John V. Amodeo's "The Captain's Coin" Available In Paperback June 28th

John V. Amodeo is no stranger to the New York City literary scene, with a handful
of published books already under his belt, but until now, John has never dabbled with writing a novel.
His historical accuracy and impressive use of literary technique has made his past books a coffee table
staple. Trestle Press, publisher of “The Captain's Coin” describes the novel:
Michael Brady epitomized the American dream. Coming to this country with
nothing, he became a national hero at the Battle of Antietam by holding the Union
forces and surviving because of a gift given to him by a grateful captain. A simple
gesture by the captain saved the young man and gave the country a much-needed
hero. The coin took on a life of its own. The coin given to a young immigrant became
a part of the national forklore at a time when the country was in need of a rallying
symbol.
At the time of his death in 1916, at age 81, Michael’s widow, Kit decided that the
famous coin should be given to the city upon her death. “It wasn’t right to inter the
coin with Michael. It belongs to the country.”
In the midst of an ongoing war that would soon see the US enter, the coin once again
became a rallying cry for the US. Joining silent-screen stars, Mary Pickford and
Douglas Fairbanks in 1917, after the US entered the war, Kit Brady displayed the
famous, well-worn coin. It again became a symbol for the US. Upon her death in
1928, the family, as directed by Kit, gave the coin to the city to be displayed at the
NYC Public Library on 5th Avenue. There it remains.
Born in Troy, New York, John V. Amodeo now lives in the Hell's Kitchen area of Manhattan. For three
decades, Amodeo worked for the NYC public school system as assistant principal and history
department head; now retired from that post, he is an adjunct professor of American history and
political science at Mercy College. Amodeo exercises his love for NYC as a part-time tour guide. His
previous books include: 'Voices of Hell's Kitchen,' a fictional account of the myriad personalities of his
unique neighborhood. In addition, he wrote, 'Believe--Journey from Jacksonville,' a biography of
former world boxing champion, Ken Norton and 'Blessed or Cursed,' a biography of WBF current light
heavy champion, Rayco Saunders. Currently, he is working on his next project, a biography of Paul
Vaden, former world light middleweight champion in upcoming 'Answer the Bell.'
The Captain's Coin is available in ebook and will be available in hard-copy on June 28th, 2012 on Amazon

Here is the Amazon Kindle link for the ebook: http://www.amazon.com/The-Captains-Coin-ebook/dp/B006XZA600

New Guest Added To Today's Blogtalk Show "The G-ZONE": Author Ben Coes "The Last Refuge"

Today @ 4PM EST: Pola Muzyka & Ben Coes are my guests on The G-ZONE, my blogtalk radio show. Here is the link and a bit on Ben Coes and his new novel “The Last Refuge” set to release July 3rd:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/gelatisscoop/2012/05/31/pola-muzyka-is-my-guest-today

With time running out to stop the nuclear destruction of Tel Aviv, Dewey Andreas must defeat his most fearsome opponent yet.

Off a quiet street in Brooklyn, New York, Israeli Special Forces commander Kohl Meir is captured by operatives of the Iranian secret service, who smuggle Meir back to Iran, where he is imprisoned, tortured, and prepared for a show trial.

What they don’t know is that Meir was in New York to recruit Dewey Andreas for a secret operation. Meir had been tipped off that Iran had finally succeeded in building their first nuclear weapon, one they were planning to use to attack Israel. His source was a high-level Iranian government official and his proof was a photo of the bomb itself.

Dewey Andreas, a former Army Ranger and Delta, owes his life to Meir and his team of Israeli commandos. Now, to repay his debt, Dewey has to attempt the impossible ---to both rescue Meir from one of the world’s most secure prisons and to find and eliminate Iran’s nuclear bomb before it’s deployed---all without the help or sanction of Israel or America (at the near certain risk of detection by Iran).

Unfortunately, Dewey’s first moves have caught the attention of Abu Paria, the brutal and brilliant head of VEVAK, the Iranian secret service. Now Dewey has to face off against, outwit, and outfight an opponent with equal cunning, skill, and determination, with the fate of millions hanging in the balance.

About the Author
BEN COES is the author of the critically acclaimed Power Down and Coup d’Etat. He is a former speechwriter for the George H .W. Bush White House, worked for Boone Pickens, was a fellow at the JFK School of Government at Harvard, a campaign manager for Mitt Romney’s run for governor in 2002, and is currently a partner in a private equity company out of Boston. He lives in Wellesley, Mass.

Later This week: George Michael Loughmueller To Release "An Amish Journey- Set Free - Volume 8- The Loophole"

His last chance was their only hope.
In this new, best-selling, periodical short story series from Trestle Press, a man on the brink of self-destruction is given the opportunity to start over.
Part 8 of 10.
The women of Karsten Field know their loopholes very well. Allan is presented with the opportunity to learn firsthand, but it has nothing to do with knitting.
His relationship with Mary Reece is developing into something new and she may be looking for a loophole to get out of it. But that is interrupted by the arrival of some strangers. Allan is going to need his own loophole to deal with them.

George Michael Loughmueller is a descendant of German heritage. Finding joy in being a husband and father, he is known by his friends as “Laughing George” because of his cheerful disposition and the pronunciation of his last name.
Born in the Midwest, George has spent time both in Omaha, Nebraska and Des Moines, Iowa. He works in retail, but has long had the dream of being an author. With the support of family and friends, George decided to write a story inspired by his grandfather.
“Set Free: An Amish Journey” is a work of fiction. However, some of the events are based on facts and stories told by George’s late father about the unusual life of his grandfather. In George’s mind, the fictional church district of Karsten Field is set in the small communities of eastern Iowa.

George Michael Loughmueller’s Amazon Author Page can be found here: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_tc_2_0?rh=i%3Astripbooks%2Ck%3AGeorge+Michael+Loughmueller&keywords=George+Michael+Loughmueller&ie=UTF8&qid=1338333011&sr=1-2-ent&field-contributor_id=B006KCE52G

Tonight 8.30PM EST- William Tooker & Friends on The G-ZONE!

Later on today @ 8.30PM EST I will have a panel of authors today revolving around Fantasy-Horror- and Graphic Novels. Below is the list of guests, the link for the show, and the websites you can find them:
The link to today’s show: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/gelatisscoop/2012/05/30/william-tooker-friends-tonight
William Tooker lives in Ohio where he labors away in the tech support coal mines of Hilliard. He has written the Horror Novel "Slouching Towards Bethlehem" and is currently working on his ongoing Series The Invisible Society. Will is also co-founder and head writer of Creephouse Comics with Kevin Gentilcore as well as the Writer for Matt Campbell's Mythica saga from CCP Comics. Will also has projects going in film and video and wants his work to be seen on your book shelf.
Her is William Tooker’s Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_tc_2_0?rh=i%3Astripbooks%2Ck%3AWilliam+Tooker&keywords=William+Tooker&ie=UTF8&qid=1338318477&sr=1-2-ent&field-contributor_id=B005NU588G

Matt Campbell is a Colorado based artist and creator of Mythica, his epic WW1 fantasy comic penned by William Tooker. Matt has provided art for video games, film and animation. He has also been the artist for various comics such as Electron Boy and Station 39 from CCP comics. You can see Matt’s amazing art as well as follow his Mythica webcomic on his website www.mattcampbellart.com
Creephouse Comics started as a way for Kevin Gentilcore and William Tooker to take some of their twisted, putrid, horrifying tales of terror and drag them into the light for all to see. These stories represent the collaborations of two unsightly creatures who toil in the night creating sickly stories and dreary drawings about the macabre, the unseen and what passes behind you at night.
Kevin Gentilcore
While not trapping children and howling at the moon Kevin spends most of his waking hours on drawing twisted and demented things. One such creation is his creator owned web comic TEENAGE LOVE ZOMBIES.
www.Creephousecomics.com and www.kevingentilcore.com are the websites.

Karen Anna Vogel To Release "Amish Friends Knitting Circle- Volume 3 - Berry Picking" Later This Week!

