OnlinePublicist

MYSTIFY, Book Two of the Mystyx Series

2011-01-24T11:01:00.013-06:00

MYSTIFY: A Mystyx Novel
By Artist Arthur
Kimani Tru | January 2011 | ISBN: 978-0373534319
US $9.99/$11.99 Canada | 256 pages | Paperback
Artist Arthur on Twitter

MYSTIFY is the second book in the Mystyx series from the Harlequin imprint KimaniTru. With its ethnically diverse cast of characters, accessible voice, and paranormal element, MYSTIFY, the sequel to Manifest, is the next book in the series that pleases every fan of YA literature looking for a fresh take on the genre.

Synopsis: Sasha Carrington has grown up feeling like an outsider, and her parents are too concerned with scaling the Lincoln, Connecticut, social ladder to even notice her. They'd be really horrified to know about the supernatural abilities Sasha and her friends Krystal and Jake possess. But as part of the Mystyx, Sasha has found her place.

Now her parents have suddenly taken an interest in everything she does, and their timing couldn't be worse. Sasha's father wants her to become BFFs with snooty Alyssa Turner, who hates Krystal for stealing her boyfriend. Then there's Antoine Watson, the boy Sasha has liked forever, the boy her parents would never approve of. But with the dark side getting more dangerous by the day, and the Mystyx's own powers growing in unexpected ways, Sasha is facing choices that could affect her friends, her love life—and even her destiny….

MYSTIFY: A Mystyx Novel

By Artist Arthur

Chapter One:

I don't want to like him. I really don't.

But I keep thinking about him—dreaming about him. It's like I'm obsessed with him. And I want to know everything about him, which isn't much, because I try not to talk to him more than I have to. That's been working out pretty well since we helped find his brother Ricky's killer. Of course it helped Ricky's spirit find peace and cross over after his death.

Me and my friends, Krystal and Jake—well, I should say my fellow Mystyx—we did that. That night was such a rush. When I remember it now, I get goose bumps. And sometimes I get scared all over again. There was something evil and dark living inside Mr. Lyle, the biology teacher, something that Jake, Krystal and I believe might still be here in Lincoln.

Lincoln, Connecticut, which is where we live, is probably one of the most boring towns there is. Nothing even remotely exciting happens here. The fact that Mr. Lyle was running an underage porn ring was the most shocking thing around here in a long time.

Now the only thing that's on people's minds is the weather. It snowed twenty-seven inches the first week of May. Then, as if Mother Nature wanted to apologize, seven days after the first snowfall, it got so hot the temperature went up to ninety-eight degrees with sixty percent humidity. (I know this because Krystal's boyfriend, Franklin—his father is the local weatherman. Franklin gives her weather updates all the time, and she tells me and Jake.)

Today the snow is just about gone. The sun's still shining, and it's really warm outside. But there are lots of puddles because of the melting snow.

But that's getting off track. I was thinking about the boy I don't like, or rather trying not to think about him, because I don't like him.

I breathe out heavily, making the hair in my face flutter. It doesn't change reality though. And the reality is that I do like Antoine Watson, even though I know I shouldn't.

It's not just the class differences that, for the record, are a big deal here in Lincoln. There're other reasons why me and Antoine don't make such a good couple.

He's into music and clothes and hangs with a hip-hop crowd. While I like—more like love—clothes and I'm not into cliques. That's why I avoid Alyssa Turner and her minions like the plague. Alyssa's fifteen, just like me. She lives in a huge house on the lake, just like all the other well-to-do families, known as the Richies in Lincoln. She has the best of everything and makes sure nobody ever forgets it. There's nothing more important in Alyssa's world than Alyssa. Get my drift?

I don't like anybody telling me who to hang with or why. Antoine doesn't seem like that. But the day I went to talk to him, two of the boys—who he later told me were named, of all things, Fats and Trigga—were rude and insulting, just because my parents have money. I didn't care enough to find out their real names because the ones Antoine used were so ridiculous I couldn't comprehend anything else. I just wanted them all to get a life. That's what Antoine calls being stuck-up. He's told me that a time or two. Funny how that always seems to roll off his tongue right after I turn him down for a date or refuse to give him my phone number.

See, I think Antoine's a little confused himself. At the dance—before I had to rush off with the other Mystyx—he talked differently. We actually had a decent conversation, and he danced okay until he started grinding up against me like we were in a rap video. I didn't like that at all and was relieved when Krystal pulled me away.

That said, there's no reason I should still be thinking about him. But here I am on a Friday night, lying across my bed thinking about where Antoine could be. Who he's with? What he's doing?

It's so weird.

Which is another thing, I should be getting used to being weird. I'm half South American and half—what would you call it—North American? My mother is from Buenos Aires, Argentina, and that's where she had me. She married my dad who's white and is originally from Houston, Texas, but moved to the east coast years ago.

We moved to Lincoln right after I was born and in this small town I'm probably the only Latina teenager. Krystal, who has been my friend for going on two months now, is part Native American and African-American. So I suppose we have something in common, even if it's only being weird and being mixed.

Krystal and I share something else. The M shaped birthmark that sits just above my right hip and the one Krystal has on the back of her neck. Jake, he's a Tracker—someone with less money who lives on the other side of the old railroad tracks—he has the same mark on his arm. We figured out that the M stands for Mystyx so that's what we call ourselves. We each have a supernatural ability that we think has something to do with atmospheric events that happened around the time we were conceived. That's why we listen to the weather reports Krystal gets from Franklin. Like I said, it's weird.

To help make sense of it all, about an hour ago I sent an email to a woman who I think can help us figure out the nature of our powers. Or at least I hope she can.

Now I'm lying here waiting for my PC to beep with the sound of an incoming email, or rather, trying not to think of Antoine and the feelings I have for him.

I'm not asleep although my body feels kind of heavy like it's sinking into the mattress. My eyes are closed because I was tired of looking at the ceiling, waiting and trying not to think too much.

It really doesn't matter. The more I try not to think about him, the more his mocha complexion and smiling face appear in my mind. He is really cute, which right there is enough to make any girl like him. His dark hair is always close cropped and precisely cut like he has a barbershop in his house. His clothes, of course, are stylish, baggy jeans, oversize shirts—either button-downs or T-shirts—and black or brown boots. Most of the other guys in his crowd tend to wear too much jewelry, but Antoine only wears a chain with a cross hanging from it. His left ear is pierced and he always smells good. Antoine always wears cologne. I don't know what it's called, but I like it. I can smell it now, here in my bedroom. If I inhale deeply, the scent fills my nose, and when I exhale I want to see him even more.

I want to see him and talk to him, maybe try to figure out what this thing between us is. I figure it's probably not going to go away, and I don't know how else to deal with it.

I wonder if he likes me. I think he does because he keeps asking me out, and lately he always seems to be where I am.

I wonder what he's doing tonight, if he's home in his room thinking about me. I wonder…Am I floating on something?

Wait a minute, I'm dizzy. It's cold in here. Did Casietta turn on the air-conditioning already?

My eyes are fluttering, trying to open. But when they finally do, I can't really believe what I'm seeing.

It's dark, really, really dark. Like pitch darkness—not like sometimes when you wake up in the middle of the night and can kind of see where things are so you don't walk into walls when you're trying to get to the bathroom. No, this is pitch blackness and it's cold, and I'm moving, going someplace.

Then as quickly as it becomes dark, it turns loud, noisy and filled with music. I jump. I mean my body jerks forward like I've just been scared awake, and I look around trying to figure out why my bedroom has changed into what looks like a nightclub.

Reviews:

Diva's Bookcase: The mysteries are slowly unfolding, giving me just enough bits of information to keep me following the story.

Give and Receive Givewawy Winner!

2010-12-22T12:19:00.004-06:00

Wow . Everyone is pretty excited about Mystify, aren't they? :-P

Alright, so I entered everyone into Random.org and the winners of the 2 copies of Mystify are:

Urban and the friend she will be sharing a copy with: Kristina! Email me with both mailing addresses and I will send them out lickety split. ;-)

Everyone have a wonderful holiday and a safe and Happy New Year!

Tis Better to give...and receive!

2010-12-20T14:51:00.004-06:00

Happy Holidays from Online Publicist! And to celebrate, I would like to offer something for you and a recipient of your choosing! I am offering two copies each of Muslim Women Reformers by Ida Lichter and Mystify, A Mystyx Novel by Artist Arthur.

Here's how it works:
1. Leave a comment with the title of which book you would like to win. Only list one book.

2. In that comment, also name whom you would like to receive the second copy. It can be a friend, relative, literacy center, book program, etc. (please note that Mystify is an ARC and not a finished copy)

3. Tweeting this statement will earn you an additional entry for each time tweeted: "Tis Better to Give...and Receive GIVEAWAY! Winner drawn on Wednesday, so enter quick! http://tinyurl.com/2csx3yp"

3. You may enter to win both titles, but you must leave one comment for each title, do not just list both titles in one comment. That will upset me because it will mean you didn't read the rules. If you do happen to win both, you will have to choose one title to receive and the other will be redrawn.

This giveaway is for US based mailing addresses only. I will choose the winner on Wednesday, December 22 at 12pm, CST. As soon as the mailing addresses are emailed to me, the books will be sent out. Good Luck!

UPS delivery happiness

2010-12-20T13:08:00.002-06:00

I just received a big old box of Mystify ARCs, the second book in the Mystyx series! Squeeee! I will be working on materials and will begin the campaign for it in January. I have a very limited number of copies of this one, so keep an eye out for the review request post!

Also, I received additional copies of Muslim Women Reformers. I've been in touch with several of you in regards to this one and will be responding to the rest of the requests this week. Once I get everything printed and ready to go, I will send them right back out the door. I have a few remaining copies, so if you're interested in receiving one, please let me know.

In the meantime, I will be posting a giveaway for copies of both of these this afternoon!

Wahoo Giveaway Winner!

2010-11-19T16:56:00.001-06:00

(Sooo, when I did a Google image search for 'Wahoo', a lot of images came up of people holding giant fish. Turns out, a 'wahoo' is as much a giveaway entering battle cry as it as a close relative of the King Mackerel known as the Ono. So Wahoo on friends, Wahoo on.)

Thank you to all who entered and tweeted the Random Stocking Stuffer Giveaway! I entered everyone who commented and twice for the tweets, randomized the list on Random.org and the winner is....screen shot, please:

Angela of Library Girl Reads! Congratulations!! Please email me with your mailing address and I will send your gift pack right along to you. :-)

I will have at least one, maybe two more giveaways before the end of year so be sure to keep your eyes out!

Random Stocking Stuffer Giveaway

2010-11-16T14:11:00.001-06:00

Welcome to the first giveaway after my hiatus! I have some random books lying around and since I won't be getting around to reading them any time soon, I've decided to pass them along to one lucky person. I chose a random selection because at least one of these will appeal to you and the rest can be shared with others. ;-)

Here's what we've got lined up:

*Signed* ARC The Lion by Nelson Demille

*Muck by Craig Sherborne

*Sima's Undergarments for Women by Ilana Stanger-Ross

*Covert Christmas (3 stories in 1) by Marilyn Pappano, Linda Conrad and Loreth Anne White

*Marie Farrarella's 200th Book, Cavanaugh Reunion

*Dr. Colton's High-Stakes Fiancée by Cindy Dees

*ARC of Lies, a Gone Novel by Michael Grant (this copy is sort of beat up. I honestly have no idea where it came from, but it's in my house and it appears someone read it!)

How to Enter:

~Leave a comment = 1 entry (you do not have to leave your email addy in the comment if you don't want to. I will post the winner and if it's you, you can email me to claim the prize.)

~Tweet the statement below = 2 entries

Wahoo! I just entered the Random Stocking Stuffer Giveaway @OnlinePublicist: http://onlinepublicist.blogspot.com/

Contest will close Friday, November 19 at noon CST. I will post the winner soon after that.

Good Luck!

Muslim Women Reformers

2010-11-11T14:30:00.014-06:00

MUSLIM WOMEN REFORMERS: Inspiring Voices Against Oppression

By Ida Lichter

Prometheus Books | ISBN-13: 978-1591027164

513 pages | Hardcover

Ida on Twitter & Huffington Post

In a world where the strident demands of Islamic extremists capture the media’s attention, the courageous protests of Muslim reformers barely receive any notice. These include a surprising number of women who are prepared to challenge institutionalized persecution, risking derision, arrest, physical harm, and even death.

In this inspiring compilation of Muslim women’s stories from around the world, the voices of these long-oppressed women ring loud and clear as they question ideology and culture, patriarchal and religious beliefs, and demand the social and political rights women lack in many Muslim countries. The reformers speak out with passion, humanity, and sometimes humor in these compact and often poignant biographies, bringing alive the harsh realities for women in many parts of the world.

By surveying a wide range of Muslim reformers, not only in the Middle East but also in Europe and North America, Lichter uncovers some significant emerging trends. For example, she notes that the majority of Muslim feminists would like to see reform contained within Islam. Many criticize their patriarchal culture for suppressing egalitarian views that they believe the Koran expresses and so they advocate a reinterpretation of the holy text. Some demand changes to discriminatory Sharia-based laws. Others campaign openly for political and educational reforms.

Complete with a glossary and a list of helpful Web sites, this vibrant anthology makes use of reliable translations from original languages to demonstrate the groundswell of grassroots change that promises eventually to bring even the most conservative sectors of Islam into the twenty-first century.

Based on wide research and an expansive definition of reform that includes everyone from soft Islamists to ex-Muslims, Ida Lichter compellingly tells the stories of over one hundred women, organizations, and even a few men who in some way dissent from the conventional Muslim understanding of the role of the female. By bringing together this large and diverse group, the author succeeds in her important goal of amplifying the voices of dissident Muslims on whose slender shoulders hangs so much.

-DANIEL PIPES, Director, Middle East Forum

Ida Lichter provides a comprehensive and original view of the struggle that Muslim women are putting up to obtain equal and natural rights in the face of traditional exclusion. It is a report from the front line, so to speak. In their day-to-day courage and commitment, these women are contemporary suffragettes and the outcome of their struggle is certain to determine the future of the Muslim world.

-DAVID PRYCE-JONES Senior Editor of National Review and Author of The Closed Circle: An Interpretation of the Arabs

Ida Lichter, is a clinical and research psychiatrist and contributor to The Huffington Post. Living in London for over 12 years focused her interest on the large Muslim populations in the UK and Europe and brought her closer to the eye of the storm in the Middle East. She lives in Sydney, Australia.

To request a review copy for coverage on your online outlet, please email me at onlinepublicist [AT] gmail [DOT] com. Do not forget to include your URL and use 'REFORMERS' as the subject of the email. I have several copies available for international shipping.

--
Interviews:
vvb32, Women's Tales, January 15, 2011
Big Ideas on ABC Radio National, September 30, 2010
The Diplomat, June 21, 2010
The Diplomat, June 22, 2010

Articles:
Blogger's Unite!: The Huffington Post, October 8, 2010

Campaigning must continue to end stoning: The Australian, August 13, 2010
Afghan Women's Movements Deserve More From the West, The Huffington Post, August 3, 2010
The Veil: Woman's Right or Millstone?: The Australian, July 09, 2010

Reviews:
At Home With Books: "Over and over again in this book I was impressed with how it is much easier to lose your freedoms than to gain them back." "This book would be an excellent first source for anyone wanting to know more about Muslim women activists."

Author Exposure: "Lichter addresses various issues by specific geographic regions. This is a great way to approach a compilation like this one. Sectioning information in this way, allows the reader to take a more concentrated look into not only the stories, but also the cultural, historical, and current climate of each specific region."

KellyVision: "The women in this book are heroes. (And there’s even a chapter on what men are doing to help.) I like to think that I’d have the courage to do what they’re doing, if our situations were reversed, but I don’t know."

One Day at a Time: "I'm grateful to Ida Lichter for sharing this information with us."

Helen's Book Blog: "...the research is impressive with detailed stories, quotes from letters, laws, and books in addition to awards won, legal cases fought, and personal stories that will break your heart."

Booksie's Blog: "This book is recommended reading for all those interested in human rights, and especially those focused on womens' rights."

Caribou's Mom: "One of the things that stands out in this comprehensive book is the complexity of the issue and the very individual approaches of women reformers."

Proud Book Nerd: "What makes this book amazing – in addition to the amount of information covered – is how eye-opening it is."

That's What She Read: "If we are to help our sisters in their fight, the first step is understanding what they face. In her comprehensive presentation of Muslim Women Reformers, Ms. Lichter does just that."

Savvy Working Gal: "In my opinion, true reform will not occur without the assistance of global human rights groups. It is important for westerners to know of these Muslim women reformers and help spread their message."

One Librarian's Book Reviews: "Entirely inspiring, this book can be used for research on Muslim women reformers, organizations, and the countries they come from."

Unabridged Chick: "For those who are afraid to jump in, browse the table of contents for a recognizable name. (For example, Iran's Azar Nafisi, author of the immensely popular Reading Lolita in Tehran, is one of the women featured.)"

Suko's Notebook: "Brave and outspoken, these women reformers and activists share an ongoing quest for more rights, equality, and education for women. It was an eye-opening book for me, definitely worth reading."

New Project

2010-11-10T08:06:00.004-06:00

I have a new review project to announce later today! I'm very excited about it and hope you will be, too! While I work on getting that information together, I leave you with a really cute video. It's called Kitten riding Turtle, but I'm pretty certain that's a tortoise.

