Tomorrow is going to be a real treat here at Books and Authors. Own Fiddler (the new, reformed guy) has graciously (and bravely, I might add) allowed me to interview him on a few subjects. Not many souls would be willing to discuss both political and spiritual issues-let alone in the same post!

Owen has been on tour with his sidekick, Marvin Wilson, and they are setting the Net on fire! Just check out this tour schedule, folks:

**Thursday, December 4, 2008 - Pre-Launch Event

Location: Diary of an Eccentric Blog, host Anna Horner

Blog URL: http://diaryofaneccentric.blogspot.com/

Format: Anna posts her review of Owen Fiddle

**Friday, December 5 - Grand Kick Off Event

Location: Diary of an Eccentric Blog, host Anna Horner

Blog URL: http://diaryofaneccentric.blogspot.com/

Format: Anna hosts author Marvin D Wilson and Owen Fiddler with a Q & A interview.

**Saturday, December 6 - Stop #2

Location: Katrina L Wampler's Blog

Blog URL: http://katrinawampler.wordpress.com/

Format: Katrina posts an interview with Owen Fiddler.

**Sunday, December 7 - Stop #3

Location: Unwriter Blog (Ron Berry)

Blog URL: http://unwriter1.wordpress.com/

Format: Ron posts a collision between Amanda the cat and Owen Fiddler. Ron will be serving all visitors with coffee, doughnuts and Purina Cat Chow.

**Monday, December 8 - Stop #4

Location: Books and Authors Blog (Joyce Anthony)

Blog URL: https://joyceanthony.tripod.com/blog/

Format: Owen on politics, thanks and Christmas

**Tuesday, December 9 - Stop #5

Location: Zhadi's Den Blog (Dana Fredsti)

Blog URL: http://www.danafredsti.com/blog/

Format: Dana will post a short review of the book, and a humorous piece written by Marvin with a preface written by Owen Fiddler

**Wednesday, December 10 - Stop #6

Location: Serena's Savvy Verse & Wit Blog

Blog URL: http://savvyverseandwit.blogspot.com/

Format: Serena posts her review of Owen Fiddler. Also she will post an in-depth article written by Marvin, a biographical overview of the transformation from the undisciplined "freebird" Hippie of yore into the structured disciplined writer "living life on purpose" type of person he is today, and how that transformation affected and was affected by his taking up the arduous task of establishing a golden years career as a published author.

**Thursday, December 11 - Stop #7

Location: Straight From Hel Blog (Helen Ginger)

Blog URL: http://straightfromhel.blogspot.com/

Format: Helen re-posts her review of Owen Fiddler and Marvin posts an article on novice authors dealing for the first time with a dastardly candid and taskmastering professional editor.

**Friday, December 12 - Stop #8

Location: The Emerging Author Blog (Emma Larkins)

Blog URL: http://emmalarkins.blogspot.com/

Format: TBD

**Saturday, December 13 - Stop #9

Location: Pretty, Prosperous and Powerful Blog (Lacresha Hayes)

Blog URL: http://learntofeelpretty.blogspot.com/

Format: TBD

**Sunday, December 14 - Stop #10

Location: Morphological Confetti Blog (Stephen Bess)

Blog URL: http://civileyes.blogspot.com/

Format: Stephen posts an excerpt from the book that Marvin will select.

**Monday, December 15 - Stop #11

Location: The Quiverful Family Blog (Jennifer)

Blog URL: http://quiverfullfamily.com/

Format: TBD

**Tuesday, December 15 - Stop #12

Location: The Daily Blonde Blog (Cheryl Phillips)

Blog URL: http://dailyblonde.blogspot.com/

Format: TBD, but knowing Cheryl probably something on the slightly mischievous and riske side (smile)

**Wednesday, December 16 - Grand Finale Stop!

Location: My Friend Amy's Blog

Blog URL: http://www.myfriendamysblog.com/

Format: Amy posts the interview with Louis Seiffer on "Inside the Actor's Head Studio with Thames Lipton

I encourage you to stop by and check out the stops already made- some great stuff there!! Warning-keep all liquids far from keyboards during the stops (spew alert in effect, folks!).

