Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Author Denise Hunter

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing
SURRENDER BAY (Thomas Nelson November 6, 2007)
by Denise Hunter

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Denise lives in Indiana with her husband Kevin and their three sons. In 1996, Denise began her first book, a Christian romance novel, writing while her children napped.Two years later it was published, and she's been writing ever since. Her books often contain a strong romantic element, and her husband Kevin says he provides all her romantic material, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too!In addition to Surrender Bay, the second Nantucket book releases in April 2008. The title is The Convenient Groom and features Kate Lawrence, a relationship advice columnist, whose groom dumps her on her wedding day. Denise is currently at work on the third Nantucket book (Oct 2008) which is untitled so far.

ABOUT THE BOOK:
When Sam's estranged step-father dies, she inherits his ocean-front cottage in Nantucket--not because he kindly bequeathed it to her, but because he neglected to ever create a will. Sam returns to the island she left 11 years ago with her daughter Caden to fix up the house and sell it, but she isn't counting on is the fact that Landon Reed still lives two doors down from her childhood home.As their long-dormant romance begins to bud again, Sam must face the fact that Landon still doesn't know why she really left the island. Will the secrets she's hidden all these years tear them apart? Or is Landon's love really as unconditional as he claims?

"I've always thought Denise Hunter was an amazing writer but this wonderful story sets her firmly at the forefront of compelling love stories. How Landon breaks down Samantha's determination that she is unworthy of love kept me glued to the pages. An amazing story!"
--Colleen Coble, author of Fire Dancer (Smoke Jumper Series)

Monday, October 29, 2007

Promotion Tip!

When looking for outlets to sell books, many authors miss big opportunities!

As taken from author & friend p.m.terrell's book, "Take the Mystery Out of Promoting Your Book":

"If you are involved in any causes, you can use your celebrity status as a published author to raise money for them and obtain additional publicity by agreeing to donate a portion of the book sales to the cause in return for a book signing at the event."

So don't forget those causes! And what a wonderful way to sell books and support something dear to your heart.

Author Austin Boyd

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing
THE RETURN(Navpress Publishing Group July 13, 2007)by
Austin Boyd

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Austin Boyd writes from his experience as a decorated Navy pilot, spacecraft engineer and an astronaut candidate finalist. Austin lives with his wife Cindy and four children in America’s “Rocket City”--Huntsville, Alabama, where he directs business development for a large NASA and defense contractor. His creative talents include inspirational fiction and poetry, finely crafted reproduction colonial furniture, archery and long distance cycling. He serves his community as an advocate for a crisis pregnancy center and as a motivational speaker in the area of lifestyle evangelism.
THE RETURN is part of the Mars Hill Classified Series with The Evidence and The Proof

ABOUT THE BOOK:
IS SEEING BELIEVING?
Six years after completing a manned mission to the Red Planet, Admiral John Wells is set to make another journey to Mars. But this time his crew is not alone, as John's team encounters a secret colony comprised of individuals pursuing John Raines' strange religion, the "Father Race."While John begins to uncover a web of lies on Mars, his wife and daughter are struggling for survival on earth. Now John must survive his dangerous mission and find a way back home, even as a shocking plan begins to unfold millions of miles away on earth.Austin Boyd is back with his third thrilling novel in the Mars Hill Classified series, full of high-tech intrigue, memorable characters, and adventure that transports readers to another world.
From the Back Cover:
With nothing left for him on Earth, Rear Admiral John Wells didn't hesitate to lead a third NASA team to Mars, but he never dreamed that one day they'd look out their laboratory module into the lights of a slow-moving vehicle not their own. In the third installment of the Mars Hill Classified series, life on Mars becomes increasingly more unpredictable as the past collides with the future and nothing, not even the dead, is as it seems.Meanwhile, back on Earth, the fate of hundreds, including John Wells' family--presumed dead these last six years--rests precariously in the hands of Malcolm Raines, self-proclaimed Guardian of the Mother Seed and Principal Cleric of Saint Michael's Remnant, and his insidious plans for the Father Race.Wells will find himself in a race against time and all odds to expose the truth: about Mars, about Malcolm Raines, and, if he's very brave, about himself.
"Austin Boyd is one of the brightest new voices in Christian fiction. His long association with the space program lends authenticity as he reveals the turmoil in the minds and hearts of those who are willing to risk everything by making that journey. In The Return, we learn that both human emotions and God's presence reach far beyond the pull of Earth's gravity."--Richard L Mabry, author of The Tender Scar