The most incredible part of this video is the effort it must take to slog through shag carpeting like that! No small feat, my friends.

Enjoy!

Post Banned Book Fundraising Event

2010-10-04T14:16:00.000-05:00

Below is the post from the day after the Banned Book Event I co-hosted. And check out today's post for some pics of the happy event! And now I'm off to get back to the work on this blog. ;-)

Well, it finally happened. The Banned Books Event was last night! In the month we spent planning it, I never thought it would get here and now I can't believe how quickly it came and went! So today is being spent reflecting and relaxing. Cleaning the house that's been neglected recently was supposed to be on that list as well, but, eh, I suppose I have all weekend to do that! ;-)

So on to the reflecting. The event went off so much better than I ever could have hoped for! Especially when, at the start, a wardrobe malfunction forshadowed a whole different tone.

I bolted out of the house, with the zip on the back of my super cute polka dot dress halfway down. It was hopelessly stuck. I figured my co-host, Lori, would help me get it once I arrived at Great Lakes Distillery. After her attempt, the joint attempt between her and her husband, a donated alligator clip, and some rough work with a stapler, I gave in and accepted that I was going to be sharing that tattoo I keep hidden with all the lucky event attendees! Luckily, while in the bathroom, I decided to try taking the dress off and working on it that way. It worked! And that little tattoo continues to remain a mystery...

The set-up was great: a huge silent auction table with 21 stuffed baskets of goodies, banned books on display, a plethora of raw milk cheese platters from WI Milk Marketing Board (that mustard seed gouda never stood a chance!), and a banned book themed catering table from Mel and Mangia Mangia.

We talked books, we discussed volunteering for the literacy center, and we embraced our freedom to read. Ryan gave an awesome tour of the distillery and I learned that Doug, the master distiller, hand zests the lemons for the citrus honey vodka. Morgan, a bookseller with Next Chapter Bookshop, spoke about the history of Banned Books Week. Jeremy Lowther, the illustrator who designed Thesaurus Rex for the event was in attendance as well as another of our sponsors, Kati Hatfield. Boris and Doris of the Shepherd Express stopped by as well.

In the end, I had an amazing time and I hope everyone else did as well. I met so many wonderful people We raised more than $1,200 (I still have to go add up advanced ticket sales), which will be donated to the MPL Foundation and raised awareness on the scope and breadth of book challenging and banning.

Several people asked if we would do it again next year and I'm here to say: Absolutely! Stay tuned for information on the Second Annual Banned Event as well as photos from this year's. Thank you again for those who donated, participated, attended, bid, spoke, shared, and supported this event. We couldn't have done it without you. ;-)

Banned Books and my Absence

2010-09-29T18:34:00.000-05:00

Hello All!

This blog looks slightly neglected and I want to let you know I'm still here! I've been wrapping up a couple of campaigns and doing some other behind the scenes work. I did not take on any new projects for the past month or so, so that I could devote some time to launching MilwaukeeReads!, my site dedicated to highlighting reading and other book related events in my area.

While building the following for that site, I met a woman named Lori, who has a local food based blog called Burp! (we love exclamation points in Milwaukee!!) She sent me a DM on Twitter, expressing her love for books. I replied that I love food...and a beautiful friendship was formed! lol

I stated that I was interested in doing a book and food related event and she asked what I had in mind. An email or so later, and BANNED: Taboo Books, Bites & Libations was born! We immediately began planning the event around Banned Books Week and decided all proceeds would benefit our local libraries. We upped the 'taboo' factor by including samples of absinthe and raw milk cheese into the mix!

So the past month has been spent pulling every resource we have available to us to make this event a successful one. The event is tomorrow and I finally feel as though I have a second to breathe. We're so thankful to the authors, publishers and local businesses that have contributed items to the silent auction (check out the list here) and look forward to celebrating our freedom to read together!

So we will be back to regularly scheduled programming soon! In the meantime, how have you celebrated Banned Books Week?

Happy BBAW to ya!

2010-09-13T09:36:00.003-05:00

Since I don't really review and I don't really blog about the industry, I decided not to sign up for BBAW (Book Blogger Appreciation Week). That is to say, I did not sign up to be part of the nomination process, but I am signed up to follow, vote for amazing blogs and have a lot of fun! And I think you should, too! Check it out!

More WINNERS!

2010-08-12T13:57:00.005-05:00

As part of the Manifest launch, I created buttons that I then invited everyone to share on their blogs. I always say that sharing is caring, so when you shared the button on your blog, I entered you into the contest for a bookish git certificate. And the fine folks at Harlequin even let me choose three winners, instead of the one I had originally promised.

And they are: Anne of Potter, Percy, And I Laura of Tattooed Books Christie of The Fiction Enthusiast Your gift certificates are in the mail! Enjoy...

WINNERS!

2010-08-06T13:25:00.004-05:00

Happy Friday, all! Well, the 'Woo-Hoo, Manifest is pubbing, big YA Giveaway' concluded last night. I pulled all the names and extra entries (it was a lot!), entered it into Random.org, and the winner of the big prize is:
Jennifer of Girls Gone Reading. Congratulations!!

Runner-up was Violet of Violet Crush. She wins a Manifest prize pack!

Second runner-up is Linna of 21 Pages. She will be sent a finished copy of Manifest!

Have a great weekend!

We Interrupt...

2010-08-04T16:13:00.005-05:00

the currently running giveaway to share with you something fun! As part of Page Turners 1st bloggy birthday bash, I was invited to take part in a Q&A to help elucidate what a publicist does.

So stop by the interview post, leave a comment, and be sure to wish Pixie, Stacey, Mamafox, Lauralee, & Sophie a Happy 1st Blogiversary!

The 'Woo-Hoo, Manifest is pubbing, big YA giveaway'

2010-07-29T08:50:00.007-05:00

In honor of the publication of Manifest: A Mystyx Novel, Kimani Tru's latest addition to their line, I am offering a very special multi-media big YA giveaway prize pack! Included in the prize pack:
*Finished copy of Manifest
*Manifest totebag
*ARC of Firelight by Sophie Jordan
*ARC of Sapphique by Catherine Fisher
*MP3-CD of Suite Scarlett by Maureen Johnson
*Manifest coin purse & notebook/pen set (not pictured)

This contest is open internationally. To be entered, you MUST leave a comment with your email address. After that, you will accrue additional entries with every link you create to the contest whether it be via tweet (use @OnlinePublicist so I see it), on your blog, or other book related network (in these instances, please mention the publication of Manifest so your coverage will pop up on my Google Alert and you will be credited the extra entries).

Contest will conclude at 12am CST, on Thursday, August 5, with the winner being announced Friday, August 6. Good Luck! ;-)

Weddings & Reading!

2010-07-27T18:05:00.014-05:00

Books, where am I with books?

Manifest is about to pub and the coverage is rolling! And there are plenty of giveaways, interviews, reviews, and other fun events surrounding that release. Keep an eye on the Manifest page and Twitter for coverage!

I have a couple more copies of To Your Dog's Health! and Questions and Answers on Life Insurance left, so check them out on the left sidebar and contact me if you'd like a copy.

As for personal reading, well, there's been a lot of acquiring going on lately. I've made a couple of trips to Boswell Books and picked up: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson, A Dirty Job by Christopher Moore (my first book by him), and The Summer Guest by Justin Cronin (I loved The Passage and am just dying to check out his earlier work!) Ever the cyclist, the boyfriend picked up a gorgeous copy of Bicycle: A History by David V. Herilhy. I've commented a dozen times on how much I love the cover.

The boyfriend and I also celebrated an anniversary this weekend and we managed to make that event booky nerdish, too! Instead of gifts, we went to an enormous used bookstore in downtown Milwaukee called Renaissance Books. It's three stories tall, dusty, crowded, and barely organized, but it's also pretty amazing. They have stacks and stacks of very old books. I love it.

We headed there with a mission: buy one another books and only spend $15. I'm so glad we did it! As I scoured the Eastern philosophy section trying what to decide what to get for the boy, I was so distracted, wondering what section he was in. In the end, I think we both did really well!

He picked up a Jim Crace book for me (Continent) and a fabric guide from the early 90s. The fabric info is still relavent because it describes the basic structure, weight, and components of fabric, and the bonus is that it comes complete with these incredible images of gaunt, super gelled, spiky haired models with linebacker shoulder pads. Straight out of a Robert Palmer video.

And he was given a copy of a book on Tolkien characters and...a book that requires further research. It seems to be a rare, independently published book of Buddhist thought from the 70s that may have been compiled by a lama...or a quack. We're not sure, yet. But it's full of sketches and isms that are pretty bizarre. One prominently features an ice cream cone in the sky. It's pretty incredible.

I'm sure by now everyone knows this was a pretty wedding-tastic summer for me. I chatted via Twitter about them often and blamed them for falling behind at times. And below are some pics from those. I haven't gotten any pics from the photogs yet, so these are just the ones I took with my camera, which is why I'm only in one of them!

First up: my brother's wedding!

My brother and his wife

hands and rings

Next up, my friend Kristen from college:

(l-r: Shelly, Bridget, Kristen, Jacque & me!)

Her dress was so vintage fantastic, I had to take some vamp pics!

I'm still playing with the colors and contrasts, so let me know what you think!

Rain Stories and Giveaway Winner!

2010-07-26T11:44:00.005-05:00

Greetings, fellow book lovers! I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. It was still a little messy here in Milwaukee as we recovered from the wicked storms of last Thursday. We made it out ok, but some people weren't so lucky, having basements and yards completely washed away by all the rain. The airport was flooded and shutdown and underground parking structures became vehicle graveyards.

A giant sinkhole sucked up an Escalade (the driver was rescued) and they were using snowblowers to try and clear the water off the runways at the airport. A lot of insurance claims are being filed this week! (click on the images for full story)

We didn't have power for a while and for a while I was running around trying to catch water that was making it's way into the house. So I owe you things!

First things first, the winner of the finished copy of Manifest and the super cute totebag was: mbreakfield who chose to be a 'white tiger shifter named Sorsha'. I have already sent an email requesting a mailing address. If I don't hear back in a couple of days, I will choose who was next on the list. A huge thanks to all who participated. I loved reading everyone's names and choice of powers. Very creative stuff!

Tomorrow I will have a post up with some pics from the weddings I stood up in recently. And on Wednesday, I will have a brand new giveaway for you! Stay tuned...

Thoughts on The Passage

2010-07-14T12:36:00.005-05:00

I've been working in some personal reading and recently finished The Passage by Justin Cronin. I think it was uh-mazing. And I'm still in awe that I got through an 800 page book. It was all thanks to the encouragement of a couple of bloggers who challenged me to give it a shot and I'm so thrilled I did!

I've read some other reviews on Amazon and some folks really did not enjoy it, which baffled me. They spoke of how they expected it to end, how it should have wrapped up, and what they wanted out of it. But that's not at all how I read, so maybe that's why it worked for me. I read to take in what the writer has laid out for me, with no judgments or preconceived ideas of where I need it to take me. I understand some people need that, and for those folks, I always ask them how they want to feel at the end of reading a book.

So, if you want to feel hope, if you believe in both the beauty of life as well as the evil of the world, if you don't need everything tied up in a neat little all-questions-answered-bow, and you have faith in humanity's ability to overcome impossible odds, then this book is for you.

As for my thoughts, well, I'm pretty terrible at reviewing books, which is why I leave it to all of you! I always worry that I will give something away that would have been better discovered through your own reading. Some nuance, thought, description, or segue that would tickle your nerve endings and enrich your reading experience. If I'm among a group where I know everyone has read it, I'll talk about it all day! But when I'm not sure, I keep pretty tight lipped.

With that in mind, instead of giving you a synopsis, I would like to share a few of the many beautiful descriptions that moved me while reading. I dog-eared a number of pages (don't hate me, purists! It's an ARC!). Cronin's grace at crafting descriptions absolutely takes my breath away. Out of context, these sentences may evoke nothing, but I assure you, when read in the story, they're powerful. If nothing else, it might encourage you to pick up a copy of the book and find your own favorites. ;-) I also placed them out of order so they don't offer any sort of chronological order to the story.
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The buildings were larger now, monumental in scope, towering above the roadway with their great ruined faces. Some were burned, empty cages of steel girders, others half-collapsed, their facades fallen away to reveal the honeycombed compartments within, dressed with dripping gardens of wire and cable.

What were the living dead, Wolgast thought, but a metaphor for the misbegotten march of middle age?

...men were running past her, yelling and shooting and dying, their fates already written when the world began...All his pain and puzzlement, and the long sad story of who he was. The bed of rags and bundles under the roadway, and the sweat and soil of his skin and of his long journey; the great gleaming car stopping beside him with its grille of jeweled teeth, and the voice of the woman, calling out to him over the dirty roar of the world; the sweetness of mown grass and the sweating coolness of a glass of ice tea...

So maybe that's what his father had been doing all along, on the Long Rides. He'd been trying to remember the world.

It was just another case of the body's unreasonable demands upon the mind, and his dreams, when he cared to remember them, all seemed to be lightly retooled versions of his waking state--full of circuits and breakers and relays, a thousand problems to be solved, and he would waken feeling less restored than rudely shot forward in time, with no discernible accomplishments to show for those lost hours.

Then, just like that, the pressure on Theo's hand released--an absence of torment so abrupt it was like pleasure.

The rusting ribs of the great ships, stretching as far as the eye could see. Never had he thought to wonder how this had come about. He had lived in a world without history, without cause, a world where things just were what they were. ...like looking at lines on a page and suddenly seeing words written there.

A huge greasy bulk, connected by long trailing hoses to a pair of bulging fuel tanks, weeping with rust.

...and before long you didn't know which was which, if you were awake or asleep. Everything got blended together. A sensation like pain--only worse, because it wasn't a pain in your body; the pain was your mind and your mind was you. You were pain itself.

--
Have you read it? What did you think?

court room exploits & a giveaway

2010-07-14T10:38:00.011-05:00

I have a lot of catching up to do with everyone! I've had several short work weeks and I'm working hard to get back on track.

Last week, a friend had a court date for a speeding ticket and I went with him. I'm pretty fascinated with how things work behind the marble walls of our enormous courthouse and he promised to show me where I would need to go for my forthcoming stint with jury duty. It turned out to be pretty anticlimactic, with ticket reductions flying out the door, into the hallway I was waiting in. The reason I was waiting in the hall? This: NO READING MATERIALS? Those damn readers getting all distracted and invested in their books, completely ignoring the grueling amount of time being spent in a tiny, stuffy room surrounded by disgruntled drivers. Yeah. That'll learn em not to speed!

But the flip side was the enormous amount of reading time I was granted during jury duty and how much I despised it. Not 'despised' so much, but the whole experience in general was frustrating. Trapped in a room with 50 other people for two days, told when to take breaks and eat lunch, shuffled around the courthouse, only to be sent back to 'the room' after a couple of hours of questioning...it was just tiring. And I prefer to read in my comfy chairs.

Overall, I'm just sort of confused with how the whole operation worked. They were calling alternate jurors in as they were sending 30 of us to court, only to have 17 of us come back and spend the next day in 'the room' again. Then we were sent home.

Alright, then. So now I'm going to host a giveaway so I can spend the rest of the day working and going through mail. Up for grabs is a finished copy of Manifest and a totebag!

Apologies for the quality, I snapped it with my cell phone. All you need to do to be entered is answer this question:
You're a character in a YA paranormal novel. Comment with your character name and/or power.

That's it! Contest is open internationally and will run until a week from today: July 21. Good luck!

Guest Post & Giveaway Winner Announced!

2010-07-06T11:34:00.003-05:00

I hope all my fellow Americans are happy and well-rested after the holiday weekend. I was in my second wedding in as many weeks, so I'm still trying to get back into the groove of things. Can't wait to share some pics with you once I get them!

To kick off my 'get caught up' week, I'm pleased to share with you a guest post provided by Miss Attitude of the blog Reading In Color. I love her blog and was thrilled when I was able to offer her Manifest for review on her blog.

About the blog: Reading in Color is a book blog that reviews YA/MG books about people of color (poc). There is a serious lack of books being reviewed by teens that are YA/MG about people of color, I hope my blog is one step closer to filling in this void.

I think Reading in Color is amazing and I recommend you check it out! And since I'm endlessly interested in childhood reading experiences, I asked Miss Attitude to share her thoughts on reading as a young Brown girl. Were books featuring POC available? More so then than now or is it the other way around?

I hope you enjoy reading this as much as I did and stay tuned after the post to find out the winner of the Manifest tote giveaway from the Artist Arthur Community Interview event!

--
Bright Eyes, Brown Skin

Animals and Dr. Seuss. This is what stands out to me from my early childhood reading. I was doing some “research” for a post that I had planned for father’s day. The “research” consisted of looking at some of my favorite books from childhood and re-reading them. Deep stuff.

I noticed something though; the majority of the books that we have from when I was in the baby/toddler stage are by Dr. Seuss or feature animals. My parents tell me that Marvin K. Mooney will You Please Go Now was a particular favorite of mine, but we own many other Dr. Seuss books as well. I also looked at Guess How Much I Love You, Can’t You Sleep Little Bear? and The Kissing Hand. These books all feature animals as the main characters; rabbits, bears and raccoons. I also have some books with more bears, lions, foxes and other zoo animals. I didn’t ask my parents about the lack of human main characters in my childhood library, but I can’t help but wonder; was a part of this because of the lack of books for Brown babies and toddlers? Did my parents seek to protect me by not having me read the books that showed that little Black boys and girls don’t exist as far as children’s literature is concerned? Did they not want the idea of white superiority reinforced in my mind?

