Dave and Lillian Brummet Give Marketing Tips to Authors

Title: Purple Snowflake Marketing - How to Make Your Book Stand Out in a Crowd
Edition: Two
Authors: Dave & Lillian Brummet
Available: www.booklocker.com
Authors' Web site: www.brummet.ca

Purple Snowflake Marketing - How to Make Your Book Stand Out in a Crowd is a reference guide for self-marketing authors who want to be noticed in a snowstorm of writers. With nineteen chapters and twenty-five appendices, this e-book is a means for authors to design an effective marketing plan and utilize frugal promotional tools with the click of their mouse. The e-book also offers over 900 resources that will accelerate your marketing efforts far beyond your peers. As a reassuring marketing plan guide, it contains ample advice for avoiding pit-falls and setting a pace for marketing endeavors.

This e-book was originally released in June 2007 and since then has made the recommended reading lists of more than a dozen writing courses. Authors of most genres will find this inspiring book an essential component for marketing their book.
Announcements and details will soon be available later today at: www.brummet.ca/purple.html

The authors donate 30% of the royalties they receive from book sale to SPCA, the Canadian Wildlife Federation and the Seeds of Diversity Organization. Purchase it for only $10 at http://www.booklocker.com/books/4120.html



Book Review By Donna Sundblad


Dave and Lillian Brummet's Purple Snowflake Marketing gets an A+ as a guide to help new authors get their books into the hands of reviewers, booksellers and ultimately readers. This how-to book doesn't just pump you up with a lot of motivational rhetoric, but supplies authors and small presses with practical, low-budget marketing tools including hundreds of promotional links. Their advice doesn't just expose authors to opportunities; it also helps steer them away from pit-falls in the publishing industry.

This book is filled advice on marketing your book, beginning with the day you sign the contract, paints a realistic outlook on what a new or relatively unknown author can expect and how to employ research and preparation to make a memorable first impression. Written in an easy-to-read electronic format, the text is broken into useful categories punctuated with headings that aid readers when in-finding specific topics. Purple Snowflake Marketing fills a vacuum in the area of marketing planning for new authors with proven and practical information developed as Dave and Lillian Brummet promoted their other books. The information provided helps authors see beyond book signings and getting their books stocked on bookstore shelves.

Specifics include how to get book reviews, disciplines like follow-up, and tips for internet marketing. Learn how to target your audience with "Purple Snowflake" techniques which require thinking outside the box. These techniques provide insight into direct marketing, underground marketing, backdoor marketing and online marketing along with frugal advertising tips that fit any budget.

I was also pleasantly surprised to see tips for how to avoid feeling frustrated and overwhelmed. Answers to questions common to new authors provide guidance regarding copyright information for North America and definitions of commonly used but often confused terms used within the industry.

When it come to getting your book into bookstores, Purple Snowflake Marketing offers fresh ideas and a realistic view with statistics to assist in making informed decisions as you put together a marketing plan. If you're ready to market you book, advice about how to get beyond feeling shy when talking about and promoting your book will get you started as you learn how to get beyond bookstore managers who say "no" to see your book on a variety of bookstore shelves. This book is a must-have for every new author's bookshelf.


~ Reviewed by author Donna Sundblad, senior editor of E-Press Publishing Company
~ Dave & Lillian Brummet are also uthors of: Trash Talk - Learn how you can impact the planet -Towards Understanding - a collection of 120 poems on society, the environment & overcoming trauma.


-----
The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've loved. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by author names, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the index handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

A Well-Researched Book for Those Interested in India and Education

Common School System: Examining the First Initiative in IndiaKhagendra Kumar
ISBN: 81-7714-327-1
By Dr K. Kiran, lecturer, Dept. of Political Science, M.A.M. College, Naugachia, T.M.Bhagalpur University, Bhagalpur (Bihar)(INDIA)



In the book under review ‘Common School System: Examining First Initiative in India’, the author has tried to examine the recommendations of the first ever Common School System Commission of the country instituted by the Government of Bihar.