Saturday, October 27, 2007

Ghost Swing In Argentine

* Guest Blogger Today

"Once in a while, a true news of the weird comes through the newsroom. The press release on the ghostly swing in Firmat, Argentine caught my eye. We didn't run with the story, but several papers around the country did, and it's truly an odd tale.

"A swing on a playground in Firmat has begun swinging on its own for no apparent reason. The Ghosthunters from Discovery have even been invited to investigate.

"Now while the story is vague and short on details, it was the video of the swing that really caught my attention. I am surprised more of the media are not jumping on that one!

"Be curious to see how it all turns out!"

Story-
http://www.mailonsunday.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/worldnews.html?in_article_id=489616&in_page_id=1811
Video- http://www.metacafe.com/watch/862340/ghost_moves_a_swing/

- James Sheppard, Orlando Sentinel Junior Editor

Friday, October 26, 2007

Book Cover Express Blog

I am always looking for new sites and blogs. This one was posted on Publish-L and starts with a great article on bar codes:
For anyone looking for someone to design their cover, Book Cover Express designs book covers!
They also have several links for publishers, including one to a book on Amazon called "Bookmaking: Editing, Design, Production, Third Edition". (And on that page are numerous other books on publishing!)
So go check it all out!!!

Thursday, October 25, 2007

Bruce Garrabrandt Quotes

Taken from Bruce Garrabrandt's book, "The Power of Having Desire":

"What is your gift? Take that gift - which is your passion or desire - and commit to making it happen. Act on it with relentless dicipline and perseverance, and you will be successful."

"Unless you were born with a key in your back, don't expect anyone else to wind you up."

"A change in looks
Or what you own
Or work you choose to do,
A move from here to somewhere else
And still you live with you.
The only change that really counts
When all is done or said,
Is ever hid from public view
And happens in your head."

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Author Matt Bronleewe

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Illuminated (Thomas Nelson August 7, 2007)
by Matt Bronleewe

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Matt Bronleewe is a recognized producer, songwriter and author. The former member of the band Jars of Clay, has earned numerous awards producing and co-writing albums that have sold a combined total of over 20 million copies. His songs have recently been recorded by Disney pop sensations Aly & AJ, American Idol finalist Kimberley Locke, and more. Bronleewe has worked with Grammy Award-winning artists such as Michael W. Smith, International pop singer Natalie Imbruglia and Heroes star Hayden Panettiere.Born in Dallas, Texas, Bronleewe was raised on a farm in Kansas, where he lived until he left for college in 1992. At Greenville College in Illinois, Bronleewe formed the band Jars of Clay with his dorm roommate and two neighbors, and the group soon found success. Though Bronleewe opted to leave Jars of Clay early on to pursue an academic career, he soon found himself in Nashville, co-writing, producing, and playing music professionally.To add to his list of accomplishments, Bronleewe has expanded his love of story telling beyond music into authorship. He is currently penning a 5 book series for Thomas Nelson Fiction. Illuminated, in stores now, begins the adventurous series about rare manuscripts and the mysteries within.Bronleewe currently resides in Brentwood, Tenn., with his wife and three children. He continues to write and produce music, and he also volunteers through his church to help disadvantaged youth in the community. Bronleewe enjoys reading, taste-testing good food and watching sports, as well as indulging his interests in art, architecture, design and science.