Following the tradition of Pickwick Papers (Charles Dickens) and Anne of Green Gables (L.M. Montgomery), Amish Friends Knitting Circle is a continuing story, broken down into 8 parts. If you liked receiving the installments of the best-selling, Amish Knitting Circle Series, (the prequel to this series), then join Granny Weaver as she invites her friends from the Smicksburg Baptist Church to a summer circle to knit for charity.
In Episode 3, Berry Picking:
~Granny and Janice take Lavina up to Troutville to visit her mamm
~Jonas tells Lizzie a secret that helps him make a decision about the store.
~We find out more about Jeb. Is he showing signs of dementia or is it something else?
~Marge goes to the Baptist Church, while Luke attempts to ease her husband’s fears of her getting “religion”.
~Nathan gets a letter that puts a stone in the hay rake concerning Lavina.
~Colleen reveals deep scars.

Karen Anna Vogel is a trusted English friend to many Amish in Western Pennsylvania and New York. She’s the author of Amish Knitting Circle, Knit Together, and The Amish Doll. She has a worldwide audience at her popular blog, Amish Crossings http://www.karenannavogel.blogspot.com
She has a B.A. in psychology and a Masters in Biblical Counseling and loves mentoring young women. Karen and her husband of 31 years, Tim, enjoy living in rural PA and have four grown children. You can visit her at www.karenannavogel.com or Amish Literature Fans on Facebook.

Memorial Day - Bob Hamer-The Other One Percent

THE OTHER ONE PERCENT
By Bob Hamer
Earlier this month I stood with a gathering of heroes under a cloudless Southern California sky. It was a typical Chamber of Commerce-type day in Oceanside, a few miles from the Marine Corps Base at Camp Pendleton, just north of San Diego. The sun was creeping toward its noon peak and a cool ocean breeze made for a comfortable morning. More than sixty Marines in their dress blue uniforms stood in formation off to the side of a flag pole; the family seated to the front. As much as the Navy chaplain tried to call this a celebration of life, it was a memorial service for a fallen hero; far too many tears for a celebration. A thirty-year-old Marine staff sergeant, on his third combat deployment, died two weeks earlier in Afghanistan, the victim of the terrorist’s weapon of choice, the improvised explosive device, an IED. He left a wife, parents, friends, and fellow Marines.
As I viewed the crowd and the many Marines in attendance I couldn’t help but notice how young most of them were. Many were years younger than our son, a Marine on active duty. I watched the wives of these Marines dab their eyes, joining the widow in her sorrow but I wondered how many were silently thanking God and questioning if their husband was next. Each had been to too many memorial services honoring those killed in service to our nation. I stood with Marines I knew, double and triple amputees, who survived previous IED blasts but will live with their battle scars forever. I saw lots of medals and ribbons and far too many Purple Hearts. These men and their families knew what too few truly understood; freedom isn’t free.
As we neared the end of the service, seven Marines executing military precision aimed their rifles to the sky and fired three volleys, a twenty-one gun salute. The volley of shots adhered to a European custom when the warring sides ceased fighting long enough to remove the dead and wounded from the battlefield. Back then the volleys signaled the bodies had been properly cared for allowing the battle to resume. For the family of this Marine, his body was no longer on the battlefield. It was home and he was resting in glory for eternity but the fight in a distant land continues.
Following taps, two Marine non-commissioned officers sharply folded the flag draping the coffin. When complete, the now tri-corned package, with only the blue field and stars showing, symbolized the hat worn by American patriots during the Revolution. I heard a soft whimper as the widow was presented the flag, tears streaming down her cheeks. Following the final salute as she was being ushered to a black hearse, she succumbed to her emotions collapsing into the arms of her Marine escort; her sacrifice, in the name of freedom, more than most have paid.
Political commentator Dennis Prager believes the greatest crisis facing this nation is the fact we no longer understand what it means to be an American. I don’t believe the men and women I saw at the hilltop memorial service have that problem. They understand honor, courage, and commitment. They understand tradition, duty, faith, sacrifice, and individual responsibility. They understand what it means to be an American.

Last year I met a young Marine at Balboa Naval Hospital and we have since become friends. He came to this country in 2000 when he was twelve years old not speaking a word of English. He joined his mother and brother in fleeing the Ukraine. Now he speaks perfect English with no hint of an accent. Less than a year ago he lost both legs above the knee to an IED blast in the Helmand province of Afghanistan. When I asked him why he joined the Marine Corps, he looked me in the eye and without wavering said, “To pay back this nation for all it has given my mother and me.” He understands what it means to be an American.
Less than one percent of the nation’s population has served in the military since 9/11. Soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines define their patriotism by more than a bumper sticker or an American flag refrigerator magnet. They knew when they signed the enlistment papers they were offering up life and limb for this nation. They understood an irrational ideology wants to destroy the liberties we too often take for granted. Unlike most political pundits, these men and women have been in the arena, not in the grandstands hurling epithets. They have watched friends and loved ones bleed and die in the name of freedom. They looked beyond self-interest and committed to a cause greater than themselves. We live free today because of those individuals, past, present, and in the future, willing to lay it all on the line. This Memorial Day honor those who served and sacrificed; those who paid the ultimate price for our freedom. Semper Fi.

Bob Hamer spent four years on active duty in the Marine Corps and twenty-six years in the FBI as a special agent. In retirement he has written three award-winning books: THE LAST UNDERCOVER, ENEMIESS AMONG US, and TARGETS DOWN. He has written and consulted for television.

MIchael Tabman's "Bad Intent- Volume 5" "Realistic"

The drug wars heat up.
Shots fired.
Someone is dead.
Lives will never be the same.

Here is what some are saying about “BAD INTENT Volume 5”:
“REALALISTIC
By Jim M
I was with the NYPD for over 20 years and i picked up this book beliveing this was a work of fiction but i have to tell you this could be a true story. The author mentioned his experence and he must of used it towards the writing because this is right on with the details of the detectives and the investigations and it made me feel like i was back on the "job". I am looking forward to reading more.”

Want the link for “BAD INTENT –VOLUME 5”: http://www.amazon.com/Bad-Intent-Volume-5-ebook/dp/B0085COBV4/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1338040317&sr=1-1

***Remember this is a work of fiction, but due to the author’s incredible ability to tell a story, this may seem all too real. We assure you, none of it is.
Born and raised in New York City, Michael served as a police officer with the Fairfax County VA police department on patrol, in plain clothes and as hostage negotiator on the SWAT Team, before joining the FBI. Michael, a 24 year FBI veteran, investigated crimes ranging from white collar to bank robberies, organized crime, drug trafficking and money laundering. He rose through the ranks reaching the level of Special Agent in Charge. His professional travels took him to Israel, Russia, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand. He has been interviewed and quoted on national and local media on matters ranging from workplace violence to fraud and street crimes.
Michael is the author of two books, Walking the Corporate Beat: Police School for Business People and crime novel, Midnight Sin.
He has a Crime and Security Blog and can be followed on Twitter @MichaelTabman Please visit michaeltabman.com

Michael Tabman’s Author Page on Amazon Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_tc_2_0?rh=i%3Astripbooks%2Ck%3AMichael+Tabman&keywords=Michael+Tabman&ie=UTF8&qid=1337778449&sr=1-2-ent&field-contributor_id=B005F6R1EW

Roger Rheinheimer & Crystal Linn Release "Amish Forever-Volume 9- Ava's Birthday Surprises"

Ava celebrates her eighteenth birthday with the local Amish community and the big day holds several surprises. The following day, Sunday, is a church-meeting Sunday and both Isaac and John are distressed to discover their beloved sister does not seem to fit in. Then, when the Troyer family arrives home, the biggest birthday surprise of all is waiting for Ava.

Roger Rheinheimer spent the first eighteen years of his life in northern Indiana. His father was the only doctor for a small town of 1200, and had a hitching rail on a side street by his office for the Amish patients. His father bought an eighty acre farm, and Roger and his older brother worked it, raising cattle and growing crops.
While he was still in high school, Roger learned woodworking skills from Elmer Schlabach, his Amish mentor. They built houses in the old-fashioned tradition, from hand-mixing the concrete for the foundations to hand-nailing the shingles. The only phase they did not do was the electrical. To this day, Roger enjoys using his wood crafting skills, making acoustic guitars and furniture.
Roger earned an undergraduate degree in Behavioral Psychology from a small private college in the Shenandoah Valley, took a Creative Writing class, loved it, and published a short story called My Brother. He was a regular contributing writer to the college newspaper.
Roger has two novels in print and ebook, Amish Snow and Yield Spread: a novel.
Crystal Linn is a free-lance writer and award-winning poet who teaches a variety of creative writing classes. Her third book, Poetry for Friends, is scheduled to be released in the spring of 2012. She lives in the greater Seattle area where she enjoys reading mysteries, writing poetry and sailing with friends and family.

