The New Book Review

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Tuesday, January 5, 2016

Interview: Multi Award-Winning Buzz Bernard

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 H. W. “BUZZ” BERNARD.

Bernard is writing from vast experience. He has a B. S. in Atmospheric Science, University of Washington, was a Weather Officer in the United States Air Force Reserve 1963-1996 (two tours in Vietnam 1965-1966), Meritorious Service Medal 1993, flew with Hurricane Hunters 1995, received the Legion of Merit 1996, and worked as a meteorologist and defense contractor 1968-1996. Bernard’s other published works include: Weather Watch (1979, Walker and Company), The Greenhouse Effect (1980, Ballinger Publishing Company/Harper Colophon Books), The Travelers Almanac–North America (1987, The Riverdale Company), The Travelers Almanac II–Europe (1991, The Riverdale Company) and Global Warming Unchecked (1993, Indiana University Press). He has written four thrillers for BelleBooks: EYEWALL, PLAGUE, SUPERCELL and BLIZZARD, and has another in the works, CASCADIA.

He has also won numerous awards for both nonfiction and fiction from the Southeastern Writers Association (SWA) and the Atlanta Writers Club (AWC).

In 2005, a short story, “Oregon Grinder,” was granted an honorable mention in the Lorian Hemingway Competition.

What is your genre? Fiction.

What made you want to be a writer? I’ve always enjoyed writing; always knew I had a talent for it, although I did have to spend a lot of time learning the craft of writing fiction.

Of all the authors out there, who inspired you most? James Lee Burke, whom I think is the best fiction writer in the business. There’s another author by the name of Brian Jay Corrigan (The Poet of Loch Ness) who’s a professor and writing instructor, and who not only personally urged me to keep writing, but also taught me more about the craft of creating fiction than any one person I’ve ever met.

What is your writing style? Do you outline? Linearly, By scene? Why? I have a rather

cinematic view in mind as I write. I try to embed my readers in a setting, creating characters in

conflict…with each other or with themselves. I like drama and tension, and try to end each

chapter with a hook, Wow, what’s going to happen next?

I outline, but only broadly, perhaps a couple of pages-worth of notes. I create, if you will, a

roadmap or strategic plan, knowing I want to get from Point A to Point B to Point C, etc. Only I

don’t know how I’m going to do it. That doesn’t occur until I sit down to write. The outline, by

the way, is a “living” document; I make changes to it as I proceed through the manuscript.

I tried to write a novel once without an outline. I got totally lost, gave up on the manuscript after

about 100 pages, and never again tried writing without an outline.

Do you write every day? How much? How long? I write when I can. I’d like to do about six hours a day (any more than that, and my efficiency nose-dives), but often can’t.

Do you think reading is important to writing for an author? Why? I love to read; always have. I don’t have as much time to do it now that I’m an author, but I still think it’s important to see how the really top-flight writers go about their business. As a writer, I’m constantly learning, and reading is one of the mechanisms to do that.

What are some of the things you would like to share with budding authors? Writing, for most up-and-coming authors, is hard work. Not impossible, just hard. You’ve got to keep at it. Day after day. Butt in chair, fingers on keyboard. Also, I would suggest you participate in a critique group, or have writing partner. Attend seminars, classes, and conferences. There is no magic formula or secret to success, you’ve just got to keep learning and pounding out the words.

Do you have any marketing and promotional advice, referrals, tips you would like to share? For non-big-name authors, like myself, promotions on Amazon (the 800-pound gorilla in the retail business) are what seem to jump start my book sales.

Do you think conferences are beneficial? If so, what have you learned? Which ones do you frequent? Conferences are extremely beneficial, not only for the instruction available, but for the networking opportunities. The contacts I’ve made at conferences were key and critical in my success as a novelist. I attend the Southeastern Writers Association Workshop every year. The people I met there were instrumental in getting me published. I feel so strongly about that that I joined the Board of Directors and am currently the association’s vice president. Here’s my pitch for the conference: it’s a relatively intimate (limited to about seventy-five attendees), boutiquey workshop held in a subtropical paradise called St. Simons Island on the Georgia coast every June. You really ought to check it out.

Where can we find you, your books, and when is your next event? My books are available through all the standard commercial outlets. My next big event will be Murder in the Magic City (Birmingham, February 6th) Murder on the Menu (Wetumpka, February 7th) in Alabama. The contract for my fifth novel, Cascadia, is pending. www.buzzbernard.com Represented by Loiacono Literary Agency, Jeanie Loiacono http://www.loiaconoliteraryagency.com/authors/buzz-bernard/ Bernard Schedule of Events Facebook Vice President, Southeastern Writers Association member, International Thriller Writers member, Atlanta Writers Club member, Willamette Writers

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.

