest: If you'd like to win a copy of Megan's Way (print or e-book), please leave a comment at the end of this post to be entered in a random drawing. For an extra entry, link to this post on Twitter with the hashtag
#MegansWay, then come back and leave us a link to your tweet. The giveaway contest closes this
Thursday, June 2nd at 11:59 PM, PST. We will announce the winner in the comments section of this post the following day, Friday, June 3rd. Good luck!
Megan's Wayby Melissa Foster
What would you do for love?
When Megan Taylor, a single mother and artist, receives the shocking news that her cancer has returned, she'll be faced with the most difficult decision she's ever had to make. She'll endure an emotional journey, questioning her own moral and ethical values, and the decisions she'd made long ago. The love she has for her daughter, Olivia, and her closest friends, will be stretched and frayed.
Meanwhile, fourteen-year-old Olivia's world is falling apart right before her eyes, and there's nothing she can do about it. She finds herself acting in ways she cannot even begin to understand. When her internal struggles turn to dangerous behavior, her life will hang in the balance.
Megan's closest friends are caught in a tangled web of deceit. Each must figure out how, and if, they can expose their secrets, or forever be haunted by their pasts.
Megan's Way is available for purchase through Amazon as a
paperback ($14.95) and as an ebook
Kindle edition ($0.99). It's also available
By: Wow!,
on 5/9/2011
Blog:
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& Book Giveaway Comments Contest!
Linda Hubalek's sixth grade teacher assigned her to write the traditional paper on what she wanted to be when she grew up, but Linda had an untraditional answer. She didn't want to be a nurse, teacher, or mom. She wanted to be a farmer! Her dream came true when she graduated from Kansas State University with a degree in Agriculture/Horticulture, and went on to spend years doing agronomy research, and eventually started her own business, Prairie Flower Creations.
Much like her own ancestors who headed West, Linda found herself in California tending a cement garden and longing for the fields of Kansas. Lind "visited" her beloved Kansas by writing the Trail of Thread series about Kansas pioneer women.
Although Linda is back in Kansas (growing bison this time, not prairie flowers), she's still writing about Kansas women. Her fourth series, the Kansas Quilter series, will be released later this year.
Find out more about Linda by visiting her websites:
Author website: www.LindaHubalek.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/lindahubalekbooks
Blog: www.LindaHubalek.com/feed/rss
Trail of Thread book series
The Trail of Thread series includes three books based on the lives of the author's ancestors. Each book, told from the viewpoint of a pioneer woman through letters she writes to those "back home," tells the tale of a family moving from the settled East to the wilds of the newly opened territory of Kansas in the mid 1850s.
The first book, Trail of Thread, tells of life on the trail West as a family makes the cross country journey from Kentucky to Kansas. The second book, Thimble of Soil, is the story of a widow and her children traveling from Ohio to Kansas and trying to establish a home amidst the skirmishes that riddled Kansas, as the slave state and free state supporters battled over the fate of the Kansas territory. The last book, Stitch of Courage, takes place during the Civil War years and tells of the marriage between the two families portrayed in books one and two and how the war was fought in the West.
These books are written in letter form, covering the years 1854 to 1865. Twelve quilt patterns are featured in each book of this series.
The books are available as ebooks for
We're thrilled to introduce Kristina McMorris, an amazing author and new friend. Inspired by the true story of her own grandparents' courtship during World War II, Kristina captures the heartache and sacrifice of love and war in Letters from Home, an award-winning debut novel that is timeless, tender and unforgettably moving. It's the must-read novel of the season!
Kristina has such a fantastic video for her book that we wanted to share this with you first so you can get to know her a little better. [If you're reading this via Feedburner e-mail and can't see the video below please visit www.tinyurl.com/McMorris or click on blog title link.]
Book Giveaway Contest: If you'd like to win a copy of Letters from Home, please leave a comment at the end of this post to be entered in random drawing. The giveaway contest closes this Thursday, February 24th at 11:59 PM, PST. We will announce the winner in the comments section of this post the following day, Friday February 25th. Good luck!
----- More about the book:
In the midst of World War II, a Midwestern infantryman falls deeply in love through a yearlong letter exchange, unaware that the girl he's been writing to is not the one replying...
