Holiday Book Boost Number 28

Hi Indy, Welcome to my blog, I’m happy to meet you and introduce you to my readers. Let’s get started.

Title, genre, format (ebook, paperback):

TRACKER: A Fox Walker Novel is Book 1 in the Fox Walker Novels collection. It’s considered a suspense/mystery/thriller and contains a light romantic element as well.
It can be purchased as a paperback print book or as a Kindle book.

Tell me about your book/story:

Here’s the short version:

Loner and expert tracker Fox Walker's discovery in the Colorado wilderness will force him to employ all of his unique skills and wisdom if he is to save the Woman of the Wilderness.

Want more? This is from the book cover:

Apprenticed since early childhood in the ancient Native American skills of survival, tracker Fox Walker is a loner by choice until the day he discovers a young woman living as a primitive deep in the Colorado wilderness. A woman with no memory of her past and a torso riddled with scars. A woman with no desire for rescue and no reason to trust him.

The killer responsible for her emotional and physical damage has returned to finish what he started. Walker soon finds himself in the midst of an FBI manhunt. He'll be called upon to use all his unique skills and wisdom if he is to save the Woman of the Wilderness.

Awards Received:

Finalist in the National Indie Excellence Awards 2017
Finalist in the San Diego Book Awards 2017
Best Fiction Award at Southern California Writers Conference.

What is the one thing you’d like people to know about you (or, what is your secret superpower):

Being outside in nature is the most basic part of who I am. Besides gaining knowledge about wildlife, I learn lessons about who I am, and surprise myself about what I am capable of achieving. Nature continually inspires me. It is a part of all my writings, no matter the genre or subject matter.

And just a few fun questions:

Pen or Computer:

I used to handwrite all my chapters first before transferring them to the computer. But now I find I prefer to work directly via the computer. Although, when beginning a new book, I write out my ideas for the characters and plot by hand, and create my timeline. And if I find myself struggling with a scene I will often turn to paper and pencil to work it out.

Best writing snacks:

Popcorn, nuts, chips or crackers are my go-to staples. But some dark chocolate and a glass of wine makes a decidedly decadent deviation. Yeah, and I also love alliteration.

Craziest thing you’ve done for story research:

Wow – that could be an entire page considering I write about wilderness survival and have researched such things as how to clean and cook a rattlesnake. But seriously, the one incident that stands out to me is the time I had to call the Colorado Court System and ask questions about how prisoners are transferred from the court to the prison. The person helping me was happy to answer questions about the vehicle and what the prisoners would be wearing and such…but they got very, very quiet when I started asking questions about if the guards would be armed and if so, what kind of weapon. I was told they needed to transfer me to a supervisor. Fortunately I was able to get my questions answered though!

Where can people find your book/story:

Currently TRACKER: A Fox Walker Novel is only available on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M17M4C6

Or you can contact me for a signed print copy, if you prefer.

I hope to expand to more venues soon.

Any links and/or pictures you want to share:

If you’d love to receive info about upcoming new releases or sales for my novels you can subscribe to my once-a-month (at most) Newsletter. You can find the form on the Home page of my website. Or simply visit to read more about my various writing projects and blogs:  http://indyquillen.com/

You can Friend me as Indy Quillen on Facebook or Follow me @indyquillen on Twitter.

Thank you!

Holiday Book Boost Number 27

Hi Debra, Welcome to my blog, I’m happy meet you and introduce you to my readers. Let’s get started.

Title, genre, format (ebook, paperback):

Millionaire Marketing on a Shoestring Budget™ - available as a paperback book as well as an eBook.

Tell me about your book/story:

Millionaire Marketing on a Shoestring Budget™ came about shortly after 9-11. Many people were scared and started cutting back on their budgets, and specifically, their marketing budgets.

So in guiding my clients, I compiled a list of affordable ways they could maintain top-of-mind awareness. It’s a list of strategies that I implemented during my three decades in business—and I’m still here today. I continue to use these business-building tools on an ongoing basis today and am happy to help others discover how to enjoy longevity in their businesses as well.

