The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing
Topic: Blog Tours

A book review is easy to write, correct? You say I liked it or I hated it and add a reason why-nothing to it. Besides, nobody actually pays atention to book reviews.  Wrong!

Book reviews have swayed many a reader toward buying abook, or walking away. Book stores, libraries and a majority of readers like to know what people think of a book-it helps them decide whether it is worth the price of purchase or not.  In order to write an effective review, certain elements should be included--and others avoided

My guest over the next few days will be Mayra Calvani, co-author of The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing.  Multi-genre author Mayra Calvani has been a reviewer for ten years. She’s the author of the supernatural thrillers, Embraced by the Shadows and Dark Lullaby. A regular contributor to Blogcritics Magazine, she’s also a member of Broad Universe, Authors Coalition, and The Society of Children’s Books Writers and Illustrators. Visit her website at: www.MayraCalvani.com. For her children’s books, visit www.MayrasSecretBookcase.com. Mayra also keeps a blog, The Dark Phantom Review, where she regularly posts reviews and author interviews.

Let's take a look at a short synopsis of The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing:

Are you passionate about books? Do you have the desire to share your thoughts about a book with readers, yet are unsure about what makes a good review? Are you curious about the influence reviews have on readers, booksellers, and librarians? If you’re an experienced reviewer, The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing will serve as an excellent reference tool and amalgam of resources. If you’re a beginner, this book will show you how to write a well-written, honest, objective and professional book review. It will also teach you:

• How to read critically
• How to differentiate the various types of reviews
• How to rate books
• How to prevent amateurish mistakes
• How to deal with the ethics and legalities of reviewing
• How to tell the difference between a review, a book report, and a critique
• How to start your own review site
• How to publish your reviews on dozens of sites and even make money while you’re at it, and much more

If you’re an author, publisher, publicist, bookseller, librarian, or reader, this book will also bring to light the importance and influence of book reviews within a wider spectrum. 

*Currently used as a text book for book writing course in Loyola College, Maryland.

*The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing will be required reading for an English course at Kent State University, Ohio, that begins mid-January 2009.

To learn more about The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing, visit www.slipperybookreview.wordpress.com.

Tomorrow, I will share a guest post from Mayra and let you have a peek at a partial list of the book contents.

Zamora's Ultimate Challenge--A New YA Book
Topic: Blog Tours

As parents and grandparents, we are always looking for ways to get our young ones to read.  That is why I must tell you about any particularly good books that I find.  Today, I'd like to talk about Zamora's Ultimate Challenge. 

Mason and Carter Clover only agree on two things--their baby sister Isabella is a royal pain and their favorite video game, Zamora's Ultimate Challenge, is totally awesome. 

But fantasy turns to reality when Zamora's evil face appears across the brothers' television screen. Claiming to have kidnapped Isabella, the queen challenges the boys to a daring rescue before she takes over their sister's soul. Zamora's plan is to use the baby as a human vessel to travel to Earth and dominate the world.

Once the brothers figure out how to get inside the video game, they are hurled into the magical land of Boysen where they meet their helpful guides: a sage, a quirky mermaid, and a Pegasus (who flies them to each thrilling level of the video game). Racing against
time, the brothers search for their sister, encountering a myriad of dangerous enemies including stinging fairies, haunted Master
Souls, and brutish, knife-wielding pirates. 

Can they beat each level of the game while being hunted by a fire-breathing dragon, stalked by a robotic shark, and terrorized by
acid-poop-bombing pterodactyls? 

Driven by the powerful bonds that unite siblings, Mason and Carter are determined to face their fears and will stop at nothing to bring Isabella home.but first they must survive Zamora's Ultimate Challenge!

***
Michele Scott, internationally known for her Berkeley Prime Crime series' 'The Wine Lover's Mysteries' and "The Horse Lover's Mysteries' is looking to increase her already huge fan base. Under the pseudonym of M.K. Scott, Quake (a division of Echelon Press, LLC) will be releasing her debut foray into the world of kids fantasy. With a pack of her own kids, she found great inspiration for the story of Mason and Carter. "Zamora's Ultimate Challenge" is a fantastical journey into another world.

***

Please return Friday when I will be posting my review of this book.

This being a double-post day, please continue reading to learn more about Gurutej and her programs.

More From Gurutej
Topic: Blog Tours

Besides the four DVDs I mentioned earlier this week, The Energy Gurus offer various programs to help individual and companies expand their minds and work more effectively.  Here are three:

Executive Ally program:

Become your own energy guru.

Being a leader is not always easy. When you are energetic, clear and productive, you are the inspiring force that carries a business, team or initiative. You are the head, you hold the vision, but how are you supported?

We have the capacity and the program to do just that. Our time-tested techniques are priceless. They will not only save you effort and money, they will give you boundless energy.