ABOUT THE BOOK:
IT'S BEEN 500 YEARS IN THE MAKING...PREPARE TO BE ILLUMINATED...August Adams has failed his family before. He's sacrificed relationships in pursuit of adventure, fame, and money. Now the very lives of those he loves depend on his ability to decipher a centuries-old puzzle encrypted in the colorful hand-painted illuminations that adorn three rare Gutenberg Bibles.It's a secret that could yield unimaginable wealth, undermine two major religions, and change the course of Western civilization. Two ruthless, ancient organizations are willing to do anything to get their hands on it. And August has the span of one transatlantic flight to figure it out.If he fails, those he holds most dear will die. If he succeeds, he'll destroy a national treasure.The clock ticks, the suspense mounts, and the body count rises as August pits his knowledge and his love for his family against the clock, secret societies, and even Johannes Gutenberg himself.
"...this rare breed of suspense thriller combines mysterious hidden clues, secret societies, buried treasure, double agents, and the Knights Templar...if you turned National Treasure into international treasure, traded DaVinci codes for Gutenberg Bibles, married it to Indiana Jones, and added the pacing of 24 you'd be in the neighborhood of Illuminated...on a scale of one to 10, this one goes to 11."-Aspiring Retail Magazine

Monday, October 22, 2007

The Book 'Em Experience





Book ‘Em was such a tremendous experience!

Friday morning, I visited Shelburne Middle School in Staunton, VA and walked two English classes through the process of designing a character. The kids were a delight and came up with very colorful characters. Several of them came out to see me the next day at the festival.

Friday evening we set up our booths. Craig and I arrived early to assist with the tables and chairs and got to meet some of my fellow authors. Author Alan Krugel was there with Serpico, a three-legged police dog. I got to meet my fellow panelist, 57 best-selling author, Catherine Coulter. Publisher Karen Syed from Echelon Press and one of her authors were in the booth beside me – they were both wonderful! Afterwards we went to a late dinner with several other authors, including AJ Rodriguez and 88 year-old Maxine Kleier.

Saturday was the main event!!! We arrived early and I roamed the booths for a while. Fellow author and seminar partner Denise Sutton was setting up her booth and we met Ground Zero Chaplin and author, Bob Johnson. I also met one of the ladies who set up my virtual tour, author & promoter Nikki Leigh.

Book ‘Em was founded by author p.m.terrell and Officer & author Mark Kearney. Mark’s latest book had just arrived, so he was excited! Trish (p.m.terrell), a fellow NC author and friend, was a delight as always! She was positively the most genuine & caring author there that day. If she ever tours your area, you HAVE to go meet Trish!!! She also introduced me to author Dirk Robertson from Scotland – he visits the Robeson County Library in NC and Book ‘Em every year. In addition to writing, Dirk knits scarves and hats! He was a hoot and I just LOVED the Scottish accent.

At 1pm was my class discussion on book tours. It was small and intimate, but a lot of fun! 3pm was the panel discussion on what makes a best seller. I joined publisher Karen Syed, Catherine Coulter, and author Ellen Hopkins for the panel. (Yes, which one of these does not belong?!) Karen is a very determined, bold and dynamic speaker! I probably spoke the least, but I must’ve been effective, as I had people waiting to get a book when I returned to my booth.

I learned so much, especially from Karen, who willingly gave me publishing tips and advice. I also made some new friends and Craig came away with several autographed books. He was awesome watching my booth during my talks! We’ve got some new promotional ideas and new jacket cover designs for the first three of the series. I also have several authors who want to know when Dancing Lemur Press opens for business!

Book ‘Em is such an awesome program, promoting literacy to teens and children, and I intend to participate every year from now on!

Sunday, October 21, 2007

School Visits

Back from Book 'Em and a most tremendous time! I'll fill everyone in over the next few days.


