The New Book Review

Thursday, January 28, 2016

World of Ink Network Reviews Middle School Adventure

Title: The Search for the Stone of Excalibur

Series: Book Two in The Chronicles of the Stone

Author: Fiona Ingram

Author's Web site: http://www.fionaingram.com

Genre: Middle Grad Fantasy Adventure

ISBN 978 1622492183

Publisher: The Educational Publisher / Biblio Publishing

Reviewer's Rating: 4 Stars

Available at

http://www.amazon.com/Search-Stone-Excalibur-Book-Chronicles/dp/1622492188/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

Reviewed by Ashley Renee at World of Ink Network

The Story of Two Boys’ Journey and Their Quest to Solve an Ancient Mystery

Continuing the adventure that began in Egypt a few months prior in The Secret of the Sacred Scarab, cousins Adam and Justin Sinclair are hot on the trail of the second Stone of Power, one of seven ancient stones lost centuries ago. This stone might be embedded in the hilt of a newly discovered sword that archaeologists believe belonged to King Arthur: Excalibur.

Blurb from the book:

“The spectral figure drew his sword from its scabbard and held it aloft. It seemed to Adam that he saw every detail with strangely magnified clarity. It was the same sword from the museum, but it looked so different now. The metal gleamed with a peculiar bluish sheen. Curious characters embossed the length of the blade. At the top, just under the crossguard, was a small circle with a seven-pointed star inside it. Sparkling gems decorated the hilt and pommel, with two dragons’ heads facing inward on the crossguard. The stone between the dragons’ open mouths glowed brilliant red. Suddenly, a fiery, almost blinding light shot from the stone, dazzling him. The white horse reared on its hindquarters. The radiant beam lit up the forest as the warrior whirled the blade around his head several times.”

Review:

Just like the first book, the history is a fascinating element to the plot and I learned a lot about King Arthur and his legend. The author includes a well-organized, detailed guide with an array of information about the Dark Ages, King Arthur, and some of the symbolism of the time. "The Search for the Stone of Excalibur" is even better than the first book in the Chronicles of the Stone series. The story is fill with action and adventure, and I must say that I have always enjoyed reading anything having to do with the legend of Arthur or with Camelot itself. The author does just an amazing job and not only shares this legend but also adds in puzzles, ghostly presences and stalwart companions ready to face any and all perils that come their way.

Book extras include some historical background on King Arthur, the Dark Ages, warfare and weaponry during Arthur’s time, and details on Excalibur. A fascinating peek into the life and times of the real King Arthur, perfect for young time travelers and budding archaeologists.

Book Award Nominations & Wins:
2015 Children’s Literary Classics Award Seal of Approval and finalist
2015 Children’s Literary Classic Silver Medal (Pre-teen & Tween)
Book Links:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1622492188
B&N (Kindle) http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-search-for-the-stone-of-excalibur-fiona-ingram/1120452451?ean=2940046210439

About the Author

Fiona Ingram (B.A., Hons. (Natal), M.A., (Wits)) was born and educated in South Africa, and has worked as a full-time journalist and editor. Her interest in ancient history, mystery, and legends, and her enjoyment of travel has resulted in The Secret of the Sacred Scarab, the first in her exciting children’s adventure series—Chronicles of the Stone. Fiona is busy with Book 3 entitled The Temple of the Crystal Timekeeper.

About World of Ink Network

Virginia S. Grenier is founder and partner of World of Ink Network, http://worldofinknetwork.com, Office: 435-625-1743
She is also and author and director of the St. George Book Festival http://stgeorgebookfestival.org.
Learn molre Facebook ond follow her on Twitter .

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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 read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine 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.

Wednesday, January 27, 2016

Interview: Author Student of Gullah and Geechee Cultures

Hi! I am Carolyn Howard Johnson, your trusty New Book Review blogger and author of the multi award-winning HowTo Do It Frugally Series of books for writers. This blog has heretofore been exclusive for reviews but I thought I’d do a special series of interviews after I chatted with Jeanie Loiacono, President of Loiacono Literary Agency – Where ‘can’t’ is not in our vocabulary! I thought sharing the interviews would help the many subscribers and visitors to this New Book Review blog, including authors, reviewers, and, of course, readers who just might find a new favorite author among the featured books and authors.

