Blogging Authors

Monday, June 24, 2019

Book Teaser Trailer: Tough Karma: A Race Against Time by Laura Simmons @laurasimmons37 #booktrailer #bookteaser

Title: TOUGH KARMA: A RACE AGAINST TIME
Author: Laura Simmens
Publisher: Outskirts Press
Pages: 224
Genre: Paranormal Romance

BOOK BLURB:

Astral travel and a deadly secret make for a gripping paranormal romance from start to finish.
Amber Macklin’s world is cruelly shattered when she loses her baby girl three months after her husband’s sudden death. Her cousin, Bryce, comes to her rescue, moving her into his home for fear she will kill herself from the grief. He provides solace and a shoulder to cry on, and he has loved her as more than a cousin for a long time. Amber and Bryce soon discover they are not blood relatives, which opens the door for romance as he pulls her through her darkest hours. When Mike, a college friend of Bryce’s, stops by to visit, Amber senses a deadly secret behind his nice guy persona. She has a frightening dream that Mike is trying to kill her and recurring sleepwalking episodes where she draws detailed pictures of him torturing her. Deeply troubled, Bryce uses his ability to astral travel to investigate Mike and uncover his terrifying past. Mike has had his eye on Amber for some time, and when he learns that Bryce and Amber have become lovers, he is furious. Mike abducts Amber and takes her to his rural Georgia hideaway, and Bryce must rely on his astral abilities to track her down. But will he be too late?

Tough Karma: A Race Against Time is available at:

KAYLIN MCFARREN has received more than 45 national literary awards, in addition to a prestigious Golden Heart Award nomination for FLAHERTY’S CROSSING – a book she and her oldest daughter, New York Times/USA Today best-selling author, Kristina McMorris, co-authored in 2008. Prior to embarking on her writing journey and developing the popular THREADS psychological thriller series, she poured her passion for creativity into her work as the director of a fine art gallery in the Pearl District in Portland, Oregon; she also served as a governor-appointed member of the Oregon Arts Commission. When she’s not traveling or spoiling her pups and three grandsons, she enjoys giving back to her community through participation and support of various charitable and educational organizations in the Pacific Northwest, and is currently the president of the Soulful Giving Foundation – a non-profit focused on cancer research, care and treatment at hospitals throughout Oregon.

Website: www.kaylinmcfarren.com
Blog: https://kaylinmcfarren.blog
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/4kaylin
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorKaylinMcFarren

Thursday, June 20, 2019

Book Video Teaser: High Flying by Kaylin McFarren @4kaylin #bookteaser #bookvideo

thewriterslife 12:00 AM 0 Comments

Title: HIGH FLYING
Author: Kaylin McFarren
Publisher: Creative Edge Publishing LLC
Pages: 280
Genre: Time Travel Thriller

BOOK BLURB:

…ten minutes to survive the past.

Skylar Haines has struggled with personal demons most of her life, going to dark extremes to subdue anxieties rooted in her tragic past. On a perpetual hunt for the next adrenaline hit, she discovers a passion for flying and becomes a hard-edged stunt pilot, verging on obsession. In the sky, following her most daring airshow, she encounters a mysterious storm and almost collides with another aircraft, sending her into a perilous dive. Guided by a mysterious voice, she manages a safe landing but finds herself transported to another time. Eight months before she was born, one week before her father was murdered.

Though baffled by her circumstances, Skylar soon arrives at a single certainty: Before her lies a remarkable chance to change her family’s destiny drastically for the better — or possibly even worse — depending on the choices she makes, before her window of opportunity closes.

High Flying is available at:

Website: www.kaylinmcfarren.com
Blog: https://kaylinmcfarren.blog
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/4kaylin
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorKaylinMcFarren

# Book Teaser Spotlights # Book Teasers

Monday, June 10, 2019

My Love for the Psalms by Cherie Burbach @cherieburbach #guest

thewriterslife 5:18 AM 0 Comments

My Love for the Psalms

By Cherie Burbach

I’m thrilled to be able to talk about my latest book, Painting the Psalms. Thanks for having me.

I’ve been a writer and artist my entire life, since I was a little girl. I’ve been fortunate enough to have done both of those pursuits as a full-time career for the last 15 years or so. I’ve written for many companies and done a lot of different art projects, but doing a book that combined art and faith was on my to-do list for quite a long time.

