Wednesday, April 15, 2020

Back Story: A MAN'S LATE NIGHT THOUGHTS by J. Richman #backstory

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The Inspiration Behind A Man’s Late Night Thoughts

By J. Richman

A Man’s late night thoughts did not start as a book. In the beginning it was a daily journal that I wrote each night I wrote a review of my days active and added my reaction and if I learned anything. I put that into a very short thought.
Then strange things happen. If during the day I would hear a odd word I found myself forming a raw thought that was a reflect of my past and that word---I made a note and placed the note by my computer and held in place by a plastic chunk of dog poop
From time to time late at night I review those raw ideas and started to rewrite them. Clean them up and shorten by removing unnecessary words---many of these were reworded a dozen times over time. Some were crap, some were great---I started to share these with friends and my kids---and when they added up to over a 100 I stared to think ---book---now 344 original  thoughts
These thoughts were about forgiving our self and others for deeds that could only fit into a nightmare.
Many were observation of screw ups that all men yes all of us do, but do not express our inter reactions. but should. Many our negative thoughts  come from the actions and words of other people that effect us---guilt trips that a boss or wife or so call friends try to give us, lesson is we do not to go—not required trip.
Forgive your self---few other will. One can say to yourself or other—that was before I knew better.
When women read the 344 thoughts and they gain knowledge of their man’s thinking and can change their reactions to how they handle problems in a way that will not further hurt their man and make every far worse.
At the same time many of the thoughts will give insight to all ladies problems and perhaps alter their life and how they think of themselves. Can I unwound you—Can you unwound me
Every man and every women or every teenager will like them self better after reading these thoughts
Jim Richman
Author

About the Author



Richman is the author of A MAN’S LATE NIGHT THOUGHTS, a collection of thoughts about life, relationships, and humanity.

Richman’s work history includes his service as an undercover intelligence officer in the US Air Force; later, he established a thriving business in real estate investment. For 16 years, Richman owned and operated Modify My Mortgage, a company that worked with homeowners to prevent foreclosures. His business success allowed Richman the time to pursue his passions, which included serving as the president of Nova, a workshop that provided work and life skills training for clients with disabilities; cofounding A Way Across, a drop-in center for teenagers with emotional and substance abuse problems; and fundraising for several more public service groups.

Richman enjoys writing and editing at night after allowing his ideas to blossom and expand during the day. The author is married with three sons and five grandsons.



About the Book 



A MAN’S LATE NIGHT THOUGHTS by J. Richman is a creative and life-affirming collection of ponderings that expose the deep thoughts and feelings of a man who has lived a life full of diverse experiences and challenges. This uniquely constructed compilation of more than 300 reflections focuses on several areas of living, including intimate relationships and acceptance of human frailty, as well as the author’s internal conflicts.

A MAN’S LATE NIGHT THOUGHTS homes in on the complications inherent in intimate relationships from the opening pages of the book: “Problems accrue when we confuse how a woman looks with who she is.” Richman brings the perspective of a mature man to the lessons on love presented in the book, including, “Exploitation of another depreciates both parties,” and “The reason we fall in love with flawed people is that that’s the only kind of people there are.”

In addition to offering a brief study of intimate relationships, A MAN’S LATE NIGHT THOUGHTS probes human frailty and offers readers guidance in accepting this fact. “We must learn to be strong enough to be gentle,” brings into focus the need to deliberately work at treating people well. The author also encourages readers to show self-compassion when dealing with their own baggage: “Sometimes it’s difficult to see beyond the wreckage of our lives, but we must! Take heart! We are more than our mistakes.”

In A MAN’S LATE NIGHT THOUGHTS, Richman further challenges readers to take the reins of their lives when he says, “Name those things that you would do if you had no fear then do something about it.” He offers words of caution regarding political rhetoric: “Beware of politicians who whip up emotions to make us suspicious of others unlike us.” And rounds the book out by sharing his internal conflicts: “The world has bent me more than I have bent it”; “too often my logical mind and my emotional mind are hostile enemies”; “every time I look in the mirror, I expect to see a younger man.”