This program is a one-on-one consultation — focusing on situations relevant to you in the moment with an eye on your long-term goals.

We arm you with:

•  
  •  
    • Easy-to-replicate techniques to boost and maintain your energy
    • Simple tools to increase your effectiveness
    • Hands-on support to create new, vision-affirming habits
    • Increased capacity to release blocks to your best outcome

 

The Human Sustainability Series:

We green your business starting with your people.

In the business arena Sustainability is generally characterized as maintained productivity and limited consumed resources without compromised quality. The Energy Gurus definition of Sustainability also includes giving each person in a business or organization the tools to revitalize and sustain their individual—and group—energy.

This is what “greening humans” truly means: giving each person the capacity and support to change and manage their energy—therefore change their mental, physical and emotional states quickly and at will.  In turn, this reflects on the entire group, business or community.

We give you techniques and tools to create:

•  
  •  
    • Exceptional vitality and clarity
    • Instant stress reduction
    • Enhanced mental and physical health
    • Cutting edge energizing diet
    • Spontaneous mood enhancement
    • Ability to adjust to change quickly
    • Increased trust in the work place

 

Women in Power; The applied art and science of intuition

For the last forty years Gurutej Khalsa—the founder of the Energy Gurus—has been studying and developing effective techniques specifically for women. She has led women’s retreats and conferences all over the world. Women have explicit needs and amazing potential to create great lives, as well as the power to make significant contributions to society.

This exciting program is designed to inspire and support women on their personal and professional journeys.

We will guide you to:

•  
  •  
    • Identify the habits and events that take you down and effective ways to remedy this at the core
    • Discover secret ways to reclaim your energy
    • Use and heighten feminine intuition in all areas of life
    • Create productive habits to sustain your ultimate goals—unleash your power
    • Manage sleep, exercise and food for greater levels of energy
    • Lead successfully in the many areas of your life without sacrificing your energy or yourself  

 Besides these, Gurutej offers various workshops and retreats throughout the year.  This incredible woman spends her life enabling others to experience their highest potential.  For more information, please check out her videos at:

https://www.youtube.com/user/theenergygurus

https://www.youtube.com/user/gurutejyoga

and visit her sites and blog at:

http://www.gurutej.com/

http://www.theenergygurus.com/

http://www.theenergyguru.blogspot.com/

***

For all those who write book reviews, please visit over the next few days when my guest will be Mayra Calvani, author of The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing.

The Benefits of Gurutej's Kundalini Yoga programs
Topic: Blog Tours

First I want to correct the contact information I posted for Gurutej yesterday.  She has asked that if you need to contact her please use gurutej@ca.rr.com  or gurutej@theenergygurus.com as she is more likely to receive messages at these two addresses.

Why the Energy Gurus?

Founded by Gurutej Khalsa, the Energy Gurus offer life enhancing and stress reduction programs—for individual and groups/organizations—that introduce priceless time-tested techniques. They not only help unleash new levels of personal energy, but they also help to better manage it. In turn that generates great benefits and translates into time and money saving.

Benefits:

• More vitality

• Greater clarity

• Productivity boost

• Better mental and physical health

• Stress reduction in 60-90 seconds

• Affects of food on our energy

• Increased capacity to handle stress

• Promotes trust within the work place

• Ability to adjust to change quickly

Small, medium or large, all businesses and organizations can benefit from the services offered by the Energy Gurus and tomorrow I will share with you some of the available series offered by Gurutej.

Gurutej offers four Kundalini Yoga DVDs:

Kundalini Yoga Awakening Intuition for Women

Kundalini Yoga for Mental Clarity

Kundalini Yoga for Balanced Chakras

Kundalini Yoga for Mental Clarity

There is something to enhance everyone's life!!

I was going to include a video, but the Internet gremlins are making it difficult tonight.  You don't have to miss them, however! Both:

 https://www.youtube.com/user/theenergygurus

and

https://www.youtube.com/user/gurutejyoga

offer a number of videos that give you great insight into what Gurutej has to offer on her DVDs.

For further information on Gurutej and her wondrous work, please visit:

http://www.gurutej.com/

http://www.theenergygurus.com/

or

http://www.theenergyguru.blogspot.com/

***

 

A Talk With Gurutej
Topic: Author Interview

I had the pleasure of interviewing Gurutej and what follows is the delightful result. Tomorrow, please come back to view a video with Gurutej and find out where to see more, as well as find out the benefits of this wonderful program.  I gurantee you won't be disappointed!

Gurutej The Person:

1.     What three words do you think describe you as a human being?

 Wildly joyously, humorously spiritual.

2.      How do you think others would describe you?

 Kooky, out of the box amazing.

3.      Please tell us what you are most passionate about outside of your work.

Is there an out side of my work? No but I love anything in the ocean, Rollerblading hills, my kids, grandkids, serving the world women, teens, couples, businesses. Travel because it opens your soul.

