Author Interview with Marie A. Harbon plus Giveaway!

Hello everyone! Yes and we're back once again with a very exciting special guest she wrote

Seven Point Eight: The First Chronicle(Volume 1) in my own words...

"A novel & number that will change your life!" 

I often quote myself for it gives more extra powers and long lasting effect lol :)) seriously this will challenge your very existence, you'll be faced with dilemmas and ask yourself questions as you dig deeper and get sucked into this wonderful journey ^_^

Without further ado let's all Welcome the very awesome

Marie A. Harbon

Kim:  Welcome! Thank you so much for being with us today please sit back and relax ^_^ I read your brilliant novel and I'm still completely blown away with it :O could you please tell us more about yourself and your book(any random fact)

Marie: I’m a UK based writer in the science fiction/urban fantasy/paranormal genre, part-time teacher and fabric geek. My book is the first in a five part journey about life, the universe and everything! It’s a very ambitious project! One blogger summed it up as, a ‘sci-fi soap opera… that may remind you at various times of Sliders, Avatar, Flatliners, X-Men and Star Trek… all wrapped up in a research saga’!


Kim: Indeed I can see and imagine quite a resemblance but you pulled it off very uniquely I love it! so what inspired you and how did you come up with this idea for your book series?

Marie: It actually started out as a short story I wrote early in the 90s, and it featured travelling to different realities using the machine in the book. I’d always had it in mind to develop it further and I was writing another fantasy, but I decided to run with this idea as I thought it would have a more commercial appeal. The inspiration has been drawn from numerous research and subjects that interest me, although the title and over-arching link came to me last summer. Then it all clicked into place.

Kim: Oh wow! that's simply amazing I like how you narrate the story,how it all unfolds and makes sense all throughout how many series are there? And when will the next book coming out?

Marie:There are five books planned and a huge amount of plot to pack in. The second book is planned for next Spring/early summer and the overall tone will be darker, with a more intense pace. We’ll get to see more of Ava and Sam and the two main threads will draw together. Furthermore, we get to see who drives Max, the books’ darkest character.

Kim:Goody! I can't wait to read the next installment I totally dig their tandem XD

How long did it took to write, research and finish this book?

Marie: The First Chronicle commenced in 2007 but I was working full time so progress was made in bursts. Much of the science was researched as I went, whereas the historical and cultural backdrop was layered in subsequent drafts. The book was completed at the end of 2010. Originally, there were seven parts to the first book but I realised it was going to be too long, so it was split into two books.

Kim: If your book would be made into a TV series/movie who would you cast and why? (list, links, pictures of actors/actresses).
Marie: There are already plans for this as I have some contacts who produce movies and the like. The woman on the cover is a New Mexico actress called Monique Candelaria.(picture on the left) http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3156214/  I always see Ava as looking somewhat like Jessica Alba but I can’t pinpoint the others. Although if I saw a picture, I’d instantly know.

Kim:  your cover is really beautiful! it's neat,simple and totally related to your story it gives a very good sci-fi intriguing psychic exciting vibe into it ^_^ your novel talks about science,life,adventure and all sorts my questions is do you have any out of this world experience you’d like to share?

Marie: I do sometimes have some quiet surreal experiences. I get a lot of visual imagery, strange looking entities and I see pages of script quite a bit when I’m relaxed and my mind is receptive. I once woke up and saw a faerie above my bed; she was outlined in electric blue and looked very beautiful.

Kim: that's really cool! truly a nice experience and totally out of this world! so if you have any superpowers what would it be and why?

Marie: There are so many cool superpowers, it’s difficult to say… maybe the ability to see the future would be the most useful. I’d like to have Tahra’s abilities though!

Kim: yup that might come in handy and her abilities are so great I totally agree with you what’s your favorite subject in school/in general? Did it make any impact to you in any way?

Marie: English was my strongest subject, but it was rather boring to sit through. I enjoyed biology (although not dissections!) and art.

Kim: I enjoyed those subjects as well it's really great! so what’s next for Marie Harbon? Do you have any plans venturing on other book genre/categories?

Marie:I need to head out to America to meet the guys who are interesting in turning my book to a movie or TV series, plus draft up the screenplay. I have a short story collection to work on and I’d like to write some scripts to develop into short movies for Youtube. I’d probably stick to science fiction, fantasy and the paranormal mainly but may stray into road movie/personal journey type fiction.

Kim: What’s the most challenging part in writing this series?
Marie: Maintaining continuity and keeping all the different threads, or sub-plots fresh. There’s so much to pack in regards plot, the character’s personal journeys and their relationships. I have to keep a handle on it all so it all hangs; I don’t want to do a ‘Lost’!

Kim: What’s your guilty pleasure?
Marie: Kinda prone to those trashy TV programmes where women don’t know who the father of their baby is and everyone shouts at each other. It’s strangely addictive. But I don’t generally have much time for TV.

Kim: lol yeah it's a bit crazy and whacked I totally understand you ^_^ Do you have any major influences in writing (any favorite books and authors in mind? Or special someone).

Marie: I would have to say many of the sci fi programmes and films, such as Star Wars, Star Trek and Stargate I guess. I’m very visual in the way I tell my stories.

Kim: Do you have any writing quirks/routine?

Marie: Not particularly, I might sometimes play certain songs or albums as a soundtrack, as they can help me visualise certain scenes. I tend to layer with my drafts; laying down the basic story and then I embellish it with facts, improve the dialogue and interactions, and enrich the setting.

Kim: Any advice to aspiring writers?
Marie: Have a great idea and craft your work with passion, courage and imagination. Get people you don’t know well to read it, as they can give you an unbiased opinion. Be prepared to work really hard promoting it.
Kim: Message to your fans (Encourage, Promote, tell them where they could buy your book, reach you, list of social networks)
Marie: If you’re looking for a new sweeping sci fi/fantasy/paranormal epic to sink your teeth into it, drop by my website where you can read a sample chapter and see other reviews I’ve collected so far.

The book is available from Amazon and B&N as a paperback and from Amazon and Smashwords as an ebook.

I’d be delighted if you followed me on twitter @marieharbon, or dropped by on Facebook.


Kim: Thank you so much Marie! I'm really glad and truly honored to have you here ^_^ there you have it now that you've read,met,and know how amazingly brilliant this novel and author is show your support  grab a copy and follow her lead ^_~ but wait there's more! yes! of course since you all stay tuned to this very  interview Marie will give away an ebook copy of her awesome book! so what are you waiting for?! read more for instructions & fill up the rafflecopter form don't forget to leave your email address so we can contact you if you win ^_^ Good luck and may the odds be in your favor ^_~

Greetings

We always say hi

but didn't bother to say goodbye

I often asked myself the question why?

out of all people why me?

then you'll just leave me there like some sort of a dummy

you made my day,unnoticed

but that's just what it is

a temporary euphoria,immediate relief

then it will be washed away

by the tide and breeze

As days turns to weeks

then to months, to a year

it happened all so fast

I was stunned left confused

didn't stand a chance to choose

you made me smile

then took it away

how do you do that?

you shrugged

didn't even bother to say 

I'd have to end this

today I muttered

I gathered all my guts and courage

but when you're there

I stuttered 

swept away

here we go again

in the penrose stairs or

like a merry go round

in endless cycle

seems like yesterday

we looked upon each others eyes

caught up in the moment

right there..I said farewell

you realized

When I said it

we all know it will never be the same

you'll always hope it will be

but deep inside

I just feel so empty

awkward and odd as it may seem

I locked it all away

as I rebuild

my words will always just be

a matter of a formal greeting.


