Monday, April 30, 2012
Friday, April 27, 2012
Meet Brandon Sweeney
About the Author
Brandon Sweeney is the
Founder of Purpose Beyond the Game™, an organization geared towards helping athletes to discover their
God-given purpose and identity. Purpose Beyond the Game™ was created to
offer young athletes viable tools to emphasize the importance of developing a
plan B in an effort to prepare them for life after sports. Brandon Sweeney’s
mission is to help great athletes become better men. Sweeney plans to
accomplish his mission by speaking, mentoring, consulting, writing books,
creating materials, and resources.
About the Book
The purpose of this book is to bring understanding to players,
coaches, and parents about the significance of preparing athletes for life
after sports. In this book discover 8 stages that every athlete goes through in
their relationship with sports. Learn the truth about what goes on in an
athlete’s heart that nobody talks about. You will discover that there is more
to an athlete than just sports. Athletes will also learn how to use the game
without letting the game use them. This book will motivate, inspire and
challenge athletes to discover who they are and their purpose beyond the game.
To learn more about Brandon, visit www.brandonsweeney.com.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Meet Author Deidra Green
About
Deidra
.jpg)
Deidra D. S. Green is highly sought after as a
lecturer, educator, and presenter. Her command of the podium, extensive
knowledge base, and ability to effectively communicate, has both informed and
captivated audiences. They leave challenged, inspired, and wanting more.
Deidra was born in E. St. Louis, IL to the proud
parents of Robert W. and M. Catherine Smoot. She is the eldest of the
three children; her younger sister Robyn Kaye has been resting with God since
1999. Her baby brother Patrick Schayne, is an educator, author, and a dynamic
speaker. Deidra, her two children VcToryann and Kamerron, and her brother
reside in Atlanta GA.
Deidra has continued her literary prowess as a
freelance writer, literary coach, ghostwriter and professional editor, as well
as authoring several books for all age groups. In 2009, she founded The
Mahogany Writers Exchange, a writing group for adults interested in honing
their writing craft.
Other Works by Deidra
include:
· From the Outside In (non-fiction, true crime)
· My Forever Airplane (children’s non-fiction)
· Smallest Superhero (Children’s fiction series)
· Smallest Superhero and the CBU (Children’s fiction
series)
· Epiphanies While Driving (inspiration/motivation)
· Closet Issues: A Poet’s Journey into the Dark
Places (prose/short stories)
· Wordsmithin’ (poetry)
· Twisted Sister (Adult fiction, first installment of
Anthology of a Trick)
From the Outside In
A five year
old little girl is brutally murdered by her mother’s boyfriend. His true
identity is questioned and questionable from the very beginning. Her mother, a
social worker, is found culpable but is not the primary killer. The people
responsible for her protection have ultimately failed the little girl… and not
just once. The story makes national headlines and is covered on every major
news station in the local area. The media doesn't have the whole story, but
someone else does. She is looking, “From the Outside In.”
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
BLOG TOUR: Stacy Hawkins Adams
About the Book
If forgiving your ex-husband was
easy, everybody would do it.
.jpg)
Brent had cheated on Dayna and
coldly said goodbye to her seven long years ago—dashing her hopes of having
children or growing old with the love of her life.
Working hard to make herself
successful as a hospital executive, Dayna has moved on, finding comfort in a
new relationship with a faith-filled colleague, Warren.
But when Brent resurfaces on her
doorstep at just the wrong time, Dayna’s heart threatens to come unglued. Why
is Brent asking for forgiveness now? And why are he and his new wife, Tamara,
interested in reconciliation with Dayna? The unbelievable answers begin to
surface as Brent boldly asks Dayna to support him at the most crucial time of
his life.
While Tamara’s heart brims with
guilt, both women will discover what it means to reach beyond pain and baggage
to love unconditionally, while leaving the consequences to God.
Stacy Hawkins Adams is an
award-winning inspirational author, speaker and freelance journalist who has
written about women’s relationships with God, each other, and themselves for
more than a decade. She has penned seven nationally published women’s fiction
novels and one nonfiction book, and is at work on her ninth book.Stacy also operates
a group coaching service for aspiring authors called Author In You. For more
information about Stacy, her books or her coaching services, visit www.StacyHawkinsAdams.com or www.AuthorInYou.com.
