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Welcome back for Summer Friday Book Reviews. Today's review is on a fictionalized account of a true tragic occurrence and told with heart wrenching descriptive details.

Title: Stolen
Author: Vivian Gilbert Zabel
Publisher: 4RV Publishing LLC (http://4rvpublishing.com)
ISBN: 978-0-9825886-4-2
Reviewed by: Karen Cioffi

To have young children snatched from their home is inconceivable, inconsolable, and heart wrenching. It can destroy a parent, and the family. Unfortunately, it’s not that uncommon.

Stolen, by Vivian Gilbert Zabel, is a story of the inconceivable. Based on a true story, Zabel conveys much of the agony and utter despair that is evoked from having a father steal his children from their mother.

The protagonist, Torri, leaves her abusive husband and finds refuge and comfort with her family. She even develops a loving relationship with an old friend. Life is good again; Torri and her two young children are happy.

Then it happens, the abusive ex-husband rears his ugly head, and for whatever reason people who commit such an atrocious act do so, he kidnaps the children.

The father and children have completely vanished. The FBI is on the job, but there are no leads to follow. The trail is getting colder by the minute. And, the aunt who took the children for an excursion to the zoo, and the only witness, had been drugged and lay near death.

In an interview with Vivian Gilbert Zabel, she was asked a poignant question in regard to her book: Being the subject matter is so personal and heart wrenching, were you able to say all you wanted to? Or, were some of the emotions just too difficult to convey?

The author candidly answered: “I couldn’t put everything into the book. Plus, there is no way to express the anguish we all felt.  I did feel as if part of my heart had been ripped out. How do I describe that so that another person could really ‘feel’ the pain? Also, some details couldn’t be used, even if the story were greatly fictionalized.”

Obviously, while there is no way to fully convey the emotions involved in this type of situation, Zabel comes as close as possible. She weaves a riveting and engrossing, and well structured story of tragedy, fear, despair, longing, hope, and life. She uses wonderful descriptive details that will bring tears to your eyes – be sure to have a box of tissues next to you when you read Stolen. It is a story that will have you anxiously turning each page – it is a must read.

About the Author:

Vivian Gilbert Zabel is an author and publisher. You find out more about Vivian at http://viviangilbertzabel.com/About_Author.html

You can get a copy of Stolen at Amazon or the 4RV Book Store.

~~~~~~~~
Other Book Reviews 

Networking Like a Pro Review
Review of When Teachers Talk
The Power of the Penny

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To keep up with writing and marketing information, along with Free webinars - signup for The Writing World newsletter on the right top sidebar!

Karen Cioffi
Multi-award Winning Author, Freelance/Ghostwriter, Editor, Marketer
Writer’s Digest Website of the Week, June 25, 2012

Find Karen’s eBooks on writing and marketing at:
http://karencioffifreelancewriter.com (see the sidebar for titles)

Karen Cioffi Professional Writing Services
http://karencioffifreelancewriter.com/karen-cioffi-writing-services/

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Children . . . what’s more precious to a parent and family? And, what could be more terrifying and heart wrenching than to have them torn from their foundation, their home . . . from you?

I have the great pleasure of being part of Vivian Gilbert Zabel’s book tour for Stolen. Along with featuring Vivian today, I also did a review of her amazing story; the link is below.



For those who aren’t aware of Vivian, here’s a bit about this award winning author:

Zabel has won several awards with her writing, including first place with her mystery/suspense Midnight Hours. She taught English and writing for nearly 30 years and edited newspapers, yearbooks, and literary magazines sporadically for 45. After retirement, she produced a collection of short stories with Holly Jahangiri, Hidden Lies and Other Stories; a collection of poetry with seven other poets located in the United States and Canada, Walking the Earth: Life’s Perspectives in Poetry; three young adult books, The Base Stealers, Case of the Missing Coach, Prairie Dog Cowboy; and two novels: Midnight Hours and Stolen.

A wife for nearly 49 years, the mother of three living children, grandmother of ten grandchildren, and great-grandmother of five, Zabel believes family and faith are most important, and that belief finds its way in most of her writing. Her characters come from people she observes or reads about mixed with her imagination. Plots take a gain of an idea and combine with a massive dosage of “what if.”

