Book Giveaway & Author Interview: Find the Upside of the Down Times by Rob Pennington

Welcome to Author Rob Pennington

Bio:

Dr. Rob Pennington is an educational psychologist, author and award winning professional speaker who specializes in coaching leaders to increase productivity through improved team effectiveness and change management. Trained through the National Training Laboratory (NTL) in organizational development in the early 70's and a former faculty member of three universities, he is a four-time recipient of the Mental Health Association’s Outstanding Speaker Award and one of Meeting Professional International’s original Platinum Presenters. Dr. Pennington has traveled extensively supporting associations, corporations and government agencies undergoing massive change.

Website/bio: http://resource-i.com/bio_Pennington.HTML

Blog: http://drrobpennington.wordpress.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1628012687

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/drrobpennington

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/robertpenningtonphd

Interview:

Tell us your most rewarding experience since being published.

As a writer I was admittedly anxious about how others would review my book. So I have been pleasantly surprised by the glowing reviews it has received so far.  For instance Jerry Looper’s: http://t.co/EWbUUsfw and Meredith Bell’s: http://ht.ly/6vCkV.    I am grateful that the blessings I discovered in my own life are multiplying in the lives of other people as a result of reading this book. 

Please tell us in one sentence only, why we should read your book?

Reading "Find The Upside Of The Down Times" will save you the time and pain it took me to learn to capitalize on the positive opportunities in each negative experience.

What's one piece of advice you would give aspiring authors?

I’m going to give three:

1) Read Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within (Shambhala Library) by Natalie Goldberg

2) Have a great group of friends and family that will give you honest feedback and support.  I’ve been blessed with both.  Oh, and one more….

3) No matter how good you and everyone thinks your book is – get an editor!  Get a professional who doesn’t know your voice or your story but knows when you are making sense and when you aren’t.  Your audience will give you the credit for being an even better author than you are!  But you will have led your team, you will have made each decision to take the advice and feedback or not, and so, no matter how many have helped, the final product still belongs to you.

Write a Haiku about your book:

No matter how bad,

There are ways to find the good.

You will have to change.

If you could travel in a Time Machine would you go back to the past or into the future?

To the past, to early Egypt in particular. I am fascinated by what we have lost about what they knew. Take a look at Serpent in the Sky: The High Wisdom of Ancient Egypt by John Anthony West

What is one book everyone should read?

Well of course mine, but beyond that Love Is Letting Go of Fear by Gerald G. Jampolsky and Hugh Prather

What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast?

Granola, fruit and soymilk or yogurt

Night owl, or early bird?

Night owl!

One food you would never eat?

Cilantro

Is there a song you could list as the theme song for your book?

Keep on the Sunny Side. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNToRJI_oeg

I like the balance in this song because it starts with: “There is a dark and a troubled side of life.”  It acknowledges that life is difficult and painful.  But it also says that there is a “Bright and Sunny Side, too”.  We get a choice about which one we want to “view”.  And which ever we think the most about, that is the one we will experience more than the other.  It is a simple, direct, profoundly truthful message.  And the tune is great to whistle.  Try it.

If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?

I thought about it, and there are lots of place I’d like to visit, but I have lived where I live for 30 years because I enjoy it.  I’m already there.

What is your favorite Quote?

“I need no excuse to experience and express pure joy” – Paul Solomon.   It means that: 1) I can be happy without any reason and still be sane(!), and, 2) Any time I’m not happy it is because I have some excuse.  When I am not experiencing joy, there must be something I would rather have that I don’t have, or something I do have that I would rather not have.  And because of either of these, I believe it is impossible for me to be happy. Paul’s quote reminds me that this is not true, that everyday I am not an emotional victim, that my emotions are mine. And that baring any chemical or neurological damage, how I feel each moment is my choice. I choose to feel good more often. My book is a result of my practicing through many challenges.

How did you know you should become an author?

I’ve been a counselor and a speaker – not an author.  Being used to immediate audience reaction I can tell when I’m connecting or not. I am able to adjust to have the impact I want. For a long time I was afraid that I could not connect to an audience through a printed page.  I discovered I was wrong. I did not know I should become an author until I got over my fear and actually put thoughts on paper.  Now I know I can.  Now, after becoming an author and discovering I can connect and have an impact, now at 63, I know I should be an author.

Who are your favorite authors of all time?

Love Is Letting Go of Fear by Gerald G. Jampolsky and Hugh Prather

Loving Relationships by Sondra Ray

Making Peace with Your Parents by Harold Bloomfield M.D. and Leonard Felder Ph.D.

The Kybalion A Study of The Hermetic Philosophy of Ancient Egypt and Greece by Three Initiates

Lazy Man's Guide to Enlightenment by Thaddeus Golas

Grist for the Mill: The Mellow Drama, Dying: An Opportunity for Awakening, Freeing the Mind, Karmuppance, God & Beyond by Ram Dass and Stephen Levine

The Lord of the Rings: 50th Anniversary, One Vol. Edition J.R.R. Tolkien

What's the best advice anyone has ever given you?