So, today welcome Stephen Doster.

Stephen Doster was born in England and grew up on St. Simons Island, Georgia. He is a student of history and has extensively researched the Gullah and Geechee cultures of South Carolina and Georgia. He received a degree in Marketing from the University of Georgia and has recently received his Master of Liberal Arts and Science degree with a certificate in history. Doster has appeared at BookExpo, the Southern Festival of Books, the Amelia Island Book Festival, The Southern Kentucky Book Fest and has spoken at colleges, historical societies, and library associations in Georgia, Kentucky, and Tennessee. He has been interviewed on public radio and television in Mississippi, Tennessee, Florida, and Georgia. Currently, he is an assistant editor for a peer-review journal at Vanderbilt University. His other works include: Voices from St. Simons, Lord Baltimore, Georgia Witness, Jesus Tree, Shadow Child, Rose Bush and Her Finest Hour.

1 What is your genre? Is it fiction or nonfiction? All of the above. I’ve written several novels, a couple of oral histories, a book of short stories, and a WWII memoir. I try to write something new and different each time. Probably not the best approach to building an audience, but I sleep well at night.

2 What made you want to be a writer? Living in the South, and especially on the Georgia Coast surrounded by Gullah/Geechee communities. I grew up listening to gifted storytellers. However, I’m not a great raconteur in the oral tradition, so I gravitated to telling stories via the printed word.

3 Of all the authors out there, who inspired you most? Cervantes. He knocked down a lot of walls for future writers. Don Quixote remains a thoroughly modern novel after 400 years.

4 What is your writing style? Do you outline? Linearly? By scene? Why? I start with the seed of an idea and go from there without outlining, at least not on paper. It’s like taking a journey and constantly asking, “What happens next?” and then answering that question. When the journey’s done, the book is finished. When I need to work out a plot idea, I take a long walk. Something about being in motion gets the creative juices flowing.

5 Do you write every day? How much? How long? I have adopted the Ringo Starr approach to writing. He doesn’t practice on the drums. He just lays down a rhythm when it’s time to play. I write a lot in the course of my regular (full time) job. So, when it’s time to write a book on my time, I’m primed.

6 Do you think reading is as important to writing for an author? Why? Most of my inspiration and ideas come from reading (especially historical books). I think this is true for most writers. Otherwise, it’s like asking a musician to create a song without having heard other musical works or asking a painter to create something without having seen other paintings. Without reading, you’re recreating the wheel, and probably not doing a good job of it, regardless of the genre you’re in. Another benefit is that reading provides the research required to be historically accurate or to inspire new ideas for a work in progress. Nothing dislodges a reader from the story—or embarrasses a writer—like inaccuracies, historical or otherwise.

7 What are some of the things you would like to share with budding authors? Write what interests you and trust that it will resonate with others (to paraphrase Emerson). If you have a family to support, write whatever pays the bills. You might have to do the latter to support the former.

8 Do you have any marketing and promotional advice, referrals, tips you would like to share? If you can afford it, hire a good PR person. With the right machine behind you, you can sell a lot more books.

9 Do you think conferences are beneficial? If so, what have you learned? Which ones do you frequent? Leave each conference having learned at least one thing or having made at least one connection that will benefit your writing career. It might be an inspired talk or simply meeting another writer who is now a new friend for life.

10 Where can we find you, your books and when is your next event? You can find me at www.sdoster.com Goodreads Amazon Author Central All books can be found on all the online sites: Amazon Fish Pond BAM B&N IndieBound Shelfari Powell’s Books Wheeler’s Books IDreamBooks COPIA Book Depository and more.

Represented by Loiacono Literary Agency, Jeanie Loiacono http://www.loiaconoliteraryagency.com/authors/stephen-doster/

MORE ABOUT THE SPONSORING AGENT

Jeanie Loiacono, President, Loiacono Literary Agency

A facilitator of dreams, Jeanie Loiacono represents over eighty authors. Her forte is mystery, romance, thrillers, historical/military/southern fiction, and all quality fiction/nonfiction. Her passion is to see her authors succeed.
“There is nothing more rewarding than to hold one of my author’s books and know I helped bring it to fruition. I am so blessed and privileged to be able to work with some of the most talented writers in the world.” Jeanie.L@llallc.net www.loiaconoliteraryagency.com

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE MORE INTERVIEWS--TO FIND GREAT READING OR TO NETWORK WITH AUTHORS--PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG. YOU ARE A WELCOME ADDITION TO THIS FAMILY WHO LOVES BOOKS! YOU'LL FIND A WINDOW TO DO THIS AT THE TOP OF THIS BLOG PAGE.