In the comprehensive preface the author has explained the reason for taking the task of examining the report of the Common School System Commission. The Education Commission of India recommended the establishment of a Common School System in the country way back in 1966. It was also endorsed by National Education Policy 1986 and Programme of Action 1992. While reviewing the implementation of this policy, the Ramamurti Committee (1990) considered the development of Common School System (CSS) to be a “very vital component of the overall strategy for securing equity and social justice in education. Over two thousand non-government organizations which have joined hands to promote the National Alliance for the Fundamental Right to Education (NAFRE) launched a public campaign demanding the implementation of a Common School System in India. \

The Government of Bihar has shown the strong desire to provide equitable quality education to all the children of the state. Nitish Kumar, the Chief Minister of the state said “In my encounter with the public everywhere of the state, I found a ubiquitous desire among the people, particularly the poorest to send their children to a good school”. He further said “I have no option but to respond to the yearning of the people…” He announced his government’s intension to establish a Common School System (CSS) in Bihar on the 22nd July, 2006. Finally the Common School System Commission (CSSC) was constituted on the 8th August, 2006. The CSSC submitted its report on the 8th June, 2007

The Commission termed the intention of the Chief Minister to establish the CSS in Bihar as a development of historic significance for Bihar and possibly for the rest of the country as well.

The author says “In spite of my deep concern for the CSS and support for its early implementation, I strongly feel that the report of the CSSC needs to be examined and necessary changes should be considered before its implementation. The reason is very plain and simple. There appears to be contradictions between discussions made by the Commission on various issues and the Commission’s recommendations related to them at various places of the report. Its discussion is also loaded towards bureaucracy and elites of the society but in a subtle way…The PRI and urban bodies have hardly a place in the legal frame of the CSS…That is why I have taken the task of examining the CSSC report which is the first initiative in India towards the implementation of the CSS.”

The book has twelve chapters. In the first chapter of the book, present status of school education and teacher education has been described. The report is based on latest available data. In the second chapter the author has looked into the CSSC’s concept and rationale of CSS and identified some views of the Commission which explain some of the past events erroneously, perhaps due to poor understanding of the social and political situations of the state. The author has also identified some vital areas where many actions of the state justified by the Commission are not in consonance of its concepts and rationale of the CSS.

In the third chapter, the CSSC report on school administration and management under CSS has been examined. The Commission has recommended two bills for management of schools for consideration by the Bihar Legislature. The first bill, Bihar Primary and Middle School Education Committee Bill, 2007 is meant for constituting school education committee in the primary and middle schools of Bihar and the second bill, Bihar Secondary Education Committee Bill, 2007 for constituting school education committee in the secondary schools of Bihar. The author has tried to reveal the loaded arguments of the Commission in favour of bureaucrats and against the legislators in respect of the management of Rajkiya and Rajkiyakrit schools. He has also tried to visualize the Commission’s theoretical position regarding the vital role of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in the school management and its position in the recommended bills where PRIs role appears to have been diluted.

In the next chapter, the author has examined the CSSC report on teachers. Enumerations for creating conditions for optimum performance of teachers of the CSS and norms relating to pay and allowances of teachers suggested by the CSSC were examined taking justification of the Commission regarding some of the practical conditions of the newly appointed teachers. The author says, “The Commission describing the norm said that the pay and allowance of teachers should match their qualification and professional responsibility. There is no denial that professional responsibility of a teacher is very high, perhaps highest. Describing the essential criteria for fixation of salary and allowances of school teachers the Commission says that pay and allowances of school teachers should be fixed at a level high enough to enable them to live a life of dignity. But the Commission in its discussion on concepts, rationale and content of CSS in chapter three of the report justified the appointment of large number of school teachers on a very low salary, even lower than a fourth grade employee. School teachers from primary to senior secondary get consolidated meager monthly salary of rupees 4000 to7000. It is ironical that this salary structure has been adjudged as reasonable salary by the Commission. It appears that the Commission which talks of the abdication of conscience of the society in general lost its own conscience and could not speak against the wrong decision of the Government that constituted it.”

In the chapter five, the author has examined the CSSC report on the teacher education in the Common School System and in the chapter six, the CSSC position on different types of schools in the CSS has been examined. The author has found some of the views put by the Commission need to be reconsidered as they are not in consonance with constitutional rights of the people.