Purchase
the Book Online at:
Amazon.com
BarnesandNoble.com
Listen to Stacy's Interview
Book Review
COMING
HOME takes a character’s crisis (Dayna Wilson’s ex-husband), and teaches
life lessons for the character living the crisis as well as those involved from
the past and present. The novel stresses
the undeniable fact that God is in control and if we will only listen, He will
guide us to that perfect peace. Stacy
Hawkins Adams should be commended for such a great presentation.
If forgiving your ex-husband was
easy, everybody would do it.
.jpg)
Brent had cheated on Dayna and
coldly said goodbye to her seven long years ago—dashing her hopes of having
children or growing old with the love of her life.
Working hard to make herself
successful as a hospital executive, Dayna has moved on, finding comfort in a
new relationship with a faith-filled colleague, Warren.
But when Brent resurfaces on her
doorstep at just the wrong time, Dayna’s heart threatens to come unglued. Why
is Brent asking for forgiveness now? And why are he and his new wife, Tamara,
interested in reconciliation with Dayna? The unbelievable answers begin to
surface as Brent boldly asks Dayna to support him at the most crucial time of
his life.
While Tamara’s heart brims with
guilt, both women will discover what it means to reach beyond pain and baggage
to love unconditionally, while leaving the consequences to God.
About the Author
Purchase
the Book Online at:
Amazon.com
BarnesandNoble.com
Listen to Stacy's Interview
Book Review
Date: 4/12/12
Title: Coming
Home
Author: Stacy
Hawkins Adams
ISBN 13: 978-0-310-33398-2
Pages:
320
Publisher: Zondervan
Cover: Paperback
Reviewer: Tamarra Bryant – Literary
Wonders!
Rating: 5
Stars
COMING
HOME by Stacy Hawkins Adams captures
the reader’s interest from the very first chapter. The main character, Dayna
Wilson, is personable from the start and the author keeps you interested in her
growth as the story progresses.
Stacy
Hawkins Adams’ ability to develop characters is commendable and
she uses the art of describing flaws and strengths in a way that enhances the
storyline.
The novel is a great example of the walk that Christians
must take and that God uses each of us in specific ways to develop our ability
to bear fruit for the kingdom.
For More Information
Visit the author online at:
COMING HOME BOOK GIVEAWAY
Leave a comment below to enter a chance to win a free copy
of Coming Home by Stacy Hawkins Adams.
Monday, April 23, 2012
World Book Night is April 23rd.
What is
World Book Night?
World Book Night is an annual celebration designed to spread a
love of reading and books. To be held in the U.S. as well as the U.K. and
Ireland on April 23, 2012. It will see tens of thousands of people go out into
their communities to spread the joy and love of reading by giving out free World
Book Night paperbacks.
World Book Night, through social media and traditional publicity, will also promote the value of reading, of printed books, and of bookstores and libraries to everyone year-round.
Successfully launched in the U.K. in 2011, World Book Night will also be celebrated in the U.S. in 2012, with news of more countries to come in future years. Please join our mailing list for regular World Book Night U.S. news. And thank you to our U.K. friends for such a wonderful idea!
Additionally, April 23 is UNESCO’s World Book Day, chosen due to the anniversary of Cervantes’ death, as well as Shakespeare’s birth and death.
This site exists in order to learn more about World Book Night and to keep updated on new developments – and most important, to register to be a World Book Night U.S. book giver.
To learn more about World Book Night and to participate, please visit
Friday, April 20, 2012
On Writing A Best-Seller (Shhh, There's a Formula)
On Writing A Best-Seller (Shhh, There's a Formula)
Like many people in the book world, I've found it impossible to ignore the phenomenon that is E.L. James' erotic novelFifty Shades of Grey and its two sequels, which morphed from Twilight fan fiction to word-of-mouth blockbuster. The books aren't to my taste, to put it tactfully, but I keep reading article after article attempting to explain their appeal. Some of the most popular theories put forward so far: The escapist fantasy is catnip for exhausted working moms. It's a BDSM-flavored take on the Cinderella fantasy. It's a dirty book for people who don't ordinarily read dirty books (or read much at all).