Of course, the white superiority wasn’t blatant, but when the number of books about kids of color doesn’t even come close to the large numbers of books about white kids of color, the subtle message is that Brown kids don’t matter. I have some books with white main characters (The Napping House is a particular favorite that comes to mind) but the number of books I have about animals (or made up characters a la Dr. Seuss) far outweigh the number of books I have about humans, especially books that focus on white children.

I titled this post Bright Eyes, Brown Skin because it’s the main book that is about African American children that I can vividly remembering reading as a toddler. I can practically quote it just by looking at the cover. I’ve been blogging for almost a year now and while I don’t review picture books, something I’ve noticed is that young children today have so many more options than I did growing up.

For example, a book I would have gobbled up as a child is Dancing in the Wings by Debbie Allen. It’s about a Black ballerina, which is what I aspired to be. Eventually I ended up leaving dance after ten years and it wasn’t until I was about eleven or so that I saw Alvin Ailey and learned that Black ballet dancers existed. It came out in 2000, I was born in 1993. I technically could have read it, it’s described as being for kids ages 4-8 and I would have been eight at the time, but by the second grade, I was past picture books, reading instead Beverly Clearly and the Royal Diaries series (for the record I hated the Sweet Valley High series but I did like the Babysitter’s Club).

I don’t think I noticed the lack of picture books about people of color, but then again, right before my pre teen years, I wanted to be white. Maybe the two are connected, I don’t know. It’s a period of my life that I struggle with so I don’t think about it much.

The Internet would have been a huge help to my parents and other parents raising kids my age, now there are lots of websites and blogs dedicated exclusively to promoting multicultural children’s books. It’s amazing and I’m so glad things have changed. I can walk down the children’s section at Borders (sadly my indie bookstore doesn’t have much diversity. I’m working on them!) and I will see Brown faces on the covers of picture books.

I don’t see as much change occurring in literature for older readers, those in middle school and high school. So that’s what I focus on, promoting YA/MG books about people of color. The most crucial years for a child’s development are the early years and if I had to choose, I would rather have multicultural books for babies and toddlers than books for pre teens and teens. But guess what? I don’t have to choose, we can (and should) have both.
--

A big thanks to those who participated in the Artist Arthur Community Interview! I will send all the questions along to Artist and will send her response to each out to everyone who contributed. I'm so pleased with the questions asked! I entered 27 into the True Random Number Generator at Random.org, was given 24 (I still can't figure out how to post that box from their site), and the winner of the autographed Manifest totebag is.....iluvhersheys_andbooks, aka, Chioma of Black and Blue Ink! Please email me at onlinepublicist [AT] gmail [DOT] com with your mailing address to claim your prize. ;-)

Thank you again, Miss Attitude, of Reading In Color for sharing her story! Is there a children's book with characters of color that comes to your mind?

Artist Arthur Community Interview!

2010-07-06T00:00:00.000-05:00

**THIS IS A STICKY POST. PLEASE SCROLL DOWN FOR NEWER POSTS**

Here it is! The Artist Arthur Community Interview I've been promising you!

So many people have been really excited about the upcoming release of Manifest: A Mystyx Novel by Artist Arthur. In fact, a lot of folks have wanted to conduct interviews with the author. This is a huge project with over one hundred people reviewing and participating in the campaign.

I thought a community interview would be a fun way to give everyone an opportunity to interact with Artist, while providing all who are interested with an interview. I also don't want to overwhlem her. We need her to get working on the next books in the series so we can find out what happens to Krystal and her new friends who all share the same 'M' shaped birthmark as well as supernatural powers.

From Artist: "I'm amazed at the tremendous response to Manifest and would like to sincerely thank every one of you for your support and participation."

And here's how it works:
*Submit one question in the comments section.
*All questions will be submitted to Artist. She will answer them all. I will compile them and send them out to everyone who contributed. That way, you can pick and choose the questions/responses you would like to feature for a customized interview post.

**Please read through the comments! Repeat questions will be discarded.** This is your opportunity to be creative and ask that burning question you just need to know! Remember, this is Artist's debut YA novel. She previously published romance. There may be a question or two in that alone! If you haven't had a chance to read the book yet and would like a synopsis, please visit my Manifest page where you will find a book trailer, description, and excerpt.

And did I mention the swag?? Aritst is generously offering a signed Manifest tote bag to one lucky contrbutor!

You have two weeks from today to get your question in. Comments will close on Friday, July 2, with the winner of the tote bag being announced on Tuesday, July 6. Good Luck!

To Your Dog's Health!

2010-06-30T08:53:00.021-05:00

To Your Dog's Health! Canine Nutrition and Recent Trends Within the Pet Food Industry
by Mark Poveromo
Poor Man's Press, February 2010 Paperback, 104 pages, $14.95
ISBN-13: 978-0984301706

Interested in offering your pet meals beyond the pried open can or the bag of dried kibble? Perhaps you have an older pet, or one with a specific need that needs to be addressed through diet (cancer, kidney disease), or you're just looking for a more holistic approach to pet care.

Do you know if your pet's dry food is fried, baked, pressure-cooked, or dehydrated? In To Your Dog's Health, author Mark Poveromo discusses not only the method involved in creating each type and the effect it has on the overall nutrition, but suggests healthy alternatives which lead to healthier, more active lifestyles for your pets.

He offers a variety of nutrition solutions from a raw diet to home cooked (which is great for those with home gardens). There are even recipes to help get you started! Also included is a chapter that lists and describes several of the best processed foods on the market today.

Armed with this slim guide, you have the tools and guidance necessary to choose the best method of care for your pet, ensuring the time you have together is full of happy, healthy days!

''If you are what you eat then so are your canine companions. Unfortunately, we have been incredibly blind sided by the false science handed to us by the pet food industry. As a result, Mans Best Friend has suffered. Mark, in his book, To Your Dog s Health, concisely and in a very clear cut manner, reveals to us the truth about proper canine nutrition. A must read for every person caring for a dog.'' -Martin Goldstein, D.V.M. & host of "Ask Martha's Vet" on Sirius Satellite

To learn more about Mark, watch video segments, or read an article featuring him in Dog Fancy and Pet Business Magazine, please visit here.
--
Interview:
Dog Works Radio

Guest Post:
'Holistic Pet Food and Trends in the Industry' on WayCoolDogs.com

Reviews:
BookHounds: "I am giving this book to my brother to try out on his new puppy and I am going to switch over my dogs to a more natural diet."

Spatter: "...it's a good book with good information and is a good it's a good jumping off point into the world of alternative health and nutrition for dogs."

Going Like Sixty: "If you have dogs, you’ve heard that it’s bad to feed them “table food.” Come to find out, if you’re eating right, your dog will be eating better than if you feed them dry kibbles."

Suko's Notebook: "I enjoyed reading this book, which is a good guide book for dog owners with an interest in optimum canine nutrition."

Libby's Library News: "Little book with Lot's of info."

Amber Stults: "This book is a quick read that explains how to make or pick a nutritious food for your dog."

Good Girl Gone Redneck: "I could tell that Mark truly cares for animals, not just his dogs, but yours and mine, too!"

The Crazy Life of a Bookaholic Mom: "It is a very interesting book to read especially after all the pet food recalls in recent years. The book was easy to read and understand."

Adventures in Every Day: Just like humans, our pets are what they eat, and we owe it to them to make sure we give them the best nutrition possible.

The Bookworm: "This book has been an eye opener when it comes to my dog's eating habits and the food that I chose to give him."

Reading at the Beach: "Everyone who is owned by a dog needs this book. It's full of helpful information."

Questions and Answers on Life Insurance

2010-06-23T17:19:00.012-05:00

***I am out of review copies of this title. Please see below for currently posted reviews/coverage.***

Questions and Answers on Life Insurance: The Life Insurance Toolbook by Tony Steuer
Life Insurance Sage Press, August 1, 2010
Paperback, 392 pages, $22.95
ISBN: 978-0984508105
Tony Steuer's Site

Do you have life insurance? Do you know how to make your life insurance work for you? In an uncertain financial world, it is imperative to make intelligent, well-informed decisions concerning your assets.

In Questions and Answers on Life Insurance, Tony Steuer uses an accessible Q&A format which educates and empowers readers with the information necessary to craft the best life insurance policy to benefit their lifestyle, needs, and goals.

Life Insurance is like a parachute, you may only need it once, but when you need it, you really need it. And just as important as your pilot, plane, and training are, your parachute is essential to your well being and needs to be packed correctly. In an emergency situation, Life Insurance will be that necessary element that guides you and your family to safe ground.

Originally pubbed through iUniverse, Questions and Answers on Life Insurance has consistently sold 90-100/month with placement on Amazon alone. Now, with the backing of a house, updated materials and full distribution, Steuer's book is poised to take off as the #1 personal finance reference guide among consumers.

Full Press Release:
Questions and Answers on Life Insurance is the definitive resource on life insurance and is the only book of it's kind. Tony Steuer's invaluable advice will safeguard you from unpleasant surprises and unnecessary pitfalls when facing the constant barrage of information from competing life insurance companies.

With twenty years of experience in the life insurance business, Anthony Steuer delivers a practical, one-of-a-kind resource to guide you through the basics--and the finer points--of life insurance and helps you choose the policy that is just right for you and your family. Using a simple question-and-answer format, Steuer covers everything you need to know about life insurance, including how to:
* Differentiate between types of policies
* Find and evaluate a policy and company
* Hire a trusted agent
* Understand the practice of underwriting
* Monitor a policy's performance

So complete is the information in the book, that the appendices offer contact information for all state insurance departments, address some medical issues and how they may affect underwriting options and is offers a glossary of 'Key Life Insurance Terms' which helps demystify the language utilized by the industry.

Selecting a policy isn't easy, but Steuer's guide will help any reader make informed, confident decisions and gain the maximum benefit from life insurance companies. The author has an upcoming article in Men's Health and AARP and is available for additional interviews and guest posts. Please let me know if this is of interest.

