No Mad by Sam Moffie

About the Book:

Sam Moffie is 49 years of age and resides in Youngstown, Ohio with his family. When not writing and marketing he enjoys walks with his dog, red wine, watching movies, reading fiction, arguing politics and being a big target for his children. No Mad is his third novel. His fourth, The Book of Eli will be published in the fall.

Visit his website at http://www.samsstories.com/


About the Book:

“No Matter where you go, there you are.” Sam Moffie’s third novel takes readers on an impromptu road trip that proves transformative.

No Mad takes a good natured look at failed matrimony, middle age, and empty nest syndrome. Moffie’s novel evokes humor and optimism as his hero embraces life’s pitfalls and learns to “roll with punches.” Often nostalgic, Moffie’s novel also proves relevant as he explores issues such as corporate monopolies, politics, commercialization and their effects on “independent thinking and acting people” – people like the main character Aaron Abrams.

Sam agreed to answer a few short questions for me - here is what he had to say:

Who is your biggest supporter?

My biggest supporter is my muse and live-in girlfriend: Juliette.

Your biggest critic?

It's a tie between my biggest critics. My editor Devra and ny step-father Donald. They are the epitome of the phrase "devil's advocate".

What cause are you most passionate about and why?

My cause is to eliminate the stigma of self-publishing being something that is unholy.

Who has influenced you throughout your career as a writer?

Kurt Vonnegut and John Irving are my biggest influences.

What are you currently working on?

I am currently writing a novel and also waiting for the editing process to be completed on my 4th novel -- The Book of Eli. Eli should be released in late October or early November.

What do you feel is your biggest strength?

My biggest strength with my writing style is my humor. My biggest weakness (besides misuse of a semi-colon), is that I don't write about teenage monsters, teenage wizards, christian fiction, self-help and diet material.

Thanks so much Sam!

The Book of Unholy Mischief by Elle Newmark

About the Author:

Elle Newmark is an award winning writer whose books are inspired by her travels. She prowled the back streets of Venice to cook up The Book of Unholy Mischief and explored India by car and elephant to conjure The Devil’s Wind. She calls California home.

For more information on Elle or her work visit http://www.ellenewmark.com/


About the Book:

It is 1498, the dawn of the Renaissance and Venice teems with rumors of an ancient book that hold the secrets of unimaginable power. Rich and poor alike speculate abouthe the long buried secred tht might be scrawled in its pages and where the book might be hidden in the labyrinthine city. While those who seek the book will stop at nothing to get it, those who know will die to protect it.

As a storm of intrigue percolates in Her Most Serene Republic, Luciano, a penniless orphan, is plucked off the street by the doge's chef and taken in as the chef's apprentice. In the palace kitchen Luciano is initiated into the chef's rich and mysterious world where recipes are more than they seem.

It is not long before Luciano is caught up in the madness. Torn between loyalty to his street friends and his passion for Francesca, a convent girl, Lucianco's worthiness is tested. Armed with a precicious mind and insatiable curiosity, Luciano embarks on a perilous journey to uncover the truth. What he discovers will swing opent he shutters of his mind, inflalme his deepest esires, and leaven an indelible mark on his soul.

I was fortunate enough to get Elle to agree to an interview with me. This is what she had to say:


Could you please tell us a little about your book?

The Book of Unholy Mischief is a historical mystery with a culinary twist. It is 1498 in Renaissance Venice. The city is abuzz with rumors about a mysterious book that might hold secrets of alchemy and immortality. In this tumultuous atmosphere, the doge's chef takes an urchin off the street and makes him his apprentice. But there is more cooking in the the palace kitchen than food. It soon becomes apparent that the chef has ulterior motives for taking on Luciano and soon they are both swept up into a delicious but dangerous maze of secrets and intrigue.

Did something specific happen to prompt you to write this book?

I had just finished writing my first novel (which is still unpublished) and thought my writing career was finished. I had no new ideas. Zip. Nada. So my writing coach asked me to think about what I like, what interests me, and what I know about. I like Venice and I like a good story with an element of mystery. Also, since my father is a chef I know about good food. But that did not a novel make, so I slouched around the house for weeks, reading other people's novels and watching movies. One evening I watched The Name of The Rose and that night I had a dream. I woke up at 5 a.m. with a broad notion for a book about a chef in Renaissance Venice who mentors to a young man with the intention of grooming him for a larger purpose. The story revolved around a mysterious book, but I did not know what the book contained. I wrote and re-wrote The Book of Unholy Mischief for two years before it became clear what was so important about the chef's fictional book. I started with a foggy plot idea and two characters; the rest evolved in the writing.

Who or what is the inspiration behind this book?

Life and my own interests are the inspiration for all my books. I take things I know and things I'm interested in and mix them together. In the case of this book it was my love of Italy and food and my personal belief in Humanism.

