Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Rita Karnopp postponed

Due to technical difficulties, we're postpoining Rita Karnopp's interview. Please check back for the new date!

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Elizabeth Eagan-Cox's GHOST SURVEY



Mystery writer Elizabeth Eagan Cox is taking the concept of the cozy G-Rated Paranormal Mystery novel into the world-wide community and she wants to know: DO YOU BELIEVE IN GHOSTS?

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“I’m going mainstream with this survey. I want to know from everyone, the world over, if they believe in ghosts! The survey has no strings attached. You can answer anonymously. Please, just answer the survey once--no double-dipping! And please, only answer the survey if you are at least 18 years old.”

The survey is a brief 7 questions and it is on Eagan-Cox’s web site:
http://www.elizabetheagancox.net/ on the Home Page menu. In addition to answering the survey, a person can enter the free drawing to win Eagan-Cox’s book: A Ghost of a Chance, Book #1 in the Shannon Delaney cozy paranormal mystery series.

“I will hold a random drawing at the end of the month and I will give a way a signed copy of the paperback edition of A Ghost of Chance. I wish I could say that the free drawing has no strings attached…but in order to reward the singular winner, I have to know his/her identity! However, I do promise I will not share, give away, or in any way make public their name or contact information. The survey and free drawing is open to people world–wide. It’s pretty simple, really, not so much as one word of the proverbial fine print!”

Eagan-Cox’s series is based on a young woman named Shannon Delaney, a publicity writer with the knack of picking freelance assignments that lead her into portals of discovery of her own emerging ability to "speak to the past," as she delves into murder, mayhem and unsolved mysteries involving cold-case files influenced by California’s history. The author, well-known as a California history writer, uses elements of real history to bring the mystery and her personalities to life. Citing studies in Victorian parlor magic, California’s founding Hispanic culture, and her own Celtic ancestry, Eagan-Cox laces fact with fiction to create a cozy series that reveals layer-upon-layer elements of intrigue, mystery and history.

The Shannon Delaney series of paranormal mystery novels is published by Write Words, Inc. under two imprints: Cambridge Books for paperback editions and EbooksOnTheNet for e-book versions.

Sunday, April 19, 2009

AUTHOR INTERVIEW with DONNA RUSSO MORIN



Donna Russo Morin is a native of Rhode Island and, in addition to writing, editing, and teaching, she dabbles as a model and actor, using yet another imaginary world to help support her real one.
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Who is the one person who most encouraged or influenced you to be a writer—and why?

It’s a very cliché story, heard so often by writers who found their path as a child, but it’s very true. My sixth grade teacher was a young woman (I’ve been able to see her youth looking back, though at the time she merely appeared as another ‘adult’ to me). From the moment she first read my silly stories—The Pink Pussy Cat who wanted to be President and the earthworm who didn’t like dirt—she would leave the most encouraging notes on the pages, and those notes encouraged me to write more. On Fridays, she would allow me to read some of the stories out loud to the class. Her words gave me a confidence in my writing. The other students’ enjoyment of my stories taught me the power of my words. I’ve never really looked back since.


In addition to writing fiction, you’ve written a lot of non-fiction. Do you have a preference for one over the other? Which do you find more rewarding—and why?

I’ve always considered my non-fiction writing to be my ‘day job.’ With a degree in Communications, I worked in the PR/Advertising fields for years. Writing non-fiction articles became an extension of that work. Though I took pride in them, I never felt a great challenge in reporting a factual occurrence in a well-written manner. But to create a world of my own, to inhabit that world with people I make come alive…that has always been a thrill beyond anything else I’ve ever done (except, of course, creating real people—my two wonderful sons).


What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a writer?

When you combine some difficult personal times—the death of a parent after a long illness, a chronic illness of my own—with the inherently demanding nature of this intensely difficult profession, you find many challenges. There is one that stands out particularly however. The day my agent contacted me to tell me that she had sold my first novel: IF I’d be willing to change the ending. It was the best and worst day. To choose between artistic integrity—not to mention an ending I loved—and the start of a career I had dreamed about my entire life was agonizing. I did what I had to do. Now I dream about the day when my reputation will allow me to end a story any way I please.


What is the title of your most recently published book? Briefly tell us what it’s about and let us know where we can buy it.