Frances Fuller, Ph.D., my dissertation chairman, told me never to lose the “little boy’s wonder about life” that she saw in me.  I’ve tried to appreciate and cultivate that sense of wonder and let it grow throughout my life.  I find myself as a result, continually being amazed at the wonder involved in being a human being.  With all our highs and our lows, there is still a striving within us to know what it all means. I think having that sense of wonder is an important part of that meaning.  At least it is for me.

Favorite Food?

A family tradition we have for everyone’s birthday: Toasted Snow Squares.  The birthday person gets to choose the color. Here’s the recipe: http://www.shoeboxrecipes.com/toastedsnowcubeswithlemonbutte.html

What movie are you looking forward to this year (2011)?

Three Musketeers! The Hobbit!

What was your favorite children's book?

The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper and Loren Long

Surprise! 

How do you react to a bad review?

I’ll let you know when I get one. You can

You have won one million dollars what is the first thing that you would buy?

Apple Stock! Unlike the pendulum swing of everything else in the universe, over time it’s just going to keep going up.

What do you do in your free time?

Enjoy being with my family cooking, eating and watching Longhorn football, golf and movies. (See next answer.)

What is your guilty pleasure?

150 inch HD projection TV!

How did you celebrate the sale of your first book?

Took my parents (to whom the book dedicated) out to dinner.

Favorite places to travel?

There is a beautiful place in Slovenia, a small town called Bled with the Alps in the background that is beside a beautiful lake, with an island in the middle of the lake and a church on the island, and a castle on a cliff overlooking the lake (take a look: http://ow.ly/6IQK9). The best hot chocolate in the world is served at a lakeside cafe.  I would enjoy living there some each year.

Favorite music?

Soft jazz, e.g., Chris Botti, Diana Krall and more lately Straight No Chaser.

Find the Upside of the Down Times:

Psychologist Survives Shooting, Firing, IRS Audit and Death of Spouse to Challenge Others to 'Find the Upside of the Down Times'. Rob Pennington, PhD, shares his own very personal and honest account of some of the biggest challenges life can throw at anyone. He empowers readers with true stories, inspiring insights and practical tools to help turn their own negative experiences into positive opportunities. Stepping beyond the initial shock and emotional roller coaster of each trial he faced, Dr. Pennington credits faith and support from others. “I discovered strengths I did not know I had and might not have found, had it not been for the challenge,” says Dr. Pennington. “I learned how to turn the worst things that happen to me into the best opportunities I have.” This book is not about theory, but the very real blessings that can be found by anyone in the difficulties of day-to-day life. At the end of each chapter, Dr. Pennington shares specific activities he learned that can assist readers to turn their own struggles into stepping-stones that can lead to an upside of personal and professional growth. With wit and tenderness, with vulnerability and candor, the reader is taken on a journey through many aspects of life, from career and finances to relationships, education, and health. And when tragedy strikes, Dr. Pennington demonstrates through his own humanity that even though we all have difficult times, we also have the ability to rise above them. When the times start to drag you down ... Rob’s real world examples show that you can still: • Turn your worries into positive action plans • Turn your fears into opportunities for hope and for help • Turn your life into something better than you thought possible

The Upside of the Down Times was released on May 20, 2011 by Resource International


Giveaway Details:
1 copy of The Upside of the Down Times
Open to US only
Ends 10/30/11

Optional Extra Entry
+1 Follow Rob on Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/drrobpennington

In My Mailbox

For Review:
Book summaries from Goodreads
Book covers linked to amazon.com

How to Save a Life by Sara Zarr

Jill MacSweeney just wants everything to go back to normal. But ever since her dad died, she's been isolating herself from her boyfriend, her best friends--everyone who wants to support her. You can't lose one family member and simply replace him with a new one, and when her mom decides to adopt a baby, that's exactly what it feels like she's trying to do. And that's decidedly not normal. With her world crumbling around her, can Jill come to embrace a new member of the family?
Mandy Kalinowski knows what it's like to grow up unwanted--to be raised by a mother who never intended to have a child. So when Mandy becomes pregnant, she knows she wants a better life for her baby. But can giving up a child be as easy as it seems? And will she ever be able to find someone to care for her, too?
Critically acclaimed author and National Book Award finalist Sara Zarr delivers a heart-wrenching story, told from dual perspectives, about what it means to be a family and the many roads we can take to become one.

On the Fringe by Courtney King Walker

Claire is struggling to overcome the murder of her childhood friend and secret crush, Daniel. Everyone else seems to be moving on with their lives, but she's still trying to cope. The fact that she finds herself alone and drowning on her 16th birthday isn't helping.

Neither is thinking she sees Daniel's face in murky water as she mysteriously resurfaces. But something happened during those four and a half minutes that will make her realize it was not just her imagination.

As Claire and Daniel try to grasp a possible reconnection, other grudge-holding beings have plans of their own. Now, the two of them have to decide if their fleeting relationship is worth the possibility of Claire being trapped on the fringe forever.