100% Original,No Copyright Infringement please ^_^

The Downfall

Such frustration I felt

if I havent seen or talk to you

was it a special type or kind of magic you cast

or was it simply voodoo?

I'd like you to give me an antidote

a wonder drug

so when it's all over I could just snap back!

unconcerned,relaxed

this may sound and look cheesy

seems all so true

I tried to stay away from you

but I just can't!can't run away

barely get far enough from you

so I stayed

I can't forget when I'm completely drawn and mesmerized

or was it all planned?to lure me in?kept me hypnotized?

I know there's something wrong with you

or was it just me?

I kept on dreaming whirpool of thoughts

you and I...can and cannot be

I can't change you

I don't want to change you

I like you as it is

I don't mean to argue

but you don't believe me like you used to

there's lots of  stuff I'd like you to know

but I'm not sure...

until when this could go

often unpredictable

most of the time speechless

some things I just can't express

no words could sum up or even dare escape

all those things we've shared

and all this we've been through

much so or so

am I just being overly dramatic?

though something's quite lacking

I can't lay a finger on it 

I don't know if I should call it love?

since it's always been this one sided

if I ever do tell a tale you'll always be quite extraordinary

like something epic or a ride

such a rush I can't live by

after all this I learned a lot

and with that I'd say thank you very much

people often do things which seems so crazy

but at least I told you how much you mean to me

my side of the story.


100% Original,No Copyright Infringement please ^_^

Gravity

Falling out doesn't necessarily mean goodbye
it's much more so just like telling a lie
though it doesn't make much sense now
for sure you'll understand why
in years to come you'll be surprise
and get by...

I'm not really good at this nor with words
but at least I tried
reached out couple of times
but we're so caught up
tangled with all this facade
and neverending charade

for sure this is not the end
or at least so I hope
you should try free falling
chase then let go
I've said what I've said
and promised to keep my oath

you got my word
I don't go back
but I'm not always here forever
to hold you and mend you back
it will take more than a shallow petty excuse
to make you believe


I'm hoping this note will reach you
far more than I could ever imagine
you always shall and ever will be
the one I thought you'll ever be
now it's time to take action I'm cutting this damn rope!
that got me trapped,tolled and sanctioned

with this I sensed a new beginning
up ahead and years to come
no matter how painstaking
we'll change for the best
but in my eyes we'll remain the same
A kid who knows no less

I'll come for you like I said once before
it's only a matter of series of questions
need I say more? quite frankly I'm a bit nosy
that sent me to different set points in reality
but I don't force people to say what they really want to say to me
I'll try to remain contained as promised

This is a work of fiction or so..but with no intention
might be a note to oneself,a reminder,a suggestion
it's one of those things and feelings
an urge to write in this case type
it's a cocktail of words and emotions I can't even fanthom
in case you got hit then for sure you'll ask yourself a question..

and the answers you seek lies within yourself
it's all a matter of acceptance and perception
I don't know how to quite end this
for this post is rather long
so perhaps,
to be continued....

http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lrqpnl7GM61qioh1ao1_500.gif


100% Original,No Copyright Infringement please ^_^

Fourteen Days Later (Romantic Comedy) by Sibel Hodge

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Source: Copy provided by the author for review.
Category: Fiction, Chick-Lit, Romance
Format: ebook
Page Count: 187
Published: March 18th 2010 by Sibel Hodge (first published December 20th 2009)
ASIN: B003B3O0UE
Language: English
About the book:
When accident-prone Helen Grey finds a thong stuffed into the pocket of her boyfriend’s best work trousers, it’s time for her to move on. His excuse that he needed to dust the photocopier and just thought that it was a rag sounds like a lame excuse.(more)

My Review: 5 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed this book it’s really great and hilarious I love Helen’s character she started to a very low point in her life until she took the fourteen days challenge that she never thought would be possible to makeover her whole situation and indeed a lot had happened that changed her in some ways it’s really funny to read the thoughts that goes inside her head,how she say and write things. I’m really happy that all went well I highly recommend it to everyone especially for couples in their tough times,to those finding a cure how to mend their hearts, when you’re feeling a bit down or whatever take a fourteen days challenge of your own,learn and feel the new you afterwards.

14 days challenge with Mimi and Alex

The Dark Age Survivors of the Pulse by Jeff W. Horton

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Category: Fiction,Religion,Mystery
Format: ebook
Page Count: 333
Published: July 15th 2011 by World Castle Publishing (first published June 25th 2011)
ISBN13 9781937085049
Language: English
About the book:
Suppose you learned that an ancient prophecy about an artifact, said to be powerful enough to dramatically change the world, was true. Would you risk everything to find it?

It has been five-hundred years since the Pulse caused the Great Collapse, ending the Golden Age, and civilization on planet Earth. Humanity has waited ever since for a long-anticipated sign from God, which has finally appeared in the night sky. The time has come for Ferrell Young, the Warrior Clan, and the Church to risk everything in an effort to restore civilization, and bring hope to a world full of despair.(more)

My Review: 4.5 stars
A very well written,simple yet complicated plot that takes the readers to a time where earth  and its people striving and survival seems almost impossible yet there’s always hope!

I like and enjoyed reading this! it took and made me want the good guys to succeed the battle at the end.All the things written here seems all so real and about to happen which I hope and pray would not. The characters I love! some I hate with a passion which made them so effective all their emotions, dilemmas, struggles,faith etc on their journey was really hard and painstaking they made me want to read more and faster so at least that would uplift some of their burden but of course it will all unfold in due course.. like them I’d also risk it all to restore civilization I once knew what an epic adventure!

Stuck in Estrogen's Funhouse by Shayna Gier

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Source: Copy provided by Shayna Gier for review
Category: Fiction, Romance
Format: ebook
Page Count: 146
Published: June 25th 2011 by Beyond Normality Ink (first published June 2011)
ASIN: B0058JZ562
Language: English
About the book:
Martina "Marti" MacCale, bartender extraordinaire at Flash Point, the best bar in town, is happily married to her best friend, Spencer and having the time of her life... until without warning, her own body rudely sets out to destroy her happiness.(more)

My Review: 4 stars
I felt Marti’s frustration and stress it’s quite hard when your period’s all messed up and you don’t know what’s happening inside your body! I really do admire her loving relationship with Spencer her husband and bestest friend though there are a bit of troubled waters,bumpy roads that’s normal in a relationship in the end they came through it all. I like how this book tackles women related issues within and outside the relationship which is very relatable and into reality that everyone could learn from.It’s fun and a quick read I enjoyed it especially the cheesy scenes and the part where Marti pleaded in her very cute and adorable manner to Spencer in order to cook a dish that I've never heard of so funny!

Dark is the Night by Brindle Chase

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Category: Romance,Erotica,Fiction,Fantasy
Format: ebook
Page Count: 173
Published: June 22nd 2011 by Forlorn Hope
ISBN: 0012872229 (ISBN13: 2940012872227)
Language: English
About the book:
Katherine Wells is Cleveland, top homicide detective and she's hot on the trail of the Antoinette killer. The string of burnt and beheaded bodies have little in common, except they keep turning up. In search of clues, she encounters Alexander. His intoxicating old world persona captivates her and she suddenly finds herself in a torrid love affair. The passion is overwhelming and her sense of law falls into blissful chaos.(more)

My Review: 4.5 stars
Short,quick read..I like and enjoyed this book it has mystery, romance which is very much erotic,smart characters I totally  fell in love with they kept me  coming back for more! The plot unexpected twist and turn plus dilemmas they’ve been through is like a roller coaster ride fantastically done!