In addition to all the great post, Marvin is offering PRIZES!!!  Go here http://owenfiddler.com/Links2.html to see what he has in store for you guys!!

 Marvin and Owen will be stopping in several times during the day tomorrow to answers questions, address commenters and just keep everyone thinking, smiling-or both. Opposing opinions and thoughts are as welcome as though in agreement--just keep in mind this is a family blog. That said, keep comments free of cussing, hate or name-calling-not difficult rules, are they? :-)

***

Now for the second special anouncement:  Katrina Wampler ( http://katrinawampler.wordpress.com/ ) is featuring yours truly at kat Logic this week.  She did a rather extensive interview with me and you will find it in three parts (posted M, t and F).  Katrina has a great blog going over there so please stop by not only to leave me a comment on my days, but also to check out her posts on the other days-you won't be disappointed!

Posted by joyceanthony at 2:47 PM EST

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I'm Coyote, baby! The Trickster, Old-Man Coyote, Raven... Wakdjunkaga, Manabozho... I have many names, but they are all fun-loving, legend-making, spice-of-life me! 

The book is Magic, Mensa and Mayhem: From the Case Files of DragonEye, PI  by Karina L. Fabian

2.  Describe to our readers what your role in the book is.

Cause mischief. Get hugs. Be sexy. You know, just be myself. (wags eyebrows)

3. How did you convince your author to put you in this book?  For example, did you visit a dream or make yourself known some other way?

Oh, I wish I could visit dreams. How about yours? Want to dream of me, do ya? Huh? Huh?

4.  Is your author easy to work with or controlling?

Well, I'm easy, but she's great to work with. After all, she's just there to tell the facts. It's just too bad that she's not giving it from my point of view. Vern is such a wet hide.

5.  Would you tell us about one of your favorite friends from this book?

Oh, there were so many. Mensa women are wonderful--so intelligent and imaginative. I can now see why so many humans say the mind is the sexiest part of the body.  An yet...Sister Grace really got me in the end. Got to admire a nun that can out-trick the Trickster.

6. Do you plan on appearing in another book or are you happy to be where you are?

Oh, Vern's and my paths cross now and again.  Not so much now that I'm under house arrest in Montana, but there will be stories.  What's Coyote without stories?

7.  What would you like our readers to know about you?

To know me is to love me.

8. Did you learn anything during your adventure in this book?

Vern's taught Grace a little too well? Any more than that, and it'd be a spoiler, and you know I love to tease!  Otherwise, the things I learned aren't fit to print in this venue. I'm a naughty Coyote.

9.  Can you tell us what you think is the most exciting thing that happened to you in your book?

No.  Brunhilde put on a nice show, though.

10. Is there anything in your story you wish you had not done? Why?

I wish I'd stuck the bull down my pants pocket.

11.  What was your main motivation?

Just looking for fun, as always.

12. Introduce us to your main adversary?

Adversary is far too strong a word, but in this world, it's Vern: an undersized dragon with a stunted sense of adventure for an immortal. I have to wonder how much of that is the fact that he works for the Church now, but I have the feeling he always had a stick up his hide.

13.  Is there anything you would like to have done but your author stopped you?

Karina never stops us--she's jut the transcriber. Vern, however, did his best to put a damper on my fun, you can be sure of that.

14. Here's your chance to speak your mind.  What do you want to tell everybody?

Come to Montana and see me!  Bring strawberries and electric blankets and an open mind! Arooooo! Baby!

15.  Please tell everyone where they can find out more about your story and where they can purchase it.

Magic, Mensa and Mayhem is coming out in February from Swimming Kangaroo Press. Learn more about DragonEye, PI at http://www.dragoneyepi.net/. If you sign up for the website, you'll get the DragonEye, PI newsletter and a free story. I'm not in it, but it's a good one, nonetheless!

Posted by joyceanthony at 6:13 AM EST

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

Compassionate, liberal, sometimes stubborn

2.   How do you think others would describe you?

Passionate and empathetic

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

Singing. Before I started writing, I felt I could get a song out of every aspect of my life.

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

We have a pit bull named Leah. When our cat Whisperer died, I was too heartbroken to get another one to replace her.