Friday morning I visited two middle school English classes for a session on building a character. The kids seemed to enjoy the exercise and some came up with really intriguing, conflicted characters. Several of the students came out to see me the nest day at the festival, too.


Let's hear it for young minds!

Thursday, October 18, 2007

Book 'Em

This weekend is the Book 'Em Festival in Waynesboro, VA.
There are 65 authors in attendance, including Catherine Coulter and Ellen Hopkins. I am fortunate enough to be participating in a panel discussion with both of them and publisher Karen Syed, plus I am giving a solo talk on book tours.
Lord knows I've toured enough!
It all kicks off Friday morning as I visit Staunton Middle School to teach two English classes how to design a character. That evening we set up my table and then all of the participants are going out to dinner. I look forward to meeting the organizer, Mark Kearney, and seeing Trish again! (author p.m.terrell)

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Author Brandilyn Collins

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing
CRIMSON EVE (Zondervan October 30, 2007)
by Brandilyn Collins
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Brandilyn Collins is a best-selling novelist known for her trademark Seatbelt Suspense™. These harrowing crime thrillers have earned her the tagline “Don’t forget to b r e a t h e…® ” She’s so well known in the industry there’s actually a club for her non-readers. That’s right. The Big Honkin’ Chickens Club (BHCC) members are proud of the fact that they’re too wimpy to read Brandilyn’s intense fiction. Now and then one of them tries. Bribing works pretty well. (Just ask Deb Raney.) Somehow they live to tell the tale.Brandilyn writes for Zondervan, the Christian division of HarperCollins Publishers, and is currently at work on her 17th book. Her first book, A Question of Innocence, was a true crime published by Avon in 1995. Its promotion landed her on local and national TV and radio, including the Phil Donahue and Leeza talk shows.She’s also known for her distinctive book on fiction-writing techniques, Getting Into Character: Seven Secrets a Novelist Can Learn From Actors (John Wiley & Sons), and often teaches at writers conferences. Brandilyn blogs at Forensics and Faith.Visit her website to read the first chapters of all her books.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Carla stared at the gun and David Thornby—or whatever his name was. Her mind split in two, one side pleading this was some sick joke, the other screaming it was all too real.
“Please. You must have the wrong person. There’s no reason for someone to want me dead. I don’t have any enemies.”
“Then you’d best rethink your friends.”
Realtor Carla Radling shows an “English gentleman” a lakeside estate—and finds herself facing a gun. Who has hired this assassin to kill her, and why?Forced on the run, Carla must uncover the scathing secrets of her past. Secrets that could destroy some very powerful people...
Brandilyn Collins fans and reviewers are saying Crimson Eve is her best book yet:
“Collins tops herself by creating a suspenseful nonstop thrill ride … Truly the best Christian Fiction suspense title so far this year.”– Library Journal, starred review“Crimson Eve is Collins at her very best. It left me feeling as if I’d climbed Mount Everest without oxygen … I didn’t think Brandilyn could outdo herself after reading Coral Moon. She did.”–TitleTrakk.com
“I’ve never edited a more tightly crafted, deftly woven, compellingly written book.” –a Crimson Eve editor, with 20 years experience
“This is your best book! I could not stop reading!” – one of many readers with similar responses
Read about Violet Dawn and Coral Moon, books one and two in the Kanner Lake series.
Do you know someone who’s never read a Brandilyn Collins novel? Surely no such person exists. However, should you scrounge up such a friend—someone who enjoys suspense—here’s a special offer from Brandilyn. Be among the first 50 people between now and October 21, 2007 to e-mail her assistant at gayle.brandilyncollins@gmail.com with the person’s name, e-mail address and street address. (Due to exorbitant overseas mailing costs, United States residents only, please).
A signed copy of Crimson Eve will be sent to your friend—free—along with an e-mail from Brandilyn announcing the book is on its way, courtesy of you. (Don’t worry. Brandilyn won’t spam these email addresses. She just wants your friend to know who to thank.) No worries that this story is third in the Kanner Lake series. Each book stands alone. Brandilyn is convinced your friend will so love Crimson Eve, he/she will surely reciprocate with expensive chocolate.