4.  Do you have any pets?  If so, introduce us to them.

I have one kitty new Sweetie had the name when I got her actually Sweetie Bee but I couldn't get that cutsie. She is coming round. Sweet soul and really really smart. Knows what you are saying and she usually responds, which is quite amazing in cat world.

5.  What is your most precious memory?

Meeting and being with my teacher, being deeply loved, meditating, the birth and raising of my children, my daughter in love and grand babies, teaching, my friends and enemies, Being in the ocean and my mom, but not necessarily in that order.

6.  What is your most embarrassing memory?

Showing up in first grade in costume on the wrong day for the Halloween party. Writing a love letter to someone else's boyfriend and having a good friend deliver it to his girlfriend, which in hind site she should have done.

7.      If you weren't doing this work, what would you be doing with your life?

Being extremely wealthy and using the money to uplift kids and give them hope and techniques to live life consciously so this planet could thrive.
 

8.      In two paragraphs or less write your obituary.

Done this. This is a party so please sing and dance. This is what Gurutej requested. She came, she saw. she shared, uplifted and cared. Now she is free let it be.

Your Work:

9.  Can you describe the time you realized you were doing the work you were meant to do?

About 8 years old when I told my mother I was going to start my own religious order.

10.  What is going on with your work at this time?

Lots. The Energy Gurus, This tour, Workshops and conferences learning new ways to connect with more people

11. What are your future goals for your work?

To reach and uplift 10,000,000's

12.  Can you describe a typical work day for you?

I don't ever have a typical day

13. Why do you do this sort of work?

Because I have been given these teachings and they must be shared.

14.  What other person who does this sort of work inspires you the most?  Why?

Andy Werbach, Paul

15.  How do you define your work?

I give people techniques that can give them an experience of an uplifted more energetic life in 1-3 minutes. Then support them in this pursuit.

16.  In one sentence-what do you want people to say about you in fifty years?

She was always and inspiration you can look at my web sites http://www.gurutej.com/ and http://www.theenergygurus.com/ for testimonials.

The Details:

17. Can you tell us where to find more information on you? Website?  Blog?

http://www.gurutej.com/, http://www.theenergygurus.com/ and http://www.theenergyguru.blogspot.com/

18.  Is there a place where people can reach you?

Contact info is on web sites and blog. I can be reached at gurutej2@gmail.com

19.   Can you list all your titles so people can look for them?

Kundalini Yoga For Balanced Chakras

Kundalini Yoga For Mental Clarity - Calm and Focus the Mind

Kundalini Yoga Awakening Intuition for Women

Kundalini Yoga For the Immune System - Increase Vital Energy

20.  For new people -what can they expect when they read your work?

An experience of themselves. One person said "I could have save myself so much time and money if I had only done this first."

In conclusion:

21.  Take as much space as necessary to speak to our readers-what would you like them to know about you and your work?

That I want to take them with me and not just speak with them but get them to do some of the things necessary to have more energy and less stress NOW. In the now, who wants to live there as if it is an unfun place. Connecting to the source of energy is not unfun. It is delicious.

Learning More About Tony Napoli and My Father My Don
Topic: Blog Tours

I'd like to share with you today some things people are saying about Tony Napoli's book, My Father, My Don.

A Powerfully absorbing saga of personal redemption!"
       --Nicholas, Pileggi, author of Wiseguy and Casino. 

"A knockout! This powerful book examines, in great detail, Tony Nap's checkered past and his amazing comeback..."
--Bill Gallo, cartoonist and columnist, New York Daily News

 "Tony tells his story with honesty and a peacefulness of a man having to come to grips with past conflicts in a peaceful way."
--Sonny Girard, former mobster and author of Blood of Our Fathers  

“A true story told in the style of The French Connection.”
--Sonny Grosso, former NYPD detective and co-author, The French Connection

 

Wiseguy turned nice guy

Ex-mobster who won battle with bottle now helps alcoholic veterans recover
BY ERNEST NASPRETTO DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER
Sunday, August 26th 2007, 4:00 AM

He was destined to live in the shadow of his fabled father, a notorious bookie and mob figure. Alcoholism would almost kill the renegade son of James Napoli, known affectionately among wiseguys and cops as "Jimmy Nap."

Some of the highlights of Antonio (Tony Nap) Napoli's troubled life include accompanying his father at age 12 on a visit to Al Capone in Florida, boxing for the U.S. Air Force, almost beating to death a corrupt police captain in Jersey City, working as a casino boss in Las Vegas, and defying mob authority.

But what didn't kill him - alcoholism or wiseguys - made him stronger. Today, a reformed Tony Nap, 72, is a military veteran's best friend.

The transition began in November 1993, a year after his famous father died at 81.

