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Dr. Roger Leslie is a scholar in the fields of success and education.
Through major literary houses, medium and small presses, and his own publishing house, Leslie has published fiction and nonfiction books in multiple genres: historical fiction, inspirational selfhelp, spirituality, writing and publishing, movie reference, teaching and librarianship, biography, history, and memoir.
The idea for the memoir came to me in 2019, and I began writing it with the working title The Divine Gift. For most of my life, memories of my pre-teen and teen years pricked old pains I’d attributed to religion and some adults during those years. As a man, I adopted a belief that perspective shapes everything. Reflecting on those years to start this book, I wondered how I might rethink those experiences if I perceived them as a divine gift that gave me the courage to live my life as I have since then.
Perception creates our reality is a central theme of this book. It’s easy and disempowering to believe that someone else can hurt us. In this memoir, I retrace several significant moments in my childhood that led me to withdraw from the world. Some major events—such as being pawed at and prayed over by zealous congregates at my aunt’s Pentecostal church—traumatized but eventually emboldened me. As significantly, tiny moments where my loved ones spat seemingly innocuous gay slurs convinced me that how I was born made me unclean and unlovable. At least that was my perception, and that’s what led me into and through the dark night of my soul.
Another theme I explore is the mind’s mistaken tendency to overgeneralize. Often as a child, our family, our school, and our church are our worlds. I made the mistake of thinking that my narrow suburban enclave represented the world. Had I understood the vast diversity that exists in this glorious universe, I would have treated myself with more grace and compassion while learning lessons that shaped my life.
Finally, I loved distinguishing between religion and spirituality. Religion gave me rules and disciplines, which turned out to be very empowering. But individualized spirituality stirs our passions and reveals our innate wisdom that makes us who we really are.
WHEN YOU REALIZED YOU WERE GAY?
I always knew I was gay, although I didn’t know what that meant until I reached puberty. From my earliest years, I perceived myself as different from most other children. I liked intellectual and artistic pursuits, which ostracized me from most of my peers. I believe my biggest mistake at the time was defining myself as the odd-man-out—of my family, of my classroom, of my religion. That perception led me to feel very lonely and despondent. This all happened to me during the 1960s and 1970s when representation of gay people in our culture was either nonexistent or damning. I knew I was neither like nor attracted to the extreme examples represented in media. Because of that perspective, naïve as it sounds, I spent most of my youth thinking I was the only person in the world who felt exactly as I did. The conclusion I drew: I would have to live my entire life without love. Hopelessness spiraled me down into the dark night of my soul. To find the light, I had to come to terms with myself exactly as I was.
No, but I turned away from the religion of my youth. I have always been a rule-follower. As a boy I wanted most to earn the respect of my parents and teachers. So, I did everything my family, my school, and my religion taught was honorable. My greatest struggle came from trying to reconcile how my
behavior—which revealed my character—could unilaterally be negated by the fact that I was gay—something I didn’t choose but which was true of me since birth. Through that struggle, however, I began to think that maybe God didn’t damn, but religions and people did. In my effort to find my faith, I let go of the strict religion of my childhood.
featured in the book. Others don’t yet know. But I learned long ago from many great authors, you must take risks in writing. I tell my writing students and clients, “In the first draft, bare your soul. Decide during the revision stages if you’ve shared anything too personal.” At this stage in my writing career, I’m all for baring my soul and leaving every personal detail in the final draft. Readers connect with authors who are willing to be vulnerable and share the painful mistakes they made on their journey to something better. I definitely do that in this book.
Q: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THOSE WHO STRUGGLED LIKE YOU DID IN THE BEGINNING?
I live by a strict rule: I only say positive and encouraging things. Of course, that makes me quite an anomaly, but I have learned to embrace being an odd-man-out in this context. Any interesting writing requires conflict. To tap into the pulse of this book, I had to share instances in my childhood where people treated me, or others, unkindly. The challenge was to describe their behavior objectively, but honestly. For some minor characters, I changed their names, as I never want to hurt anyone’s feelings. With at least one central figure from my childhood, I used her real name because her actions still resonate so powerfully in my psyche. Writing about her proved cathartic. My memories of her used to focus on only the hurt. When writing this book, I discovered an entire complex relationship I had with her that made her more approachable and even instrumental in helping me develop personal courage.
The book will be published in a few weeks, so except for my editor, my publicist, and several reviewers, no one else has read it. Because I only say positive, encouraging things, most of my family and friends are excited to read the book and find themselves in it. Some of those people I’ve told are
Trust yourself. What you feel and think are valid. Assumptions you may make about yourself, others, and even the world are not ironclad. They are perspectives, and you’re free to change your perspective on any topic, even yourself, at any time. As you work through a struggle, treat yourself with grace and patience. You WILL reach your desired outcome, and you CAN live the life you dream.
Q: WHEN WAS THE AH-HA MOMENT WHERE YOU BEGAN TO ACCEPT YOURSELF AS IS?
The climactic scene of the memoir describes that awestriking, lifechanging epiphany. Although I won’t spoil it by describing it here, I am convinced that we set our mission in life even before we start it. As we progress along our life’s journey, we encounter a series of inspirations that thrill us into imagining how wonderful life can be. Those inspirations feel like new beginnings. They are not. They are part of a continuum set
Q: WHAT WAS THE MOST DIFFICULT PART FOR YOU WHEN WRITING YOUR MEMOIR?
up for our success. Before we ever get an inspiration, life sets in our path every person and skill we need to make that dream come true. We are an integral part of realizing that success, but we never do it alone. Life is guiding us to our destiny.
Q: HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED IN TEACHING, MENTORING, AND IN PUBLISHING CAREERS?
I encourage all people to recognize and follow life’s “fateful detours.” Since age 13 I knew I wanted to be an author. When I was an English major in undergraduate school, an acquaintance asked me what I was studying to be. I declared proudly, “I am going to be an author.”
Sincere as can be, he replied, “You know you can’t make a living being a writer?”
In the instant, his comment jarred me. But it also inspired me to change my major to English education. I planned to teach a few years until my writing career burgeoned. Once in the classroom, I discovered I loved teaching. When I did hit it big as an author, I felt called to help make other authors’ journeys to publication easier and faster. That led to my being an editor, writing coach, and publisher.
Q: WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR MOST FAVORITE TOPICS TO SHARE WITH YOUR AUDIENCES AS A RENOWNED INTERNATIONAL SPEAKER?
I love to inspire and empower. My doctoral research focused on success, so I share exciting insights about the qualities that all successful people master. Living and writing about My First Last Year led to my FLY (First Last Year) courses where I lead people through fulfilling their grandest dreams. As a movie award expert, I am also in demand as a keynote speaker where I relate award-winning movies to any group or interest. Audiences are stunned by how much information I have committed to memory. Some people say I am “an encyclopedic compendium of film knowledge.” Others say I have “thousands of useless bits of information in my brain.” Those events are
especially fun.
Q: WHAT ARE YOUR FIRST LAST YEAR COURSES THAT YOU TEACH?
The idea for those FLY courses came even before I lived my first last year. One night I had a dream where I was told to live the next 365 days as if I’d never experience those calendar dates again. I wasn’t told I would die within a year, but, as with anything in life, I wasn’t guaranteed I wouldn’t. I was instructed to pack everything I wanted to do, see, and say to others into that one year so that when I reached the end of my life, whenever it was, I could die with no regrets. In that dream, I was also told to journal my experiences and publish it as a book, and then teach others how to get the most from their lives as well. That year was the most meaningful of my life. The resulting book became a huge hit and was named #1 Inspirational Book of the Year by Writers Digest. Since then, I have been teaching FLY courses where I help FLYers identify their dreams, their strengths, and their values, and then guide them through the fulfillment of their grandest lifelong goals. The FLY courses continue to evolve. Currently, I am writing books that support each FLYer’s journey so they can highlight the milestones of their year.
Q: WHERE AND HOW CAN PEOPLE TAKE YOUR FLY COURSES?
Anyone can visit the FLY page of my website, RogerLeslie. com, to learn more about the courses. People who subscribe to my email list are the first to learn when I’ll be offering them again.
Q: WHERE CAN READERS FIND YOU AND YOUR BOOKS ONLINE?
A search for “Dr. Roger Leslie” or “Roger Leslie, author” will lead to hundreds of sites about my books, awards, interviews, articles, speeches, and courses. On my website, RogerLeslie.com, visitors can sign up for my inspiring
emails or learn about how I can help them through my writing, editing, coaching, publishing, and teaching.
• An inaugural Inductee to the Jersey Village High School Wall of Fame, January 28, 2023.
• Galena Park chapter of the National English Honor Society created as the Dr. Roger Leslie National English Honor Society, 2023.
• Texas Association of Authors Best Nonfiction Spiritual Book for Divine Destiny, 2020
• Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Award named My First Last Year #1 Inspirational Book of the Year, 2019
• Inaugural winner of the Houston Literary Award from Houston Public Library Foundation, 2019
• Texas Association of Authors Best Nonfiction Entertainment Book for Oscar’s Favorite Actors, 2018
• Texas Association of Authors Best Autobiography for My First Last Year, 2015
• Dissertation of the Year nomination from Northcentral University, 2012
• Dissertation Poster Session of the Year nomination from Northcentral University, 2012
• Educator of the Month, North Channel Chamber of Commerce, November 2005
• Ben Franklin Silver Award for Success Express for Teens as Best Psychology/Self-Help Book, 2004
• Foreword Magazine Bronze Award for Success Express for Teens as Best Family & Relationship Book, 2004
• Proclamation from the city of Galena Park, TX declaring April 1, 2004 “Roger Leslie Day”
• Outstanding Service Award, Project Hope of Houston, 2001-2002
• Outstanding Young Men of America, 1996-1999
• Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers, 1992-1996
• Texas A & M Honors Program and Academic Scholarship
Award, 1994
• Galena Park Citizens Award for writing the book Galena Park: the Community That Shaped
• its own History, 1993
• 10 x 10 1-act play writing contest award for “Pardon This Interruption, Teachers,” 1992
• Outstanding Teacher in Texas award, the University of Texas, 1992
• Teacher of the Year, G.P.H.S. student body, 1992
• Spotlighted on “Teachers Make a Difference,” ABC News, 1990
• Galena Park I.S.D. District Teacher of the Year, 1989
Dr. Roger Leslie is a scholar in the fields of success and education. Through major literary houses, medium and small presses, and his own publishing house, Leslie has published fiction and nonfiction books in multiple genres: historical fiction, inspirational self-help, spirituality, writing and publishing, movie reference, teaching and librarianship, biography, history, and memoir.
Leslie has won numerous national awards including ForeWord Book of the Year, The Ben Franklin Award, and Writer’s Digest’s #1 Inspirational Book of the Year. At its inaugural event, Leslie received the Houston Literary Award for his body of work.
Leslie is in demand as a teacher, coach, and keynote speaker. He leads FLY (First Last Year) courses based on his blockbuster memoir, My First Last Year. He draws from decades as an author, editor, and publisher to coach writers in groups and individually. He is also a soughtafter speaker for his lively, entertaining keynotes relating award-winning movies to any topic or group.
In every book and presentation, Leslie entertains, inspires, and empowers people to live the life they dream and soar toward their own ideal of success. For more, visit RogerLeslie.com.
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Having an indie publishing team can be highly beneficial for independent authors who are selfpublishing their work. Here are some reasons why having an indie publishing team is important:
Professionalism: An indie publishing team brings a level of professionalism to the publishing process. They have expertise in editing, design, marketing, and distribution, which can help ensure that your book meets industry standards and is competitive in the market.
Quality Assurance: The team members, such as editors and proof-readers, can help refine your manuscript, ensuring that it is polished and error-free. This enhances the overall quality of your book and improves the reader's experience.
Expertise in Different Areas: Each member of the team specializes in a particular aspect of publishing, such as editing, cover
by Deena Raedesign, or marketing. Their expertise allows them to provide valuable insights and guidance in their respective fields, helping you make informed decisions and achieve better results.
Time and Efficiency: Self-publishing can be time-consuming and overwhelming, particularly if you're trying to handle every aspect on your own. With a team, you can delegate tasks and share the workload, allowing you to focus on your strengths as a writer while the team takes care of the publishing process more efficiently.
Professional Design and Presentation: A skilled cover designer and interior formatter can create a visually appealing and marketable book. This enhances the overall presentation and helps attract potential readers and stand out in a crowded marketplace.
