Monday, September 30, 2013

What is Booktoberfest?

Authors in the Park is coming to historic Lakeside Inn in Mount Dora. Saturday, October 5th, JLB Creatives presents Authors in the Park – Booktoberfest from 2 to 5pm on the lawn in front of the quaint town’s iconic landmark hotel, AIP spokesman Mark Miller, said today. 



Booktoberfest combines a traditional German Oktoberfest with an old-fashioned Halloween Costume Contest from the imaginations and creativity of twenty local authors. Host Lakeside Inn will make available authentic German food and beverage. There will be music and more fun. All of the participating authors will be appearing in costume, dressed as one of the characters from their huge variety of books.

The authors include: Janet Beasley; John J. Browne y Ayes; Maria Cox; Lisa DeMarco; Donna DeVito; Wendy Dingwall; Dr. Les Hardin; Tawdra Kandle; Jean E. Lane; Rebekah Lyn; De Miller; Mark Miller; Olivia Miller; Theresa Oliver; Keith Rommel; Tony Vincent; Elise VanCise; Pennie Whitt; Ed Wysocki and Randa Zollinger.

“Lakeside Inn is such an incredible host. We are honored to be a new part of their 130 year history. You won’t find better service or a friendlier staff anywhere,” said JLB Creatives president Janet Beasley.

The Lakeside Inn along with several other local sponsors are contributing to the prize pack for the costume contest. Contest details can be found at www.AuthorsinthePark.com or www.FB.com/AuthorsInThePark. Sponsors are encouraging guests to come in costume. To be eligible for the grand prize, a guest must be dressed as one of the characters listed on the Authors in the Park website, Miller said. There will be two grand prizes based on age, one for “Under 18” and another for “Over 18”. The “Under 18” prize will be a family pack of 4 tickets to the Mount Dora Ghost Walk and a $20 gift certificate to PizzAmore’. The “Over 18” prize will include two tickets to the Ghost Walk, a one night stay at the historic Lakeside Inn and breakfast at the hotel restaurant.


“This is a totally unique event,” said Jean E. Lane, AIP Sponsor Coordinator. “Guests will have the opportunity to dress as a character from a book by the author they are meeting at Booktoberfest.”

The presenting authors represent a wide spectrum of books from non-fiction to children’s picture books, from Florida history to Earth’s future. The authors include Best-Sellers, Award-Winners, a direct descendant of Ponce de Leon, movie makers and more.

“Our events are not only a reader’s paradise, but also a family fun event. We’ve had art shows, church picnics and now two October parties in one,” Miller, who is public relations and media specialist for JLB Creatives, said. "It is especially fun for me as I will be flanked by my daughter and father, both accomplished authors in their own right.”

Because October is also recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness month, Farley Frigeration of Astatula will be on hand raising funds for the Susan G. Komen foundation. 



“JLB Creatives’ goal is two-fold,” Mrs. Beasley said.” We want to promote local and independent authors and, at the same time, give back to our community. Mount Dora is such a wonderful, supportive place. If we can help bring in literacy and raise awareness for worthy causes, then that is only a small way in which we can repay this great city.”

JLB Creatives, with support from Arts for the Community, Inc. (a non-profit based in Mount Dora), is actively seeking sponsors for future events and other activities. AIP is involved with the Mount Dora Chamber of Commerce and other merchant associations. Contact can be made through the website to arrange an author appearance at your event or organization, Miller said.



Sunday, September 29, 2013

Cover Reveal - Adrienne Woods' Firebolt

Today we have a cover reveal for an upcoming release from GMTA publishing's Mythos Press.

Firebolt by Adrienne Woods


Dragons. Right. Teenage girls don't believe in fairy tales, and sixteen-year-old Elena Watkins was no different.

Until the night a fairy tale killed her father.

Now Elena is in a new world, and a new school. The cutest guy around may be an evil dragon, a prince wants Elena's heart, and a long dead sorcerer may be waking up to kill her. Oh and the only way Elena's going to graduate is on the back of a dragon of her own.

Teenage girls don't believe in fairy tales. Now it's time for Elena to believe in...herself.

About the author: I was born and raised in South Africa, where I still live with my husband, and two beautiful little girls. I always knew that I was going to be a writer but it only started to happen about four years ago, now I can’t stop writing. In my free time, If I get any because Moms don’t really have free time, I love to spend time with friends, if it’s a girls night out, or just a movie, I’m a very chilled person. My writing career is starting with Firebolt, book one with the Dragonian Series, there will be four books in total and two to three books that is about the stories taking place inside The Dragonian Series. I do write in different Genres, I have a woman’s fiction called the Pregnancy Diaries, but it would be published under another name. And then I have a paranormal series, called the Watercress series. There are about ten novels in that one. So, plenty of novels to come out, so little time. I hope you are going to embrace the Dragonian Series as much as I loved writing them.