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

Reading Quotes

"Reading furnishes the mind only with materials of knowledge; it is thinking that makes what we read ours." - John Locke

"Not every reader is a leader, but every leader must be a reader." - Harry Truman

"Reading, like no other medium, can transform your life in a flash, and you never know which book ... at which time in your life ... might be the one that rocks your world and inspires you to grow in ways you never thought possible." - Burke Hedges

Sunday, October 14, 2007

Road Trips!

Big road trip next weekend to Waynesboro, VA and the Book 'Em Festival! Looking forward to meeting my fellow authors and the organizer, Mark Kearney. Will also get to see Trish again! (a.k.a. p.m.terrell)

Please check out the two authors I will be sitting with for the panel discussion on "What Makes A Best Selling Novel?":




Also had a great road trip to Boone, NC and a couple signings there. The girls at Black Bear Books were a delight, as were the customers! Plus the scenery was beautiful as the leaves were starting to change:

And the virtual tour continues! I will have links to all of the sites that featured me up here very soon - this month was a little bit overloaded!

Thursday, October 11, 2007

Special Orlando Fans & Stuff!

The Fall Southern Tour was full of wonderful people, but two young ladies really stood out to me. They each attended one of my Orlando signings this past weekend and were such delightful individuals!




First there's Maggie, who was just so polite. She has amazing parents who encourage her, which shows in Maggie's wonderful attitude!




Then there's Isabel. She had the most beautiful smile! One of those people that just makes a person feel good to be near. She is going to touch many lives!






The schedule for the Book 'Em Festival has been announced and I have the privaledge of both a panel discussion and a solo talk. Click here for all of the events:






And the Virtual Tour continues! Something new everyday, including many revealing interviews:


Wednesday, October 10, 2007

Author Creston Mapes

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing
NOBODY (Multnomah Fiction September 11, 2007)
by Creston Mapes
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Creston Mapes is a talented storyteller whose first two novels, Dark Star and Full Tilt, made him a finalist in the American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year awards and the Inspirational Readers Choice awards. Creston has written for major corporations, colleges, and ministries, including Coca-Cola, TNT Sports, Oracle, Focus on the Family, and In Touch Ministries. Committed to his craft and his family, Creston makes his home in Georgia with his wife, Patty, and their four children.He's been married for twenty-one years to the girl he first loved way back in fourth grade. They have three lovely girls and a boy in a very close-knit family, spending a lot of time together - watching old classic movies, going on outings, and taking in various school and community events and activities. Creston loves to go for morning walks with his dog, read, paint watercolors, meet friends for coffee and Bible study, watch hockey, take his wife on dates, and spend time in God's Word.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Not everything that happens in Vegas has to stay in Vegas!
They said, “He’s a nobody.”They were dead wrong.
When reporter Hudson Ambrose hears an early morning call on his police scanner about an injured person at a bus stop on Las Vegas Boulevard, he rushes to the scene to get the scoop.His world is blown off its axis when he discovers a murdered homeless man with a bankbook in his pocket showing a balance of almost one million dollars. Should he wait for the police, knowing the case will get lost in reams of red tape, or swipe the bankbook and take the investigation–and perhaps a chunk of the money–into his own hands?With sirens bearing down on the scene, Hudson makes an impulse decision that whisks him on a frantic search for answers, not only about the mysterious dead man, but about the lost soul lurking within himself.Uncovering bizarre links between a plane crash, a Las Vegas pit boss, a dirty cop, and a widowed Atlanta business mogul, Hudson is forced to find out: who was Chester Holte, what was he doing on the streets, and why are his homeless friends convinced he was an angel in disguise?
“Nobody was absolutely riveting from the opening scene to the final page. With compelling characters, a plot that surprised me at every turn, and a subtle, yet profound message that moved me to tears, this book goes straight to the top of my highly recommended list.”- Deborah Raney, author of Remember to Forget and Within This Circle“A taut, entertaining novel of mystery, intrigue, and spiritual truth. Creston Mapes delivers a winner in Nobody.”- James Scott Bell, bestselling author of No Legal Grounds and Try Dying
“Nobody had me fascinated from the first paragraph and kept the surprises coming to the very end. Somehow, as the pages flew by, it also managed to convey a beautiful picture of faith the size of a mustard seed. From now on I’ll read anything by Creston Mapes the instant it hits the shelves.”- Athol Dickson, Christy Award—winning author of River Rising and The Cure