A young punk from Sicily assaulted one of Tony's daughters. The next day, Tony confronted the thug, who tried to pull a knife from his boot. Big mistake. Tony disarmed the bum and cut him where no man wants to be cut. Tony was arrested; the punk was sentenced to life minus certain body parts.

Two months later, Tony collapsed in a Queens courtroom and remained in an alcoholic coma for 10 days. He would dry out after a 31-day stint at the Veterans Administration Medical Center at Fort Hamilton in Brooklyn.

A year later, a jury found Tony guilty of assault, and Judge Joan O'Dwyer sentenced him to three and a half years of community service at the same VA hospital that helped him. The instructions were clear. Tony would help alcoholic veterans to recover.

Fourteen years later, Napoli has remained well beyond his sentence, continuing to help veterans.

"My job was to help them the way I was helped," said Napoli, "but then I realized a lot of these guys should have been receiving monetary benefits and weren't."

Napoli started exhaustive research of the veterans disability system. He has become an unpaid advocate for the vets, working out of his Forest Hills home and guiding them through the maze of bureaucracy that discourages them from seeking benefits.

"He is a tremendous help to these veterans. He had an honesty and willingness to change. He's a true example of sobriety," said Mike Mooney, coordinator of the substance abuse program at the veteran's medical center. Napoli provides invaluable assistance to veterans disillusioned with the disability system, Mooney added.

Some of the veterans Napoli has helped are old wiseguys who did prison stints after serving honorably in World War II, Korea and Vietnam.

"These guys are old now. They've done their time and now have have nothing left. There's no reason why they shouldn't collect. They served their country," said Napoli, referring to old-time mob figures such as Sonny Franzese, 90, and Benny (Benny Eggs) Mangano, 87.

"I'll help out any veteran who comes to me," said Napoli, who has helped more than 150 veterans apply for and be granted disability payments.

Napoli's concern for the down-and-out underdog carries over to the sport of boxing.

Napoli, who boxed in the middleweight division while in the Air Force, is a board officer on the fund-raising committee of Ring 8, an organization that assists indigent former boxers.

The Daily News' famed sports cartoonist and columnist Bill Gallo also is a member and supporter of Ring 8.

"Tony made a comeback after a checkered past and is doing worthwhile things for former fighters who need help," said Gallo, who has a Ring 8 scholarship for children of former boxers named after him.

Napoli's not-so-benevolent moments are the subject of two screenplays being developed for the movies and TV by writer Charles Messina.

"The Prodigal Son" is scheduled to run on the A&E television network next Father's Day, while "Unto the Father" is being written with the likes of Jack Nicholson in mind.

"Hopefully, people will see from these stories that people like me can change, do an about-face to help, not hurt, and make amends," Napoli said.

To purchase a copy of My Father, My Don, please visit http://napoli.beckhamhouse.com/

 

Yoga and the Mafia -- You Don't See These Together Often
Topic: Blog Tours

I have always been told I am one of the few people who can bring totally opposite variables together-whether people, decorations, colors--and actually make them work well.  Today this "skill" shall be tested as I present two widely varied topics that actually have an important element in common--both have the potential to change your life for the better.

First, let me introduce you to Gurutej (We'll learn more about her and her wonderful products in the next few days).

What can you say about a person who knew from a very early age that her destiny lay in leading others to greatness?Creative? Yes. Born leader? Yes again. Free spirited thinker? Yes, yes, yes! She is also direct, funny and full of mischief with bright blue eyes and a wicked smile!

Gurutej Kaur, (known simply as Gurutej), told her mother just that when she was six years old. For over 36 years, Gurutej has been teaching people how to connect to their higher consciousness through yoga, chanting, mediation and healing. Everyday she lives the meaning of her Sikh name, which translates as “the one who brings you from darkness into light at the speed of light.”

In 1969 Gurutej met Yogi Bhajan. Bhajan is credited for having brought Kundalini Yoga here to the United States. As one of his original students, Gurutej emerged as a founding practitioner of Kundalini. Through his instruction and spiritual guidance, Gurutej is considered a foremost authority on Kundalini and internationally recognized as one of a handful of Kundalini Yoga Masters in the World.

In 1970, Gurutej co-founded 3HO Canada. She ran 3HO for 17 years, where she facilitated the duplication of the successful yoga centers throughout the Canadian market and in due course helped take the organization worldwide. Gurutej’s obvious head for business did not overshadow her commitment to Toronto’s children, which is why she introduced yoga to surrounding communities by teaching staff at Toronto General Hospital and students at The School House and The Alternative Schools.

A co-founder of The Golden Bridge Yoga Center in Los Angeles, Gurutej, has lived and practiced out of The Blessings Center in the same market since 1999.  But as a mother, her greatest achievement is in successfully raising two dynamic and consciously aware adult children, who like Gurutej, take great pride in their commitment to making the world a better place.