5.  What is your most precious memory?

When I was growing up, every Christmas Eve when our parents were out doing last minute shopping, my siblings and I would put on a play called Baby Jesus in a Manager. The girls would dress up as shepherds, the boys would pretend they were sheep, and we used a doll for baby Jesus. The sheep would give us a hard time and weren't always easy to keep in line.  After the play, we would stand around the tree and sing Xmas carols.

6.  What is your most embarrassing memory?

Well here goes, One day I went to the grocery store to pick up a few items. Shortly after I walked out of the store holding my grocery bag, I lost my footing and proceeded to fall on my knees. Groceries went everywhere. My milk spilled, eggs cracked and fruit was rolling all over the parking lot. People stopped and helped me up and the manager came out and took me inside and wrote up an accident report. My knees were bleeding and I had a few other scratches, but mainly my pride was hurting from embarrassment. My family and I speculated it was the sandals I was wearing that caused the fall. My sister was later appalled when I decided to wear my sandals again-out in public.


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

Singing and in pursuit of my real purpose in life.

8.   In two paragraphs or less write your obituary.

TIME, TIME... "For Everything there is a time...To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven... Ecclesiastes 3:1 A TIME TO BE BORN...Carol Denise Dockery Jones was born on February 22, 1957 to Mina and Jimmy Dockery in Hernando, Ms... A TIME TO PLANT...She began a love relationship with Jesus Christ at an early age and continued that relationship until her death... A TIME TO LOVE...She demonstrated her love to family, friends and to all people wherever she went....A TIME TO WORK...She was a servant, faithful Christian, a writer, and the founder of YMCC-Young Men Coming to Christ-an organization that provided housing and education to young men who were wayward and needed God and direction in their lives...A TIME TO DIE... She departed this life to enter into eternal rest with the Savior...A TIME TO MOURN...She leaves to mourn her passing her family and all who knew and loved her.

Carol Jones the writer:

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

When my theology teacher had me to stand up in class after reading the first page of my manuscript "Dare to Dream." God then later confirmed in my spirit, I should always be prepared to write-because I am a writer.


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

My book Dare to Dream is in publishing and will be in the stores this month. It is now in pre-sales at Living Waters Publishing Company.

11.  What are your future goals for your writing?

I am working on my son's testimonial book. He was shot and killed in March, 2007. It is painful, but I know what God has ordained, He will maintain so there is no doubt  I will finish it. There are other books to come as well.

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

This may sound a little funny, but I wrote most of Dare to Dream in the public library. Sometimes I go to the library in the morning when it is quiet and sit at the computer and begin to type. Usually I'll stay there most of the morning. Sometimes I write at home when all is quiet and that's mainly late at night.


13.  Why do you write?

I didn't choose to be a writer-God chose me to be a writer. I know this is one of my calling to get the message of  hope through the Gospel out to all people. I have discovered when I write with the anointing-there is purpose in my writing. When I write out of emotions-that's just me letting off steam.


14.  What writer most inspires you?  Why?

I am inspired by many writers, mainly one- Stormie Omartian. Her writing inspires me-maybe because of familiarity. I always like to read books of inspiration and hope.

15.  How do you define your writing?

Simple and true

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

Her writing was simple, yet inspiring and encouraging to all readers.

Carol Jones the details:

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

My website is http://www.caroldjones.com/ and my blog is http://www.simplify-readywriter.blogspot.com/

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

cdenisejones1@yahoo.com

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

Dare to Dream

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

Dare to Dream is a book of encouragement to all people. God gave each of us the ability to dream, but many are caught up and lost in how to make their dreams come true. These people are silent dreamers who don't dream out loud-only in secrecy. This book reveals through the word of God and in building a relationship with Him-how He is bringing all my dreams into fruition-how He has given me new dreams with new meanings-as He is taking me into a journey from glory to glory. He has given me a song of deliverance I will sing for the rest of my days. The Bible says God is no respecter of persons and what He has done for one, He will do for another. So read it and be encouraged and know that God is God and He will do just what He says.

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?