THE COURTIER’S SECRET (Kensington) was released a couple of months ago. It is that first novel I just spoke about. In France in 1682, Louis XIV, The Sun King, is at the height of his power; his court dazzles with opulent glory. For many privileged young women, Versailles is a paradise. For others, it is a gilded and bejeweled cage of oppression. Jeanne Yvette Mas Du Bois is unlike most courtiers and the flavor of decadence tastes bitter upon her tongue. Her thirst for knowledge and purpose entices her father’s brutal wrath to fall upon her time and time again. But her Uncle Jules encourages Jeanne’s independence, secretly teaching her the art of the sword in the palace’s labyrinthine basement.

When two of the kings’ Musketeers are beset upon by criminals mere feet from Jeanne’s fencing lessons, she plunges into the fray, saving a Musketeer’s life. With her face concealed behind her dueling mask, Jeanne is mistaken for a man, and she becomes him. As “Jean Luc,” Jeanne is admitted to an inner circle where she learns of an assassination plot against the Queen of France. As Jean Luc, she is permitted to bring her intelligence and swordsmanship to bear. And, as Jean Luc, she is free to love the man of her choosing even if she can never have him. Now, with the Queen in jeopardy and her own double life exposing her to the tangled intrigues at court, Jeanne is in a powerful—yet increasingly perilous—position.

THE COURTIER’S SECRET is available at all major bookstores and many independent ones as well. It’s also on-line at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Borders, and a few other on-line booksellers I had never heard of before (but appreciate their support nonetheless).


What are you working on now and when/where do you expect it to be available?

I’m in the copy edit stage for my second novel, THE SECRET OF THE GLASS, which will be released in early 2010. In the early 17th century, the glassmakers of Murano, Venice, are revered as master artisans, enjoying privileges far beyond their station. But they are forced to live in virtual imprisonment, contained by a greedy government that hordes their talents at all costs. Amidst political and religious intrigue, the scientific furor ignited by Galileo, and even murder, Sophia Fiolario must do anything to protect herself, her family...and the secret of the glass. It’s a story full of complexities that parallel modern day questions, both political and religious, and will be available at all the same venues as THE COURTIER’S SECRET.
And I’m thrilled to tell you that I’m in the research stage for my third book, one where I return to France, in the 16th Century this time. It’s filled with espionage and what I hope will be quirky characters and dynamic subplots in the best of the Dickens tradition.


Writers, especially new writers, are always looking for tips and helpful information. What is the single most important “tip” you can give to a new writer?

Respect the craft. The more seriously you take what you are doing, the more seriously you will be taken. For most of us, especially when starting out, writing is the ‘other thing’ that we do. But that should in no way diminish that we are doing it. Not only must you believe in yourself, you must support it. Always strive to improve: take writing classes, read writing books/magazines, attend workshops and conferences. Be prepared to take whatever constructive criticism comes your way, ESPECIALLY from agent/publisher rejections, and learn from it. Give up the ego and do what needs to get done to make the sale. The ego can come when you make the bestseller’s list.


What writer’s organizations claim you as a member?

Some of my early-published short fiction was horror, so at one time I was a member of the Horror Writer’s of America. Now I belong to the Historical Novel Society, the Romance Writers of America, and Rhode Island Romance Writers. Genre is not as important as how much can be learned, and these groups are outstanding.


Do you have any upcoming book signings or appearances? If so, give us all the details.

I have many private book club appearances coming up in the next few weeks that I’m really excited about. I truly enjoy meeting with these groups. The discussions are always so lively and insightful. If anyone in a book club in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, or Connecticut is reading this, I would love the opportunity to meet with your organization.

On Friday, May 1 from 6:30-9:30, I’ll be appearing at Barnes and Noble, 371 Putnam Pike in Smithfield, RI as part of a local author’s night. Beside me (yes, I’m thrilled to pieces) will be best selling authors Annette Blair, Hannah Howell, and Patricia Grasso. I’m currently setting up my ‘summer’ tour, which will include book stores at all the warm weather locales nearby, which include beautiful Newport and Narragansett, Rhode Island. Please check my website for updates.


Here’s your opportunity to tell us anything else you care to share.