Beautifully told, On the Fringe intertwines fresh ideas about devotion, revenge, and the consequences that come with life and death.

Lion House Cakes and Cupcakes

With delicious recipes, easy-to-follow directions, ingenious time-saving shortcuts, and helpful tips for assembling and decorating, Lion House Cakes and Cupcakes is a must-have for every kitchen. Illustrated with mouthwatering photographs, and containing a bonus DVD featuring Lion House head baker, Brenda Hopkins, this cookbook will help you discover imaginative creations for every occasion. You don't need to spend all day in the kitchen to create delectable cakes and cupcakes your family and friends will rave about. No special equipment or skills needed!

Teaching of Thomas S. Monson

A lifetime of teachings from President Thomas S. Monson. Teachings of Thomas S. Monson is the ideal companion volume to the prophet's bestselling biography, To the Rescue. This comprehensive collection:

• Gives quick, easy access to key teachings on scores of gospel topics representing nearly half a century of teaching

• Provides President Monson's teachings topically in alphabetical order

• Includes a scripture index so readers can find what President Monson taught about specific scriptural passages

An invaluable resource for all who are involved in teaching the gospel or learning more from President Thomas S. Monson.

Life's Lessons Learned by Dallin H. Oaks

Masterfully blending personal experiences with the doctrines of the gospel, Elder Oaks invites us to join him on a journey through some of the turning points in his life and the lessons he has learned through a lifetime of devotion to the Savior.
The short but potent chapters offer perceptive observations into such diverse topics as the purpose of adversity, the importance of respecting those with whom we disagree personally or politically, the merits and limitations of law, the blessings of tithing, the seeming conflict between science and religion, the Lord's use of imperfect people to further His work, and the power of the Atonement to recover those who have fallen behind.
Elder Oaks also relates the very personal lessons he learned from the death of his wife, June, and from his subsequent marriage to Kristen McMain.
Woven throughout the book is Elder Oak's powerful testimony of the Savior and His mission. Life's Lessons Learned is a rare glimpse into the experiences of the heart that have shaped the life of an Apostle of God.

Through His Eyes by Virginia H. Pearce

As anyone who has ever cleaned out a closet or a basement can attest, clutter is a reality of life. And it's not just a physical reality. Our minds can become cluttered too, filled with beliefs about everything from our relationship with God to our feelings about our bodies to our housekeeping methods. Some of these beliefs are what author Virginia H. Pearce calls "Truths with a capital T." They are eternal and will always be true, whether anyone believes them or not. The confusion in our lives comes because mixed in with those Truths are other beliefs, some of which might be useful but some of which are just plain harmful. In this insightful new book, Sister Pearce invites us to become "inquirers after truth," to examine all of our beliefs and try our best to see them in the light of the Truths we know to be eternal. By doing so, we can discard the half-truths and lies that may be hindering our progress. Our lives can be filled with greater happiness than we ever thought possible as we learn to see them Through His Eyes.

Jacob T. Marley by R. William Bennett

“Marley was dead to begin with . . .”

These chillingly familiar words begin the classic Christmas tale of remorse and redemption in A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. Now R. William Bennett rewinds the story and focuses the spotlight on Scrooge’s miserly business partner, Jacob T. Marley, who was allowed to return as a ghost to warn Scrooge away from his ill-fated path. Why was Marley allowed to return? And why hadn’t he been given the same chance as Ebenezer Scrooge?

Or had he?

Written with a voice reminiscent of Dickens, Jacob T. Marley is a masterfully crafted story of remorse and redemption, sure to become a Christmas favorite.

A Beautiful Friendship by David Weber

Stephanie Harrington absolutely hates being confined inside her family’s compound on the pioneer planet of Sphinx, a frontier wilderness world populated by dangerous native animals that could easily tear a human to bits and pieces. Yet Stephanie is a young woman determined to make discoveries—and the biggest discovery of all awaits her: an intelligent alien species.

Treecats are creatures that resemble a cross between a bobcat and a lemur (but with six legs and much more deadly claws). Not only are they fully sentient, they are also telepathic, and able to bond with certain gifted humans such as the genetically-enhanced Stephanie. But Stephanie’s find, and her first-of-its-kind bond with a treecat, brings on a new torrent of danger. An assortment of highly-placed enemies with galactic-sized wealth at stake is determined to make sure that the planet of Sphinx remains entirely in human hands—even if this means the extermination of another thinking species. Stephanie and Lionheart are about to undergo the greatest test two alien species can ever face together: how to survive first contact and win a future with liberty and justice for all!

In My Mailbox was started by The Story Siren.

The idea behind IMM was not only to put new books on your radar but to also encourage blogger interaction. IMM explores the weekly contents of my mailbox & books bought.

Anyone can participate in IMM and you are not limited to only sharing books that arrive via your mailbox. You can also share books that you've bought or books that you've gotten at the library.

Survey Feedback - Giveaway Hops

I've been spending time reading through all the feedback from my Reader's Survey.  1,000 people have filled out the survey so far.