When I was growing up, I always felt I was different and had a hard time fitting in. When my sisters were learning how to do housework, I was outside riding my bicycle, our pony or the mo-ped. When I became an adult, I would find myself in the middle of conversations about home decorations or what china to buy, which was of no interest to me. But the flip side of it was I had an eye for fashion, and when I was involved with a project I was concerned about every small detail. Well I was different, but so is everyone to a certain degree.  Every time I wanted to get my point across or have a deep conversation with someone I would sit down and write a letter. When I look back I can see the hand of God moving me towards my destiny-although it would not be realized until years later my real potential as a writer. Sometimes when I write-I am in another zone. Sometimes I have to say Lord help me and He steps right in and even when I don't know where I'm going with it-it always pulls together because the hand of God is in it. I have come to realize I can do nothing on my own and without God I am nothing. God revealed to me in the midst of one of my storms that I was a writer and I fully accepted it because it came from Him and I don't have to doubt my potential. It's a matter of knowing who you are and whom you belong to. If I trust him wholeheartedly and always keep my eyes on Him, then I will be okay, no matter what the outcome is.

Posted by joyceanthony at 4:46 AM EST

Updated: Friday, 5 December 2008 8:42 AM EST

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As we finish up our visit with Dyan Garris, I can't help but feel disappointed that I was unable to share so much of what this wonderful woman does with you--there just wasn't time.  I'm going to mention a few of my favorite things tonight--please visit the links and take a look.

First there is the Doors to the Soul DVD  (don't forget it comes with a free CD!). You can find it here:

http://www.dyangarris.com/product.sc?categoryId=1&productId=22

Dyan writes and performs wondrous music.  My favorite is Illusions

http://www.dyangarris.com/product.sc?categoryId=1&productId=5

I featured Money and Manifesting here a short while back.  This is a book I have read twice so far.  You can read about it here:

http://www.dyangarris.com/product.sc?categoryId=1&productId=13

Dyan's other products are featured here:

http://www.dyangarris.com/main.sc

and by going here:

http://www.voiceoftheangels.com/

you can listen to a sample of the beautiful music Dyan performs and look at the Angel Cards she designed.

I want to thank Dyan Garris for visiting with us this week. She had trouble getting my blog gremlins to allow her to comment, but wanted everyone to know she can read comments. I know Dyan would love to have you leave her a quick note!!

Thank you, Dyan!

Posted by joyceanthony at 1:27 AM EST

Updated: Thursday, 4 December 2008 1:28 AM EST

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About Automatic Chaka Balance™ DVD (Balance your chakras in 10 minutes)

Part of the Spiritual Toolbox™ for relaxation, spiritual transformation, Automatic Chakra Balance™ help in sleeping and vibrational attunement of mind, body, and spirit by Dyan Garris. Doors to the Soul DVD is completely mesmerizing and relaxing! It features a special version of the very soothing song "The Journey." The DVD is designed to automatically balance your energy field in ten minutes! Order now to receive your FREE CD!

Special offer! Receive an entirely FREE CD with your DVD order. Spiritus Sanctus Volume 2, which charted in the top 100 of the New Age Reporter billboard chart for over a year, and was nominated for multiple New Age Reporter Lifestyle Awards will be included FREE with your order with no additional shipping.

***

Tomorrow, I have the pleasure of sharing with you an article written by Dyan Garris.  In the meantime, view yesterday's video again--or for the first time if you haven't already-and imagine the peace you will feel from an entire DVD of the same :-)

Posted by joyceanthony at 1:17 AM EST

Updated: Tuesday, 2 December 2008 1:33 AM EST

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Many of you have been with me for some time now and are familiar with the work of Dyan Garris.  For the next several days, I have the pleasure of welcoming Dyan back to Books and Authors. Dyan has added an Automatic Chakra Balance DVD to her already impressive Spiritual Toolbox.  This DVD is designed to automatically balance your energy field in ten minutes! Later this week, I will be sharing with you how you can get a free CD from Dyan Garris, so please stop back. I guarantee you won't be disappointed.

For today, I'd like to share with you a video that gives you a glimpse at what you can expect from the Automatic Chakra Balance DVD. 