In the chapter seven, the author has tried to look into the curriculum and pedagogy for the CSS. A brief summary of National Curriculum Framework (NCF) 2005 and draft Bihar Curriculum Framework (BCF) 2006 has been presented. A critical review of draft BCF has also been presented.

In the chapter nine, the author has tried to summarize and examine the financial implications of CSS suggested in the CSSC report.

In the last three chapters the author has suggested his own plans for the development of DIETs in Bihar, On-service training program of untrained serving teachers and development of Education Faculties in the universities of Bihar.

The book critically examines the report of the CSSC and raised many important issues which must be addressed before its implementation. The presentation of the CSSC’s theoretical positions, recommendations and their examination has been done so well that the book becomes very interesting and readable even for common readers. One can get holistic picture of the CSS. The author is bold enough in putting his views straight. This is the first and only book of its kind on the CSS, an issue of great public importance.


-----
The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've loved. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by author names, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the index handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Taking Tips for Success from Churchill

Churchill’s Secret Skills
Binden Shovel
ISBN: 9780955817816


Review by Lisa from Anglo Addict

All's Fair in Business and War

The book Churchill's Secret Skills by Binden Shovel has a unique point of view: it takes examples of Churchill's expertise in leading Britain through the horrors of World War II, and applies them to the modern business world. In addition to providing real-world examples of business situations, the book is also a wealth of information about how Churchill skillfully dealt with very difficult people and problems. The subtitle of the book, "Keeping the Nazis off the beaches required more than fine speeches" is a humorous indication of the way the book delves behind the public persona of Churchill and examines his more subtle skills.

The chapter titles of the book indicate some of the advice that can be gleaned from observing Churchill's actions: The Weapon of Courtesy and Consideration; Tell it Like it is, Nicely!; Success is Hidden in Details; Focus on the Payoff and Put on a Show are some of the 21 chapters in the book.

The author, Binden Shovel, spent a great deal of time reading and analyzing Churchill's writings. Some of Churchill's memos and letters are included to help to illustrate particular points. The author also has a great deal of experience in the business world, and has dealt with superiors and subordinates who provide ample material for both what to do and what NOT to do!

Anyone who enjoys World War II and history will get a kick out of reading this book, and people who work in the modern business world can also pick up lots of useful tips and examples for becoming more effective in the workplace.

Final Verdict for Churchill's Secret Skills: Four Gherkins out of Five, for being a modern business novel with interesting historical roots!

Purchase it on Amazon.

-----
The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've loved. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by author names, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the index handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Frank Finley reviews John Dewar's Hospital Soup...

Title: Hospital Soup by the River: Collected Letters
Author: John Dewar
Link to Book: http://www.lulu.com/content/paperback-book/hospital-soup-by-the-river/7106189Genre: Nonfiction

Reviewer: Frank Finley (with book jacket review), Sussex, England

Hospital Soup by the River brings together a collection of highly amusing letters written to friends, chronicling the journey from a cancer diagnosis to post bone marrow transplant. The letters reveal the author's yearnings to return to a world he hopes is only temporarily lost: the world of fishing his beloved River Cairn and the natural world itself. If you like to laugh, like to fish and wish to hear of a dreaded medical condition being scythed down to size, then you will be captivated by this bizarre and wonderful collection."

So says the book jacket review and it says it very well. This is a very special book, by an author who writes with highly individual and exceptional talent. John Dewar clearly knows intimately, and in this book expresses with great depth and in large measure, much concerning life's rich drama and insecurity. This book positively exudes love, joy, and pain but especially humour. There are lots of "can't put down" books and this is another. The difference is this one is truly extraordinary. Thank you Mr. Dewar for a roller-coaster read...you made me laugh out loud when I really shouldn't have!



-----
The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've loved. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by author names, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the index handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Rita Hestand Reviews Cargile Mystery

Title: The Cry of the Cuckoos
Author: John Wayne Cargile
Author's Website: http:// www.thecryofthecuckoos.com
Genre: Mystery
ISBN: 978-1-60693-526-2
Reviewer: Rita Hestand
From Amazon.com

Reviewed by Rita Hestand (author)


Sometimes finding the truth opens up a can of worms that can't be disposed of. Retired news reporter Donald Drummond, and his retired teacher wife, Anne, begin to unravel a family mystery that leads to death and intrigue. Trying to discover his father's killers, Donald is whisked into the confidence of the FBI and faced with insurmountable truths.