I'm absolutely in awe of how wonderful the readers on my blog are.  I was prepared to have "thick skin" while reading the feedback but unbelievable there have been no negative comments.... NONE!  The feedback I have received has all been positive and constructive. Thank You!!

One area where I received quite a bit of feedback is the Giveaway Hops I host.

I asked the question - Do you participate in the Giveaway Hops I Host?
Here are the responses:

The responses in the "Other" category were most often - sometimes, when the prize appeals to me, I plan to, 1st time visitor or they left specific feedback on the hops.

I honestly appreciate all the feedback.  

Some people love that the hops are so big (there are 370 blogs signed up for the upcoming Spooktacular Hop).
Others are overwhelmed by how big they are.
Some people feel the hops should be limited to only book blogs or that I should put a cap on the number of blogs that are allowed to participate in a hop.
Others want more hops... lots more.
Some people are turned off by the number of hoops some blogs make people jump through to enter their giveaway.
Someone commented that it would be nice to have notice of when the sign ups for hops are going to open.

All very valid points.

I've been thinking about all the feedback and have decided on a few things.

I am going to start hosting more hops.  Please don't ever feel like you need to participate in every hop. If you just want to host a giveaway on your blog a couple times a year that is fabulous.  Or if you can only enter a few of the giveaways each time that is great too.

I know the hops I host are large but I'm not one to exclude people so I will not be putting a cap on the number of blogs who can participate.  I will however be mixing things up.  There will be a gift cards only hop, a hop for just young adult books, one for just children's book, a hop not solely for books, etc.  Some of the hops will only have 1 entry allowed such as the upcoming Gratitude Giveaway, others will only have a couple entries allowed, none of the hops I host will ever have more than 6 total entries possible.  My hope is that by adding more opportunities and more variety I will be able to meet the needs of more people.

I have been opening up sign ups for each hop about 6-8 weeks before the hop starts.  I'm going to shorten that time to 4 to 6 weeks before the hop. I will post the giveaway image and the date the hop opens in my sidebar a few days before I open the linky.

I try to participate and promote blog hops hosted on other sites as well (as long as they are family friendly sites).

I have created a really rough schedule of 2012 Giveaway Hops that I will be hosting: http://iamareadernotawriter.blogspot.com/p/giveaway-hop.html

Giveaway Winners!!

Congratulations to the Winner of
A Kid's Guide to Being a Winner


The winner was selected using Random.org

Cass

Congratulations to the Winner of
101 Misused Words


The winner was selected using Random.org

Linda BookNinja



Congratulations to the Winner of
101 Words Every High School Graduate Needs to Know


The winner was selected using Random.org

MamaMunky



Congratulations to the Winner of
The Night Circus


The winner was selected using Random.org

Crystal Fulcher


The winners have been notified. Thanks to all who entered.

Author Interview & 3 Book Giveaway - Michelle Erickson

Welcome back to Author Michelle Erickson.


Bio:

I'm an old soul that accomplished an unusual goal: publish 12 books in 12 months. I did it in 11 because I'm the white rabbit of time (so my children tell me).
I live in Idaho, work in another world, and thrive on the written word. By the time you read this, I'll working with new characters to turn upside down (or inside out), spin more plots to weave and plant subplots to harvest.
I have plans for many other books in various stages of development and must get cracking instead of writing this...are you still reading? Good. Keep it up - and thanks. 

Interview:

What is one book everyone should read?
The Jackrabbit Factor by Leslie Householder

Any other books in the works?
I’m working on a Fantasy trilogy (Sky Signs), a paranormal romance (Hallow's Gate), and a pre-apocalyptic romance series (Heart&Soul).

Goals for future projects?
Ideally, I will release 4 books a year. I'd like to get one out by Christmas, but I'm not making promises. I'm sure people will forgive me for taking a breather after 12. I'm also looking at entering other writing contests.

Tell us your most rewarding experience since being published.
One of my fans read all 9 books of my epic fantasy in less than a week and has been producing fan art about the characters.
To see, click here: http://chest-of-souls.deviantart.com/gallery/

Can you see yourself in any of your characters?
All of them – good and bad (scary idea!)

What's the craziest writing idea you've had?
So far :) putting children in danger and using a woman in a coma to save them using only her creative genius and a Barbie head. This crazy idea was published this year. It's called Pic Jump.

What was your favorite children's book?
Lion, Witch, and the Wardrobe

If someone wrote a book about your life, what would the title be?
“I don't know, but it’s gonna be good” It's kind of a family by-line now. I used this phrase often when working on releasing my 12 books in 12 months and my family would ask, “What’s next?”

Klaus:

Eralee is a misfit among immortals. She's supposed to marry a philandering River Prince. She doesn't want him. She wants to save the human called Klaus.
Klaus lives alone at the edge of the Everaude Forest, a dangerous forbidden place. He's convinced he'll never know love until he meets Eralee. Unfortunately, she's immortal and he isn't sure how such a relationship could work.
There is another immortal who wants him. She is Kamichen, the Winter Witch. Legend claims she eats men's hearts. She has plans for Klaus and they don't include Eralee.