Enchanted by Rachel Wells

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Source: Copy provided by the author for review
Category: Fiction,Fantasy
Format: ebook
Page Count: 125
Published: August 6th 2011 by Rachel Wells
ISBN: 0013186825 (ISBN13: 2940013186828)
Language: English
About the book:
Mandy is a quiet teenager who just wants to blend in with the crowd rather than stand out as anything or anybody. Mandy's pretty successful at this until her parents decide it's time to move from Boston to the quiet seaside town of York Beach, Maine, to "be closer to Nana". Although Mandy has been vacationing in York every summer since she was a child, she has no desire to live there and is worried about fitting in and finding friends during her senior year of high school. (more)

My Review: 4 stars
When a shy,queit teenage girl trying to be normal moved along with her family at her childhood vacation house to be closer to Nana interesting things began to unfold unknowingly she’ll discover and unravel a secret way beyond her years!

The cover's a bit old and quite haunting yet the story’s actually really enchanting, funny,exciting, quick read Mandy’s dilemmas,answers she’s longing for,abilities,mysteries she’ll learn along the way are very intriguing…starting over’s quite tough especially faking a bit of emotions in order to keep others happy but I’m glad when I saw that she and I shared a common favorite dish which is very comforting, satisfyingly good that I’ll never get tired of eating. Her love interest and curiosity grows as she seek her answers inside a very old family hope chest. I really enjoyed and I’m very happy how great the ending was plus the wisdom within the story.

Ursula's Quest: Book Two of The Witchcraft Wars (The Witchcraft Wars #2) by Tracey Alley

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Source: Copy provided by Tracey Alley for review
Category: Fiction, Fantasy
Format: ebook
Page Count: 288
Published: September 22nd 2010 by CreateSpace (first published August 4th 2010)
ISBN: 1453803378 (ISBN13: 9781453803370)
Language: English
About the book:
Locked in his dank, underground cell King Erich is feverish and dying. Running out of time and running out of hope he sends his daughter, the beautiful Princess Ursula, on a seemingly impossible quest.(more)

My Review: 4 out of 5 stars

It’s nice to see a different angle of this story. It still has the same features of character portraits and such in every part, they’re intriguing and exciting page after page though there’s still a bit of errors nevertheless I like and enjoyed the set of characters and story. I still do feel that there’s some parts lacking but I guess I’ll wait and stay tuned for more fantasy, adventures and secrets to unfold in book three.

Erich's Plea (The Witchcraft Wars #1) by Tracey Alley

Source: Copy provided by the Author for review
Category: Fiction, Fantasy
Format: ebook
Page Count: 315
Published: April 16th 2010 by Tracey L. Ali
ISBN: 1453600973 (ISBN13: 9781453600979)
Language: English
About the book:
Deep in the bowel's of Zeaburg's infamous prison the young druid Slade is plagued by a bizarre and troubling dream. In the dream his father, High King Erich of Vestland, appeals for his son's help.(more)

My Review: 3.5 stars

The story’s not too shabby than I thought it would be, quite catchy,interesting and you’ll jump right off into the fantasy,  family, betrayal, witchcraft and so on. I don’t like the layout of the map it needs more work ,polishing, finishing touches and clear off some lines so it would look more nice and neat plus there’s quite a bit of typos/errors. Though I like how the story progress and that it got a mini portrait for you to exactly imagine what the characters look like, weaponries etc. I find some parts a bit sad yet surprising all the way til the end.

Beckoning Light by Alyssa Rose Ivy (Author Interview + Giveaways)

It's nice to see all of you ^_^ it's a real treat to present to you our Author guest for today she wrote Beckoning Light let's all be enlighten and give a warm of applause to Alyssa Rose Ivy ^_~

Kim: Tell me more about yourself and your book any random fact?

Alyssa: My background is in law and library science, but I decided to take a detour to spend time on my creative writing while staying home to take care of my daughter.

Kim: What inspired you and how did you come up with this idea?

Alyssa:It all started with a dream. Although the scene that inspired it all never made it into the actual book, it gave me the idea for the hidden world and one of the narrators (Charlotte).

Kim: Is there going to be a part two?

Alyssa:Beckoning Light is the first of a planned Trilogy. Book two, Perilous Light should be out this spring.

Kim: How long did it took you to write and finish this book?any added research?

Alyssa:The first draft only took a few weeks because I just couldn’t stop writing. The editing and revisions took a lot longer. All in all from the first day of writing to the release was about seven months. I did spend some time looking at the architecture in Charleston and Savannah. The cover image is of an actual gate in Savannah.

Kim:Do you have any out of this world experience you’d like to share?

Alyssa:I’ve had a number of experiences that I might classify as out of this world. I felt like I was on another planet when I walked on a glacier in Alaska. A late night in New Orleans also has an out of this world feel.

Kim:What’s next for Alyssa ?do you have any plans venturing on other book genre/categories?

Alyssa:After I finish Perilous Light, I plan to write a paranormal romance set in New Orleans that doesn’t center around vampires. After that I may try my hand at something dystopian. I have a feeling I’ll be sticking to books with some sort of fantastical element for a while.

Kim:What’s the most challenging part in writing this?

Alyssa:I think that it can be very difficult to write fantasy, particularly when it’s set in another world. Realistic fiction has its own challenges, but I find that it takes a lot of work to effectively paint a picture of a fantastic world.

Kim:How do you develop your characters?

Alyssa:First I try to picture the type of characters I want in the story and start with a very simple sketch of who they are. After that I love to allow the characters to develop on their own. Some of my characters are also loosely influenced by people I know.

Kim:Major influences in writing (any favorite books and authors in mind?or special someone)

Alyssa:My two biggest influences are Tolkien and Jane Austen. I have always loved the genres of fantasy and romance and hope to effectively combine the two in my writing.

Kim:Do you have any writing quirks/routine?

Alyssa:My writing routine consists of trying to fit it in around taking care of my 2 ½ year old. I’ve learned to use any spare moment I have. I also love writing to music, I don’t think Beckoning Light would be the book it is without it.

Kim:Any advice to aspiring writers?

Alyssa:Some of the best writing advice I ever received was to embrace constructive criticism. It may not be easy at first but it makes all the difference. I also think that the hardest part of writing is sitting down to do it. If you have an idea, go with it.