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Time to Win

Today's post is sponsored by my new friends at Grammarly! Please visit their site to see the "World's Best Grammar Checker". That's really what it is - an online grammar check. All you have to do is drag-and-drop, upload or copy-and-paste your text and let them do the rest! (my wife uses Grammarly at her work - Rasmussen College)

Keep reading for your chance to win a $20 Amazon gift card!



I am thrilled to have a sponsor today because this post means a lot to me. Today, I am talking about my daughter. She's 10 years old and she's published! OK, I admit it. Our first work together (Sons of the King) was mostly me. She named the characters and locations, but I did the majority of writing. However, with her latest book, she did almost everything.


The Tinfoil Girl by Olivia Miller is a children’s story about being lost and finding your way. It is about discovering new worlds and new friends. Most of all, it is about having faith. This book was written by a ten year old elementary school student. 

I wrote a little review on Goodreads: I will do my best not to be bias and I will say this is not a "paid" review. As the author's father, I have to say that I see so much of this young lady's personality in the story. Her creativity and innocence shines through the pages. As an author myself, I am impressed by Olivia's word choice and her simple, direct story line. She delivers a strong message of faith without being "preachy". She establishes her character, creates conflict and delivers resolution. I look forward to the author she is going to become (far better than I will ever be).

She is also already receiving praise from professional critics, like THIS 5-star review from the free service at Reader's Favorite. How cool is it that she was compared to George MacDonald, a pioneer of modern fantasy!


What else can I tell you about Olivia? She is currently a full-time student. She completed a three year dual language program, in which she learned Spanish as a second language. Olivia is an Honor Roll member and has been recognized as a gifted student. Born in Kansas, she moved with her family to Florida at an early age. She has a passion for writing and a unique way with words. Sons of the King is her first collaboration with her father. She has many more stories to tell, but also holds a secret wish to sing on America's Got Talent. One of Olivia's claims to fame is that she starred as one of Daniel's daughters in the movie Daniel's Lot, available on DVD and as an eBook from Helping Hands Press. Find more about Olivia at www.MillerWords.com and www.FB.com/AuthorOlivia.
I am amazed by her. Sure, as her father, I can say she is talented and beautiful. When you read The Tinfoil Girl, I invite you to decide for yourself if she has the makings of a great writer. I believe the whole project has been a boost for her self-confidence. That is something that is sadly lacking in many young people today and I see it when I visit classrooms. Any opportunity that we have to encourage and empower our children should have the highest priority. Having that book to hold in her hand or view on her Kindle has put a permanent smile on her face this past week. I expect she will go through the roof with that first sale.

Speaking of which, here are the links:

$6.99 Paperback - http://amzn.to/1q5JAQR

$2.99 Kindle - http://amzn.to/IRCbWV

If you are a teacher or a librarian, I think the paperback is a must. Kindergarten through Third Grade can learn from this story and they will enjoy the illustrations. Parents, why not get it for your Kindle or Kindle app when you are sitting at the doctor's office or rolling through the grocery store?

And now to be rewarded for your patience. If you have read this far, remember at the beginning where I promised a $20 Amazon Gift Card? Let's make this simple. Starting now through Monday, Sept 30th, at 10AM EST, anybody (excluding the author's family) that likes Author Olivia on Facebook will be eligible to win. Click the link below, like the page and on Monday a winner will be chosen using Random.Org.


Thanks for reading! Please leave comments below or on FB. Olivia will personally respond to questions on her FB page.



Sunday, September 15, 2013

Falling Down

Can you actually fall down in space?

Luke Umble and his Amish family are going to find out the hard way. Things continue to go from bad to worse with each new revelation. The bad news is that the Adam Corp deep space ship, the Corinthian, has not even made it out of our solar system yet.

Could something worse be waiting for them?

Promise of Tomorrow is an ongoing short story series that asks the question, "How far would you go to save your faith?"

Volume 5
Downfall


Luke Umble believed he was a man of God. One fateful decision could test all of his beliefs. With the support of his wife Annie, they uproot their family in an attempt to save the ones they love. Luke is challenged on all sides by his cantankerous father, his oldest son’s rebellion and even his youngest daughter’s Muscular Dystrophy.