What is the one thing you’d like people to know about you (or, what is your secret superpower):

For six years, I went to college to obtain my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in communication disorders. After working in the field, I realized that speech pathology did not fuel my passion. I’ve changed careers several times, but when I opened my doors as a freelance direct response copywriter, I did so from scratch, without a degree in marketing. What I did have was enthusiasm and a desire to succeed.

And just a few fun questions:

Pen or Computer:

When writing in a journal, I use a pen. When I worked on my book, I did that on my PC.

Best writing snacks:

Chocolate, though I’m not sure I’d say that’s the best. On a healthier note, I like sugar snap peas when they’re in season.

Craziest thing you’ve done for story research:

Sorry, nothing comes to mind.

Where can people find your book/story:

If you want an autographed copy, with a gold shoestring, visit https://MillionaireMarketingonaShoestringBudget.com
The book is also available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble, but does not come autographed or with a gold shoestring.

Any links and/or pictures you want to share:

https://DebraJason.com

https://MillionaireMarketingonaShoestringBudget.com

https://WriteDirection.com

Thank you!

Holiday Book Boost Number 26

Hi B.Duane, Welcome to my blog, I’m happy meet you and introduce you to my readers. Let’s get started.

Title, genre, format (ebook, paperback):

The Dark Razor, Tales From Inter-Space Freight Services, Ltd: Sweetness, Tales from Inter-Space Freight Services, Ltd: The Staff.  Science Fiction all in eBook format.

Tell me about your book/story:  

All characters in the stories are, used to be, or will become associated with a small logistics company called Inter-Space Freight Services, Ltd.  The company arranges freight runs and handles paperwork, tariffs, and customs for independent owner-operators of small and medium sized space freighters.  Rather than a Princess, Wizard, or Champion Knight, the stories are about people who have to work for a living.  Each individual has their own past, personality, character flaws, and goals.  Mundane lives wouldn’t be that interesting for most readers, and indeed all of the characters have experienced adventures.  Even more, they have had some influence on each other, usually without knowing it.  The series is less hard science and explanation, and more about the human (or in some cases non-terrestrial sentients) struggles, victories, trials, and rewards.

What is the one thing you’d like people to know about you (or, what is your secret superpower):

 I’m a lifelong presenter, with little fear of public speaking and an ability to relate to nearly everyone.  That’s not so super, so just for fun I have two different super powers, neither of which I can control to much extent.  One is ACID.  That would probably be my X-Man name if I were in the comics!  My skin destroys many metals, but it takes long exposure.  I’ve ruined many watches, and had to replace my gold wedding ring as my skin seems to eat it away.  I play trumpet.  Where I hold the horn the nickel and brass finishes have been worn away by nothing but contact with my skin.  The second I’m less prone to share because it can be unsettling, yet has happened many times in my life.  I have a certain sense of prescience (think Frank Herbert’s Dune series).  I cannot control it, and it doesn’t always happen, but I have sensed many things from many people.  It’s highly personal, and has included an impending death of a strong and healthy man, criminal behavior in a church Pastor, and more.  It is difficult to describe other than as a strong unanticipated thought sensed when first meeting someone.  I share the thoughts with almost nobody because they seem so unlikely.  The problem is, they nearly always comes true. 

And just a few fun questions:

Pen or Computer: Computer!  Unless I’m using my iPad or Mac.  Cloud storage is wonderful!

Best writing snacks:  Nothing!  Eating distracts me and when I’m fully engaged in writing eating is one of the furthest things from my mind.

Craziest thing you’ve done for story research:  It’s not so bizarre, but I love learning things and expanding knowledge.  I might stop writing to look up a word and its Latin or Greek root, but then get lost in the research online for hours.  

Where can people find your book/story:  Amazon, Apple iBooks (iTunes store), Barnes & Noble (online), Kobo, and Lulu.

https://bdonrazor.wixsite.com/bduanesmith

https://www.amazon.com/B-Duane-Smith/e/B00XGW1WQK/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/%22B%20Duane%20Smith%22?Ntk=P_key_Contributor_List&Ns=P_Sales_Rank&Ntx=mode+matchall

https://www.kobo.com/us/en/search?query=b%20duane%20smith&fcsearchfield=Author

Thank you!

Holiday Book Boost Number 25

Hi Thomas, Welcome to my blog, I’m happy meet you and introduce you to my readers. Let’s get started.