Gurutej is an artist, exhibiting her first gallery showing for her paintings and mixed media in May 2003. A prolific writer and media contributor, Gurutej is the subject of much media attention. She has been featured in/on Vogue, L.A. Yoga, Yogi Times, Fit Yoga, Common Ground, Splendora.com, The Discovery Channel and MTV. She was awarded Yogi Times’ July 2003 Service Award and Teacher of the Month for August 2003.

In 2005, Gurutej will have released over a dozen instructional yoga videos and DVD’s, which started with her popular Chakra series. Her healing products have been featured in Living Arts, Crystal Distributing, Spirit Voyage, and Ancient Healing Ways catalogues Her products have national retail distribution, or can be ordered on-line at the STORE section of this website. For more information on Gurutej, call or drop by The Blessings Center at 1310 South Carmona Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90019, (323) 930-2803

To learn more about Gurutej, visit her website at http://www.gurutej.com/

Now, yesterday, I introduced you to Tony Napoli and his book My Father, My Don. Today I would like to share the book trailer with you. 

 

From Dons to Dragons to Leaps of Faith
Topic: Blog Tours

There is just so much I want to share with you guys that for the next week, I will be featuring at least two authors/books a day. There is something for each and every one of you-the variety is wonderful. Please stop back often and enjoy your visits!

 

Tony “Tony Nap” Napoli is the son of one of the most powerful and respected organized crime leaders of the modern era. His father was a mob kingpin who ruled over the largest gambling empire in America for almost 40 years.   Tony grew up in Brooklyn and has had a checkered life as a soldier, a boxer, an enforcer, a casino boss, a fugitive, and a hustler. Finally, after a brutal attack against a young man who sexually abused his daughter, Tony was sentenced to a period at a VA hospital. During these years, Tony cleaned himself up, successfully completing a sobriety program, becoming pivotal in the rights-for-veterans movement, and helping former boxers get counseling and other services.

 

Tony “Tony Nap” Napoli is the son of one of the most powerful and respected organized crime leaders of the modern era. Tony’s father was Genovese Family Capo, James “Jimmy Nap” Napoli—a mob kingpin who ruled over the largest gambling empire in America for almost 40 years.

Tony’s autobiography is a bold recounting of the confidential world that he and his father inhabited. In candid, no-holds-barred language, Tony describes his life as boxer, army soldier, enforcer, casino boss, fugitive, hustler, and offspring to one of the most powerful mobsters of the century.

 

His story is not only about the spellbinding dealings of the Napoli empire, but also—and equally important—the singularly cherished relationship he had with his father, his don. Tony Napoli’s rollercoaster account of family legend and organized crime followed by his turnaround focus on sobriety and civic contribution is a narrative of our time. 

Visit Tony's website for a Napoli photo gallery - http://www.napoli.beckhamhouse.com/

Book for sale here: http://www.napoli.beckhamhouse.com/#

 

 ******

 

So you want to know about dragons?

Read this new collection of short stories revolving around dragons!

Run the gamut of stories about the mythological beasts in a “Firestorm of Dragons.” Humorous tales of extreme sports with genetically engineered animals and pesky door-to-door salesmen with scales exist beside conventional stories of treasure and deceit, hunter and hunted, hatred and sacrifice.

See how dragons exist today without most humans noticing or abandon all preconceived notions and imagine a dragon as a 1940’s-style detective. Let your experience with dragons end with a trio of stories depicting possible ends to dragonkind – one uplifting, one poignant, and one heart-wrenching in its melancholy.

Firestorm of Dragons Edited by Michele Acker and Kirk Dougal  Dragon Moon Press

Trade paperback / ISBN-10: 1-896944-80-8 / ISBN-13: 978-1-896944-80-7 / 256 Pages / $ 19.95 US

*****

The 15 stories in Leaps of Faith cover the entire spectrum of the SF genre, showing the positive relationship between science and religion. 

Space Exploration:  In “High Hopes for The Dead,” we see Christian evangelism though faithful example of Luke “High Hopes” Kittery, a member of a band of space explorers for whom every trip is potential suicide.  “Quantum Express” examines the status of one’s soul when the body is destroyed and reassembled through teleportation.    In “God’s Gift,” faith is the key to preventing insanity brought on by a new method of interstellar travel.  “Leaps of Faith” highlights the new industry of space search and rescue though the intrepid nuns of Our Lady of the Rescue.  In “Confirmation,” harvesters of an exotic space fuel suspect they’re harvesting intelligent life--or perhaps the angels themselves. 