Stolen, based on a true story, tells of the inconceivable: a father steals his children from their mother. I asked Vivian eight questions regarding the writing of Stolen, and her answers were candid and touching.




Discussing Stolen with Vivian Zabel

1. Vivian, I know this book took a number of years to make it to publication, and I know in part why, but do you think you would have published it had your grandchildren not been found?

I think I would have found a way to publish it no matter whether Faris and Yasmeen had been found, or rather they found us, or not. The trip may have been harder is all. The story had to be told.

2. Being the subject matter is so personal and heart wrenching, were you able to say all you wanted to? Or, were some of the emotions just too difficult to convey? Or, certain details better left out?

I couldn’t put everything into the book. For example, I didn’t have Gramps or Bob say, “If I ever see that piece of trash again, I’ll have one of my black outs and run over him.” Plus, there is no way to express the anguish we all felt.  I did feel as if part of my heart had been ripped out. How do I describe that so that another person could really “feel” the pain?
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Can you believe it? The first month of the year is just about gone. But, it’s okay, we have a great February, full of great author articles, interviews, and reviews.

If you want to learn about poetry, writing and marketing, we have a just the writers to provide the information. Be sure to stop each day.

Our February 2010 Author and Book Tour:

1st Dianne Sagan is hosting Vivian Zabel
2nd Karen Cioffi is hosting Margaret Fieland
3rd Kathy Stemke is hosting Dana Donovan
4th Lea Schizas is hosting Heidi Thomas
5th Vivian Zabel is hosting Lea Schizas
6th Nancy Famolari is hosting Dianne Sagan
7th Margaret Fieland is hosting Carolyn Howard-Johnson
8th Elysabeth Eldering is hosting Stephen Tremp
9th Helena Harper is hosting Dallas Woodburn
10th Liana Metal is hosting Maggie Ball
11th Carolyn Howard-Johnson is hosting Nancy Famolari
12th Gayle Trent is hosting Mayra Calvani
13th Mayra Calvani is hosting Elysabeth Eldering
14th Marvin Wilson is hosting Heather Paye
15th Stephen Tremp is hosting Marvin Wilson
16th Darcia Helle is hosting Helena Harper
17th Martha Swirzinski is hosting Gayle Trent
18th Heidi Thomas is hosting Martha Swirzinski
19th Dana Donovan is hosting Liana Metal
20th Dallas Woodburn is hosting Debra Eckerling
21st Linda Suzane is hosting Janet Ann Collins
22nd Debra Eckerling is hosting Darcia Helle
23rd Heather Paye is hosting Karen Cioffi
24th Maggie Ball is hosting Kevin McNamee
25th Kevin McNamee is hosting Linda Suzane
26th Janet Ann Collins is hosting Kathy Stemke


Be sure to stop by each day - we have some great and useful articles. 

Until next time,
Karen Cioffi
http://karencioffi.com

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Elysabeth Eldering is this month's Viewpoint host. Her article The difference Between Children's/MG/tweener/and YA is posed on her site now.

Here's a bit from Elysabeth's article:

There are no clear definitions as some YAs will overlap into MG and vice versa. There are age limits but even those don't seem to be true boundaries in distinguishing the two genres. [...] So how is one to define the markers between MG, tweens and YA? As an author, I think content plays a big role.

Publisher, Vivian Zabel, left an wonderful explanation in the comments. Stop on by and let us know your opinion.

Karen

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Oh, Boy! We’re back with Vivian Zabel!

I want to start out by letting you know that I had a choice between an article, Writing for Children, by Vivian, or this interview. Well, having an author/publisher on hand, I just couldn't pass up the interview.

So, today, we have 7 questions about life, writing and publishing that Vivian candidly and generously answers. For those readers out there who may be suffering with debilitating and chronic illnesses, and for women in general, Vivian is a source of inspiration. With determination and effort we can accomplish amazing things. Okay, you men, don’t feel left out, that goes for you too!