Chest of Souls Book One:

When do you tell children they are destined to bring down the wickedest city in the world?
That they've been hunted their entire lives by the very evil they must destroy?
And when they finally meet that evil, they may not win?
You don't.
Brenna is safe because she’s oblivious to everything but Talon. She doesn't know that her mother is Hi-Sha of Eyes, or that her father was an assassin and he’s supposed to be dead. She doesn't even know her pet is the Queen of all Shee’s.
Talon felt safe until he met Brenna.
Once he is ordered to protect her, he's had to fight monsters he never knew existed, run away from an assassin, and escape a forest full of carnivores. His father burned down their cottage and left him with people he just met and he isn't sure who to trust.
In the meantime the Chest of Souls waits to be powered and neither child can guess the price.

Pic Jump:

My happily ever after started with a coma
I didn’t think things could get worse.

Then I was accidentally eye-napped.
It’s complicated, but because of me, a four-year old is being hunted by a kidnapping-murderer and all she has is a Barbie head to help her out.
If I don’t do something, she’s going to disappear –permanently.

I have one question:
How can I save her when all I can do is jump
from one set of printed eyes to another?

Giveaway Details
3 winners will each receive their choice of one of these 3 books.
Paperback copies available to those in the US
Ebook copies available Internationally but will be shipped via amazon.com so you must have an amazon account to claim your prize.
Ends 11/1/11

Optional Extra Entries:
+1 Follow Michelle's blog http://12n12.blogspot.com
+1 Request your library get any of these books

Book Review: Wondrous Strange by Lesley Livingston

Title: Wondrous Strange
Author: Lesley Livingston
Series: Wondrous Strange Book 1 of 3
Released: September 9, 2009
Publisher: HarperCollins
Tags: Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance, Faeries, Midsummer's Night Dream

17 year-old Kelley Winslow doesn’t believe in Faeries. Not unless they’re the kind that you find in a theatre, spouting Shakespeare—the kind that Kelley so desperately wishes she could be: onstage, under lights, with a pair of sparkly wings strapped to her shoulders. But as the understudy in a two-bit, hopelessly off-off-Broadway production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, wishing is probably the closest she’s going to get to becoming a Faerie Queen. At least, that’s what she thinks... In this fun, urban fantasy, Kelley's off-stage life suddenly becomes as complicated as one of Shakespeare’s plot twists when a nighttime trip to Central Park holds more than meets the mortal eye.

The Wondrous Strange series has been on my to-read list for nearly two years. I had company coming this past weekend and needed to spend a day cleaning so I needed a good audio book to listen to. Wondrous Strange did the trick and I got my house clean and an entire book listened to all in one day.

I was a little worried when I started this and it said "read by the author". Most of the books I have listened to that have been read by the author have been a less than stellar performance. Thankfully Lesley Livingston did a great job with the narration of her book.

I enjoy young adult faerie stories and love the characters from Shakespeare's A Midsummer's Night Dream so Wondrous Strange was right up my alley. I loved the Iron Fey series and although this book has some of the same characters it is completely different.

I was completely drawn into the story, loved the writing and characters. I'm just about to start the sequel Darklight.  For those who enjoy young adult faerie stories I recommend you give this book a try, I'm hoping the rest of the series is as good as this one.

Rating: 4.5 Stars - Highly Recommend

Source: Audio download from Audible.com

Content: a little language (maybe 4 or 5 times throughout but no F word)

Have you read & reviewed Wondrous Strange? Feel free to link you to your review.

Book Review: Hang 'Em High by Tristi Pinkston

When Ida Mae Babbitt receives an invitation to visit her son Keith¹s dude ranch in Montana, she¹s excited to mend their broken relationship, but not so excited about spending time with cows. Arlette and Tansy go along with her, ready to take a vacation that does not involve dead bodies or mysteries of any sort - one must have a break from time to time. But it seems a no-good scoundrel has moseyed into Dodge City and is bent on causing all sorts of trouble for the ranch. Unable to keep her curiosity in check - especially when it seems her own son is the most likely culprit - Ida Mae decides to investigate. Can she lasso the varmint and get him to the sheriff in time?

Hang 'Em High by Tristi Pinkston is a cozy mystery.   It is only recently that I even learned what a cozy mystery is.
From cozy-mystery.com

• The crime-solver in a cozy mystery is usually a woman who is an amateur sleuth.
• The cozy mystery usually takes place in a small town or village.
• In a series, it is important that the characters are likable, so that the reader will want to visit them again.
• Cozy mysteries are considered “gentle” books… no graphic violence, no profanity, and no explicit sex.
• Cozy mysteries tend to be fast-paced, with several twists and turns throughout each book.
• The cozy mystery puts an emphasis on plots and character development.

Hang 'Em High is most definitely a cozy mystery. A really good one!