Encountering Alien Life:  “Lost in the Translation” chronicles the trials of a monk trying to evangelize to an alien species for which death results in corporeal rebirth.  In “Lost Rythar,” evangelists seek to bring the Word of God to long-forgotten human colonies.  In “Sometimes We Lie,” evangelism takes a bizarre turn when a native born being tries to spread an ancient human faith.  Fr. Wren wonders if a sentient tree-creature can marry into the Catholic Faith in “The Convert,” while Fr. Travener faces persecution by ministering to sentient androids in “Comprehending It Not.”

Hard SF:  An astrophysicist find the face of God in the stars of the universe in “The Smile.”  God is a proven fact in “The Faith Equation,” leaving the question of the role of belief.  “The Relics of Venice” combines genetic engineering and love to create a miracle. 

Time travel:  In “Tampering with God’s Time,” time travelers find they cannot change the timeline, but are themselves change as they encounter Christ personally, while in “Moses Disposes,” King Solomon deliberately uses time travelers to bring the Bible to future generations in an idiom they can understand.

*****

Author, Susanne Knight is one of the authors featured in Leaps of Faith. She was kind enough to grant me an interview and I share those words with you now :-)

Susane Knight the person:

1.  What three words do you think describe you as a human being?

That's a tough one! How about, Sensitive, Silly, and Sweet?

2.    How do you think others would describe you?

Even tougher! Perhaps Intense, Intuitive, and Interesting.

3.   Please tell us what you are most passionate about outside of writing.

Family time, relaxing vacations, dancing, computers, good movies, sleeping, and a glass of merlot at night!

4.    Do you have any pets?  If so, introduce us to them.

My cat is a big, burly Siamese who spends his free time "sunning" himself under a desk lamp next to my computer. He also helps me with my writing. If I'm stuck on a certain situation, I like to ask him what he thinks should happen next! Gato or Gatto (I haven't decided whether he's part Spanish or part Italian) usually is sleeping, and jumps when I raise my voice. If I persist, he twitches his tail in annoyance. While he doesn't specifically give me an answer, by taking this "time-out" I seem to get ideas on how to solve my dilemma. BTW, my cat is the inspiration for the feline in my paranormal romantic suspense, Competitors! In this novel, the cat's name is Eins (number one in German) because he thinks a lot of himself. :))

5.  What is your most precious memory?

My most precious memories have to do with my daughter, especially when I first found out I was pregnant, and the day she was born and I saw her for the first time. Lovely!

6.    What is your most embarrassing memory?

Too many to mention. I'll narrow it down to having to give a speech using a voice recovering from laryngitis. Pitiful!

7.  If you weren't a writer, what would you be doing with your life?

Probably I'd be going crazy! Writing is so much a part of my life, I can't imagine what it would be like without it. I enjoy all aspects of writing, be it novels, short stories, or even business letters! For me, the next best occupation would be working as a librarian then, so I could be around books.

8.     In two paragraphs or less write your obituary.

Ouch! That's a place I don't want to go yet! But I'll give it a try.

Susanne Marie Knight, award-winning author of a gazillion novels, has finally graduated to the next level. Intent on researching that great beyond she'd heard so much about, she took the plunge and crossed over to the other side. One of her greatest hopes, she told her great-great granddaughter before passing on, is to learn all the secrets of the universe, including what, exactly, is the universe expanding into, and who killed President Kennedy? Susanne will be greatly missed on this plane.

Susanne Knight the writer:

9. Can you describe the time you realized you were indeed a "real" writer?

I guess I felt validated as a writer when I no longer got those boring rejection slips. And when I received my first fan letter, well, that was a thrill I'll never forget! Plus, the day I found out I had *three* nominations for the prestigious EPPIE Awards in one year. Wow! I've also been blessed by having The Coming win the Dream Realm Award for Best Speculative Fiction Romance, and Janus Is A Two-Headed God win the Preditors and Editors Reader Poll for Best Science Fiction Novel. In addition, I'm a six-time EPPIE Award Finalist. What a fantastic rush!

10.   What is going on with your writing these days?

I've just finished my latest book titled ForEvver. a science fiction novel where time is running out.... My next project will be a murder mystery series with continuing characters. I've also got a Regency planned, and sometime in the future, I'd love to do a book with dolphins.

11.   What are your future goals for your writing?

One of my writing hopes is to complete a new book every year. These past few years have been so busy that I haven't been able to accomplish this. Also, every year I hope to write a few short stories for publication. By five years, I hope to be well established as a successful author. In ten years, I'd like to have my works sited in college classes. :)) I've already been sited on Yahoo! Answers as an expert! My ongoing goal is to increase the readership of my books. In any case, my mission is to continue to bring entertainment, adventure, and rollicking good fun to all my fans!