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Interview: Vet Pens Historical Fiction

So, today welcome Thomas E. Simmons.

Simmons grew up in Gulfport, Mississippi, attended Marion Military Institute, the U. S. Naval Academy, the University of Southern Mississippi and the University of Alabama. Tom was once the commercial captain of a seventy foot sailing vessel, has been a pilot since the age of sixteen, (3000 plus hours in the air), has flown professionally and participated in air shows flying aerobatics in open-cockpit bi-planes. In the late 1950s he served as an artillery officer in Korea. He is the author of three nonfictions: The Man Called Brown Condor (Skyhorse, 2013), Forgotten Heroes of World War II: Personal Accounts of Ordinary Soldiers Land, Sea and Air (Taylor Trade, 2014), Escape from Archangel (University of Mississippi Press); and two historical fictions: By Accident of Birth (TouchPoint Press, 2015) and The Last Quinn Standing (TouchPoint Press, 2016). He has also written numerous magazine articles, an example of which, “Growing Up With Mr. Faulkner,” was published in The Oxford American, a literary magazine founded by John Grisham.

What is your genre? Is it fiction or nonfiction? Both historical fiction and nonfiction.
What made you want to be a writer? My love of books, and the fact, as with most writers, I write because I am driven to.
Of all the authors out there, who inspired you most? Too many to list.
What is your writing style? Do you outline? Linearly? By scene? Linearly. Why? It is the way my brain works. Nonfiction should flow as the history of your subject to make it easier for the reader to follow and understand. I write fiction linearly for it wouldn’t be fun if I knew how my story will end. I want it to be as big a surprise to me as for the reader.
Do you write every day? How much? How long? When working on a project I write a little almost daily. If my muse is flowing, I may write late into the night when all is quiet and there are no interruptions.
Do you think reading is as important to writing for an author? Absolutely. Why? It presents a study of sentence structure, new ways of looking at specific words, different story or fact presentation, implants the desire to do better; all, of course, if you read quality work.
What are some of the things you would like to share with budding authors? Perseverance, dedication, courage, research, research, research until you know your subject, character, setting, facts…never get caught stating facts or details that are wrong; revise, revise, revise; develop a thick hide to handle criticism, rejection slips, and disappointment, and work hard to get an agent (mine is Loiacono Literary Agency, Jeanie Loiacono www.loiaconoliteraryagency.com ) in the field of which you are writing. If you can’t get an agent, rework the piece and try again. Remember, John Gresham (with his book The Firm ) was turned down by some thirty-nine or more agents.
Do you have any marketing and promotional advice, referrals, tips you would like to share? Work with your publisher, work with independent book stores in your area, use any contacts you have with radio stations, TV stations, newspapers in your local/regional area, volunteer to make talks and book signings, use social media. Friends will spread the word, and last but not least, read Carolyn Howard Johnson’s book The Frugal Book Promoter.
Do you think conferences are beneficial? If so, what have you learned? Which ones do you frequent? Yes, they are beneficial. Only been to one and that is where I met my agent. There is much you can learn at conferences about writing, publishing, and marketing.

Where can we find you, your books and when is your next event? You can find me at my web site www.thomasesimmons.net; at my E-mail tesim@bellsouth.net. I have a new novel, By Accident of Birth, which has just been released, with launch at Barnes and Nobel 15246 Crossroads Parkway, Gulfport, MS 39503, and a second printing of The Man Called Brown Condor (which won the Gold Medal for Biography from the Military Writers Society of America) this time in soft cover due out in January 2016; its launch at Barnes and Nobel 15246 Crossroads Parkway, Gulfport, MS 39503.

Three books of mine are currently in print and can be obtained at any book store, Barnes and Nobel, Amazon, Kindle, and one as an audio book. Nonfiction: Escape from Archangel; Forgotten Heroes of World War II: Personal Accounts of Ordinary Soldiers Land, Sea and Air and The Man Called Brown Condor, hard cover and soon in soft cover. Fiction: By Accident of Birth just released. www.thomasesimmons.net Amazon Author Central

Facebook LinkedIn Tom Simmons interview about the Lighthouse

Represented by Loiacono Literary Agency, Jeanie Loiacono http://www.loiaconoliteraryagency.com/authors/thomas-e-simmons

MORE ABOUT THE SPONSORING AGENT

Jeanie Loiacono, President, Loiacono Literary Agency

Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Interview: Author Tells How To Get Away From It All

So, today welcome Jocko Lee.