• Ida Mae is our amateur sleuth who with the help from her friends solves the crimes.
• Small town setting? Yep! Omni, Utah is the small town setting for the first books in the series, Hang 'Em High takes us to a dude ranch in Montana.
• The characters are likable, quirky and humorous which makes me want to visit them again, can't wait for the next book in the series.
• Totally "gentle" - no swearing, sex or graphic violence.
• A very fast-paced, quick read with enough twists and turns to keep me guessing until the end.
• The Secret Sisters Series is character driven - it's the likable characters that bring me back to the series.

Hang 'Em High has been my favorite of the series. It's a quick, easy read that made me smile.

There are currently 3 books in the Secret Sisters Series
Secret Sisters


Dearly Departed


Hang 'Em High


Coming Soon...
Targets in Ties (Nov. 2011)
Tell Death Do Us Part (May 2012)

Rating: 4.5 Stars - Highly Recommend

Source: From Author for Review

Content: Clean

Giveaway:  Manuscript Evaluation
To celebrate this book's release and blog tour, you are invited to participate in a contest! If you leave a comment on this review, you will be entered to win a manuscript evaluation done by Tristi, up to a $75.00 value. Horror and erotica excluded.  If you aren't a writer, you can give the evaluation to a writer friend as a gift. The winner will be chosen at midnight, October 5th MST so leave a comment ASAP! For more chances to win you can visit Tristi's site to leave a comment on the other participating blogs as well - http://www.tristipinkston.blogspot.com/

Survey Feedback - Slow Load Time

I so appreciate all the feedback I've received so far from those who have taken the time to fill out my Follower Survey. One piece of feedback was that this site loads too slowly, especially for those with older computers and slower internet connections.

I know how frustrating it is to wait for a site to load. We have 6 computers in our home and there is one computer I avoid because it takes FOREVER for websites to load. Unfortunately I'm fairly clueless as to what makes my site load faster but I'm going to try to figure it out.

I tried a speed test but I have a really fast computer so load time for me is never a problem. My blog loaded in .19 seconds on my computer.

The first steps I'm taking are to reduce the number of graphics in my sidebar and change the number of posts per page. I'm working on removing all the book covers for giveaways and changing them to links. I also changed the number of posts that show up on a blog page from over a dozen to just 5. Hopefully that will help speed things along...

If you notice something specifically that is slowing the site down please let me know. The only thing I have ever noticed is that sometimes the Linky for blog hops slow things down.

Book Giveaway & Author Interview: In the Forests of the Night by Kersten Hamilton

Welcome back to author Kersten Hamilton!

Kersten Hamilton is the author of several picture books and many middle grade novels. When she's not writing, she hunts dinosaurs in the deserts and badlands outside of Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she lives. For more about Kersten, please visit http://www.kerstenhamilton.com/

Interview:


If you could invite any 5 people to dinner who would you choose?

My family – they are more important to me than writers dead or alive, or any celebrity of any sort. There would be more than five though. 

Any other books in the works? Goals for future projects?

I’m glad you asked! My next project is so new it’s still sizzling! From Publishers Market: TYGER TYGER and RED TRUCK author Kersten Hamilton's steampunk chapter book THE MESMER MENACE, set on the eve of the Great Mesmer War of 1901, featuring a boy inventor, President Teddy Roosevelt, evil hypnotists, robots, a lightning harvester, and a dashingly brave and loyal dachshund named Noodles, to Lynne Polvino at Clarion, by Erin Murphy of Erin Murphy Literary Agency (World English)

Of course, I’m currently putting the finishing touches on the fiery finale of the Goblin Wars!

Then I will finishing up a “Holes”–esque older MG dealing with suicide, Catholicism, immigration issues plus one undead school administrator.

And I have a TOP SECRET YA project in the works…

What was your favorite book when you were a child/teen? 

When I was ten it was Owls in the Family by Farley Mowat. I loved animals, and would get into fights with neighborhood children who tied firecrackers to puppies or stoned baby birds. I would fight for any animal, so the story of a boy who rescued a baby owl from tormentors was something I could relate to completely. I still love that book.

As a teen I read far too much to have a favorite—classics, science fiction, fantasy, history, westerns, romances—and as an older teen I read a lot of philosophy. 

What's one piece of advice you would give aspiring authors?

Live life. Do interesting things. Read OLD books. Read NEW books. Turn off the TV. And finish writing every book you start. That’s how you learn to do it. Wait, that’s six pieces of advice. Oh, well. 

If you could choose only one time period and place to live, when and where would you live and why?

Right now—we are living on the doorway of the dawn—tomorrow is always coming, always just out of reach.

If I had my choice, I would not have a permanent house. I would have a gypsy wagon and travel the back roads.

If you could be one of the Greek Gods, which would it be and why?

I would definitely be one of the Muses—the Goddesses who embody the Right Evocation of Myth—because myth is incredibly important to the human race. I’m not sure which one I would be, however. It would be a toss–up between Calliope, the Muse of Epic Story, and Thalia, the Muse of Comedy.

What is your favorite Quote?