The Amazon Kindle Link for story: http://www.amazon.com/Amish-Forever-Birthday-Surprises-ebook/dp/B0085RXNKY/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1337955198&sr=1-1

Barnes & Noble Nook Link: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/amish-forever-volume-9-avas-birthday-surprises-roger-rheinheimer/1111072815?ean=2940014363723

De Miller Discusses "Twin Tales"

De Miller’s Twin Tales series unveiled
What could be better, for a writer, than to combine two passions to create a new short story series? Not much, I’d say. Nevertheless, that’s exactly what has happened in my new Faith-themed short story series, Twin Tales, set for release soon from Helping Hands Press.
I have always had a passion for mysteries, generally the ones termed Cozy mysteries…you know, the non-violent, non-graphic kind. And, being a born-again Christian, of course I have a passion for the message of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Now, through this new series, I am able to write my mystery stories while, hopefully, delivering a Bible message. After all, Jesus used story-telling to get his points across and while I’m a million miles from even being close to the story-teller, He was, it is still very rewarding to be able to do so in my small way.
Having said that, I believe the stories in this series can be stand-alone mysteries. I am hoping that, even readers who are not necessarily fans of Christian fare will like these stories and appreciate simply that God, does indeed, work in mysterious ways.
Through the series, Twin Tales, I will attempt to present stories of Faith that have double meanings, thus the mystery element. I believe every true Christian’s Faith is constantly being tested, and we are then faced with deciding how we should interpret what we hear from God.

We’ll be releasing two of the short stories at a time and when we reach six or eight, we’ll combine them into a book-length offering. I plan to have the first book volume ready to offer by the end of June.
The first story in the series is Bad Neighborhood, which puts a new twist on the Good Samaritan parable from the Bible, when a devout Christian woman finds herself stranded and apparently abandoned by God.
The second story is entitled Deserted, and it takes a cursory look at Biblical prophecy of The Rapture, with the underlying message that “no one knows the day or the hour….”
Following these in about two weeks, we’ll release the third, entitled Cover-Up which is a retelling of the story of King David and his affair with Queen Bathsheba, set in the modern day. We’ll round out the first four with one entitled Faith Like A Rock, which examines the true story of the miracle of a young lady stricken by a mysterious heart ailment and her being brought back from the brink of death on the shear Faith and prayers of her older sister. In fact, all four of these, as will the remaining stories in the series, either be based on or inspired by true stories and events.
My aim for the series is to show, in an entertaining way, that Bible stories are as relevant today in our modern lives as when they were written two-thousand years ago. I’ll be keeping the “preaching” to a minimum and not be in-your-face with Bible messages. That doesn’t mean that there will not be an occasional Bible scripture to illustrate a point, though. All in all, I’m hoping to be entertaining and informative and let the reader decide, about the biggest mystery of all: God.

"LIGHTBEARER" Is Out Now!

LIGHTBEARER
A NOVEL
By David F. Gray

‘Old City…New Thrills’.

Gideon is a Lightbearer, a servant and friend of the Lightgiver. He is making the long journey to the True City, the dwelling place of the Lightgiver. Accompanying him are his fiancée Ruth and a few close friends. In the course of their journey, they travel through the Old City, where entertainment, sex and luxurious living are accessible and cheap. Gideon becomes enamored with the Old City’s diverse pleasures and abandons his journey. He takes up residence at one of the many luxury hotels while his friends and fiancée are forced to move on without him.

All too soon, Gideon’s money runs out. People who called him friend desert him. He is evicted from his hotel and forced onto the Gauntlet, the main street that runs through the middle of the Old City. He becomes a Lurker, one of the thousands of nameless, faceless people who have lost all hope. For ten years, he ekes out a living handing out flyers of prostitutes to the passing tourists.

His fragile world is shattered when he encounters a Messenger from the Lightgiver. The Messenger, who’s name is Mark, delivers his message to Gideon. He is forgiven for the betrayal of his oath and is recalled to active duty. He is ordered to find three missing Lightbearers, who are wanted for a string of murders that they did not commit, and get them safely out of the city.

Gideon begins a perilous journey into the depths of the Old City. Not only must he find the three Lightbearers, he must remember who he is and what it means to be a Lightbearer. He will encounter the Enforcers, the Governor’s private police force, who are rumored to have strange and terrible powers. He will be arrested and brought before the Governor, where he must choose once and for all who he will serve.

And he will travel through the Maze, a bewildering, decaying slum on the outskirts of the Old City that is overrun by vicious, bloodthirsty gangs.

LIGHTBEARER is a story of betrayal, redemption and ultimate victory. It is a story of faith and hope; that no matter how dire the situation, it is never too late to turn back to the Lightgiver.

Here is the Amazon Kindle Link, after one day of release it is climbing the Hot New Release Chart for Religious Fiction Fantasy:
http://www.amazon.com/LIGHTBEARER-ebook/dp/B0085I2JK8/ref=sr_1_5?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1337885860&sr=1-5

Coming Soon From Pola Muzyka "Abducted To Kill"

Joseph was born in the United States to an Iranian father and Jewish Christian mother, He knew little about his father’s home land until, as a young teen, his father decides to move the family back to Iran. The night before they are to leave, Joseph rebels and refuses to go. His father beats him badly and insists he has no choice.
Once inside the borders of Iran, Joseph eventually makes new friends, and meets Azita, a young woman with whom he falls madly in love. He adjusts to his new life in this strangle land, although he must now live in an environment that is curiously hostile toward women, Americans, Christians, Jews, and others. He learns quickly to keep his citizenship, and his faith, to himself in order to avoid imprisonment, torture, or death.
Azita teaches him to speak Farsi, the language of his new homeland, and is surprised that he has no accent. This gift later proves to be both a blessing and a curse for him. He graduates, and his father arranges an apprenticeship as manager of a restaurant. But Joseph isn’t working long before new developments steer the course of his entire life in an area he never expected. The tide changes—the government is changes, too.
After the new regime takes power, friends begin to disappear. There are reports of female friends being tortured and murdered, and the young men being abducted. But, why? Joseph later discovers they are being abducted into a militia. One afternoon Joseph and a friend are thrown into the back of a car and forced to become “volunteers” in this new militia—the early formation of the Hezbollah.
Joseph endures mental and physical torture a he participates in, and witnesses horrific acts against those considered the enemy, as well as against obviously innocent civilians. Men, woman, and young children are chosen to be martyrs. The only thing that keeps Joseph motivated is his secret faith in God, and his love for Azita, who came to Christ because of him. As a Muslim turned Christian she is now doomed to die. Joseph is determined to protect her and his family and decides to escape the abduction at all costs. Those costs proved to be more than he could bear.
Hearing of his love’s death, Joseph refuses to leave. But those who are helping him, insist. He reluctantly moves forward because of a promise he has made to Azita. Finally, he is able to obtain passage home through a smelly old fishing boat off the coast of Bushehr. Enemies of Iran continuously bomb a nuclear facility being built there, and the bombing is his perfect cover.
Once outside Iran he encounters a new barrier to his objectives—in Italy the U.S. CIA takes him captive and questions him before delivering him to the U.S. Embassy. After more questioning at the Embassy, Joseph is freed and given a passport back to the country of his birth. That’s when his new life begins with the stigma of being a former abducted of the Hezbollah army.

Abduction to Kill is the story of Joseph’s abduction to fight and kill in the army of the Hezbollah, his determination to maintain his faith in God at all costs, and his miraculous escape, and harrowing journey back to the United States and safety.

Pola Muzyka studied theater and the arts in Los Angeles and New York City. As a multidisciplinary artist, she starred in Hollywood-based motion pictures and television, and continues to host, direct, and perform in plays, commercials, and TV.

In 1987, at a Baptist Missionary Seminar in Los Angeles, CA, she studied missionary work. Ten years later she became a media missionary, having founded the Internet based, Christian Media Alliance. Through this ministry, she has spoken to audiences of Christians in media and Christians interested in media evangelism and has taught pastors and church leaders to use drama in evangelizing.

She wrote award-winning TV, commercial, and corporate scripts in the film industry for over 30 years. In the 1980s, she wrote part of a script for film director Federico Fellini. Pola also researched and translated work for four-time Academy Award-winner Danilo Donati, who deemed her work 'the most extensive research ever done on a film.'