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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 read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine 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.

Sunday, January 24, 2016

Interview: Journalist Writes Comics! and Science Fiction

So, today welcome Richard Paolinelli.

Paolinelli is the author of the sci-fi novel Maelstrom (Smashwords) and two short stories: sci-fi short The Invited (Smashwords) and the mystery/thriller short Legacy of Death (Smashwords). He served as the story writer for the first two issues of the Elite Comics series, Seadragon: Seadragon #1 (Elite Comics, 1986) Seadragon #2 (Elite Comics, 1986). He is also an award-winning writer for newspapers in California and New Mexico and has written for many magazines and websites across the country. He is now working on the outlined sequels: Betrayals, Shades, and Endgames.

What is your genre? Is it fiction or nonfiction? I write mystery-thrillers as well as science fiction and sports non-fiction.

What made you want to be a writer? When I was in grade school I was always coming up with “stories” that I would write down and I haven’t ever stopped.

Of all the authors out there, who inspired you most? At first it was Edgar Allan Poe and H.G. Wells. But more recently, I would have to say Jack McDevitt.

What is your writing style? Do you outline? Linearly? By scene? Why? I like to create three dimensional characters that the readers can fully connect with, put them into a situation that really puts them to the test and hopefully take the reader on a great ride from the first page until the last. I outline because I like have each step of the story fully laid out before I begin. The one quirk I have is that I write the opening chapter first and then I write the last chapter before going back to end of the first chapter and finishing the story from there.

Do you write every day? How much? How long? I try to write every day (when life manages to stay out of the way long enough of course) and for as long as I can. (Anywhere from an hour up to a 14-hour marathon I put in during From The Fields).

Do you think reading is as important to writing for an author? Why? I do. You can learn a lot about crafting a story by reading other stories, especially those in the genre you are writing in.

What are some of the things you would like to share with budding authors? Keep writing, no matter what. It took me 15 years from the time I sat down and decided to write my first sci-fi novel until the time I had finished it and it was published. My mystery-thriller, Reservations, which was just released is the prequel to a movie script I wrote in 1998. The lesson is: Never give up on your writing, no matter how gloomy things may appear to you at the present.

Do you have any marketing and promotional advice, referrals, tips you would like to share? Be relentless and shameless. Never pass up an opportunity to post a link to your book on social media no matter how much of a stretch it may seem to be. I once posted a flyer about one of my books in a sandwich shop.

Do you think conferences are beneficial? If so, what have you learned? Which ones do you frequent? I do. You get a chance to meet potential readers face to face. Sometimes you will sell a few books. Sometimes you won’t sell a thing, but someone you met at the event will buy a copy online and hopefully tell their friends how good your book was and how cool it was that they met you.

Where can we find you, your books and when is your next event? My website is: www.richardpaolinelli.com and all of my books are on the main page. Click on the covers and the link will take you to each book’s page on Amazon.com. I have a radio appearance on Dec. 13^th but my next in-person event is the Tucson Festival of Books at the University of Arizona on March 12th & 13^th. www.richardpaolinelli.com Paolinelli Events www.facebook.com/RichardPaolinelli1964 Represented by Loiacono Literary Agency, Jeanie Loiacono http://www.loiaconoliteraryagency.com/authors/richard-paolinelli/

MORE ABOUT THE SPONSORING AGENT

Jeanie Loiacono, President, Loiacono Literary Agency

A facilitator of dreams, Jeanie Loiacono represents over eighty authors. Her forte is mystery, romance, thrillers, historical/military/southern fiction, and all quality fiction/nonfiction. Her passion is to see her authors succeed.

“There is nothing more rewarding than to hold one of my author’s books and know I helped bring it to fruition. I am so blessed and privileged to be able to work with some of the most talented writers in the world.” Jeanie.L@llallc.net www.loiaconoliteraryagency.com

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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 read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine 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.