Kim:Message to your fans (Encourage,Promote,tell them where they could buy your book/s,reach you,list of social networks)

Alyssa:I always love to hear from readers, please visit me at:


Blog: http://alyssaroseivy.com


Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AlyssaRoseIvy


Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/AlyssaRoseIvy


Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5047249.Alyssa_Rose_Ivy


You can buy Beckoning Light at:


Amazon: Kindle and paperback: http://www.amazon.com/Beckoning-Light-Afterglow-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B005CYN3YE/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1315914336&sr=8-2


Barnes and Noble: Nook Book


http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/alyssa-rose-ivy?keyword=alyssa+rose+ivy&store=allproducts

Kim: Thank you so much for stopping by Alyssa! your presence brightened up everything ^_~
There you have it gang! what are you waiting for?you've heard it from Alyssa & me so submit your entries using the Rafflecopter form below and DON'T FORGET TO LEAVE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS  so we could contact you if you win & READ MORE FOR INSTRUCTIONS  you might also be interested in reading my review Thanks for tuning in ^_^

Beckoning Light by Alyssa Rose Ivy

click the picture to buy a copy

Source: Alyssa Rose Ivy,for review copy
Category: Fiction,Romance
Format: Paperback
Page Count: 256
Published: July 25th 2011 by Createspace (first published July 2011)
ISBN: 146370884X (ISBN13: 9781463708849)
Language: English
About the book:
As Charlotte steps through the gate, she has a strong feeling that nothing will ever be the same again.Moving back to South Carolina after three years away, Charlotte knows she's going to have to face people from her past and adjust to a new high school, but she's completely unprepared for what else waits for her in Charleston.(more)

My Review: 4.5 stars
I like the cover of this book it’s quite dark,striking and intriguing in a way that it made me want to know and discover beyond what’s inside the Iron facade plus it’s really related to the story which I love since it has the overly protective brother and sister kind of relationship it’s also very funny and exciting for the fact that they’re about to discover a whole new different world through the garden’s gate. There are some parts of the story that’s quite sad yet very enlightening, the details are vivid enough, the characters are relatable and likeable, the budding romance plus insights I learned after reading this is great! it really touched, moved and inspired me to explore the path ahead of me and so on.

EXCLUSIVE! Author Interview with Derrolyn Anderson the latest scoop about her novel series + giveaways you don't want to miss!

Hello Everyone! I'm so happy and excited to present to you our beloved Author guest for today she's the creator of the "Marina's Tales" series Between the land and Sea (Marina's Tale #1) and The Moon and the Tide (Marina's Tale #2),she also specializes in young adult fiction, a visual artist and is currently hard at work readying the third installment for its imminent release.

Let's all welcome the very beautiful & stunning..Derrolyn Anderson !

*a round of applause*

Kim: Welcome! please do take a sit and feel at home ^_^Tell us more about yourself & your novel series.

Derrolyn :The Marina’s Tales series are the first stories I’ve written. I’ve always been a reader, but having kids, and checking out what my three daughters were reading, introduced me to some really great books. I loved them all, from Harry Potter to Twilight, and their YA reads inspired me to try my hand at writing. Once I got started, it became something of an obsession, and it’s turned out to be one of the most challenging and rewarding things I’ve ever done.

Kim: How long have you been working on each novel?

Derrolyn :The first two books in the series came pouring out super-fast in the summer of 2010. I got a bit sidetracked for a while with all the little details of indie publishing, like getting my covers done and uploading my books to Amazon, etc. I mean, I’ve just scratched the surface, and I know more than I ever wanted to know about formatting e-books! The only promoting I’m doing so far is requesting reviews on book blogs I like, and that too can take up a lot of spare time, so book #3 took a little longer to finish than I wanted.

Kim: How many series are there in Marina’s tale? When will book 3 be out? Could you tell us a bit of spoilers? XD

Derrolyn :I’m just finishing the third book in the series, The Fate Of The Muse, and plan to release it by 9/17! There will definitely be a fourth installment- I’m nowhere near done with these characters yet! In book three Marina has to deal with her unwanted powers and more sneaky evil-doers! In the end, she finds out the shocking truth about what the bad guys are really after...

Kim: OMG! Today?! *screams like a total fangirl* XD What/who inspired you to write all these wonderful enchanting stories?

Derrolyn:Other YA books, my teenage daughters, and lots of daydreaming. I spent the first ten years of my marriage living in the little neighborhood I wrote about in Aptos, and I’m definitely nostalgic for those days. Now I live in another beautiful part of California, but I still I miss those foggy morning walks on the beach. There really is a cement ship there!

Kim: What’s the most challenging part in writing these story series?

Derrolyn :Finding the time to do it!

Kim: Will you continue writing this type of genre or you have any plans venturing other categories?

Derrolyn :I love YA books, and it’s been fun writing paranormal/fantasy/romance. I have a few new ideas I’d like to start on once I’m done with this series... we’ll see where they take me!

Kim:Favorite fairytale and character/s?why?

Derrolyn: I’m amused by all the old-school creepy and dark fairy tales. Although my books have fairly happy endings (so far!), the original “Little Mermaid” ended pretty tragically. I remember getting hold of an antique book of Grimm’s fairy tales as a child... Boy were those fairy tales grim! I remember one in particular that left a big impression. A girl refused to get an old beggar woman a drink from a well and was cursed to have toads and vipers fall from her mouth every time she spoke. Pretty harsh, huh? Those stories were clearly written to keep children in line- not to entertain them!

Kim:In your novels are your characters based from people in real life?

Derrolyn : I worked as an airport hotel bartender while I studied art in college. Artists and drinkers can be real characters... Need I say more?

Kim: Do you have any writing routine?

Derrolyn :After the workday is done I like to hide out in my room with my laptop. I’ll put music on and lounge around on my bed waiting for the muse to arrive.

Kim: I also saw a very nice transition regarding your covers especially book two :O

           

Kim: What do you guys think? I think it's absolutely very beautiful,captivating & fresh! like I said before she looks almost real :O sorry and please excuse me while I wipe my saliva lol so Any Advice to aspiring writers? 

Derrolyn : If you want to write, just do it! Work hard, and don’t let anyone discourage you. ^_^

Kim: Message to your fans (Tell them where they can buy your book,where to reach you,list of social networks)

Derrolyn :I don’t think I’m being anti-social, but I may be the last person on earth who is not on Facebook! I have a hard enough time updating my website every few months, but if you check it, you’ll find a little bit about the books, along with links to some sites mentioned in them at:http://www.derrolyn.com/Site/Books.html

Want to take my mermaid poll? http://www.squidoo.com/mermaid-poll

The first book in the Marina’s Tales series is available at :
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004SYA76Q

Barnes & Noble:http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/between-the-land-and-the-sea-derrolyn-anderson/1101953249

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/50600
Kim: Thank you so much for dropping by I'm greatly humbled with your presence *bows down* ^_^

Well there you have it folks! you've met the author,saw the interview,viewed her fine work of art what are you waiting for?! FILL UP THE ENTRY FORM BELOW AND DON"T FORGET TO READ MORE FOR INSTRUCTIONS & LEAVE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS so we could contact you if you win ^_~

Elf Killers by Carol Marrs Phipps & Tom Phipps AUTHOR INTERVIEW + GIVEAWAYS

Good day everyone! I’m greatly honored to present to you our beloved Author Guests for today they wrote a very fantastic epic fantasy titled ELF KILLERS! Let us all welcome Tom Phipps and Carol Marrs Phipps (a round of applause)

 

Kim: Welcome! Please do sit down and feel at home ^_^ now tell me more about your book,any random fact for the both of you?

Carol: Tom and I are both teachers and we have spent most of the last twenty years teaching on Native American Reservations in the Southwest. We have taught the Hualapai and Apache in Arizona, Navajo, in New Mexico and Paiute, in Nevada. However, we have returned to the Mid-west where I am not currently teaching. I have taken time off to concentrate on writing. Tom and I have been writing together since 1996.

Kim: Wow that’s so great! So what inspired the both of you and how did you come up with this idea for your book?

Carol:The Elf Killers were actually created in another book, which is part of a series (not yet complete) Tom and I have co-written. However, in the series, the Elves and the Elf killer trolls are just a part of a wide cast of characters and they have a much more minor role to play. In the course of writing about them in the series, I became rather enchanted by them, and decided they merited having a story of their own. Thus, Elf Killers the book, was born.