Donald is forced to deal with his father's underhanded business with the Society of Southern Patriots, and an unmasking of his own identity that he must come to grips with.

After sixty one years, Donald meets his real mother. And his mother is a suspect in his father's death. His father was poisoned. However, as Donald works closely with the authorities, he unravels one bad soap opera after another, how much can one man stand to know about his heritage? And can he live with the knowing?

John Wayne Cargile takes us on a journey that starts with much intrigue and ends with bold characterization of family life sometimes better left unsaid. Even when all is well, it isn't.

What an emotional jaunt Mr. Cargile leads us on, spilling forth with page turner characters and strong plotting that keeps one on the edge of his seat to finish this book. I enjoyed it no end.

Mr. Cargile has my undying admiration for writing a book that has no holes barred. Equal in emotion and plotting to a William Faulkner book, this one is a real keeper and one you won't forget for some time! Thanks for the enjoyable read.....


-----
The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've loved. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by author names, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the index handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Julianne Moore Pens the Perfect Book, Perfect Ending

Title: Freckleface Strawberry and Dodgeball Bully
Author: Julianne Moore
Illustrator: LeUyen Pham
ISBN 9781599903163
Publisher: Bloomsbury Children's Books

Reviewed by Carolyn Howard-Johnson

When I first heard about this book, my first thought was that freckle-faced kids need a book of their own because of the discrimination that goes around playgrounds. Race is not the whole issue. There is a panoply of physical traits kids can get teased for. Too white. Too fat. Too dark. Too skinny. When I was in high schoold, for heaven's sake, students call one of my friends Blue-Lips Burton.

My second thought was that the issue of bullies in school is finally getting the attention it deserves and this little children's book is perfectly timed.

And the third? It was that this book was probably based on a real-life event suffered by Julianne Moore as a child. Of course, she got the ultimate victory, exquisite, fragile and brilliant Julianne Moore of acting fame.

What I didn't expect was the ending! You will find it a surprise,too. It is perfect. Absolutely perfect.


Technorati Tags:
julianne moore, leuyen pham, bloomsbury chidren's books, bloomsbury usa, blog tour, carolyn howard-johnson, the new book review, bullying, freckles, freckle face, dodgeball, freckleface strawberry and the dodgeball bully,
Add to: | Technorati | Digg | del.icio.us | Yahoo | BlinkList | Spurl | reddit | Furl |

-----
The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've loved. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by author names, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the index handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Memoir in Poetry by Prominent Dancer and Author

Title: My Life As a Doll
Author: Elizabeth Kirschner
Genre: Memoir

Synopsis:

My Life as a Doll, is a survivor's tale, a memoir in verse about child abuse, madness and recovery. It is one long poem broken into four sections. The first, Cuckoo, focuses on childhood and the severe violence of a mother brought upon a daughter. The next one, An Itty Bitty Ditty, chronicles a disturbing adolescence and the following is about life in a psych ward as an adult mother and wife. The closing sequence, O Healing Go Deep, details bouts of madness and the profound desire to heal.



About the Author:

Elizabeth Kirschner has published three books of poetry, Twenty Colors, Postal Routes and Slow Risen Among the Smoke Trees all by Carnegie-Mellon University Press. In addition, she has a CD released by Albany Records with her own poetry set to Robert Schumann's Dichterliebe. Now titled The Dichterliebe in Four Seasons, it premiered in Vienna in the fall of 2005, followed by an American debut in Boston featuring soprano Jean Danton accompanied by pianist Thomas Stumpf. She collaborates with many composers and has taught at Boston College since 1990. Kirschner also studies ballet with Boston Ballet.