Thursday, January 21, 2016

Army Wife Pens Fiction in Several Genres

So, today welcome Jodie Cain Smith.

As a teen in Mobile, Alabama, Jodie Cain Smith listened as her grandmother told her the gripping story of an adolescence spent in 1930’s rural Alabama, the rumors surrounding her parents, and the murder trial that would alter her life. The tale took root in Jodie’s memory until at last it became The Woods at Barlow Bend (Published by Deer Hawk Publications).

While attending the University of South Alabama, where Jodie earned a BFA in Theatre Arts, she met her husband Jay. They began their life on the Army road in 2001 and have not stopped moving since. As an Army Wife, she has lived in six different states spanning from the extreme heat of Texas to the blizzards of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, where she earned a MAE in School Counseling at Northern Michigan University, to most recently landing in South Carolina.

Jodie Cain Smith’s feature articles and columns have appeared in Chicken Soup for the Military Spouse’s Soul, The Petigru Review, The Savannah Morning News, and the Fort Hood Sentinel.

What is your genre? Is it fiction or nonfiction? My novel, The Woods at Barlow Bend, is fiction and classified under mystery, coming of age, and historical fiction. It is closely based on a true story set in the Great Depression. My second novel, Jubilee Bells, to be released by January 2017, is commercial fiction.

What made you want to be a writer? My life as a storyteller began in 8^th Grade. I loved the free form of storytelling as an oral art. I began seeking out storytelling and speech competitions and then studied acting in high school and college. As an adult, I found writing to be the creative outlet I needed as an Army Wife, facing new challenges, loneliness, and fear. Writing my own stories became my best coping skill. Finally in 2011, after a decade of starting over in each new town we moved to, and starting and stopping too many careers to count, I decided to give fiction writing my full attention. Being a writer allows me more control over this transient, military life, and returning to my storyteller roots feels like the most comfortable, old, ratty sweatshirt I own. It’s not pretty, but it’s mine.

Of all the authors out there, who inspired you most? Joshilyn Jackson inspires me constantly. She thanked her writing group in Atlanta in the acknowledgements of A Grown-up Kind of Pretty, which told me even an A-list author needs a trusted inner circle to hone her craft.

What is your writing style? Do you outline? Linearly? By scene? Why? I always start with writing an opening, that first moment in which I hear the narrator’s or protagonist’s voice. Then I stop and create a loose outline. I map out scenes and consider Uta Hagen’s Nine Questions (created for actors) for my protagonist and supporting characters in order to get to know them so I can allow their goals to drive the story. Then, I typically travel down rabbit holes and along long tangents before finally figuring out what I want the story to be. Then, I start over. It is a long, maddening process.

Do you write every day? How much? How long? This one I stole from Steven King. I try to write at least three new pages a day Monday through Friday. I rarely write on weekends, unless I am on deadline. Lately, my nine-month-old dictates how much writing I do, so I try to be flexible in order not to drive us both crazy.

Do you think reading is as important to writing for an author? Why? Yes. I wish I had time to read more because the more I learn about the craft of writing, the more investigative reader I become. I love discovering other writers’ tactics, devices, and styles. And I don’t think I will ever fully understand this craft, so I have to keep learning.

What are some of the things you would like to share with budding authors? Seek out industry experts. Don’t let your ego kill your story. If you think a passage is the wittiest words ever strung together in a sentence, it probably needs to be cut. And after all that, trust your instincts. Your story is your story.

Do you have any marketing and promotional advice, referrals, tips you would like to share? Unless you’re a Kardashian, solo signing events are not worth your time. I have found that as a new author, my best sales come from group events such as New Author Night at chain bookstores or library local author events. I know. Telling someone that you will have higher sales at a chain store rather than an indie is blasphemy, but as a new author I have learned that I need to seek out venues with a guaranteed stream of traffic. Once I get them at the table, my pitch usually does the job, but I struggle getting traffic through the door.