Praise for Questions and Answers on Life Insurance: "This easy-to-use life-insurance guidebook...will help readers make informed decisions about what kind of life insurance to purchase and how to monitor their holdings to avoid any nasty surprises down the road. Read in its entirety, the book provides a deep-immersion course....But it's also helpful in addressing the quandary of the moment, from something as basic as whether or not to buy term or permanent insurance to the material knowledge that can be gleaned from insurance regulatory information reports. Steuer lays out pros and cons, demonstrates how you can use mathematical calculations to arrive at a plan that best suits you, brings needs-analysis into play and tenders an array of quick facts that help put issues into perspective...the information is solid."
~Kirkus Discovery Reviews
~~~
Texas Tech University has adopted Questions & Answers on Life Insurance for their Masters/Doctoral Program in Personal Financial Planning. Professor John Gilliam, Ph.D., CFP®, ChFC, CLU mentions that: "The students love the simple straight forward nature of your writing. It is easily understood for anyone who knows very little or nothing about life insurance. Your book demystifies what some would considers a very difficult topic to understand."
~~~
"Tony's book is my comprehensive life insurance reference. He takes complex topics and breaks them down into plain English. I relied heavily on this book when studying for the CFP exam and continue to use it when I have life insurance questions in my role as a wealth manager." ~Janet Hoffmann, CFA, CFP, Principal - Integral Financial Solutions, LLC
~~~
Tony Steuer is a specially licensed Individual Life and Disability Insurance Analyst, of which there are only about 30 of in the state of California. Prior to commencing his own practice in 1995, Tony was an Assistant Vice President with Acordia-Lloyd, a multi-line insurance brokerage. His responsibilities were as a lead on an endorsed life insurance program with the State Bar of California as well as working with Health Insurance Producers and Property and Casualty Producers to assist in developing life insurance programs for their clients.

Steuer has contributed to TheNest.com. He has been quoted in Newsday, appeared on the Wall Street Journal Morning Radio Show, was interviewed on The Prudent Money Show, Your Financial Editor Show, the Larry Shannon Show, and for the AARP and SLATE Magazine.
--
Excerpts:
Free Money Finance #1
Free Money Finance #2

Guest Posts:
Growing Money

Reviews:

Forbes: "Steuer does a fantastic job of explaining complex topics in straightforward language."

Libby's Library News: "Wow - this book answered questions that I didn't even know I had!"

Bargaineering: "While I’ve never looked at any life insurance books, I can’t imagine there’s one out there better than Questions and Answers on Life Insurance by Tony Steuer."

WiseBread: "A knowledgeable, experienced, and unbiased guide in the realm of life insurance is useful for this task and is precisely what I found in Questions and Answers on Life Insurance..."

Mighty Bargain Hunter: "His complete, thoughtful answer to this one question (How much life insurance do I need?) is worth the price of the book. And there are 133 other questions he answers!"

ROOM Giveaway Winner!

2010-06-21T11:51:00.002-05:00

Thank you to all who participated in the ROOM giveaway. I created a list, posted it to Random.org and came up with: Heather of Capricious Reader! Congrats Heather. Please send me an email [onlinepublicist AT gmail DOT com] with your mailing address and I will send this out to you right away.

There are still other ways to win stuff! Post one of the Manifest buttons from my sidebar on your blog and you could win an eHarlequin gift certificate!

Or, submit a question in the Community Interview above and be entered to win the autographed Manifest tote bag. I will also have Manifest posters and more available soon.

And I still have more BEA stuff for you, so keep an eye out...

What I've been reading and ROOM giveaway

2010-06-16T10:10:00.006-05:00

I will be posting the Artist Arthur community interview post later this week. We are waiting for the Manifest swag to arrive and as soon as it does, I'll get it up!

Until then, I wanted to chat about what I've read lately and host my first post BEA giveaway. Woo-hoo!

I finished Dracula a month or so ago and just loved it. The journal format was perfect for seamlessly offering the variety of perspectives that come about as the story unfolds across several countries. It did get a bit, 'Oh the Lady! Dote, fawn, How is the Lady? Protect the Lady from the evil of the world! Her delicate ears shall not be marred by such evil as the utterance of his name!' and on and on. Sometimes the doting on Mina chapters dragged on a bit, but it was written in 1897, so what can you do?

It does remind me of an SNL skit I remember seeing a long time ago where two actors were dressed up in Renaissance or maybe Elizabethan garb and made a great show of bowing flourishing their hands and bowing and saying, 'Yeeeeeeeees'. Wish I could find that skit. Seeing it would probably help what I'm trying to illustrate here. :-)

But anyway, it was a wonderful book. And I just love that the entire book centers around a character that makes a minimal number of appearances. So intriguing!

I also read ROOM by Emma Donoghue. I tore through it in about a day and a half and it was pretty amazing. The narrator is 5 years old, and while his speech patterns are highly elevated for someone so young, I still really had to think about what he was describing sometimes. It works so well because the author doesn't shy away from giving the reader some of the confusion of an adolescent perspective.

The book ended with me wanting more. There's a bit of an empty part in me from it that feels unsatisfied. Not to be read as a failure on the author's part though. With my life experience, perhaps this is exactly what I was supposed to walk away from this with. That closing emotion will be different for everyone, which is part of what makes this book so wonderful.

And to help give you the opportunity to share your thoughts, I am giving a copy of ROOM away! Along with a Quirk Books tote bag and a cute pink, reading light that was a gift from BBC (I already have a simliar one). Ta-daaa!

Now! To Enter:
You must leave a comment to be entered (you only need to leave your email address if I don't already have it), and if you have a Twitter account, I give you an extra entry if you RT the giveaway. Contest is open internationally.

That's all. I will announce the winner on Monday, June 21. Good Luuuuck!

Pay for a peek behind the curtain?

2010-06-10T13:16:00.005-05:00

I found this article on PW today and wonder what others think about it.

To sum up: A&E is debuting a show on July 11 called The Glades. They have teamed up with B&N and are offering the pilot script as a print and e-book. You can download it here, or receive a hard copy with any BN.com order placed through July, or in store, while supplies last.

It's an interesting concept, offering the text of the first episode to viewers before it premieres, so I headed over to check it out. I was theater major in college and enjoyed reading plays. It's a different reading experience and I was curious how they would present it to a general reader.

I headed over to the B&N site, set up an account (because they made me. I have never ordered from their site before) and got to downloadin! *spinney wheel that makes things happen, spinney wheel that makes things happen...*

Then it asked me for my credit card info. Wha? It will be kept on file and used for future purchases. For a free download. They want my credit card info.

So while I wish A&E and B&N well on their marketing venture together, I'm sorry to say that I will not be participating. But what about you? Would you give them the info they want for the free download? What if they begin charging for these items? Woud you pay? What upcoming shows would you purchase the premiere script for?

With hindsight, I wish I had something like that for LOST, but I also happen to like a lot of shows that get cancelled pretty quickly (I really liked Eastwick), so I don't know if I can trust my judgment. I feel like several folks would have loved a peek at Pretty Little Liars...

The Big Post BEA '10 Post

2010-06-03T09:55:00.016-05:00

The title is pretty post-tastic, isn't it? Alrighty, I have my photos now, my stories are all lined up and a hefty amount of redacting has been done to protect the guilty. :-) BEA last week was an absolute blast. Long, exhausting, foot achingly amazing!

I arrived on Monday afternoon and was lucky enough to have dinner with Serena of Savvy Verse & Wit, Anna of Diary of an Eccentric and her daughter, known on her blog as 'The Girl', but whom I now refer to as 'T.G.' It was so much fun and I can't thank them enough for meeting up with me. It's a long train ride from Queens and I know they were hungry!

On Tuesday, I attended several of the seminars at Javits. In the past, I never attended on this day, instead saving my energy for the three days of the on the floor madness of BEA. But since BEA was only two days this year, I decided to try it out. I'm so happy I did!

The Building Online Reader Communities with an Eye on ROI (return on investment) was pretty awesome. From the picture, you can see moderator Charlotte Abbott (far left), a publishing journalist and digital content strategist, Kelly Leonard to her right, who works in online marketing for Hachette, Neil Strandberg, manager of operations at Tattered Cover (@tatteredcover), and author Richelle Mead (@richellemead). They chatted Facebook, Twitter, building an online presence for authors, and connecting with the book loving audience. You know how much I love that! Attendees were invited to tweet #readcom during the event, and a large screen offered us a live feed of what folks were tweeting. I wasn't able to connect to the internet in the cavern this panel was held in, but it was super helpful to see who was in the room by their tweets. Q&As held via tweet? How sweet it is...

But my absolute favorite panel of the day was titled: 7x20x21. I remember people talking about how much they liked this one last year and was pretty excited to make it this time around. (Thanks again to Ami Greko @ami_with_an_i and Ryan Chapman @chapmanchapman for hosting!)

Each presenter was given 7 minutes to speak. They were allowed 20 powerpoint slides, with the slides changing every 21 seconds. There is a story behind how the style of this presentation came about, but aside from recalling that it was Asian in influence, I'm sorry to say that I don't remember it. :-/

Jennifer Egan kicked it off by relaying a chapter of her upcoming book using images created in powerpoint. She shared the she had never used powerpoint before and was curious how it could project her story. It was pretty incredible to see how she illustrated emotion with empty spaces or large blocks of color and conversations with boxes and arrows that conveyed the flow and tone of the speakers. I'm still in awe with how wonderfully she did with this.

Ed Nawotka (@pubperspectives) gave my other favorite presentation. He's challenging us to 'teach literature backwards'. Instead of starting with the classics, begin teaching children about literature through contemporary works so you 'can help the living make a living'. It was hysterical and there was a lot of head bobbing going on as folks agreed with him.

After all that, it was BEA hustle and flow. I was thrilled to finally meet CaribousMom, which was such a treat since her and I have been online friends for several years now! (I stole this image from her post, which the pic is linked to)

I snagged a signed copy of The Passage ARC from Justin Cronin. Many of you already know the panic attacks I get from a chunkster even being in my house. I think I have the attention span of a goldfish, but from what everyone has told me, this one might be worth sticking it out for!

This is Artist Arthur at her Manifest signing on Wednesday. Thank you so much to the bloggers who were able to stop by and sought me out. It was an absolute madhouse in the Harlequin booth and I really appreciate those who took the time. I probably looked like a frightened rabbit trying to stay visible and out of everyone's way at the same time. Did I mention I get a teensy bit claustrophobic?

It was great to speak with her and talk about all the fun Manifest things we have coming up. And her husband was super nice, too.

I also met Adele Griffin (l.) and Lisa Brown (r.) in the Sourcebooks booth. They signed a copy of their book Picture the Dead for me and were such a delight to speak with. Who doesn't love people who wear period costumes for the promotion of their book? As a former theater major, I was in costume heaven! And the book is absolutely gorgeous, with the interior designed to look like a nineteenth-century scrapbook. Can't wait to read it!

BBC on Friday was such an amazing time. I can't thank everyone who pulled it together enough. It was vibrant and chatty, informative and light. I can see that this will soon be a BEA staple event.

In fact, BBC was so great, I stuck around too long chatting. Shocking. I think most folks who met me will agree that I'm not short on conversation! So while Natalie of In Spring It Is the Dawn, accompanied me (thanks for being my partner in the crosstown shuffle!), I made a mad dash to the subway, got to my friend's apartment, stuffed my newly acquired treasures into my suitcase (thanks BBC!) and took a (way too expensive) car service to the airport so I wouldn't miss my flight, only to find it....delayed. Awesome. So I stood around, jittery and sore of foot, looking a little like a lunatic (not enough to pose a threat to anyone, just enough so that people proabably felt sorry for and wanted to medicate me), until the plane finally showed up and ferried me back to Milwaukee. *happy sigh*

I was excited to get back, not just because I missed my boyfriend and my friends, feared my cat would forget me, knew I had a ton of work to catch up on, but mostly because of this:

The view from the cabin my friends and I rented for Memorial Day weekend. It was the most perfect weather we have ever had for that weekend. Warm; not too warm, breezy; not too breezy. It was stunningly gorgeous for Wisconsin in late May. I stood in the water at the end of that pier with a gluten free beer in my hand, dug my toes in the sand, and forced my feet to forget they ached. In the hammock up on the patio, I napped in between chapters of Tinker and ate grilled meat until I hurt. It. was. beautiful.

I hope your week and weekend were just as lovely. A huge thanks to all of the bloggers I reconnected with as well as those I met for the first time. It was an incredible week and I'm almost ready to start planning the next one! Almost.

Back into the swing of things!

2010-06-02T08:38:00.003-05:00

*Big SIGH*

So, BEA 2010 is over and I miss it already! Mobs and masses of book loving folk. What can be better than that?? Well, as it turns out, a cabin on a lake in Wisconsin for Memorial Day weekend was pretty darn awesome, too.

I have a lot of pictures and stories to share with you and will get those posts up soon. The camera and it's USB cord are currently with the boyfriend and I need those images to accurately punctuate my titillating tales. Oooh, I'm sure you're practically vibrating with anticipation!

While I wait on that, I will reinsert myself into the media filled world and spend my time getting caught up on the news (Gary Coleman died??), emails, RSS feeds, and project follow-ups. I have gobs of goodies and fun stuff to give away (I met a Pulitzer Prize winning author! How cool is that?) and can't wait to start hosting those. I think you're going to love what I have for you.

For now, I will hit up the grocery store to get a fresher version of whatever smells funky in the fridge. I also need to find some vegetables to graze on as the Javits Center diet, quickly followed by the grilled meat weekend has left me feeling blah.

I hope you had an amazing Memorial Day weekend!

BEA on my way!

2010-05-24T11:06:00.004-05:00

Hello Friends! As I write this, I am on a flight to NYC to celebrate books! I really can't believe I purchased Internet usage on the flight, but seeing as how I wasted hours and hours of my life yesterday on LOST as opposed to preparing for this trip, I figured it would be a good use of time. The Kathy Reichs book in my bag will have to wait for the return flight. :-(

There are so many reasons to be excited for this week, but a big one for me is where I'll be staying. When I left NY, I lived in this super cute little 3 unit building in Astoria, Queens. And when I visit, one of my former neighbors is always gracious enough to host me. It's a lot of fun because it feels like old times and I already know the train routes.

Some of you may actually meet the kind, former neighbor of mine. Erin was formerly in publishing, but has just made the move over to TheMotherHood and I know she would love to meet you!

I will blog and post pics more along the way, so I hope you can join me. And if you didn't make it to BEA, be sure to join up with the folks taking part in #ArmchairBEA on Twitter! Don't worry, we'll have plenty of goodies and giveaways for ya when we get back. ;-)

Rummage our way through Mother's Day

2010-05-11T12:53:00.006-05:00

I'm a bit late on this, but I hope everyone had a wonderful, relaxing Mother's Day! Funnily enough, my poor mom's day was not as relaxing as she may have wanted, but we did have fun. AND made money!

We had been planning on having a rummage sale together to clear out some closets (and possibly make room for more junk!), but the weather was awful on Saturday, so we pushed it to Sunday. It's amazing how much stuff you can get rid of that you didn't even remember having. I can be a bit of a pack rat, but thankfully it's short lived, so after a time, I easily part with items that clutter my storage areas.

And since I'm a fan of providing everyone I know with reading material, my mom received a subscription to Cooking Light (she's trying to eat healthier and I love my own subscription) and a copy of Murder, She Wrote: Murder on Parade. I couldn't resist buying it. I have great memories of my mom and I watching that show when I was a kid. I still remember the theme music...

This weekend, I also picked up a copy of Kathy Reichs' Déjá Dead. Her books are the basis for the TV show Bones, which I'm pretty new to watching, but am loving so far.

How was your weekend?

Current Reads

2010-04-29T11:11:00.015-05:00

It occurs to me that I don't share enough of my personal reads with you. In all honesty, as silly as it sounds, working in books doesn't leave you with as much extra reading time as you would think!

I spend a lot of time reading books for potential projects. Many of those don't make it past that stage. Not necessarily because they're 'bad' books, but other items factor in. If it's a memoir and I just finished working on a memoir, I might pass on it so I'm better able to offer a variety of genres to reviewers. Sometimes timelines or pub dates will interfere with other projects. Sometimes I just manage a really small campaign with a scope so narrow that it doesn't even make it onto the blog.

As far as projects are concerned, I just finished reading an upcoming YA title. MANIFEST, A Mystyx Novel is the first in a series that will be pubbed by the Harlequin imprint, KimaniTru this fall. It features an ethnically diverse cast of characters with a paranormal twist. It will please every fan of YA literature looking for a fresh take on the genre.

With great enthusiasm, I signed on to represent it for it's internet campaign. Keep an eye out for that launch announcement!

But all that aside, I do squeeze in other reading now and again and here's what I currently have:

I'm finishing up Bram Stoker's Dracula and I'm pretty jazzed about it. I'm a huge fan of the film and thought it was about time I actually read it. (I couldn't find the cover for my particular edition, so I used the movie poster image instead.)

This book is kind of a chunkster for me, so I've put it down a couple of times and gone to other reading, but I'm almost finished! And my reward for that accomplishment? We're going to watch the movie! lol.

I've discovered recently that I need to give up gluten. Ack! I enjoy craft beer, love all things bread and bakery, and this change has caused me a lot of anxiety, but the Living Gluten Free for Dummies book has been helping me out immensely! I now carry around a tiny little pink Moleskine with all of my gluten dos and don'ts. Does anyone else have gluten issues?

I also just received 3 new sewing books. Woo-hoo! I have really been holding off on making these purchases because they're pretty expensive. I've been checking different books out of the library to find the ones that are the most comprehensive and so far like these the best. My little sewing library is really growing! Do you have any sewing book recommendations?

Nat'l Poetry Month Blog Tour

2010-04-29T08:00:00.011-05:00

April is National Poetry Month and in case you missed it, Serena over at Savvy Verse & Wit has been hosting a blog tour in honor of it.

I was interested in taking part, but I've never much fancied poetry and didn't know how to approach it. So I asked Serena if she would take part in a little poetry Q&A with me. I wanted to learn something from it and hope you will too!

On a side note: after visiting all of the stops on the Poetry Month blog tour, I have to say that my poetry fear is much alleviated! If you currently possess the same poetry apprehension as me, I highly encourage you to visit some of the stops on the tour.

And now...here's the Q&A with Serena!

*How do you define poetry? What is it to you?

Poetry is any short piece with lyrical beat, rhyme, or other musicality with a reliance on imagery and narrative to express an over-arching emotion or truth about the human condition or to tell a story. Now that was a long answer that could also describe a piece of prose, though in general I would say that poetry has lines and stanzas rather than paragraphs. Or you can go with this definition.