Who is your biggest supporter?

Other writers. One of the things I love about writers is how we support each other. In other fields people doing the same work might be inclined to compete and trample each other in a bid to get ahead, but the writers I know are incredibly generous. Without the feedback, expertise and honesty of other writers I doubt I could ever have written a book.

Your biggest critic?

Me. I can be a real pain.

What cause are you most passionate about and why?

The cause that resonates in Unholy Mischief is humanism. No matter what anyone might or might not believe about the meaning or purpose of life, it cannot be denied that we are all stuck on this planet together. If we poison the earth or our children's minds we all suffer. But if we try to leave things better than the way we found them we all benefit. It sounds so simple; I don't know what it's so difficult to carry out.

In the last year have you learned or improved on any skills?

I have been privileged to work with a very fine editor at Atria, Emily Bestler, and . I've learned a great deal from her. Emily was able to pinpoint what was needed where with surgical precision and the book was much improved for her input. I believe that working with her has made me a better writer.

Do you have any rituals you follow when finishing a piece of work?

I take a shower, sit outdoors and breathe deeply.

Who has influenced you throughout your career as a writer?

Again, other writers. There are so many great writers, past and present, it is inspiring to read them and know that there is room in literature for many voices. That knowledge has given me the freedom to develop my own.

What is the most important thing in your life right now?

Becoming a better writer.

What are you currently working on?

I recently delivered my new novel (working title The Devil's Wind) and am about to start revisions with my editor. It is a tale of parallel love stories in India set against a backdrop of parallel wars. I spent last March in India researching.

Do you have any advice for writers or readers?

For readers: Don't read junk; be picky. Insist that an author leave you with something valuable. For writers: Never give up.

Is there an author that inspired you to write?

John Steinbeck is the first author that made me wonder how ink on paper could cause me to laugh and cry and make the world disappear. I wanted to know how he did that and I'm still trying to figure it out.

What are some of your long term goals?

To never retire and to never stop learning.

What do you feel has been your greatest achievement as an author?

Not giving up in the face of 20+ years of rejection from traditional publishing. I love to hear from readers who say they were discouraged and ready to give up until they read my story. That's the best!

What do you feel sets this book apart from others in the same genre?

The food. There are lots of historical novels out there, but one that makes its points with culinary metaphors is something different. I feel rather clever about that.

You know the scenario – you’re stuck on an island. What book would you bring with you and why?

Stuck on an island? Horrible thought, but okay. Probably Sohpie's Choice by William Styron. It has everything: Fine writing, fascinating characters who come to life completely, a fully imagined setting, and a heartbreaking comment on the human condition that I could think about for a very long time.

If you could go back and change one day, what would it be?

None. Everything I've experienced has been necessary to who I am.

Are you a different person now than you were 5 years ago? In what way/s?

Yes. I have a job.

Visit me at www.ellenewmark.com

Journal According to John by Sheryl Keen

About the Author:

Sheryl A. Keen has a bachelor’s degree in History with a minor in English Literature from the University of the West Indies. She lives in Canada where she works in Administration.

In addition to prose, Sheryl also writes poetry. When she is not writing, one of her other loves is painting.

You can visit Sheryl A. Keen’s website at http://www.sherylkeen.com/


About the Book:

Following a nasty bar brawl, John, a twenty-eight-year-old man, follows a close friend’s advice and begins keeping a journal. He’s recently divorced from his wife, Debbie, and he hopes the journal will provide a tool with which to make sense of his brief, failed marriage and to determine why he is so emotionally challenged.

As a therapist specializing in behavioral issues, he knows he has to pull his own life together. If he tells people to clean up their own lives, modify their thoughts, and learn new, more appropriate behaviors, he knows that he’s got to step up and follow his own advice. Early on, he realizes that his mother, the curator of a gallery that specializes in steel art and other nontraditional works, has largely shaped his thoughts and actions. But just how much can he blame her for his current state of affairs?

Soon the words in the journal are flowing easily and quickly. When painful thoughts are no longer avoided and dreams provide fuel for his writing, the journal takes on a life of its own. Will John discover the reasons for his dysfunctional situation? Can keeping a journal help him improve his life?

I was lucky enough to get the author to sit down and answer a few questions. Here's what she had to say:

Could you please tell us a little about your book?

My book is “Journal According to John.” It tells the story of John, a twenty-eight year old man who is recently divorced. When he finds himself miserable and uncharacteristically engaging in bar fights, John finally takes a friend’s advice and begins keeping a journal. He hopes the journal will provide a tool with which to make sense of his brief failed marriage and to determine why he is so emotionally challenged.

Early on he realizes that his mother, the curator of a gallery that specializes in steel art and other nontraditional works, has largely shaped his thoughts and actions. He continually blames her for his current state of affairs. As he continues to write, he begins to take a closer look at his own actions and decisions and soon he starts to make interesting discoveries about himself.