Chicago, 1944. Liz Stephens has little interest in attending a USO club dance with her friends Betty and Julia. She doesn't need a flirtation with a lonely serviceman when she's set to marry her childhood sweetheart. Yet something happens the moment Liz glimpses Morgan McClain. They share only a brief conversation--cut short by the soldier's evident interest in Betty--but Liz can't forget him. Thus, when Betty asks her to ghostwrite a letter to Morgan, stationed overseas, Liz reluctantly agrees.
Thousands of miles away, Morgan struggles to adjust to the brutality of war. His letters from "Betty" are a comfort, their soul-baring correspondence a revelation to them both. While Liz is torn by her feelings for a man who doesn't know her true identity, Betty and Julia each become immersed in their own romantic entanglements. And as the war draws to a close, all three will face heart-wrenching choices, painful losses, and the bittersweet joy of new beginnings.
Beautifully rendered and deeply touching, Letters from Home is a story of hope and connection, of sacrifices made in love and war--and the chance encounters that change us forever.
Letters from Home is scheduled for release in trade paperback from Kensington Books (2-22-11; U.S.) and Avon/HarperCollins (5-5-11; U.K.). Various book club rights have been sold to Reader's Digest and Doubleday, and the film rights are represented by the prestigious Creative Artists Agency of Los Angeles.
It's available for purchase at Amazon, B&N, IndieBound,
By: Wow!,
on 12/6/2010
Blog:
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If you've been following The Muffin for a while, you probably remember Sybil Baker's first tour with WOW for The Life Plan. We had such a fantastic time that we were thrilled when Sybil decided to tour with us again for her latest book Talismans, a compelling collection of linked stories that's been described as a contemporary Heart of Darkness. I'm particularly excited about this tour because I love short story collections, and the idea of having linked short stories in one book is something I'm really interested in as an aspiring author.
Sybil Baker spent twelve years teaching in South Korea prior to accepting a position as an assistant professor of English at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga after earning her MFA in Writing from the Vermont College of Fine Arts. During her extensive travels throughout Asia, she became increasingly interested in the allure and alienation of American travelers and expatriates, and this has heavily influenced her writing. She is the author of Talismans (C&R Press, 2010) and The Life Plan (Casperian Books, 2009). Her short stories and essays have appeared in Transnational Literature, Upstreet, The Writer's Chronicle, and elsewhere.
Learn more about Sybil by visiting her website www.sybilbaker.com, and her blog An Ex-patriate's Musings on Writing, Teaching, and Travel.
Talismans
by Sybil Baker
Elise understands her father--a Vietnam vet who abandoned her when she was an infant--about as much as she does her church organist mother and the rest of their suburban Virginian town. When even that thin thread of connection is suddenly severed, Elise is flung across the world, to Southeast Asia. Tracing the steps her father took through the war, Elise searches for a connection--with his ghost, with other travelers, with the foreign culture and environment she experiences. In a series of linked short stories, Talismans follows Elise's journey to learn what she must hold onto, and what she must leave behind.
Genre: Literary Fiction, Short Story Collection
Trade Paperback: 181 pages
Publisher: C&R Press (D
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Ruth Hartman started out as a dental hygienist but morphed into a romance writer. She has fun working the dental industry into her romances. While Pillow Talk features a dental hygienist/tooth fairy, her next romance Flossophy of Grace also follows the love life of a dental hygienist. Who knew the dental world was so romantic?
Ruth's first book, My Life in Mental Chains, is a memoir about her struggle with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Ruth, her husband and two very spoiled cats live in rural Indiana where Ruth dreams up new and exciting romances. And flosses regularly. Really!
Find out more about Ruth by visiting her websites:
R.J. Writes blog: http://ruthjhartman.blogspot.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/RuthjHartman
Pillow Talk
By Ruth Hartman
Trixie Trident has a secret. Everyone knows she creates one-of-a-kind jewelry during the day. It's what she does on her night job no one would ever guess. She's a tooth fairy. Not the tooth fairy, just one of many. It would take her whole life just to combat the many misconceptions people have about TF's. Like how nobody wears tutus or uses a wand. Or stands three inches high. Nope, Trixie looks just like any other woman in her mid-twenties. And she'd tell people all of that stuff. If she was allowed to. But she'd sworn a sacred tooth fairy oath that she'd never tell a soul. And she hadn't. Except for her best friend, who would never breathe a word to anyone.