I love to hear from my readers. I can’t tell you what a true joy it is to hear from people who have found enjoyment in my work. I have a guestbook set up on my website and some of my biggest smiles are from the comments left there. One of the great differences with writing from other professions is that we, the writers, get that feedback. I t is a journey that we share with others and for that, I am very grateful.

What are the addresses of your website(s) and blog(s):

http://www.donnarussomorin.com/
I’m also on Facebook and am doing my best to get a MySpace page going.

Sunday, April 12, 2009

AUTHOR INTERVIEW with DANIELLA BRODSKY


Daniella Brodsky was born in Queens, New York and is a novelist and a reporter on beauty, fashion, dining, relationships, shopping, and travel for publicaitons such as: Cosmopolitan, The New York Post, The Hartford Courant, Time Out NY, Shape, Men's Health, Self, Gotham, and Fitness. After having lived in New York City for 11 years, she recently relocated to Middletown, Connecticut, where she spends her time writing, renovating her new (old) home, and working on relationships with spider and deer.


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Who is the one person who most encouraged or influenced you to be a writer—and why?

There isn’t one person—instead there hundreds of fantastic authors who inspired me to fall in love with books and the world of craft, skill, and imagination behind writing them.


How long have you been writing? In what genres do you write?

I have been writing professionally for ten years. I write contemporary women’s fiction, mainstream romance, and young adult.


How much of REAL city life appears in your books? What are your most and least favorite things about city life?

I think anyone’s experience in a city is “real”—whether you’re a tourist or a lifelong resident. This is what makes writing about “regular” people so fascinating to me—everyone’s experience is different. My experiences certainly inform the world created in my books. I am both a city and country person—I love both and both can drive me crazy if I don’t balance one with the other. Currently, I live in Washington DC, which I chose because it is a mix of small town and city all in one; this is a nice balance, I think.


What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a writer?

Well, my earliest books were considered “chick lit,” but my true “sweet spot” is in upmarket contemporary women’s fiction so I had to work the industry to allow me to evolve and rebrand myself. This is a complex road in this business!


What is the title of your most recently published book? Briefly tell us what it’s about and let us know where we can buy it.

FEAR OF DRIVING is my most recent women’s fiction novel. It can be purchased at Amazon.com at this link: http://www.amazon.com/Fear-Driving-Daniella-Brodsky/dp/0425210804/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1239036376&sr=1-4

Throughout Ruby's childhood, her mother dragged her clear across the country and back, starting their life over and over again, without ever telling Ruby who her father was and what exactly they were running from. When she was old enough, Ruby moved to New York City and promised herself she'd stay put, and at a comfortable distance from her Momma…and the moving vehicles Ruby learned to hate. But, Ruby has met someone she wants to marry, someone with whom she hopes to create the kind of "normal" life she always wanted. The only problem is, now that she's left the city life behind, all her worst fears are stirred up. She has to learn to drive, though this symbolizes so many frightening possibilities about her family history, and she has to learn to make peace with who she really is. But as Ruby blossoms into life, both on the road and in her heart, creating a “family” of her own along the way, can she ever truly come to terms with herself?

“Ruby is a terrific lead character as she struggles with leaving Manhattan for love,” - Harriet Klausner


What are you working on now and when/where do you expect it to be available?

I have just finished a novel about a young woman’s journey through the grief of losing a loved one. When she loses her faith, she goes on an amazing whirlwind of experience (including falling in love!) to get it back. It will be available wherever books are sold, I expect sometime in 2010.


Writers, especially new writers, are always looking for tips and helpful information. What is the single most important “tip” you can give to a new writer?

Read, read, read (and brush up on grammar)...


What writers organizations claim you as a member?

Bryant Street and Romance Writers of America


Do you have any upcoming book signings or appearances? If so, give us all the details.

I’ll have some coming soon!


Here’s your opportunity to tell us anything else you care to share.

Life is full of inspiration. There are stories everywhere. Learning to do them justice, to really bring them to life in a way that shows my readers a wonderful reading, is what keeps me going.


What are the addresses of your website(s) and blog(s):

www.daniellabrodsky.com

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

ARTICLE: Reviews 4 Us by Maggie Bishop

Book reviews can be simple. There is no right way to write a book review; it is highly personal and reflects the opinions of you, the reviewer. A review can be as short as 50-100 words or as long as 1500 words. A book review is a description and an evaluation on the quality, meaning, and significance of a book, not a retelling or a summary. It is your reaction.