Author's Websites:

Elizabeth Kirschner’s website: http://www.elizabethkirschner.com


-----
The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've loved. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by author names, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the index handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Dog Lovers Alert: You Gotta Meet "Frankie The Walk 'N Roll Dog"

TITLE: Frankie The Walk 'N Roll Dog
AUTHOR: Barbara Gail Techel
AUTHOR'S WEBSITE: http://www.joyfulpaws.com
GENRE/CATEGORY: Nonfiction - Children's
ISBN #: 978-0-9800052-0-2
NAME OF REVIEWER: Dr. Alicia DiFabio
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED: Welcome to My Planet

Reviewed by Dr. Alicia DiFabio for WelcomeToMyPlanet4 blog
So Much More Than A Children's Book: One Small Dog Teaches One Big Lesson About Facing Disability

I read to my children every night. They usually get hooked on one particular book for months. Their newest obsession is a book that I enjoy reading just as much as they enjoy hearing it: Frankie The Walk 'N Roll Dog.

This true story is narrated by a heroine so lovable and relatable to children - a little "wiener dog" named Frankie. Her story is told in her own "voice" through her owner and book's author, Barbara Gail Techel. Frankie is a little dog who is loved dearly and enjoying a happy life until one day a spinal injury leaves her hind legs paralyzed. At this point, the story could become a tragedy; but it doesn't. It shines as a story of love, hope and over- coming challenges.

Frankie's spinal injury necessitates her learning how to use a special doggy wheelchair and her life moves forward just as full and rich as it ever was before. In fact, even richer, because now little Frankie and Barbara enjoy meeting, educating, spreading awareness, acceptance and encouragement to children and adults everywhere who are facing all types of difficult situations. Frankie and Barbara not only get through the challenges life gave them, but use their experience to reach out to the world and help others. The message is not one of "being dealt the cards you are given," but of the joy and empowerment that life gifts to you, even in the most challenging of times.

What I like about this book is that it captures children of all ages and can be used to convey positive messages about disabling conditions. The book's life lesson is so multifaceted that it can meet any child, at any age, where they are in their development. The story, for instance, can be summarized for younger children as they connect with the brightly colored pictures. For older children, you can read the length of the story verbatim, and it is even a perfect book for young readers to enjoy reading aloud on their own.

If you're interested in a visually appealing, inspirational, and educational book for your kids, nieces, nephews, religious group, daycare or school, I highly recommend the multi-award winning Frankie The Walk 'N Roll Dog as a great learning tool, conversation starter about disabilities, and just a plain, nice enjoyable read for anyone who loves animals.

To learn more about Frankie's amazing life and dedication to raising awareness in the community about disabilities, visit her blog, http://www.joyfulpaws.com.

Buy.

Reviewed by Alicia DiFabio,Welcome To My Planet and New Jersey Moms
http://welcometomyplanet4.blogspot.com


-----
The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've loved. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by author names, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the index handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Leslie Lehr Explores Life After Divorce

Wife Goes Onby Leslie Lehr
http://www.wife-goes-on.com
Fiction
ISBN: 0758222416
Publisher: Kensington

Wife Goes On is the story of four women who become friends unintentionally and help one another during their divorces. It is the story of true friendship. Leslie Lehr shows that there is life after divorce and you do get a second chance at starting over. Wife Goes On will make you laugh and cry. It is funny and sexy. It is a lighthearted look at a serious subject. I think anyone who has ever been a in relationship will walk away with something positive from of this book.

Reviewed by Debby Block



-----
The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've loved. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by author names, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the index handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Kathy Stemke Releases Book To Educate with Love

“MOVING THROUGH ALL SEVEN DAYS”
By Kathy Ann Stemke
Publisher: Action Alley Education


Action Alley Education is close to publishing, "Moving Through All Seven Days." This book inspires movement as children learn about the days of the week. The lyrical rhymes also teach them how to spell each day! The activities at the end of the book are designed to reinforce the concepts as well as give impetus to movement exploration.

Teachers, parents and kids will love this book for it's fun and colorful rhymes as well as the many great activity suggestions. Teachers will appreciate the resource pages that can be copied and used year after year. The book includes an 18 page action rhyme with colorful illustrations of the seven days of the week. There are 14 pages of activities that will help children learn how to spell the days of the week. Included in these pages are phonics practice activities and a coloring book of the seven days.