Now on to the Interview:

1. I was surprised to read in one of your interviews that you have a serious illness. I know the affects of dealing with an ongoing health problem; it slows you down to say the least. How do you manage running a publishing business, and what’s the most difficult thing?

Some days are more difficult than others, especially when I’m having trouble sleeping. Then I’m not only in pain but am extremely tired. However, I’m also extremely determined.

2. Were you ill when you started 4RV Publishing? If so, what made you decide to take on such an undertaking?

I’ve had rheumatoid arthritis and Lupus since I was quite young. I decided that I would have as full a life as possible any way, for as long as possible.

3. What do you think about authors who self-publish?

Authors who are self-published are hurting themselves in a way, because self-publication has a bad reputation. Yes, some good, well-written books are self-published, but the problem is that too many poorly written, full of errors books are self-published all the time.

I don’t have an answer, either. However due to the fact that authors don’t have many options when the major publishers go mainly for already-famous people as authors, whether they can write or not, 4RV tries to fill the gap between self-publishing and vainly presses and the “big boys.”

I wish we had the funds to put out more of the good manuscripts submitted.

4. What advice would you give to a writer who is about to self-publish?

Oh, my, that’s a rough question. Any writer about to self-publish needs to be sure
1. the book is extremely well-written
2. the book has been professionally edited at least twice
3. a good marketing plan is in place


5. What’s the most important tip you could give a writer who is just starting out?

First, know how to write, including knowing correct grammar and mechanics, and be willing to continue to learn.

6. Do you think that some writers are just not cut out for writing for children, or do you think anyone can learn the craft?

I don’t think everyone can learn to be a good writer, but all can learn to be better writers. Writing for children does take a special talent and desire, though.

7. What are some of the writing tools (books, courses, etc.) that you’ve found helpful, or that you think would be helpful to others who are just starting out or want to hone their craft?

All through the nearly thirty years I taught writing, I attended workshops, clinics, and classes to improve my writing. I still attend writing conferences and classes. One is the Muse Online Writers Conference, an intense week of working on writing at my computer (http://www.themuseonlinewritersconference.com). Another is the yearly OWFI (Oklahoma Writers Federation – http://owfi.org) writing conference with sessions to help authors.

I read and learn from writing magazines, such as The Writer and Writers’ Digest.

Thank you, Vivian.

Wow, what wonderful insight from an accomplished author and publisher. I’m sure this advice will be a huge help to our readers, especially those starting out and those headed for the self-publishing road. Thank you so much, Vivian, for being our guest this tour.

Here are Vivian’s links for you to learn more:

To get a copy of Prairie Dog Cowboy:
http://tinyurl.com/5s4uqw
http://4rvpublishingllc.com/Store-Books.html

You can also find it at local book stores and Barnes & Noble.com

Website: http://viviangilbertzabel.com

Blogs:
http://VivianZabel.blogspot.com (Brain Cells & Bubble Wrap)
http://vzabel.multiply.com (Vivian’s Site)
http://viviansmystery.blogspot.com (Vivian’s Mysteries)

Thank you, Vivian, for being our guest this tour; it's been an honor to have you here!

Well, that's it for this month's VBT - Writers on the Move tour. If you're a writer/author and would like to learn more about our cross-promotional group, you can email me at: [email protected].

Also, you can still be the winner of our Mystery Site Giveaway. Stop by the members' sites and leave a comment. A list of our members is on the right sidebar here, or you can visit the VBT - Writers on the Move blogsite for the list.

Talk to you soon,
Karen

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It's VBT - Writers on the Move's September tour and it gives me great pleasure to present Vivian Gilbert Zabel. Vivian will be my guest today, and again on Thursday, September 3rd. Just as a note, Vivian also goes by V. Gilbert Zabel. Today, we’ll learn a little about Vivian with a short bio and we’ll also take a peek at one of her juvenile books, Prairie Dog Cowboy.

As with most women raising a family and working, Vivian put her writing careen in slow gear until she retired. Then, after almost thirty years of teaching, she devoted her time to writing. It seems this is the trend of women in today’s society; one career ends and another is picked up. Ah, the power of us women! But, this is even more of an accomplishment for someone suffering with rheumatoid arthritis and Lupus. To steadily move forward while handling serious chronic illnesses is quite an achievement since at times just living with a chronic illness can be a full time job. Well, Vivian is not only a published author of short stories, poems, and novels, she also created and runs 4RV Publishing. Vivian is certainly a testament to determination, perseverance and strength.