While I started painting early on in life, but it wasn’t until a few years ago that I connected my love of art with the appreciation I had for the Psalms. Not only were they the “Bible’s poetry,” which appealed to me, many of them were attributed to King David, which interested me even more. After all, we get a different side of David through the Psalms. He shares his wonder at being “fearfully made” and his appreciation for all that God’s blessings have provided. We also see his regret at the mistakes he made and how he struggled with the family issues his own sin created.

I find comfort in seeing this emotional side of David since I can relate to feeling anxious about life or joyful in the wonder of God’s works.

The Psalms have influenced my art in many ways and in Painting the Psalms I share some of my favorite paintings and the emotion behind them. I have included verses from the Psalms that have stood out to me and sometimes I’ve painted the image that the words call up for me while other times I’ve highlighted the words in the painting.

The images included in this book are in no particular order, nor do they contain every Psalm. It is a big book and I’m sure it will continue to inspire me for years to come. It is my hope that this collection of art and my reflections bless and inspire you.

Cherie Burbach is a poet, mixed media artist, and freelance writer. She has penned and contributed to articles for Readers Digest, Family Circle, About.com (NY Times), NBC/Universal, Match.com, Christianity Today, and more.

Cherie also likes to express herself with mixed media art, combining Bible verses and her own poetry with special papers, acrylics, oils, ink, and more. She includes book pages, music sheets, and other random things in her art to create something that celebrates a hopeful, faith-filled message.

Cherie has been especially inspired by the Psalms, and has created a series of ecourses called Painting the Psalms, which includes mixed media painting projects all inspired by the Psalms in some way.
Each project is diverse in terms supplies, technique, and composition.

She is also the author of Painting the Psalms, which is part art book, part devotional.

Website:    https://www.cherieburbach.com/
Twitter:     https://twitter.com/CherieBurbach
Facebook:    https://www.facebook.com/CherieBurbach/

Title: PAINTING THE PSALMS
Author: Cherie Burbach
Publisher: Bonjour Publishing
Pages: 104
Genre: Christian Nonfiction

BOOK BLURB:

In Painting the Psalms, artist Cherie Burbach shares original, mixed-media paintings that contain a positive, faith-filled message. Each painting contains inspiration from the Psalms in some way, through the imagery, words, or emotion contained within the verses. Cherie uses a variety of mediums and techniques to create art that is filled with depth and whimsy. It is her hope that this book will inspire you to look at the Psalms in a new way so you can celebrate your faith and believe in the message. Some of the paintings were created during Cherie’s popular “Painting the Psalms” series of ecourses, where she demonstrates step-by-step progress from start to finish, including all the small details that make mixed media paintings come alive with texture and color.

ORDER YOUR COPY:

# Guest Posts

Wednesday, June 5, 2019

20 Questions with Maya Berger, Author of 'Off Shore Secrets' @maya_berger #20Questions

thewriterslife 12:00 AM 0 Comments

Today's guest is Maya Berger, author of the chick lit novel, Off Shore Secrets. Maya is here today to answer 20 questions about her life, writing and goals.

1. Are you a morning writer or a night writer?

I’m definitely a morning writer. As the day passes by, I have less and less inspiration.

2. Do you outline or are you a pantster?

I am both a plotter and pantster. I know the basis for a story, but I devise a lot as I write. It just comes to me and usually the story evolves differently from the one I had in mind at the beginning.

3. Which comes first – plot or character?

Usually the characters come first.

4. Noise or quiet when working on your manuscript?

I love a quiet environment, as little noise as possible. I don’t even listen to music…

5. Favorite TV show?

Nowdays: Victoria, and The Marvellous Mrs Maisel. Previously: Lost and Friends.

6. Favorite type of music?

POP

7. Favorite craft besides writing?

Leading relaxations

8. Do you play a musical instrument?

Sadly, no.

9. Single or married?

Married

10. Children or no?

One child, a beautiful daughter.

11. Pets?

A Tibetan terrier named Indi.

12. Favorite place to write?

In the attic at home.

13. Favorite restaurant?

French restaurants.

14. Do you work outside the home?

Sometimes.

15. What was the name of the last movie you saw?

Book Club

16. Favorite outdoor activity?

Paddling

17. Pet peeve?

Close-mindedness

18. Your goal in life?

To enjoy life, for better and for worse…

19. Your most exciting moment?

Having a child, then finishing my first book…

20. The love of your life?

My family

Maya Berger is the author of a memoir focusing on women’s personal growth called Luna Tree and its sequel In the Pursuit of Change. She took a break from writing about life and personal growth to write adventure stories about two young women just out of university trying to make important decisions in their life like who to date, who to socialise with, how to travel with no money and how to act in potentially dangerous situations. The most important lessons they learn are how to depend on each other and rely on themselves.