Escape the Hezbollah, winner of the CSP Book of the Year Award for fiction, was her debut book as a novelist and combines her talent as researcher, dramatic actress, director, and dramatic writer. This intensive work brought exceptional reviews with almost all reviewers recommending the book as a ‘must read’.

This book is now being updated and revised and will be released as first in a series with the new title of, Abducted to Kill. The sequel, The Freedom Inside, is expected to release later this year.

Pola continues to write suspense novels based on true events crossing cultural boundaries. Her Stronghold Smasher blog – Victory over the demonic strongholds that keep us from God's blessings – has thousands of followers all over the globe. Her posts have been translated for the Middle East into Hindu-Urdu, the forth-largest language in the world.

David L. Hoof Starts a New Series: "Borrowed Time"

The stranger's name is Sanchez. The envelope he presents each contact offers a choice: yes or no. But they cannot reject the terms, or even hesitate. Indecision can be dangerous, even fatal. For once in their lives, their destiny is completely in their hands, and the hands of their life clock are relentlessly ticking.
The award-winning author of screenplays, short stories and seven published novels sold in thirty-five countries, David L. Hoof has also written nonfiction and written scientific articles and papers appearing in peer-reviewed professional journals that cover areas as diverse as nanotechnology to nuclear proliferation. He was taught creative writing with the Writers Digest School and at Georgetown University. His novels and stories include satires, thrillers, suspense mysteries, historical mysteries, action adventure, horror and dabblings in the paranormal . Three novels, the ecohorror Landfill, the rollickingly irreverent satire Triple Jeopardy, and the historical mystery, Little Gods, will join several intriguing short stories in Trestle Press’s impressive 2012 line-up. Deeply interested in the music and magic of the English language, he can be reached at david.hoof@rcn.com or via Facebook. Among his friends and inspirations he counts William Goldman, Elmore “Dutch” Leonard, Don DeLillo, Cormac McCarthy, James Lee Burke and Dennis Lehane. He lives with his wife, Marsha, in Washington, DC, and is at work on his next novel, which should be complete by mid April, this year.

The Amazon Kindle Link is : http://www.amazon.com/Borrowed-Time-Volume-TIMEless-ebook/dp/B0085CODTY/ref=sr_1_5?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1337860458&sr=1-5

For A Limited Time-Mark Miller's "The Fourth Queen" only $.99

Book III of The Empyrical Tales, The Secret Queen, will be available on June 1st in print, Kindle and Nook. If you haven't started this critically-praised fantasy series, now's your chance. Book I: The Fourth Queen is available for ONLY 99 Cents on Amazon Kindle. This is a limited time special, so don't wait. Get it here: http://goo.gl/pQGgk

A little about the story: In the fairytale kingdom of Empyrean, time has moved on. The princesses of once upon a time, like Snow White and Cinderella, have grown old and become great queens. Now, their kingdom is in danger. A Forgotten Evil has returned. In a small village by the sea, two sisters, Zandria and Olena, begin a dangerous journey for Zandria to claim her birthright as a queen. Along their journey, they meet some unique friends and terrifying enemies while trying to survive places like the Dead Forest and escape troll-infested castles. Will they make it to the Crystal Castle in time to save Empyrean or will the sisters lose each other forever? One thing is certain, before their journey ends, Zandria will learn what it means to be The Fourth Queen.

Mark Miller headlines the spiritual series One from Trestle Press as well as Small World Global Protection Agency and Sons of the King (co-written with his daughter). Visit The Empyrical Tales at www.MillerWords.com and FB.com/EmyricalTales.

Tina Games Stops By The G-ZONE @ 10amEST Today!

In the book, Journaling by the Moonlight: A Mother’s Path to Self-Discovery, the author shares her personal story of transformation and how it led her on a path of self-exploration. The book gives stories from other moms who embarked on similar journeys. Designed as a workbook with a journaling format, the book allows for personal reflection with many opportunities to answer the question, “I’m a mother, but who am I really?” Using a variety of creative methods, including journal writing and visual collage techniques, this book allows for personal reflection with many opportunities to answer the question, "I'm a mother, but who am I really?" Designed as a workbook with a journaling format, the author shares her personal story while weaving in stories from other mothers. She also introduces moon sign astrology and moon folklore to lay the foundation for a spiritual, moonlit journey toward an authentic life filled with purpose, passion and creative expression. Embark on an intimate adventure of self-exploration - and discover your full moon.

As a certified creativity and life purpose coach, Tina is the "Moonlight Muse" for women who want to tap into the "full moon within" and claim their authentic self, both personally and professionally. Through her signature coaching program, based on the phases of the moon, Tina gently guides women from darkness to light as they create an authentic vision filled with purpose, passion and creative expression. Also certified as a journaling workshop facilitator, Tina leads virtual and in person workshops for mothers who want to explore their passion for journal writing, while expanding their personal support systems. She does this through her own online network, the "Journaling Moms Café". Tina serves on the Journal Council for the International Association for Journal Writing where she is joined by 30 other journaling experts worldwide. They offer a variety of articles, resources, webinars, and tele-classes on journal writing to association members.

Here is the link for today’s show: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/gelatisscoop/2012/05/23/tina-games-drops-in-for-a-morning-chat

John Reed To Release His Next Novel on July 23rd!

Bobby Duffy lives a fast lane life in Boston. A former boxer and surfer, his life is envied by those around him. But Duffy is haunted by his string of former girlfriends who hurt, lied, used and screwed him over. Years go by, and he still can’t forget, or forgive some of them.
When many of his ex’s start turning up dead – Duffy can’t seem to remember where he was during the times of the murders, which is strange as he never forgets ANYTHING! His prime suspect status leads to a life of misery, which he would like for forget – but he can’t!

John F. Reeds a club DJ, Book Author, and Music/Entertainment Journalist and had been a Music Correspondent at the Boston Globe newspaper for many years. His music reviews have appeared in such national publications as: The Boston Globe, Hear/Say Magazine, MTV/SonicNet, DISCoveries Magazine, Music-News, and a host of others.
John is also a Club Disc Jockey in the Boston, MA area and has performed at some of the hottest nightclubs on Lansdowne Street, the Financial District, Commonwealth Ave., and Faneuil Hall. John is known by his nickname as "Boston's Bad Boy DJ". He was also a Radio DJ and had a weekly show on WMFO FM.
“Another Lousy Day In Paradise” (Trestle) is Johns first full length novel. He is also the co-author of the digital short story,” Winter Hill Exhumed” (Trestle).
John resides in Boston, just a few miles from his hometown of Waltham.

Here is the link for today’s blogtalk show. We will be discussing all of John’s novels and much more:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/gelatisscoop/2012/05/22/john-reed-big-daddy-abel-need-i-say-more

Tuesday 4PM EST, John Reed- Big Daddy Abel-The G-ZONE-NEED I SAY MORE!

What can you expect if you tune into my blogtalk show Tuesday @ 4pm EST?
-Awesome conversation.
-Great discussion about Rock & Roll and music history.
-Incredible banter from two awesome Best-Selling authors in both the fiction and non-fiction genres.
-Time to literally fly by.
My guests Tuesday will be John Reed and Big Daddy Abel. I have attached their bio’s below and the link for the their Amazon Author pages and the blogtalk show tomorrow. Check them out, tune in, and enjoy the fun!
John Reed

John F. Reeds a club DJ, Book Author, and Music/Entertainment Journalist and had been a Music Correspondent at the Boston Globe newspaper for many years. His music reviews have appeared in such national publications as: The Boston Globe, Hear/Say Magazine, MTV/SonicNet, DISCoveries Magazine, Music-News, and a host of others.
John is also a Club Disc Jockey in the Boston, MA area and has performed at some of the hottest nightclubs on Lansdowne Street, the Financial District, Commonwealth Ave., and Faneuil Hall. John is known by his nickname as "Boston's Bad Boy DJ". He was also a Radio DJ and had a weekly show on WMFO FM.
“Another Lousy Day In Paradise” (Trestle) is Johns first full length novel. He is also the co-author of the digital short story,” Winter Hill Exhumed” (Trestle).
John resides in Boston, just a few miles from his hometown of Waltham.
Big Daddy Abel