The questions are many. How much can he blame his mother for his problems? Will John discover the reasons for his dysfunctional situation? Can keeping the journal help him improve his life?

The novel really looks at the complex relationship between a son and his mother.

Did something specific happen to prompt you to write this book?

There was nothing specific that happened. I just thought it might be interesting to tell an emotional story from a male’s perspective and to tell it in a way that is not very male. I am not sure how many men write in their personal journals. Not too many I suppose. The story is told through John’s actual journal entries and this is ironic because it is a direct antithesis of the manhood that he is trying to find. It would be interesting to find out if John does come to terms with his masculinity while writing in this way.

The good thing about the story is that it lends itself to intimacy between the readers and the main character because they get to look directly into John’s journal.

Your biggest critic?

My biggest critic is me. I know myself, my work and story that I want to tell better than anyone else. The work that I put out there is representative of me so I am always trying to find areas to improve so that when people see my name they can associate it with good work.

Do you have any rituals you follow when finishing a piece of work?

I don’t have any rituals but I usually have two or three ways in which the story could end. When this happens, I always spend a lot of time obsessing over the ideal ending. As a rule, I try to use a realistic ending even if it’s not a happy one.

Who has influenced you throughout your career as a writer?

I have been influenced by the great Literature teachers that I have had in high school. They made books fun and they made them relatable to everyday life. The way in which they have been able to impart lessons and ideas from great books further cemented my enthusiasm to be a writer. They also taught me to think in a critical way. Although those teachers are not in my life right now, I can still hear their voices in my head.

Do you have any advice for writers or readers?

My advice for writers is to write even when you are not motivated. The act of writing can serve as motivation. It’s sometimes difficult to come up with a single line but once you start other lines will come.

Also, never give up on the dreams and goals that you have set for yourself as a writer. Rejection of any sort is simply a setback. Belief in your work and take yourself seriously and others will follow suit.

What do you feel is your biggest strength?

I am detail oriented. Sometimes when you go to an interview you are asked: are you a details person or a big picture person. It’s a funny question because you cannot have a big picture without details. It’s because I can see the big picture why I would know which details to put in and why I would know how important the details are.

The details are important in writing to give readers a sense of place, time and emotions. Moreover, life is made up of just that - details.

You know the scenario – you’re stuck on an island. What book would you bring with you and why?

I would take “To The Lighthouse” by Virginia Woolf. This is one of my favourite books because it explores the nature of human consciousness. If I am stuck on an island, I might be there for a while and this is not a novel that one hurries to read. It’s also a novel that has the lighthouse as a strong image and a lighthouse can represent enlightenment. Hopefully, I might find illumination about something in my life while stuck on an island with only myself and Virginia Woolf.

There is a theme of light and dark when it comes to a lighthouse. It’s possible that I would have some anxiety about being stuck on an island and this would be reflective of life’s frequently altering situations which can be stable at one moment and uncertain in the next. Obviously I would have a lot of time to think and I would want to gain some insight while I am there.

What is the most important lesson you have learned from life so far?

We have to take risks to obtain the things that we want. Nobody ever achieve greatness by playing it safe. When we go out on a limb, most times the limb will bend to accommodate us. It basically comes down to fear or faith.

What is your favorite past-time?

My favourite pastime is painting. I tend to think about it as a complement to my writing because the process is similar in that there are a lot of details used to create a big picture. In painting I use color and composition and in writing I choose words and a certain way of putting them together. They both end up giving the reader or the viewer a certain point of view.

I carry a camera everywhere because I never know what I’ll see. So I take pictures and then create paintings from them.

Lizzie's Rake by Hazel Statham

About the Author:


Hazel Statham lives in Staffordshire, England. She started writing at fifteen and has written on and off ever since. She has always been fascinated by history and writes mainly in the Regency and Georgian eras, although she has had a short medieval story published. When she was a child, she often told herself stories and this just progressed to committing them to paper to entertain family and friends. There have however, been gaps in her writing years where marriage and employment intervened, but now that she no longer works, she is able to return to her first love and devote her time to writing. She had her first two novels published in 2005.

She has been married to her husband Terry since 1969 and they have a grown daughter and beautiful grandson. Apart from reading and writing historical novels, her other ruling passion is animals and until recently, she was treasurer for an organization that raised money for animal charities. She currently shares her home with two lovely yellow Labradors named Lucy and Mollie, who are her constant companions. They are real sweeties, but it’s not always easy working at the computer with a large Labrador trying to get on your knee!

You can visit Hazel online at http://www.hazel-statham.co.uk/.

About the Book:

Can a rake reform his ways and truly love?

Lizzie's head tells her one thing, her heart another.Infamous rake and Corinthian, Maxim Beaufort, Earl of St. Ive, finding himself in possession of a property in Yorkshire, is unprepared for the changes it will bring into his life.