Marketing and Promotion: A dedicated marketing and promotions specialist can develop and execute effective strategies to
promote your book, increase its visibility, and reach the target audience. They can handle social media campaigns, book launch events, media outreach, and other promotional efforts to generate interest and sales.
Support and Guidance: An indie publishing team can provide valuable support and guidance throughout the publishing journey. They can offer advice, answer your questions, and help you navigate the complexities of the publishing industry, ensuring a smoother and more successful publishing experience.
While it's possible to self-publish without a team, having a dedicated indie publishing team can significantly enhance your chances of success by providing professional expertise, saving time and effort, and elevating the overall quality and presentation of your book.
As a "Team Member" I can state unequivocally, authors and their team members can become very close and develop a true friendship that goes well beyond freelancer-client relationship. When I was diagnosed with stage III cancer, I had clients as well as other freelancers that I worked with, come to town to visit, bring me food and give unwavering support. Likewise, when one of my authors found herself unexpectedly pregnant, her team members through her a virtual baby shower and bought
her everything on her baby registry. What I am trying to explain is an author's support team offers more than just professional support, they offer lifelong friendship and encouragement.
An indie publishing team for independent or selfpublishing authors typically consists of a smaller group of individuals or freelancers who collaborate to bring a book or written work to publication. While the team composition can vary depending on the author's specific needs and resources, here are some common roles that might be included:
Editor: Provides professional editing services, which may include developmental editing, copy editing, and proofreading, to improve the quality and clarity of the manuscript.
Cover Designer: Creates an eye-catching and visually appealing cover design that represents the book's content and attracts potential readers.
Interior Designer/Formatter: Develops the layout and formatting of the book's interior pages, ensuring readability and a professional presentation.
Proofreader: Conducts a final review of the edited manuscript to catch any remaining errors or inconsistencies before publication.
Marketing and Promotions Specialist: Develops marketing strategies, plans book launch events, manages social media platforms, and implements promotional efforts to increase visibility and attract readers.
Publicist: Handles media relations, press releases, and outreach to generate publicity and secure media coverage for the book.
Website Designer: Creates an author website or landing page to showcase the book, provide information, and engage with readers.
Distribution and Sales Coordinator: Organizes the distribution process, manages relationships with online retailers or platforms, and handles sales logistics.
Beta Readers/Reviewers: Individuals who read an early version of the manuscript and provide feedback on the book's content, structure, and overall appeal.
If you are a "newbie" author, early in your publishing journey spend some time building up your team. If you only have a cover designer, editor, or any other team member already in place but have no clue where to find the others, do not be afraid to ask the team member you have in place for a recommendation. Many times people in the industry know of other freelancers and all the behind the scenes scuttlebutt. They can help you build a team that is both professional and trustworthy.
Please know that while you as an author can learn how to do any one of the jobs that a freelancer will do for you, as an author, your main job is to write. Yes, you can edit yourself, but other sets of eyes can find mistakes and errors you could miss. Unless you know all the tips and tricks for graphic design do not take on the added job of cover design. Some genre covers are complicated and intricate with layers, filters, styling that not everyone can design a cover and do it justice. The same thing goes for the book design and ebook adaptation. There are loads of how-to articles and books available, but unless you can do it perfectly and professionally you risk having a book or ebook that is huge or riddled with styling errors.
Aside from the job that your team member
does, many of them know tips and tricks for the industry or can give you advice and pointers to make your publishing journey smooth sailing. When you are ready to assemble your team, ask around, get prices for different services with different providers. Then make a budget for your book and find the person that you fit with the best who is within your price range. Many providers will offer discounts, coupons, and payment plans.
It's important to note that in indie publishing, many authors take on multiple roles themselves or hire freelancers to perform specific tasks based on their budget and needs. The indie publishing team can be flexible and tailored to fit the author's goals and resources.
Deena Rae was born and raised in Texas – home of bluebonnets, boots, beef and big hair – into a family that was in the printing and publishing industries.
With a total of 20+ years in publishing, in 2010 she decided to branch out as eBookBuilders helping established & new authors, designing books, ebooks and websites.
Working as a Hollywood photographer means Riley Temple has seen it all. But then she finds herself staring at the chilling image of a dead woman. When her questions about the film lead to violence, she reluctantly turns to the only person who can help. Detective Quinn Burton, the police commissioner’s son. Her history with the LAPD is complicated, her trust in authority, tenuous. But to find those responsible and protect those closest to her, she’s willing to do anything. Even trust a cop.
After more than a decade on the job, Quinn knows a dangerous situation when he sees it and Riley Temple is up to her ears in trouble. But not for the reason she thinks. The pictures she’s stumbled on call into a question a notorious murder conviction—one that powerful people have a vested interest in keeping in place. Seeing this case through means betraying someone: his job, his family, or the woman he’s falling in love with.
As old secrets are revealed, Quinn and Riley find themselves targeted by members of a secret society that has long maintained violent control over Hollywood’s powerful elite. A society that, until now, has remained hidden in the shadows. A society that will stop at nothing to keep their secrets buried.
Anna J Stewart is the USA Today bestselling author of more than fifty sweet to spicy romances. Primarily writing for Harlequin’s Heartwarming (sweet romance) and Romantic Suspense (spicy) lines, she also writes for Arc Manor’s Caezik Romance. In addition to being a Holt Medallion winner (Bride on the Run), she’s finaled in both the Daphne duMaurier, and the National Readers’ Choice. In 2019 one of her books was optioned for television. No matter the story, Anna’s books are always about family—the ones we’re born to and the ones we create.
Anna lives in Northern California where she loves going to the movies, attending fan conventions, and heading to Disneyland, her favorite place on earth. When she’s not writing, she is usually cooking, baking, binge-watching her newest TV addiction, and re-watching her all-time favorite show, Supernatural. She also spends a frustrating amount of time wrangling two monstrous cats named Rosie and Sherlock. You can read more about Anna, her books, and her workshops for authors at www.AuthorAnnaStewart.com.
...a page-turner with images that will linger long after you finish the book.”
Academy Award Nominated Actress & Author Meg Tilly
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Q I WAS INTRODUCED TO YOUR WRITING WITH THE STORIES OF SERENDIIPITY WHEN YOU WERE PUBLISHING UNDER THE PEN NAME OF ANNE CONLEY, CAN YOU TELL THE PREMISE BEHIND THAT SERIES AND WHAT WAS THE DRIVING FORCE FOR THE DIVERSE STORYLINES?
I had recently moved to a small town in East Texas after living in Houston most of my life. It was such a culture shock that when I first started writing, I went with it. Since it was the beginning of my writing career, it’s a pretty rough writing style. I was trying to find my voice, you know? The first book is a girl next door with so much angst it makes me mad reading it now. The second and third books are sort of PNR-lite, and the fourth and sixth books are novellas. The fifth book, seventh, and eighth books are contemporary romance where I managed to tone back the angst for angst sake, and found some humor. The ninth book is where I discovered the mystery behind things and that’s where I found my voice. Saving Charlie is undoubtedly the best in the series, and the one that sort of sets the tone for the rest of my work.
Q: ALSO AS ANNE CONLEY YOU WROTE A BOOK ABOUT ANGELS…HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH THE IDEA THAT ANGELS COULD HAVE HUMAN EMOTIONS ? DID YOU HAVE A FAVORITE ANGEL FROM THAT SERIES?
It was actually my husband’s idea. I think we were actually drunk by the fire one night, just bullshitting, and he said, what if angels really could fall in love? You should write that. Of course, what actually came out was not exactly what he was thinking, but it’s still a fond memory.
Q: SO YOU WENT FROM SMALL TOWNS AND ANGELS TO ROMANTIC SUSPENSE WITH LOTS OF ACTION WITH YOUR BESTSELLING PIERCE SECURITIES SERIES, HOW DID YOU MAKE THE SWITCH OF SUB-GENRES? WHAT WAS THE MENTAL IMPUTUS FOR THE SWITCH?
Book Nine of the SoS, Saving Charlie, was a little suspenseful in some places. I really enjoyed writing that one, and wanted to try to go a little bit harder with it. I love action, both in books and movies, so I incorporated it. I loved the idea of a group of misfits running a security firm, and while I didn’t flesh them out that way as much as I initially planned, I just went with it and had fun. I love the Pierce boys, and owe a lot of my success as a writer to them.
Q: IN THE LAST FEW YEARS YOU MADE THE CHANGE FROM ANNE CONLEY TO MELINDA OWENS…WHY THE CHANGE OF PEN NAME AND WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE IN WHAT YOU WROTE AS ANNE AND WHAT YOU ARE WRITING AS MELINDA?
I was a rather popular author as Anne, and I didn’t know how to deal with people telling me what they wanted me to write. “Write so and so’s story!” “Write a story about this!” “Write this!” “Write that!” I seriously tried to write it all because I wanted to make people happy, but I just couldn’t. I got burned out writing stories that weren’t in my heart to tell. The burnout came right before the pandemic, and the pandemic killed my muse. Anne conley wasn’t coming up with ANYTHING. I thought I was done with writing, and I got super depressed. Like, changing my life depressed. I got a job at a bank, almost divorced my husband, stopped
talking to important people in my life.
As soon as I came up with a new pen name (again, drinking with a friend) I got a story idea that afternoon, started writing it the next day, and six months later had the Dark Knights in the City series almost completed. I decided Melinda would only write the stories she wanted to tell. Some are a little bit darker, more antiheroes than heroes, some are way sexier, some have some over the top action scenes and bad guys, some are just pure old erotica. Melinda is unapologetic, and I love her.
Q: WHAT GENRE BOOKS DO YOU NOT WRITE THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO TRY?
I would love to write some fantasy, but my daughter tells me I suck at it.
Q YOU HAVE ATTENDED MANY BOOK EVENTS AND WRITERS CONFERENCES – WHAT ARE THE TOP 3 BENEFITS FOR ATTENDING BOTH?
Meeting the people is hands down the best benefit. Readers, other authors, people in the industry… I’ve met some lifelong friends at those events (like you, heifer. I see you fishing.)
Q IF YOU HAD TO TELL AN ASPIRING OR NEW ROMANCE AUTHOR 3 THINGS TO ALWAYS REMEMBER, WHAT WOULD THEY BE AND WHY?
Everybody has advice, or a story, or a method for you to do things. Be nice, listen to them, then do what your freaking HEART tells you to do. This is your dream, not theirs. Do you.
Have your stuff edited and professional. Sure, you can do it all yourself, but it will show, no matter how good you are. Unless you have experience in graphics, don’t do your own cover.
Alpha readers and then beta readers before final edits are imperative. God, they catch some great stuff. If you don’t have any of those because you’re so new, hire a developmental editor. Or both. Both is amazing.
Q BECAUSE ALL AUTHORS ARE READERS, PUT ON YOUR READING HAT FOR THIS ONE…WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE GENRE TO READ RIGHT NOW, WHO IS THE FAVORITE AUTHOR AND WHAT ARE OTHER GENRES YOU READ THE MOST?
I’m currently working my way through everything G.T. Geissinger has published. I ran into her on Tiktok, and was in a serious slump. She’s gotten me out. I love her writing style. She writes everything from mafia, to romcom, to some serious uncategorizable stuff.
Also, I love Rebecca Zanetti’s post-apocalyptic series Scorpius syndrome, which was unfortunately published before the pandemic, and I’m not sure got the love it deserved, since it was about a virus that wiped out humanity. She’s got some SERIOUS ALPHAs.
Holy hell, they are hawt.
Anne has written her entire life and has the boxes of angst-filled journals and poetry to prove it. She’s been writing for public consumption for the last four years. Currently she is writing two romance series. In Stories of Serendipity, she explores real people living real lives in small town Texas in a contemporary romance setting. In The Four Winds, she chronicles God’s four closest archangels, Uriel, Gabriel, Raphael, and Michael, falling in love and becoming human. She lives in rural East Texas with her husband and children in her own private
oasis, where she prides herself in her complete lack of social skills, choosing instead to live with the people inside her head.
Melinda Owens was born in 2020, when the world turned dark. Her previous muses leaving her, she recreated herself as a darker author, saving her own sanity in a world with happilyever-afters in spite of her own frustrating circumstances. She lives in East Texas with an abundance of cats and her family of giant people.
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I have spent much of the last 70 years years travelling around the world, and couldn’t wait for COVID to subside a little, so that I could pack my suitcases once again.
Here in New Zealand, our borders were closed for a very long time, so once they finally opened again last year, all of us intrepid travellers were raring to go.