For those who are ready to order this beautiful DVD now, please visit:

https://www.voiceoftheangels.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=18_19&products_id=131&zenid=3a1c33fd8338709421b39267aa25e20f

Posted by joyceanthony at 4:28 AM EST

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The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing
by Mayra Calvani & Anne K. Edwards
Twilight Times Books
Trade Paperback/Ebook
188 pages

Format: PDF, HTML, Palm
    Payment Method
PayPal -or- Credit Card -or- Booklocker -or- eReader -or- Fictionwise
List Price: $5.95 USD

Format: Trade paperback
    Available Now!
Order this book via check or credit card, aStore 
  ~ or visit ~ Amazon;  Bamm.com;  Barnes & Noble;  Borders;  Indy Bookstores.
List Price: $16.95 trade paperback

***** 

 Nailing Down The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing

Do you write book reviews, or wish you could but have no idea where or how to start?  Maybe you are an author or publisher and are wondering just how important book reviews are to your sales. The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing can answer all your questions.

The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing  isn't simply a how-to book.  The authors do give lists of what to do or not to do, but they go deeper.  This book covers such important aspects:  How to deal with writing a review of a book you don't like; How to handle publicists, authors and publishers and their demands; How to set up your own book review site and much more. There is even a section on what to do with the books you have received once you are finished with them.  The main focus is on the actual elements required for a professional book review--what to do, what not to do, and why.  The authors end the book with an impressive list of resources for those loooking to do reviews. This list covers not only places to find books to review, but also places to submit reviews.

I found The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing to be easy to read and understand, although there is so much information included I know I will return to it many more times for reference. The way it is formatted will make the future visits easier. The book is broken down in a way that makes finding just the information you need easy.

I really liked the way the authors set up the examples.  Instead of the usual, sample then explanation format you normally find, notes are made within the bodies of each example pointing out what concepts have been applied.  This helped in further cementing what you had learned.  The section on dealing with others associated with the book--authors, publishers, etc--was something I had not seen before and was very helpful.  The section on how to read critically was something I also found new and helpful.

While I personally like to see a more conversational tone used, the authors covered everything you could possibly need to know about writing book reviews. The language is simple, allowing for more effort to go into understanding the concepts involved.  I believe this book should be considered essential to any reference library.  It is one you will refer to again and again.

On the Rainbow Scale of Excellence, I give The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing six colors.

Posted by joyceanthony at 1:37 PM EST

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Format: PDF, HTML, Palm
    Payment Method
PayPal -or- Credit Card -or- Booklocker -or- eReader -or- Fictionwise
List Price: $5.95 USD

Format: Trade paperback
    Available Now!
Order this book via check or credit card, aStore 
  ~ or visit ~ Amazon;  Bamm.com;  Barnes & Noble;  Borders;  Indy Bookstores.
List Price: $16.95 trade paperback

Posted by joyceanthony at 2:47 AM EST

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Twelve-year old Carter and his younger brother, Mason, are typical boys.  The argue over their differences and enthusiastically share the things they have in common.  Their baby sister, Isabella, gets on both their nerves, especially when they are playing their favorite video game, Zadora's Ultimate Challenge.

Left for an hour without parental supervision, the two boys find themselves thrust into the game, where they must face their ultimate quest of finding their sister, who has been kidnapped by the evil Queen Zadora.  Given three "rules" by a sage-believe in yourself, believe in each other and trust the light from within--the brothers have three days to beat the game before the world is changed forever into a place of evil.

Michele Scott has crafted a story that will keep middle-grade readers on edge as the brothers fight a dragon, dodge dinosaur poop bombs and find help in the most unlikely places.  As they learn about their own strength and that of each other, readers will also learn lessons in self-esteem, family and that the ultimate weapon against evil is....well, you'll have to read the book to learn that :-)

Realistic character, fast-paced action and subtle lessons are all woven together by Michele Scott to create a book that will be enjoyed by readers for years to come.  I thoroughly enjoyed her ability to teach without seeming to do so.  Zamora's Ultimate Challenge is an uplifting read that will have kids feeling good about not only themselves, but those people closest to them-their family.   

On my Rainbow Scale of Excellence, I give Zadora's Ultimate Challenge a seven--a perfect rainbow!

Posted by joyceanthony at 5:13 AM EST

Updated: Friday, 28 November 2008 7:15 AM EST

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