Title, genre, format (ebook, paperback):  hard cover then soft cover/kindle

“GUARDIAN – Life in the Crosshairs of the CIA’s War on Terror”- Biographies and Memoir, Non-fiction, History, Politics and Government, Intelligence and Espionage, Terrorism

Tell me about your book/story:

A CIA security officer recounts a twenty-four-year career protecting America’s intelligence personnel and senior USG Officials against a backdrop of the War on Terror.  The prequal to the famous 2012 battle in Benghazi when the CIA Annex Security Team saved the lives of the US State Department employees, an incident that was the subject of the book and the movie, “13 Hours”!

Former CIA Security Officer Tom Pecora’s bracing narrative memoir covers the generation he spent in the field protecting America’s top spies and diplomats in war zones across the world, a travelogue stitched in blood and bullets across a fabric defined by the rising threat of Islamic terrorism.

Over the course of a career that saw him receive the Career Intelligence Medal, Intelligence Star, Meritorious Unit Citation, and numerous Exceptional Performance Awards, Pecora distinguished himself as a Protective Operations Cadre (POC) member and as a CIA Security Officer. And now he’s prepared to shed light on the world of clandestine protective operations and the selfless, heroic warriors dedicated to keeping the United States safe at all costs…

What is the one thing you’d like people to know about you (or, what is your secret superpower):

Spent 23 of 24 years not telling anyone but my family where I worked.  

And just a few fun questions:

Pen or Computer:  computer (but only because no one else can read my handwriting)!

Best writing snacks:  gummi bears

Craziest thing you’ve done for story research:  bought almost every book written by a former CIA officer in the past 15 years and then spent hours and hours reading and documenting quotes from these authors as from open sources in an effort to get the CIA’s Publication Review Board to let me tell my story!

Where can people find your book/story:  Currently on Amazon in pre-publication sale.  Publishes May 7^th, 2019.

Any links and/or pictures you want to share: I have put an attachment on the email with the book cover and several photos.

Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/Guardian-Life-Crosshairs-CIAs-Terror/dp/1642930474/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1543469388&sr=8-1&keywords=pecora+guardian

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Guardian-561121847691876/

LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-pecora-053b503a/

Thank you!

Holiday Book Boost Number 24

Hi Dave, Welcome to my blog, I’m happy meet you and introduce you to my readers. Let’s get started.

Title, genre, format (ebook, paperback):

The Music Book, literature, paperback

Tell me about your book/story:

The Music Book is a blend of fiction and non-fiction and grew out of the music writing I did in Seattle for Seattle Subsonic and Northwest Music Scene. The non-fiction elements are the music reviews. The bands, musicians, and songs are real, as are the experiences of seeing the live shows. That’s largely what it’s about, the experience of the music. The fictional element, then, is the narrative that surrounds the stage, and that narrative stays true to the themes that were present within the music and the music writing, but the narrator (to an extent) and the non-musicians are fictional people as are the non-musical things they do.

And so the book is about what music means. Can it be more than the sum of its notes and melodies? Can it truly change you? The narrator, Rob, a musician turned reluctant music critic, poses these questions as everything important in his life appears to be fading—memories of lost love, songs from his old bands, even his hearing. He delves into the music of others to find solace and purpose, and discovers that the chords and repeated phrases echo themes that have emerged in his own life. The music sustains him, but can it revive him?

The Music Book is a story of loss, of fear and loneliness, of a mutable past. But most of all it’s about music as a force, as energy, as a creator of possibility. What might come from the sound of an A chord played just so? Rob listens. And among other things, he finds surprising companionship with a cat; another chance at love; and the courage to step on a stage again and finally, fully comprehend the power of sound.

What is the one thing you’d like people to know about you (or, what is your secret superpower):

No superpower per se, but I write and I play bass, and when those things go well they can be like superpowers. They can certainly affect moments, evenings, and whole lives. When I’m not doing those things I’m probably down at the pub watching an Arsenal match or at home reading a book.

And just a few fun questions:

Pen or Computer: Computer. I wrote with a pen and a notebook years ago and carried a notebook everywhere. I was always hunched over scribbling in it. These days it’s all laptop. I write in the morning between 4:00 and 7:00 when it’s absolutely quiet and it feels like there’s nothing else happening in the world.