Jocko Lee has one published novel, Tar Kyler: Time Traveling Mercenary (Rogue Phoenix Press, 2015), and two scheduled for release: Buffalo Island (Deer Hawk Publications, 2016) and Glass Wind Chimes (Deer Hawk Publications, 2017) In the last two mentioned, he has done a remarkable job in detailing the complexities regarding the establishing of your own island, and subsequent country, so convincingly that it stirs a great longing to live in the Paradise Islands and cast this harried existence aside. Having spent over fifty years in several professions including being a fisherman, boat owner and working in the shipping industry, his writing is authentic and most believable. His latest under consideration, The Travels of Jacob Spach, is a fictional account based on the travels of his grandfather around the early 1900’s.

What is your genre? Is it fiction or nonfiction? I don’t have a specific genre. I have written science fiction, fantasy and some romance. All my work is fiction.

What made you want to be a writer? I was kinda tricked into it. I was in a depression and I got there by thinking about my problems too much. So I decided to think happy thoughts and wrote them down. My Mom read them and said that I had a start to a good book, and to finish it. So I did. My Mom is the one who wanted to be a writer. I must have got the bug from her.

Of all the authors out there, who inspired you most? I like Louis L’amour, Tom Clancy and Zane Grey, all for different reasons. L’amour can make you feel that you are there while Zane Grey can give you the sounds. Clancy makes you think about what you are doing. Jean M. Auel can educate you in the medicinal value of plants if you read her Earth’s Children series. Many writers, even though they are writing fiction, stick to actual facts.

What is your writing style? Do you outline? Linearly? By scene? Why? I have no idea what my style is. That is one thing I miss, not studying writing. I don’t outline, I just put pen to paper and the story comes out. Sometimes I have no idea how a sentence will end when I start one. I have been surprised. I have told others that the pen writes the story, I just hold it upright. The first manuscript I wrote had over 100K words.

Do you write every day? How much? How long? I don’t write every day. Sometimes I go weeks without writing. And then the story hits me and I have to start putting it down. When I tried to force myself to write, nothing came out right. Writing is like giving birth, the baby comes when it’s ready.

Do you think reading is as important to writing for an author? Why? Reading was very important, to me. I have loved to read and have read all my life. Reading is how I learned to write.

What are some of the things you would like to share with budding authors? I am also a budding author, so I don’t have a lot of tried and true tidbits yet. The best thing I can say is write what is in your head. Don’t let someone else tell you how your story should go unless they are speaking from a marketing standpoint, and have the results to back it up.

Do you have any marketing and promotional advice, referrals, tips you would like to share? Find the best agent you can and listen to that agent. They are in this business because they love what they do and they make a living doing it.

Do you think conferences are beneficial? If so, what have you learned? Which ones do you frequent? I have no thoughts about conferences, mostly because I have never been to one. I have mobility problems at the moment but in the future I plan to see if they might help.

Where can we find you, your books and when is your next event? I have a web site, www.jockolee.com. My book Tar Kyler: time Traveling Mercenary may be found on all the online sites: Amazon, B&N and the publisher’s website www.rougephoenixpress.com. Represented by Loiacono Literary Agency, Jeanie Loiacono www.loiaconoliteraryagency/authors/jocko-lee

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.

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

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

Sunday, January 10, 2016

Interview: Author's Admiration of McCarthy and Honoring Mother Inspire Writing Career

So, today welcome Chuck Walsh.

Chuck Walsh, author of Shadows On Iron Mountain, Backwoods Justice, A Month of Tomorrows, A Passage Back and A Splintered Dream is a graduate of the University of South Carolina, and discovered a passion for writing in 2004. Since then, he has written human-interest articles for a dozen publications. He also co-authored Faces of Freedom (featured on Sean Hannity’s book list), a book that recognizes the noble lives of U.S. soldiers who died while fighting in Iraq or Afghanistan.

ENDORSEMENTS

“Chuck Walsh is one of the most committed, passionate, and talented writers I’ve had the pleasure of working with and reading in a long time. [He] constantly seeks new ways to refine his already solid work. Chuck Walsh is one of the best. He writes, not for himself, but for his readers.”

—Thomas Smith, Jr. author, Encyclopedia of the Central Intelligence Agency

“Chuck Walsh is a master storyteller, a writer of extraordinary sensitivity and craftsmanship. Walsh’s fiction shows an uncommon understanding of his characters and their relationships. His writing is both dynamic and economical, with a special energy in dialogue that keeps the reader turning pages.”