Vivian has three juvenile books and one mystery/suspense (with a touch of thriller) novel under her belt and today we’ll take a look at one of the juvenile books: Prairie Dog Cowboy. Just the name alone sounds great; it makes you want to shout: Giddy Up! Here’s an impressive review:

Prairie Dog Cowboy by V. Gilbert Zabel

Time passes so quickly and history is getting rewritten all the time. So much of our heritage is lost with those changes. It is refreshing to see a slice of reality portraying the daily life of 1899 Oklahoma in V. Gilbert Zabel's latest literary work, "Prairie Dog Cowboy".

Buddy Roberts is but a small boy at the start of the story. It isn’t clear right away why his mother is set against the child. Although he has an older brother, he's tending to the cattle at the age of five, all alone with only his dog to keep him company. Buddy is a mindful child, doing what needs to be done, even at such a young age, hoping some day to grow up to be a cowboy. Instead of him and Patch doing the work on foot, he dreams of herding cattle on horseback someday.

Neighbor rancher Caleb Hyman is impressed with Buddy. He wonders, too, why the child works hard while his older brother, Jake, is doted on and spoiled. But, Caleb can see the man that Buddy will become, encourages him, and teaches him to rope. Once Buddy can rope a prairie dog, Caleb promises he'll give the boy a job on his ranch. Not an easy thing to do, but Buddy works hard to reach his appointed goal.

Through the years, Buddy becomes a part of Caleb's family, a friend of Caleb's twin sons, and the unknowing object of affection for their younger sister, Katie. Life begins to take a turn for the better as he approaches manhood.

"Prairie Dog Cowboy" is a testament of a time when life was hard, but people weren't afraid of hard work. The day-to-day occurrences represented are an accurate telling of the time, history that should not be lost. Teens and young adults can learn much from this story and I, for one, am thankful that Ms. Zabel has documented this slice of American history.

Reviewed by Jena' Galifany
Author, Editor, Reviewer
http://jenagalifany.bravehost.com

I love juvenile books that weave accurate history into their stories; it’s such a great way for children to learn without realizing they’re actually learning. And, as the reviewer, Jena Galifany, mentions, it’s a wonderful means of preserving our history.

Be sure to check the links below to get your own copy of Prairie Dog Cowboy today:
http://tinyurl.com/5s4uqw
http://4rvpublishingllc.com/Store-Books.html

You can also find it at local book stores and Barnes & Noble.com

To learn more about Vivian Zabel and her books you can visit:

Website: http://viviangilbertzabel.com

Blogs:
http://VivianZabel.blogspot.com (Brain Cells & Bubble Wrap)
http://vzabel.multiply.com (Vivian’s Site)
http://viviansmystery.blogspot.com (Vivian’s Mysteries)

Please be sure to stop by on Thursday, September 3rd, we'll have an interesting interview with Vivian Zabel.

Oh, and don't forget, VBT - Writers on the Move has a monthly Mystery Site. By leaving a comment on the members' sites during the tours, you may be the winner of a wonderful book or a guest spot on the VBT - Writers on the Move blogsite.

Talk to you soon,
Karen

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That's right. Vivian Zabel, author and publisher at 4RV Publishing will be visiting with us tomorrow, September 1st, and then again on Thursday, September 3rd.

We'll have great information and advice on writing and publishing, so be sure to stop by.

Also, don't forget to take part in VBT - Writers on the Move Mystery Site Give-Away!

If you leave a comment on the mystery host's site, you'll WIN a great book or a one day guest spot on the VBT - Writers on the Move blogsite.

The September tour schedule is in the August 24th post at VBT - Writers on the Move.

Remember, nothing ventured, nothing gained! Stop on by.

Karen

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Author of Spider in Our Mailbox, Linda Asato is a member of VBT - Writers on the Move and it's my pleasure to host her today and again on Friday, the 3rd. Linda joined our merry band for the June tour so it's great learning all about her and her work.