Naturally, I have my own theory: James, like other 21st-century mega-sellers Stieg Larsson and Dan Brown, writes genre fiction that reaches far beyond genre readership, bursting open the doors to what the savvy may find old hat but newbies find intoxicating. But is it possible to find a more substantive explanation for James' breakout success by looking back at the previous century's biggest and fastest sellers?
In her excellent overview of American best-sellers, critic Ruth Franklin warned, "No possible generalization can be made regarding the 1,150 books that have appeared in the top 10 of the fiction best-seller list since its inception." But in his new book, Hit Lit, mystery writer James W. Hall makes a case that the biggest hits from the past hundred years share 12 features.
Click here to read this article in its entirety and to read an excerpt from Hit Lit.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
NEW RELEASE: An Accidental Affair by Eric Jerome Dickey
It’s been a while since we’ve heard from Bestselling author, Eric Jerome Dickey, but on April 17th, 2012, the Memphis, Tennessee born author released his latest novel, An Accidental Affair.
With over twenty-six novels, comics, short stories and scripts under his belt, it would be appropriate to say that EJD fans can’t wait to get their hands on what is expected to be an excellent read.
Dickey, who attended Memphis State for computer science and went on to become a software engineer, is the author of such titles as Sister, Sister, Friends and Lovers, Milk in My Coffee, Thieves Paradise, Chasing Destiny and Resurrecting Midnight.
More about An Accidental Affair:
James Thicke is a man whose mysterious past runs as deep as his violent streak. He's channeled the intensity of his soul into twin passions' success as a screenwriter, and marriage to movie actress Regina Baptiste. In the midst of filming his latest script, starring Regina and leading man Johnny Bergs, James receives a video of his wife caught in the most compromising of situations.
Hours later, the clip of the on-set infidelity has hit the Internet and gone viral in the blogosphere and across all channels of social media. James responds to the affront by savagely attacking Johnny Bergs, and the spectacle has both the paparazzi and the police amassing at the married couple's estate. James goes on the run, but only as far as the city of Downey, California. As James tries to protect Regina from Hollywood's underbelly, lust, blackmail, and revenge become his constant companions. Does an accidental affair spell permanent danger?
Learn more about Eric Jerome Dickey at: www.ericjeromedickey.com.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
BOOKSTORE: Idlewild Bookstore in NYC
Idlewild Bookstore is located at 12 W 19th Street (between 5th and 6th Ave) in Manhattan. They also have a store at 249 Warren Street in Brooklyn.
Idlewild is an independent Manhattan bookstore specializing in travel and world literature and organized by country. We also host language classes (French, Spanish and Italian) and have a wide selection of books in French and Spanish.
Idlewild carries a range of guidebooks to suit the needs and tastes of every traveler and budget. We believe that a novel, travelogue or history can be just as valuable a key to a place as any guidebook – and our well-read, well-traveled staff is happy to make reading recommendations for any traveler, book lover, or gift giver.
Idlewild is located in a beautiful, mezzanine-level space overlooking 19th Street, just two blocks from Union Square and within walking distance of most major NYC subway lines. The store’s unique layout, high ceilings and big windows, and ample seating make it a pleasant place to browse, shop and explore.
Idlewild Books was founded in 2008 by David Del Vecchio, a former United Nations press officer. The name Idlewild was taken from the original name for New York International Airport, which was renamed JFK in December 1963. We even have some stained glass and chairs from the original Idlewild Airport in our store!
Also visit the bookstore online at http://www.idlewildbooks.com.
Monday, April 16, 2012
REVIEW - In Darkness by Nick Lane
Date: 3/15/12
Title: In Darkness
Author: Nick Lake
ISBN 13: 978-1599907437
Pages: 342
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Cover: Paperback
Reviewer: B. Mclendon – Literary Wonders!
Rating: 3 Stars
In Darkness, by Nick Lake, did not pull me in and make me want to read it. Shorty’s journey from the present to the past and then back again did not hold my interest the way I think a good book should. I personally did not care for this book.