Surely it wouldn’t be much different?
Now that the air was once again full of planes, taking people to exotic locations, life would get back to some kind of normality. It would be such fun to travel again.
I left New Zealand in early December, full of anticipation and excitement at the thought of seeing the world again and visiting much loved friends in far flung places.
Arriving at Auckland airport to check in for my flight to London via Singapore, I hit the first hurdle.
“ We are so sorry Madam, your flight has just been cancelled .”
“ Oh, do you mean it’s delayed?”
“ No Madam, it has been
cancelled entirely, due to technical difficulties. We will try to book you onto another flight.”
Half an hour later I was offered a flight to London via Chicago. There would be a 12 hour delay, but apparently I could wait in the lounge.
“ Oh dear I don’t have a current ESTA, I didn’t bother to renew it as I wasn’t planning to transit through the States .”
“Don’t worry Madam, you can apply on your phone, the visa will come through in about half an hour.”
An anxious two and a half hours then passed before the visa was granted and they could check me in for the Chicago flight. Although I would not be leaving Chicago airport, merely transiting through the States, I was still required to hold a visa.
But my problem was nothing compared to several couples who were also going to miss their flight to Singapore, where they were due to connect to a cruise ship. Despite much pleading and several fraught phone
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calls, it seemed that neither the airline, nor the cruise line, could do anything to assist them. They were just going to miss out on their long anticipated cruising holiday.
Eventually, after another ten hours of hanging around, I boarded the plane and sank into my seat gratefully. Due to more technical difficulties, we then sat on the tarmac for another one and a half hours before take off. Once in the sky all was well, until the flight manager came up to me just before landing.
“ Mrs. Backley, we have a problem. Due to our late departure, your connecting flight time is quite tight. I noticed you were limping a little when you boarded, so I have taken the liberty of booking you assistance when we land.”
I was a little offended. Ok, so I did have a bit of a limp (due to an old injury) but did he really think I was such an old lady that I couldn’t manage to stride through an airport on my own.
The young woman waiting for me on landing was lovely. She settled me and my hand luggage into the wheelchair and proceed to walk to the next gate. She collected my boarding pass en-route, I was impressed to see that the ground staff had labelled it URGENT, SPEEDY BOARDING, so I relaxed, knowing I was in good hands.
The security guy was quite officious.
“ What are you planning to do in the U.S. Ma’am?”
“Oh, I’m just in transit, flying onto London.” Then it transpired that my bags had not been checked through to London and I would have to collect them and take
to the next airline desk.
I needn’t have worried. The capable young woman hoisted my bags off the carousel, popped them on a luggage trolley and proceeded to walk briskly, the wheelchair in one hand and the heavy luggage trolley in the other. I was very impressed as she whizzed around corners and along corridors, never once damaging either myself or the cases!
Having re-checked the bags, I assumed we would just go to the departure gate.
“ Oh no ma’am, now we have to get the train to the other terminal.”
The airport train seemed to take forever and I noticed that she kept glancing at her watch.
“ How long are you intending to stay in the U.S. Ma’am?”
I could hear the tension in my voice as I replied. Why on earth were we having to go through security again?
“I am not intending to stay for anytime at all. I am ONLY IN TRANSIT!”
Having not been arrested for being grumpy with an officer of the law, we were allowed through and with another furtive glance at her watch, my escort proceeded to run through the endlessly long corridors. It took almost ten minutes to reach the departure gate and she pushed me to the front, brandishing my URGENT SPEEDY boarding pass.
The guy at the gate shook his head.
“ Sorry, we’ve just closed the gate.”
“But you knew we were coming. We were told she would definitely be able to board.”
He shook his head.
“ No she can’t. We’re taking off her luggage and that of the other passengers from that flight.”
No amount of pleading would change his mind. The plane was right in front of me, but apparently it was better to waste time hunting down and removing my luggage from the hold, rather than just let me board the plane.
At this point I almost burst into tears. It had been a long day: twelve hours waiting at Auckland airport, a 14 hour flight (with an hour and half delay added on) and a frustrating hour spent trying to transit through Chicago airport.
It was only my pride that stopped the tears flowing.
Half an hour later,they said they had managed to book me on another flight to London that evening. Just a three hour wait, but unfortunately all the Business Class seats were full (I had treated myself to Business Class due to the long journey and my damaged knee) so I would have to travel in Economy. Normally that would not be a problem, but after all
the hours of inactivity my knee was a bit sore!
The flight was fine, despite being a bit squashed, and I was pleased to finally arrive in London, albeit many hours behind schedule. I was rather shocked to see all the snow though. Unusual for early December and a little tricky for socialising, as most people were snowed in and couldn’t get their cars off the drive!
A week later I flew to France.
Again there was a one and a half hour delay on my flight, but at least we weren’t snowed in. After Christmas with friends in a tiny French village I caught the train to Paris. French trains are generally very efficient and this was no exception. A joyful week in Paris, where I met up with my daughter and her boyfriend, then it was a flight to Morocco, via a budget airline. This was surprisingly good, with absolutely no delays.
Morocco was fabulous of course. I had been to Marrakech before, but this time I was with my daughter and her boyfriend, so we added on a seven hour drive to the desert. I stayed at the Desert Lodge, finishing writing my latest book,
while they ventured into the desert proper to sleep under the stars. Then it was a ten hour car journey back to Essaouria, a charming seaside town.
After another few days it was time to leave that lovely place and fly to Amsterdam, then get the Eurostar back to London.
Now I travelled alone, so constantly wished I had, by this, my 71 st year, learnt how to travel light. Wielding heavy suitcases through foreign airports and railway stations is not much fun, but I only have myself to blame for that discomfort!
London was great. I spent ten days catching up with old friends, walking, admiring the architecture and doing research for my latest book.
Less than an hour before my taxi was due to take me to Heathrow airport, I noticed that one of my suitcases has a small tear, a tear that would surely rip apart if it was handled roughly at the airport. There was no option but to rush out and buy another suitcase. Thanks to a very obliging taxi driver who waited patiently whilst I ran into a busy shop, selected a suitable case, then queued for ages to
pay, I was back at the hotel with ten minutes to spare, to unpack and repack the new case. Not quite the leisurely departure I had hoped for!
Still, despite horrendous traffic, we got to Heathrow in time for me to check in and have a leisurely coffee before boarding. We then sat on the tarmac for another hour and a half while the plane wings were de-iced.
This delay meant time was tight for my connection at Singapore, but the captain assured us that he was in contact with the ground staff and the plane would be held up for our arrival.
On landing I rushed to check which gate my plane was leaving from, only to be told: “So sorry, the gate has just closed. Your luggage is being taken off. Go to Transfer Desk A, they will help you.”
The queue at Transfer Desk A was lengthy, but eventually it was my turn.
“ I’m so sorry, we did try to hold the plane as long as possible. I will try to book you on another flight now.”
“That’s ok. Will I have to collect my luggage and recheck it in?”.
“No, we will get it off the plane and re-direct it for you.”
“Oh, I’ve managed to get you the last seat on the same flight tomorrow, is that ok. You can spend the night in the lounge.”
Perhaps my feelings showed in my face.
“ Oh actually, I can book you into the Crowne Plaza
Of course it was much better. My hotel room was huge, with a beautiful bathroom. I made a cup of coffee, ate some snacks and went to bed at ten pm, making sure to book an alarm call for 5am. I certainly didn’t want to miss the flight.
I was glad I headed to the departure gate so early, as it proved to be a rather long walk. I limped my way along the endless corridors, glad to be almost home at last.
The flight was great, just a small delay and we landed safely at Auckland airport at 11.30pm. Passport control was easy (those electronic gates make everything so much faster) I collected a luggage trolley and waited at the baggage carousel. Almost home now.
Sadly, one suitcase never arrived. The very same case I had been forced to rush out and buy that afternoon. The suitcase that held all my treasures, all the shopping I had done on my trip.
Five days later and the case is still missing. The airline is trying to locate it, but having seen the mountains of lost suitcases at various airports on my trip, I am a little doubtful as to whether I will ever see it again.
But actually I don’t mind too much. In time I will forget what I even bought.
But I will always have my memories. Memories of glorious days exploring new places, meeting old friends and making new ones. In time, all the frustrations and inconveniences will be forgotten and I will happily pack my backs again.
Post COVID, travel is certainly different, but it is definitely still fun!
Pat Backley. Author. Website: www.patbackley.com
On a road trip to the Historical Novel Society Conference in San Antonio this month, I picked up Code Blues in audiobook from my local library. I wanted something that could be listened to on the 6-7 hours of windshield time that my 13-year old daughter could listen to.
We didn't finish the audio book on the trip and I had to finish listening on the computer once we got home. That part was lucky as at about the 60% mark there was a somewhat descriptive sex scene that I don't think Wee Bossy (my daughter) was ready for.
The story starts off with Hope Sze starting her first day of residency at a hospital in Montreal. Within short order one of the doctors in the hospital dies and quickly it is determined that the doctor was murdered and Hope was one of the initial doctors on the scene. Hope is on a quest to find out who the killer is while she is being pursued by Alex, another doctor who is starting his residency.
The character development was good, the storyline lagged ina few spots, but I did find myself making various comments out loud during the playback. I had high hopes for the book, hoping that perhaps Melissa Yi would take the place of Robin Cook's Coma. I think I put too much pressure on the story to exceed those expectations.
Overall: This storyline had just enough medical jargon and explanations as well as scenes being well written and the descriptions of the locations was spot on. Because the story is set in Canada, there is some French that could have used some definitions.
Audio:
The narration is very good with perfect pronunciaion
of both English and French. Perfect narration, a 5-star performance. The narrator Jenny Kelly did a great job.
Deena Rae was born and raised in Texas – home of bluebonnets, boots, beef and big hair – into a family that was in the printing and publishing industries.
This is an interactive magazine. Click on book cover or link to follow.
Q YOU ARE ORIGINAL FROM THE UNITED STATES BUT NOW LIVE IN NEW ZEALAND…WHY DID YOU RELOCATE AND WHAT HAS BEEN THE BIGGEST CULTURE SHOCK?
I relocated after I met the man who is now my husband. He’s a ‘kiwi’ and came and stayed with him in Wellington for three months. When I returned to LA, I was already making plans on what to pack!
My biggest culture shock was (it’s soooo frivolous!) the fact there’s no Apple store in the country. I know, it’s so ridiculous, but I’m a tech lover and a fan of the Genius bar so that one hurt. There are ALOT of NZ terms that have confused me over the years and made for some funny moments. One of their favorite sayings here is “sweet as”. So if I was to ask you how you’re doing, you would reply, “Sweet as!”. For me, I was always waiting for the person who said it to finish the sentence, but it never comes. Like…sweet as what?
Q: YOU HAVE YOUR VERY OWN “MEET-CUTE” STORY, CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT IT AND WERE THINGS ALWAYS SMOOTH SAILING?
I met my husband at a friend’s wedding in Cancun - he and the groom are brothers. The funny thing is I wasn’t 100% sure I could go on the trip. I secured my room, but I didn’t get my ticket until the last minute because of work. Once I knew I could get away easily, I booked it. And I’m glad I did!
Smooth sailing and long distance relationships aren’t usually words most would pair together, but we made it work over the miles and once I got here and moved to this country officially, we worked even
harder to stay on the same page and to, well, put our dues into our relationship.
Q.OUT OF ALL THE WRITING YOU HAVE DONE, WHICH CHARACTER DO YOU FEEL THE BIGGEST CONNECTION TO AND FROM WHAT STORY/BOOK IS THAT CHARACTER FROM?
I think it would be Abby from my first books, the Abby George Series (Rum Punch Regrets, Gotta Go To Come Back, and Sugart City Secrets). I was living on the isalnd of St. Kitts when I started writing them––the island and the people I was meeting there were my inspiration.
Q: WITH YOUR BOOKS, IF SOMEONE WANTED TO BINGE READ YOUR BOOKS, WHICH WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THAT THEY START READING FIRST AND WHY?
I love writing rom com, so I’d say start with my most recent one The Art of Falling in Love with Your Best Friend. It’s the first book in a new series (the next one is out August 3rd) and I LOVE these characters!
If they like chick lit, where the the book is about the journey of the main MC, then Rum Punch Regrets is a good one and it’s the first in the Abby George Series. (This series also *may or may not* be under contrat right now with a production company…)
Q: YOU HAVE SAID YOU READ “RIDCULOUSLY FAST” BUT WHAT GENRES DO YOU READ WHEN YOU HAVE A CHANCE TO READ FOR YOURSELF?