Kim: Awesome! How long did it took to write,research and finish this?

Carol: Fortunately, all the language for the troll speech had already been researched and worked out in the course of working on the epic fantasy series I mentioned.

Tom: Carol and I were both teaching at the time we wrote Elf Killers and teachers have very little free time during the school year. We started writing it during the Christmas holiday break and finished it during Spring break. After that we did some editing and re-writing and by the end of the school year decided it was ready to go out into the world, as it were.

Kim: Indeed what a very hectic schedule I totally understand so what’s next for the both of you?do you have any plans venturing on other book genre/category?dream vacation perhaps?

Carol: I love to write. It’s what I have wanted to do since I was in eighth grade, so I definitely plan to continue. Since Tom began writing with me in’96 he, too, has caught the writing bug.
Tom: We are planning to begin the fifth book of the epic fantasy series we have been working on together. It is called Heart of the Staff and will probably be complete either with the fifth or the sixth book. The first book, Good Sister, Bad Sister has just recently been accepted for publication by Hellfire Publishing.
Carol:We don’t have any details yet as to when it will be released.

Kim: That’s so exciting! I can’t wait to read more of your works ^_^ What’s the most challenging part in writing this book?

Carol: Keeping it short. I love to go off on long epic tales and really get involved with each of the characters and events. But, alas, one of the reasons Tom and I wrote Elf Killers was to create a short book as a kind of introduction to our writing. Through our experience and research when we began this writing journey together we discovered that the long epic tales by new and unproven writers were most often shied away from by agents and publishers alike.

Kim: Ah yes of course! Do you find it difficult writing together?Any experience you’d like to share? How did the both of you manage to pull it off ?

Carol: When we first began writing together, Tom was a bit hesitant to really let go and ‘put himself into my story ‘, as that is how he viewed it. But, soon we began discussing, brainstorming and really getting caught up with all the ideas, details and nuances of the story and he relaxed and became an equal and active part. We are a team and both very involved in all that happens in the worlds we create.

Kim: So who contributed more?do you designate who should write this part and that part?or was it a team effort?like we’ll both write then we sum it all up edit,you write first then I’ll continue it second anything like that?

Tom: Carol and I both feel that we share the load equally as a team. Nothing is written in stone until we both agree that the story is exactly the way it should be.

Kim: Any major influences in writing (any favorite books and authors in mind?)

Tom: Carol and I both love Tolkein. Beyond that, there are a great number of authors and books which have undoubtedly influenced us in one way or another.

Kim: Do either of you have any quirk/routine before writing?

Carol: I hate outlines! I never use one.
Tom: I’m a much more orderly person and keeps a running chronology of the characters and major events as each book we write progresses.
Carol: I have to admit that when we have had long periods of time pass when we were unable to get back to our story, his orderly chronology has saved us much tedious review.

Kim: What’s your advice to aspiring writers out there ^_^

Carol: If you really want to be a writer, pursue your dream doggedly and write, write, write, until you succeed. And then write some more!

Kim: Message to your fans (Encourage,Promote,tell them where they could buy your book/s,reach you,list of social networks)

Carol: If anyone has any questions or comments Feel free to contact me. I’d love to hear from you! I can be contacted at:
http://www.heretherebefantasies.blogspot.com
http://www.facebook.com/carol.phipps3/
           @Car01am on Twitter
Tom: find out more about me and follow our publisher’s two blogs
http://www.hellfireherald.blogspot.com
http://www.thecampfire666.blogspot.com
Or: http://www.hellfirepublishing.com

Carol: If you would enjoy reading more about our upcoming series, Heart of the Staff, the first chapter of each of the first four books:

Good Sister, Bad Sister: Book I
The Collector Witch: Book II
Stone Heart: Book III
The Burgeoning: Book IV
are currently posted on my blog, Here There Be Fantasies.Thank you so much, Kim for the interview and review and good luck to all of you who enter to win a free ebook of Elf Killers! Elf Killers can be purchased at Amazon and Smashwords.

Kim: Thank you so much Carol and Tom I really enjoyed your company ^_^ Now my beloved readers click Read more/Read the instructions and fill up the Rafflecopter form below ^_~ DON’T FORGET TO LEAVE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS so we could contact you in case you win.Thank you so much for tuning in…you might also be interested in reading my review.Take care and Good Luck!

Elf Killers by Carol Marrs Phipps

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Category: Fiction,Fantasy>Elves & Trolls
Format: ebook
Page Count: 285
Published: July 15th 2011 by Hellfire Publishing
ASIN B005D5J0HG
Language: English,Troll,Elven,Gwaelic
About the book:
It is the very worst time to be in the woods. Oisin’s plan is to come with his bow to help Aedan and Doona lead a party of children into the forest to gather the maidenhair seedlings his people would take across the sea as they flee the trolls who hunt them as prey. Maybe he can be back in time for supper.(more)

My Review: 4.5 stars

The cover’s a bit creepy almost like a doll in a elf like get up…haunting and spine chilling.This book opened my eyes to a whole new different world..took the trolls and elves up to the next level though a bit odd at first glancing through back and forth the glossary for some amazingly new words I’ve learned and just recently discovered took me quite a while to  get use to it nevertheless I like it! The fantasy and thrill that shook my mind and senses all those running, journeys to save the other elves from killer trolls was indeed a fantastic adventure! Truly epic!

The Moon and the Tide (Marina's Tales #2) by Derrolyn Anderson | Book Review

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Category: Fiction,Fantasy,Romance,Mermaids
Format: ebook
Page Count: 327
Published: Published March 28th 2011
ASIN: B004UC5RVG
Language: English
About the book:
The Moon And The Tide is book # 2 in the Marina's Tales series.Just when things seem to be all figured out, Marina discovers that there's a lot more going on behind the scenes than she ever imagined. When a terrible accident exposes her secret, she discovers that her whole life has been one big lie, and has to cope with more than one kind of betrayal.(more)

My Review: 4.5 stars
I’m glad that the second installment of Marina’s tale got a very beautiful continuation I love how the characters have grown and step up a notch unlike in book one they made more lasting impression, assortment of personalities that made more impact to the story. It’s now time to choose once more and I must admit it’s really quite hard but I’m very proud of Marina the road set for her is rather bumpy and tough but with it she learned a lot. I like how She and Ethan found love and comfort to each other way to go guys!

Between the Land and the Sea (Marina's Tales #1) by Derrolyn Anderson

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Category: Fiction,Fantasy,Romance,Mermaids
Format: ebook
Page Count: 261
Published: March 19th 2011
ASIN: B004SYA76Q
Language: English
About the book:
Something extraordinary is lurking in the deep ocean waters off the coast of Aptos, California. Just a few weeks after moving to the beach town, sixteen year-old Marina has nearly drowned twice, enchanted the hottest guy in high school, and discovered a supernatural creature.(more)
My Review:  4 stars
I don’t read much stories about mermaids but I like how  Derrolyn Anderson put a very modern twist in a very old fairytale for me that felt a touch of the little mermaid in her novel series. To be honest I’m afraid of the ocean more likely I got pure high respect for it and of course sharks! The mere thought of it makes me scream! In the beginning of her storytelling made me more at ease upon thinking that somewhere out there in the vast wide blue ocean there’s a mermaid that’s always and will be looking out for us.

