Archive for the ‘50 in 2011’ Category
Last May, a month or so after I began marketing my novel, In Leah’s Wake, a former agent told me that I would never sell 500 books. A rookie,
I had no idea what to expect. When I published the novel, I’d dreamed of selling a 3,000 – 5,000 books, hoping healthy sales numbers would attract the attention of an agent or traditional publishing house for my next novel.
The agent had left New York, but she’d been in the business for a long time, and her words stung. I hung up the phone, heartbroken, depressed. Had I not been in the midst of my first blog tour, I might have pulled my novel off the market that day.
Determined to see the tour through, I soldiered on. On the tour, I met wonderful, caring people, book bloggers, whose kindness buoyed and sustained me.
Over the next few months, In Leah’s Wake appeared on hundreds of blogs. Bloggers opened their hearts and spread the word about this quiet literary novel. In August, In Leah’s Wake hit the Barnes & Noble and Amazon charts. Now, seven months after my talk with that agent, the book has been in the Amazon top 200 for over five months, and we’ve sold just shy of 80,000 copies.
Book bloggers rock! I don’t know how to say it any better. Book bloggers are the fairy godmothers and godfathers of the literary world. They invest their talent, their energy, and their time into reviewing and promoting books – and keeping dreams alive.
Even today, traditional media refuse to recognize or review indie books. In this very real sense, book bloggers are the heart and soul of the indie revolution. Their vision, their energy, and their determination have enabled this amazing populist movement to take hold.
Today, we have the great good fortune of hearing the funny, poignant, intelligent voices of new authors from around the world – voices that, just a few years ago, might have been silenced by the gatekeepers of the old guard. These voices reach into hearts and minds, forging connections, uniting us in a community of readers and writers, searching for and finding, through words, the better part of ourselves. Because, truly, at heart, this is what reading and writing is all about.
Here’s to you, book bloggers! You are and always will be my heroes!
Terri Giuliano Long is the bestselling author of the award-winning novel In Leah’s Wake. Her life outside of books is devoted to her family. In her free time, she enjoys walking, traveling, and listening to music. True to her Italian-American heritage, she’s an enthusiastic cook. In an alternate reality, she might be an international food writer. She lives with her family on the East Coast and teaches at Boston College. In Leah’s Wake is her debut novel. Visit her website, her blog, on Twitter, and on her Facebook page.
I am honored to be one of the bloggers who reviewed and promoted In Leah’s Wake for Terri Giuliano Long. I declared her one of the authors I would like to be stranded with.
This week, Terri and Inspired Quill Press (paperback edition), launch a newly edited edition of In Leah’s Wake. The newly edited novel features a new chapter and several new scenes, adding new connections and insights, and tightens the book, cutting 60 pages – all while maintaining the integrity of the original edition.
For more information, please visit her website or any of these retailer sales: Amazon Kindle, Amazon Paperback, Barnes & Noble, and Indie Bound (Your local library or bookstore can also order the book through major distribution channels.)
BOOK INFORMATION
IN LEAH’S WAKE by Terri Giuliano Long (Pages: 368, Format: Paperback, Kindle, ISBN: 1456310542, Publisher: CreateSpace/Inspired Quill Press, Website: www.tglong.com, Newly edited by Sara-Jayne Slack, Inspired Quill Press)
The Tylers have a perfect life—beautiful home, established careers, two sweet and talented daughters. Their eldest daughter, Leah, an exceptional soccer player, is on track for a prestigious scholarship. Their youngest, Justine—more responsible than seems possible for her 12 years—just wants her sister’s approval. With Leah nearing the end of high school and Justine a seemingly “together” kid, the parents are set to enjoy a peaceful life…until everything goes wrong. Can this family survive in Leah’s wake?
Margot Livesey, award-winning author of Banishing Verona, calls In Leah’s Wake “a beautifully written and absorbing novel.”
When happens when love just isn’t enough?
Recipient of the CTRR Award for excellence
2011 Book Bundlz Book Pick
Book Bundlz 2011 Favorites, First Place
Praise for In Leah’s Wake
“Sometimes scary, sometimes sad, and always tender.”