We'll learn more about Linda on Friday. Today, let's find out about Spider in Out Mailbox. I love the cover!

Title: Spider in Our Mailbox
Author: Linda Asato
Illustrator: Ryan Shaw
Publisher: 4RV Publishing
Released: May 2009
ISBN 13: 978-0-9818685-5-4

Here is a review from Vivian Zabel of 4RV Publishing:

Children love stories about family, animals, and other creatures, especially when they can learn things at the same time. Linda Asato tells the tale of a little girl who checks the mail every day – allowing children to learn the days of the week, and sees a spider in the mailbox (number one). The second day, she sees two crows (number two). Each day the types and number of creatures changes, but the spider remains. Each day, the girl runs to tell her busy mother what she saw.

Lessons to learn are counting to seven and the days of the week, learned in a fun way.

Ryan Shaw brings Asato’s delightful story to life with his bright illustrations.

To learn more about Linda go to:
Linda's site: http://lindaswritingweb.yolasite.com
Publisher: http://4rvpublishingllc.com

Don't forget to stop back on Friday, the 3rd, to learn about Linda Asato, the author.

See you in blog world,
Karen

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It's hard to believe June is here already.
VBT - Writers on the Move is happy to add some new members to the June 1st Schedule:

Harry Gilleland is hosting Linda Asato
Karen Cioffi is hosting Carolyn Howard-Johnson
Kathy Stemke is hosting Liana Metal
Lea Schizas is hosting Helena Harper
Nancy Famalari is hosting Crystalee Calderwood
Vivian Zabel is hosting Joyce Anthony
Margaret Fieland is hosting Mayra Calvani
Crystalee Calderwood is hosting Dorothy Massey
Joyce Anthony is hosting Marvin Wilson
Helena Harper is hosting Gayle Trent
Dorothy Massey is hosting Anita Yasuda
Liana Metal is hosting Harry Gilleland
Carolyn Howard-Johnson is hosting Kathy Stemke
Virginia S. Grenier is hosting Karen Cioffi
Gayle Trent is hosting Lea Schizas
Mayra Calvani is hosting Nancy Famalari
Marvin Wilson is hosting Vivian Zabel
Anita Yasuda is hosting Margaret (Peggy) Fieland
Linda Asato is hosting Virginia S. Grenier

Be part of our new Mystery Site Give-Away and have a chance to win a prize. This month the prize is a book. Sorry, can't tell you the title, it's a secret. Just visit the hosts' sites and leave a comment. YOU MAY WIN!

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Here's the February 01 schedule.

Several 4RV Pubishing authors are involved: Elysabeth Eldering, Lea Schizas, Crystalee Calderwood, Ransom Noble, and Vivian Zabel.

Just click on the Hosts' name and it will bring you directly to the site.

Deborah Ramos is hosting Sally Murphy

Dianne Sagan is hosting Margaret Fieland

Harry Gilleland is hosting Pam Devor

Karen Cioffi is hosting Elysabeth Eldering

Kathy Stemke is hosting Joyce Anthony

Lea Schizas is hosting Crystalee Calderwood

Nancy Famalari is hosting Deborah Ramos

Suzanne Lieurance is hosting Dianne Sagan

Vivian Zabel is hosting Harry Gilleland

Dehanna Bailee is hosting Karen Cioffi

Margaret Fieland is hosting Kathy Stemke

Ransom Noble is hosting Lea Schizas

Crystalee Calderwood is hosting Nancy Famalari

Elysabeth Eldering is hosting Suzanne Lieurance

Joyce Anthony is hosting Vivian Zabel

Sally Murphy is hosting Ransom Noble

Pam Devor is hosting Dehanna Bailee

Be sure to drop by and visit with these talented authors.

See you in blog world,
Karen

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Well, we're starting a brand new year with a great tour. Please note: Cheryl Pillsbury and Yolanda Jackson's blog urls will be posted in a couple of days.