— Charles Israel, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus of English

What is your genre? Is it fiction or nonfiction? Fiction – historical, murder/suspense, literary fiction

What made you want to be a writer? My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer ten years ago, and I wanted to write something to show how much she meant to me. And I decided to write A Passage Back, which is about a man who has an accident after the death of his mother and goes back in time to his childhood. As I began writing the book, something sparked to life within me, making me feel as though my life’s calling had been unveiled.

Of all the authors out there, who inspired you most? Cormac McCarthy--no one else comes close. McCarthy is the best fiction writer, in my opinion, of all time. His ability to create stories that pit battles between good and evil, God and Satan, heaven and hell, is beyond anything I’ve ever read. Before I work on my novels, I will pick up one of his books, read about fifteen pages or so, and it inspires me to be the absolute best writer I can be.

What is your writing style? Do you outline? Linearly? By scene? Why? I would describe myself as a storyteller. I truly try to create characters that readers will feel they know intimately, and I want those characters immersed in compelling situations. Most of these characters are based on people I have a strong connection to which fuels a great passion to fully reveal the desires of their hearts, their joy, their pain, and their fear. The settings of my books are integral and I love to paint the picture, whether it’s the deep backdrop of the Appalachian Mountains, or the simplicity of a baseball field on a summer afternoon. I do not outline. Each book begins as an idea and it develops on its own. It becomes an entity, growing slowly, and I just try to find the words to put it in print.

Do you write every day? How much? How long? Working full time, it’s impossible for me to write every day. By the time I get home, my mind is so frazzled, there is no creativity left. Therefore I write on weekends and holidays, beginning early where I spend hour after hour getting into the character’s minds, and into the setting. I can go 10 to 12 hours once I begin.

Do you think reading is as important to writing for an author? Why? I think reading is vital for an author. It opens him to worlds he might not have ever known, and it inspires, and often teaches, the writer how to develop a story. Not in the sense he can copy or mimic, because I think every writer’s mind works differently, and that they can only write what they know; what their mind creates.

What are some of the things you would like to share with budding authors? Write about people and places that will fuel a passion within you. If you have a connection to the characters and the setting, it will make you want to expend full effort to make the readers develop a passion for them too.

Do you have any marketing and promotional advice, referrals, tips you would like to share? Work as hard as you can to make the book the best it can possibly be. Believe in yourself. To me, the most successful venues are book signings that I set up. I solicit help from people in that area who I know that will help spread the word. Have signings at places that are fun for the readers. I’ve had signings at restaurants, at sports bars, minor league ballparks (for my baseball-themed novel, A Splintered Dream). If you go in blindly to a location and have to count on strangers to “stumble” upon you, the odds of them buying your book(s) are slim. Be choosy in the literary festivals you attend. It’s tough to sell books, at least that’s my experience, at places where they have no idea who you are. I will sell 5 times more books at a two-hour signing that I have organized and orchestrated, than I can attending a day long festival.

Do you think conferences are beneficial? If so, what have you learned? Which ones do you frequent? I think for those starting out conferences are beneficial in networking and getting yourself in front of agents and publishers and other writers. Once you have established yourself with an agent, and your books are being published, then you can use online tools to learn ways to help promote your books.

Where can we find you, your books and when is your next event? You can find me at www.chuckwalshwriter.com Chuck Walsh Events Facebook Twitter Goodreads Amazon Author Page My books are available on Amazon B&N Fish Pond Book Depository BAM Waterstones IndieBound Google Play Kobo Powell's Books Wheeler's Books Book World Angus & Robertson Copia Scribd Shelfari The Book Depository Waterstones WH Smith Wheelers GoodReads My first book, A Month of Tomorrows, is available also on audible.com.

My next event will be at Columbia College in late January and I will be appearing at two book club gatherings in February. Visit my website for exact dates.

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

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

Wednesday, February 10, 2021

Lois W. Stern's Stories to Tickle the Funny Bone Reviewed for The New Book Review

TITLE OF YOUR BOOK: Tales2Inspire ~ The Crystal Collection

SUBTITLE OF YOUR BOOK: Stories that Tickle to Funny Bone

NAME (AUTHOR OF BOOK): Anthology of short stories written both by Lois W. Stern (Publisher) and the following winning authors of her annual contest: Jamie Sadler , Maurice Levenbron, Rod DiGruttolo, Joan Nadjari, James Osborne, Mort Laitner, Joe Satriano, Barry Nisman, Jeff Rimland, Cami Ann Hofstadter, Ph.D., Mark H. Newhouse, Micki Peluso, Nancy Kalikow Maxwell, Jan Hurst-Nicholson, Gerald A. Walford, Ph.D., Kenneth J. Stern, David Shwaiko, Frank D. Iannella, Alastair Henry