This story’s about a girl named Marina I like her name though a bit cliché it goes well with the story, it’s  very now..this is also where Marina will learn how to adjust with her environment, going to a real school and I’m so thrilled for her entering High school yey! Though I’m a bit sad that she was left behind by her father its still concerns about her safety and just being a normal teenager experiencing life,boys,fashion,exploring almost everything, making new friends and so on. There are tear jerking parts which I love especially at the end makes me all aww..yet puzzling for her story’s just beginning ^_^

It's Not about You: A Little Story about What Matters Most in Business by Bob Burg & John David Mann

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Category: Business
Format: ARC,Paperback (will be release in Hardcover)
Page Count: 144
Expected publication: September 20th 2011 by Penguin Group (USA)
ISBN: 1591844193 (ISBN13: 9781591844198)
Language: English
About the book:
In this inspirational parable, we meet Ben, a young manager charged with persuading five hundred employees of a struggling chair manufacturer to agree to a merger as a way out of their financial woes. Facing what seems like an impossible uphill climb, Ben seeks the advice of Claire, an old friend, who introduces him to an eccentric elderly lady known simply as Aunt Elle.(more)

My Review: 5 stars

Light,short,quick read the title says it all. As time passed we often forgot what really matters most and in this book it talks about leadership,values,skills, business matters and so on. Very insightful , lots of words of wisdom that would be great to pass on one generation to another.I love this book for it encompasses things everyone could learn from.

I won and received this book for free thru Goodreads First Reads.Thank you so much.

Seven Point Eight: The First Chronicle (Volume 1) by Marie A. Harbon

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Source: Book provided by Marie Harbon for review

Category: Science Fiction

Format: Paperback

Page Count: 466

Published: June 1st 2011 by CreateSpace

ISBN: 1461072484 (ISBN13: 9781461072485)

Language: English

About the book:
Seven Point Eight: The most powerful number in the universe. The number that connects everything. A physicist begins a quest to measure the soul but soon finds himself drawn into the world of the enigmatic Max Richardson, where research is sold to the military at the highest bid. However, he soon discovers another purpose when an extremely talented young psychic enters his life. He devises a project and builds a team to stretch the frontiers of exploration, only to make a reality-shattering discovery.(more)

My Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Wow! I’m completely stunned and speechless this completely blown me away! it reminded me of the time when I was studying physics and other life sciences.. I like how  very intellectual the characters are, how they managed to tackle their dilemmas, the queries they asked each other, about the future, research, analysis and so on are answered in the most intriguing and full of wisdom manner. Which left me craving for more! all these being psychic stuff made me feel to really trust my instincts/guts/hunches whatever you call it these days this made me think even more than life and throughout life. Everything was so greatly executed. 

The story that revolved around this is so fantastically laid out that took years of life and research in order to complete their findings which of course proved that something is definitely out there beyond reach but somewhere along the way they just can’t lay a finger on it until the end A-HA!. It also has a couple of adult content  and the characters I adore because of their unique qualities and weird personalities I love Tahra she’s very mature, wise and sweet.. however Paul, was quite my favorite he’s very devoted & smart though there are times he knows what he’s not suppose to do but he did during those situations I dwelled and get so caught up in his thoughts I felt the time crunch, fatigue he’s been through..he made so many brilliant discoveries, research and equipments that would made it possible to prove his work but of course there are things that science just could not prove not just yet.. It’s hard but that what made this so great in the right time it will all unfold!a very believable and promising book a great way to start the series.I’m really impressed with all their amazing journey besides that there are parts that made me cry while reading this..certainly after all the sudden twist and turn of events I certainly want to read more of this series!I must say very well done and good job to Madam Marie Harbon  the bibliographies are surely worth checking out as well they’re all very interesting.

The Pineville Heist by Lee Chambers

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Source: Copy provided by Lee Chambers for review
Category: Fiction
Format: ebook
Page Count: 194
Published: July 20th 2011 by MISFP Publishing (Pineville Heist Inc.)
ASIN: B005DST2U8
Language: English
About the book: 
Seventeen year old Aaron stumbles into the aftermath of a five million dollar bank heist gone wrong. Hiding under a canoe, Aaron partially catches the murder of one of the robbers. In the chaos he sneaks away with the money and heads straight for the closest place of safety, his high school. Terrified, Aaron tells his shocking tale to Amanda Becker, his drama teacher, but it doesn’t take long for one of the psychotic robbers to show up. In the locked down school the pair are relentlessly pursued in a quest to get the money back and wipe out the evidence.(more)

My Review:  3.5 out of 5 stars

A story about a town called Pineville,a mill business they thought going down south but truly headed up north,how a  kid named Aaron save the day & his beloved town from evil doers set out & stole the money,murder,conspiracy..it’s all about the money!bloody money!

I like how the plot seems to thicken as the story progress the unexpected turn at the end left me hangin by the tread..Aaron is just like any other teenager,he knows what he wants to pursue, quite careless yet  a lucky kid, grew up well provided home though not happy with his relationship with his father at the end it seems fixed and all better..This caught me out of breath and I felt cornered as well as Aaron when was stuck at school while a murderer was out to get him along with his friends..at first nobody believes him but eventually somebody did but…the hidden agenda of course came out at the latter part of all this mess.Greed has always been one of the greatest sin many of us are guilty of in this story where the end does not justify the means the truth shall always and ever will prevail!Justice!

The characters are very likeable & relatable,typical you’ll see every single day..Aaron (the lead) for me made a great portrayal of Hamlet for his school play that his been workin on since the very beginning of this book I applauded with a standing ovation in his last performance a nice ending that of course made Aaron's day as well...good job kid & Mr. Lee Chambers.

A Decade..9/11 we'll never forget!

We all got different stories to tell about what happened during the very fateful day of September 11, 2001..the lives lost,the ever controversial,manhunts,the list could go on..I felt the world stopped,watched & prayed..one thing's for sure and certain WE'LL NEVER FORGET!

what's your story?

Rin Tin Tin: The Life and the Legend by Susan Orlean

Category: Non-Fiction,Biography,Animals,History
Format: Paperback,ARC
Page Count: 320
Expected Publication: October 4th 2011 by Simon & Schuster Adult Publishing Group October 4th 2011 by Simon & Schuster Adult Publishing Group
ISBN: 1439190135 (ISBN13: 9781439190135)
Language: English
About the book:
So begins Susan Orlean’s sweeping, powerfully moving story of Rin Tin Tin’s journey from orphaned puppy to movie star and international icon. From the moment in 1918 when Corporal Lee Duncan discovers Rin Tin Tin on a World War I battlefield, he recognizes something in the pup that he needs to share with the world. Rin Tin Tin’s improbable introduction to Hollywood leads to the dog’s first blockbuster film and over time, the many radio programs, movies, and television shows that follow. The canine hero’s legacy is cemented by Duncan and a small group of others who devote their lives to keeping him and his descendants alive.(more)

My Review:  5 stars

The book will be out next month and according to the Goodreads page looks like it would be on Hardcover mine was an ARC so it's on paperback.The formats I post here at my page are the ones I got anyway my thoughts about the book wow! I dunno where to begin first off I love Animals they are my best buds so this book is a complete match from heaven  XD

I want and would like to have a dog just like Rin Tin Tin!he's very smart,loyal,obedient and a superstar! just to name a few...I love this book not only does it talks about the history and life of the legendary Rin Tin Tin it also talks about his Owner Lee Duncan how he started,where he was born,his struggles in life,the lime light and how he managed such stressful yet happy lifestyle.Their story lives on and forever part of history.I highly recommend it!

