Category Archives: Books

Meet Guest Author Gem Stone…

Gem Stone is a guest on The Story Reading Ape, and she tells us she’s an author who never dreamed of being a writer. I call that a first! She’s brutally honest about this and almost everything else in her life ~ including her husband. What a sense of humor! I loved this post. You might not have dreamed of being a writer, Gem, but a writer you are! And as a sideline, might I suggest stand-up comedy? 😊

Chris The Story Reading Ape's avatarChris The Story Reading Ape's Blog

You know that woman in the supermarket who sits behind the till smiling? She always remembers your name and knows what you buy every week?

That’s me.

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I’m always happy and look like I really enjoy my job and on those three days a year where I don’t have to serve a single idiot all day, I actually do.

Now, I know you’re expecting me to say. “But I always dreamed of being an author.”

Well, that’s not correct. I didn’t dream of being an author. But I did have ideas, lots and lots of them, I just didn’t think about writing them down until last year.

I remember it clearly. I was lying in bed with my husband; he was talking about… something. I can’t remember what. He tends to drone on so I just zone out after a while. But at some point I said, “I have all…

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239 DOGS SAVED FROM KILL SHELTERS WITH THE HELP OF THE PROFITS FROM ALL MY BOOK and PRESTIGIOUS AWARD FOR THE SEVEN YEAR DRESS

Those of you who know me are aware of my advocacy for animals and my intolerance of neglect, cruelty, abandonment. Paulette Mahurin has helped save 239 dogs from kill shelters with the profits from her books. This is commendable. I cannot abide abuse and wish to thank Paulette for her generosity and compassion  ♥

The Persecution of Mildred Dunlap's avatarThe Persecution of Mildred Dunlap

The Seven Year Dress awarded BEST BOOK 2016 by the very talented author and blogger Grant Leishman.

“Every one of these books I’ve mentioned this year was superb and as a reader, I have been truly blessed by the quality and depth of talent I have been exposed to this past year. I am sure that will continue into 2017.”

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The Supreme Grunter Award for Indie Authors of Excellence for 2016 goes to: 
THE SEVEN YEAR DRESS
BY PAULETTE MAHURIN
Congratulations Paulette 

(For full post click on link below)

http://www.grantleishman.com/my-blog/its-time-its-time-for-the-supreme-grunter-awards-for-2016

I’m deeply grateful for everyone who has purchased, read, and taken the time to review my book. In the name of tolerance, a special thank you also to everyone who has spread the word to help promote this book.  All profits from my books go to help get dogs like Harvey, Barkley, Chello, Paxton and Blinky (see photos below) out…

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Danny’s Annual Christmas Message

Cripes! How many rotten things can one good dog tolerate? Danny the Dog is over at Chris’ place on The Story Reading Ape filling us in on Andrew’s supercilious shenanigans. Oh, and the telling is so comprehensive that his Christmas message has to be insinuated. But hey, when your dander is up and you’re given a platform to vent . . . 🙂

Chris The Story Reading Ape's avatarChris The Story Reading Ape's Blog

Danny’s Annual Christmas Message

Well, it’s that time of year where I have to set the world right with my message of peace and love. It’s a big responsibility, but it’s the least that I can do for my fellow canines and their humans.

I reckon I should first introduce myself to those of you who have been off planet for the last few years. I am Danny the Dog, dog extraordinaire. Humans wait with bated breath for my monthly epistles to appear in print. Scientists consult me for the cure of various diseases. And Andrew, my human, needs me to turn on his computer every morning. You would think by now he would have mastered the complicated process of pressing a particular button, but you’d be wrong.

Before I get to my message of peace and love, I’d like to tell you a little about my trials and tribulations…

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Sally’s Cafe and Bookstore Christmas Update – Tina Frisco, Charles Yallowitz and D.G. Kaye

I’m thrilled to be included in Sally Cronin‘s Cafe and Bookstore Christmas Update, side-by-side with the fabulous D.G. Kaye and prolific Charles Yallowitz.  For those of you who don’t know, Sally has been featuring a host of holiday festivities for several weeks, promoting authors and sharing seasonal music, recipes, and much more. Do visit and join in the fun 🙂

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Source: Sally’s Cafe and Bookstore Christmas Update – Tina Frisco, Charles Yallowitz and D.G. Kaye | Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life

I am very excited and delighted, that two amazing writers who are in the bookstore and who have given me huge encouragement over the last three years, have brought their new books out for Christmas. If you love fantasy and the supernatural then these two books will make ideal gifts… treat yourself or book loving friends and family.

Also D.G. Kaye’s latest book P.S. I Forgive You is free from today until 23rd of December and you will find details later in the post.

It is of course ladies first and just two days ago Tina Frisco uploaded her much anticipated new book Vampyrie – Origin of the Vampire – to  Amazon. So here it is hot off the press.