I love all genres! I’ll always have a rom com book that I’m reading, but I love thrillers, crime and drama, and cozy
mystery, too.
Q: WHAT GENRE BOOKS DO YOU NOT WRITE THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO TRY?
Thriller.
Q: YOUR COVERS ARE SO COLORFUL AND QUIRKY, DO YOU EVER FEEL THAT THE COVERS DON’T GIVE ENOUGH IDEA OF THE STORY?
I feel like each cover represents a nice taster of what you’re getting in the book… and I am LOVING the trend of the illustrated covers, too!
Q: LAST YEAR YOU GAVE A PRESENTATION ON HOW AUTHORS CAN USE TIKTOK …WITH ALL THE RUMBLING OF THE USA MAKING THE APP ILLEGAL WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE FOR AUTHORS TO PROTECT THEMSELVES IF THE APP SUDDENLY DISAPPEARS?
It can all go away at any moment - TikTok, Facebook, Instagram…As authors, we should always think about taking our audience off platform!
Keep them moving because every social media channel could go away. Get them to your newsletter, most importantly, or maybe look into subscription models like Ream or Patreon. These are other ways to bring your readers into your world and to grow your community.
Q: LET’S IMAGINE THT YOU WERE INVITED TO A WORLDFAMOUS WRITER’S CONFERENCE…AT THAT CONFERENCE,
YOU ARE SEATED BETWEEN TWO OF YOUR ALL-TIME FAVORITE AUTHORS, WHO ARE THEY AND WHAT ONE QUESTION WOULD YOU ASK EACH OF THEM?
The only author I would want to sit by would be Agatha Christie because we’re born on the same day. I’d want to know what kind of cake she would liketo eat so I could treat her to a piece. ;)
Anne Kemp is a bestselling author of romantic comedies. She loves reading (and she does it ridiculously fast, too!), gluten-free baking (because everyone needs a hobby that makes them crazy), and finding time to binge-watch her favorite shows. She grew up in Maryland but made Los Angeles her home until she encountered her own real-life meet-cute at a friend's wedding where she ended up married to one of the groomsmen. For real.
Anne now lives on the Kapiti Coast in New Zealand, and even though she was married at Mt. Doom, no…she doesn’t have a Hobbit. However, she and her husband do have a terrier named George Clooney and when she’s not writing, she’s usually with them taking a long walk on the river by their home.
Website www.annekemp.com
TikTok @annekempauthor
Instagram @annekmepauthor
Facebook Page @missannekemp
Amazon
A fae prince set on bringing down his kingdom from within … A human, having infiltrated the kingdom with plans to do the same … But neither realizes they’re on the same side? Let the games begin.
How can anyone resist reading and/or listening to this book with THIS COVER?!?!?!? It’s definitely one of my faves of all-time. (But don’t let it fool you—this kingdom has been touched by darkness.)
Fae realm setting.
Royals.
Magic.
Biiiiig attitudes.
Epic vocabulary designed to suit the world.
Amazing world-building.
Academy vibes. (Specifically: Malice Academy—how
intriguing does that sound?)
Trials.
A reluctant, and rebellious princess candidate.
A sassy pixie.
Malice with its own personality.
A wicked cliffhanger—this one’s quite fun.
Audio:
I hadn’t previously heard of this narrator, to my memory—she sounds amazing! Great voice, I absolutely love her attitude. I feel like she really brought Penne to life—well done.
Pelican Freak is the online alter ego of an author PA who works with authors in all genres, some of who are international best sellers. Pelican Freak reads all genres and is brutally honest in what is reviewed.
"ENCHANTINGLY EPIC "
If you enjoy reading and writing, then you should consider writing book reviews. Book reviews are a great way to help other readers find great books, to support authors, to share your love of reading, and to improve your writing skills.
To help other readers find great books. Book reviews can help other readers discover new books that they might enjoy. When you write a book review, you are sharing your thoughts and feelings about the book with others. This can help them decide whether or not the book is right for them.
To support authors. Book reviews can help to promote authors and their books. When you write a positive book review, you are essentially giving the author a free advertisement. This can help to increase sales of the book and help the author to achieve their goals.
by Deena RaeTo share your love of reading. Book reviews can be a great way to share your love of reading with others. When you write a book review, you are essentially inviting others to join you on a journey into the world of the book. This can help to foster a love of reading in others.
To improve your writing skills. Writing book reviews can help to improve your writing skills. When you write a book review, you are essentially practicing the art of persuasion. You are trying to convince others to read the book, and this requires you to use clear, concise language and to present your arguments in a logical way.
Sharing your experience: By writing a book review, you have the opportunity to express your thoughts and feelings about the
book you've read. It allows you to share your unique perspective and engage in a thoughtful discussion about the content, characters, themes, and writing style.
Helping others make informed decisions: Your review can help potential readers decide whether or not to read the book. By providing an honest and detailed assessment, you offer valuable insights that can assist others in choosing books that align with their interests and preferences.
Supporting authors and publishers: Book reviews play a significant role in promoting authors and their work. Positive reviews can boost an author's visibility and reputation, potentially leading to increased readership and sales. By sharing your positive experiences, you contribute to the success of the authors and encourage them to continue creating captivating stories.
Contributing to the literary community: Book reviews contribute to the broader literary conversation. They provide an opportunity to engage with other readers, exchange opinions, and spark meaningful discussions about literature. By actively participating in the book review ecosystem, you become part of a community that values and celebrates the written word.
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abilities. It encourages you to examine the book's strengths and weaknesses, articulate your thoughts coherently, and support your opinions with evidence from the text. This process enhances your ability to evaluate and appreciate literature more effectively.
Remembering and reflecting on your reading experience: Writing a book review allows you to reflect on the book and consolidate your understanding of its themes, characters, and messages. It helps you to internalize the story and its impact on you as a reader. Additionally, when you revisit your reviews in the future, you can reminisce about the books you've read and the emotions they evoked.
Overall, writing book reviews benefits both readers and the literary community. It provides a platform for sharing insights, supporting authors, engaging in discussions, and developing critical thinking skills. By contributing your thoughts, you become an active participant in the world of books and help shape the reading experiences of others.
Increased visibility: Positive book reviews can attract attention to an author's work and increase their visibility within the literary community. When potential readers come across favorable reviews, they are more likely to take notice of the book and consider
purchasing or reading it. Reviews act as a form of word-of-mouth promotion, helping to generate buzz and interest.
Social proof: Book reviews provide social proof of an author's talent and the quality of their work. Positive reviews from readers and reputable sources can build credibility and trust among potential readers. When people see that others have enjoyed and appreciated a book, they are more inclined to give it a chance.
Sales and readership: Book reviews can directly impact an author's sales and readership. Positive reviews can entice readers to buy the book, leading to increased sales and broader exposure. Additionally, reviews can influence algorithms and recommendation systems on online platforms, making the book more likely to be recommended to potential readers.
Feedback and improvement: Constructive reviews, even if critical, provide valuable feedback for authors. They offer insights into what readers enjoyed or found lacking in the book, helping authors understand their strengths and weaknesses. This feedback can be used to refine their writing style, develop characters, or explore different themes in future works.
Professional growth and recognition: Positive book reviews can contribute to an author's professional growth and recognition within the literary world. Reviews from respected publications or influential reviewers can enhance an author's reputation and open doors to new opportunities, such as invitations to literary events, collaborations, or publishing deals.
Author-reader connection: Book reviews facilitate a connection between authors and readers. Authors often appreciate hearing from readers and learning how their work has impacted them. Reviews allow readers to express their thoughts directly to the author, creating a dialogue and fostering a sense of community.
Marketing and promotional material: Reviews can be used as valuable marketing and promotional material. Authors can include snippets or excerpts from positive reviews in their book covers, promotional materials, websites, or social media profiles. These endorsements help to attract new readers and build interest in the author's work.
In summary, book reviews play a crucial role in promoting authors and their books. They increase visibility, provide social proof, contribute to sales and readership, offer feedback for improvement, aid in professional growth and recognition, facilitate author-reader connections, and serve as marketing tools. Authors greatly benefit from the support and engagement of readers through their reviews.
Deena Rae was born and raised in Texas – home of bluebonnets, boots, beef and big hair – into a family that was in the printing and publishing industries.
With a total of 20 years in publishing, in 2010 she decided to branch out as eBookBuilders helping established & new authors, designing books, ebooks and websites.
"
Constructive reviews are valuable to readers & authors
WHEN DID YOU START WRITING?
I’ve always written even from childhood. I guess I started writing jokes to engage with family members when I was 6 or 7 years old. I loved writing and reading in Junior High School as well.
WHAT DROVE YOU TO COME UP WITH YOUR DEBUT BOOK?
My debut book was “Fan Letters to a Stripper; A Patti Waggin Tale” which was a coffee table biography about a 1950’s-60’s burlesque queen who married a major league pitcher. I first got their story from the back of a baseball card when I was six years old. It stuck with me all those years and I have now produced a podcast and a film is in the works.
TELL ME ABOUT YOUR PUBLISHED WORKS. HOW DID THEY HAPPEN?
I chose to write a few books when I saw how easy it was with self publishing to get a real book out there. I’d tried to sell to publishers and even had an agent at one point but nothing sold. My agent passed away and I took it upon myself to make our dream come true (his and mine) and after the coffee table book (published by Schiffer Books, 2009) I went the indie route and wrote a few other books before embarking on a series of Western novels. Several of my other books have found real publishers.
from my other books but probably the best book I’ve ever written. It deals with a surfing cop in the seaside community of Ventura, CA, who tries to solve a murder mystery while at the same time tries to keep two biker gangs from going to war.
DO YOU DEEM YOURSELF A PANTSER OR PLOTTER?
Oh, definitely a pantser with a bit of a plotter thrown in.
DO YOU FOLLOW A RIGOROUS WRITING ROUTINE? IF NOT, WHEN AND HOW OFTEN DO YOU WRITE?
Not really. When I embark upon writing a book, I write it. I usually start in the morning and write until my hands get tired, I need to get something else done during the day, or I just need a break. Then I do it again the next day.
COULD YOU SHARE YOUR AGE, WHERE YOU ARE CURRENTLY RESIDING, AND YOUR EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS?
I will be 70 later this year and live in the Conejo Valley outside of Los Angeles. I took a few extension courses at UCLA but really I have a high school education and a degree from HKU (Hard Knocks University) where life lives and you survive.
WAS BECOMING AN AUTHOR A CONSCIOUS DECISION?
The latest book “The Tattoo Murder” is a far departure
or
I think it has to be. Everyone thinks they want to write a book but few do. More now than say 30 years ago due
to the ease of self-publishing. Making a living at it is a completely different thing.
HOW DO YOU JUGGLE WRITING AND OTHER TASKS?
I’m a screen writer as well as a newscaster at a local radio station plus I’m married and do podcasts and am a film maker. To answer your question – I don’t know, I just do it. Sometimes it’s easier than others, mainly depending on my work schedule because I work overnights and weekends and my wife actually wants to see me on occasion…lol
Baseball cards I guess is my hobby but it’s more of a business as I sell anywhere from $10-$15, 000 a year in trading cards. I love buying collections. It is the treasure hunter in me. I do sometimes play Pickle Ball and I love to golf but don’t get out as much as I’d like to.
The biggest challenge is getting through the noise is how I like to put it. There are millions of books out there and thousands more each day, so who has time to read them? Having your books find an audience and an audience who will pay for them, not just wait for the free ones, is a challenge. In publishing today it’s easy to publish, it’s hard to get people to buy, especially since publishers don’t support books
like they did in the past.
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO TELL THE BUDDING AUTHORS WHO LOSE MOTIVATION IF A FEW OF THEIR WORKS DO NOT DO WELL?
Is the stuff you wrote good? If so keep writing. If not then you have a choice to make which no one wants to make. There are other avenues of creativity to tackle. If writing doesn’t work out and you are not inspired to keep writing, then no one said you had to be a writer. Try something else. Now if your passion is writing and you can’t live without it, then just keep writing. If it finds an audience great, if not, well you should be satisfied with your work. Each individual case is different.
IF THERE IS ONE THING THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO CHANGE IN THIS WORLD, WHAT WOULD THAT BE?