GENRE OR CATEGORY: Anthology of Non-fiction, humorous short stories

ISBN-10: 1518678790

ISBN-13: 978-1518678790

ASIN: B0184JSI7K
FORMATS: Paperback, Kindle, PDF

PAGE COUNT: 139

AMAZON LINK:://www.amazon.com/Tales2Inspire-Diamond-Collection-IIIFeathers/dp/1695618165/ref=sr_1_8?keywords=Tales2Inspire+Collection&qid=1582728148&s=books&sr=1-8

CLICK TO BUY

AUTHOR/PUBLISHER BIO:

Lois W. Stern is a multi award-winning author whose work has been featured in The New York Times, on Local Access TV, and in live presentations in many varied venues. She has now published ten Tales2Inspire books of her contest winners' stories. Fans of Chicken Soup for the Soul are particularly enamored of Tales2Inspire books, because aside from their dynamic inspirational themes, they are filled with original photos to enhance the power of each story. Lois invites interested readers to get a FREE Tales2Inspire sampler book at: www.tales2inspire.com/gifts and to learn more about entering the next Tales2Inspire contest at: http://tales2inspire.com/enter-author-contest/.

She is also a regular contributor to this blog.

E-MAIL ADDRESS: tales2Inspire@optimum.net

FAVORITE LINKS:

http://www.tales2inspire.com,

www.twitter.com/tales2inspire2

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BEST REVIEW:

Lois W. Stern, creator of ‘winning stories by talented authors from across the globe’, has outdone herself with her latest collection of stories; the first collection ever of strictly humorous stories. As author and publisher Stern admits, funny stories are more difficult to write, edit and judge since what strikes one person's funny bone might go right over the head of another. This is not the case with these unique stories encompassing all walks of life, and unusual situations — did I mention funny?

My personal favorite, the story about a ’chicken zombie’ is a laugh out loud story that is almost unbelievable. I know I'll never feel the same toward chicken again. In another story, leaving two little girls alone with gallons of different colors of paint makes one smile. One story proves with slapstick humor that machines can be extremely mean to young housewives.

“You can't spell ‘DON’T without ‘DO’” is proven in a hysterical short story about a young boy who cleverly beats the system, avoiding punishment. “Love in Bloom . . . Remembering When” is a sweet funny love story, a thoroughly satisfying read. Author Stern adds her own comical account of how a redhead proves she's a true redhead.

Each of the stories in this collection of humorous anecdotal tales is well-written, the authors are all contest winners and their work is edited to perfection. The lovely crystal on the book cover is perfect for these types of stories as some shine with brilliance, others are sharp and witty, and still others smooth and pleasant. But as the creator, Lois W. Stern writes, they are all ‘sparkling crystals of laughter.’

The type of stories in the Crystal collection is perfect reading while traveling or waiting for appointments. Just be careful where you chuckle or burst out laughing. Those enjoying this book in the Tales2 Inspire series will want to check out the other collections. I know I did.

REVIEWER’S BYLINE: Micki Peluso, Author and Journalist

MORE ABOUT THE REVIEWER: (in Micki's own words:)

“I have written since I learned to hold a pencil. But life interfered with serious writing until a tragedy struck my family. This time I took up the pen and wrote as a catharsis to my grief--where spoken words failed, written words helped heal my wounded soul.

My first short story of the incident was published in Victimology:an International Journal, launching a career in journalism. When writing for newspapers there were no more rejections, a nice surprise. I became a staff freelance writer for a bi-weekly award winning newspaper and freelance slice of life writer for my local paper, serving a city of 600,000 people. The diversity of writing for newspapers let me experiment in many areas of writing from essays, commentaries, interviews, humor, pathos, analogy, and short fiction.

I have recently published my first non-fiction book, . . .AND THE WHIPPOORWILL SANG, dedicated to the one I lost. Published by LspDigital, it is a funny, poignant celebration of life rather than a eulogy of death. My newly released children's book, 'The Cat Who Wanted a Dog' is a coloring and illustrated book for ages from 4-9 years old. I love writing short stories, my favorite category, which has culminated into a collection of slice of life, humor, and multi-genre short fiction and non-fiction, called, 'Don't Pluck the Duck’"..

Pages

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Wednesday, December 9, 2015

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Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Interview: Author Tells How To Get Away From It All

Thursday, January 21, 2016

Army Wife Pens Fiction in Several Genres

Sunday, January 10, 2016

Interview: Author's Admiration of McCarthy and Honoring Mother Inspire Writing Career

Wednesday, February 10, 2021

Lois W. Stern's Stories to Tickle the Funny Bone Reviewed for The New Book Review

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