*As a fan of poetry, do you find you gravitate towards similar types, or do you dabble?

I actually dabble. I really love reading new poetry, and all kinds. After reading it, though I sometimes find that I don't like certain poems or poets, though I recently discovered through Rhapsody in Books' National Poetry Month Blog Tour stop that I had missed out on some enjoyable poems by Yeats.

*Do you think there is an enjoyment that comes about from being able to create your own imagery?

The enjoyment of poetry stems from its unique use of images to create a story or emotion, etc., but by showing rather than telling in the strictest sense. In a way, these short verses and images provide readers with a greater opportunity to interpret, riff off of, and extrapolate their own experiences and previous experiences in connection with that of the poet. I often find that poetry reminds me to see the similarities in all of us and provides me with a deeper understanding of humanity.

*Remember those shoebox dioramas we made as kids? They are small and intimate, requiring the viewer to get close in order to actively engage the scene. What poem would transform well into that type of 3D representation?

"Facing It" by Yusef Komunyakaa :

My black face fades,
hiding inside the black granite.
I said I wouldn't,
dammit: No tears.
I'm stone. I'm flesh.
My clouded reflection eyes me
like a bird of prey, the profile of night
slanted against morning. I turn
this way -- the stone lets me go.
I turn that way -- I'm inside
the Vietnam Veterans Memorial
again, depending on the light
to make a difference.
I go down the 58,022 names,
half-expecting to find
my own letters like smoke.
I touch the name Andrew Johnson;
I see the booby trap's white flash.

All you would need is to create a reflective black granite wall with Vietnam wall memorial names (not sure what material you could use; I haven't done these in ages) and a cloud with raindrops (probably a cotton ball), a cotton ball that is stretched into a smoke, etc.

*How were you introduced to poetry?

I received my first book of poetry from my grandmother many years ago after she found me looking through a poetry book in the library. I think it was Silverstein, and then I bought my own book of love poems. I was hooked ever since.

*What poet best reflects who you are?

I'm not sure there is a particular poet that reflects me. I really do enjoy William Blake, Emily Dickinson, Yusef Komunyakaa, Mary Oliver, Billy Collins, Kay Ryan, Lawrence Ferlinghetti, Pablo Neruda, Sylvia Plath, Seamus Heaney, Ted Kooser, and this list could go on and on...

*You previously stated: "The enjoyment of poetry stems from its unique use of images to create a story or emotion, etc., but by showing rather than telling in the strictest sense." I love this idea! If you were to choose one of your favorite poems and represent it with images instead of words, what would it look like?

"Screen Porch" by Fred Marchant from Full Moon Boat (which I reviewed here. Photo courtesy of Cris Agusto-Cox)

Summer nights I loved the cool pillow
as it settled into dampness,

the city noise as it dwindled,
the smell of plants, lights in the apartment

across the street going out. Crickets.
First light had to be inferred from shadows

slipping off locusts, and tall wild sumacs,
from wet sparkles in the mesh,

a daddy longlegs looking right at you.

*What are some of the terms used to discuss poetry?

Many terms related to poetry forms, whether the poem is free verse, sonnet, haiku, villanelle, or limerick, etc. Other terms are similar to those in prose, such as simile, metaphor, etc. But then there are enjambed lines, verse, stanza, couplet, etc., which are all specific to poetry for the most part. Check some of these terms at Word Lilly.

*As a beginner delving into the world of poetry, what poet would you recommend checking out first?

Some of the poets I recommend to beginners are Mary Oliver, Billy Collins, and Kay Ryan.

*It's Halloween! Your plan is to dress up like a certain poet and spend the evening wandering around muttering lines indicative of their work. Who do you portray?

I would dress up as Edgar Allan Poe...who better to portray for Halloween -- he's creepy looking and his poetry is equally creepy.
--

Serena, I can't thank you enough for taking the time to answer my questions!

A Place for Delta

2010-04-28T10:19:00.039-05:00

“Award-Winner in Children's Fiction category of the 2010 International Book Awards”

A Place for Delta by Melissa Walker
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 270 pages
Publisher: Whale Tale Press
(June 1, 2010)
ISBN-13: 978-0982478400

From farmhouses to research stations, Georgia to Alaska, 1800s to the present, A Place for Delta incorporates a variety of elements that captivate, entertain, and educate young readers.

When eleven-year-old Joseph Morse is invited to visit his aunt Kate in the northern most town in the US, Barrow, Alaska, he’s thrilled. But the real icing on the cake is the polar bear cub named Delta that he will be taking care of while there!

After arriving, Joseph adjusts to his new surroundings and falls into a pattern of care for Delta. He even makes a new friend, an Eskimo girl named Ada. But there’s something funny going on at the research station. Something that aunt Kate, Dr. Yu, Max, and Chipic don’t want to share, but that Ada and Joseph learn has something to do with a Delta's missing mother.

The curious twosome is determined to help solve the mystery and save Delta. But what can two kids do? Well as it turns out, a lot! And if that isn’t enough for the adventurers, a whole new mystery awaits the group back in Georgia…

The first in a series that is committed to concern and care for the natural world and everything in it, A Place for Delta is a must read for the adventurer in every child.

Melissa Walker has been a Professor of English at the University of New Orleans and Mercer University and a Fellow in Women’s Studies at Emory University. She’s a vocal advocate for civil rights and for wilderness. Her previous books include Reading the Environment (W.W.Norton, 1994) and Living on Wilderness Time: 200 Days Alone in America’s Wild Places (Univ. of Va. Press, 2002). She lives with her husband Jerome in Atlanta and spends much of the summer in Alaska.

--

This book will be right at home on sites/blogs with an interest in middle grade fiction, caring for the environment, homeschooling, and general readers. If you have a child who would enjoy reviewing the book on your outlet, let me know! The author will sign a review copy to them. :-)

To request a review copy for coverage on your online outlet, please email me at onlinepublicist [AT] gmail [DOT] com. Do not forget to include your URL and use 'DELTA' as the subject of the email. Mailing is available to US and Canadian addresses only.

--
Guest Post:
So Many Precious Books, So Little Time

Interview:
Middle Grade Ninja
In Between the Lines

Review Links:
Readingjunky's Reading Roost
Boys Read
A Few More Pages
Reading Vacation
thriftymommasbrainfood
Suko's Notebook
The Reading Tub
The O.W.L. Review
Bookfoolery and Babble
Allison's Attic of Books
There's a Book
Examiner.com (reviewed by Andrew Kennett)
A Patchwork of Books
A Musing Reviews
Stiletto Storytime
Mrs. V's Reviews
Jenny loves to read
In Between The Lines
Beth Fish Reads
Libby's Library News
A Moment with Mystee
Suite101.com
So Many Precious Books, So Little Time: This is not just a cute animal story for kids. It has several layers that has appeal for adults as well.

Chapters: a great story for ANY age, with a little something for everyone!

Reading Frenzy: This children’s book was an absolute delight to read.

LeesyKnits: I would definitely recommend this for the younger reader interested in a bit of suspense, or who has an interest in animal rescue stories.

Peaceful Reader: Melissa Walker has created a timeless tale using current issues, interesting cause and effect, problem-solving and makes it all very mysterious.

BiblioReads: I enjoyed the smooth flow of dialogue; the book is easy to read and totally wraps you up in the plot–a real page turner.

Blog Button!

2010-04-16T08:05:00.005-05:00

I finally got around to making a button for my blog! And since I see us as more than just reviewer/publicist, I borrowed the title of my Book Blogs group to remind you that we're friends who share a love of books.

The code box is on the right sidebar. I would be oh so honored if my button found a little home on each of your blogs!

Thanks, Delta winner, & Poetry!

2010-04-05T09:28:00.003-05:00

Thank you so much to all who sent over birthday well wishes. I had the best birthday: weather was perfect and warm (which never happens in April!), wonderful friends joined us for dinner and we played arcade games for hours. Then we traded in our hard won tickets for coffee mugs and a remote control 'Stunt Granny'. (Don't ask.) And on Saturday, I slept in. Oh, the luxury! :-P

And to further extend the joy of April, I would like to announce the 2 winners of the A Place for Delta giveaway! And they are: carolsnotebook & Amy J - Book Addict! Email me to claim your prize and I will have it sent out right away. onlinepublicist [AT] gmail [DOT] com. I have more coming up for this title in the future. Keep an eye out for it!

Also, please join myself and several other bloggers taking part in the National Poetry Month Tour being hosted by Serena of Savvy Verse & Wit. I've always shied away from poetry, but this tour is bringing me around! Check it out.

fuzzy corners and blue/gray backdrops

2010-04-02T08:00:00.001-05:00

How awesome is this?? Check out my mom's Farrah hair. Hot curlers were magic! And the surly look on my face? Well, I had an unfortunate set of front teeth. They were shy and chose to move away from one another and forward in some attempt of total mouth defection. Smiling wasn't recommended for posterity's sake.

But I love this picture and since I know my mom stops by here to visit now and again (read: checks up to make sure I'm still working), I thought she would get a kick out of it!

I'm sharing this in honor of my birthday today. And now I will give my mom a call and thank her, get a haircut, play arcade games with friends, and wonder if this is the year to start lying...

The Handy Law Answer Book

2010-03-31T09:11:00.021-05:00

**I am currently out of review copies for this title. Links to reviews/coverage can be found below.**

The Handy Law Answer Book by David L. Hudson, Jr.
Published by Visible Ink Press, April 1, 2010
Paperback, 450 pages, $21.95
ISBN-13: 978-1578592173

Combining practical legal tips with an exhaustive overview of the law in the United States, The Handy Law Answer Book provides a history of the U.S. legal system, including the personalities who shaped it.

Chapters include: The Bill of Rights (including James Madison's speech to Congress in which he argued for the Bill of Rights), Criminal Procedures, Employment Law, and Family Law. Through these, as well as others, you get an introduction to various laws, important cases, court opinions, and how they might affect you.

You'll learn how to find a lawyer; what happens when you file a lawsuit or are sued by someone; what your rights in the workplace are; and what you can expect when you have your day in court. Plus, you'll get tips on how to read those legal citations, as well as discover some fascinating--and quirky--legal cases.

David Hudson, Jr. JD, is the author or coauthor of more than 20 books, including The American Bar Association Guide to Credit and Bankruptcy, The Encyclopedia of the First Amendment, and The Handy Supreme Court Answer Book. He works as a First Amendment scholar at the First Amendment Center and teaches at Vanderbilt Law School, the Nashville School of Law, and Middle Tennessee State University. He lives in Smyrna, Tennessee.

--
Review Links:
Going Like Sixty
My Overstuffed Bookshelf
Bill Crider's Pop Culture Magazine
Libby's Library News
Vixen's Daily Reads
Jenny loves to read
LaughingStars
Booksie's Blog
Star Shadow
Duffbert's Random Musings
Reading Frenzy: Well written, informative and helpful. This is a book I definitely recommend.

Well-Read Reviews
Constance Reader
In the Pages....

A Book Lover: This would be a good resource for teachers to use in the classroom especially history and government classes.

COMING SOON!

2010-03-22T15:05:00.019-05:00

**THIS CONTEST HAS NOW ENDED. THANK YOU TO ALL WHO ENTERED!!**

A Place for Delta by Melissa Walker
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 270 pages
Publisher: Whale Tale Press
(June 1, 2010)
ISBN-13: 978-0982478400

I am so pleased that very soon I will be launching a campaign for the middle grade read A Place for Delta by Melissa Walker.

A Place for Delta captivates, inspires, and empowers children. The novel incorporates current environmental concerns into the narrative of one family’s multi-generational adventures.

Eleven-year-old Joseph travels to Barrow, Alaska, the most northern town in the United States, to help a group of wildlife biologists care for an orphaned polar bear.

Stationed at a research center with his Aunt Kate, Joseph becomes a player in a complex web of mystery, scientific discovery and danger.

The novel is complete with a glossary and resource section which helps extend the conversation beyond the text.
--
While I write my press materials and get ready to launch the campaign, I am going to give away 2 copies of A Place for Delta! This contest is open internationally. To be entered, please leave a comment. Posts, mentions, and tweets about the giveaway will earn extra entries for each. Contest will end and winners will be announced Monday, April 5.

Good Luck!!

Glo-Merica!

2010-03-11T11:02:00.006-06:00

Hmm. Now this is interesting. An article posted today on WorldNetDaily discusses how the majority of Americans feel History textbooks are too PC:

"Rasmussen Reports reveals a full 49 percent of the parents say most U.S. history textbooks are not accurate while 28 percent say most school history textbooks portray it accurately. Another 23 percent said they are not sure."

This discussion was started because the Texas Board of Education is meeting to determine changes for their textbooks. Since California and Texas are the largest consumers of textbooks in the nation, their conclusions have the potential to alter history books for the rest of the U.S. One of the issues they will discuss is using the term 'global citizen' instead of 'American'. (please refer to the article to read the other points being addressed)

I know now that I don't agree with everything I was taught as a child. I was given a foundation. That foundation touched on some of the ugly truths of history, but promptly cured those ills with Disney-like versions of Babe the Blue Ox, Pocahantas, and Christopher Columbus. As I grew up, I accumulated more context, learned there are several sides to everything, read more books, and understood a different layer of history with each bit of info gathered. I still continue this process. Our life experiences constantly inform us and our perceptions.

I don't have children, so this doesn't directly affect me, but it begs contemplation by everyone. I enjoy being an American and don't mind learning how I became one, historical warts and all. I also recognize the importance of living as a global citizen, but would I have grasped that idea as a child? I'm not sure. Is there room for both concepts? A Glo-Merican?

What is your preference for elementary level textbooks? How do you feel about some of the issues they're raising?

Red Carpet Treatment

2010-03-01T10:32:00.002-06:00

How fun is this? The flagship Borders store in Hollywood is gearing up for the Oscars. They've rolled out the red carpet, along with some film related favorites. And what's that on the front left? Why that's a stack of Emmett James' book ADMIT ONE!

iSeuss?

2010-02-25T08:20:00.005-06:00

Have an iPhone or iTouch? Love to read with the kiddos? Then check out this article that shows how Oceanhouse Media turned 2 Seuss classics into interactive, reading fun!

I'm still a bit standoffish in regards to giving up my hard copies in favor of ebooks, but these apps were created with a lot of care and attention to detail. What do you think? Will you test out this new platform of reading with your little ones?

Picasso Award!

2010-02-18T08:36:00.000-06:00

LuAnn, of Reading Frenzy, was nice enough to share an award with me! It's the Picasso Award and part of winning this award asks that I share 7 things about myself with you. And I hear that these little tidbits are supposed to be 'true'. Too bad because my fake life is so much more interesting! lol.

*I am younger than you expect, but older than you realize.

*When I was 12, David Copperfield asked me for my phone number...as part of a magic trick he was doing when he took me onstage. :-P

*I love judge shows, especially Judge Judy.

*I almost died from appendicitis when I was a child.

*I was a member of a sorority in college.

*I have never lived alone and think I would go crazy if I did. I need people around me.

*I rode out Hurricane Hugo (1989) on a cot mattress in a tiny motel bathtub with a porcelain doll and my mom.

And now to pass this lovely award along to some folks who I think have some dark secrets to share!:
1. Bermudaonion
2. Savvy Verse & Wit
3. Metroreader
4. Hello, My Name is Alice

BEA and BBC 2010

2010-02-15T08:45:00.004-06:00

I was invited to take part in the blog tour hosted by Book Blogger Con to help gear everybody up for the upcoming bookish festivities in May!

Now, if you've never been to BEA, or NYC, I can give you a couple of quick tips:
*wear comfortable shoes. Seriously. The best you can find.
*be bold! If you're not ready to stick your hand out and talk to every stranger you see at these events, it's going to turn out like a bad school dance.
*bring a shoulder bag and set some cash aside to ship books home to yourself. (last year they wouldn't take a debit card)
*plan and map, plan and map.
*buy an NFT Guide...

a WHAT?? The Not For Tourists (NFT) guide book is the best recommendation I have for you. It's small and practical, has the best subway map you're going to find anywhere, and looks far less touristy than giant triple fold maps or cheesy pop-up ones. Don't get me wrong. I totally own a pop-up map. This one works really well if you're trying to get an idea of where certain sights are in Manhattan, but the NFT will offer you detailed maps of each neighborhood. If you're standing on a corner, you can open the book up and find the restaurants, ATMs, coffee shops, etc., in the immediate area.

And while we're chatting about all there is to see and do, I must let you know this: you will not be able to see and do everything you want on this one trip! I lived there and still never made it to the Empire State Building. Most people have an enormous list of 'I wanna see', and there's nothing wrong with that. You just need to be realistic. Manhattan is huge and packed with people. It takes time to travel from one place to the next (20-40 minutes most times) and there are lines for everything. And don't you want to enjoy the time you have in the City?

So here are my tips for ya:
*La Guardia airport is much closer to the City than JFK.

*if you want to go to the Statue of Liberty, please visit the website as soon as possible to plan it. Something is always updating or changing. As of a year or so ago, you couldn't go higher than the pedastal of the statue and you had to reserve those tickets months in advance.

*if you would like to get cheap tickets for a Broadway show, visit one of the TKTS booths. I recommend the South Street Seaport booth. It's less trafficked than the Times Square one. Give yourself time for this because you will wait in line!

*'The Beast' is tons of fun.

*Chocolate by the Bald Man is one of my favorite places for chocolatey goodness.

*I cannot recommend the The Sex and the City bus tour enough! It takes you to several trendy neighborhoods and is a pretty good tour of some places you might not make it to otherwise.

So start planning and get ready for fun! BEA and Book Blogger Con are going to be a blast, but don't forget you'll be in NYC! Be sure to let me know if you have any questions or want some insider tips. :-D

Smurfs Rule!

2010-02-12T08:51:00.005-06:00

I wish you all a fun, happy, beautiful Valentine's Day this weekend! I hope you're able to spend time celebrating with the loved ones in your life. In fact, I hope it's Smurftastic! :-P

Emmett James Blog Talk Radio Interview

2010-02-08T13:28:00.005-06:00

***This interview is archived and still available for instant replay via the link below***
Alright, Ladies, who digs a man with a British accent? I know it soothes me more than a cat on my lap and a pitcher of mojitos. And if they bunch your knickers and have you fancying clotted cream, then I would tune in on Wednesday, February 10, for a blog talk radio chat between Emmett James and the men of Movie Geeks United!

See you there!

New Blogger on the Block

2010-02-01T08:43:00.007-06:00

Sandra Williams has been kind enough to review books for me since I started floundering around online. Back when I was still in NYC and at a PR firm, she reviewed the first book I ever pitched: Angels of a Lower Flight. (Tangent: No one has done more for Haitian orphans than the author of this book. I highly recommend visiting her site. She started the Marcy and Sharing foundation with her own money and continues to commit 100% of all donations directly to their projects in Haiti. Her book continues to resonate with me today. If you would like a picture of what life for orphaned Haitian children is like, please read this book! End tangent.)

Back to Sandra. She has written for Suite101 in a variety of capacities and has most recently been reviewing for the Self-Help Books section. But, the blog bug has bitten her and she's launched her very own review blog called Rebel Book Freak! I wanted to introduce her to everyone and asked if she wouldn't mind answering some interview questions. She didn't.