Here is the schedule of each host and their guest:

Deborah Ramos Cheryl Pillsbury http://www.aarmoryofaardvarks.com
Dr. John F. Murray Yolanda Jackson http://drjohnfmurray.blogspot.com
Dianne Sagan Elysabeth Eldering http://www.diannesagan.wordpress.com
Harry Gilleland Joyce Anthony http://harrygillelandwrites.blogspot.com
Lanaia Lee Rosanna Ienco http://lanaialee.blogspot.com
Joy Delagado Deborah Ramos http://zooprisepartyfiestazoorpresa.blogspot
Lillian Cauldwell Dr. John F. Murray http://lilliancauldwell.blogspot.com
Karen Cioffi Dianne Sagan http://karenandrobyn.blogspot.com
Kathy Stemke Harry Gilleland http://educationtipster.blogspot.com
Linda Ballou Lanaia Lee http://lindaballou.blogspot.com
Lea Schizas Joy Delagado http://thewritingjungle.blogspot.com
Patricia Crandall Lillian Cauldwell http://patriciacrandall.blogspot.com
Nancy Famalari Karen Cioffi http://nancygfamolari.blogspot.com
Rosemary Chaulk Kathy Stemke http://rosemarychaulk.blogspot.com
Sharon Poppen Linda Ballou http://sharonpoppenauthor.blogspot.com
Suzanne Lieurance Lea Schizas http://suzannelieurance.com
Vivian Zabel Patricia Crandall http://VivianZabel.blogspot.com
Boyd Hipp Nancy Famalari http://boydhipp.blogspot.com
Dehanna Bailee Rosemary Chaulk http://www.thebackroomat.dehanna.com
Margaret Fielan Sharon Poppen http://www.margaretfieland.com
Ransom Noble Suzanne Lieurance http://www.ransomnoble.wordpress.com
Luigi Falconi Vivian Zabel http://luigifalconi.blogspot.com
Dwight Rounds Boyd Hipp http://dwightcrounds.blogspot.com
Anna Maria Prezio Dehanna Bailee http://prezio.blogspot.com
Crystalee Calderwood Margaret Fieland http://crystaleecalderwood.blogspot.com
Rosanna Ienco Ransom Noble http://rosannaienco.blogspot.com
Elysabeth Eldering Luigi Falconi http://elysabethsstories.blogspot.com
Joyce Anthony Dwight Rounds http://joyceanthony.tripod.com/blog/
Cheryl Pillsbury Anna Maria Prezio
Yolanda Jackson Crystalee Calderwood

Please don't forget to stop by and visit with these wonderful authors/writers. I know each tour I learn a little something new about the guest authors. And have a healthy and happy holiday season.

See you in blog world,
Karen

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Well, we're off again.

This is our third tour and it starts December 15th. Below is the schedule of Hosts and their Guests. We hope you drop by to see what's going on.

Host: Dr. John F. Murray / Guest: Elysabeth Eldering
http://drjohnfmurray.blogspot.com
Host: Dianne Sagan / Guest: Joyce Anthony
http://www.diannesagan.wordpress.com
Host: Harry Gilleland / Guest: Rosanna Ienco
http://harrygillelandwrites.blogspot.com
Host: Lanaia Lee / Guest: Dr. John F. Murray
http://lanaialee.blogspot.com
Host: Joy Delgado / Guest: Dianne Sagan http://zooprisepartyfiestazoorpresa.blogspot.com
Host: Lillian Cauldwell / Guest: Harry Gilleland
http://lilliancaldwell.blogspot.com
Host: Karen Cioffi / Guest: Lanaia Lee
http://karenandrobyn.blogspot.com
Host: Kathy Stemke / Guest: Joy Delgado
http://educationtipster.blogspot.com
Host: Linda Ballou / Guest: Lillian Cauldwell
http://lindaballou.blogspot.com
Host: Lea Schizas / Guest: Karen Cioffi
http://thewritingjungle.blogspot.com
Host: Patricia Crandall / Guest: Kathy Stemke
http://patriciacrandall.blogspot.com
Host: Nancy Famolari / Guest: Linda Ballou
http://nancygfamolari.blogspot.com
Host: Rosemary Chaulk / Guest: Lea Schizas
http://rosemarychaulk.blogspot.com
Host: Sharon Poppen / Guest: Patricia Crandall
http://sharonpoppenauthor.blogspot.com
Host: Suzanne Lieurance / Guest: Nancy Famolari
http://www.suzannelieurance.com
Host: Vivian Zabel / Guest: Rosemary Chaulk