Irresistibly drawn to Elizabeth Granger, the former owner’s daughter, he attempts to help the family, finding himself filling the role of benefactor.

When the house is razed to the ground, he arranges for temporary accommodation for Elizabeth and her siblings on his estate and when Elizabeth rejects his proposal of marriage, he is nonetheless determined to win her over.

However, events and his reputation conspire to thwart his efforts and his course is one fraught with dangers.

Trust does not come easily and determined to protect her heart, Elizabeth struggles to resist her own longings. At times, their difficulties appear insurmountable but the earl is widely known as ‘The Indomitable’ and the name was not lightly earned.

I was lucky enough to get the author to agree to an interview. This is what she had to say:

Could you please tell us a little about your book?

Can a rake reform his ways and truly love? Elizabeth's head tells her one thing, her heart another.

When infamous rake and Corinthian, Maxim Beaufort, Earl of St. Ive, finds himself in possession of a property in Yorkshire, he is irresistibly drawn to Elizabeth Granger, the former owner’s daughter. Whilst attempting to help the family, he ends up filling the role as benefactor. When the house is razed, he arranges temporary accommodations for Elizabeth and her siblings on his estate but when he proposes to Elizabeth he is rejected.

Trust doesn’t come easily for Elizabeth and determined to protect her heart, she struggles to resist her longings, especially considering the earl’s reputation. At times, their difficulties appear insurmountable but the earl is widely known as ‘The Indomitable’ and the name was not lightly earned.

Who is your biggest supporter?

My family is very supportive and is always delighted when I sign a new contract.

Your biggest critic?

I have to say that I’m my own severest critic. I’m never completely satisfied with my work and even after publication feel the need to ‘tweak’ what I have written.

What cause are you most passionate about and why?

I hate cruelty and injustice in any shape or form, be it against humans or animals. I used to work as treasurer for an organization that raised money for animal charities.

What are you currently working on?



















My current work-in-progress is another Regency romance and I have finally settled on the title ‘For Love of Sarah’. It has been very much a start – stop process over the past few months but, hopefully, I will now be able to settle to it and finally see it completed.

Is there an author that inspired you to write?

I have to admit that, like many other writers of Traditional Regencies, I initially derived my inspiration from Georgette Heyer. When I read her books they opened up a whole new world to me, one I longed to recreate in my work.

What do you feel has been your greatest achievement as an author?

My greatest achievement is in becoming a published author. It never ceases to amaze me that people enjoy my writing. So far, I have been lucky enough to find a home for all my manuscripts and I am very grateful to the publishers who have given me the opportunity to share my work with others.

What do you feel is your biggest strength?

Writing is a compulsion I can’t ignore and I would continue to write regardless of whether it was published or not.

Biggest weakness?

Lack of self-confidence.

You know the scenario – you’re stuck on an island. What book would you bring with you and why?

‘Jane Eyre’ by Charlotte Bronte. I love the enigmatic Rochester and I think you will find a little of him in all my heroes.

Is there anything else you would like to share with us?

I hope everyone enjoys reading my stories as much as I enjoy writing them. I love to hear from my readers and promise to answer all my mail.

Save the Best For Last by Kim Hanks

About the Author:

Kim Hanks is the author of Save The Best For Last, a fantasy adventure debut from the author! Critics have compared this book to an example of hugely popular genres and reality in the novelists craft and have described it as a strong, good, and multi layered fantasy adventure written with a hand that is both sure and light.

Kim has a full time job and is a graduate of Cambridge International College with a degree in Human Resource Management. He lives in Dubai.

For more information please visit his website at http://www.kimhanks.net/

About the Book:

Zwick Lamps, a secret admirer to Whitney Barnes, got targeted by a genius son of the past evil family that had lived in Green Oasis Town. However, it was once before that Zwick had finally discovered his supernatural powers that were only known by the isolated old woman Tabitha, a misfortuned lady whose husband died on their wedding day.

I was able to get Kim to agree to an interview. Here are his answers:

Could you please tell us a little about your book?

My novel save the best for last is a fantasy adventure saga; it's the first in the series. This book is set in Green Oasis Town. Zwick is the major character in the book; he had supernatural abilities that were only known by the unknown woman. He later becomes attracted to a girl who obviously wasn't destined to be with him. After experiencing the tragedy, Zwick had to do everything in his powers to stop history from repeating its self.

Who or what is the inspiration behind this book?

It was during a day dream when I got the aspect of this book unfolding in my minds; it only began with two characters. Immediately I knew this was a novel event as the idea continued pouring in visually. Despite of my literature back ground, by then I was also a creative writing student. So as a person who loved writing, this was the right time for me to take it on the professional level.

Who has influenced you throughout your career as a writer?