Susan Straight, National Book Award finalist, author Take One Candle Light A Room
“In Leah’s Wake is a beautifully written and absorbing novel.”
Margot Livesey, Award-winning author of Banishing Verona
“Pulled me right along as I continued to make comparisons to my own life.”
Jennifer Donovan, 5 Minutes for Books, Top 50 Book Blog
“An incredibly strong debut, this book is fantastic on many fronts.”
Naomi Blackburn, Founder Sisterhood of the Traveling Book
Check out the video trailer!
link: http://youtu.be/Yyfp5tIU_U4
I was given a preview of A Seductive Kiss so that I could review it. Being given a book does not sway my review in any way! A Seductive Kiss will be published on January 31, 2012.
I don’t consider myself a fan of the straight forward romance book and usually avoid them. I don’t know why. When I try to write a straight romance, I end up killing someone along the way, changing genres in mid-stream!
When Francis Ray approached me about doing a pre-publication review of A Seductive Kiss I agreed because she was so nice. I am so thankful that I did!
Dianne Leigh Herrington is a 32 year old fashion model with the world at her feet. Gorgeous and talented, she has been The Face of the D Line at the House of Herrington for over a decade. The House of Herrington was started by her grandfather and the family continues to hold the reins until he dies. Dianne decides she needs to take a chance with a man and decides that Alex Stewart–her best friend’s brother and childhood protector–will be that man. She doesn’t need him to love her; he just needs to make her feel cherished and alive as a woman.
Alex is more than happy to oblige the woman he has loved from afar for years. He makes it clear from the beginning that he isn’t taking their relationship lightly. When Dianne’s world collapses, he is there to support her. Dianne knows that she needs to prove herself a capable business woman and much more than just The Face in order to be deserving of Alex, the man she realizes she loves.
A Seductive Kiss brings together two wonderful characters who are surrounded by a cast of supporters. But there are also the cruel people who want nothing more than to see Dianne crumble so that they might succeed. The fact that Dianne’s new business venture is to provide fashionable, gorgeous clothing to plus-sized women is an added bonus. Gathering strength from the insult that she’s to old and to fat, she channels that into creating beauty for a forgotten group of women.
This is a great read. I got chills. I got tears. I loved it. Not one person got killed, and that was OK with me. I see that A Seductive Kiss is A Grayson Friends Novel…number five to be exact. I think I have some catching up to do!
Even though this apparently is part of a series, you only get that feeling a few times when there is mention of something that happened in the past with other characters. It piques your interest, it doesn’t make you feel lost in any way!
You are cordially invited! I’m going to host the inaugural twitter party featuring artists!
First up: my dear twitter friend and one of my favorite authors to date: Terri Giuliano Long (here’s her twitter)! She wrote the touching and oh so very real novel In Leah’s Wake. Here’s my review!
On Thursday, December 15, 2011, at 8pm eastern/7pm central, I will be chatting with Terri on twitter. This is an opportunity to ask her questions! This is an opportunity to get to know her better!
I really hope you’ll join us! RSVP in the comments! Comment questions you want to ask! Please let your friends know! Tweet about it using the hashtag #susielovesartists. The more the merrier!
Reading a Kinsey Millhone book is like spending time with a dear friend. She tells you a great tale–all true of course!–and then she leaves. You’re left with disappointment and despair that the visit is over and the tale has ended. It’s even harder to take because you know she won’t be back for awhile. Probably not for another two years!
Sue Grafton has captured my attention with her Alphabet Series since the letter A. I’ve eagerly followed along with Kinsey Millhone as she flits from adventure to adventure. She even discovered her long lost family around the time I discovered mine! So we have a tight bond! Interesting how Kinsey never seems to age much, while I am nearing the age of dirt. Hmmm
V is for Vengeance brings back Kinsey Millhone feisty as ever. Along with her there are a cast of characters you will love and ones you will hate. Grafton has a way of making the bad guys likable and some good guys despicable.
The story begins with Kinsey witnessing a woman shop lifting pajamas and lingerie. Her previous career as a police officer is brought to the surface as she remembers how much shop lifters cost retail businesses. To that end, she reports the criminal to the sales clerk.