I won and received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.Thank you so much Woof!

Food Portions

Making small changes in portions can make a BIG difference

Healthy eating is in our hands!

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Disclaimer: I do not own any of these featured above all copyrights reserved at http://www.readyseteat.com

For Healthy Substitutions http://www.readyseteat.com/cooking-basics-101.jsp
 Visit and learn more from that website Stay Healthy ^_~

I Love Tuzki!

A Tribute to my love and how I completely adore Tuzki !my never ending fondness to bunny wabbits XD

I've discovered it way back and such nostalgia was trigger by normal events in real life after browsing thru a couple of blogs and emoticons so I'd like to share it to everyone! for those how haven't seen/ heard about Tuzki visit this website http://www.clubtuzki.com/en/ it's loaded with all sorts of cool informations,games,downlable stuffs lots and lots of freebies oh yeah! watch these cool videos as well


Awesome! XD

 Very Cute and funny :))

I think there's a Tuzki within each and everyone of us what's your fav. Tuzki/emoticon?copy and paste some links so I could also see ^_^ let's share and spread some tuzki love XD

Paris: The Collected Traveler (Vintage Departures) by Barrie Kerper

Source: Goodreads (First reads)
Category: Travel
Format: Paperback
Page count: 721
Published: July 12th 2011 by Vintage (first published September 2000)
ISBN: 0307474895 (ISBN13: 9780307474896)
Language: English
About the book:
This unique guide to one of the world’s most beloved tourist destinations combines fascinating articles by a wide variety of writers, woven throughout with the editor’s own indispensable advice and opinions—providing in one package an unparalleled experience of an extraordinary place.(more)
My Review: 5 stars

I love this book! it's loaded with lots of valuable information like where you should go,the must see attractions,pictures of places,arts,food,culture,articles,website and shop recommendations,funny stories and revelations and all sorts of things that's definitely worth checking out.Even at the comfort of my home I felt and can totally imagine all these beautiful places,the streets,the french culture,what its like and so on.Though it's quite heavy and bulky I highly recommend it! especially to those people whose been dreaming and wanting to go to Paris,experience Paris life like you've never seen before,this wonderful compilation of a book is so awesome it will definitely bring and boost your knowledge about everything and what's Paris is all about.Definitely a must read before your trip/next trip to Paris! I also saw a bit of similarities between the French culture and my culture quite shocking yet interesting that made me happy knowing because I never thought I got a wee bit of French in me.

Before Ever After by Samantha Sotto

Source: Book won from Tina's giveaway
Category:Fiction,Romance,Travel,History,Chick lit,
Format: Hardcover
Page Count: 297
Published: August 2, 2011 by Crown
Language: English
ISBN: 0307719871 (ISBN13: 9780307719874)
About the book:
Three years after her husband Max's death, Shelley feels no more adjusted to being a widow than she did that first terrible day. That is, until the doorbell rings. Standing on her front step is a young man who looks so much like Max; same smile, same eyes, same age, same adorable bump in his nose; he could be Max's long-lost relation. He introduces himself as Paolo, an Italian editor of American coffee table books, and shows Shelley some childhood photos. Paolo tells her that the man in the photos, the bearded man who Paolo says is his grandfather though he never seems to age, is Max. Her Max. And he is alive and well.(more)

My Review: 5 stars

I love this book so much! let's start off with the cover it's very pleasing and easy on the eyes it immediately caught my attention because of the title,cover art and the author she's Filipino! the  edge of the pages looks and appeals to be really old torn like parchment.This novel warms my heart and entire existence to the core.Max and Shelley's tour along with their fellow campers around Europe was really awesome! I felt such uniqueness in every part of this very moving and amusing novel the side stories are amazing as well.What an Epic adventure!A tear jerker!hands down to Samantha Sotto I truly enjoyed the flow of these wonderful back and forth narration kept me company and nostalgic of my hometown.I actually felt like I'm one of the fellow travelers or bystanders watching the characters move from afar,eavesdropping to their conversations etc.

There's also a lot of chickens,life experiences,stories,valuable lessons and quotations you'll live by and never ever forget.This novel completely blown me away it's absolutely brilliant,well written and executed!I highly recommend it!

Visit her website http://samanthasotto.com
Follow her on twitter: @samanthasotto

Sanctuary of the Soul: Journey into Meditative Prayer by Richard J. Foster

Source: Goodreads (First reads)
Category: Religion
Format: Paperback
Page count: 160
Expected publication: September 5th 2011 by IVP BooksLanguage: English
ISBN: 0830835555 (ISBN13: 9780830835553)
About the book:
Richard Foster, bestselling author and founder of Renovaré, writes these words as one who has experienced what they describe. And in this new book he will beautifully guide you in this transformational way, that you might come to know deeper fellowship with God.(more)

My Review: 5 out 5 stars

I love everything about this book it's small and light so you could carry it around with you all the time.The cover was very simple,calm,feels like felt soft to touch.It boost my spirituality even more,gave me strength and inner peace plus every part and sub parts of this great book taught me a lot of things in life and throughout life, it's very enlightening and filled with wonderful quotations,verses from the bible and prayers.I highly recommend this book to everyone!

Sleep, Creep, Leap: The First Three Years of a Nebraska Garden by Benjamin Vogt

Source: Goodreads (First reads)

Category: Gardening

Format: Paperback

Page count: 112

Published: July 22nd 2011 by CreateSpace (first published July 11th 2011)

ISBN: 1463666594 (ISBN13: 9781463666590)

Language: English

About the book:

Peeling off sheets of skin from a sunburned back. Visiting five nurseries and spending $1,000 in an afternoon. Raising 200 monarch butterflies. Hearing the wing beats of geese thirty feet overhead at sunset. How one piece of mulch can make all the difference. These are the stories of Benjamin Vogt’s 1,500 foot native prairie garden over the course of three years. After a small patio garden at his last home teases him into avid tinkering, the blank canvas of his new marriage and quarter acre lot prove to be a rich place full of delight, anguish, and rapture in all four seasons. (more)



My Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars


If you like to talk/read stories about plants,enjoy and love gardening,then this book is for you!This composes random stories about how Mr. Benjamin Vogt started his own beloved garden,rants and life confessions,pictures and the best resources you could get and how you can be involve,where to begin etc.


This is a very short,easy read,light, fun book I learned a lot from it.It definitely boost my knowledge about plants and gardening like how you're suppose to care for certain plants and the environment,The best plant that's right for the season,what they look like and so on it also refreshed my memory about biology, scientific plant names and I've also discovered plants I've never even heard of, some that I saw in real life but not aware what they're called so this is very eye opening.I'm very much impressed and amazed how devoted Mr. Benjamin tends to his garden he reminded me of someone dear and close to me.Though I would really love it even more if the pictures were all colored nevertheless it's all good.I found most of his stories very funny, interesting and enlightening due to the fact that it involves everyday life experiences we often neglect to appreciate and just simply because it talks about the wonders of nature itself.Many thanks for sharing your stories Mr. Benjamin I truly enjoyed reading it If you could please lend/spare me some of your green thumb?that would be great :D

Author Interview: Ezra Barany,The Torah Codes

Welcome everybody! I hope all of you are alright especially those residing at the east coast and for everyone whose here today thank you so much for stopping by ^_^ Now, about our guest for today he wrote a very enlightening novel titled The Torah codes I am very happy and so psyched about all this not only because your purchase of this book helps S.F Bay Area Jewish Schools! but we'd get to know more about Mr. Ezra Barany (the author himself) ^_^

Let’s learn more about him roll the clip please..(play the youtube video)

Without further ado please let us all Welcome Mr. Ezra Barany!