*If you could hold any original book or document in your hands, what would it be?
"My grandma wrote a romance novel and I believe my aunt has a copy. I’d like to get a copy of it for sentimental reasons, but also to inspire me as I continue writing my own novel."

*What cookbook best illustrates your life?
"I’d pick the Joy of Cooking. It’s all about real food with practical ingredients for the most part. Whether you want cookies, bread, salads or dinner, you’ll find it in that cookbook. I need to pick up a new one because I’ve used it so much over the years that it’s falling apart. I suppose it illustrates my life in that I don’t like to limit myself. There’s a little bit of everything in The Joy of Cooking so you’re not stuck with just baking cookies or cooking casseroles. The book is also simple and practical and I strive to be both of those things."

*You read a lot of nonfiction. Is there one book in particular that resonates so well with you that you continue to reread?
"I’m mad about Dr. Wayne W. Dyer and if I had to pick only one of his books to reread, it would probably be Your Sacred Self. It’s all about growing spiritually, becoming centered and maintaining inner peace."

*What would you title a book about your life?
“From Tough Tomboy to Domestic Diva because I used to hate anything that seemed remotely feminine as it made me feel weak. Because I hung out with my father so much, I think I was trying to be the son he never had. Everything that I rebelled against as a teen I’m now ironically into. Right now I’m cross-stitching a crazy bird onto a tote bag and even my sisters seem to find my new pursuits surprising."

Thanks so much to Sandra for lending her time to answer these questions! Now head on over to Rebel Book Freak and leave her a comment. On a side note, Sandra lives near Toronto and would be interested in hearing from fellow...Torantans? Torontians? Rancho Carne Toros? (any opportunity to quote Bring It On must be taken!) Ok. I give up. What are folks from Toronto called?

A Hundred Feet Over Hell

2010-01-25T10:48:00.009-06:00

**I am currently out of review copies for this title. Links for reviews of it can be found on the left sidebar.**

A Hundred Feet Over Hell: Flying with the Men of the 220th Recon Airplane Company Over I Corps and the DMZ, Vietnam 1968-1969
by Jim Hooper
Published by Zenith Press
272 Pages, Hardcover, $25.00
ISBN: 978-0760336335

This book is perfect for you if you are participating in the Vietnam War Reading Challenge being hosted by War Through the Generations!

Of the many army Bird Dog units in Southeast Asia, none operated in as hostile as environment as the "Catkillers" of the 220th Reconnaissance Airplane Company. Their tactical area of operations was up against the Demilitarized Zone in I Corps, the northern-most combat zone in South Vietnam.

Unlike the US Army aerial forward observers farther south --who, according to regulations, were only allowed to direct field artillery against enemy targets--Catkillers were authorized and trained to control air strikes, which they did regularly in support of both marine and army ground units. Elsewhere in Vietnam air strikes were supposed to be controlled by US Air Force FACs (but necessity often overrode regulation).

Flying over Vietnam in two-seater Cessnas, they often made the difference between a soldier returning alive to his family or having the lonely sound of "Taps" played over his grave. Based on extensive interviews, and often in the men's own words, A Hundred Feet Over Hell puts the reader in the plane as this intrepid band of U.S. Army aviators calls in fire support for the soldiers and marines of I Corps.

Jim Hooper is a war correspondent and author with a degree in Slavic studies. Wounded twice while covering Africa as a freelance journalist and photographer, he has reported on wars in Angola, Chad, Namibia, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Sudan, and Uganda. He is equally familiar with the Balkans, filing dispatches from Croatia, Montenegro, and Bosnia (where he was captured by Muslim extremists and escaped execution by sheer luck). He had written for publications ranging from The Economist to Jane's Intelligence Review. This is his fifth book. He lives in London.
--
To request a review copy for coverage on your online outlet, please email me at onlinepublicist [AT] gmail [DOT] com. Do not forget to include your URL and use '100 FEET' as the subject of the email. Mailing is available to US and Canadian addresses only. Please know that I have a very limited number of review copies available.

Book Blogger Convention

2010-01-18T11:41:00.005-06:00

Thinking of attending Book Expo America (BEA) in New York this year? Well, if you're undecided, allow me to entice you into going by inviting you to what will surely be the best party of the year!

The Book Blogger Convention will be happening the day after BEA concludes: Friday, May 28, 2010. We're going to be getting together to meet one another, chat about book blogging and probably take a lot of pictures!

Seats are limited, early registration earns you a discounted rate, and they are even going to feed you! Boo-yah!

I'm already registered and have a seat front and center! (I have no real confirmation of that, but I am that kid that likes to sit in the front row!) And I think I'm tons of fun, so I would love to meet you in person and wow you with my witty 'isms. LOL.

Many thanks to Trish from Hey Lady! Whatcha Readin'?, Michelle from Galleysmith, Nicole from Linus's Blanket, Pam from Mother Reader, Amy from My Friend Amy, Natasha from Maw Books, and Rebecca from The Book Lady's Blog for making this event happen!

Blogiversary?

2010-01-15T12:30:00.007-06:00

You know, it slipped right past me, but I have, in fact, had this blog for a year now. How fun! I thank you all for helping me stay around for the last year and allowing me into your reading life! I hope each and every one of you knows how much it means to me that because of you, I am allowed to continue doing work that I love!

When I sit back and think about it, I realize how amazing this journey has been. Since I first began stumbling my way around this world, some of you have gotten married, had children, adopted children, been diagnosed with terrible diseases, gone into remission, lost pets, invited new pets into your homes, lost loved ones found jobs, lost jobs and through all of this, I have seen you rely on the friendships you've forged online. The friendships that began over books.

You all are more than a name on a contact list, more than just a review to me. Thank you.

"We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures." ~Thornton Wilder

Bloggiesta wrap-up!

2010-01-11T10:56:00.002-06:00

Well, it's not so much a wrap-up as it is a 'to be continued...' I wasn't able to spend as much bulk time as I would have liked to working on it, (I had a friend visit from Chicago Saturday afternoon and going to see Avatar was like a whole day affair on Sunday. ) but I was able to hop on sporadically and pick away at things.

Plus, it did inspire me to be better about keeping up more consistently. So I got up extra early this morning and chipped away at some more of my little list.

What I did accomplish: *listed my most recent review project: DONE!
*write a bio for the blog: DONE!
*update blogroll: DONE!
*visit others who participated in Bloggiesta, and follow some of the mini-challenges: I'm off to do that this afternoon, after I reply to my emails.

Many thanks to Maw Books for hosting this great event!

Live A Life You Love

2010-01-08T17:36:00.011-06:00

**I am currently out of review copies for this title. Links for reviews of it can be found on the left sidebar.**

LIVE A LIFE YOU LOVE: 7 Steps to a Healthier, Happier, More Passionate You
by Susan Biali, M.D.
Beaufort Books/March 2010
Paperback/208 pages/$16.95
ISBN: 978-0825305993

If you were in attendance at BEA 2009 and you saw a beautiful flamenco dancer twirling in a dance demonstration, then you were lucky enough to see the author of this book!

Back before she danced at BEA, the author graduated med school and entered a prestigious residency. It should have thrilled her, instead she felt overwhelmed, overworked, depressed, completely lost, empty, and unsure if this life was what she really wanted. It was then a senior resident her, 'You know...you don't have to do this if you don't want to.'

"Never once had I considered that I, the long forgotten real me, the one who was crying her eyes out, might have a say in anything."

I completely relate to that sentiment and eagerly followed as Susan ferried me along on her journey of self-discovery where she forges a beautiful balance between her work (medical doctor) and her passion (flamenco dancer, writer, speaker, and life coach). This book absolutely inspires me.

Even if your dreams have faded, or you worry they are unrealistic, Dr. Biali will teach you how to reach that creative, hopeful place and work towards making those dreams a reality. Along the way, you’ll also learn how to maximize your physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.

You will learn how to:

•Begin making YOU a priority

•Understand your body’s language

•Choose foods that slow aging, boost health, and improve energy

•Improve your most important relationships

•Balance your life and find time for what counts

•Turn this knowledge into action today

Dr.Susan Biali is an internationally recognized medical doctor, wellness expert, life coach, and flamenco dancer. She has performed for and taught celebrities, and speaks and dances across North America. Today, Dr. Biali helps free others to live a happier, healthier life by unveiling the blueprint that they already carry inside. Dr. Biali blogs for PsychologyToday.com and appears regularly in media.

--
To request a review copy for coverage on your online outlet, please email me at onlinepublicist [AT] gmail [DOT] com. Do not forget to include your URL and use 'LIFE YOU LOVE' as the subject of the email. Mailing is available to US and Canadian addresses only.

Bloggiesta!

2010-01-08T17:29:00.003-06:00

Well, my first task to accomplish is getting my other new review project posted! I was having trouble loading the images earlier and hope the blog will be less finicky now that it's had a rest.

After that, I have plans to:
*finish writing a bio for the blog
*update description pages for reviewers/clients
*update blogroll
*visit others participating in Bloggiesta, and follow some of the mini-challenges

Wish me luck...

Talk to Me Like I'm Someone You Love

2010-01-07T10:49:00.009-06:00

**I am currently out of review copies for this title. Links for reviews of it can be found on the left sidebar.**

TALK TO ME LIKE I’M SOMEONE YOU LOVE: Relationship Repair in a Flash
by Nancy Dreyfus
Tarcher/Penguin spiral-bound paperback 978-1585427703; $16.95; 2-color

Imagine you're having a heated argument with someone who, on a normal day, you care deeply about, but at this particular moment, are completely satisfied hurling hurtful words at. What if that person, without saying a word, held up a sign with the words TALK TO ME LIKE I'M SOMEONE YOU LOVE written on it. How would your interaction suddenly change?

That's precisely what Nancy Dreyfus, Psy.D., prompted a husband to do as he was being criticized by his wife during a couple's session. He did. And within seconds, the familiar power differential between the two shifted, and a gentler, more genuine connection emerged. Based on that, Dreyfus decided to create a more thorough tool using this system. That tool is a handy, spiral bound book, complete with flash cards: TALK TO ME LIKE I'M SOMEONE YOU LOVE: Relationship Repair in a Flash, which offers quick solutions to temper the heat of any argument and get back to healthy communication.
--
“Just about any couple using this material could humanize their relationship.”
—Harville Hendrix, author of Getting the Love You Want

"We all have moments when words fail us and emotions take us into hurtful territory. The concept of the flash cards is as brilliant and compassionate as Nancy herself. If you want to be loved, understood, and accepted, and want to love, understand and accept others, you'll want to keep this book with you at all times.”
--Susan Harrow, CEO of prsecrets.com and author of (Harper-Collins) andSell Yourself Without Selling Your Soul The Ultimate Guide to Getting on Oprah

Nearly every relationship guide urges couples to improve their lines of communication, become better listeners and be more open about their fears and feelings. But how do you choose the right words in the heat of the moment? And how do you keep your tone and inflection from mangling the message you want to communicate?

Veteran psychotherapist Nancy Dreyfus provides a groundbreaking solution in TALK TO ME LIKE I’M SOMEONE YOU LOVE: Relationship Repair in a Flash. An insightful guide and a unique tool, TALK TO ME highlights the power of written messages to defuse tension and put an end to conflict, offering both sound advice and more than 100 “flash cards for real life” that can be utilized in the heat of the moment. Organized by theme, the flash cards include such messages as:

• Shifting Gears:
o “I don’t need you to see this exactly as I do. But I do need you to hear where I am coming from.”
• Taking Responsibility:
o “I can see that my anger has been destructive and that I’ve really hurt you.”
• Getting Clarification:
o “I can absolutely see why you’d be annoyed with me, but can you give me some sign that we’re still friends?"
• Apologizing:
o “I’m sorry I made such a big deal out of something so unimportant.”

Dreyfus has used the cards in her sessions and in her life. Now, in TALK TO ME LIKE I’M SOMEONE YOU LOVE, she brings this one-of-a-kind relationship tool, along with her extensive and insightful “field notes,” to a broader audience.

Nancy Dreyfus , Psy.D., is a psychotherapist and couples therapist with more than two decades of experience. She holds a doctorate degree from Hahnemann University Medical School. Visit her online at www.nancydreyfus.com.

--
To request a review copy for coverage on your online outlet, please email me at onlinepublicist [AT] gmail [DOT] com. Do not forget to include your URL and use 'TALK TO ME' as the subject of the email. Mailing is available to US and Canadian addresses only.

Tote Bag winners!

2010-01-05T11:45:00.005-06:00

A day late, but here it is! The winners of the handmade tote bags that I offered for participating in the Dewey Tree donation project:

*lisamm of Books on the Brain
*Bianca Schulze of The Children's Book Review
*Michael Kindness of Books on the Nightstand

Congratulations!!! Email me (onlinepublicist [AT] gmail [DOT] com) to claim your prize and I will send you some pics of the fabrics you can choose from for the tote. I broke my camera on New Year's Eve (while that sounds like the consequence of a wild and crazy evening, I assure you it was just the result of my ever present clumsiness), so I need a couple of days to borrow one. Or if you want it to be more of a surprise, just tell me some colors/patterns you like and I'll whip something up! I'm excited to get sewing, and can't wait to make these for you!

I still have donation pictures to share (I didn't post as much as I had intended over the holidays), so more of those are still coming!

ADMIT ONE by Emmett James

2010-01-04T12:00:00.010-06:00

**I am currently out of review copies for this title. Links for reviews of it can be found on the left sidebar.**

ADMIT ONE: My Life in Film By Emmett James
Fizzypop Productions, LLC, February 2010
ISBN: 978-0-9842581-0-9
US $19.95, 216 pages, Hardcover

If this cover looks a little familiar, that's because it is! I represented this title in early 2008, when it was a self-pubbed little number. The author's dry, British wit is my favorite kind of reading and the book stayed with me long after I finished working on it.

While on a conference call with Greenleaf Book Group, I mentioned it as being something worth a shot at traditional publishing. They reviewed a copy of it and agreed! The book will now be released in major bookstores everywhere, February, 2010.
--
''Hilarious, honest, touching, and poignant. The stories transported me back to my childhood, seemingly the very place from which I escaped years ago!''
--Phillip Rhys, actor, 24, Nip/Tuck

''Funny and moving, capturing vividly the most important moments of youth. A very personal story to which everyone can relate.''
--Bob Read, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Last Comic Standing

First set in Croydon, South London, in the 1980s, ADMIT ONE, details how Emmett James escaped the pains of adolescence by going to the cinema. With wry, self-deprecating humor and observation, the author reflects on, obsesses over, and rages about film and its correlation to our pasts. Life soon imitates art, and the narrator finds that his true calling is in transiting one side of the screen to the other. He decides to leave England for the only place where he can realize his dream of becoming an actor ––America.

We then follow the narrator on his numerous Hollywood adventures as he struggles to survive, crashes an Academy Awards party, and chases his dream. At every turn, the films that inspired James as a child resurface, and they serve to contextualize his humorous collection of stories. He provides unique insights into the fascinating world of film, and eventually stumbles into acting in the highest-grossing movie of all time, Titanic.
--
If you reviewed this book as part of the first campaign and think you may be interested in checking out the re-release, please contact me. I will address how this edition differs from the original.

If you are interested in receiving a review copy for coverage on your online outlet, please email your request to: onlinepublicist [AT] gmail [DOT] com. I have several copies available for international shipping.

Between Me and the River

2010-01-01T10:33:00.006-06:00

***I am out of review copies of this title. Please see below for currently posted reviews/coverage.***

Between Me and the River: Living Beyond Cancer
by Carrie Host
Published by Harlequin (August 2009)
Hardcover, 304 pages
ISBN: 978-0373892143
Author Website: http://carriehost.com/

Between Me and the River: Living with Cancer blog tour:
September 21-October 2, 2009

September 21: Beth Fish Reads (review)
September 22: Violet Crush (review)
September 23: Peeking Between the Pages (review)
September 24: Blissfully Domestic (review)
September 25: A Bookworm's World (guest post)
September 28: Joyfully Retired (review)
September 29: Popin's Lair (guest post + giveaway)
September 30: Ramblings of a Texas Housewife (review)
October 1: Hello, My Name is Alice (review)
A Book Blogger's Diary (book excerpt)
October 2: Hello, My Name is Alice (guest post)
My Friend Amy (review)

Interviews:
WE Magazine
Adventures in the Writing Life
Suite101.com

Additional Reviews:
Tina Says...
Blue Archipelago Reviews
Cheryl's Book Nook
Perhaps Reviewed
Kay's Bookshelf
O'Joy of my life
Duffbert's Random Musings
Reality Bites...Fiction Does It Better!
Reading Frenzy
The Compulsive Reader
the bookworm
Dan's Journal
The Bluestocking Guide
As Usual, I Need More Bookshelves
One Day at a Time
Sharon's Garden of Book Reviews
Tara's View on Books
All Things Cherished
Suite101.com
Super Mommy to the Rescue
Gather.com (review by Susan B.)
BookNAround
One Librarian's Book Reviews
Old Musty Books
Lucky Canuck
The Bookworm Blog
Library Queue
Carole's Book Corner
Marta's Meanderings
Margay Leah Justice
This Book for Free
Keeping You in Stitches
Errant Dreams Reviews
In Spring it is the Dawn

Dewey Tree Donations

2009-12-30T11:54:00.004-06:00

Today, I am happy to share another image from The Dewey Tree donation project. Michael Kindness from Books on the Nightstand sent me this great shot from his book donation:

Simple. Artsy. Cute, n'est pas? If you've donated books lately, go here and enter to win a handmade tote from me. And many thanks to Michael for his participation in the project!

Holiday Recovery

2009-12-29T08:46:00.003-06:00

Hello again, friends! I hope you had a wonderful, peaceful holiday full of joy, love...and cut-out cookies. :-P I can't help it. I love cut-out cookies. This year I used a recipe that I received from a cookie exchage and they were amazing! I will happily share the recipe if anyone is interested.

I was in Chicago for the holiday. There was just enough snow to make the city gorgeous and soft, but not enough that it was scary to drive in. It was beautiful.

My boyfriend's family is Italian, so Christmas Eve, we had dinner at an Italian restaurant to celebrate the Feast of the 7 Fishes (festa dei sette pesci). Not a fish lover, I opted for the risotto of the day. I never would have thought to put into the dish what they did, but it was so yummy! It featured red peppers, grapes and prawns.

The other highlight of the holiday was the rare, signed copy of Chuck Palahniuk's RANT that I received from my boyfriend. The rubber stamp they used for the signing was misspelled, so they only used it for his first signing appearance. Isn't that fun? I'm so happy to have it and so thankful that my boy is so intuitive and thoughtful.

Other than that, I'm just getting back into the swing of things! I have several new projects to lanuch, so be sure to check back often to see what's coming up. Also, if you did any kind of book donating in the past couple months, please go here to share that info and be entered to win a free tote bag made by me!

Dewey Tree Donations

2009-12-21T09:25:00.004-06:00

Finally I am able to post my own Dewey Tree Donation pic. I wanted to do it last week, but the batteries died in my camera and remembering to buy batteries fell way to the bottom of my 'to do' list.

That's yours truly on the right and that's India McCanse, Exeutive Director of Literacy Services of Wisconsin on the left. It's not a hugely impressive stack of books, but since I either bike or bus it to the literacy center, it's easier for me to bring a few at a time.