Apart from my creative teacher who encouraged me through it, several authors whose work I never miss up to now, like Stephen king, Jk Rowling, though their several other new authors whose work I enjoy reading these days, they have influenced me so much because I feel that spirit to work hard so that I can produce smart work similar to theirs.

What are you currently working on?

Right now, I'm working on the sequel of save the best for last and I have just finished two single title projects in the editing process.

Do you have any advice for writers or readers?

Believing in your work is vital to any author, if you don't trust it, nobody will. Keeping reading and don't forget to write something every day. It will help you to recognize advancements in your writing craft as you writing career goes on.

What do you feel sets this book apart from others in the same genre?

Frankly, anyone who like reading fantasy and those who enjoy cross genre books, I mean book with elements from other genres. Then my book is a must read for them because it lights logical and unforeseen twists and turns within its inherent concept.

What is your favorite past time?

When not writing or reading? Then obviously I will be attending acting classes which I only go for during my free time. But I'm no exception, I watch movies too, I like those drives around as well answering emails and meeting my friends relieves me.

Is there anything else you would like to share with us?

Yes! Anytime my book Save the Best For Last may appear on the silver screen as movie proposals have started coming in, but no deal has been confirmed.


WIN PRIZES!!!

SAVE THE BEST FOR LAST VIRTUAL BLOG TOUR '09 will officially begin on March 2 and end on March 31. You can visit Kim's blog stops at http://www.virtualbooktours.wordpress.com/ in March to find out more about this great book and talented author!As a special promotion for all our authors, Pump Up Your Book Promotion is giving away a FREE virtual book tour to a published author or a $50 Amazon gift certificate to those not published who comments on our authors' blog stops. More prizes will be announced as they become available.

Grayrider by Bruce Skye

About the Author:

A former technical writer, detail is important to Bruce Skye. His research for the Deathsong Chronicles included medieval armor and fortresses, as well as Celtic names and magic. "If you create a world, it must be consistent. And that's what I strive for Grayrider's world to be. I've built a database of material for each of the Deathsong Chronicles. Those databases aid me in keeping the world the same from book to book.

"When I wrote Grayrider, I followed the advice of Stephen King. I did not write the book following any sort of outline. I have no more idea than my readers do when I write a novel what will happen in the midst of the story. It makes it more exciting for both the readers and myself."

You can visit his website at http://www.bruceskye.com/.

About the Book:

Gabriel, the exiled king of Rivalin, comes before King Airell to warn him the Ansgarian army will invade his kingdom before the night is over. Airell tells him he has no one to send. Gabriel wants revenge for the murder of his family by the Ansgarians. He decides to fight the incursion without help.

As this takes place, Deirdre (Airell’s daughter), flees the kingdom of Cynyr north of Boadhagh. She knows now her mentor, Morrigan, created the Ansgarian army her father has fought for years. She goes south to warn him of her. Because Deirdre does not believe in herself, the young sorceress has difficulty in performing magic.

Once she is reunited with her father, she tells both he and Grayrider about Morrigan. Her power is growing; only Gabriel’s magical sword may yet destroy her. He must go to Cynyr to fight her. He agrees if Deirdre attends him, seeking her counsel. On that journey they fall in love and foil many efforts by Morrigan to kill Gabriel by both armies and sorcerers.

Grayrider fights Morrigan and sees his beloved slain by the sorceress before he is finally able to kill her. He returns to Rivalin brokenhearted. The ending is a complete surprise the reader will not expect at all.

I had the opportunity to ask Bruce some questions. Here's what he had to say:

Could you please tell us a little about your book?

Gabriel the Gray is a refugee king driven from his land by those who murdered his family. He is an exile in the kingdom of Boadhagh, helping in defending that land from the same army which invaded his own realm. To do that, he has a powerful magical sword known as Deathsong. The sword and its abilities scare him on occasion.

Did something specific happen to prompt you to write this book?

Being a writer has been a lifelong dream of mine. A divorce made me decide to finally begin to live out my own dreams.

Who or what is the inspiration behind this book?

I had a troubled childhood. The Grayrider character has been in my mind for years.

Who is your biggest supporter?

My fiancé. She pushed me to attempt to publish the book. She’s dying of cancer. And I dedicated the book to her.

Your biggest critic?

I am.

What cause are you most passionate about and why?

I fear radical Islam. I have studied Muslim terrorism and it truly frightens me.

In the last year have you learned or improved on any skills?

My writing has improved because I constantly work at it. My goal is to have every novel I publish be better than the last.

Do you have any rituals you follow when finishing a piece of work?

No.

Who has influenced you throughout your career as a writer?

Two writers have influenced my writing: Jack Higgins and J.R.R.Tolkien

What is the most important thing in your life right now?

Succeeding as an author.

What are you currently working on?

Grayrider is the first volume of the Deathsong Chronicles series. The second volume is finished and I hope for it to be published later this year. I’m working on the third book in the series now.