1. Read a book or pick one you read that you remember. Make a few notes about the points you want to mention.
2. Open a page in Word, WordPefect, or other document program and title it "Reviews by (your name)."
3. List book title, author, ISBN, publisher, date published, price, and genre (mystery, nonfiction, biography, young adult).
4. Visualize a friend with similar reading habits, and type a few lines describing the story line for fiction or an overview and primary points for nonfiction. Be chatty and informative but hook the reader with that first line. Tell why you enjoyed it and what kept you reading while including those points you jotted down. Points to consider include setting, writing style, author voice and style, believable characters, and set up of plot--but don’t give away the ending. Mention the title and author somewhere in the body of the review. Tell what stayed with you long after you finished reading it. You could mention your favorite character, how you related to that character or their actions, and did you like the book.
5. Reread and revise. Add your own website.
6. Post your review on http://www.amazon.com/, GoodReads.com, AuthorsDen.com, and http://books.google.com/. Create an Amazon Listmania listing your reviews.

Your reviews are important to authors and help publicize books. Read any good books lately? Let the Internet world know about it.

http://maggiebishop1.tripod.com/
http://damesofdialogue.wordpress.com/

Sunday, April 5, 2009

AUTHOR INTERVIEW with MAGGIE BISHOP



Maggie Bishop is the author of four published novels set in the Mountains of North Carolina and a fun cat book titled, Meow Means Me! Now! She's an Air Force brat with an MBA who loves to write.
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Who is the one person who most encouraged or influenced you to be a writer—and why?

My mother, Pearle Bishop. She gave me my first laptop, way back when they cost over a thousand dollars. I was raised in a family of readers and thought everyone was that way. One of the biggest shocks when I met my husband was that he did not have bookcases full of books.


How long have you been writing? In what genres do you write?

I started with romance and turned to murder. My first novel, Appalachian Paradise, a romance, came out in 2002. A cold case mystery snuck into Emeralds in the Snow. I’ve been writing mysteries ever since.


Tell us about your Appalachian series.

In Perfect for Framing, released November 2008, greed and a lust for power led to murder in a clash of personal versus public needs. Murder at Blue Falls has Jemma, who leads trail rides on her parents’ guest ranc,h as a suspect in the murder of neighborhood dogs as well as a man. Emeralds in the Snow involves skiing at Sugar Mountain, an emerald mine, and a cold case murder. Award winning Appalachian Paradise takes place on a five-day backpacking trip in the spring amongst the bears, boars, and girl scouts.


What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a writer?

The most difficult part of writing is the discipline to write on a regular basis. I’ll get on the internet to do promotions and two hours are gone. My best creative time is in the morning and that’s when I have to write.


What is the title of your most recently published book? Briefly tell us what it’s about and let us know where we can buy it.

Perfect for Framing has trouble a-brewing at a mountain Property Owners Association. It is available through my website http://maggiebishop1.tripod.com, Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble and Independent book stores.


What are you working on now and when/where do you expect it to be available?

One Shot Too Many will be released in the Spring of 2010. In it, Detective Tucker takes the lead and Jemma Chase spends time with the horses on the family’s Blue Falls Dude Ranch deep in the North Carolina mountains near Boone.


Writers, especially new writers, are always looking for tips and helpful information. What is the single most important “tip” you can give to a new writer?

Think about your dream writing life. When would you write? How long? How many days a week? Where? Start taking steps to achieve that dream.


What writers organizations claim you as a member?

Sisters in Crime, Romance Writers of America, and High Country Writers in Boone, NC


Do you have any upcoming book signings or appearances? If so, give us all the details.

April 18, Storytellers Bookstore, Wake Forest, NC
May 23, Todd General Store, Todd, NC
May 30, Tuckers on Main, Blowing Rock, NC
June 12 & 13, Chapters Bookstore, Galax, VA
Come by and chat!


Here’s your opportunity to tell us anything else you care to share.

I enjoy presenting workshops at writer’s conferences as a way to give back to all the authors who taught me about the craft of writing.


What are the addresses of your website(s) and blog(s):

Website: http://maggiebishop1.tripod.com
Blog is with the Dames of Dialogue including Christy Tillery French and Caitlyn Hunter http://damesofdialogue.wordpress.com