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About the book

What if vampires were not the undead, but rather the dying? What if there were two factions among vampires: the sustained and the unsustainable? And what if those factions were at war with one another over the life of a young woman who promised them a future? Vampyrie brings the myth of the vampire into the realm of possibility.

Phoebe Angelina Delaney is a reluctant genius and compassionate hothead. She finds herself in a pitch-dark underground and doesn’t remember how she got there. Did she drink too much alcohol and wander off in a stupor, or was she kidnapped by a malicious element determined to make her life a living hell?

Sir Michael Alan David is a vampire – an enigma, charismatic and mysterious, who weaves in and out of Phoebe’s life. Does he intend to use his title as a ruse to draw her closer to an unearthly fate, or is he a cloak-and-dagger knight in shining armor?

Too many secrets have been kept for too long. Phoebe must unravel the mystery in order to survive. Two major characters from the author’s first novel, Plateau, join forces with Phoebe to battle the demons in Vampyrie.

An early review

I was hooked from the first paragraph. Phoebe has an indomitable spirit. I was rooting for her throughout her quest and her ordeals.As the tension built, I found myself riveted to the page . . . and then the next page and the next. I read this book in two days. I could barely put it down when outside forces demanded my attention. There is also an underlying metaphysical angle to the narrative that only enhanced the pleasure I experienced while reading this wonderful, wonderful story.Andrew Joyce, Authorof Yellow Hair and Redemption: The Further Adventures of Huck Finn and TomSawyer

BUY the Book:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N2UYDG6

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Rescue Me: Purrfect Companions

Debbie Manber Kupfer announces the release of Rescue Me – Purrfect Companions, a charity anthology in which she has a story. Abandoning a companion animal for any reason is inhumane. Find out more by reading Debbie’s post …

paws4puzzles's avatarPaws4Thought

rescueme

It’s Release Day for Rescue Me – Purrfect Companions. A charity anthology in which I’m privileged to have a story.

My story “Cecilia’s Tale” talks about how my kitty found me in Israel. Cecilia then shared the next 16 years of my life with me and eventually came to America. She passed over the Rainbow Bridge a few years ago, but is still very much in my thoughts.

Pick up a copy of Rescue Me: Purrfect Companions today!

On Kindle or Paperback.

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My New #Novel Is Now Available on #Amazon

I am so pleased to announce that the Kindle version of my new novel, Vampyrie: Origin of the Vampire, is now available on Amazon. CreateSpace should have it out in paper shortly.

VAMPYRIE: Origin of the VampireI’m also very relieved! Talk about birthing a baby . . . I did most of the work myself, from formatting to cover text — not to mention writing the 388-page book.

Don’t let the title fool you. This is not your typical vampire book. I’m incapable of writing a book without a spiritual bent. Vampyrie also has a basis in science, specifically medicine.

I’ve always been intrigued by the myth of the vampire and often have wondered if the phenomenon actually could exist. My background in medicine led me to speculate about how this might have a basis in reality. If rooted in science, how might this myth come to life? The most likely answer would be as a physical disorder or disease.

One day during my morning walk, the word Valkyrie came to mind. Vampyrie: Origin of the VampireAs many of you know, a valkyrie is one of a host of female helping spirits of the god Odin in Norse mythology. Depicted as both loving and bloodthirsty, valkyries decide who lives and who dies in battle. They also assist Odin in transporting his favorites among the slain to Valhalla, the hall where he houses the dead whom he deems worthy of dwelling with him. In my novel, Valkyrie becomes Vampyrie and Valhalla becomes the Haven.

I do hope you’ll visit my Amazon page and peek inside. I have many people to thank for their interest and encouragement; you’ll find their names listed in the acknowledgements.
Tina FriscoI’ve also updated my author photo, which took quite a bit of doing, I might add. I never recognize myself in photographs. Who IS that person? I even startle myself at times when walking past a mirror, because I think a stranger is at my side. I’m told this is an attribute of Aries. We’ve incarnated into this sign in order to learn about “I.” People often think we come complete with the characteristics of the stars under which we’re born, when the reality is we’ve come into this earthwalk to learn those attributes.

Now it’s time to pop a cork, relax, and get to those 100+ emails that are still mounting up 🙂

Until the next time, my friends . . .  Namaste ❤ 

 

Glimpses Book Review and Author Round-Up | Second Wind Leisure Perspectives

Terri Webster Schrandt with a terrific 5-star review of Hugh W. Roberts‘ first book, Glimpses. Congratulations to Hugh on becoming a published author! We look forward to what the future holds for you. And thank you for the mention, Terri; much appreciated …

Glimpses Book Review and Author RoundUp
original cover image used by permission

Source: Glimpses Book Review and Author Round-Up | Second Wind Leisure Perspectives

If we were having coffee today, I would share with you my review of a fabulous new book from one of my favorite bloggers!