Do you have any advice for writers or readers?

For writers I suggest not to give up. Being published can be quite daunting. And there is much to know in doing it wisely. Find out everything you can before attempting self-publication.

Is there an author that inspired you to write?

Again, Jack Higgins.

What are some of your long term goals?

To have a New York Times bestseller.

What do you feel has been your greatest achievement as an author?

Writing suspenseful stories both reviewers and readers enjoy.

What do you feel is your biggest strength?

Having the humility to be willing to constantly learn and grow in my craft.

Biggest weakness?

The fear of failure.

What do you feel sets this book apart from others in the same genre?

This fantasy novel is actually a suspense story combined with sorcery, swordplay and romance. One reviewer wrote of Grayrider "I found that I could not put the book down."

You know the scenario – you’re stuck on an island. What book would you bring with you and why?

That is a difficult question!

Are you a different person now than you were 5 years ago?

Absolutely!

In what ways?

I’m certainly more mature and level-headed.

What is the most important lesson you have learned from life so far?

Never give up. If I had, Grayrider never would have been published.

Is there anything you regret doing/not doing?

I have yet to go skydiving, scuba diving and getting my sailplane license.

What is your favorite past-time?

Reading.

Is there anything else you would like to share with us?

I think the message I want Grayrider to give to people is not to give up, no matter the odds against you.

WIN PRIZES:

GRAYRIDER VIRTUAL BLOG TOUR '08 will officially begin on February 2 and end on February 27. You can visit Bruce's blog stops at http://www.virtualbooktours.wordpress.com/ in February to find out more about his new book!As a special promotion for all our authors, Pump Up Your Book Promotion is giving away a FREE virtual book tour to a published author or a $50 Amazon gift certificate to those not published who comments on our authors' blog stops. More prizes will be announced as they become available.

Avenging Angel: A Shannon Wallace Mystery by Kim Smith

About the Author:

Kim Smith was born in Memphis Tennessee, the youngest of four children. After a short stint in a Northwest Mississippi junior college, during the era of John Grisham’s rise as a lawyer, she gave up educational pursuits to marry and begin family life.

She has worked in many fields in her life, from fast food waitress to telephone sales. “I always got the seniors on the phone who were lonely and wanted someone to talk to. My boss couldn’t understand why in the world I spent so much time talking to them and not enough time selling. That was when I realized I love people and care deeply about their lives.

"After the birth of her two children, she gave up working outside the home for the more important domestic duties of wife and mother. When her kids decided they wanted to pursue theater as an extracurricular activity, she gave up her free time to drive them to rehearsals, training classes, and plays. During those years, she found herself bored with nothing to do to while away the hours stuck in a car. She began thinking of stories to entertain herself and pass the time. Before long she started telling her husband about her stories and he assured her she could write a book if she really wanted to. She put the idea away once she landed a job as a network administrator for a small corporation, and together the Smith’s started their own video production company.

Writing was a dream, hidden but not forgotten, and soon Kim began to talk again of trying her hand at it. She played with words, and wrote several poems, one of which was picked up for an anthology.

One day in the early nineties her husband came home with a desktop computer and sat her in front of it. “Now you have no more excuses,” he said, and she realized the truth in his words. Procrastination, now no longer an option, she took off on the pursuit of penning her first book. Though that book, a young adult fantasy, was lost due to unforeseen circumstances, she kept going, writing a historical romance, and another YA.

When she decided to try out her hand at mystery writing, she discovered her true love and niche in the writing journey. She has since had four short stories, and her first mystery novel accepted for publication.

Kim is a member of Sisters in Crime, and EPIC. She still lives in the Mid South region of the United States and is currently working on her second book in the mystery series.

You can visit her website at http://www.mkimsmith.com/.

I had the opportunity to interview the author - this is what she had to say:

Could you please tell us a little about your book?

I would love to! My book, Avenging Angel, A Shannon Wallace Mystery is about a young woman’s search to regain lost DVDs of her and her boyfriend before a cop with a grudge can get his hands on them. Unfortunately, the boyfriend’s killer took them, and he’s been watching them. Now Shannon’s on the top of his most wanted list!

Who is your biggest supporter?

My biggest supporters have always been my family and friends. My kids and hubby have endured a lot of neglect through the years while I have pursued a writing career, and my friends have endured a lot of misfires in the writing department in the form of false starts, bad writing, and horrible grammar. Thank God they kept telling me to persevere.

Your biggest critic?

Probably my closest critiquers. They have seen my worst moments, my worst writing, and they probably wondered through it all if I was going to survive the journey to being published.

In the last year have you learned or improved on any skills?

Yes, as a matter of fact I have. I have improved my writing by doing more photography. It’s amazing what you can do with a piece of writing after seeing images through a viewfinder all day. You are limited to what you see in the screen, and you have to focus hard to compose the best shot. Likewise, writing needs the same focus and composition.