http://VivianZabel.blogspot.com
Host: Boyd Hipp / Guest: Sharon Poppen
http://boydhipp.blogspot.com
Host: Dehanna Bailee / Guest: Suzanne Lieurance http://www.thebackroomat.dehanna.com
Host: Margaret Fieland / Guest: Vivian Zabel
http://www.margaretfieland.com
Host: Ransom Noble / Guest: Boyd Hipp
http://www.ransomnoble.wordpress.com
Host: Luigi Falconi / Guest: Dehanna Bailee
http://luigifalconi.blogspot.com
Host: Dwight Rounds / Guest: Margaret Fieland
http://dwightcrounds.blogspot.com
Host: Anna Maria Prezio / Guest: Ransom Noble
http://prezio.blogspot.com
Host: Crystalee Calderwood / Guest: Luigi Falconi http://crystaleecalderwood.blogspot.com
Host: Rosanna Ienco / Guest: Dwight Rounds
http://rosannaienco.blogspot.com
Host: Elysabeth Eldering / Guest: Anna Maria Prezio
http://elysabethsstories.blogspot.com
Host: Joyce Anthony / Guest: Crystalee Calderwood
http://joyceanthony.tripod.com/blog/

Please come back on the 15th to visit with my guest, author Lanaia Lee.

Karen

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I want to take a moment to let everyone know about a change in the Midnight Tour scheduled spotlight on this Blog. Due to personal circumstances in my life, I am unable to fulfill my obligation for my spot in the tour. I will, however, be having Vivian Zabel as a guest in the near future.

Please check out the following dates and locations for the rest of the Midnight Tour.

And don't forget to scroll down and check out the awesome CONTEST for the Midnight Tour!

Oct. 26 Holly Jahangiri http://blog.jahangiri.us/
Oct. 27 Brian L. Porter http://tinyurl.com/4qa4tw
Lee Lofland, The Graveyard Shift http://www.leelofland.com/wordpress
Oct. 28 Joyce Anthony http://joyceanthony.tripod.com/blog
Oct. 29 Elysabeth Eldering http://elysabethsstories.blogspot.com
Joyce Anthony http://joyceanthony.tripod.com/blog
Oct. 30 Joyce Anthony http://joyceanthony.tripod.com/blog
Jean Henry Mead http://advicefromeditors.blogspot.com
Oct. 31 Aidana WillowRaven http://coverchatter.blogspot.com
Joyce Anthony http://joyceanthony.tripod.com/blog
Nov. 1 Crystalee Calderwood http://crystaleecalderwood.blogspot.com
Nov. 2 Vivian Zabel http://vzabel.multiply.com/journal and http://VivianZabel.blogspot.com

Contest for Midnight Tour

Prize: $25 gift certificate from Amazon.com

Rules:1. Each person who comments on a blog stop receives one entry. For example, if a person leaves a comment ( or more) on four blog stops, he has four entries. (one entry per blog tour stop)

2. A purchase of Midnight Hours from the 4RV Bookstore, or from the author, receives fifteen (15) entries. Books must be bought directly from the author or from the publisher.A person may have entries from a purchase and from leaving comments.

3. The final step in the contest: Each person with entries must send an email to [email protected] with the answer to the following question:

What time does Midnight appear on the game site to chat with Martin?

November 5, a random drawing will be held using a program online to choose a winner. I will notify the winner by email and will post the result on my blogs at Vivian's Site and Brain Cells & Bubble Wrap.

URLs: 4RV Bookstore: http://4rvpublishingllc.com/Store-Books.html
Vivian's Site http://vzabel.multiply.com/journal
Brain Cells & Bubble Wrap http://VivianZabel.blogspot.com

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René Colato Laínez

F1rst Pages Conference and Revision Retreat (October 27-28, 2007)
F1st Pages Conference

Featuring some of the most experienced names in the business among them our own Adriana Dominguez.