Just one? The arrogance of people especially on the Right but also on the Left. I make no bones about my being Left of Center and some would say “Far” left of center. The thing I hate most in the world is arrogance. The arrogance of Putin to destroy Ukraine, the arrogance of Donald Trump to destroy the Supreme Court, and the arrogance of the far left to try to take us out of the mainstream. That is what I’d change.
DO YOU SPEAK ANY LANGUAGES BESIDES ENGLISH; IF YES, WHAT ARE THEY?
Speak no, get by yes. I can get by in Spanish, Italian, Russian and even French.
I like to tell people I’m an historian. History and sports are my things and sports history is important to me as well. I’ve been writing a sports history column for six years (www.baseballinthe1960s.com) and I try to live by my own motto “Be a student of history, not a victim of it.” In other words we must learn from history because if we don’t we will certainly die from what we did not learn.
A native of Pittsburgh, PA and a hardcore Pirates and Steelers fan, Bob began in radio career in 1972 and worked all over the western US, several times in the L-A market. He's currently a news anchor at CBS Radio LA; KNX 1070 News Radio.
Bob has won multiple broadcast awards including an Edward R. Murrow Award (among others) for anchoring KNX's storm coverage in 2011.
A baseball historian, Bob writes the very popular weekly column found at www.baseballinthe1960s.com. He also is a podcaster who has teamed with former NFL Quarterback Erik Kramer for a weekly Fantasy Football Podcast called Kramer and Brill, which can be found where ever you get your podcasts or at their website www.kramerandbrill.com. Both are always posted on Facebook as well as Twitter.
Bob made his mark with the UPI Radio Network when a gunman went crazy in a San Diego fast food restaurant and Bob covered the story. It was his first big break. He later became a UPI National Correspondent and Bureau Chief. He has interviewed presidents, covered Super Bowl games and Hollywood as well as major news stories.
He lives in L-A. He has survived earthquakes and a beating during the 1992 L-A riots while covering the story, which was recorded on audio tape.
Bob is considered to have an excellent voice and has not only done many voice overs and radio spots, he's starred in television commercials. Bob authored "Fan Letters to a Stripper: A Patti Waggin Tale" from Schiffer Publishing and "NO BARRIER: How the Internet Destroyed the World Economy." His third book "Al Kabul; Home Grown Terrorist" is sure to be a controversial novel as well as a great read. "Lancer; Hero of the West - The Prescott Affair" is the first in a series of western novels set in the 1880's, centering on the central figure; Lancer. Lancer is a gun for hire, good guy, who works the West out of Tombstone.
Website www.bobbrill.com
Twitter @bobbrillLA
Facebook @bobbrillsr
Amazon
“Welcome to the party, princess. Buckle the F— up.”… This installment is laid out a little differently than book 1. It picks up pretty much where book 1 left off, and there’s a lot of time spent on romance and steam so we can get to know the men better. There is mystery throughout, but it’s not a true mystery. As in, it is to the characters, but to the reader it’s extremely predictable.
Still, it’s a fun ride. Packed with action, drama, danger, blood, captivity, betrayal … ends on a wicked cliffhanger.
Recommended read.
4 stars overall.
Author’s note: Second Comes War is the second book in the Promised in Blood series and ends on a cliffhanger. These books contain dark themes, violence, and a why choose romance with
by Pelican Freak
ruthlessly possessive men. The story is dark, dirty, and delicious, so please listen at your discretion.
Audio:
The audio is perfection, dual narrator, though it sounds like fullcast thanks to the accents, etc.
Well done. A 5-star production.
Pelican Freak is the online alter ego of an author PA who works with authors in all genres, some of who are international best sellers. Pelican Freak reads all genres and is brutally honest in what is reviewed.
"EXCELLENT BOOK 2, NEED BOOK 3"
Lucia Matuonto is a highly accomplished artist, entrepreneur, and author, who is also the editor-in-chief of The Relatable Voice magazine. Her dedication to creating authentic content extends to her talk show, “UNCUT with Lucia” on WorldAuthors.org, where she interviews authors from around the world. Along with her impressive career as a media personality, Lucia has authored five books, including the highly acclaimed children’s book “Out of Box,” and the bestselling “Zoe the Crab” book series. Her talents also extend to theatre productions, and she is set to be a featured cast member in the upcoming TV series “Strange Angels.” Lucia’s many achievements and unwavering dedication to her craft have made her a highly respected and soughtafter figure in the world of media and entertainment.
Find out more at: https://www.luciamatuonto.com/ https://www.relatable-media.com/
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We assist authors, thinkers, and influencers in reaching a huge audience of fellow authors and listeners with their stories and messages. Our ultimate goal is to establish vibrant and meaningful connections beyond geographic boundaries in order to discuss and promote key ideas that could inspire others.
Q: WHEN DID YOU BEGIN WRITING YOUR NOVEL, A DESPERATE CAT LADY ?
This book has been in the makings for over three years. I knew after the released of The Cat Lady Special (book 1 in this series) that I wanted another book for Angela and the ladies. It just took me a while to let the idea plot developed and the characters to find their flow.
Q: WILL THERE BE A LOT OF BOOKS IN THIS SERIES, OR NO?
That is a fantastic question. This series is so different from everything else I write, that is hard to say when the ideas for another book would come. At first I wanted this to be a trilogy. Now I’m leaving myself open enough to go with the flow. I’m hoping at least one more book will come for this group.
Q: WHAT THEMES WILL READERS FIND INSIDE A DESPERATE CAT LADY ?
A Desperate Cat Lady deals with the idea of those dark secrets many of us keep. Regardless of how people may come across, appearances can be deceiving. Angela is an illegal arms-dealer. Others in the story have a scandalous past. As you find in the book, some of those secrets can be deadly. Unlike book 1, this book has a murder at the very beginning. This book is a mash-up of cozy mystery and dark-humor, with Angela still fighting for her family and building her tribe.
Q: HOW MANY OTHER BOOK SERIES DO YOU HAVE PUBLISHED?
I want to say roughly 5 series. One is a completed urban fantasy series, The Intern Diaries. Two active series in the same magical universe of the Reapers, The Order’s Assassin and the Chronicles of Elisha and Elijah. The Order’s Assassin is an urban fantasy taken place right after the last book in the Intern Diaries (Judgement Day). So a very fun transition to that world. Elisha, on the other hand, takes place roughly 60 years in the future and is a dark-humor dystopia. This one also has magic and just tons of fun quirky characters.
I also have a children’s series called Charlie’s Fables. I focus especially this one on helping little ones, finding out what they are good and learning life lessons. For adults that enjoy devotionals and inspirational books, my series The Dare Collection, is also available.
Q: WHICH CHARACTERS FROM YOUR CURRENT NOVEL, A DESPERATE CAT LADY, DID YOU HAVE THE MOST FUN OF CREATING?
Without a doubt, Minnie is the most fun to write. She is in her 70s, the oldest in the group and just wild. She does what she likes, and in this book, she is channeling her inner Red from the Blacklist. It’s fun to see her just enjoy life.
Q: WHAT IS YOUR MAIN PROTAGONIST, ANGELA LIKE?
My dear Angela is a good Southern lady. She doesn’t curse,
works hard to dress impeccably, but above all, she cares about people. Her goal is to make sure how family is protected, and she will do anything to keep it that way.
Q: DESCRIBE YOUR WRITING STYLE USING THREE WORDS.
Witty, Fast-paced
Q: WHERE CAN READERS FIND YOU AND YOUR BOOKS ONLINE?
Easiest place is my website at www.dcgomez-author.com.
D. C. Gomez is an award winning USA Today Bestselling Author, podcaster, motivational speaker, and coach. Born in the Dominican Republic, she grew up in Salem, Massachusetts. D. C. studied film and television at New York University. After college she joined the US Army, and proudly served for four years.
D. C. has a Master’s Degree in Science Administration from the Central Michigan University, as well as a Master in Adult Education from Texas A&MTexarkana University. She is a certified John Maxwell Team speaker and coach, and a certified meditation instructor from the Chopra Center.
One of D. C. passions is helping those around her overcome their self-limiting beliefs. She writes both non-fiction as well fiction books, ranging from Urban Fantasy to Children’s Books. To learn more about her books and her passion, you can find her at www. dcgomez-author.com .
AUGUST 25-26, 2023, HILTON NASA CLEAR LAKE, TX
An author and reader conference to bring a diverse authors and readers together to celebrate the magic of reading in the beautiful city of Houston, Texas.
Do you love romance? How about suspense? Is Mystery your thing? Well this event has all the genre's that you love! There will be over fifty authors there to meet all of your reading goals. Join us August 25th for dinner and concert with your favorite authors. August 26th come and get your book fix. All authors will be ready to tell you about your next favorite read and welcome you with swag and a great time.
Q: WHEN DID YOU START WRITING?
I started writing in 2016, though I started thinking about writing in 2012. I was a leader for my daughter’s Girl Scout troop, and realized all the girls were reading books with boy protagonists. I wanted to write books with girls for them. I kept dragging my feet until several things happened in 2015 that pointed me to writing again. In 2016 I wrote my first book, though it has not been published.
Q: DO YOU DEEM YOURSELF A PANTSER OR PLOTTER?
Q: WHAT
The book I actually published was Embracing the Magic in the Town Magician series. I live near Kent, Ohio, and every year they do a wizarding world festival. This is a Harry Potter inspired festival. I wanted to enter and set up an author table, but didn’t have any books about wizards or magic. So I wrote a short story that had magic and wizards. Soon, that short story grew to a book and that grew to a series with at least 5 books planned.
Q: TELL ME ABOUT YOUR PUBLISHED WORKS. HOW DID THEY HAPPEN?
I’ve only got the 1 book published at the moment, though I have several I’m finishing to publish.
Q: WHAT IS YOUR LATEST BOOK; WHAT DOES IT DEAL WITH?
Embracing the Magic is book 1 of the Town Magician series. A young boy, Samual, wants magic like so many people in his world, but he has none. He isn’t even able to watch their Town Magician perform because his father forbids it. He finds out that the Town Magician, Rory, is a fake and can’t channel magic either, but no one believes him. When a wizard challenges Rory to a duel and Rory claims to be going to the Grand Wizard for training, Samual tags along to expose the faker. Or find his own magic.
I started as a pantster, because I didn’t know any better. My first book was a struggle and had major issues when I completed it. Since then, I’ve become more of a plotter and feel my stories have gotten better. I’m not a full time writer, so plotting helps me keep the story straight when I don’t get to write every day.
Q: DO YOU FOLLOW A RIGOROUS WRITING ROUTINE? IF NOT, WHEN AND HOW OFTEN DO YOU WRITE?
I’ve been trying to write every morning before work. Since I work from home, that seems possible, but many days I have so much to do I don’t have time to write. This year I’ve been making sure I find a little time to write each day and it’s been helping the stories progress much faster.
Q: COULD YOU SHARE YOUR AGE, WHERE YOU ARE CURRENTLY RESIDING, AND YOUR EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS?
I am 52 and live in Northeast Ohio, U.S. I actually went to school for computer science and music. My day job is as a computer development contractor.
Q: WAS BECOMING AN AUTHOR A CONSCIOUS DECISION?
Yes, very much so. I didn’t write much when in school and never thought about it much afterwards. I love to read, but writing stories never was something I yearned for.
Q: HOW DO YOU JUGGLE WRITING AND OTHER TASKS?
I have to plan my days more. It seems silly, but I even plan what I will do for relaxing in an evening - read, watch tv, play some music, whatever. If I don’t, I will tend to let work take over and I don’t write or do the things I love to do.
Q: WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES AND INTERESTS?
I like to read and watch movies and favorite television series. I play music, though I’m just now getting back into it after many years of not playing. I like video games, and am developing a workshop to teach kids video game storytelling.
Q: HAVE YOU FACED ANY CHALLENGES HITHERTO AS A WRITER?
Of course. Learning what makes a good story and a good sentence. Publishing and marketing it myself. Finding the time and motivation. All have been struggles, though they feel good now. I do continue to learn about writing better stories and everything I write is a little better than the last.
Q: WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO TELL THE BUDDING AUTHORS WHO LOSE MOTIVATION IF A FEW OF THEIR WORKS DO NOT DO WELL?
Write a lot. Have more ready to go. Don’t skip around all the time, but I have a couple things I’m working on. Once something is almost ready, I focus on it to finish, but I get excited to do the next one also.
Q; IF THERE IS ONE THING THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO CHANGE IN THIS WORLD, WHAT WOULD THAT BE?