Best writing snacks: Coffee (see writing time in previous question)

Craziest thing you’ve done for story research:

I went to jail. There was a band called the Slants playing in the Oregon State Penitentiary (OSP), and I wanted to experience and write about what it was like to be in a maximum security prison, if only briefly. It was for a regular program OSP had to bring bands in so I went with the Slants and we spent an afternoon in the “Big Yard” with the inmates and with naught for protection but the orange vests OSP gave us. It made for a good chapter in the book. In the picture (attached to the email) I am hanging out in the yard with the band and a few inmates. I’m on the right with the old long hair and a notebook. Couldn’t bring the laptop into the prison of course.

Where can people find your book/story:

Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Music-Book-Dave-OLeary/dp/1937634051

B&N - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-music-book-dave-oleary/1120420210

Any links and/or pictures you want to share:

Music from the book is available for streaming and download:

https://themusicbook.bandcamp.com/album/the-music-book-a-benefit-for-the-wishlist-foundation

100% of proceeds from music sales are donated to The Wishlist Foundation ( https://wishlistfoundation.org/ ),a Pearl Jam fan-run nonprofit, grassroots 501(c)(3) fan organization dedicated to supporting Pearl Jam’s charitable and philanthropic efforts.

Thank you!

 Thanks!

Holiday Book Boost Number 23

 Hi Corinna, Welcome to my blog, I’m happy meet you and introduce you to my readers. Let’s get started.

Title, genre, format (ebook, paperback):

The Soul Room (Psychological thriller with a vein of mystery running through it) – ebook, paperback, audiobook.

Return of the Morrigan (Contemporary psychological thriller with a dash of ancient myth!) -ebook, paperback, audiobook coming soon.

The Call (Contemporary psychological thriller novella) ebook, paperback and audiobook.

Argemourt (Psychological historical thriller set in the current day and WWII)

Tell me about your book/story:

My latest novel, Argemourt has been a really emotional journey for me over the last two years, and some strange synchronicities have happened around it.  I came up with the idea for the story after visiting the martyred village of Oradour-sur-Glane in the Haute Vienne in France.  It is now a national monument and the site of one of the worst Nazi atrocities of the war (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oradour-sur-Glane_massacre).  The place haunted me, and a story started to grow inside me; one where a young army widow from the present day, and a PHD student in Paris, through twists of fate, meet 75 years after the massacre in the invented village of Argemourt; scene of a similar atrocity. 

It’s been quite a journey writing the book, with a lot of research required, including meeting and spending time with some army wives in a barracks town in Hampshire, but I’m really proud of how the story has turned out.  I’m trying to get people to think a bit, about what it means to live with humanity; and how we need to be vigilant and give kindness in a world that seems to be becoming more divided every day; but I don’t want it to be ‘preachy’, and hopefully, despite it having some harrowing moments, it is ultimately a story of hope.

In terms of the synchronicities I mentioned earlier; when I approached the Anne Frank Foundation to get permission to use the quote from her diary that opens Michelle’s part of the book; they asked me to mention the date that she wrote it.  I was amazed and unsettled when I saw that not only was it my eldest son’s birth date, but also showed that she wrote it, from her attic, in the very week that the SS Panzer Division das Reich was carrying out its atrocities in villages such as Oradour-sur-Glane.   The second synchronicity was how life started to imitate art; with things happening in Europe in very similar ways to things I had described in the story.  I suppose you could say I was unconsciously picking up on a wider ‘mood’, but it was uncanny to see real life start to mirror my story. 

What is the one thing you’d like people to know about you (or, what is your secret superpower):

I’m an excellent curry cook – a skill I have inherited from my dad, who would spend hours preparing wonderful Indian feasts!  Unfortunately for him, I only ever wanted mild, creamy curries when I was younger, but although he is unfortunately no longer around to enjoy it; I know he would be proud of how I am now pretty much addicted to chili!

And just a few fun questions:

Pen or Computer:

I feel sad when I think that we could lose the art of handwriting because of the growth of computers, but I touch type as fast as I think; so am able to get my stories down much faster than if I had to handwrite them.  And I don’t know what I’d do without the ‘Find and Replace’ option in Word!!