The bike/bus mode of transport also accounts for that slightly ratty, rockin side ponytail I have going on there. The hair is just getting too long to fit under hats, and scarves, and is just getting in the way. But no worries! It gets cut today! Yay!

Dewey Tree Donations

2009-12-17T08:41:00.005-06:00

In continuing with spreading the bookish love, I would like to share another donation photo with you. This one comes from Jen at Jen Robinson's Book Page. She packed, and packed ...and packed and when she was done, there were 5 boxes of donateables. 5! She sent them on to the Mercury News Gift of Reading Program in San Jose.

If you've donated books recently, please head here and enter to win a custom made tote from me!

A big thanks to all of the folks like Jen who recognize the importance and beauty in giving the gift of reading to organizations in need.

Dewey Tree Donations

2009-12-14T10:05:00.004-06:00

Happy Monday!!

Pictures of donations being made in Dewey's memory have started coming in! I will post my own pic later this week. Until then, Andi lit shares book love with The Reading Room on BookMooch:

If you have or are donating books for the holidays, please don't forget to place your name and list your donation recipient here. Have a great day!

Just a quick note...

2009-12-07T12:10:00.001-06:00

Happy Monday, all! I wanted to take a moment and thank everyone for their enthusiastic support of The Dewey Tree project. It absolutely warms my heart to be a part of the book blogging community.

I've heard from a number of folks who donated books just prior to the project announcement, or donated and didn't want to take pics and look all stalkery at City Hall, or who may not be comfortable taking and submitting pics. I understand! And I am amending the tote bag giveaway so that it does not require the submission of a pic for entry. I would still love to see and share your images if you have them, though!

Also, Cheryl had the wonderful idea of writing 'In Memory of Dewey' inside the front cover of each donated book.

So if you are participating, I will use this list as the entry list. Just head there, list your name, what you donated and where! If you have any questions at all, please do not hesitate to contact me. I'm always happy to hear from you!

Have a great day!

The Dewey Tree entry list

2009-12-07T12:09:00.005-06:00

If you have participated in The Dewey Project by donating books, then enter now for the custom tote drawing! Leave a comment below briefly stating what you donated and where (feel free to use links to your organization). This will count as your entry, plus bring awareness to others who may want to give, but need suggestions or inspiration to do so.

If you do have pics of your donation, please send them to me (onlinepublicist [AT] gmail [DOT] com) and I will happily feature it on my blog.

Thank you again for helping to make this a happy reading holiday for someone.

The Dewey Tree

2009-11-30T09:37:00.022-06:00

It seems as though everyone is in a little bit of a book funk lately. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed with review copies, overwhelmed with life, holidays, shopping, or just feeling a bit unfulfilled by what you've read lately, I understand where you're coming from! I haven't taken on recent pubs lately, instead planning for projects that will pub early next year. No worries. I'm here to look out for you. :-P

I've also taken a little bit of a break. Doing enough work not to let my clients down and using the additional time to immerse myself in some other projects. I'm a sewer (one who sews, not a channel for human waste. heteronyms = fun), so it's been purses and totes all over the place!

To get us through this, I thought about hosting a book swap, but I feel the problem is we're weighed down with too many books. Not having enough to read doesn't appear to be the problem! So in the spirit of the giving season, why don't we clean some shelves out instead? I know it's difficult to give up your books, but think about the people who really need them.

As I write this, I think of a favorite blogger who passed away this time last year. Her spirit lives on in the Dewey Read-a-Thon, Weekly Geeks, and The Bookworms Carnival. She loved reading. She loved books. She supported Banned Books Week and believed everyone had the right to reading material. In her honor, I'm calling this donation project The Dewey Tree. It's a little bit The Giving Tree, a little bit Dewey, a little bit charity. :-D

Here's what you do:
*Gather up the books you can live without. It can be 4 books, 10 books, or 20 books!
*Find a worthy group you would like to donate your overflow books to. It can be your local library, a literacy campaign (mine will go to the literacy center I volunteer for), or overseas. There's a great list of book donation sites here on the ALA. Find a charity that speaks to you!
*Then take a picture of your donation and email it to me (onlinepublicist [AT] gmail [DOT] com). It can be a pic of the mailing label on your package, one of your kids giving a box of books to a librarian, or you handing books over to your literacy center. Be creative and have fun!

I will accept pics (and will post favorites) until January 4, 2010. At that time, I will enter the names of all who sent donation pics into Random.org and choose three. ***AMENDED: PLEASE GO HERE TO ENTER FOR THE GIVEAWAY*** Those three winners will receive custom made totes from me! I will email you pics of my available fabric and have you build one you like. The pic above is of two I made recently.

And here is the official The Dewey Tree donation project button! Please help me spread the word (and the button!) to bring our book blogging community together in the spirit of spreading the love of reading.

"The life of a man consists not in seeing visions and in dreaming dreams, but in active charity and in willing service."
~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Giveaway Winner!

2009-11-11T08:44:00.005-06:00

Many thanks to everyone who entered the giveaway! I made the list, popped the numbers into Random.org and was given...#18! (I would have imported the Random.org box that illustrates this, but you don't seem to be able to do that anymore.)

Anyway, #18 is Austenfan! Congratulations! Please email me and claim your prize by Saturday, November 14 or another winner will be chosen.

Now, do me a favor and go out and thank a service member today!

Time for another giveaway!!

2009-11-04T11:07:00.010-06:00

Giveaway time again! Woo-hoo! It's been a while since I've had a giveaway and they're just so darn much fun, I think it's time to do it again. This time, I am offering an Otis the Tractor tote bag (made of some kind of reinforced plastic with fabric handles) and two books:

God Is No Fool : Fortieth Anniversary Edition by Lois A. Cheney
Falling From the Moon by Lisa Marinelli

How do you enter? Why, I'm glad you asked! Just leave a comment letting me know you would like the chance to win and I'll handle the rest. ;-)

Contest is open internationally and ends at 12am, November 10. Winner will be announced Wednesday, November 11. Winner then has 4 days to claim their prize by contacting me at onlinepublicist [AT] gmail [DOT] com. If the winner fails to claim the prize in that time, it will go to the next person from the Random.org list.

Good luck!!

catching up & a new interview question

2009-10-20T13:01:00.005-05:00

I've had a lot going on lately and the blog's been a tad dormant the past couple weeks. So sorry for that! I miss reading and responding to comments and I'm eager to get back to it.

So I want to kick this off with a new question! I loved the responses to the 'Title Your Life' post and can't wait to see what you come up with for this one:

If you were a character in a book, would you rather be a memorable bad girl/boy, or an unremarkable good girl/boy?

I've thought on this one ever since I posed it during the blogger interview I hosted for BBAW. For some reason, I keep thinking of whether I would rather be Sookie or Pam from the Sookie Stackhouse Series. Hmm... Bill Compton is a great bonus to being Sookie, but Pam has such great one liners, a cool exterior, AND is part owner of Fangtasia (which is just an awesome name). I might be leaning toward Pam here. I guess it's memorable bad girl for me after all! ;-P

And what about you?

2009-10-02T09:44:00.013-05:00

Between Me and the River: Living with Cancer blog tour September 21-October 2

September 21: Beth Fish Reads (review)
September 22: Violet Crush (review)
September 23: Peeking Between the Pages (review)
September 24: Blissfully Domestic (review)
September 25: A Bookworm's World (guest post)
September 28: Joyfully Retired (review)
September 29: Popin's Lair (guest post + giveaway)
September 30: Ramblings of a Texas Housewife (review)
October 1: Hello, My Name is Alice (review)
A Book Blogger's Diary (book excerpt)
October 2: Hello, My Name is Alice (guest post)
My Friend Amy (review)

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Between Me and the River: Living Beyond Cancer
by Carrie Host
Published by Harlequin (August 2009)
Hardcover, 304 pages
ISBN: 978-0373892143
Author Website: http://carriehost.com/
--

2009-10-02T09:42:00.012-05:00

Humpty Dumpty Was Pushed blog tour
September 21-October 2

September 21: Cheryl's Book Nook (review)
September 22: Suite 101 (review by Sandra Williams)
September 23: Everything Distils Into Reading (review)
September 24: As Usual, I Need More Bookshelves (review)
September 25: As Usual, I Need More Bookshelves (451 Friday post)
September 28: Popin's Lair (guest post + giveaway)
a book in hand (review)
September 29: Gramma's Reads (review)
September 30: LiyanaLand! (review)
October 1: Urban Bachelorette (review)
October 2: Cafe of Dreams (review)

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Humpty Dumpty Was Pushed
by Marc Blatte
Published by Schaffner Press
Hardcover, 275 pages
ISBN: 978-0980139419
Author website: http://marcblatte.com/
--

Title your life

2009-10-01T10:47:00.003-05:00

Recently, I conducted an interview with a book blogger as part of BBAW. That interview is here.

I worked really hard to come up with interesting, fun questions for it and was pretty happy with the questions I posed. In fact, I liked them so much, I would love to hear what all of you have to say in response to them. So I will be working on a series where I 'interview' you!

First up: If you were writing a book about your life, what would the title be?

This is tough for me. I come up with titles for things all the time! I come up with chapter titles for memorable encounters, titles for groups of short stories, and even captions for pictures.

There are so many stories that represent a variety of different points in my life. But the one that I keep coming back to is a book I would like to title: I Was a 25-Year-Old Sorority Girl.

And what would yours be?

BBAW Giveaway Winner!!

2009-09-26T12:14:00.006-05:00

A million thank you's to everyone who participated in this giveaway! I'm excited to help add a little boost to our economy, as well as offer support to local booksellers.

A great advantage to being in the book blogging industry is the free books we're able to score, but as we move towards the holiday shopping season, I want to encourage you to give the gift of books and become familiar with your local book retailer. I really do fear the loss of these local treasures.

Alright. I've probably beleaguered that point long enough now. ;-)

I took all of the entries, plugged them into Random.org's True Random Number Generator and was given #36, which makes Elizabeth of As Usual, I Need More Bookshelves the winner! Congratulations, Elizabeth!

Send me a confirmation email to onlinepublicist [AT] gmail [COM] by September 30 to claim your prize! If I do not hear from Elizabeth by then, I will choose another winner on October 1.

Thanks again and keep an eye on my blog for future giveaways, project announcements, and bookish queries!

BBAW Giveaway!

2009-09-20T08:48:00.003-05:00

**THIS CONTEST HAS NOW ENDED. THANK YOU TO ALL WHO ENTERED!!**

You know how much I love to give books away, so I could barely contain myself when it came to planning my BBAW giveaway! What I've come up with this time is super special: A family pack of books AND a gift certificate!

As book lovers, I often feel that we are part of a larger group of concerned citizens. We love our local independent book shops and do all we can to support them. I was blown away with how many people commented about the closing of Schwartz Book Shop, a family owned bookshop in my city, after 82 years in business. People from all over the world lamented the loss on Twitter. It was very touching. With that said, in addition to the four books in this giveaway, I will also be giving away a $25 gift certificate to a bookshop in your area! (Because of this, I will only be offering this giveaway to US residents. BUT, I also have an international giveaway that will be posting at the BBAW site. I will post the link once it is offered over there.)

Books in the bundle are:
German for Travelers: A Novel in 95 Lessons by Norah Labiner
Tanker War: America's First Conflict With Iran, 1987-1988 by Lee Allen Zatarain
Invisible Lines by Mary Amato (ARC)
Sammy & Sue Go Green Too! by Suzanne Corso

All you have to do is...subscribe to my feed, then post a comment that you did it. That's it! If you are currently a follower, just leave a comment that you would like to be entered in this giveaway.

Contest ends Friday, September 25 at 12am, Central time. I will use Random.org to choose the winner and will announce it on Monday, September 28. Winner must contact me (onlinepublicist [AT] gmail [DOT] com) by September 30, or the prize will go to the next person on the list. Once we make contact, we will choose a bookshop in your area and I will organize the purchase of the gift certificate for you there. **Please note that I extended the dates of this giveaway from what they were originally.**

Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful BBAW!

A Must for Kids!

2009-09-18T14:30:00.012-05:00

**I am currently out of review copies for this title. Links for reviews of it can be found on the left sidebar.**

The Handy Answer Book for Kids (and Parents) 2nd Edition
by Gina Misiroglu
Published by Visible Ink Press (October 2009)
Paperback, 352 pages Reading level: Ages 9-12
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Why do dogs bark?
Why is the sky blue?
Why?
Why.....?

Do you care for or have kids? Then chances are you've encountered the 'Why' query now and again. Maybe you know how tunnels are built, or how clouds float, but what if you don't?

Well, lucky for you there's The Handy Answer Book for Kids (and Parents). This book has the answer to those and nearly 800 additional queries with enough depth and detail to both satisfy the curiosity of persistent young inquisitors and provide parents with a secure sense of a job well done.

Written with a child's imagination in mind, this easy-to-understand book permits kids to help themselves because it's organized by simple topical chapters: Outer Space; Planet Earth and Our Moon; Creatures Big and Small; Plant Life; People around the World; Politics and Government; How Things Work; Math, Measurement, and Time; All about My Body; and Daily Life. This book invites parents/grandparents/caregivers to turn those uncertain opportunities into valuable one-on-one learning experiences.

Gina Misiroglu is a fourteen-year veteran of the West Coast publishing industry, specializing in the development and editing of popular culture, reference, and women's studies titles. Misiroglu has edited and developed hundreds of books in her publishing career for a number of presses, including Price Stern Sloan/HP Books, New World Library, Lowell House, Visible Ink Press, Macmillan Reference USA, and Adams Media Corporation. Misiroglu is the author of Girls Like Us: 40 Extraordinary Women Celebrate Girlhood in Story, Poetry, and Song (New World Library, 1999), winner of the New York Public Library's "Best Book for Teens" Award, and Imagine: The Spirit of Twentieth-Century American Heroes (New World Library, 1999).

--

To request a review copy for coverage on your online outlet, please email me at onlinepublicist [AT] gmail [DOT] com. Do not forget to include your URL and use 'Handy Answer Book' as the subject of the email. Mailing is available to US and Canadian addresses only.

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BBAW '09, topic #2 (Blogger Q&A)

2009-09-15T07:40:00.001-05:00

I signed up to trade an interview with a fellow blogger and was thrilled when I was paired up with someone who was new-to-me! So I scoped out her blog, nosed through some posts and came up with some questions. She was a real sport about it and came up with great responses.

I now give you, Kate, from The Neverending Shelf:

1. You haven’t been blogging for very long. Were you a book blog follower before a blog writer? What was the first book blog you remember coming across?

Actually, I was not much of a blog follower before deciding to become a blog writer. I have been a reader for a long time, and so when I started to discover the blogging community it was like a light bulb went off. I just kept thinking-- this would be so much fun to do and I can do this. I did however, do a lot of research before I started my blog. I wanted to make sure I knew what I was getting into, and what was expected of me. I think that has helped me be a better blogger.

I think the first book blog I came across was The Story Siren's. I am not really sure how I ended up there, but I was just fascinated by her site. It is filled with a lot of information for the new blogger, as well as great links to other fabulous blogs.

2. Why do you not read non-fiction or memoirs/biographies?

While those types of books can be interesting, they are just not my cup of tea. I have tried to read this genre in the past, and I usually lose interest. But this is actually kind of strange since I love historical fiction so much.

3. If you were a character in a book, would you rather be a memorable bad girl, or an unremarkable good girl? I would definitely want to be a memorable bad girl. This would be something that is a bit out of the norm for me. So if I am going to be a character, I would love for it to be possibly my antithesis.

4. From your first Branching Out post: “My reading obsession began when I was about 10 with my mother's old romance novels.” I, too, began reading adult material at a young age (VC Andrews) and feel it was vital to my growth as a reader. Do you think your reading tastes would be different had you not been introduced to adult material at a young age? Would you prevent your children from reading outside of their age range?

Absolutely. I think that opportunity has helped fuel my passion for reading. It also set me up for advancements in reading and English courses. For example, I remember in about the 6th grade, we had to take reading level tests. When the results came, my parents and teachers were amazed that at my young age I was reading at college level. All in all, I honestly think that if I had not began actively reading at such a young age that I may not be the book lover I am today.

I would never stop my children from reading outside their age range as long as I believe that they are mature enough to read it. I was a very mature child which helped me handle reading about sexual interactions at such a young age. But I think that it is important for each parent to take into consideration their child's maturity in regards to what they read.

5. How do you deal with hissing cockroaches?

Very carefully. (Just kidding.) They are very easy to handle and care for. We basically got them as a food source for our centipedes, and sadly, before we knew it we probably had over 100 since they breed like crazy. Thankfully, we gave them to a local pet store since there were way too many.

6. If you were writing a book about your life, what would the title be?

Wow, this is hard. I am really bad about picking names. Let's go with- Just Another Step. Life is a journey and one step at a time.

7. You speak a lot about covers and how they make you feel. What would the cover to question #6 look like? What images would you want represented on it?

Maybe some artsy with shoes. I am getting this picture of shoe prints going down a sidewalk from a shoe that stepped in wet paint.

8. You’re hosting the Alice in Wonderland week on October. You said that The Looking Glass Wars is your favorite series. How do you feel that series reflects the intentions of the original work?

I think that it upholds Carroll's message very well. It is a wonderful series regarding the use of the imagination. It challenges the reader to think outside of the box similarly to Alice in Wonderland, and gives the reader a chance to think about their own reality. Scientists often think there are other worlds out there that have yet to be discovered, and Beddor kinda builds on this theory. He wants his readers to imagine that Alice (or Alyss) is actually a real person with her own universe.

9. If you could go as a book for Halloween, what would it be and how would you pull it off?

If it was trying to be an actual book, I think would find one that has something on the cover like a fairy or something supernatural. I would dress up as that character and try to make something go around me to make it look like a book. So it would be kinda like a two in one costume. Hope that makes sense.

10. What would be your dream job once you finish school and earn your BA in English?

If I am going to just stay with my BA, then I would love to find a job in publishing. I am great organizer, so I think it would be lots of fun to be a book promoter or maybe an agent. I am right now considering my Masters in Literary Science, so maybe I will actually end up in a library somewhere which would suit me fine.

--
Thanks again, Kate! Kate's blog, The Neverending Shelf is a pretty incredible book blog, so I highly suggest you check it out. Thanks to the BBAW organizers for pairing us up. :-)

BBAW '09, topic #1

2009-09-14T08:47:00.000-05:00

Happy BBAW '09!