So many things come to my mind, but they are very negative. On a more positive note, I’d like to teach storytelling to kids in school at an earlier age. Instead of focusing on spelling and grammar right away, work with them on writing because then when they do spelling and grammar, it will make more sense to them and they’ll do better at it.
Q: DO YOU SPEAK ANY LANGUAGES BESIDES ENGLISH; IF YES, WHAT ARE THEY?
Only computer programming languages.
Q: IF THERE IS ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO STATE, PLEASE DO.
My website is: https://sa-schneider.com and I›m on facebook: https://facebook.com/SASchneiderAuth I am working on various educational materials for teachers and homeschool parents with videos and activities to do based on teaching writing.
S.A. Schneider has a wolf, so of course he writes middle grade fantasy, wouldn’t you? Since his Lego and action figure days, he’s crafted worlds and stories within those worlds. This pursuit continues into his middle grade fantasies. He doesn’t stop with writing stories – he works with kids to pass on the joy of writing books and videogames. He wants others to join him and delve into creating fantastical worlds.
Enjoy the Adventure!
JULY 15TH, 2023 1PM-4PM
THIS PUBLIC EVENT HAS OVER 90 ROMANCE AUTHORS IN ONE ROOM, INCLUDING NEW YORK TIMES AND USA TODAY BESTSELLERS.
CHAT WITH THEM, GET SELFIES TOGETHER, OR BUY A SIGNED BOOK. AND ALL PROCEEDS GO TO A GOOD CAUSE!
As if meeting authors, buying books, and supporting charity isn’t enough, we also boast an entire room of raffle baskets!
These babies can include anything from a gift card to an original painting. The best part?
The proceeds go directly to Thistle Farms!
Tickets are $1 a piece or $5 for 6.
Premium items such as quilts and electronic devices have special tickets at $5 a piece.
THANKS, R.E. FOR JOINING US TODAY…WE WANTED TO INTRODUCE YOU TO OUR READERS AND HOPE THAT SOMETHING YOU SAY – OR EVEN ONE OF YOUR COVERS –INDUCES SOMEONE WHO HASN’T READ YOU BEFORE TO PICK UP ONE OF YOUR BOOKS.
Hi, and thanks so much for having me.
Q: YOU ARE PROBABLY BEST KNOWN FOR THE DIVINE TRILOGY, WHAT MADE YOU WRITE A BOOK ABOUT “THE LIFESTYLE?”
Jumping right into the deep end, aren’t we? *grins*
The short answer is that I wasn’t finding enough accurate depictions of the lifestyle, so I decided to write what I lived and wanted to read. The Trilogy is comprised of To Serve is Divine , A Divine Life , and Surreal , and follows one main couple across the books while introducing a plethora of side characters from all walks, and kinks, of life. I definitely suggest you have an open mind if you pick these up.
I was in my late teens when I read Anne Roquelaure’s Beauty Trilogy (now a series with a fourth book), which fascinated me not just for the beauty of her writing style, but also for the world she portrayed. It made me realize certain feelings and thoughts I’d been having were okay… and normal. It would be almost ten years before I found anything close again, in the world of fanfiction. In the meantime, my then boyfriend, now husband and Sir—not Master, as we are not 24/7— of about thirty years, explored.
Once I went down the rabbit hole of fanfic, there was no turning back. I read every story I could find with a BDSM theme, and mostly found myself disappointed by the misconceptions being put out there for the masses. Almost like they were looking for a reason
to write the hot and steamy sex scenes, but didn’t care about everything else—the mental elements, the aftercare, the honest communication needed to build trust. I wasn’t finding the beauty in the lifestyle.
So, I put pen to paper, and The Complete Divine Trilogy was born. Book one, To Serve is Divine, is .99c at Amazon but free everywhere else, or you can grab all THREE novels of the Divine Trilogy in one handy omnibus edition for just $5.99! That's over 250k words for less than a quad-venti white mocha with soy, no whip … IF that’s how you want it. #LongLiveKink
Q: ONE OF YOUR LATEST BOOKS IS A MAFIA ROMANCE, WAS IT DIFFICULT TO SWITCH GENRES?
Yes and no. Yes in that apart from mafia movies, I’d never read anything in the genre, so had to familiarize myself with terms in regard to crime families and organizations. And no because while I write romance, I have written a variety of subgenres including erotic, LGBTQfriendly, ghost stories, horror stories, and even sweet feel-good reads. Also, this particular story, Dani and the Outcast, is a fabled retelling of Lady and the Tramp, so I had a baseline with which to build the story and my human characters from.
Q: EVERY AUTHOR USUALLY WEARS MULTIPLE HATS. IT COULD BE AUTHOR, COVER DESIGNER, MOM; IT COULD BE AUTHOR, EDITOR, HUSBAND, OR REALLY ANYTHING. WHAT HATS DO YOU WEAR ASIDE FROM AUTHOR?
First and foremost, I’m a wife and mother (even if my three ducklings have all waddled off now). These days, my primary hat is as a freelance fiction editor, so whether editing or writing, words make my world go round. Even when I’m plodding away in my garden weeding, planting, or harvesting, a story is always brewing in my head.
Q: YOU ARE AN AUTHOR, EDITOR, WIFE, AND MOTHER, HOW DO YOU RECHARGE YOUR BATTERIES AND FUEL YOUR CREATIVITY?
Sleep and staying hydrated. Seriously, I need it. That aside, we go to a lot of concerts and usually get in a couple of vacations each year built around my signing events, the next of which is Sultry in the City in Houston, Texas on August 26th. New Orleans is a favorite destination. This month alone we’ll be seeing a baseball game (Go Rangers!), Duran Duran (and Bastille!), Les Claypool and the Flying Frog Brigade, some live jazz at the Scat Jazz Lounge in Fort Worth, and then Hadestown. All great for people watching and experiencing life. Inspiration is all around when you open your eyes and ears.
Q: WHAT GENRE BOOKS DO YOU NOT WRITE THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO TRY?
The concept of “shifters.” I do have two stories started, one about mermaids and one about jaguars. They’re what we call Works In Progress in the book world, and as I’m a pantser, I can’t say when they’ll get finished.
Q: OF ALL THE BOOKS YOU HAVE PUBLISHED, WHICH WOULD YOU SAY YOU HAVE THE MOST ATTACHMENT TO AND WHY?
every tale. That being said, if I have to pick one, I’d go with Wanted. It was my first full-length stand-alone that didn’t start as a fanfiction or involve a lot of sex, which is what I’d become known for. After spending almost three years with my beautifully broken characters, it felt amazing to finally get them to their HEA.
Q: BECAUSE ALL AUTHORS ARE READERS, PUT ON YOUR READING HAT FOR THIS ONE…WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE GENRE TO READ RIGHT NOW, WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE AUTHOR, AND WHAT ARE OTHER GENRES DO YOU READ THE MOST?
As much as I love a good old-fashioned romance story, it’s the genre I find myself primarily editing and writing in, so when I’m reading for pleasure, I like something else. Reily Garrett has some amazing police procedural/ murder mystery series. Certainly not new, but Stephen R. Donaldson’s Thomas Covenant Chronicles takes you to a whole other world. Give me something in the horror genre, ala Stephen King or Anne Rice, any day, and I’m a happy girl. I’m currently working my way through Mostly Dead Things by Kristen Arnett.
Q: R.E., YOU HAVE BEEN INVITED TO APPEAR AT AN IMPORTANT PUBLISHING/WRITING CONFERENCE AND YOU HAVE BEEN ASKED TO SPEAK ON THE TOP THINGS ASPIRING AND FIRST TIME AUTHORS SHOULD KNOW…WHAT WOULD BE THE 3 MOST IMPORTANT OF THEM AND WHY?
Okay, that’s a tough one. For one reason or another, each story I’ve written means something to me. They’re all a part of who I was at the time they were being created, emotional baggage and all, so a piece of me resides in
Honesty and integrity, with yourself and your readers, is a must. A good story is like
a fine wine, it takes time to develop and become full-bodied. Also know that writing can be lonely at times, as it can be magical. A good tip for newbies is to get out there and meet your community (note I did not say competition). Find book events to attend as a reader so you can talk to other authors in your genre. Network. Get marketing ideas for when you have your book ready to go. Most of all, believe in yourself and so will others. Thick skin is another must. Know that you will not please everyone. And, say it with me, THAT’S OKAY. Just like pineapple on pizza isn’t for everyone. Your book could be perfectly polished with an amazing cover and blurb, and it’s still not going to be someone’s cup of tea. Readers are allowed to have their opinions, and guess what, a three-star review is not a bad thing. Be grateful your story moved them enough to jot a few words down. Edit. Editing. Edited.
Q: AT THAT CONFERENCE, YOU ARE SEATED BETWEEN TWO OF YOUR ALL-TIME FAVORITE AUTHORS, WHO ARE THEY AND WHAT ONE QUESTION WOULD YOU ASK EACH OF THEM?
Laurell K. Hamilton, who writes the Anita Blake and Meredith Gentry series, for sure. Picking only one other isn’t so easy, but Amber L. Johnson comes to mind. There hasn’t been a single book of hers I have not enjoyed.
To Laurell, whose stories always have death and mayhem, I’d have
to ask what her ideal final meal would be if there were no restrictions.
As for Amber, well, I’d have to ask her when she’ll be sharing her next masterpiece with us, because it’s been far too long.
Believing every story can shine bright with a bit of tenacious tough love, R.E. Hargrave is thorough and to the point. An author and editor, she takes storytelling and manuscript polishing seriously, working with her authors and on her own creations to ensure they come to life, crawling from the pages and into the reader's souls. Hargrave lives on the outskirts of Dallas, TX, and is married to her high school sweetheart where they have raised three children. A native 'mutt,' she has lived in New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Alabama, Texas, and California. She is fond of setting her stories—which range from the sweet to the paranormal, to the erotic and horrific—on location in South Carolina and Texas.
Hargrave is best known for her erotic BDSM series, The Divine Trilogy. The final book in the trilogy, Surreal, was a 2015 Golden Flogger Award Finalist with BDSM Writer's Con. In 2017, her short novella Brooklyn Blues was also a GFAFinalist. Wanted was a 2020 finalist in ReadFree.ly’s Best Book We’ve Read All Year contest.
My name is Carlen, and I run Pithy Summary, a free book summary website that publishes a monthly outline of a compelling non-fiction book, as well as a recommendation for a book in a related genre (memoir, poetry, fiction, etc.) and a recommendation for a related product. This way, busy people can learn about a new, engrossing subject in a simple format, and if they'd like a different medium on that same topic, they can peruse the recommendations.
I started this website because I realized that I know so little about the world, and non-fiction books are a highly useful means of learning new material--this is where experts distill all they've learned on a specific topic into a couple hundred pages. But, I know that most people, despite the urge to learn, don't have much time to do so; specifically, the time to pick a new book, buy it or borrow it, and then read it. Through Pithy Summary, though, people can at least get a taste of the book before investing time and money, and even if they don't, at least they will have explored a little new territory.
The outlines begin with a brief summary of the book, why I think it's important, and what information someone will get from the book. They then delve into an outline of points that I found particularly fascinating, and then end with a section called "And more, including" where I list other interesting aspects of the book that the outline did not cover.
As for the type of books that I outline, my motto is "I'll read
anything!" Social issues, environmental issues, statistics, history, economics, government--I welcome it all. For instance, some of the books I've outlined are: "Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria" (race and sociology), "Energy for Future Presidents" (energy policy) "Perfectly Legal" (the U.S. tax system), "Citizens of London" (WWII), "Gunfight" (the Second Amendment), "The Sixth Extinction" (environment), "Dreamland" (the opioid crisis), and many more.
I provide a Monthly Bulletin (sign-up available on the website), which is just one email a month informing recipients that there's a new outline; it also includes quotes from the books. Pithy Summary is also on Instagram (@pithysummary_). I have written book recommendations for authors who have reached out to me with books that fit a monthly theme, but because I only publish twelve bulletins a year, I have to be selective. I also have a page at Bookshop.org that lists most of the books on the website; if you purchase anything from Bookshop via the links on the Pithy Summary website, I get a small percentage at no cost to you.
On a personal level, I'm a civil rights attorney and a proud University of Michigan wolverine. Reading has always been a refuge, which is an interesting image, frankly--"refuge" makes me think of a small, cozy space, when in fact reading is one of the most expansive and exploratory things we can do. If you'd like to contact me, my website has a contact page where you can submit inquiries. I hope you'll join me at Pithy Summary in reading and learning!