The title of her workshop is The Latino Explosion! - So You Think You Know the Latino Market? A Close-Up Look

Workshop Preparation:

You must be familiar with the Latino/Spanish publishing industry and know what the Pura Belpre and Americas Awards are and who has won them. In addition, come prepared to talk about what genre you want to write in and whether your work will be English, Spanish or Bilingual.

In a group critique session, you will participate in a creative discussion of your peer’s manuscripts. You will receive the manuscripts ahead of the conference and should be familiar with them in order to participate effectively in the workshop. All names will remain anonymous.

Pre-Conference Assignment [Due no later than October 8th]:

Adriana Dominguez will review complete picture books, and the first 10 pages, with a synopsis, of middle-grade and young adult novels. Adriana does not publish nonfiction so please do not submit nonfiction manuscripts. All manuscripts submitted will ultimately be addressed as part of a group workshop with Adriana.

Who is Adriana Dominguez and what is she looking for?

While HarperCollins has a number of imprints to which the mainstream author has access, take a look at Rayo, an imprint of HarperCollins, which opens the door of this major publisher to Latino authors. Hence, Adriana Dominguez is looking for “…originality, a keen awareness of the qualities that make a good children's book, and for Rayo in particular, background: I am very interested in material written by Latino authors in Spanish, English, and bilingually.”

Having worked with many noted Latino authors, such as Lulu Delacre of Rafi and Rosi fame and the writing team of Alma Flor Ada and Isabel F. Campoy, this is a prime opportunity for Latino authors with Latino themed stories to not only meet the Executive Editor of the fastest growing imprint in the Latino children’s book market, but to learn how to break in and get published in a tough market.

If you are looking for a crash course in publishing, this is not the workshop for you.

Adriana says, “I’d like to reach a happy group of folks who have been published (ideally), or authors who are familiar with the basic publishing process and have made sincere attempts to get published and want feedback.”

Take a look at www.f1rstpages.com- If you are looking for someone to critique your work before sending it to editors, this could be the place for you. Also, in this webpage, you can find good information about about children’s literature genres: picture book, early readers, middle grade, and young adult.



THE 2nd ANNUAL BROOKLYN BOOK FESTIVAL – It’s coming - September 16, 2007! Be There.
www.brooklynbookfestival.org.

The second annual Brooklyn Book Festival will take place at historic Borough Hall on Sunday, September 16, 2007. Last year’s inaugural festival was a tremendous success, featuring 10,000 visitors, 80 publishers and presses from across the country, and readings and discussions by renowned authors.

The festival has quickly established a reputation for presenting innovative and exciting programming. This year, A.M. Homes, Pete Hamill, chef David Bouley, Mary Gaitskill, Uzodinma Iweala, George Saunders, children’s author/illustrator Mo Willems, George Packer, Ana Castillo, Alisa-Valdes-Rodriguez, Colson Whitehead, Reverend Run, Gloria Naylor, Stephen Carter, actor Mike Farrell and Jim Carroll are among the many authors who will grace the stages and reading rooms of the festival.

Hosted by Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz at historic Brooklyn Borough Hall, outdoors on its beautiful plaza, and at the nearby Brooklyn Historical Society, the day-long festival showcases local and national retailers, publishers, authors and literary organizations.

Multiple stages and indoor venues will feature adult and children’s programming, spirited panel discussions and spoken word performances.

Festival partners include Brookyn Academy of Music, the Brooklyn Historical Society, the Brooklyn Public Library, Housing Works and the National Book Foundation. Sponsors are Target, the Independence Community Foundation and Time Out New York.




Orange County Children's Book Festival (September 29 & 30, 2007)
http://www.kidsbookfestival.com

The Orange County Children's Book Festival is two daylong interactive family festival that invites children of all ages to experience the magic of books, encourages literacy, promotes the community and supports children's charities. With numerous book vendors on display, multiple stages for author and illustrator presentations, entertainment, and panel discussions - there’ll be something for everyone! An abundance of children activities such as face painting, clowns, musicians, readings, drawings, etc. will be offered and there will be lots of food, drinks and fun for the whole family. The festival is free to the public and will be held each year.

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