12.   Can you describe a typical writing day for you?

I need to write when I have the most energy flowing so I schedule my writing time for the mornings--usually three days a week. Life has been rather crazy lately, (!) so I haven't been able to write much. Fingers crossed things will calm down soon. <g> What's best for me is to have a solid block of time so I can "lose" myself in the story. The first thing I do when I sit at the computer is read over the last scene or chapter that I wrote. This is to get back into the story. Then I start with the new writing. My goal is to continue until I finish a scene or until a new character enters the mix. Then I'm done writing for the day.

13.    Why do you write?

For me, writing is a form of fantasy--a chance to live vicariously by experiencing things perhaps I've only dreamed about. Where else can I travel to the center of the galaxy, journey back in time, or hold conversations with a Shakespeare-quoting ghost and still be home in time for dinner?! I write to express myself, to tell stories, to see how my characters interact with each other, to discover a compelling tale. I love to stretch my limits and see if I can deliver on a plot or theme--perhaps in a different genre.

14.   What writer most inspires you?  Why?

Writers--I can't dwindle it down to one. I still admire the authors I read as I was growing up. For powerful stories that stretch the imagination, I thank Isaac Asimov and Robert A. Heinlein. For the elegance and charm of Regencies, I'm indebted to Georgette Heyer. For the challenge of a juicy murder mystery, I applaud Agatha Christie. Also, I admire Stephen King on his story-telling ability, his willingness to experience the world of electronic publishing, and his determination to overcome a horrific accident.

15.  How do you define your writing?

I'm a self-confessed incurable romantic... and so is my writing. When I was growing up, the one thing I thought that was missing in most novels I read was romance--romance wasn't heavily emphasized. So when I started to write, I had to add my own dash of "happily ever after." I'm very fortunate because I combine romance with the genres I'm interested in: Regency, science fiction, suspense, paranormal, mystery, contemporary, and fantasy. These are all my favorites to write and to read. My motto is: Romance Writing with a Twist!

16.  In one sentence-what do you want people to say about your writing in fifty years?

Not only does Susanne Marie Knight deliver on her motto, Romance Writing with a Twist, her novels have staying power as well!

Susanne Knight the details:

17. Can you tell us where to find more information on you? Website?  Blog?
 

The best place to learn more about my books and me is to visit my website: http://www.susanneknight.com/ and my blog: romancewritingwithatwist.blogspot.com. My books are sold at a variety of places including amazon.com, fictionwise.com, and my publishers: awe-struck.net, uncialpress.com, wings-press.com, and lionhearted.com. I also have a newsletter and a monthly news flash. To sign up, email newsletter@susanneknight.com, and please put "Subscribe" in the subject line.

18.   Is there a place where readers can reach you?

Emails are best. One of my addys is: knight2writer@yahoo.com. Please be sure to write the reason for your email in the subject line. Those spam emails are getting too crazy, aren't they??

19.     Can you list all your book titles so people can look for them?

Gladly! Here are my current titles:

*Sojourn Through Time, 2008

Awe-Struck eBooks, http://www.awe-struck.net/

*The Wakefield Disturbance, 2008

Uncial Press, http://www.uncialpress.net/

*Regency Society Revisited, 2007

Awe-Struck eBooks, http://www.awe-struck.net/

*A Continental Marriage, 2007, Golden Wings Award Winner

Wings ePress, http://www.wingspress.com/

*Janus Is A Two-Faced Moon, 2007

Awe-Struck eBooks, http://www.awe-struck.net/

*Competitors!, 2007, Dream Realm Award Finalist

Awe-Struck eBooks, http://www.awe-struck.net/

*Have Christmas Card... Will Travel, 2006, EPPIE Award Finalist

Uncial Press, http://www.uncialpress.com/

*Lucky 13 (anthology), 2005

Fictionwise.com, www.fictionwise.com/eBooks/SusanneMarieKnighteBooks.htm

*The Contrary Contessa, 2004, EPPIE Award Finalist

Awe-Struck eBooks, http://www.awe-struck.net/

*The Coming, 2004, Dream Realm Award Winner

Awe-Struck eBooks, http://www.awe-struck.net/

*Past Indiscretions , 2004

Awe-Struck eBooks, http://www.awe-struck.net/

*Alien Heat, 2003

Wings ePress, http://www.wingspress.com/

*Timeless Deception, 2002, 2006, P.E.A.R.L. Award Nominee

Awe-Struck eBooks, www.awe-struck.net  

*The Reluctant Landlord, 2002

Wings ePress, http://www.wingspress.com/

*Love At The Top, 2002, 2005, EPPIE Award Finalist

Awe-Struck eBooks, http://www.awe-struck.net/

*The Magic Token, 2002, EPPIE Award Finalist

LionHearted Publishing, http://www.lionhearted.com/

*Janus Is A Two-Headed God, 2002, EPPIE Award Finalist, Preditors & Editors Award Winner

Awe-Struck eBooks, http://www.awe-struck.net/

*Grave Future, 2001, 2006

Awe-Struck eBooks, http://www.awe-struck.net/

*Tainted Tea For Two, 2001, 2006, Ariana Award Winner

Uncial Press, http://www.uncialpress.com/

*Lord Darver's Match, 2001

LionHearted Publishing, www.lionhearted.com

**Coming soon: Paging Miss Galloway, 1/2009, Awe-Struck Regency Winner

Most of my titles are available at Amazon.com in print and also Fictionwise.com, http://www.fictionwise.com/eBooks/SusanneMarieKnighteBooks.htm, in ebook.