It changes all of the time, depending on what I am working on/thinking about. Right now it is:

“We are like flies crawling across the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel: we cannot see what angels and gods lie underneath the threshold of our perceptions. We do not live in reality; we live in our paradigms, our habituated perceptions, our illusions.” William Irwin Thompson.

If a movie was made about your life, who would you want to play the lead role and why?

Johnny Depp. When he does Captain Jack Sparrow he is practically channeling me. It’s freaky how alike we are. j/k

How did you know you should become an author?

I don’t think there is any ‘should’ about life. We get to choose. And I chose to be a writer with all my heart, with all my courage, and against all odds. You see, I have dysgraphic dyslexia.

As a child, when I told people I wanted to be a writer, they just shook their heads or laughed at me. No one believed I could do it. I couldn’t spell. My handwriting was illegible. School was impossible for me, so I dropped out. But I never stopped working on my writing. I never will.

What movie and/or book are you looking forward to this year?

I am a little behind on my reading. Okay, a lot behind. I’m in the middle of at least six books, not counting the ones I am writing. Books I haven’t even started yet? I’m really looking forward to the second and third books of Scott Westerfeld’s Leviathan Trilogy—Behemoth and Goliath. I enjoyed Leviathan.

I am looking forward to the movie Red Tails because I really like WWII airplanes.

What's your favorite season/weather?

Autumn. Nature is very celebratory in the spring. Why not? Easy days are coming. Every bird and tender shoot rejoices. But the maples and chrysanthemums which face the coming frost with a defiant blaze of glory—they are my heroes. Plus, my birthday is in October. BEST MONTH EVER! I love being alive!

Tyger, Tyger
By Kersten Hamilton
Published by Clarion Books
Released November 15, 2010

Teagan Wylltson's best friend, Abby, dreams that horrifying creatures--goblins, shape-shifters, and beings of unearthly beauty but terrible cruelty--are hunting Teagan. Abby is always coming up with crazy stuff, though, so Teagan isn't worried. Her life isn't in danger. In fact, it's perfect. She's on track for a college scholarship. She has a great job. She's focused on school, work, and her future. No boys, no heartaches, no problems.
Until Finn Mac Cumhaill arrives. Finn's a bit on the unearthly beautiful side himself. He has a killer accent and a knee-weakening smile. And either he's crazy or he's been haunting Abby's dreams, because he's talking about goblins, too . . . and about being The Mac Cumhaill, born to fight all goblin-kind. Finn knows a thing or two about fighting. Which is a very good thing, because this time, Abby's right. The goblins are coming.

Tyger, Tyger was just released in paperback.

In the Forests of the Night 
By Kersten Hamilton
Published by Clarion Books
Released November 22, 2011

Teagan, Finn, and Aiden have made it out of Mag Mell alive, but the Dark Man's forces are hot on their heels. Back in Chicago, Tea’s goblin cousins show up at her school, sure she will come back to Mag Mell, as goblin blood is never passive once awoken. Soon she will belong to Fear Doirich and join them. In the meantime, they are happy to entertain themselves by trying to seduce, kidnap, or kill Tea’s family and friends.
Teagan knows she doesn’t have much time left, and she refuses to leave Finn or her family to be tortured and killed. A wild Stormrider, born to rule and reign, is growing stronger inside her. But as long as she can hold on, she’s still Teagan Wylltson, who plans to be a veterinarian and who heals the sick and hurting. The disease that’s destroying her—that’s destroying them all—has a name: Fear Doirich.
And Teagan Wylltson is not going to let him win.

In the Forests of the Night will be released on November 22, 2011.


Giveaway Details:
One copy of In the Forests of the Night, pre-ordered through Amazon to a reader in the US or Canada.
Ends 10/28/11

Banned Books Week Giveaway Winners

Congratulations to the Winners of my
Banned Books Week Giveaway

The winners were selected using Random.org

Odell @ Book Twirps - Box of Books
Donna BLHmistress - $10 Amazon.com Gift Card


The winners have been notified. Thanks to all who entered.

In My Mailbox

For Review:

Spontaneous Happiness by Andrew Weil

SPONTANEOUS HAPPINESS is Dr. Weil's paradigm-shifting guide to peak emotional wellness. In the book, he redefines the notion of happiness and demonstrates the limitations of the biochemical model of mental health. He presents a vast, scientifically proven array of integrative treatment strategies for low mood and depression, drawing on techniques from Ayurveda, Buddhism, acupuncture, psychotherapy, mindfulness training, and much more. Dr. Weil offers advice on lifestyle, behavior, and dietary changes, and helps readers assess their own emotional wellness and build personalized step-by-step plans to manage their moods. Whether suffering from mild to moderate depression, or simply seeking greater contentment, Dr. Weil's science-based integrative approach will help readers achieve their goals. With fascinating case studies and a comprehensive program, this guide breaks new ground in the field of happiness.