Marina is off to a rough start in the country of her dreams. Fresh off the plane from Belarus, this eleven year old cannot seem to catch a break. Her family is split in two, she doesn’t speak a lick of English, and there is a rusty fire escape outside her grandmother’s bathroom window that terrifies her. The adults around her are convinced that, by virtue of her age, she’s immune to true hardships. After all, they have bigger things to worry about than her overwhelm. But the complicated family dynamics and the complexity of becoming a middle schooler in Brooklyn, NY in 1994 prove that nothing is as easy as it is prophesied. Marina is in for a lonely and testing ride, seeking solace in the bright colors of American television and finding company in the music played on her second-hand stereo.
What awaits Marina on this journey that is her Year One?
In the violent aftermath of the American withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, a photojournalist arrives to learn the fate of the Witch Doctors, a fabled Army occult warfare unit. Holly believes her father, reported missing in action, ran this mysterious outfit that sought to weaponize black magic to win the War on Terror. fathers by holding the political class responsible.
As the Taliban advances and the national government crumbles, Holly makes a harrowing journey into the deep desert to an abandoned base, which houses a terrifying secret. There, along with a group of American ex-soldiers, themselves cursed, she will face the ancient evil the Witch Doctors unleashed…
The terrors that live in the world of the djinn. The horrors that lurk in war itself.
A modern thriller, Djinn reimagines the witch for the War on Terror era, taking the reader on a journey into the heart of darkness that is both human and supernatural.
Marina Raydun’s published works of fiction include a compilation of novellas One Year in Berlin/Foreign Bride, a suspense novel entitled Joe After Maya, as well as a two-part series, Effortless. Born in the former Soviet Union, Marina grew up in Brooklyn, NY. She holds a J.D. from New York Law School and a B.A. in history from Pace University. She is an avid music fan, a cat lover, and an enthusiastic learner of American Sign Language. Whenever she is not writing, Marina enjoys spending time with her family, catching up on Netflix, and baking.
Craig DiLouie is an author of popular thriller, apocalyptic/horror, and sci-fi/fantasy fiction. In hundreds of reviews, Craig’s novels have been praised for their strong characters, action, and gritty realism. Each book promises an exciting experience with people you’ll care about in a world that feels real.
These works have been nominated for major literary awards such as the Bram Stoker Award and Audie Award, translated into multiple languages, and optioned for film. He is a member of the HWA, International Thriller Writers, and IFWA.
At www.CraigDiLouie.com, you can find all of Craig’s major works, interviews, and hundreds of interesting blog posts. Be sure to sign up for Craig’s mailing list so you can stay tuned on new releases.
Check out the stories Brandon Sanderson, Orson Scott Card, Nnedi Okorafor, Robert J. Sawyer, Kevin J. Anderson, Jody Lynn Nye and others chose as the best of the best.
Be amazed. Be amused. Be transported … by stories that take you by surprise and take you further and deeper into new worlds and new ideas than you’ve ever gone before….
Twelve captivating tales from the most exciting new voices in science fiction and fantasy accompanied by three from masters of the genre. A miracle? An omen? Or something else? One day, they arrived in droves—the foxes of the desert, the field, the imagination….—“Kitsune” by Devon Bohm
When a vampire, a dragon and a shape-shifting Chihuahua meet on a beach in Key West, fireworks go off! But that’s just the background.— “Moonlight and Funk” by Marianne Xenos
The Grim Reaper, trapped in an IRS agent’s dying body, must regain his powers before he dies and faces judgment for his original sin.—“Death and the Taxman” by David Hankins
In a metaverse future, a woman who exposes falseness in others
"the patient routine is a merciless, anxietycharged, possible-apocalypse, possiblezombie thriller, long narrative poem about the body in maddening conversation with itself. luna rey hall takes us through the terrifying halls of a hospital in lockdown while deftly exploring an immensely personal journey through the shifting realities of an overmedicalized mind, a body snared in systems that do not understand or serve it. The tension between inner and outer worlds is relentless and the body horror hits all the worst/best buttons while raising philosophical questions of identity and power. What a torturously smart little book."
— Joe Koch, author of The Wingspan of Severed Hands and Convulsive Ashton is convinced they are dying. whether it be from cancer,
must decide what is real to her—the love she lost or the love she may have found.—“Under My Cypresses” by Jason Palmatier
Vic Harden wasn’t lured by glory on a daring mission into the reaches of outer space—he was ordered out there by his editor.—“The Unwilling Hero” by L. Ron Hubbard
Dangerous opportunities present themselves when an alien ship arrives in the solar system seeking repairs.—“White Elephant” by David K. Henrickson
With her spaceship at the wrong end of a pirate’s guns, a former war hero must face down her enemies and demons to save Earth’s last best chance for peace.—“Piracy for Beginners” by J. R. Johnson
Dan Shamble, Zombie P.I., faces one of his funniest and most perplexing cases ever—an enlightened ogre, a salamander with low self-esteem, and a raging fire dragon terrorizing the Unnatural Quarter!—“Fire in the Hole” by Kevin J. Anderson And many, many more...
You will love this collection of the best new voices in science fiction and fantasy because, as Locus magazine puts it, “Not only is the writing excellent...it is also extremely varied. There’s a lot of hot new talent.”
heart disease, or a fungal infection, they know something bad is always about to happen. after a night of health-related panic attacks, & urged by a voice in their head, Ashton decides to check in to the ER again but when another patient is brought in with an unknown ailment that puts the entire hospital on lockdown, Ashton may be trapped in their worst nightmare.
LUNAluna rey hall is a queer trans non-binary writer. she is the author of space neon neon space (Variant Lit, 2022), no matter the diagnosis (Game Over Books, 2023), the patient routine (Brigids Gate Press, 2023), and loudest when startled (YesYes Books, 2020), longlisted for the 2020 Julie Suk Award. they are the winner of the 2013 Patsy Lea Core in Memorial Award for Poetry.
her poems have appeared in The Florida Review, The Rumpus & Raleigh Review, among others. they live in St. Paul, MN.
Enough is Enough - JJ rumbled when the Paparazzi invaded dinner
When JJ and Jo recognize privacy doesn’t exist for them, they head back to Magnolia Bluff to check on their friends and recapture the small-town anonymity.
They reject the status of urban legends in favor of acceptance and a quiet, peaceful life. A supermodel needs time and space to recharge herself between jobs, and he needs time to adore his wife.
Does Magnolia Bluff hold the answers to their prayers, or will a dark past overtake them?
Past, present, and future collide in a perfect storm no one expected. JJ and Jo need to take action. Chief Tommy Jager states he likes them, but he can’t wait for them to get back to their day jobs.
Who will live or die to prevent the truth from being exposed? The answers may be in the graveyard with the fresh flowers.
We improvise every day, but how many times do we get stuck in our heads overthinking?
Now you can learn how to leverage the skills of improv for your life.
Improv isn't just for actors, comedians, and writers, but is one of today’s most powerful tools for success in business, social situations, public speaking, communication, becoming a more fearless person, and just plain having more fun in life. Being able to think quickly on your feet, be in the moment, and to roll with any sudden changes makes any person more confident.
This book will break down these techniques with exercises you can practice both at home and put to use in real-life settings. You'll learn:
• Thinking (and responding) quicker
• How to sharpen your sense of humor & creativity
• Letting go of mental blocks to become more outgoing
Their friends are targets – Their dreams are broken – They must fight
Breakfield is a 25+ year technology expert in security, networking, voice, and anything digital. He enjoys writing, studying World War II history, travel, and cultural exchanges. He’s also a fan of wine tastings, winemaking, Harley riding, cooking extravaganzas, and woodworking.
Burkey is a 25+ year applied technology professional who excels at optimizing technology and business investments. She works with customers all over the world focusing on optimized customer experiences. Rox writes white papers and documentation, but found she has a marked preference for writing fiction.
Together these Texas authors create award-winning stories that resonate with males and females, as well as young and experienced adults. They bring a fresh new view to technology possibilities today in exciting stories. Visit their website for more information and free stuff.
• Ways to initiate conversations when you don't know what to say
• Making the most out of every moment (even when you’re nervous)
• Owning your own personality and using it to accomplish your goals
You don't have to be born witty to apply these methods, you just have to be taught them and that's what this book will do.
Keith Saltojanes is the Founder of Improv-LA, the internationally known creative training center based in Los Angeles. He has taught improv techniques to everyday people in over 10 countries and for executives at some of the biggest companies around (including Disney, Netflix, Amazon, IBM). He also has a Guinness World Record for the Longest Improv Show and has written for National Lampoon and for comedians from SNL, MADtv, In Living Color, and Mr. Show.
It was not whimsy that had brought him together with this red horse to run this race. It was the justice of time.
Raised without hope or pride in his heritage to what promises to be a short life of crime, alcohol, and drugs, Nez Perce teenager Al George gets an unexpected second chance. A heist gone wrong ends up with him working on probation at the very Idaho ranch he and his “friends” tried to rob, owned by Celia Bolt, who left her own rich-but-dysfunctional family to move West many years ago, and the taciturn Morgan Kyles, who has his own checkered past.
Over the course of the summer of 1986, Celia and Morgan work out the thorny details of their relationship, while Al regains his pride and his sense of self as he works with the ranch’s signature Appaloosas, finds love—and finally, through a deep bond with one very special horse, reconnects with his Nez Perce heritage and discovers the truth of his strange, recurring dreams of an Indian brave on a very special
She was never meant to be sent into the strange parallel world known as Earth … but now, trapped inside the mind of a teenager like herself, she must find a way to save it from destruction.
For years, Liothel has waited in vain for her powers to manifest themselves, so that she can become a full-blown Warder, defender of the realm of Mykia from the mind-controlling spirit creatures known as soulworms. But when a soulworm escapes from the Warden’s citadel through a magical portal into the parallel world of Earth, it is her spirit that, entirely by accident, is sent in pursuit.
She finds herself, a helpless, unsuspected observer, in the mind of Maribeth, a teenage girl in the small Canadian prairie city of Weyburn, Saskatchewan, in 1984—and discovers the soulworm has possessed Maribeth’s best friend, Christine. Somehow, she must find a way to save Earth from the plague of death and destruction the soulworm and its offspring will release if allowed to spread across the unprotected planet. Only she knows the
horse, striving to protect his people from the soldiers pursuing them.
For everyone involved, one summer changes everything.
LORI WINDOWSdanger—and only she can stop it..
“A wonderfully entertaining, imaginative, and well-crafted book for young adults . . . This book is well-paced and controlled and never becomes moralistic …A great read! Highly recommended.”
Edward Willett is an awardwinning author of more than sixty books science fiction, fantasy and non-fiction for both children and adults. He's also host of the Aurora Award-winning podcast The Worldshapers: "Conversations with science fiction and fantasy authors about the creative process." (http://www.theworldshapers. com). He successfully Kickstarted and edited a new anthology, Shapers of Worlds, featuring authors who were guests during the first year of the podcast.
A fun and engaging children’s book about discovering new places, friendship, and exploring our wonderful world!
Welcome to Grey City! This is a city surrounded by walls with no trees, but full of factories, smog and dirt.
Brother and sister Noah and Mila have lived here their whole life.
On their daily walk, their dog Buster digs a hole under the city’s walls and escapes to the other side. Noah and Mila follow him and see a whole new world outside the little box they’ve grown up in. They discover the beautiful Green Town.
There they encounter new faces like Ali and Carol who show them what it’s like to breathe clean air, ride a bicycle and see trees everywhere you go.
Why have Noah and Mila never heard of Green Town before?
Out of the Box is the story of an adventure and discovery that allows children to connect with the environment through the eyes
2: PART II)
The dreams have started again. This time my visions are stronger than ever before. There’s another Lost Dragon Queen out there battling corruption and I’m the only one who can save her.
The problem is, the realm I feel her from doesn’t even exist.
Killian has burns from our last encounter that won’t heal, and I have a broken rib that’s slowing me down, but class is still in session at Dragonrider Academy.
Our Specialty Training as official “Egg Hunters” begins now. A passing score?
Bring another Lost Queen home and don’t get sucked into the dark portal that I accidentally opened. Piece of cake.
Dragonrider Academy: Episode 9 is Part II of Season 2 in this epic fantasy new adult series! Look forward to epic adventures and a quest to save a Lost Dragon Queen Egg every episode with familiar
of Noah and Mila.