“Big Daddy” Abel wears his heart on his sleeve, and has his “real” heart in the right place. He lays himself emotionally naked for us to read, ponder and absorb. This, is real, at times all too real. Be prepared; guard yourself, as “Big Daddy” takes you for a “real” ride into his real mind, real heart and real soul.
Hi! Introductions may be in order, yes? Only proper thing to do I think. I am Big Daddy Abel. A singer, guitar player, & entertainer. Usually my "job" is to entertain. Getting people to laugh, dance and sing and just have a good fun time. However, at times... my mind goes beyond that. It goes a little deeper and sometimes, as I've been told, a little TOO deep, (I used to be a school teacher in my former life. Shhh! Don't tell anyone.) Thank you for giving/sharing your time here with "my thoughts". I hope you feel something positive on the other end of it all.
One of Big Daddy Abel favorite quotes “"So many people live within unhappy circumstances and yet will not take the initiative to change their situation because they are conditioned to a life of security, conformity, and conservatism, all of which may appear to give one peace of mind, but in reality nothing is more damaging to the adventurous spirit within a man than a secure future."
Here are some of his favorite bands/musicians: Van Halen (1976-1984), The Beatles, Aerosmith (1973-1989), The Black Crowes, Prince, Seal, Led Zeppelin, Butch Walker/The Marvelous 3, Stevie Wonder, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Alice in Chains, Love/Hate, Buckcherry, The Cure, George Clinton, Mozart, Electric Mayhem, The Soggy Bottom Boys, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Fishbone, Too Much Joy, Beethoven, the kid down the street learning guitar.

John Reed’s Goodreads Page: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/328924.John_F_Reed

Big Daddy Abel’s Amazon Authors Page: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_tc_2_0?rh=i%3Astripbooks%2Ck%3ABig+Daddy+Abel&keywords=Big+Daddy+Abel&ie=UTF8&qid=1337625963&sr=1-2-ent&field-contributor_id=B004TC12B6

The link to the blogtalk show : http://www.blogtalkradio.com/gelatisscoop/2012/05/22/john-reed-big-daddy-abel-need-i-say-more

Robin Jones Gunn Joins me @ 4pm EST on The G-ZONE!

Katie Weldon always knew God had an extraordinary plan for her. She just never thought it would involve moving to Africa.
In FINALLY & FOREVER , the long-awaited fourth and final book in the popular Katie Weldon series, bestselling author Robin Jones Gunn sends Katie off on her most impulsive and unexpected adventure yet. First introduced to fans as the loyal and quirky best friend in the bestselling Christy Miller Series, Katie has always been spontaneous. So, no one was surprised at the end of Coming Attractions when she decided, on a whim, to join a mission project in Kenya with Eli – her handsome-yet-mystifying classmate from Rancho Corona University. But when FINALLY & FOREVER begins, Katie finds herself panicking in the tiny airplane restroom, wondering if her desire for excitement has gone too far this time. But since Eli grew up in Africa with his missionary parents, Katie decides to rely on his calm and serene nature as he helps her find balance, faith and patience in this decidedly new environment. Katie slowly learns to embrace the ups and downs of African living – meeting Eli’s parents for the first time, facing a possible life-threatening infection, learning Swahili, tasting ostrich meatballs, and even hugging a giraffe – she finds herself falling head over heels for the culture, and even possibly for Eli. Engaging and heartwarming, this bittersweet finale to the beloved Katie Weldon series will captivate fans of the previous books and first-time readers. Gunn packs the final book with romance, drama and action building up to the most pressing question Katie has ever faced: Is she meant to settle down in Africa with Eli? Or does God still have another adventure in mind?


What, you need the link for the interview? Okay ,here it is: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/gelatisscoop/2012/05/21/robin-jones-gunn-starts-a-big-week-of-on-the-g-zone

True Story: Cincinnati Strangler- Guest Post by Patricia Gligor

True Story: Cincinnati Strangler terrorized city

In 1965-1966, my main interests were boys, learning how to drive so I could get my driver’s license and school, pretty much in that order. So I paid little attention to the news, never realizing how what was going on then (in my city) would mirror the novel I would write many years later.

You see, I learned something this past week that actually gave me chills. From October 1965 to December 1966, a man attacked, raped and murdered seven Cincinnati women. He strangled them, using either an article of their own clothing or something that was readily available to him. With one exception, the women were attacked in their homes. The media dubbed him “The Cincinnati Strangler.”
In the aftermath of the thirteen female victims attributed to the Boston Strangler from 1962-1964, fear gripped Cincinnati women when the headlines reported the grisly attacks taking place in their city. “It changed Cincinnati,” Hamilton County Prosecutor Joe Deters said years later. “I know it’s a cliché, but it was a loss of innocence for the community.”
The Cincinnati Police apprehended Posteal Laskey, a cab driver, after the last attack. He was arrested and convicted of the seventh murder. He never confessed to having committed any of the crimes but the attacks stopped when he was taken into custody. He died in prison in 2007.
If you’ve read Mixed Messages, most of this will sound familiar to you. Although I didn’t know about the Cincinnati Strangler when I wrote my novel, there are so many similarities between what I wrote and what actually happened. Hence, the chills!
In the book, the Westwood Strangler attacks women in their homes and he uses whatever is at hand to strangle them – just like The Cincinnati Strangler.

The WWS is on the loose in Westwood, on the west side of Cincinnati. One of the victims of the CS lived in Price Hill, which borders Westwood, and all of his attacks occurred within a few miles of Westwood.
Without giving away my plot for Unfinished Business, the second book in my Malone mystery series, I’ll let you in on a secret: the total number of victims for the CS and WWS is exactly the same!
Was it merely a coincidence that what I wrote all those years later so strongly paralleled what really happened? Or, even though I don’t consciously remember the news stories, did my subconscious retain bits and pieces for all those years? I guess we’ll never know.

What's Next For Mark Miller's "One" Series? Ron Starbuck's "Wheels Turning Inward"

100% of the author’s proceeds will be donated to Give Kids the World, a charitable organization where children with life-threatening illnesses and their families are treated to weeklong, cost-free fantasy vacations. www.GKTW.org. The authors, creator and publisher are in no other way affiliated with this organization.
Mark Miller’s One is a spiritual anthology examining True-Life experiences of Authors and their Faith. As the series evolves expect to discover what it means to have faith, no matter what that faith is and no matter where they live. Remember that we are all part of this One World.
In Story Nine, poet Ron Starbuck explores the world from his Episcopalian background and through various forms of contemplative prayer. These selected poems from his first collection, Wheels Turning Inward, and from his second collection, When Angels are Born, share with the reader an expressive way to view the world. Ron has also been kind enough to include an exclusive poem that can only be found in the pages of One.
Ron Starbuck is an Episcopal lay person and poet living in Texas, who, along with his wife Joanne, attends Trinity Episcopal Church in Midtown Houston. Ron began writing poetry and practicing forms of contemplative prayer as a student and young adult; he continues this practice (Praxis) in his spiritual life today, holding a lifelong interest in Christian mysticism, Comparative Religion, theology, and various forms of contemplative practice. The poetry he writes is an expression of and a response to encountering God's call.
He is also the CEO-Publisher of a new nonprofit, Saint Julian Press. Forming a nonprofit press to work with emerging and established writers and poets, and tendering new introductions to the world at large in the framework of an interfaith and cross cultural literary dialogue has been a long time dream.
Born in Leavenworth, Kansas, Ron grew up in the northeastern part of the state and the greater Kansas City area. Moving as a teenager with his family to Beaumont, Texas and then to Houston, eventually attending Lon Morris College, San Jacinto College, and the University of Houston, where he majored in psychology. In time, he moved into the corporate world as an Information Technology professional.
A former Vice President with JP Morgan Chase, he has over twenty years of experience in Program-Project Management, Business Analysis, Human Resources corporate training, demand and resource planning, executive-level planning, and staff management. He now serves in the public sector, as an Information Technology Program Manager for Harris County, Texas.
Ron and his wife Joanne, live in the Houston Heights Historic District a few miles from downtown. They share their 1940s vintage home with two dogs. One is a lovely burnt orange rust colored German Shepherd Chow mix named Cubbie, and the other, Dominick, a charming black Labrador Retriever mix. Cubbie is a University of Texas at Austin adoptee, and Dominick a hurricane Katrina adoptee; both of them are lovable and enduring creatures of God, mentioned in the poem titled “Winter Pays a Visit.”

David F. Gray Is My Guest Tonight On The G-ZONE

LIGHTBEARER
A NOVEL
By David F. Gray

‘Old City…New Thrills’.