Do you think conferences are beneficial? If so, what have you learned? Which ones do you frequent? Yes, I do. I have gained valuable information and have met many writers whom I now include in my inner circle of writing buddies. At the Columbia Book Festival in 2012, I met an editor from Kirkus. He offered specific advice on getting published, not the generalities so prevalent in the blogosphere. I followed his advice to the letter and eight months later, I had a contract in my hands! At the 2013 South Carolina Writers’ Workshop Conference, I soaked up every tasty morsel of the “Editor’s Pet Peeves” session, and, in 2014, I came home with the tools to revamp my website. Conferences, in my opinion are always worth the time and money, if for no other reason than to be around like-minded individuals in a professional and entertaining environment. Two days to leave my solitary writing cave and nerd-out with 200 other writers over the craft of writing? Sign me up, please!

Where can we find you, your books and when is your next event? My books are available online at: Amazon BAM B&N BookWorld COPIA FishPond Powell's Books Shelfari The Book Depository Wheeler's Books Goodreads Angus & Robertson iDreamBooks LitLovers

The Woods at Barlow Bend Reviews The Woods at Barlow Bend book trailer

Local author writes of death and loss, based on a true family story By Julia Rogers Hook

USA alumna hosts release party for first novel

www.jodiecainsmith.com Jodie Cain Smith Events

To learn more about Jodie Cain Smith and her thoughts on ruling, renovating, and escaping her corner of the world visit her blog The Queendom at http://thequeendom.org After what I hope will be our last long-distance move in January, I will update you with future event details.

Represented by Loiacono Literary Agency, Jeanie Loiacono http://www.loiaconoliteraryagency.com/authors/jodie-cain-smith/

MORE ABOUT THE SPONSORING AGENT

Jeanie Loiacono, President, Loiacono Literary Agency

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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 read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine 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.

Monday, January 18, 2016

Horror Writer Admits She Likes Her "Inner Demons" to Squeal with Delight

So, today welcome Rebecca Besser.

Rebecca Besser resides in Ohio with her wonderful husband and amazing son. They’ve come to accept her quirks as normal while she writes anything and everything that makes her inner demons squeal with delight. She’s best known for her work in adult horror, but has published fiction, nonfiction, and poetry for a variety of age groups and genres. She’s entirely too cute to be scary in person, so she turns to the page to instill fear into the hearts of the masses. She is

What is your genre? Is it fiction or nonfiction? Horror, mostly. I have written for a variety of genres and age groups. Mostly fiction, although I do write nonfiction from time to time.
What made you want to be a writer? I’ve always had a natural way with words and an overactive imagination. Writing was always a good fit for me!
Of all the authors out there, who inspired you most? Wow! That’s a hard one. My favorite authors are Jean M. Auel and Linda Rios Brook…but I’ve had some fellow authors who write horror inspire and encourage me quite a bit. Just to mention a few: David Moody, Joe McKinney, and Gregory Norris.
What is your writing style? Do you outline? Linearly? By scene? Why? My writing style is easy-to-read flow, I guess. I strive to write relatable characters that use natural dialogue, while at the same time, help the reader not to be taken out of the story by awkward wording. I outline long projects (novellas or novels) by chapter, but usually as a loose outline so I know where I’m going and what I want to happen.
Do you write every day? How much? How long? I wish! I’m a busy woman (wife, mother, and self-employed). I take writing time when I can get it. I tend to write more, and am happier with my progress, when I have big chunks of time to write.
Do you think reading is as important to writing for an author? Why? Yes! Reading is a great way to study other styles of writing. Reading can also inspire new stories ideas. Also, if you don’t have the urge to write for whatever reason, reading will usually bring you out of that funk.
What are some of the things you would like to share with budding authors? Writing is rough. It’s going to take time, energy, and a lot of emotional highs and lows, but don’t give up. Also…learn as much about spelling and punctuation as you can! Well-written and edited works have a higher chance of publication.
Do you have any marketing and promotional advice, referrals, tips you would like to share? Make friends with other writers in your genre and coordinate blog tours and signings together. You will then be cross-exposed to each other’s fans and you’ll have moral support for the hard times.
Do you think conferences are beneficial? If so, what have you learned? Which ones do you frequent? I have yet to actually attend a conference, but hope to this coming year. But I have coordinated events online with other authors in my area and we’ve had signings together as well.
Where can we find you, your books and when is your next event? I’m on Facebook under Author/Editor Rebecca Besser, on Twitter @BeccaBesser, and you can visit my blog or website www.rebeccabesser.wordpress.com www.rebeccabesser.com Amazon Author Page Besser Events My books are available from Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