20.  For new readers-what can they expect when they read your book(s)?

Very often people like to compare authors with other writers they have read. Each writer is unique, but one reader was reminded of P. G. Wodehouse's work when she read my Lord Darver's Match, and a reviewer likened Janus Is A Two-Headed God to Arthur C. Clarke's books. Also, with The Reluctant Landlord, one reviewer compared me with Regency greats Mary Balogh and Carla Kelly! This is very flattering, however I feel I have my own style and passions. I like to write about things that are out of the ordinary. To develop stories, I love to play the "what if" game. Here are just a few examples: What if "having a nice spot of tea" took on a sinister meaning? (Tainted Tea For Two) What if a Shakespeare-quoting ghost found a way to avenge his death? (Grave Future) What if a golden coin had the power to change one's fortunes? (The Magic Token) What if a woman wakes up in the year 1818 with a dreamboat husband only to learn he absolutely despises her? (Timeless Deception) There's a lot more... but you get the idea!

In conclusion:

21.  Take as much space as necessary to speak to our readers-what would you like them to know about you and your writing?

The most rewarding part of writing is receiving feedback from readers. It's always a thrill and an honor to hear how my writing has touched people's lives. One reader said not only did she reread my time-travel Regency, Timeless Deception, but the second time while reading it, she was so engrossed she almost missed her train stop! And a fan wrote to tell me how much he enjoyed Past Indiscretions because I "cleverly bring together the past and mythology." I also just received a letter from a reader in Massachusetts telling me how I deeply inspired and motivated her to write her own stories. Also, how I helped her to realize how reading and writing could be so much fun! There is no greater honor! To hear how your book touches a reader's heart is the ultimate compliment, and all fan letters are GREATLY appreciated. I hope you all enjoy my books and I wish everyone a happy and healthy holiday season.

Thank you, Joyce, for this wonderful opportunity to connect with your readers!

A Final Word on The Kindness Cure
Topic: Blog Tours

Is it really that difficult to do one kind thing a day? Think about it-I imagine man of you are already doing this and don't even think about it.  I'm not talking big, world-changing events every day, I'm thinking of the walk you shoveled for your elderly neighbor, the food you put out for the feral cats, the clothing you donated to the local shelter. It doesn't take much to make others feel happy and loved.  Even stopping to have a few words with someone sitting at a bus stop who looks down can make a world of difference to that person.  Think about what you can do and make the commitment to do it today and every day!

Join CJ Scarlet at The Kindness Cure http://www.thekindnesscure.org/ and make this coming year the start of a kinder world.

CJ has a wonderful interview to download here: http://www.cjscarlet.com/Newsletters.htm and while you are there, you can sign up for her newsletter.

Before you go about your day, stop buy and order a copy of Neptune's Gift at http://www.cjscarlet.com/Products.htm  In keeping with her goal of kindness, CJ is offering all the following to those who purchase Neptune's Gift:

FREE eBook, Becoming a Dreamer by Marcia Wieder!

FREE ocean meditation download—a mini-vacation for your spirit!

FREE Thoughts to Consider audio companion guide to Neptune’s Gift!

FREE 2 months of Cleaning Out the Closet of Your Mind™ telementoring with

acclaimed abundance expert Debbie Friedman!

FREE “9 Steps for Manifesting…” MP3 audio download by Debbie Friedman!

FREE “Creating the Life You Love to Live” audio download!

FREE Dr. Larina Kase’s 7 Steps to Career Success eCourse!

FREE Lorraine Calhoun's The Secret Life of The Serene Baby Boomer Woman 7 Steps

to Go From Frazzled to Fabulous

FREE Lorraine Calhoun's Midlife, The Owner's Manual Mini Audio Workshop and E-Book

FREE Mohamed Tohami's 6 Success Secrets to create everlasting success!

 

That's over $500 worth of free gifts in addition to a wondrous book!

The Kindness Cure
Topic: Blog Tours

We have been visiting the past couple of days with CJ Scarlet, author of Neptune's Gift and founder of the group The Kindness Cure.  Ms. Scarlet is commiting to doing one act of kindness every day for a year-and she is gaining a following of those who want to join in the effort.  The following video explains this better:

 

 

For more information on this group-and hopefully, to join-- please visit:

http://www.thekindnesscure.org/