Gideon is a Lightbearer, a servant and friend of the Lightgiver. He is making the long journey to the True City, the dwelling place of the Lightgiver. Accompanying him are his fiancée Ruth and a few close friends. In the course of their journey, they travel through the Old City, where entertainment, sex and luxurious living are accessible and cheap. Gideon becomes enamored with the Old City’s diverse pleasures and abandons his journey. He takes up residence at one of the many luxury hotels while his friends and fiancée are forced to move on without him.

All too soon, Gideon’s money runs out. People who called him friend desert him. He is evicted from his hotel and forced onto the Gauntlet, the main street that runs through the middle of the Old City. He becomes a Lurker, one of the thousands of nameless, faceless people who have lost all hope. For ten years, he ekes out a living handing out flyers of prostitutes to the passing tourists.

His fragile world is shattered when he encounters a Messenger from the Lightgiver. The Messenger, who’s name is Mark, delivers his message to Gideon. He is forgiven for the betrayal of his oath and is recalled to active duty. He is ordered to find three missing Lightbearers, who are wanted for a string of murders that they did not commit, and get them safely out of the city.

Gideon begins a perilous journey into the depths of the Old City. Not only must he find the three Lightbearers, he must remember who he is and what it means to be a Lightbearer. He will encounter the Enforcers, the Governor’s private police force, who are rumored to have strange and terrible powers. He will be arrested and brought before the Governor, where he must choose once and for all who he will serve.

And he will travel through the Maze, a bewildering, decaying slum on the outskirts of the Old City that is overrun by vicious, bloodthirsty gangs.

LIGHTBEARER is a story of betrayal, redemption and ultimate victory. It is a story of faith and hope; that no matter how dire the situation, it is never too late to turn back to the Lightgiver.


The Link for tonight’s show is : http://www.blogtalkradio.com/gelatisscoop/2012/05/19/david-f-gray-discusses-the-release-of-lightbearer

The Fantasy Story Trap for New Writers by William Tooker

I used to go to a certain story critiquing site to get my work evaluated. It was the usual mosh of useful observation, petulant egos, and bland "I like its" as you would expect. I have always been concerned about keeping up my due diligence in groups or classes where it was required to reciprocate the critiques. There was a fellow on there who seemed to be posting quite prolifically in the fantasy categories. I put some time into this kids work because as much as he wrote he was clearly determined to be good at what he did and I respect that. He could put together a sentence and he created some intriguing images but he had one massive flaw in his technique that I could not seem to get anyone else to see.

Every story, every snippet of plot and dialogue was related to some magic weapon the main character possessed. It was usually a katana and being used to confront a dragon in his own lair. Make no mistake this awesome super cool katana blade was the headliner. The main character was generically noble and seemed to be the chauffeur for his miraculous weapon. And if he were writing for an audience of regular old souvenir store katanas he would likely have had a hit. But he wasn't, he was and I hope somewhere else continues to write for people, There is a reason why The Sword of Shannara was not written from the swords point of view.

I am as big a fan of magical super weapons as anyone, but only as a tool, not as the hero of the piece. You remember that time when you were a kid riding your bike and you tried that daredevil stunt that first busted your ass, bloodied your nose or tore your gooch? Yeah, so does everybody else. It's a moment most of us have in common and that is the power of a story; to evoke an emotional memory. I know that feeling. I've been there. When you feel like you and the hero have that thing in common, you relate to them and you will follow them through the landscape of any book. And you'll do it because that's your story after you get your lead character.

Super intelligent, lightning bolt wielding flying swords are great, that's why everybody has one. But if you want to make people follow you through 200-600 pages of novel with this super bad ass, Its got to be because they are invested in the person carrying the sword. We all get failure, we all get hardship, we all know fear and we can all be inspired and that's what people love about their heroes...or anti heroes. So for those of you out there having growing pains in your craft think about that as you write your 3 dozen story beginnings or your intense climactic scenes that fill up your desk top with word icons. Show me the humanity, and I'll follow you to hell.

William Tooker lives in Ohio where he labors away in the tech support coal mines of Hilliard. He has written the Horror Novel "Slouching Towards Bethlehem" and is currently working on his ongoing Series The Invisible Society. Will is also co-founder and head writer of Creephouse Comics with Kevin Gentilcore as well as the Writer for Matt Campbell's Mythica saga from CCP Comics. Will also has projects going in film and video and wants his work to be seen on your book shelf.

You can find him @ his Amazon Author Page also: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_tc_2_0?rh=i%3Astripbooks%2Ck%3AWilliam+Tooker&keywords=William+Tooker&ie=UTF8&qid=1337271576&sr=1-2-ent&field-contributor_id=B005NU588G

This Weekend The Saga Continues - "Bad Intent -Volume 5" by Michael Tabman

The drug wars heat up.
Shots fired.
Someone is dead.
Lives will never be the same.
***Remember this is a work of fiction, but due to the author’s incredible ability to tell a story, this may seem all too real. We assure you, none of it is.
Born and raised in New York City, Michael served as a police officer with the Fairfax County VA police department on patrol, in plain clothes and as hostage negotiator on the SWAT Team, before joining the FBI. Michael, a 24 year FBI veteran, investigated crimes ranging from white collar to bank robberies, organized crime, drug trafficking and money laundering. He rose through the ranks reaching the level of Special Agent in Charge. His professional travels took him to Israel, Russia, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand. He has been interviewed and quoted on national and local media on matters ranging from workplace violence to fraud and street crimes.
Michael is the author of two books, Walking the Corporate Beat: Police School for Business People and crime novel, Midnight Sin.
He has a Crime and Security Blog and can be followed on Twitter @MichaelTabman Please visit michaeltabman.com

Coming Soon-William Tooker's "Choosers of The Slain"

After the most harrowing night of their lives Jack Fugazi and Danny Bend had finally managed to return to business as usual. The zombie army of Pain Eaters lay vanquished and all but forgotten. But The German has not forgotten about the two men who wrecked his operation and brought the Metaphysical Bureau of Investigation down on his neck. With Jack and Dan off guard the German unleashed his terrible forces against them. The only hope for surviving ambush is the last remnants of a sisterhood that gather the souls of heroes for the final battle of good vs. evil.
William Tooker lives in Ohio where he labors away in the tech support coal mines of Hilliard. He has written the Horror Novel "Slouching Towards Bethlehem" and is currently working on his ongoing Series The Invisible Society. Will is also co-founder and head writer of Creephouse Comics with Kevin Gentilcore as well as the Writer for Matt Campbell's Mythica saga from CCP Comics. Will also has projects going in film and video and wants his work to be seen on your book shelf.

Cindy Young Turner- 5 Things I Have Learned During My 1st Year As A Published Author

Five Things I’ve Learned During My First Year as a Published Author

1. You can’t hide under a rock and just write.
Sadly, I thought I’d publish my book and then go back to writing. Marketing, who needs that? Who even knows what it is? I soon learned that even though I aspired to be a recluse author like JD Salinger, it’s not going to sell any books. Initially I said I’d never have a blog, never have an author photo, and never do twitter. Yup, got them all now. I can’t say I understand marketing yet, but I’ve learned a lot about social media and I’m trying. I’d still rather just write, though.

2. Outdoor events? Expect bad weather.
My first author appearance was at an outdoor book festival. It poured rain. We all looked like drowned rats once we made it to the booth and there was literally a small river running through the back of the tent. At least my books were dry. Not too many people showed up. In some ways, the weather helped because I wasn’t nervous at all by the time I did my reading because I didn’t expect anyone to be there. Next time I’ll be sure to wear boots, though.

3. The editing process is hard.
I’ve been a technical editor for more than 10 years. I know how to write and I thought my book was pretty good. But working with an editor prior to publication is a whole different level of editing. Getting my manuscript back with notes on every single page was disheartening to say the least. It was embarrassing how many times I repeated the same phrases. How could I miss those things? But in the end, the process was really worthwhile and my book was much better for it. With any luck I’ve learned a few things that I’m applying to my current work in progress to make it easier to the next time.

4. People do judge a book by its cover.
I’m not good at visualizing. It was hard to imagine how I wanted the cover of my book to look. I’m fortunate that my publisher gives authors a good deal of input into their covers and employs some really talented cover artists. I love the finished product. Other people seem to also, since I’ve had a lot of compliments on the cover. A great-looking cover does make a difference, and every little bit helps.