A MAN’S LATE NIGHT THOUGHTS began as a series of notes that Richman wrote to himself. “I found that if I do not write out my true, and often painful, thoughts and feelings, I do not deal with them.” Richman wishes a book like this one had been available when he was a boy because the knowledge enclosed could have assisted him in navigating his teenage and young adult years. He hopes A MAN’S LATE NIGHT THOUGHTS will assure men that they are not alone in their quiet musings. For women, Richman believes the book will provide a window into men’s unexpressed emotions.

ORDER YOUR COPY

Amazon → https://amzn.to/2RVEoqX

 Barnes & Noble → https://bit.ly/3b7HaRo

Tuesday, April 7, 2020

Character Interview: Alexandra Forever: Beginnings Alexandra #characterinterview @a4eproject

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We are really excited to have Alexandra here with us today at Blogging Authors! Alexandra comes from the inside pages of David Richards' new book, ALEXANDRA FOREVER: BEGINNINGS. Take it away, Alexandra!
What is your name?

Alexandra. If you want to know more, buy the rights.

What do you look like?

Hot. Okay, seriously, I guess I’m on the tall side for a woman. Athletic. People think I’m Latina. Some say Egyptian. I’ve even heard Indian. Lots of speculation because lots of people lookin’. 

Where are you today and what are you doing?

At home. Preparing for the arrival of my granddaughters. They’re both in their fifties now and have self-imposed diet restrictions. Screw that noise. I’m baking apple pie. It’s the only dessert I make that is halfway edible. I’m not learning some bark and quinoa, low-everything, muffin recipe for one visit.

You come face to face with your worse enemy. How do you react?

Are there witnesses present? If yes, I wait until there aren’t witnesses present.

How would your parents describe you?

My mother, well, I’d have to say that I don’t care. My father would describe me as his angel. He passed away before finding out any different.

Who is your best friend?

Henry.

Are you faith-oriented?

I know there is so much more to life than meets the eye.

Are you married or in a relationship?
Widowed. Since the death of my Henry, I date and its fun, but that’s the extent of it.

Do you have children?

One daughter, Lindsay. Got three-quarters of her father’s brains and three-quarters my physicality. She won the friggin’ genetics lottery!


Inside the Book



Title: ALEXANDRA FOREVER: BEGINNINGS
Author: D.W. Richards
Publisher: Solstice Publishing
Pages: 189
Genre: Urban Fantasy/Scifi

BOOK BLURB:

Would you risk erasing yourself from ever existing to save the immortal soul of a beloved friend?
Two middle-aged sisters, Nadenka and Anastasiya, travel to a remote northern mountain where they must contend with their notorious, and seemingly immortal grandmother, Alexandra, in their quest to save an aged and frail member of their coven, Terra, from demonic possession. Deep family wounds need to be addressed before they can do what is required for the exorcism. But time is running out. The woman they are trying to save is dying. As the clock is ticking down, an evil legion emerges to stand between them and saving Terra’s immortal soul.

ORDER YOUR COPY

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2TET9iI

  About the Author



D.W. Richards first introduced the protagonist, Alexandra, to the world in his novel, “Pairs,” which spent two weeks on the Amazon U.K. Best Seller list for humor. Alexandra’s story continued in the graphic novel, “Alexandra Forever: 2337”. In addition to creative writing, D.W. Richards has a Bachelor Degree in Psychology from Carleton University and is a Certified General Accountant.

WEBSITE & SOCIAL LINKS:

Ten Things You Might Not Know About Beachside Beginnings by Sheila Roberts @_sheila_roberts #10Things

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Best-selling author Sheila Roberts has seen her books published in a dozen different languages and made into movies for both the Hallmark and Lifetime channels. She’s happily married and lives in the Pacific Northwest. When she’s not hanging out with girlfriends, speaking to women’s groups or going dancing with her husband she can be found writing about those things near and dear to women’s hearts: family, friends, and chocolate.