Ezra entered the studio waves his hands in the air as the crowd cheered with a standing ovation and round of applause *As Ezra slideshow played on the background* Kim greeted him with a secret handshake..they both sat comfortably in the black leather sofa situated at the center part of the studio.

Kim: Welcome!Welcome! I’m really glad you came..well after reading your book I called and dispatched some search squads all throughout the studio just in case I don’t want any of the secret society lurking about hahaha :)) anyway please feel at home ^_^ That’s really a very cool video presentation wow! I can’t even sum up myself in a couple of minutes :)) moving on…How would you describe your book?Any catchy phrase/praise for your novel?

Ezra: I think the best one I've heard is that The Torah Codes is a Jewish version of The Da Vinci Code.

Kim: Ah yes indeed so how did you come up with this idea for your first book?

Ezra: I took the Discovery seminar in Jerusalem where their goal was to show scientific proof that God exists. What impressed me the most was their experiment that showed how codes were intentionally placed in the Book of Genesis. The results of the experiment were published in a peer-reviewed journal "Statistical Science."

Kim: Amazing! How long did it take you to finish The Torah Codes?

Ezra: This was a NaNoWriMo project. National Novel Writing Month challenges writers to write 50,000 words in the month of November. I wrote the first draft in November 2005, and then spent the next five years adding a subplot and editing it. For a funny summary of how to succeed with NaNoWriMo, check out HowToLiz's video:http://youtu.be/SEU6tMFvddg

Kim: Do come back after finishing that video :)) Hmm...NanoWrimo sounds very cool and interesting it’s my first time to hear that kind of word and project Thanks for sharing that with us also Sir Ezra ^_^ So what’s your greatest challenge in writing this novel? and how did you manage/hurdle such?

Ezra: Such a great question, Kim! It took me five years to edit the novel because I was completely distracted by work and didn't know how to add another 25,000 words without slowing down the pacing.

It turned out the reason it took so long to resolve my problems of distractions and adding 25,000 words was because those weren't my real problems. My only true problem was that I didn't have an accountability system in place, no one to kick me in the pants and say, "Damn you! Get your butt in that chair and finish your novel!" So I called my brother and asked him to send me an email every Monday asking, "How's your novel coming?" Can you imagine the guilt I felt if I hadn't worked on it? That did the trick!

Because of my experience, I'm creating a community of writers for the sole purpose of helping them get their book done by December 2012. For those of you that are curious to learn more, check out the details of my year-long program Write That Page-Turning Novel

Kim: That’s really amazing! I learned a lot your site I wish you guys more power and success! back to your novel I’ve noticed that in every part of your book below each number is another number which is five-ten-one-ten-ten respectively is that some sort of code? Does it hold special meaning to your life? Could you please tell us more about the story behind such sequence (if any).

Ezra: Kim, I've been WAITING for someone to ask me this! In Hebrew, every letter has a number associated with it. Kind of like A=1, B=2, etc. On page 99, there's a chart that shows the numerical value for each Hebrew letter. By seeing what the letters are for each number -- 5="H", 10="Y", and so on -- You'll see that 5-10-1-10-10 spells a Hebrew phrase. The translation is "She is God."

Kim: Oh I see..now that made perfect sense! I can’t decipher that one coz of it’s in Hebrew text and as you know I’m a catholic hahaha forgive my ignorance thank you so much for thoroughly explaining that one I really appreciated that ^_^ so what’s next for Ezra Barany?

Ezra: Lunch.

Kim: hahaha! Yes of course! I can hear our stomachs growling from here :)) let’s make this interview quick now shall we? will you continue writing this type of genre or do you have any plans venturing other categories?

Ezra: I used to write psychological horror. My most successful short story was also my most dangerous. It was successful in that everyone who read it couldn't put it down. It was dangerous in that my friend who read it couldn't sleep for three days and had to see a therapist. It triggered a suppressed memory of his. I've steered away from horror and now love writing surreal stories and suspense stories. I might venture into erotica but if I do, it would be under a pseudonym.

Kim: OMG! that’s must have been really terrifying and disturbing for your friend :O Now that’s a thought erotica and a pseudonym hahaha not a bad idea ^_~ I love your characters tandem will we see more of Nathan and Sophia?

Ezra: I'm currently writing book two of The Torah Codes, so yes, Nathan and Sophia will appear again.

Kim: Hooray! I can’t wait to read that! In your book there’s Luke McCourt the creepy Landlord from the secret society.Is there or do you have any creepy landlord experience you’d like to share?

Ezra: I saw a news report of police arresting a landlord who watched a family of four through two-way mirrors. He wasn't part of a secret society, though. He just enjoyed getting his rocks off. Very creepy!

Kim: Yikes! Very creepy indeed. What/Who are your major influences when it comes to writing any favorite authors and books comes to mind?

Ezra: My favorite authors are Lee Child ("The Killing Floor") and Michael Connelly ("The Poet"). Their story-telling abilities are so good that it almost doesn't matter what's going on in the story. Their word choices keep my attention. And Dan Brown's books ("Angels and Demons") are always page-turners for me. I also love Shel Silverstein ("The Giving Tree").

Kim: They’re absolutely brilliant! What’s your advice for aspiring authors / fellow writers?

Ezra: I have a year-long supply of advice for authors which is partly why I have my program "Write That Page-Turning Novel" last a year. As we work on completing your novel, we'll also work on the experience you want your readers to have, the experience you want yourself to have as an author, and the impact you can leave on the world with your writing.

I love the life-guiding question that Jonathan Fields asks whenever choosing to spend time on a long project: Will this opportunity allow me to absorb myself in activities or relationships that fill me up while surrounding myself with people I cannot get enough of, and while earning enough to live well?

To all of Kim's wonderful readers, what thoughts come up when you read that question? Leave a comment below and let me know!

If I could only leave one piece of advice for writers, though, I would say the three things you need to succeed are:
1. A community of writers, like a critique group
2. A knowledge of sales and marketing, via books or seminars
3. A mentor, someone who is a successful author to be your role model

I combine all three in my year-long program.
http://community.bethbarany.com/page.asp...

Kim: Right on! Message to your fans do promote and endorse your book..tell them where they can buy it and reach you ^_^

Ezra: September 20th is my birthday, so to celebrate, I'm launching the Kindle version at a reduced price. Instead of $3.99, it will be $0.99!

My award-winning bestseller The Torah Codes is available here:
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Torah-Codes-Ezra-B...
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Torah-Codes-Ezra...

Check out the first chapter FREE at
http://www.facebook.com/TheTorahCodes

Thanks, Kim! I LOVE your review and you asked such GREAT questions! Still working on faxing that puppy...

Kim: haha! That really reminded me of one section of your book though it’s about popcorn and bookplates extremely funny :)) you’re very much welcome! and Thank you so much for your time Mr. Ezra Barany and for being with us today we truly enjoyed hanging out with you even for a little while. Advance Happy Birthday! I wish you all the best and more success! Cheers!

To all my beloved readers Thank you so much for tuning in til the very end of this interview.You might also want to check out my book review for The Torah Codes.And Remember that your book purchase will also help S.F Bay Area Jewish Schools.Go Spread the word and may you all have a lovely day ^_~