5. Fans are cool.
Every author loves an audience. While not everyone will like your book, it’s heartening to get good reviews and hear from individual readers who like your book. That’s a big reason to keep writing!



Author bio:
Cindy Young-Turner has always been an avid reader and became fascinated by mythology and Arthurian legends at an early age. She quickly decided she enjoyed creating her own worlds and characters and set to work writing her own stories. She won her first writing contest at age twelve, a local contest calling for stories written in the style of Edgar Allan Poe. Cindy believes genre fiction can be just as well written and valuable as literature. The universal themes of love, hate, revenge, and redemption are present regardless of whether our characters live in the distant future, on other planets, or in fantastical realms. Her first novel, Thief of Hope, reflects those themes and shows that even a downtrodden pickpocket can become a leader in the fight against oppression.
Links:
Website: http://www.cindyyoungturner.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cindy-Young-Turner/206268086074718
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4882750.Cindy_Young_Turner
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/AuthorCindyYT

Lisa Williams Kline & Nike Chillemi @ 4PM EST on The G-ZONE

The rocky relationship between two stepsisters blossoms into an eternal friendship in the first two books in Lisa Williams Kline’s inspiring Sisters in All Seasons series, SUMMER OF WOLVES and WILD HORSE SPRING. In SUMMER OF WOLVES, Stephanie and Diana have a hard time adjusting to life as new stepsisters. The girls “pretend” to like each other, but it’s pretty hard considering they are complete opposites. When their new family takes their first-ever vacation to a horse ranch in North Carolina, not even long horseback rides in the forest can tame their tempers. Diana’s anger issues and Stephanie’s fear of everything prove disastrous, until Diana discovers the caged wolves in the deep woods. She vows to free them and, surprisingly, Stephanie agrees to help. But that’s when the real trouble begins. Their actions have unforeseen consequences, and if there’s any chance to make things right, Stephanie and Diana must put their differences aside. WILD HORSE SPRING brings the sisters to the Outer Banks of North Carolina, where the two are convinced their once shaky relationship is now mended. But when Cody, a charming boy on an ATV, shows interest in both sisters, the seemingly vanquished sibling rivalry returns to the surface. But when one of the wild horses is critically injured in an ATV accident, Cody becomes a suspect. Diana and Stephanie attempt to put their jealousy aside to help prove Cody’s innocence. Will the girls be able to work with each other long enough to clear Cody’s name? Drawing both a complex and realistic picture of a relationship between two very different characters, Kline gives a voice to young girls everywhere, from those with wild spirits to those who are more shy and subdued. Packed with relatable stories, animal adventures, and a believably blended-family dynamic, the Sisters in All Seasons series will touch the hearts of many readers.

Here is the link for today’s show: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/gelatisscoop/2012/05/15/lisa-williams-kline-nike-chillemi-drop-by-to-chat

Rachel Hunter & Her Writing

"Filled to the brim with forbidden love, an ancient evil, and a nation in disrepair, Empyreal Fate is a tale of riveting bravery and mortal corruption.

The land of Llathala lingers on the brink of war between men and elves, a dark history surrounding each race. Stirred by tensions of the land, a shadow of the past reemerges, taking precedence in reality and consuming the very soul of mans’ mortal weakness. Darrion, the son of a poor laborer, is ensnared in a hostile world, forced to choose between loyalty to his king or the counsel of the elves. Yet Fate has other plans in store, tying his course to Amarya, an elven royalblood of mysterious quality and unsurpassable beauty. But this forbidden connection incites betrayal from members of their own kin, marking them as traitors to the crown. In a land torn asunder, only Fate’s decree can allow such love to coexist with an ancient enmity.

Behold: A Llathalan Annal: Empyreal Fate – Part One."
Author Bio:
Born in 1993, Rachel Hunter has always been fascinated with words and the intricate way in which they combine. Since a child, she has been an avid writer, winding vibrant tales and elaborate stanzas on folded bits of paper.

As the years passed, her love of words never died; her adoration for reading fared no equal. Always with her nose in a book, Rachel took fondly to works spanning all genres. Yet it was the compelling grasp of fantasy and science fiction that wrenched her fascination above all.

In 2007, Rachel was selected a state winner of the Minnesota Promising Young Writers Program. Accordingly, her winning poem, "It All Starts with Creativity", was published in An Anthology of Poetry by Young Americans.

Senior year of high school proved another momentous year. A winner of the Oklahoma Young Writers Competition, Rachel was awarded with publication of her "Sestina of Elven Regret" in the 2010-2011 anthology, Growing Voices.
In March of 2012, Rachel published her first short story with Trestle Press, titled, "Perfect Nothing", which recounted her harrowing relationship with an eating disorder and was also fueled by her passion for psychology. But her writing does not end there. While currently pursuing a degree in psychology and in the medical field at the University of Oklahoma, she aspires also to illuminate the creative spark of eager readers. In her desire to incite intrigue, she is simultaneously exploring new worlds and creating vast empires of her own. "Empyreal Fate" is only the first in her Llathalan Annal series. Indeed, it is only the beginning.

Links:
Amazon Paperback: http://www.amazon.com/Empyreal-Fate-Llathalan-Annal-Volume/dp/0615638589/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1336574102&sr=8-3
Amazon Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Empyreal-Fate-Llathalan-Annal-ebook/dp/B007WWB24W
Blog: http://www.rachel-m-hunter.blogspot.com/
Website: http://www.rachel-m-hunter.yolasite.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rachel-Hunter/170131499766376
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/young_author
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5762735.Rachel_Hunter

Nancy Rue & L.L. Samson on The G-ZONE 11AM EST Today!

Nancy Rue, one of the nation’s foremost advocates for teen girls, tackles common questions young women have about the opposite sex in her candid new advice book, THE WHOLE GUY THING: What Every Girl Needs to Know About Crushes, Friendship, Relating, and Dating . Having received hundreds of inquiries from girls submitted to the popular “In Real Life” blog on her website, nancyrue.com, the author and popular speaker gets down to the nitty-gritty regarding the most common questions young women pose about guys, tackling everything from How do I get a guy to notice me? to Should I just wait for the guy God has picked out? In her signature conversational voice, Rue helps ease the concerns of girls (and their parents) and addresses many misconceptions that arise, like All guys expect you to have sex eventually. After all, as Rue writes in the book, “Just because guys are different, that doesn’t mean they’re impossible to understand.” Rue offers are a set of “guydlines” on how girls can approach guys and relationships while remaining true to their faith. Relatable, fun, and sincere, THE WHOLE GUY THING is the perfect handbook for teenage girls. It is written to help them form healthy relationships built on love, honesty, and devotion to God. Rue, author of more than 100 books for girls, proves once again with this book why legions of teenagers have turned to her for dependable guidance on how to celebrate being a young woman of God.

One of the great classic novels springs to life and takes three unsuspecting youngsters on a wild thrill ride in L.L. Samson’s FACING THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME. The first book in The Enchanted Attic series, FACING THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME is a completely original take on the beloved Victor Hugo story written in 1831. While fourteen-year-old bookworm Ophelia is reading the classic tale one night in the secret attic, the book’s giant-size hero, Quasimodo, appears before her, in the flesh. Shocked and excited by the presence of this imposing figure, Ophelia recruits Linus, her twin brother, and their new friend Walter to help get Quasimodo back to his home in 15th century Paris the same way he got there—through the enchanted circle on the attic floor. They have 60 hours to accomplish their mission, or Quasimodo will suffer a horrific fate! Adding to their predicament – they must get past Quasimodo’s shady caretaker, Deacon Frollo, and mad scientist, Cato Grubbs, who both have plans of their own for Quasi. Will he make it safely home before it’s too late? Packed with adventure, The Enchanted Attic is the perfect series to introduce adolescents to classic literature. L.L. Samson (who fans know as “Lisa Samson”) weaves engrossing tales that readers will find hard to put down. Parents and teachers will delight in the way children latch on to this and the upcoming spins on classic tales, like Moby Dick and The Three Musketeers.