Who has influenced you throughout your career as a writer?

My favorite authors are always my biggest influence. I want to be just like them when I grow up as a writer. If I could only obtain the status they hold in the industry, all my dreams will have been fulfilled.

What is the most important thing in your life right now?

I have several important things. Getting my daughter through college, paying off my debts and becoming debt-free, and getting another book published are at the top of the list.

What are you currently working on?

I have recently begun edits on the second book in the Shannon Wallace Mystery series and have the third book about half-way finished. I am also writing a contemporary romance for inclusion in an anthology for my publisher and have a short story coming out in March.

Do you have any advice for writers or readers?

If you desire to write, then do it. No matter what you hear from me or anyone else, if you can string together sentences and paragraphs and page after page of a story, then you are a writer. If writing is a dream of yours, then let no man take that from you. Dreams are the stuff life is made from.

What do you feel is your biggest strength?

I love writers. I think good writers are just fun to be around and I could spend hours talking to them. I think my biggest strength is being able to help them promote by getting them on my radio show, by doing interviews with them, and hosting them on my blogs. It’s never a bad idea to keep paying things forward when it is within your power to do so.

If you could go back and change one day, what would it be?

August 20, 1999. My mother passed away early that morning and I would give anything if I could have spent more time with her. She would be so proud today to know that I got a book published.

What is your favorite past-time?

I would have to say traveling is my favorite past-time. I would rather sit on a mountaintop in Vermont and write than eat. I know if I were allowed to go to Scotland, I would never return to the States, because for some of us Outlanders, that place where our heart truly is, always calls us home. It’s in the blood, this love of the land. And love for the MOTHER land… well, that’s truly special.

About the Book:

Shannon Wallace is having a bad hair week.She’s been ditched by her job, dumped by her boyfriend, and implicated in his murder.

When she finds out her very private video collection is missing from the crime scene, it is all out war to find the disks before the cops do. The problem is, the killer has them.

And he’s watched them.

Now Shannon’s at the top of his most wanted list.

WIN PRIZES:

AVENGING ANGEL VIRTUAL BLOG TOUR '09 will officially begin on February 2 and end on February 27. You can visit Kim's blog stops at http://www.virtualbooktours.wordpress.com/ in February to find out more about this talented author!As a special promotion for all our authors, Pump Up Your Book Promotion is giving away a FREE virtual book tour to a published author or a $50 Amazon gift certificate to those not published who comments on our authors' blog stops. More prizes will be announced as they become available.

Grit for the Oyster

About the authors:

Joanna Bloss is the author of God's Gifts for the Grad (Barbour, 2009) and has written for a variety of publications including Today's Christian Woman and Discipleship Journal. She is a certified personal trainer, graphic artist, and currently working towards her master's degree in clinical psychology. She lives in the Midwest with her four children. Keep up with her busy life at http://joannabloss.blogspot.com/.

Debora M. Coty is a seasoned raconteur (storyteller), a raqueteer (tennis player) and a racketician (loud laughter). Also a freelance writer and newspaper columnist, she’s had over eighty works published in international magazines, newspapers, trade journals and anthologies. You can visit her webwsite at http://www.deboracoty.com/.

Suzanne Woods Fisher is a wife, mother, writer, lifelong student of the Bible, raiser of puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind, a gardener and a cook...the latter two with sporadic results. A former contributing editor to Christian Parenting Today magazine, Suzanne's work has appeared in many magazines. Her first novel, Copper Star, a World War II love story, received three literary awards. Since then, she has published two more books and has five books under contract. Suzanne is a popular retreat speaker and teaches Precepts at her church. Find Suzanne on-line at: http://www.suzannewoodsfisher.com/.

Faith Tibbetts McDonald, a former contributing editor to Christian Parenting Today magazine, a newspaper columnist, freelance writer, professional speaker, and lecturer at Pennsylvania State University, received the Reader’s Pick award for an article published in Today’s Christian Woman magazine. Faith has contributed to numerous books including Women Ask, Women Answer: Questions Women Long to Ask, Answers They Need to Know (Thomas Nelson, 2008). Faith lives with her husband and three children in Pennsylvania. Visit Faith on Facebook.

About the book:

A powerful motivator for aspiring writers, Grit for the Oyster offers wit, wisdom, and inspiration to take that first step and persevere through the writing journey. More than a how-to, this confidence-building book is designed to draw readers to a closer relationship with God, to affirm their calling to write, and to offer pithy practical guidance from successful writers like Terri Blackstock, Martha Bolton, James Scott Bell, Liz Curtis Higgs, Dr. Gary Chapman, and Kavid Kopp.

I got the chance to ask them some questions, and this is what they had to say:

Could you please tell us a little about your book?