Best writing snacks:

I can crave something sweet in the afternoon, so maybe a nice strong coffee and a decent biscuit.  On occasion, a glass of wine, or at this time of year, a warming Whisky Mac, also oils the creative wheels nicely!

Craziest thing you’ve done for story research:

Hmm, I don’t know about crazy, but the time I spent interviewing the young army wives in their barracks town in Hampshire was both moving and enlightening.  It was important to me that I could tell their story with authenticity, so I really wanted to meet them in person.  Although I hate everything about war and fighting, I was filled with respect for their resilience, and the sacrifices they made to support their husbands and partners.  As the Anne Frank quote says, ‘we mustn’t forget, that women, too, are soldiers.’  Women in war generally just fight in a different way – they fight to look after their families, and to keep things going while their main support is away.  They fight to keep normality for their children when everything around them is completely abnormal. 

Where can people find your book/story:

The ebook of Argemourt is out now on Amazon/Kindle and the paperback is following in the new year.  https://www.amazon.co.uk/Argemourt-village-haunted-people-present-ebook/dp/B07KTVTTJ7/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1543827394&sr=8-1&keywords=Argemourt

Any links and/or pictures you want to share:

Readers can find out more about all my books and find links to buy them via my website.  If they choose to subscribe to my occasional author newsletter they will also get a free ebook of my short story collection, The Ring.  www.corinnaedwards-colledge.co.uk.  I also always like to meet new people via my author page on Facebook:  www.facebook.com/corinnaauthor

Thank you!

And thank you – been lovely chatting to you, have a great Christmas & New Year!

Holiday Book Boost Number 22

Hi Jewel, Welcome to my blog, I’m happy meet you and introduce you to my readers. Let’s get started.

Hi Lynn,

Thank you so much for having me on your blog!

Title, genre, format (ebook, paperback):

Prophecy is the third book in my historical fantasy series (The Witches’ Rede). It’s currently available in paperback and you can preorder the ebook until its release on December 21^st. It will also be available for the lovely readers of Kindle Unlimited to enjoy.

Tell me about your book/story:

Following a hellish 6-months apart, Maeve MacKenna and Rafaele Forino are fleeing Arizona Territory--and their criminal pasts. When Rafaele gets a tip on Maeve's stolen engagement ring, their journey west takes an unexpected turn.

Tailed through the wilderness by the god of death over what Maeve believes to be a case of mistaken identity, and among a throng of inexperienced and unfriendly travelers, emotions run high, sleep runs short, and already hot tempers flare. The lovers' future is in jeopardy as they fight to not become another snack for a legendary winged monster of southwest lore.

If the giant owl doesn't get them, either God or the devil will tear them apart.

What is the one thing you’d like people to know about you (or, what is your secret superpower):

My secret superpower? Well, it wouldn’t be secret if I shared it with you so I’m afraid you’ll just have to speculate.

I want people to know that if they see me complaining about my work (most likely to happen on Twitter), it’s because I love my story and characters so much that I want what I do for them to be as perfect as I can make it … and perfection definitely comes at a bit of a mental health cost.

We complain because we love. 😉

And just a few fun questions:

Pen or Computer:

Yes! (For me, pen first, then computer. Typing my handwritten work is what I consider first round edits.)

Best writing snacks:

Gotta be Red Vines. I’d say Cheez-Its but then I have to have chocolate milk with it, which means more calories, which means weight gain, which means I have guilt, and it’s a whole horrible downward spiral. So Red Vines, for me.

Craziest thing you’ve done for story research:

I’m not really sure what’s been the craziest thing I’ve done but I’ve traveled to visit numerous locales used in my series, I’ve dressed in a Victorian gown created from a period pattern (the corset is not as bad as people who obviously haven’t worn them would have you think), and I learned how to use a bow and arrow!

Where can people find your book/story:

You can find The Witches’ Rede series here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/bookseries/B07DMP6G6W

Any links and/or pictures you want to share:

My website is here: http://www.jeweleleonard.com/

I’m on Twitter here: http://www.twitter.com/JewelELeonard

And you can find me on Facebook here: http://www.facebook.com/Jewel.E.Leonard

Thank you!

Thanks again, so much for having me! It’s been a pleasure. 😊