Here is the link for the show: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/gelatisscoop/2012/05/14/nancy-rue-ll-samson-are-my-guests-this-morning

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

Today 1pm EST -The G-ZONE- "ONE" show- 10 Guests

The eclectic group of best-selling and award-winning writers and poets known as the Authors of Mark Miller’s “One” will be on the G-Zone blogtalkradio program for an hour of insightful conversation.
This is an internet-based event and will be available by archive immediately following.
The "One" series is a celebration of life and faith. Authors from around the world share true stories of what it means to have faith on this one world.
What's more is that all participating authors have agreed to donate a portion of their proceeds to charities such as Give Kids the World and World Concern.
Praise has been high for this series. Reviewers have said

"[It] may change how you see the world..."

"[The authors] courageoulsy opened their hearts..."

"[This] writing deserves to be read...felt...lived..."


Guests will include:
Your co-hosts Giovanni Gelati (Story Four) and Mark Miller (Story One, The Empyrical Tales)

De Miller - St ory Two, The Amish Mysteries series

Sude Khanian - Story Three, On the Silk Road to Love

Melissa Studdard - Story Five, Six Weeks to Yehidah

Scott Lutz - Story Five

Rachel Hunter - Story Seven, Empyreal Fate

Crystal Linn - Story Eight, Amish Forever series

Ron Starbuck - Story Nine, Wheels Turning Inward
Don Lubov –Story Ten- 1971
Here is the link for the show: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/gelatisscoop/2012/05/12/mark-miller-the-authors-of-the-best-selling-one-series

"Amish Friends Knitting Circle- Volume 2- Tea Kettles Sing" by Karen Anna Vogel is Out Right Now!

Following the tradition of Pickwick Papers (Charles Dickens) and Anne of Green Gables (L.M. Montgomery), Amish Friends Knitting Circle is a continuing story, broken down into 8 parts. If you liked receiving the installments of the best-selling, Amish Knitting Circle Series, (the prequel to this series), then join Granny Weaver as she invites her friends from the Smicksburg Baptist Church to a summer circle to knit for charity.
In Episode 2, Tea Kettles Sing:
~ Zach loses his job…Ella has a choice to make
~ Lavina gets two unexpected visitors from Troutville that make steam come out of her ears
~ Lizzie’s marital bliss is broken as step-daughter, Jenny, continues to be contrary
~ Ruth and Luke’s restored marriage continues to blossom, and she has wunderbar gut news
~ Janice Jackson and Granny bond over their joys and sorrows of being pastor’s wives
~ Someone goes missing…

Karen Anna Vogel is a trusted English friend to many Amish in Western Pennsylvania and New York. She’s the author of Amish Knitting Circle, Knit Together, and The Amish Doll. She has a worldwide audience at her popular blog, Amish Crossings http://www.karenannavogel.blogspot.com
She has a B.A. in psychology and a Masters in Biblical Counseling and loves mentoring young women. Karen and her husband of 31 years, Tim, enjoy living in rural PA and have four grown children. You can visit her at www.karenannavogel.com or Amish Literature Fans on Facebook.
Here is the Amazon Kindle link for the story: http://www.amazon.com/Amish-Friends-Knitting-Circle-ebook/dp/B0081TUX2C/ref=sr_1_sc_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1336673306&sr=1-1-spell

Today 5 PM EST on The G-ZONE: D.P. Lyle, Anthony Bruno, Michael Tabman, Bob Hamer, CK Webb & DJ Weaver!

Today,May 10th at 5pm EST on my blogtalk show The G-ZONE I am fortunate to have the following authors on a panel:
Ex- FBI Agents and authors Michael Tabman & Bob Hamer
Novelist Anthony Bruno
Movie/ Television consultant and author D.P. Lyle, M.D.
Novelists CK Webb/DJ Weaver
One guess what we are going to be discussing. Okay ,Maybe Organized Crime, Death, and forensics.Maybe.

The link to today’s show: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/gelatisscoop/2012/05/10/one-intense-panel-six-authorsequals-one-hour-of-fun

"Not A Fool for The Fool-Jar Jar Binks" by William Tooker

Not A Fool for the Fool

Jar Jar Binks.

Okay, now that you've trashed your monitor, bought a new one and come back...we probably agree. Now, we can try to play the highbrow card and cast him as the comedic foil for "The Phantom Menace" but he in no way approaches the Fool of "King Lear." Lucas did it for the kids, his kids as I understand. Now on the one hand i say what an awesome and loving dad who tributes his franchise to his little ones. All parents should be so wonderful. Now that I've given a good man his props here's how i feel about the character.

Insulted.

Dress it up in literary terms all you like but characters like this have always annoyed me, even as a child. I think its lazy storytelling and suggests that the lead characters don't have a lighter side. Humor can be laced through drama and it usually makes things more effective. A lead character who can crack a smile and be vulnerable as well as being intense illustrates more potently how serious the situation is. The "Comedic Foil" character who exists solely to lighten the mood is limited to 1 dimension, and takes something away from the others, I'm not saying we need to ban characters who are cut ups, that's not nearly the same as being a worthless walking punchline.

Hawkeye in M.A.S.H. was a cut up, and a truth teller ( and yes, I heard you grumbling about that aspect of the fool character) but he still had depths, and the respect of others. Jar Jar never really functioned as a truth teller, and he was a flimsy, easy replaceable device to meet the other Gungans. C 3PO and R2D2 performed the function of outsider/observer and truth teller without the addition of Aqua Goofy.

Dickens got paid by the word in his day, but now we value the economy of words. Give me the madman, the prophet, or the wizened child. But for the love of god, no more childish idiots.
William Tooker lives in Ohio where he labors away in the tech support coal mines of Hilliard. He has written the Horror Novel "Slouching Towards Bethlehem" and is currently working on his ongoing Series The Invisible Society. Will is also co-founder and head writer of Creephouse Comics with Kevin Gentilcore as well as the Writer for Matt Campbell's Mythica saga from CCP Comics. Will also has projects going in film and video and wants his work to be seen on your book shelf.

Out Now! Theresa Ricci-"Friends Among The Amish-Volume 4-One Good Turn Deserves Another"

A journey begins with a single step. Set in beautiful Lancaster County, Friends Among the Amish takes us on a journey that explores many issues in society today. Meet Rose, Susan, Katie and Grace as they enjoy their weekly walks. Delve into moral dilemmas, health issues, cultural differences, and matters of the heart as the women support each other as they make life changing decisions. Although they come from different backgrounds, they all have one thing in common, a fondness for the Amish people and their ways. Follow along as they form a bond that will last throughout their lifelong journeys.
In Volume 4, One Good Turn Deserves Another, continue following the original “walkers” as their group expands to include spouses and other family and friends. Grace finds a way to thank her friends for their help while she was recovering from her injury. Discover yet another way Rose has found to help people suffering with diabetes. See what great things can happen when Susan’s family pulls together. How will Mark and Grace handle their ever strengthening feelings for each other? Find out how Katie is managing caring for Patrick. Join the fun as the bonds grow even stronger as this group experiences life’s ups and downs.

I want to thank everybody that has been nice enough to read my stories, share their personal experiences with me, and send me suggestions for story ideas. Believe it or not I am just getting into this thing called social networking. I know, a bit behind the times.
Just a bit of my background and maybe you will understand why I am a bit behind the times. I am a stay at home mother of three adorable kids- 2 girls ages 3 and 5 and one boy age 7. My husband and I were high school sweethearts, went to the same small college near Lancaster .Pa. and were married once we graduated. Right out of college I began work in the medical industry, specifically helping patients with diabetes. It is a subject that is near and dear to my heart as both my parents had it. Right before we found out that we were fortunate enough to have our son, my mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease. We were fortunate that my husband’s job was good enough to handle our simple needs so it was decided that I would help take care of my mother and father as he was developing complications from his diabetes and failing heart. To make a long story short, all the education I received and the deep faith that surrounds our family was needed and used to help them through the trying times up to their passing on.
During that journey we had a new neighbor move in that we have become very close with. They have a special needs child and that has given use new insights and understanding of how God works in all of us. My husband being the wise guy he is, and I mean smart not smarty pants, said :”You know if you put this all together and add in some of the people we met in college that were Amish, you have the makings for a good story here.” My questions was, “Who is going to write it?”. He just looked at me and said, “Why you of course, you lived most of it.”
So here I am. In between doing many things in a normal day that we all do, I have also put on the hat of author; well at least I hope so. My intention is to bring you the best stories I can and show you that there are other sides to the story: The care, the thought, the prayer, the interaction, and interconnection of our actions with one another and the repercussions they may have. I hope that you enjoy the journey and the characters.