To me there is nothing like enjoying a few moments with a hot beverage while reading a good book.

Let me introduce you to Hugh Roberts, blogger at Hugh’s Views and News.

Roberts says that he chose the title Glimpses because “that is what you are about to get—glimpses into the everyday lives of people who are about to be led up a path they were not expecting.”

Not only is he a brand-new author, fellow bloggers tell me he is possibly the nicest gentleman you will ever meet in person or in the blogosphere!

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This Is How to Monetize Your Knowledge and Make Money Blogging

Janice Wald posted an outstanding article on her blog today, detailing the successful elements of blog monetization. Topics include content marketing, growing our readership, and writing a compelling CTA or call to action. Janice’s new book, An Insider’s Guide to Building a Successful Blog, is jam-packed with tips on how to engage readers, increase blog traffic, and much more. This post is a plethora of information that made me realize monetizing a blog is not difficult; it merely requires focus, intention, and tenacity …

Monetize your blog, tips from an expert #BlogMonetization #ContentMarketing

Do you want to know why most blogs fail, abandoned by their owners between three and nine months?

I’m sure you have many theories.

Lack of readers, lack of subscribers, lack of patience to wait for the readers and subscribers, and lack of time are likely causes.

However, according to successful blogger Minuca Elena, the reason most blogs fail has nothing to do with any of those things.

In a recent interview, Minuca explained that the reason most blogs fail is the blog owner has no idea how to make money blogging, also called blog monetization.

My recent content marketing post about how to monetize your blog was met with controversy.

For example, Gilly Madison responded that bloggers fall into two categories, those wishing to make money and those not wishing to monetize. I beg to differ. I believe there is a third category of bloggers– those who might want to monetize one day.

This post will offer two ways you can monetize should the desire to make money blogging ever come.

Fortunately, publisher Lois Hoffman is here to explain how you can make money writing on the Internet.

Lois’s forte is helping writers monetize, so she is an expert in this field.

Are You a Blogger Looking to Monetize Your Knowledge?

For many bloggers, writing is simply a creative pursuit. It’s a way to share what you know or what you’re experiencing and be part of a vibrant blogging community. But if you’re looking to your blog as a source of income, it’s important to think more strategically about your content marketing strategy. It’s not just about getting visitors to your site. Content marketing (or authority marketing) is about generating leads and then driving sales from your traffic.

What is Content Marketing?

The Content Marketing Institute describes content marketing like this:

Content marketing is a strategic marketing approach focused on creating and distributing valuable, relevant, and consistent content to attract and retain a clearly-defined audience — and, ultimately, to drive profitable customer action.

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Smorgasbord Christmas Party – Guest author D. G. Kaye with Childhood Christmas Wishes and My First Biggest Tree

A poignant and moving Christmas story by Debby Gies … Most of us have many childhood dreams that never become reality, but Debby didn’t give up on one of hers. Her very first apartment became home to the realization of that dream. Visit Sally Cronin‘s blog and enjoy this beautiful Christmas story 💖💖

Guest author Janice Wald, Mostlyblogging.com, Book promotion, Content writing, Blogging, D.G. Kaye

Who Has a New Book? – Informative Blogging Guru -Janice Wald

On her Friday book post, Debby Gies interviewed Janice Wald,  a woman I consider The Guru of Blogging. Janice talks about her book – An Insider’s Guide to Building a Successful Blog – and shares a few tips on networking as well as starting, running, and growing a blog. She is a wealth of information. If you have a blog and would like to increase your traffic and grow your readership, Janice is your go-to person. Don’t miss this outstanding post!

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Source: Guest author Janice Wald, Mostlyblogging.com, Book promotion, Content writing, Blogging, D.G. Kaye

Today I’m excited to introduce “Ninja Networker”, pro blogger and now author Janice Wald with her debut book – An Insider’s Guide to Building a Successful Blog 

janice-wald

Janice runs her blog, MostlyBlogging.com and for those who aren’t familiar with her blog, you’re in for a treat! Janice’s blog is a wealth of information for writers and bloggers alike. She shares everything you could possibly want to know about starting, running, and growing a blog, from SEO to Apps, to how to effectively use social media. It’s no surprise that Janice is also a Blogging Coach and offers services for hire.

Janice decided to compile her goldmine of information and put it into a book. I’ve been following Janice for almost 2 years now and can’t wait to sink my eyes into her book. I could see by just checking the ‘Look Inside’ on Amazon, and the contents that this book is a must have ‘bible’ for all bloggers to up their game. Not to mention, I was FLOORED when I found my own name and website listed in one of her chapters ‘71 Tips that Will Make Your Blog Successful’.

About Janice:

Wald’s blog, Mostly Blogging, is included in

In addition, Wald was also the featured blogger in an expert interview series, Janice Wald of Mostly Blogging on How to Make Blogs Better

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