WEBSITE & SOCIAL LINKS:


10 Things You Might Not Know About Beachside Beginnings

1. As part of my research I did a ride along with one of the local policemen at Ocean Shores, WA, which is the inspiration for my town of Moonlight Harbor
2. The Driftwood Inn is modeled after a small vintage motel in that town.I used to have a nervous tic just like my ongoing character Jenna Jones
3. I used to have a nervous tic just like my ongoing character Jenna Jones
4. I wound up cutting a very funny scene. My editor felt that, even though it was funny the subject matter was a little too dark and we were already dealing with the serious issue of abuse. This of course, is nothing to be taken lightly and I hope if someone in an abusive relationship reads this book she’ll be inspired by my heroine Moira Wellman and leave. We all deserve to live our best lives. In safety!
5. I always stock up on saltwater taffy when writing a Moonlight Harbor book and this one was no exception.
6. I had several fun book signings parties planned to celebrate the release of this book. That was all pre- COVID-19. Looks like all the fun will be taking place on line this spring.
7. The beauty mishaps mentioned in the book are things that all happen out here in the real world.
8. Many of the hair colors I mention in the book were inspired by designs by my pal, color artist Michael Lowenstein, owner of Ross Michael Salon. Check his work out on Instagram. Amazing!
9. Much of this book was written at the beach.
10. And now I’m out of things to tell you. So let’s just end with …. You don’t know if you’re going to enjoy this book, but I’m hoping you will. Stay well and happy reading!
 
About the Book:

Title: BEACHSIDE BEGINNINGS
Author: Sheila Roberts
Publisher: MIRA
Pages: 384
Genre: Women’s Fiction
BOOK BLURB:

Moira Wellman has always loved makeovers—helping women find their most beautiful selves. Funny how it’s taken her five years with her abusive boyfriend, Lang, to realize she needs a life makeover. When Moira finally gets the courage to leave Lang, the beachside town of Moonlight Harbor is the perfect place to start over.

Soon Moira is right at home, working as a stylist at Waves Salon, making new friends, saving her clients from beauty blunders and helping the women of Moonlight Harbor find new confidence as well as new looks. When she meets a handsome police officer, she’s more than willing to give him a free haircut. Maybe even her heart. But is she really ready for romance after Lang? And what if her new friend is in hot pursuit of that same cop? This is worse than a bad perm. Life surely can’t get any more difficult. Or can it?

With all the heart and humor readers have come to expect from a Sheila Roberts novel, Beachside Beginnings is the story of one woman finding the courage to live her best life. And where better to live it than at the beach?

ORDER YOUR COPY

Amazon → https://amzn.to/37OSdw6

 Barnes & Noble → https://bit.ly/35CrilM

 

 

Monday, April 6, 2020

The Soundtrack of Writing by Kathleen Stone #guest @kstonewriter

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The Soundtrack of Writing

By Kathleen Stone

Music has been part of my everyday life for as long as I can remember. There was always music playing in my house growing up, whether it was my mom’s beloved Elvis or my dad’s country music. It’s only natural I would become a music lover as well, and I have music playing at every opportunity. I listen to music while working, cleaning, exercising, and in the car (no talk radio for me!). How often do you hear a song that takes you back to a specific memory, positive or negative, and the emotions wash over you unexpectedly?  We all have soundtracks to our lives and most likely there are quite a few when you consider pivotal life moments — childhood, high school, first love, college, careers… the list goes on and on.

As my life as a writer began to take shape so did the soundtrack of my work. While I have an eclectic musical library, when it comes to writing only certain songs will do. This becomes my writing soundtrack, and it can vary from book to book, or even from scene to scene. I once spent an entire day trying to get one specific scene perfect and listened to one song over and over all day until I got it right. And when I was finished I was emotionally drained, but the scene was pure magic.

A writing soundtrack for me can consist of the same band for one novel, the same genre of music for another, or a specific decade for yet another. My recent novel, Whispers On A String, takes place between 1975 and 2011, so you can imagine the extent of what that soundtrack might sound like. Music plays a huge part of the story, and the musical inspiration came from an overwhelming amount of artists and genres, spanning nearly forty years. I wanted to be able to share this soundtrack with my readers somehow, so at the end of the book I listed all the songs involved in my book’s soundtrack, sixty seven in all. I then did something I haven’t personally seen before, and created a playlist on Spotify (Whispers On A String — The Novel) so my readers could actually listen to the book’s soundtrack, either while reading or on its own.