It shows us the importance of greener living and how pushing for change is possible!
Lucia Matuonto is a bestselling author, host at The Relatable Voice Podcast and Uncut with Lucia by Worldauthors.org and children’s physiotherapist. Lucia’s writing journey started about 20 years ago when she wrote articles for magazines and had a successful blog. She was born in Brazil, studied and lived in 6 countries. Lucia Matuonto used to teach and treat children with motor and cognitive disabilities. The children she met inspired her to create an imaginary world, full of animals and fantasy. By observing the beach fauna in Florida, Lucia developed her characters, who are now present in many children’s lives. https://www.luciamatuonto. com/
friends and unexpected twists along the way!
A.J. Flowers is a USA Today Bestselling fantasy author based out of Detroit. When not creating new worlds, she's designing life-saving components on those death traps humans like to call "automotive vehicles." She loves her writing, her work, and above all, her faith and family. When not writing, you can find her saving the world from annihilation on her favorite video games side-by-side with her Dutch husband, beautiful daughter, and Blue Russian kitties named Luna and Mina.
To learn more, head on over to https://aj-flowers.com
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Welcome to Read My Lips Radio. Producer and host akaRadioRed loves her live, unscripted conversations with smart, savvy, creative people including novelists, artists, photographers, fashion and interior designers, game creators, winemakers, comedians, actors, dancers, musicians, composers, filmmakers, screenwriters, directors and even technology innovators. akaRadioRed wants to know what makes them tick, where they find their inspiration, when creativity became their passion, and how their creative process can inspire the rest of us to think out-of-the-box. Read My Lips Radio is never a scripted yada-yada Question and Answer session, promising a fun conversation that can take surprising turns. Enjoy akaRadioRed’s lively Cool Conversations with Creatives on Mondays at 4 PM Pacific and 7 PM Eastern on the VoiceAmerica Empowerment Channel. Oooh! How those lips can talk!
Bonnie D. ‘akaRadioRed’ Graham
Lisa Towles pulls readers into her books, and Salt Island is another thriller continuing private investigator Marissa Ellwyn’s adventure. Mari is a headstrong and capable character who is as secretive as her father. The random postcards from her father fuel her need to find where he calls home. She takes off to discover her father’s location without alerting her partner, Derek Abernathy, that her travels are taking her to the British Virgin Islands. Expertly crafted descriptions of the sights, sounds, and colors surrounding Mari make readers feel they are experiencing the stunning beauty firsthand. The ominous winds of adventure bring the parallel storyline of the threat to Jack Darcy, the billionaire CEO who hired E&A to find his wife.
Suspense builds when these two threads get superbly interwoven with realistic dialogue between Mari and Derek. These perfectly-paired diverse characters have each other’s back and portray an uncanny sense of one another’s next actions. Derek heads in one direction while Mari takes another, upping the uncertainty with the fast-paced acceleration of this thriller. Each page brings snippets of answers yet creates more questions allowing for dramatic twists and unexpected connections.
Ms. Towles is dynamite at creating an intriguing crime mystery with layers of thrills to keep readers engaged with heartpumping action at perfect intervals. The characters are threedimensional to fit with the storyline in unexpected perfection. ...
Read the complete review on the Rox's site.
https://roxburkey.com/salt-island/
REVIEWED BY ROXB
Maura Beth Brennan sets the stage for love between adoptive children and parents. It begins with a fanciful story by a grandmother to her granddaughter. The creative imagination behind tales of fairies, Santa, or the Easter Bunny creates family memories. In Sara’s case, the magic becomes a wedge of betrayal that takes years to resolve.
Most families open their hearts to their children. They try to protect and allow them to enjoy their youth. Ms. Brennan delivers beautiful descriptions of the places filled with colors and sounds, bringing readers into the story. The dialogue is realistic and perfect for each character as the heartache of a family and adopted child is revealed.
Fans of women and family short stories will discover a rarely discussed or shared perspective of adoption and potential missed steps. Ms. Brennan, a master of story tales, exposes a viewpoint women of all ages will enjoy.
Whoa—this gets off to a very dark start and … judge me all you want, but it hooked me. I remained hooked for the duration— which is impressive, given this is a 12+ hour book. There’s so much going on and it’s all woven together juuuust right, such as:
* Small town / everyone knows (or thinks they do) everyone’s business.
* College setting.
* Fresh start … but at former small town residence, so built-in drama.
* A young, single mother …
* … who moves in nextdoor to a young, single dad.
* Bitter exes.
* Miscommunication trope.
* Non-con (yea, check the triggers).
* New Adult (female lead is 22, her bitter exes are 25ish).
* Age gap-ish (male lead is 30).
* Major hazing & bullying. It’s BRUTAL. I hated it, but I sorta loved hating the bullies.
* Graphic M/M.
* Fake relationship (with what seems to be the most amazing gay-bestie who I came to LOVE).
* This might’ve been instalove, but it still felt like the leads took it slow, if that makes sense. Makes it very plausible.
* Very open-minded, gentle male-lead.
* Secrets … and the way they come to light is beautiful, every time.
...
Read the complete review on the PelicanFreaks GR https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5574607216
This was an awesome read that I absolutely hated to put down. I only did because of life and responsibilities and all that—adulting is hard. But I missed it pretty hard whenever that happened and ended up binging the last 50% or so.
Peyton is a strong female lead that I found highly relatable— and not just because she hails from Boston like myself. She doesn’t come from a supportive family and ends up having little to no support when making big decisions, or really doing anything. She’s fairly self aware and resolves to start standing up for herself. As this is more easily said than done, we really see her grow throughout the book and it’s expertly done. This is possibly some of the best character development I’ve seen in romance.
We see the male lead grow up some as well, and as they grow together, of course there are some growing pains but not necessarily the exact ones you’d expect.
It’s hard to pick a favorite aspect of this read, because there’s just so much to love—but if I had to pick one, it might just be Ben. If you’ve read this far, and read the book, please discuss.
Tropes, things I loved or generally found noteworthy:
* Increasingly strong female lead.
* Adorable children, who are age-appropriate, sassy, and lovable from the get-go.
* No other-woman drama, a super amicable ex-wife and it works out well.
* Lots of bullies / people I loved to hate.
* Small town / country vibes.
... Read the complete review on the PelicanFreaks GR https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5587307259
In this crossover book of Harry Bosch (Book 7) and the Terry McClain series (Book 2), A Darkness More Than Night is Michael Connelly at his best.
With a crime that rocks Hollywood — a hot shot director is accused of murdering a starlet during a sexual encounter — this is a storyline that the Prime series has used as a blueprint for a series…with many changes.
With both old and new nemeses, Bosch is constantly fghting against the criminal element as well as the upper echelon of the police department. Someone always has it in for him. But this time he's in the sights for the crime of murder as a suspect himself.
The perfect thing about Bosch is he cares about the crime and the victim. Career politics doesn’t enter in his mindset, that puts him at odds with the “Brass” as well as the perps. He only cares about solving crimes and the victims. That makes him an epic hero on an epic journey
I recommend this book to everyone who loves the series on television and with a love of police procedurals. There is enough backstory in the novel so that you do not have to read the books before, but it's helpful.
Read the complete review on the EBookBuilders site. https://ebookbuilderspro.com/a-darkness-more-than-night/
REVIEWED BY DEENA RAE
Through the books, readers have been wondering how Violet is able to do what she does, experience the spooky and come through. Finally, we are getting some answers but not all. Things are coming together to give the reader more information and more meat on the bones of the stories in the series.
Because this is a series, the book ended on a cliffhanger and to be honest I wanted to start the next book right away (so I did).
Several new characters made an appearance in this installment of Deadwood Mysteries that warrant a mention. First is Freesia, who Violet had an immediate connection with as the owner of a rooming house and possible client. Second, I should mention Stone Hawk (what a moniker huh?) who is a smarmy law enforcement officer who has a not-so-great history with Coop. Lastly we meet Violet's sperm donor who elicits an immediate reaction of revulsion and wondering WTH Violet was thinking in the first place.
Violet's children play a part in this storyline but it's more peripheral than other books so far. Something tells me that won't be the case for long as a picture of Violet's son is found in a murder victim’s home.
I love this series! Each book gets better and better. Every plotline is fresh and exciting. Filled with ghosts, demons, murders and other unexplainable phenomenon, ...
Read the complete review on the EBookBuilders site.
https://ebookbuilderspro.com/an-ex-to-grind-indeadwood/
I really took a walk down memory lane and the only reason I have is that something I either saw or heard last week put this book in my mind and I had to re-read it. Yes, I read this book about 10-15 years ago when I was on a Jacqueline Susann binge, reading Valley of the Dolls, Love Machine and this book.
What really got me then and now it's The low-key and not so low-key incestuous vibes off the main character and her daddy. It wasn't anything overt or actionable, but the interaction and responses were off.
Every time I have read this, I wonder what Ms. Susann was trying to convey. I mean Dolls was a commentary on drugs, Machine was about the sexual revolution but other than women's empowerment angles I am not sure. With Hollywood Glitterati and New York Literati, this book was a step back in time. Insane ideas about skin care (if you read it you will understand), MayDecember romances and not just older men with younger women, there was bisexuality and a large dose of Daddy issues. Drugs, sex, money... this book was scandalous when it first came out, now it seems tame in some ways. Viva La
Like all Susann books, the characters are larger than life, the social commentary while featuring over the top excesses in some ways shows the drawbacks of the societal norms of the time.....
Read the complete review on the EBookBuilders GR. https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5557579265
REVIEWED
BY
DEENA RAECRAZINESS AND FILLED WITH SO MANY “WTH?” MOMENTS IT WAS INSANE
First you don't know who Jack and Jill are, then you do… only to realize you don't. Not at all. Guessing all the way through. Who is Jack? Who is Jill? Really?
Twists and turns doesn't even describe this storyline. First you know Jack and Jill are the killing duo, then you don't, then you do, it's hard to keep up.
Alex cross, doctor -detective is back, and maybe he's found a new love interest while searching for killers.
Boom, nothing is as it seems. This was a crazy, twisty storyline.
Even after I closed the book for the night I was thinking about it
Disclaimer I received via the OverDrive/Libby app from the Harris County Library system. It was read as a Kindle Book.
I WAS EXPECTING AN OFF THE CUFF MEMOIR, I GOT A MEMOIR THAT ALSO CITES STUDIES ON WHY ITS IMPORTANT TO LAUGH AND WHY YOU SHOULDN’T TAKE YOURSELF SO SERIOUSLY.
This book was nothing that I was expecting. I honestly thought it would be manually a biography instead it was a well thought out examination on humor in the age of cancel culture, social media and self-censorship.
Citing multiple studies, reports and even monologues, Ms Timpf makes a great case for the need to protect free speech, comedians and comedy performances. She does this all with examples from her life and how humor helped her survive difficult and harrowing experiences. (I totally agree, the entire time I was underground treatment for stage III cancer it was almost a nervous reaction for me to crack jokes with my team of doctors, medical students, oncologists, radiologists, nurses and lab techs. I honestly don't think I would have lived (and there were multiple occasions where survival was not guaranteed and was actually a long shot) if it wasn't for laughter and humor.
I recommend this book to those who love comedy and free speech.
Read the complete review on the EBookBuilders GR. https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5564475579
STRONG FEMALE LEAD WHO KICKS ASS AND DOESN'T BOTHER WITH NAMES
Yes, some of the dialogue is weak but it was an enjoyable read, especially if you want to see a woman save the day.
When Atlee Pine was a 6-year old child, a kidnapper creeped into her bedroom, knocked Atlee out and absconded with her twin sister Mercy. That pivotal event changed Atlee and led her to pursue a life in law enforcement. She has a visceral need to stop the human monsters that go bump in the night.
Atlee Pine is a uber-capable FBI special agent and Mrs Blum is her secretary. Atlee has some trust issues and the reader gets to see her slowly thawing to Ms Blum and several other special characters. Atlee is stationed at the Grand Canyon as the only agent assigned out of Arizona. When a visitor goes missing, she is trying to figure out why when she gets pulled off the case by higher ups. But Atlee isn’t someone who is comfortable letting things go, even if could cost her job or her life.
Recommend?
A great read for someone who wants a easy read or an introduction to international thrillers with a dash of espionage .
Disclaimer
I received via the OverDrive/Libby app from the Harris County or Houston Public Library system. It was read as a Kindle Book..
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Deena Rae
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RoxB Writer, Reviewer
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Mickey Mikkelson
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