Despite being injured in the parking garage when the shop lifter’s accomplice tried to run her down, Kinsey goes about her business. Until she reads that the woman arrested ultimately ended up dead. The police are saying suicide. The woman’s fiance is saying foul play because she was upset but not the type to kill herself. He asks Kinsey to investigate and she does.
Professional criminals, organized crime, romance (none of it Kinsey’s), family loyalties, and friendship are all featured in this can’t-put-down book. Grafton has done well, delivering another addition to the Alphabet Series that I was sorry to see end. Seriously, I cried just a little when I finished because I want more.
Do yourself a favor and read this book. Take the time to savor it. Kudos to Sue Grafton for another well-written story to fuel my imagination.
I was given a copy of Soul Search free of charge in order to review it and promote it for Bestseller for a Day. Being given a copy in no way affects the outcome of my review!
The current Bestseller for a Day is Amber Scott’s Soul Search. If you’re unfamiliar with the Bestseller for a Day concept, check this out. There you can get the cost of Soul Search and the bonus buys rebated and be entered to win a Kindle! What are you waiting for? Soul Search is a great book!
Here’s the blurb about Soul Search:
Three years ago, one horrific night changed his life forever. And now the wolf soul that was invoked to save him is taking over his body, day by day.
Can he master his animal instincts in time to discover who is stealing children’s souls before the delicate balance we all depend upon is shattered?
Or will he reject the one woman who can help heal his body and his soul?
Three years before, Grant Connel almost dies and loses his nephew to kidnappers. Now he must deal with the guilt of what happened and with the consequences of being saved by an elderly Chinese woman. As he and his sister, Beatrice, travel the world searching for someone who knows something, anything about Beatrice’s missing son, they meet Leigh. She’s a genuine advisor in the mystical with her own ghost, Jacob.
Grant and Leigh try to fight their growing attraction. Grant can’t be distracted by romance and coping with the wolf within while searching for his nephew. Leigh can’t trust herself after being lured to Paris from California to be with her fiance Henry. While she should be repulsed by Grant’s wolf alter ego, she can’t help buy be attracted to him.
Soul Search is an original take on the werewolf tale. I’m not even certain Grant would be called a werewolf! Leigh is believable as a spiritual advisor, reluctant at her role yet quite capable under Jacob’s guidance. Grant and Leigh together are a hot romance, showcased in some pretty hot love scenes!
But Soul Search is so much more than a tale of a werewolf. Grant’s wolf persona isn’t there to destroy, but to save. Can he save all those that need to be saved?
I really enjoyed this book! It’s set in the early 1900s, which means travel by boat and train. The paranormal aspects are not mundane. The romance is hot. The books ends with a cliff hanger and I am looking forward to learning more about Grant’s abilities!
After reading a book from Nevada Barr’s Anna Pigeon series, you come away feeling like you have made two new friends. Liberty Falling confirmed that feeling in me!
The Anna Pigeon series has Anna involved in a mystery in whichever national park she happens to be in at the moment. In Liberty Falling, Anna is near Ellis Island in July because her sister Molly is deathly ill. Anna explores Ellis and the surrounding islands. She gets romanced by a doctor. She copes with an old lover being in love with Molly. She questions two deaths that take place on Ellis Island after they fall from the Statue of Liberty at different times.
You don’t read a Nevada Barr book fast. You set aside time to get lost in it. Barr’s intense, detailed explanations and descriptions capture your imagination and transport you so you’re right next to Anna Pigeon, sometimes right in her very mind! Be prepared to read and re-read passages that are so perfectly written you don’t want to move past them.
It was a great diversion to lose myself in the decrepit buildings original to Ellis Island in the summer when faced with the impending winter of Illinois. I felt Anna’s pain when faced with losing her sister. I know the conflict of seeing someone who was once hers now enamored with her sister.
Anna Pigeon isn’t a young heroine. She is 44 years old in Liberty Falling. Knowing that fact makes me relate to her even better!
I’m slowly working my way through this series because it’s a popular one in the ebook library system. Do yourself a favor and start at the very beginning. It’s truly worth the trip!