Ribbon of Darkness by Julie Coulter Bellon

A split-second decision could change the world’s darkest hour to one of triumph--but who is willing to pay the price? Kennedy Campbell has been running away for a long time--using her position as an international journalist to escape the ghosts of her family's past. She finds some solace working in an Afghan refugee camp, until the Taliban attacks them and Kennedy is forced to flee. She is pulled into a terrorist's realm of darkness as she fights to save those around her, but will it come at the expense of her own life? Ethan Barak leads a double life, helping MI-6 bring down arms dealers all over the world until his father is murdered by an old associate. Ethan makes his next mission a personal vendetta by tracking down the killer to Indonesia. While there, he finds himself in a position to either avenge his father or stop a terrorist attack on the Malacca Strait that will jeopardize innocent lives across the world. Can he look past his father's murder to save others? The line between justice and mercy is blurred with each passing second, and international intrigue becomes intensely personal as the age-old struggle for redemption is brought close to home.

If I Tell by Janet Gurtler

Jasmine Evans knows one thing for sure... people make mistakes. After all, she is one. Jaz is the result of a onenight stand between a black football player and a blonde princess. Having a young mother who didn't raise her, a father who wants nothing to do with her and living in a small-minded town where she's never fit in hasn't been easy. But she's been surviving. Until she sees her mom's new boyfriend making out with her own best friend. When do you forgive people for being human or give up on them forever?

Downloads From Audible.com:


Wondrous Strange by Leslie Livingston

17 year-old Kelley Winslow doesn’t believe in Faeries. Not unless they’re the kind that you find in a theatre, spouting Shakespeare—the kind that Kelley so desperately wishes she could be: onstage, under lights, with a pair of sparkly wings strapped to her shoulders. But as the understudy in a two-bit, hopelessly off-off-Broadway production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, wishing is probably the closest she’s going to get to becoming a Faerie Queen. At least, that’s what she thinks... In this fun, urban fantasy, Kelley's off-stage life suddenly becomes as complicated as one of Shakespeare’s plot twists when a nighttime trip to Central Park holds more than meets the mortal eye.

Darklight by Leslie Livingston

Much has changed since autumn, when Kelley Winslow learned she was a Faerie princess, fell in love with changeling guard Sonny Flannery, and saved the mortal realm from the ravages of the Wild Hunt.

Now Kelley is stuck in New York City, rehearsing Romeo and Juliet and missing Sonny more with every stage kiss, while Sonny has been forced back to the Otherworld and into a deadly game of cat and mouse with the remaining Hunters and Queen Mabh herself.

When a terrifying encounter sends Kelley tumbling into the Otherworld, her reunion with Sonny is joyful but destined to be cut short. An ancient, hidden magick is stirring, and a dangerous new enemy is willing to risk everything to claim that power.
Caught in a web of Faerie deception and shifting allegiances, Kelley and Sonny must tread carefully, for each next step could topple a kingdom . . . or tear them apart.

With breathtakingly high stakes, the talented Lesley Livingston delivers soaring romance and vividly magical characters in Darklight, the second novel in the trilogy that began with Wondrous Strange.

Tempestuous by Leslie Livingston

"I don't love Sonny Flannery."
That's the lie Kelley Winslow told to protect the boy she loves from a power he doesn't know he possesses. Devastated, Sonny retreats—to a haven for Lost Fae that's hidden deep underneath New York City.
But Kelley's not about to let things end in heartbreak. To get Sonny back, she's got to find out who's after his magick—and how to use her own. She's got to uncover who's recruiting Janus Guards to murderously hunt innocent Faerie. She's got to help rebuild the shattered theater company she called family. And she's got to do it all without getting dangerously distracted by the Fennrys Wolf, whose legendary heart of stone seems to melt whenever he's around Kelley.
The intrigue and romance that began with Wondrous strange and Darklight come to a stormy head in Tempestuous, the breathtaking conclusion to Lesley Livingston's ravishing urban Faerie trilogy.

The Power of Six by Pittacus Lore

I've seen him on the news. Followed the stories about what happened in Ohio. John Smith, out there, on the run. To the world, he's a mystery. But to me . . . he's one of us.

Nine of us came here, but sometimes I wonder if time has changed us—if we all still believe in our mission. How can I know? There are six of us left. We're hiding, blending in, avoiding contact with one another . . . but our Legacies are developing, and soon we'll be equipped to fight. Is John Number Four, and is his appearance the sign I've been waiting for? And what about Number Five and Six? Could one of them be the raven-haired girl with the stormy eyes from my dreams? The girl with powers that are beyond anything I could ever imagine? The girl who may be strong enough to bring the six of us together?

They caught Number One in Malaysia.
Number Two in England.
And Number Three in Kenya.
They tried to catch Number Four in Ohio—and failed.

I am Number Seven. One of six still alive.

And I'm ready to fight.

In My Mailbox was started by The Story Siren.

The idea behind IMM was not only to put new books on your radar but to also encourage blogger interaction. IMM explores the weekly contents of my mailbox & books bought.

Anyone can participate in IMM and you are not limited to only sharing books that arrive via your mailbox. You can also share books that you've bought or books that you've gotten at the library.