As far as events…I was just on the #WinterofZombie tour with over forty authors (Nov. 2015). Represented by Loiacono Literary Agency, Melissa Carrigee http://www.loiaconoliteraryagency.com/authors/rebecca-besser/

MORE ABOUT THE SPONSORING AGENTS

Represented by Loiacono Literary Agency, Melissa Carrigee Melissa.C@llallc.net Agent, Marketing and Publicity – Melissa Carrigee

Facebook Melissa Carrigee Covers Melissa Carrigee Book Trailers

Carrigee Graphic Art Contract Template

Reading and writing is a way of life for Melissa Carrigee. As a literary agent and award winning graphic artist, she combines her two passions of business and writing. She has published works in newspapers and magazines as well as a published novel. Featured Columnist for The Family Forum, Parents and Kids Magazine – Mississippi Gulf Coast.

I want a horror book to read all night long while I check behind the doors for the boogey man. I’m looking for a thriller that keeps me reading and guessing (and just when I think I’ve figured it out, I’m wrong). I’m looking for children’s books that engage the parent and the child. I’m looking for young adult novels – but NOT Twilight and not wizards. That’s been done. I’m looking for any story with a great plot. Something I can sit and read in a few days with characters that make me think about them long after I’ve finished the book.

Genres: horror, science fiction, historical fiction, commercial fiction, mysteries, thrillers, dramas, historical romance, children’s (picture and mid-grade)—any book that has a great story with unforgettable characters.

Jeanie Loiacono, President, Loiacono Literary Agency - A facilitator of dreams, Jeanie Loiacono represents over eighty authors. Her forte is mystery, romance, thrillers, historical/military/southern fiction, and all quality fiction/nonfiction. Her passion is to see her authors succeed.

“There is nothing more rewarding than to hold one of my author’s books and know I helped bring it to fruition. I am so blessed and privileged to be able to work with some of the most talented writers in the world.” Jeanie.L@llallc.net www.loiaconoliteraryagency.com

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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 read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine 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.

Friday, January 15, 2016

Title: Imperfect Echoes

Subtitle: Writing Truth and Justice with Capital Letters, lie and oppression with Smal
Author: Carolyn Howard-Johnson
HowToDoItFrugally Publishing

Artwork by Richard Conway Jackson
www.howtodoitfrugally.com
TheFrugalEditor.blogspot.com
9781515232490, $9.95, 148pp,

Buy at Amazon, http://bit.ly/ImperfectEchoes

Reviewed by Jim Cox, editor-in-chief of Midwest Book Review for the poetry shelf of his Small Press Bookwatch

Synopsis: "Imperfect Echoes: l" is a work that was inspired by Nobel Prize winner Czeslaw Milosz's poem "Incantation" that lauds the power of human reason over the reoccurring and seemingly insane political realities. In "Imperfect Echoes", author Carolyn Howard-Johnson holds out hope but is not persuaded by trends that seem worse now than they were in Milosz's time. A student of Suzanne Lummis, UCLA poetry instructor and the Fresno School of Poetry fronted by US poet laureate Philip Levine, Carolyn touches on the isms of the world--racism, ageism, even what might be termed "wallism" but was once referred to as xenophobia. In her poem "Crying Walls," she sounds a low warning reminiscent of Robert Frost: "Chains linked. Wire barbed,/ Krylon smeared. Feeble,/ useless, unholy billboards,/ anything but mending walls."

Critique: Carolyn Howard-Johnson is articulate, gifted, insightful, iconoclastic, and a truly impressive literary talent. "Imperfect Echoes: Writing Truth and Justice with Capital Letters, lie and oppression with Small" is an inherently fascinating, thoughtful, and thought-provoking read that is very highly recommended for community and academic library Contemporary Poetry collections. For personal reading lists it should be noted that "Imperfect Echoes" is also available in a Kindle edition ($2.99).

MORE ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Learn more about the author at http://howtodoitfrugally.com.

She blogs at http://TheFrugalEditor.blogspot.com and http://SharingwithWriters.blogspot.com.