In Volume 5: Downfall, Luke Umble has to face the truth. First he faces it in the rude, condescending behavior of the Englische Captain. Then Luke learns more harsh truth from the young, but sincere, Lieutenant that has also expressed an interest in his daughter. The promise once offered by their ship, the Corinthian, seems to be falling from their grasp. Things are made worse when eight-year-old Henry decides to skip school and explore the ship. Everything collides and causes Luke to doubt his faith.

The one question he asks himself is “How far would you go to keep your faith?”

The only answer Luke can find lies in God’s Promise of Tomorrow.

Thanks for taking the time to read my post. Comments are always appreciated.

You can get this story on Amazon Kindle

Available soon on Nook and Kobo

Please visit me on Facebook

Friday, September 6, 2013

Breaker, Breaker

The ONE series is about raising awareness and raising funds for charity. Along the way, we get a little emotional, but sometimes have some fun. The latest story has a little of both.

2013 Story Eight
The Trucker Angel
by Janet Beasley


This is where knowing the author in person becomes such a treat. Everything that Janet wrote in this story is as honest and sincere as she is in real life. Normally, the author's stories are flights of fancy and epic adventures. I jokingly say this is mature writing for her.

All kidding aside, this story is packed with emotion and faith. She speaks briefly about her mother's condition, but one can read its effect throughout the entire piece. This story is sentimental without being sobby and mystifying without being cheesy.

The big question for me is "Did she see what she says she saw?" The answer may simply be that we all see what we need to see at certain moments in our life. An element of confidence and security comes from our faith. We feel good knowing that a higher power is watching out for us. Ultimately, I feel that is the author's message and one worth sharing.

About the book: 100% of the author’s proceeds will be donated to Bridge to Ability Specialized Learning Center, a not-for-profit organization serving the educational and therapeutic needs of fragile children with severe physical and cognitive disabilities. www.BridgeToAbility.org. The authors, creator and publisher are in no other way affiliated with this organization.

Mark Miller’s One 2013 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 Eight, Janet Beasley tells of a supernatural experience that reaffirmed her faith. Before she was a best-selling author, she was a daughter. One of her simple pleasures has always been lunch with her mother. During one of these outings, Janet and her mother witnessed the unexplainable and believe it saved their lives.


About the author: Janet Beasley, best selling author of The Hidden Earth Series (a six novel series), is successfully carving her niche` in the inspirational epic fantasy genre for middle grades and YAs. Even the young at heart are enjoying the escape her writing style presents.

Her debut novel, Maycly the Trilogy, raised to the top 3 on the Amazon Religious Fantasy charts, and landed ahead of the Hunger Games on yet another. By appearing at local and out-of-state events, book signings, and speaking engagements, audiences are now perking up when they hear this author’s name…and it’s not just for her fantasy novels. Janet works with her sister and full time illustrator, Dar Bagby, to create more than just stories. Volume 1 Maycly the Trilogy expands by leaps and bounds with two companion books (a full color illustration book and a cook book), as well as an online memorabilia shop, and amazingly enough – gourmet dog treats.

Janet is multi-talented when it comes to her creativity. She excels in multi-media presentations, event planning, has developed a training center and its curriculum for AV technicians, and produced – directed – and served as a theater technician. She has written fiction - non-fiction – stage plays - and an autobiography. She has crafted award winning poetry, been published in anthologies, and trade specific magazines.

Janet enjoys the outdoors by kayaking and hiking with her husband, and photographing nature. She also loves animals (dogs are her favorite), spending time with her family, and baking cupcakes.

You can make a difference
by getting this story for
ONLY 99 Cents!

Monday, September 2, 2013

Yet Here's a Spot

Shakespeare is turning over in his grave when I put the Defective Amish Detective in the same post as MacBeth!

See Lady MacBeth had a little problem with a stain and so does our fearless detective. What happens in Volume 7: The Hung Laundry Has a Stain is far less sinister than the old Bard's play.


Rolling out these snazzy new covers is the icing on the cake!

The hung laundry has a stain and, of course, there is only one man to get it clean.

The Defective Amish Detective heads back to Lancaster County to solve a mystery that feels more like a set up for someone else's entertainment. He decides this one calls for a disguise. Under cover, complete with matching sandals over his socks, G meets up with the Amish blacksmith. Together, there is nothing that can stop them, so discovering the cause of the unusual stains and finding the culprit take no time.

The only real question is how and when will G end up in the muck?