Thursday, April 12, 2012
The Other Side of the River by Xi Chuan
The Other Side of the River | ||
| by Xi Chuan translated by Lucas Klein | ||
On the other side of the river
there is a flame
a flame
burning May
burning August
when the pagoda tree blooms, the professor with lentigo bows to her
when orange blossoms fall, an heir of graceful demeanor waves to her
and smiles
yet on the other side of the river she remains, still burning
like the underwater glistening of red coral
like a red straw hat blown away in the breeze
To read the rest of this poem, click here. This poem also available on the iTunes apps store. | ||
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Poet App
Features Include- New Daily Poems- Accumulating In-App Library- Moving or Static TextAccessible Offline -- Adjustable Font Size- Easy Share Options- Clutter-free screen- Literary Trivia
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Ellard Thomas is Moving Forward Courageously
Ellard Thomas MBA is an author, a coach, a leader, an inspirer, and a true gentleman. Mr. Thomas is the author of Moving Forward Courageously: Seven Secrets to Restoring Love, Money and Happiness in Your Life.” He is the founder and mentor of Men of Greatness and Moving Forward, Courageously.
IamMFC.com (I am Moving Forward, Courageously) is a resource site created by empowerment speakers and trainers who believe in giving people the necessary tools, training, and inspiration that will help them take control of their lives and to achieve what matters most in life.
Regardless of IamMFC.com’s audiences' socioeconomic statuses, educational levels, political stances, religious views, backgrounds, and past or current circumstances, they believe in building up people—their courage—their hope, so they will transcend into their ideal definition of greatness, success and contentment.
Please click here to listen to Ellard’s interview with That Literary Lady and The Author’s Hideaway. You can also find his interview on iTunes.
Resources:
Monday, April 9, 2012
REVIEW - Reclaiming Lilly by Patti Lacy
Date: 3/25/12
Title: Reclaiming Lilly
Author: Patti Lacy
ISBN 13: 978-0764209413
Pages: 380
Publisher: Bethany House
Cover: Paperback
Reviewer: B. McClendon – Literary Wonders!
Rating: 5 Stars
Andrew and Gloria Powell are trying to protect Lily, whom they call Joy. They believe her natural sister, Kai, may be a threat to their family.
Kai is the sister that left Lily at an orphanage because of a Chinese family planning order. In addition to trying to reclaim Lily, Kai is also a doctor who is trying to alert Lily’s adoptive parents of a genetic disorder that Lily may have inherited from her natural mother.
This book touches the heart with the hope and love of wanting, having and losing a child. I’m ready to read more of Patti Lacy’s books.
Friday, April 6, 2012
Literary Diva Elissa Gabrielle
 |
| Elissa Gabrielle Peace in the Storm Publishing |
Although, I couldn’t find one thing that the ‘she-preneur’ and I could disagree on, I asked her, what was the biggest problem she experienced when it came to authors trying to approach her as a publisher. Her response, “Professionalism.” Now, that is something I definitely agree with!
I had a great time talking to and interviewing this publisher of nearly fifteen authors. You can find her interview here, and on our iTunes podcast.
Please support Elissa at www.elisssagabrielle.com and Peace in the Storm Publishing at www.peaceinthestormpublishing.com. You can also “like” Elissa on Facebook and follow her on Twitter. You can “like” Peace in the Storm Publishing on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Golden Eagle a Poem by Rick Bonner
Golden Eagle
Rick Bonner
'She lives too far away and unlikely to stay', the wise old owl advised.
'It's just a heartbeat away', the eagle conveyed, 'for my mate to fly into my nest.
He adored her elfin smile and off-beat style, such intelligence fascinates.
Golden circle complete when two eagles meet, within the shades of an avery gates.
Golden eagle it's time to fly,
Up into a sanguine sky.
Risk this leap of faith, and do not delay,
All you need to do is try.
One solitary voice, devoid of all choice, longs for het to spread her wings .
Now seize the day and fly away, come behold what the future may bring.
So golden eagle rise tonight,
Prepare to glide across the moonlight,
Feel love's force, let nature take it's course,
As you elevate into the twilight.
He dreams one-day you'll meet, beneath soft sheets, it is time for fragile hearts to grow strong.