Graham Keebler meets Trixie when she comes to his dental office as a new patient. He's had lots of single women patients before, but no one has ever sparked his interest like Trixie. What is it about her that's so unique? He can't quite figure it out, but he's determined to try, even when she turns him down for a second date.
Trixie is attracted to Graham, like she's never been to any man before. He's what she always dreamed of in a man. And they even have the subject of teeth in common! But a relationship with the gorgeous dentist can never be. How could it? When she's a tooth fairy, and not only can't she tell him, he'd never believe her anyway.
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Class Act Books (August 2010)
ISBN: 9781935048688
Pillow Talk is available through Class Act Books in both print and as an ebook, and is available through Amazon as a Kindle edition.
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If you received our Events Newsletter, remember, we are holding a contest to win a copy of Ruth Hartman's novel,
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Margo Candela's husband owes her six months...preferably on a tropical island sipping margaritas. The deal was: she had three years to write her first novel Underneath It All and find a publisher. She signed the book contract at 2 1/2 years so she still has six months coming to her. She's been musing over a few brochures of Fiji.
Of course, Underneath It All wasn't her first novel. Her first was a romance novel spoof she wrote at age 15 on an antique typewriter she paid $20 for--actually, her mom paid $20. Sadly, Wenchhead and the Isle of Evil Men was never published. Do you think it was the title?
In between Wenchhead and the Isle of Evil Men and Good-bye To All That, Margo enjoyed a trip to magazine land where she wrote articles on everything from extreme sports to computer hardware to plushies (people who are really into stuffed animals...um...sexually). Shh, don't tell Margo's mom about the last one. She might want the $20 or the antique typewriter back!
When she's not writing, Margo vacuums. It's her secret solution to writer's block; and when she hits the NY Times bestseller list, Margo dreams of buying a Dyson DC 25 Animal. And shoes. Ask her about the black heels on the cover of Good-bye To All That.
Margo Candela was born and raised in Northeast Los Angeles. She moved to San Francisco to attend college and ended up staying for a decade before moving back home in 2005. Her first three novels, More Than This (Touchstone, Aug. 2008), Life Over Easy (Kensington, Oct. 2007), and Underneath It All (Kensington, Jan. 2007) are set in San Francisco. More Than This was a Target stores Breakout Book and an American Association of Publishers national book club selection at Borders Books with Las Comadres. Good-bye To All That (Touchstone, July 2010) is her first novel set in Los Angeles and is the only novel picked by Los Angeles Magazine for its 2010 Best of L.A. list.
Margo's websites:
Website: http://www.margocandela.com
Blog: http://margocandela.blogspot.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/margo_candela
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/margocandela
Great interview, ladies! I love new adult novels and look forward to reading Loving the Missing Link!
Julia: I'm so glad you stuck with it and finished the book you started in 1985! That's persistence. I have a few projects that are eight- or nine-years-old and I feel like I'm too out of touch with the topic and my writing voice has changed since then. How were you able to pick up where you left off?
Nice interview. I always like being able to get a bit more insight regarding a book.
Thanks, Angela!
As to how I recaptured the voice: I'm not sure, except that 1985 was so traumatic for me that the memories are still very strong. I also read over the first two chapters several times to get the cadence of the words and refresh my memory about Cheryl's history and attitudes.
That original story has always been important to me and I always knew I would return to it. The manuscript for that part of the book was lost for a few years. It was still so fresh in my mind that I was able to type it out again, I think practically word for word, from memory.
Thanks for your interest in my story and for your kind comments!
Julia:
I love what you said at the very end of your interview--very inspirational! :) I probably know some of the same people as you--I am from Missouri and used to be president of the Missouri Writers' Guild (do you know about MWG--you should check them out if you don't) and know people in the Kansas City Writers Group! :) I love stories set in Missouri--I was born and raised in St. Louis. Congrats to you and I wish you much success!