Monday, October 08, 2007

Wolfe Returns!

Back from the Fall Southern Tour - and quite exhausted!
But I met some incredibly nice people while touring through Georgia and Florida - look for some pictures here later this week!
Overcoming Obstacles With Spunk! seminar is Tuesday night!
And the Virtual Tour continues! Look for an interview on BlogCritic.com soon!

Thursday, October 04, 2007

Wolfe on Tour!

The Fall Southern Tour begins Friday!
Check out the stops:
The virtual tour continues as well!
Check out the stops for a chance to win a free book:

Wednesday, October 03, 2007

Author Kristin Billerbeck & Virtual Tour

The Virtual Tour Continues:
Participate in each stop and will a free book!


This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing
THE TROPHY WIVES CLUB Avon Inspire (September 4, 2007)
by Kristin Billerbeck
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Kristin Billerbeck was born in Redwood City, California. She went to San Jose State University and majored in Advertising, then worked at the Fairmont Hotel in PR, a small ad agency as an account exec, and then,she was thrust into the exciting world of shopping mall marketing. She got married, had four kids, and started writing romance novels until she found her passion: Chick Lit. She is a CBA bestselling author and two-time winner of the ACFW Book of the Year. Featured in the New York Times and USA Today, Kristin has appeared on the Today Show for her pioneering role in Christian chick lit. Her last three books were:Split Ends: Sometimes the End is Really the Beginning (April 17, 2007)She's Out of Control (Ashley Stockingdale Series #1) (Nov 13, 2007)Calm, Cool & Adjusted (Spa Girls Series #3) (Oct 1, 2006)
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Haley Cutler is the consummate trophy wife. Perhaps "was" is the more accurate term. Haley married Prince Charming when she was only twenty years old – back in the day when highlights came from an afternoon at the beach, not three hours in the salon.When Jay first turned his eye to Haley, she was putty in his slender, graceful hands. No one ever treated her like she was important, and on the arm of Jay Cutler, she became someone people listened to and admired. Unfortunately, after seven years of marriage, her Prince Charming seems to belong to the Henry the XIII line of royalty. When Haley loses Jay, she not only loses her husband, she loses her identity.With her first independent decision, Haley leaves LA and moves home to Northern California. Feeling freedom just within her grasp, Haley learns that her settlement payments must go through one of Jay's financial advisors, Hamilton Lowe. Haley believes he's nothing more than a spy. And the feelings of distrust are mutual. Yet somehow, Hamilton finds himself handing over the monthly checks in person, and Haley can't deny that there's a kind of tenderness and protectiveness in Hamilton that she's never experienced in a man before.But before Haley can even consider another relationship, she must learn to accept her inherent worth, and what it is to be loved for who she is, not what's on the outside.

Tuesday, October 02, 2007

Blog Tour and School Visits

Day two of my virtual tour!
See today's interview at
I'm also setting several dates for visiting schools right now, something I have wanted to do for a very long time! I'll be speaking to students on the topic of characterization and walk them through creating a strong, believable character. Really looking forward to those dates!!!
And gearing up for the Fall Southern Tour, now only days away!