Find out here: 

Book Feature: LARP - The Battle of Verona

This one sounds like an entertaining, action-packed story:


About the book: Sometimes even a geek can become a hero. Dennis and his friends have been LARPing (Live Action Role Playing) since high school. Now, in his 20s, Dennis is seriously considering giving up LARPing for good. He’s tired of dealing with his overzealous friend Mark; he’s tired of his older brother Brad’s constant put-downs; and he’s tired of the fact that he doesn’t have a girlfriend. Check that. Not a girlfriend, but the girlfriend.Alyssa—the one woman he’s been pining over for years. Dennis and his fellow LARPers have never been considered cool, in their small island community of Verona, located off the coast of Washington State. But all of that is about to change . . .

While Dennis and his friends are attending a big LARP tournament on the mainland, a rogue terrorist group of Mongolians in medieval garb, led by an American madman, invade Verona and take its citizens hostage—including their families and friends. When the LARPers find out what’s happening in their home-town, they do what any dedicated LARPer would do: they put on their armor, strap on their swords, and fight their way home—LARP-style!


About the author: Justin Calderone started creating books when he was old enough to hold a pencil and crayons. He pursued writing professionally after reading Jack Kerouac’s Desolation Angels. His first book, the poetry novel Revolutions, was published by Lachesis Publishing Inc. in 2004

Find it on Amazon in paperback or eBook:

Sunday, September 1, 2013

Guest Post - Delsheree Gladden

Today's guest shares a nice Q&A with us. Dlesheree Gladden is the author of Wicked Hunger and she wants to tell us a little about it.


Q: When did you first start writing?
A: I first started writing when I was a teen. It was mainly just a hobby at that time, and I wasn't very good. After I got married my husband encouraged me to focus on writing and get into publishing. His support has made all the difference.

Q: Do you read much? If yes, have you always loved reading?
A: I have always loved reading. When my mom would take us to the library when I was little I rarely left with less than twenty books, and I always had them all read by the time we went back for more books.

Q: Who's your favorite author? What's your favorite book?
A: This is always such a tough question because I have so many. Can I pick two? Jim Butcher and Brandon Sanderson are at the top of my list. I love the Dresden Files and the Mistborn Trilogy.

Q: What writers have influenced you the most?
A: Patricia C. Wrede and Jim Butcher. Wrede's books were the first books I really fell in love with. Her characters brought the whole story to life. Butcher's imaginative and unique take on magical creatures and elements inspires me to stretch my mind and be creative.

Q: Do you have a favorite fictional character? Either from a book or movie or a tv show?
A: I think I'd have to pick Mat Cauthon from the Wheel of Time books. Even though 15 rather long books, he always surprised me and kept things interesting.

Q: What are you working on right now? Can you tell us something about it?
A: Too many things at once! I'm working on the sequel to Wicked Hunger, called Wicked Power, which will continue the story of Van and Zander Roth as the explore the world of the Godlings and try to figure out who to trust. I'm also working on a sequel to Escaping Fate. Soul Stone follows Arra as she discovers new abilities. A new project, Invisible, a story about an invisible boy who discovers someone is trying to hunt him down, is the last project I'm focusing on. It will be featured on Wattpad starting in Sept. 2013.

Q: Is there anything in particular that you do to get in the mood to write, or to get in the 'zone'? Any particular pre-writing routines?
A: It just depends on my mood. Sometimes I want absolute quiet, an other times I need to have music in order to concentrate.

Q: Where do you do your writing?
A: I do most of my writing either on the couch or up in the extra room that is my office/sewing room. My computer shares the desk with two sewing machines and a dressmakers dummy, but it works!

Q: How do you approach your writing? i.e. - Do you do outlines? Character bios? Etc.?
A: I jump in and keep writing until I either get stuck or finish the book. I only outline when I absolutely have to and I've never once done a character bio.

Q: Do you have any advice for other writers?
A: Read a lot. There is so much you can learn from reading other writers' work. I get a lot of inspiration from favorite books. Authors I really admire encourage me to keep expanding my abilities and push myself.

Q: Are you a morning person or evening person? Day or night?
A: Night, definitely. I am not a morning person at all, although I taught a seven o'clock yoga class twice a week for over a year!

Q: Do you have any pets?
A: Nope. Between me and my husband, we're allergic to most pets. The ones we aren't allergic to are too smelly. Some day I'm sure my daughter will talk us into a dog regardless of allergies, but she hasn't been successful just yet.