So fly with speed into this hour of need, for it is written in the stars that you belong.
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
April is National Poetry Month
To learn more facts about National Poetry Month, to order a National Poetry Month poster, or to find out about events being held in honor of National Poetry Month, visit Poets.org.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Spring Fever Chocolate Promotion Dessert
Yes, folks, that’s correct, it’s spring and That Literary Lady is going to give you her top secret recipe to my Spring Fever Chocolate Promotion Dessert—and it’s FREE! I think FREE is the best four-letter word there is—besides fries. Oh wait, that’s five letters. Gotcha!
Now that I have your attention, here is my recipe for a Spring Fever Chocolate Promotion Dessert. Please note that you may have seen some of these ingredients in many of my previous articles—I mean recipes. Many of the ingredients are also FREE!
SPRING FEVER CHOCOLATE PROMOTION DESSERT
Ingredients
3 cups of Product―Books, eBooks and other Products
1/3 cup of Review or Blurb substitute
2 ½ cups of Synopsis or Book Pitch Substitute
½ cup of Elevator Pitch
1 cup of Website or Blog Substitute
3 cups of Social Media
1 ½ cups of Press Kit
¼ cup of Press Release
1 cup of Promotional Material
¼ cup of Video Conferencing
¼ cup of Podcasting
½ cup of Mailing List or Substitute
2 cups of Book Signing or Event Substitute
1 cup of Expertise or Substitute
3 cups of Education or Substitute
2 cups of Competitor Review or Stalker Substitute
6 cups of Consistency
5 cups of Engagement
4 cups of Networking or Word of Mouth Substitute
Chocolate optional
3 cups of Product―Books, eBooks and other Products
1/3 cup of Review or Blurb substitute
2 ½ cups of Synopsis or Book Pitch Substitute
½ cup of Elevator Pitch
1 cup of Website or Blog Substitute
3 cups of Social Media
1 ½ cups of Press Kit
¼ cup of Press Release
1 cup of Promotional Material
¼ cup of Video Conferencing
¼ cup of Podcasting
½ cup of Mailing List or Substitute
2 cups of Book Signing or Event Substitute
1 cup of Expertise or Substitute
3 cups of Education or Substitute
2 cups of Competitor Review or Stalker Substitute
6 cups of Consistency
5 cups of Engagement
4 cups of Networking or Word of Mouth Substitute
Chocolate optional
Pre-heat enthusiasm to 500 degrees. Wax or butter running shoes and flour a 9x9 inch of willpower. In a large bowl, whisk 3 cups of paperback, hardcover, and ebooks together. Stir vigorously until published. Stir in pinch of audio book (optional).
Click here to get the rest of this wonderful recipe. While you’re there, please peruse Christian Fiction Online Magazine.
Monday, April 2, 2012
M. Ann Ricks - 2012 Spring Literary Showcase
 |
| M. Ann Ricks |
Christian Literature Author, (Melissa) M. Ann Ricks is the author of Awesome Wonder: The Gift of Remembrance, The Son and The Blood Done Signed My Name.
Hailing from Elizabeth, New Jersey, M. Ann, started writing at a late stage in her life, during the pregnancy of her first child. As she reclaimed her relationship with God, Melissa’s desire to write became stronger and stronger. She would eventually go on to publisher her first novel, Awesome Wonder: The Gift of Remembrance.
Below is a link to our interview with the Christian author as well as a book trailer for her newest title, The Blood Done Signed My Name.
We are sure you will find the interview as enjoyable as we did as we find out why she writes and what inspires her.
In addition to listening to the interview here, you can also listen to the interview on our iTunes Podcast channel, http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/lw!s-the-authors-hideaway!/id489293831.
Please stop by Ms. Ricks’ website (http://www.mannricks.net/default.html)to find out more about her books and her cause. Also, please support this author by purchasing a book and by leaving a comment on this post.
Podcast - http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/lw!s-the-authors-hideaway!/id489293831
Literary Wonders! Interviews - http://www.literarywonders.com/literaryreviews.htm
Literary Wonders! Interviews - http://www.literarywonders.com/literaryreviews.htm
Book Trailer – http://youtu.be/1umSjMGuUYI
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)