Grit for the Oyster: 250 Pearls of Wisdom for Aspiring Writers is a powerful motivator for aspiring and experienced writers, offering wit, wisdom and inspiration to take that first step and persevere through the writing journey. There are many books that address the mechanics of writing and getting published, but not about the heart of writing.

Bestselling author Terri Blackstock calls Grit for the Oyster “A great way to start each writing day…a treasure trove of encouraging words for writers.” Award-winning author Ruth Ellinger claims Grit is “like the Writer’s Bible.”

Did something specific happen to prompt you to write this book?

We were motivated to write this book to share our learning experiences with others who want to write their own stories…maybe a memoir, or precious family story, or even a novel that is aching to be told. And by the responses we’re getting, there are lots of them out there.

Who or what is the inspiration behind this book?

Our greatest inspiration was a scripture taped to each of our computer desks and included in the first page of Grit for the Oyster: “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin,” (Zechariah 4:10). When we hit bumps in the road while writing, or got stuck in potholes, we’d go back to this verse and break the intimidating task down into accomplishable, bite-size “small beginnings.” That’s great advice for writers, you know: write something every day; length doesn’t matter.

What are you currently working on?

Suzanne has a novel, For the Love of Dogs, due out in February. Following on its heels are four contracts with Revell/Baker, stacked up like airplanes waiting to take off. The first is non-fiction, Amish Peace in an English Life, and the following three are fiction books about the Amish (titles pending).

Debora is looking forward to the release of Billowing Sails (the sequel to The Distant Shore) in 12/08, and is totally excited about Mom Needs Chocolate: Hugs, Humor and Hope for Surviving Motherhood, Regal Books’ featured Mother’s Day release in 3/09. Everyday Hope (Barbour Publishing) will follow in 8/09 and Barbour has recently initiated discussion concerning a book project for 2010.

Joanna recently pitched a novel and a non-fiction series to publishers and is completing them while awaiting replies. She has learned to be as productive as possible in the waiting time—“It keeps me from camping out next to the mailbox and frightening our mail carrier.”

Faith is waiting for replies from magazines regarding articles submitted for publication. She uses her waiting time to work on an epistolary novel with a co-worker and is also writing a book of personal essays entitled “Lose Weep, Find Keep.”

Do you have any advice for writers or readers?

When writing, it’s wise to consider starting with small, achievable goals. Magazine articles, or a book with a small publishing house. Small presses can create wonderful opportunities to build your name, learn the ropes, etc. Many terrific books are published by small presses. Good things start small.

What do you feel sets this book apart from others in the same genre?

The creation of a lustrous literary pearl takes time. And a lot of friction in your oyster. You can’t rush the process but you can prepare by learning what to expect (how the industry works), and how to deal with the fluctuating tides (success and rejection).

We asked scores of successful authors, publishers, poets, agents, and editors to share inspiration, helpful hints and writing tips with those just starting out. We posed the question: What advice would have helped you the most in the early stages of your career?

Grit for the Oyster is a book we wish we’d had access to in those early days. It’s full of useful information, real emotion, lots of smiles and a few tears, and most of all, encouragement from those in the trenches right alongside you.

What is your favorite past-time?

We’re a cross-section of Americana. Suzanne writes full time and Deb, Faith and Jo work full or part-time. All of us are freelance writers for magazines, newspapers and anthologies. Suzanne raises puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind. Deb’s an orthopedic occupational therapist, piano teacher, and tennis addict, Faith’s a writing instructor at Penn State University, and Joanna is a certified personal trainer and graphics artist. We are all moms and squeeze precious writing moments from full schedules. As you no doubt know, writers write. Even when you’re not physically tapping at the keyboard, ideas are marinating in your brain.

Is there anything else you would like to share with us?

All of us are speakers and would be delighted to share with writing groups, women’s events or civic organizations and can be reached via www.gritfortheoyster-book.blogspot.com, our dynamic writer’s blog that is brimming with awesome tips and applicable ideas.

Debora (for southeast regions) and Suzanne (west coast) conduct critically acclaimed writing workshops for schools (kids) and adults, which are listed with other speaking engagements on our websites, www.DeboraCoty.com and www.suzannewoodsfisher.com. While you’re there, be sure to sign up for our free newsletters, which will keep you abreast of special events, contests and upcoming books.

Thank you SO much for having us! May you find lustrous pearl-producing grit for your oyster.

WIN PRIZES!

GRIT FOR THE OYSTER VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR '08 will officially begin on November 3 and end on November 26. You can visit the authors' blog stops at http://www.virtualbooktours.wordpress.com/ in November to find out more about their latest book!As a special promotion for all our authors, Pump Up Your Book Promotion is giving away a FREE virtual book tour to a published author or a $50 Amazon gift certificate to those not published who comments on our authors' blog stops. More prizes will be announced as they become available. The winner(s) will be announced on November 30!