Q: What's your favorite 'I need a break from writing' activity?
A: Reading a good book. I love losing myself in a story and I love sharing my favorites book with my kids now.

Q: How do you approach writing sex scenes? They can range from mild to wild. Where are you on the mild to wild meter?
A: Since I write YA, I don't really write sex scenes. I write steamy scenes when they are called for, but even in the adult books I'm working on, I have a closed door policy.

Q: Do you write in one genre? Or more than one?
A: All of my published books are YA urban fantasy, but I have three adult dramatic romances that I am working on right now.

Q: Are you self-published or with a publishing house?
A: Most of my books are self published right now. I worked with a publisher on The Destroyer Trilogy originally, but after many problems I decided to go back to self publishing. Wicked Hunger was signed with GMTA publishing early this year, and is now available from most major ebook retailers.

Q: What are your thoughts on getting a literary agent?
A: I've never worked with a literary agent, so I don't have a lot to go on to answer that question. I think it depends on their experience and contacts. If they can do more than an author can do on their own, I'm sure it would be a great partnership. The publishing industry is becoming more open to working directly with authors, though, so it will be interesting to see how their role changes in the future.

Q: What about marketing? How do you approach that area?
A: Most of my marketing is done online through social media, reviews, blog tours, workshopping, and participating in giveaways and author related events.

Q: What about beta readers? Do you use them? How many do you have? Where do you find them?
A: I have several great beta readers I work with. I have found beta readers through writing groups as well as recruited a few loyal readers and new readers through mutual friends and social media.

Q: What's your favorite food?
A: Green chile chicken enchiladas. Being from New Mexico, I love green chile!

Q: What's your favorite color?
A: Orange. I love fall colors, the dusty, muted reds and oranges of fall leaves.

Q: Is there a particular website or facebook page or blog that you, as a writer, find very helpful?
A: The Next Big Writer online writing community has helped me connect with so many wonderful authors. Goodreads is also a great place for authors. You can connect with readers and share updates about your writing.

Q: What's your favorite time of the year?
A: I love the fall. Living in a desert, it's always a relief when the heat starts to cool into nice autumn days.

Q: What's your most recent book about? And where can people buy it?
A: Wicked Hunger is the story of the Roth siblings. Vanessa and Zander Roth are good at lying. They have to be when they are hiding a deadly secret. Day after day, they struggle to rein in their uncontrollable hunger for pain and suffering in order to live normal lives. Things only get worse when Ivy Guerra appears with her pink-striped hair and secrets. The vicious hunger Ivy inspires is frightening, not to mention suspicious. Vanessa's instincts are rarely wrong, so when they tell her that Ivy's appearance is a sign of bad things to come, she listens. She becomes determined to expose Ivy's secrets. Vanessa tries to warn her brother, but Zander is too enamored with Ivy to pay attention to her conspiracy theories. One of them is right about Ivy . but if they lose control of their hunger, it won't matter who is right and who is wrong. One little slip, and they'll all be dead.

Q: As a writer, what do you feel is your strongest gift or talent or skill that you have, that helps you the most as a writer?
A: One thing readers have told me they enjoy are my characters. I always try make sure my characters are unique. I want them to have a life before the book starts. Their backstories drive the decisions they make in the book. I don't want readers to feel like the character was "born" on page one.

Q: Please share some of your links with us - facebook author page, website, where people can find your books?
A: Readers can find me online at:


About the book: Vanessa and Zander Roth are good at lying. They have to be when they are hiding a deadly secret. Day after day, they struggle to rein in their uncontrollable hunger for pain and suffering in order to live normal lives. Things only get worse when Ivy Guerra appears with her pink-striped hair and secrets. The vicious hunger Ivy inspires is frightening, not to mention suspicious. Vanessa’s instincts are rarely wrong, so when they tell her that Ivy’s appearance is a sign of bad things to come, she listens. She becomes determined to expose Ivy’s secrets. Vanessa tries to warn her brother, but Zander is too enamored with Ivy to pay attention to her conspiracy theories. One of them is right about Ivy … but if they lose control of their hunger, it won’t matter who is right and who is wrong. One little slip, and they’ll all be dead.

About the author: I live in New Mexico with my husband and two children. I love expressing my creativity through writing and painting and I get a lot of my inspiration from my family and from the culture and beauty of New Mexico. I write mainly Young Adult urban fantasy, but my writing interests are ever expanding. I am also currently in the Dental Hygiene Program at San Juan College, so 90% of my waking hours are devoted to thinking about teeth for the time being!