I did an experiment one day and tried writing without any music whatsoever, and it was abysmal. Not only was I completely on edge, but the writing didn’t flow naturally and it turned out to be a completely wasted writing day. Now that I’m writing the next novel, the music is different but the process is the same, and I’m excited to discover long forgotten songs that end up being perfect for a specific scene or chapter. What does your writing soundtrack look like?







Kathleen Stone has been a freelance writer since 1999 and now writes full time. Her work has appeared in Doll World Magazine, Apolloslyre.com, The Lake County Journals, Trails.com; USA Today (travel), Livestrong.com (lifestyle), Essortment, eHow, Answerbag, Examiner.com, Suite101 and YahooVoices. She is the author of Whispers On A String and the Head Case Rock Novel Series, which includes Head Case and its sequels, Whiplash and Haven. She also has short stories published in the Secrets: Fact or Fiction I & II anthologies.

WEBSITE & SOCIAL LINKS:

Website:  http://www.kathleenstone.org
Twitter:  www.twitter.com/kstonewriter
Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/kathleenstonewriter

  

What happens when your soul is bound to another before you were ever born? Lonny and Roo have been best friends since they met in high school in 1975 at the age of fourteen. Same last name, same birthdate, they were attached at the hip; rarely was one seen without the other. Together they navigate through their emotional high school years, but nothing prepares the naive teenagers for the real world ahead of them. Now on the cusp of their fiftieth birthday, Lonny finds Roo broke and alone and convinces her to leave with him on a cross country road trip from New York to Las Vegas, hoping to set her on a new path in life. Told exclusively by Roo, follow the friends back and forth through their unique relationship — experience the loss of innocence, career and life choices that separate and unite them, and unspeakable events that nearly destroy them. It’s a love only they understand, as well as the unbreakable bond that forever ties them together. Is it possible they are only capable of loving each other?

ORDER YOUR COPY

Amazon → https://amzn.to/329vHMV

 



Wednesday, April 1, 2020

Book Video Teaser: THE EARL NOT TAKEN by A.S. Fenichel @asfenichel #bookteaser #bookvideo

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BOOK BLURB:
 
Title: THE EARL NOT TAKEN
Author: A.S. Fenichel
Publisher: Kensington Books
Pages: 236
Genre: Historical Fiction

BOOK BLURB:

Left standing on the side while their contemporaries marry into society, four young ladies forge a bond to guard each other from a similar fate . . .

Finishing school failed to make a proper lady of Penelope Arrington. But as a Wallflower of West Lane, Poppy has a far more vital role—she and her three best friends have made a pact to protect each other from the clutches of dangerous, disreputable men. So when one of them is about to be married off to a duke sight unseen, Poppy makes it her mission to divine the prospective husband’s true character. If only she didn’t require the aid of London’s most unsuitable rake.

Rhys Draper, Earl of Marsden, has known the headstrong Poppy since she was a young girl, naïve to the ways of men. To her eternal chagrin—and to his vague amusement—they have been at odds over the memory of their embarrassing first encounter all these years. Now, with his services in need, Rhys sees a chance to finally clear the air between them. Instead, he is surprised by the heat of their feelings. If the two do not tread carefully, they may end up in a most agreeably compromising position . . .


Amazon → https://amzn.to/2P0nS6S

 Barnes & Noble → https://bit.ly/32a3J3X

KOBO → https://bit.ly/2uPJEDE

Google Play → https://bit.ly/2Hr2DqD


A.S. Fenichel gave up a successful IT career in New York City to pursue her lifelong dream of being a professional writer. She adores writing stories filled with love, passion, desire, magic and maybe a little mayhem tossed in for good measure. Originally from New York, she grew up in New Jersey, and now lives in Missouri with her real-life hero, her wonderful husband and two temperamental cats.




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