Without book bloggers, there would be no Online Publicist. I feel as though I send out general thank you's ad nauseam. I want every book blogger to individually feel loved and appreciated. I tend to steer clear of singling folks out because I truly could not do my work without every single one of you!

So, today's BBAW topic is 'What book blogs mean something to you?' My approach to this came about from some research I was doing last week. I pulled out an old file and thumbed through it, seeking inspiration for an unrelated project. As I dug through the file, I caught my breath. The materials date back to 2007. And there are folks on these lists that I still work with today! So, I would like to use this post to thank the people who took a chance on me back when I was a online book blogging publicist newbie. Back when I was throwing books at the virtual wall and waiting to see where they would stick. While they're not all book bloggers, they do include book reviews when the topic is right.

Heather at Errant Thoughts has been kind enough to review for me since 2007. Some books haven't work for her. Some have. But she's always been fair and honest in her thoughts.

Motherwise Cracks: hysterical posts on parenting and daily life by a great blogger who reviewed for me a long time ago, even though she's not a book blogger.

Julie Rains is one of my absolute favorite personal finance bloggers. She blogs at Wise Bread. If you're ever looking for a great personal finance book, you can't go wrong using one of her recommendations.

Back in '07, I approached Jason Alba because his career management blog, JibberJobber, was the perfect outlet for a business book I was working on. He was so impressed that I had read his posts before contacting him that he said he would speak of me at a conference he was putting together in order to help marketing and PR people understand the 'blogger.' His comment of, 'You're still the best PR person to work with,' still makes me feel warm and fuzzy. If you're ever looking for a book on career guidance, I highly recommend his titles.

Do you know any blogs that are not book specific, but still utilize reviews to support their content?

9/11 and today

2009-09-11T10:03:00.015-05:00

I initially was not going to post anything 9/11 related today. I thought and thought and thought about it. I went through the 'this site is my site for book and business related materials' and that sort of made sense. I thought that I didn't want to be sad.

I've heard/read many people's encounters and memories from that day and feel mine are unremarkable in comparison. I wasn't in the City when it happened and didn't know anyone directly affected by it, so my story is like many others from that day: shock, glued to TV, WTF, crying, feeling lost, betrayed, and afraid, deep sorrow for those who lost people or were hurt in the attack.

I was living in NYC for a 2 of the 9/11 anniversaries and know that anything I say will not have anywhere near the power or impact of the stories, images, and public affection I saw on those occasions. The raw emotion that spilled out on the streets was absolutely incredible and awe inspiring. If only we could hug so freely on every other day of the year.

With that said, I would not like to commemorate this day with those dark images that haunt us. I would prefer to mark this day with images that remind me why September 11, 2001 hurt so deeply. Because our country is beautiful. Filled with beautiful people who are full of love and embrace the fundamentals this country was founded on: Freedom to live our lives.

Now go out and enjoy some America today. Because we can!

All images are from Visions of America by Joseph Sohm and are reprinted with the author's permission.

Cry, cry again

2009-09-10T12:01:00.004-05:00

I picked up a book of short stories the other day to read through while I had a few minutes to spare.

6 pages in. That's about as far as I got before the water works kicked in. It wasn't sobbing crying or the heaving kind. It was silent. Wet just spilled out, ran down my cheeks and dripped off my chin. I found myself obsessively blinking, hurrying the tears out, in order to continue reading.

The story had sad elements, but also profoundly happy, beautiful ones, too. What was it? It's not like I haven't wept while reading before, but this was different.

While reading Between Me and the River, I let out the sobbing, aching type of cry. That resulted from my connection with the author and my heartfelt sorrow for her experiences as a cancer patient. It's source was tangible and made sense to me. She was in pain, I felt that pain.

Why did this short story make me cry? What was the catalyst? I've been thinking about it a lot. The only conclusion I've come to is that it was one of the finest, poetic, most beautiful pieces of writing I have ever encountered.

Thanks to Bookfoolery for the recommendation and Simon Van Booy and his story, Love Begins in Winter, for knocking me off my feet.

Have you been deeply moved by a book or story recently?

BBAW voting!

2009-09-08T08:37:00.003-05:00

The shortlists are up and voting has begun! Head on over and get your votes in for your favorite book blogs now: BBAW Voting Booth. Good luck to all who were shortlisted!

BBAW kicks off next week, so be sure to stop by and check out what I'm featuring that week. Giveaways, interviews, thank yous, and thoughts. Can't wait to see you here! :-)

Screw Cupid blog tour: August 24-September 4

2009-09-04T10:50:00.009-05:00

Reviews, Interviews, and Giveaways for Screw Cupid were hosted by the following sites/bloggers:
August 24: 20-forty.com (review & giveaway)
August 25: lemondrop
August 26: Perhaps Reviewed
August 28: Suite 101 (review by Angie Rayfield)
August 31: Violet Crush
September 1: Urban Bachelorette
September 2: Between the Sheets (review & interview)
September 3: My Hobbies
September 4: Bad Girl's Guide

Screw Cupid: The Sassy Girl's Guide to Picking Up Hot Guys
by Samantha Scholfield
Publisher: The Experiment
ISBN: 978-1615190003
Paperback, 240 pages, September 2009

Book Art

2009-09-03T07:58:00.006-05:00

I came across the work of artist Nicholas Jones while trolling around online. I was looking into library sculptures when I discovered his book art through this article. Isn't it beautiful? I can't even imagine the time it must have taken to make such a delicate looking cut in such a substantial piece of material. He cuts, folds, tears, and sews their pages and takes that which was previously discarded and delivers it, reborn, into the world. Some may not find the beauty in this work is worth the dissection of the books. The artist addresses that idea on his website: "Although sometimes iconised for their content or historical importance, more often than not, books are discarded as cultural detritus. These transformed books aim to highlight the poetic nature of the book as form."

He speaks very passionately about books and I feel his work evokes the beauty contained within them. Each page becomes a work of art. Every sentence offered a chance to shine. The pages working together again, telling a different story.

What do you think? Is it art or a travesty against written works?

Literature Map

2009-08-25T13:19:00.005-05:00

Anyone else heard of this? A friend that I worked with sent me this link a couple of years ago. Sometimes I forget about it and sometimes I'm addicted to it for days on end.

It's a Literature Map. You go on the site, type in the name of an author, click continue. The map that pops up lists authors that have similar writing to that of whom you typed in. From the site: 'The closer two writers are, the more likely someone will like both of them.' Then you can click on the other authors to see what their map looks like.

I can't speak to it's accuracy, but it sure is fun to play with! What do you think?

(click the image for the site I found it on: Exocubic Studio. This was the designer's sketch for a book mobile he made for a library in Little Rock, AR. Beautiful, isn't it?)

My Debut YA Novel Cover

2009-08-24T12:42:00.000-05:00

Well this was fun and worth trying out!

I found the rules at 100 Scope Notes via One Librarian's Book Reviews. And while they both wound up with super images, I got a fuzzy, low res pic of some random chick with a big old bottle of booze and an 'Australia' t-shirt. Awesome. So, as you can see, I had to crop the heck out of it and I have ended up with a tiny, little bitty YA book cover. :-D But, it is fun and you should definitely try it! There are some options other than the YA version, but this is where I started!

CREATE YOUR DEBUT YA COVER

1 – Go to “Fake Name Generator” or click http://www.fakenamegenerator.com/

The name that appears is your author name.

2 – Go to “Random Word Generator” or click http://www.websitestyle.com/parser/randomword.shtml

The word listed under “Random Verb” is your title.

3 – Go to “FlickrCC” or click http://flickrcc.bluemountains.net/index.php

Type your title into the search box. The first photo that contains a person is your cover.

4 – Use Photoshop, Picnik, or similar to put it all together. Be sure to crop and/or zoom in.

5 – Post it to your site along with this text

THANK YOU!!

2009-08-20T09:45:00.003-05:00

It seems that I've been nominated for a BBAW Award in the category of Best Publishing/Industry Blog! As you can see by smiling kitty, this makes me SO happy:

I really can't thank you all enough for thinking of me and wish everyone the happiest of BBAW's! This one is really going to kick some super fun book butt.

And a huge thank you to the organizers who are managing what I'm sure is tons and tons of info with the nominations, giveaways, emails, judging panels...you guys rock!

Joey Lawrence would say, 'Whoah.'

2009-08-14T08:58:00.009-05:00

So, while I'm busy shipping books to reviewers, organizing, and otherwise managing my lists of info, I wanted to pass along something I stumbled across while digging around online:

Isn't it the most incredible thing you've ever seen?! The keyboard is made from typewriter keys. The link to the picture shows how it was done. The link to the website where they have other amazing creations: http://steampunkworkshop.com.

This computer is gorgeous and unique and so darn awesome! Wonder if it comes in a Mac...

History book, Perfect for Family reading!

2009-08-03T12:52:00.010-05:00

THE WAR CHRONICLES: From Flintlocks to Machine Guns, A Global Reference of All Major Modern Conflicts
by Joseph Cummins
Published by Fair Winds Press
Hardcover/432 Pages/July 2009
ISBN: 9781592333059

Written in an accessible and engaging style by veteran popular history writer Joseph Cummins, The War Chronicles: From Flintlocks to Machine Guns spans history and much of the globe in recounting the campaigns, invasions, battles, and revolutions that were the most important in history and have had the greatest impact on human affairs.

Each account includes a quick-reference summary, a timeline, an overview of the war, essays on its principal leaders, a series of short, often offbeat features on particular aspects of the conflict, and a narrative account of a pivotal battle. The result is a multifaceted and consistently fascinating history of human conflict.

The best and worst of humanity is on display here, in a collection that will act as a perfect primer for novices while offering seasoned history readers new perspectives on many famous and some not-so-well-known conflicts.

Joseph Cummins is the author of The War Chronicles: From Chariots to Flintlocks, History’s Great Untold Stories: Larger Than Life Characters and Dramatic Events That Changed the World. His other books include Turn Around and Run Like Hell: Unconventional Military Strategies That Worked, History’s Greatest Hits, and Anything for a Vote: Dirty Tricks and October Surprises in America’s Presidential Campaigns.

To request a review copy for coverage on your online outlet, please email me at onlinepublicist [AT] gmail [DOT] com. Do not forget to include your URL. Mailing is available to US and Canadian addresses only.

Remember Woodstock...?

2009-07-31T10:55:00.005-05:00

**I am currently out of review copies for this title. Links for reviews of it can be found on the left sidebar.**

THE WOODSTOCK STORY BOOK
by Linanne G. Sackett photography by Barry Z. Levine Published by Channel Photographics
Hardcover/176 pages/$35.00
ISBN: 978-1439222614

The Woodstock Story Book contains never before seen photos of the three day music festival that became legendary.

Barry Z. Levine, the still photographer for the Academy Award winning Woodstock film, leads us through the grassy cow pasture to the sardine packed staging area and the garbage strewn aftermath. In those 3 days, he shot so many photos that he had blisters on his thumb and index finger from clicking the shutter and advancing the film.

With text written by Linanne G. Sackett that resonates with the humor and charm of Dr. Seuss, the book presents a chronological account of the event. Along with a foreword by the Woodstock Clown Prince, Wavy Gravy, The Woodstock Story Book includes four perfect-for-framing 8” x 10” fine art prints of iconic rock legends Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Jerry Garcia, and Joe Cocker and a free redeemable 24” x 36” full color poster. This rare volume is a must have for anyone who was at Woodstock, wish they had been, or for anyone wanting a bird’s eye view of a great historical event of the 60’s.
--
To request a review copy for coverage on your online outlet, please email me at onlinepublicist [AT] gmail [DOT] com. I have VERY limited copies of this title available, so please only request a copy if you are certain you can provide a review for it. Mailing is available to US addresses only.
--

Introducing the Harlequin project!

2009-07-28T11:41:00.011-05:00

BETWEEN ME AND THE RIVER: Living Beyond Cancer: A Memoir
by Carrie Host
Published by Harlequin/August 2009/Hardcover
ISBN: 978-0-373-89214-3
Author website: CarrieHost.com

~~
"I do have a future, and the picture of that future is made up of a multitude of tiny dots called 'right now.'"

Carrie Host knows that the diagnosis of a life-threatening illness takes a split second to change your life, as well as the lives of your partner, parents, children and all who love you. Packed with inspiration, advice, comfort and hope, Between Me and the River is Host's candid and uplifting memoir of how she found the strength and fortitude to triumph over a rare form of cancer, and craft a new and meaningful life.

When told at forty, with her youngest child just ten months old, that she had carcinoid tumor, Host felt as if she'd been hurled into a raging river, stripped of all forms of potential rescue. The voyage of this strong-minded, openhearted woman out of that river and onto safe shores is told with uncompromising honesty and respect for the miracles that medicine and love can work.

While dealing with practical issues such as how to find the best medical team and what to tell the children, Host also recounts the many spiritual and eye-opening lessons that made her journey so bearable: how to see what is available rather than what is absent, how to free up energy to heal by letting go of anger and fear, and how to believe in the future.

Host's unquenchable sense of humor in the midst of suffering creates poignant moments of laughter through tears. Bracing, lyrical and deeply moving, Between Me and the River is a tribute to one life, and all lives, rerouted by illness. This remarkably honest book provides a deep sense of insight and understanding for survivors, caregivers, family members and friends.

~~

Please email me to request a review copy of this title: onlinepublicist [AT] gmail [DOT] com. I have several copies available for international shipping. I am also organizing a small blog tour for this project. Please let me know if you would like to take part. This author is available for interviews.

~~

BIG Giveaway Results!

2009-07-21T08:19:00.004-05:00

Hello, hello! Thank you to everyone to participated in the BIG giveaway. I know the rules got a wee bit confusing, but everyone did great with it! Once I created the list and added the multiples, there were 82 entries in this contest. Not bad, huh?

I plugged the list into the List Randomizer over at Random.org and the winner is:

List Randomizer

There were 82 items in your list. Here they are in random order:

Jessica

That Jessica is none other than J.Danger, herself! woot woot! Congrats!! Leave a comment that you saw this and I'll get those out to you right away!

I have several new projects to launch, so I will be getting back to scheduled programming for a bit, but you're all going to love what I'm offering, so check back often!

The BIG Giveaway

2009-07-13T09:11:00.007-05:00

THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED. THANK YOU TO ALL WHO ENTERED!!

Up for grabs this time around, I have a whole smattering of goodies for ya! And the goodies are as follows:

*mouse pad from Book Club Girl with the Betty Smith quote: 'The world was hers for the reading' on it
*Food, Inc., edited by Karl Weber (finished paperback)
*Gone to Green by Judy Christie (ARC) (I LOVE this book!)
*The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Brontë by Syrie James (ARC)
*The Sword of Medina by Sherry Jones (ARC)
*Crush by Alan Jacobson (ARC)

And what do you need to do to be entered into this super awesome giveaway? There are several ways to gain entry into this one. Please pay attention to the details as I will not enter folks who do not participate in one of the following:

1. Visit: http://marcblatte.com/. Leave a comment here relaying some bit of information you learned from the site.

2. Leave a comment on one of Marc's blog posts: http://marcblatte.com/blog/.

3. Follow Marc on Twitter: http://twitter.com/MarcBlatte.

4. Listen to Marc's interview with Linda Wertheimer on NPR and leave a comment here noting something you found interesting from it.

If you do one of the above AND tweet the giveaway as well, you will receive 2 entries. Please remember to use @OnlinePublicist in your tweet. A tweet without doing one of the above will not be entered. Feel free to enter more than once! This giveaway is open internationally and will close Monday, July 20, 2009 at midnight, CST, with the winner being announced on Tuesday, July 21, 2009. If the winner does not contact me to claim the prize within 7 days, it will go to the next person from the Random.org list.

Good luck and thank you for participating!!

Beautiful Photography Book for Review

2009-07-06T08:32:00.011-05:00

**I am currently out of review copies for this title. Links for current reviews of it can be found on the left sidebar.**

Visions of America: Photographing Democracy
by Joseph Sohm
Publisher: Visions of America, LLC (Jan. 25, 2009)
Hardcover, 312 pages
ISBN: 978-0970795717

Visions of America addresses a single question: How do you photograph democracy? After all, democracy is an “idea” and not something one can easily wrap one’s lens around.

But photographing democracy is indeed what Joseph Sohm has done in this epic journey across the 50 states. To capture this country’s incredible diversity, Sohm framed his national work as George Seurat might a pointillist painting.

With each photograph, an individual dot was applied to his American canvas. Spanning three decades, tens of thousands of images were assembled in what becomes a compelling mosaic. Sohm takes us on an insightful journey down the back roads and byways of the U.S., which ultimately leads to a deeper understanding of who we are as a nation.

Visions of America is a sweeping portrait of life in the American democracy, a portrait that shows us the United States. With a foreword by legendary travel writer, Paul Theroux and lyrics by two of America’s most distinguished songwriters, Alan and Marilyn Bergman, Visions of America is a work of historic significance.

Joseph Sohm is a Photo-Historian. He has published 50,000 times in National Geographic, Time, Newsweek, New York Times, Washington Post, CNN, ABC, History Channel and MSNBC. His photographs appear in President Clinton’s My Life and his Presidential Library, in Bill Mahr’s Real Time, Al Gore’s An Inconvenient Truth and on John Grisham's "King of Torts" and NBC's "Concert For America."

To receive a review copy, please send a request via email to: onlinepublicist [at] gmail [dot] com. This book is available for US mailing addresses only.

Dating shy?

2009-06-30T09:39:00.009-05:00

**I am currently out of review copies of this title. Links to the blog tour stops and giveaway will be up soon!**

Screw Cupid: The Sassy Girl's Guide to Picking Up Hot Guys
by Samantha Scholfield
Publisher: The Experiment
ISBN: 978-1615190003
Paperback, 240 pages, September 2009

Description: Screw Cupid is a dating manual for every woman ready to take her dating life into her own hands. Samantha Scholfield has many years of dating experience, and she developed and refined the techniques and strategies that she reveals here via hard-earned trial and error, consulting and collaborating intensively with hundreds of other women (and many men), and by marshalling the best of the extensive pickup advice that already circulates among men.

The result: perfectly calibrated guidance on initiating a conversation—anytime, anywhere—and getting right to a date, all without the guy knowing he’s being picked up.

Scholfield's book will have you alternately laughing out loud and taking notes. Her techniques are accessible, fun, and work in any situation!

Limited copies available, so email me now to secure yours: onlinepublicist [at] gmail [dot] com. I am looking for reviews to post the final week of August, first week of September.

Happy reading! :-)

BEA Giveaway #3

2009-06-29T08:04:00.001-05:00

The winner of the Children's books is:

List Randomizer

There were 24 items in your list. Here they are in random order:

Cfulcher

Congratulations!! Please forward me your mailing address to onlinepublicist@gmail.com and I will get those out to you right away. I have some other posts I would like to get out this week, so I will be taking a break from giveaways this week, but will be back with another one soon!