Network with her at

Facebook: http://Facebook.com/carolynhowardjohnson
Twitter: http://Twitter.com/FrugalBookPromo
Pinterest: http://Pinterest.com/chowardjohnson

LinkedIn: http://LinkedIn.com/carolynhowardjohnson

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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 read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine 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.

Interview: Wordworth Inspires True Crime Writer

So, today welcome Linda Case.

Linda L. Case is the former President/Owner of Case Accounting and Tax Service. She was featured in “A Salute to Women in Business” published by The Columbus Dispatch newspaper. Linda is a graduate of Ohio State University and life member of the Ohio State Alumni Association. While attending Ohio State, Linda was featured in the school newspaper, promoting the benefits of education. She is a member of the Atlanta Writers Club and continues to promote her new career as a writer by participating in creative writing programs. She is a past treasurer of the Public Accountants Society of Ohio, a past member of the International Toastmistress Club and has experience presenting seminars and workshops. Linda was born in Point Pleasant, West Virginia.

What is your genre? Is it fiction or nonfiction? True Crime - Nonfiction

2. What made you want to be a writer? I put my grief into words by writing about it. I am hopeful my true story will inspire and encourage others to do the same.

3. Of all the authors out there, who inspired you most? William Wordsworth

4. What is your writing style? Do you outline? Linearly? By scene? Why? Therapeutic? Therapeutical? While serving my sentence of house arrest and probation, I was seeing a professional counselor, compliments of the Federal Government. Encouraged by my counselor to do so, once a week for almost two years, I took my written words to my counseling sessions. I cried the entire hour but felt a huge sense of relief following each visit. By the end of my story, the counselor was crying, too.

5. Do you write every day? How much? How long? Since my book was just published October 31, 2015, I am not currently writing. I am actively promoting my book.

6. Do you think reading is as important to writing for an author? Why? Absolutely. Like peanut butter goes with jelly. Avid readers know what makes a good story really great.

7. What are some of the things you would like to share with budding authors? Never give up!! "A published author is an unpublished author who never gave up." (I don't know who said that first)

8. Do you have any marketing and promotional advice, referrals, tips you would like to share? Reach out...contact every person you've ever known...talk about your writing...socialize...take classes...join writers groups.

9. Do you think conferences are beneficial? If so, what have you learned? Which ones do you frequent? Conferences are great resources for workshops and for community with other writers, agents and publishers. I am a member of the Atlanta Writers Club and attend their conferences twice yearly. I also attended the first publishers conference in Georgia, Publish15, last June, where I was referred to LLA. In less than two months, my fabulous agent, Johnnie Bernhard, had a publisher for my story.

10. Where can we find you, your books and when is your next event? You can find me:

Website: www.TheFugitivesSister.com For Signed copies: linda.loophole@gmail.com

Amazon Half Priced Books Market Place Hudson Book Sellers B&N BAM IndieBound Shelfari

The Book Depository Waterstones GoodReads Facebook

Represented by Loiacono Literary Agency, Johnnie Bernhard

MORE ABOUT THE SPONSORING AGENTS

Agent and Training Officer – Johnnie Bernhard

A former English teacher and journalist, Johnnie Bernhard life’s work has been writing and reading. A published writer, her work has appeared in newspapers and magazines, both nationally and internationally. Johnnie believes that good writing has the ability to transform and transport the reader.

Her novel, A Good Girl, a second finalist in the 2015 William Faulkner-William Wisdom Creative Writing Competition, is available for acquisition.

Bernhard Events Featured Writer for Gulf Coast Writer’s Association

Genres: Literary Fiction, Women’s Literature, Faith-Based Literature, Southern Literature, Historic Fiction, Memoir, and Nonfiction.

Jeanie Loiacono, President, Loiacono Literary Agency

A facilitator of dreams, Jeanie Loiacono represents over eighty authors. Her forte is mystery, romance, thrillers, historical/military/southern fiction, and all quality fiction/nonfiction. Her passion is to see her authors succeed.

“There is nothing more rewarding than to hold one of my author’s books and know I helped bring it to fruition. I am so blessed and privileged to be able to work with some of the most talented writers in the world.” Jeanie.L@llallc.net www.loiaconoliteraryagency.com

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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 read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine 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.

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Interview: Wordworth Inspires True Crime Writer

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