-----
The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've loved. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by author names, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the index handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Rita Schiano's New Fiction Based on Real Life

Painting The Invisible Man
by Rita Schiano
Http://www.paintingtheinvisibleman.com
Fiction
ISBN: 0979534704

Reviewed by: BookFinds.com


What is often talked about in fiction writing is that every novel has pieces of the author’s life hidden in the details. In Rita Schiano’s emotionally riveting novel, Painting the Invisible Man, there is no hiding the parallels between Rita’s life and that of her main character, Anna Matteo.

Schiano explores what happens when Anna begins to learn the truth about her father through his brutal dealth. Rita Schiano learned the truth about her own father through his brutal death. And yet it is with this honesty and quiet depiction of reality that Schiano creates memorable characters and beautiful prose. Schiano explores the emotional ties that bind us to our family and our history. She shows that it is our past that gives birth to our dreams and it is our future that gives us hope.

Rita Schiano’s Painting the Invisible Man explores truth through the veil of fiction and highlights these truths with honesty and emotional intensity. A beautiful poetic read!


-----
The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've loved. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by author names, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the index handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Well-Known Journaler Pens First YA Book

FourEver Friends
Young Adult
By Erica Miner
Available on Amazon


It’s autumn, 1960, and JFK's presidential campaign heralds revolutionary changes in the American social and cultural landscape. In a specialized inner city Detroit high school, four teenage girls have established the roots of lasting friendship. Their backgrounds are different, but their passion for classical music and angst over raging hormones link them irrevocably.

The girls’ school is a cultural melting pot of race and ethnicity in which students are judged by their intellect and talents, not the color of their skin or religious upbringing.

As the inseparable Jessica, Marg, Toma and Rachel negotiate the turbulent waters of adolescence and bond through their music performances throughout the city, forbidden loves and jealousies mar their closely-knit friendship. But they always remain loyal and true to each other.

In the end, poised for the leap into their post-high school lives, they question their ability to maintain their closeness in future years, when increased possibilities of separation by miles may threaten the sanctity of their group. Nonetheless, they swear lifelong loyalty as they set off on their new paths.


The author is Erica Miner, author of Travels With My Lovers
Fiction Prize Winner, Direct from the Author Book Awards
http://www.ericaminer.com. Contact her at:
Erica Miner
emwriter@earthlink.net


-----
The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've loved. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by author names, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the index handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Stan Berenbaum Lends Expertise to New Business Book

LEAD THE CATEGORY
by Stan Berenbaum
iUniverse.com
Paperback Format
May 2009
Business and Investing/Professional and Technical/Business How-To
ISBN 978-1-4401-3228-5

Reviewed by K.J. Johnson

Finally, a businessperson provides the secrets of franchising and business success in a book designed for busy executives, business owners, franchisers and franchisees, and that businessperson is a great leader in this category. Franchise attorney and executive Stan Berenbaum draws on his experience as president and CEO of American Leak Detection as well as his former high-level position with Little Caesar Enterprises, Inc.

Berenbaum offers 95 secrets of effective business and franchise success. Each chapter has a "takeaway" that sums up the lesson Berenbaum delivers. In addition, the author often draws from his own experience and concrete examples to illustrate his points.

While many of the chapters involve the nuts and bolts of franchising, Berenbaum reminds us that business challenges--and solutions--are similar no matter what your market.

A sampling of Berenbaum's ideas demonstrates why this book is valuable:

--Wait until you have a free day to accomplish those goals. "Instead, try living your life in 5 or 10 minute increments." Build your skills and do your work a little at a time.

--"Category leaders make it painless for franchisees and customers to do business with them."

This book, with its secrets of franchising and franchise-specific information, as well as definitions, is a must-read if you are a franchiser or thinking of buying a franchise.

However, you don't have to be involved in a franchise business relationship to benefit from this book. Berenbaum's approach challenges business owners' thinking and provides solutions for many difficulties that anyone doing business faces--especially in this economy (Berenbaum has a lesson or two to cover that, too). This book should be on every category leader's shelf. Now you, too, can lead the category!


-----
The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've loved. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by author names, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the index handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.