I was provided with a copy of Amador Lockdown by Coral Russell so that I could review and promote it for the Blog Tour de Troops event taking place November 11-14, 2011. I’ll post more information about the actual event tomorrow!
Every time I am about to start a paranormal novel, I tell myself I don’t like them. Then I end up really liking it! That’s what happened with Amador Lockdown by Coral Russell.
The Paranormal Posse investigates local hauntings and conduct a cemetery tour. When they are invited to investigate strange events happening at the Amador Hotel, they plan to debunk or prove that it is haunted. Using their tours as a way to raise money for their group and the historical Amador Hotel, they decide to take it up a notch and host a lockdown. During a lockdown, the Paranormal Posse and their 15 paying guests will spend the night in the hotel, exploring and investigating.
Things get complicated when Hector, the leader of the Posse, brings his once-estranged and troubled 16-year old son along. Overnight, the evidence of a haunting becomes quite clear. After calming the paying guests, Hector and the Posse realize that his son is missing. Did he run away? Or did the Amador Hotel entity have something to do with his disappearance?
Amador Lockdown is quick-paced and action packed. The writing focuses on the story, not on character development. So don’t expect to get to know any one of them well. But that doesn’t detract from the story. I thought it ended rather abruptly and can’t wait to take up the rest of the story in any subsequent novels! I hope the rest of the story is coming!
It got down to the wire and I had to read Kill Me If You Can in one day because it was due back at the library the next. I was prepared to read a few chapters and surrender if it didn’t appeal to me. I had doubts that even James Patterson could make a done-to-death plot line engaging for me.
Kill Me If You Can is the story of Matthew Bannon, a poor art student, who finds a bag of diamonds during a botched murder/suspected terrorist attack at Grand Central Station. He comes upon a dying man, follows a trail of blood, and finds the diamonds. He takes the diamonds and flees the scene. Unfortuntely, the diamonds belong to Russian gangsters, who will stop at nothing to get them back. Matthew goes to Paris with the love of his life, unaware that a highly-feared contract killer, The Ghost, is on his trail. That’s where the twists and turns start that are so typical of a James Patternson novel.
“Typical” doesn’t mean over-used, it means that a typical Patterson novel has so many unexpected things happening that you have to turn the page to hurry on to the next one. Kill Me If You Can delivers that roller coaster ride of a novel.
I’m glad I kept reading this book. It was one hell of a great Monday to go on an adventure with Matthew Bannon!
Buy a copy of All Hallow’s Eve and sign up for the Indie Book Collective newsletter and be entered to win a free Kindle!
What happens when you have a serial killer on the loose near Halloween, killing people with the names of saints in the same manner of death on their saint day? Detectives Paxton Prover and Ruth Matte are determined to catch this diabolical killer before All Saints Day, when anyone is up for grabs! Add in a group of high school students determined to attend the goth-rock concert of the year, headlining Diana (as in Princess) Dahmer (as in Jeffrey) and you have a crisis! One by one people are being killed and the killer is a complete mystery…
This book is a little gory. Well, not for me, but maybe for some. It’s not modern-horror movie gory, but it’s gorier than most. So don’t read it if you’re squeamish!
The characters are well-developed and engaging. The story is pretty original. Being Catholic (lapsed, natch), I liked the tie-in into the saints. I found it a little unbelievable that a detective carries around his book of saints, but maybe that’s what devout Catholics really do. I’ve never known anyone that devout, I guess.
I did have a problem with the killer’s identity. Because I was completely unsuspecting. I’m still trying to figure out if I read clues or if it really was thrown in at the last minute.
Aside from that, this is a great read. Especially for this time of year. I wouldn’t mind reading more with these characters!
Bestseller for a Day: 99 Cent Bonus Buys!
To celebrate All Hallow’s Eve’s big day, these authors are dropping the price of their amazing titles to just 99¢!!!!
On October 28th, head over to their Amazon.com pages and see what all the fuss is about!
Widowmaker by Cristyn West and Elena Gray
A horror movie that causes people to die?
Something so scary that people watching it are bleeding out of their eyes, having heart attacks and ripping their own faces apart? The docu-horror film called Terror in the Trees sounds harmless enough, doesn’t it?
That’s what FBI Agent Derek Bolder thought when he was given the mission to go to Hollywood to bring back the film. He hadn’t yet understood the sheer evilness contained within it…but he soon would.
Derek’s ex-fiancée Jill, the beautiful and sexy film executive, is dead set against giving him the film. It would ruin her career. What lengths would she and her nasty boss go to, to protect their reputations even as the bodies pile up?
The Evil Within, a Horror Anthology by Cristyn West, Amber Scott, et. al.
The hiss of hot breath coming from inside the coat closet.
The noxious odor of plastic smothering your face as you fight to breathe.
The nagging feeling that someone is watching your every move…waiting.
Vengeance. Misplaced trust. Pure evil.
After reading these nine chilling tales this Halloween, how many times will you soothe yourself in the dark thinking “there are no monsters”?
Fierce Dawn: A ParaRealm Novel by Amber Scott
Snarling teeth, glowing eyes. Someone–something–is after her.
The man who haunts her dreams enters her reality, claiming she’s transforming into a changeling–not quite immortal but no longer human. Except nobody wants this change. Not humans, not immortals and least of all her.
Battle lines are drawn and blood spills as the two fight not only for her life, but for mankind’s as well.
Halloween Jack and the Devil’s Gate by M. Todd Gallowglas
When the Devil’s Gate comes down, releasing all the hordes and legions of the darkest realm to roam the earth any night they wish, and jack o’ lanterns no longer keep the dark creatures at bay, only the last three descendants of the mythical Jack of the Lantern can save the world from the Devil and all his kin.
Based on one of the oldest Irish legends of Halloween, HALLOWEEN JACK AND THE DEVIL’S GATE is a Steam Punk adventure story for all ages that will carry you to the heart of how we protect ourselves on the darkest night of the year.
I had the pleasure of reviewing Ann Charles’ Nearly Departed in Deadwood last month. I jumped at the chance to review Dance of the Winnebagos. I’m glad I did. Ann Charles might be my new favorite mystery writer!
Yes, the winnebagos mentioned in the title are the recreation vehicle type. Claire joins in when her grandfather and his friends meet up for the camp-out of the season with women they met over the internet. Claire’s job is to keep him out of trouble, which isn’t an easy task when he’s surrounded by his ornery friends. When his dog finds a bone–a human bone–Claire is determined to find the rest of the skeleton.
Clair joins forces with Mac, a geotechnician, who’s in town to help his aunt Ruby get a fair price for the mines she owns in addition to the campground. Ruby is in debt and the only way she can see to save herself is to sell the mines. Mac aims to get her the best price possible.
But someone doesn’t want anyone snooping around the mines and will do whatever it takes to keep Claire and Mac far away from them. Nothing is off limits to stop them…not even murder!
The novel has spunk and pep! Its quick pace tells the story of Claire and Mac as well as those around them. The characters are likable–except when they aren’t supposed to be! The mystery of sun-bleached femurs and the value of the mines is only part of the story. The growing romance between Claire and Mac is the other part. Ann Charles’ tells a darn good romantic tale as well!
Ann Charles is an award-winning author who writes romantic mysteries that are splashed with humor. Her first book, Nearly Departed in Deadwood, won the 2010 National Daphne du Maurier for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense award AND the 2011 National Romance Writers of America Golden Heart award. A member of Sisters in Crime, the Guppies, and Romance Writers of America for many moons, she has a B.A. in English with an emphasis on creative writing from the University of Washington. When she is not dabbling in fiction, arm-wrestling with her children, attempting to seduce her husband, or arguing with her sassy cat, she is standing on her workshop soapbox, blabbing about what she has learned over the years.
Visit her at www.anncharles.com or www.anncharles.com/deadwood. You can also find her hanging out on Facebook (on her Author Page or Personal Page) or Twitter (as Deadwood Violet or AnnWCharles).
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I was provided with a free copy of Dance of the Winnebagos to review and participate in the blog tour.