Maya is a 44-year-old living in Zagreb, Croatia with her husband and their three-year- old daughter. She is a marketing graduate, pilates instructor, she promotes Croatia as a tourist destination and she loves to read and write.

Website: www.mayabergerauthor.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/maya___berger

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MayaBergerTheAuthor/

Single again, Maya and her bestie, Una, make plans to sail around the beautiful Adriatic Coast on board a luxury yacht. Fun in the sun with friends is just what these two need this summer.

Maya shouldn’t be attracted to Adrian—the cocky, handsome Spaniard on board—especially when after a passionate night, he calls out another girl’s name in his sleep.

Una, who is supposed to be in a long distance relationship, hooks up with a stranger and sneaks him on board. The next day, the stranger is gone and so is some very expensive jewelry. When Una goes missing too, Maya wants to help her, but what is Una’s involvement?

And who is the mysterious girl Adrian mumbles about in his sleep? Perhaps it is something to do with Una’s secretive and reckless behavior. Maya has a lot of questions, but no one seems ready to give her the answers.

ORDER YOUR COPY:

Amazon

# 20 Questions

That'll Do Pippin by Anne Kaufmann #guest #children

thewriterslife 12:00 AM 0 Comments

That'll Do Pippin

Two puppies share lessons on lasting friendship, grand adventures, fascinating exploration and living in the extraordinary moment

Pippin, an adorable Border Collie puppy always knew that his brother, Nigel was stronger, braver and smarter than he was. He fervently wished with all his eager, dear heart that he could be exactly like Nigel. Why was he so small and weak that he couldn't jump as high, run as fast or fearlessly explore the unknown like his big brother?

One sunny day Pippin noticed the big dogs herding sheep. From that memorable day on, Pippin hoped with all his being that he would be a great sheep dog. Pippin knew absolutely that sheep herding was his purpose. But could he do it? He was such a small puppy.

Both puppies had one plucky longing - adventures. However, Pippin was naturally cautious and timid .One of Nigel's favourite endeavours was digging holes, deep holes! Pippin loved to help. Suddenly, there was a massive hole under the fence and a rare opportunity presented itself. Nigel darted under the barrier at lightning speed. Pippin panicked as he saw his best buddy abandoning him. Nigel looked back once and barked. Pippin had to seize the chance. He hesitated for a moment. Then he raced after Nigel.

Would it be an adventure worth the risk and would Pippin find his strength and courage?

Will the pups make it safely home? Will their brotherly bond and devoted friendship overcome the danger that lives just beyond the last fence?

I grew up with many dogs, and a sweet, clever budgie bird named Peter. I would pick up dogs that I found wandering the streets and bring them home, hoping that one more dog could join my family. My grandmother was often telling me that the stray dog belonged to one of the neighbours.

"Dog" people are not just fond of their dogs; they are obsessed with them. They understand dogs, respect them and recognize their nature. The bond between dogs and their persons is unbreakable. I often think dogs understand us better than we understand ourselves. They instantly know when we are sad, happy, scared or upset. They are comforters and friends. They live in the moment and love to explore, especially if their person is with them.

Pippin is one of my three dogs. He is the most remarkable boy - his personality in the book IS my Pippin. He is obsessed with sports games. He is clever and loyal. He loves to run in the woods with his dog family, Indy and Maya. Since my dogs and I are always hiking through the forest, I constantly watch them interact with nature. They relish jumping logs, racing down the dirt paths, exploring around trees and watching for any creature along the way.

Oh, and Pippin loves being around sheep.

Nigel truly is Pippin's brother. He happily lives in the United States and excels at Agility. Nigel is smart, brave and strong.

The brothers went to their own homes at seven weeks old. It is possible that one day they will meet again and experience an adventure.

Having lived with many Border Collies, I knew they were the perfect breed for my book. Each one has always been extremely smart, energetic, focused, resourceful and possessed with an uncanny ability to reason.

My favourite childhood stories always had animals and particularly dogs. Children and dogs create a magical world of play, friendship and exciting adventures. I believe that dogs are the preeminent teachers.

Writing about Pippin and Nigel's world of goofy antics and mishaps just fell into place.

One of the most absorbing parts of creating this book was drawing the illustrations. Border Collies offer so many enchanting facial expressions, extreme athletics and a penchant for fun and trouble. I wanted my illustrations to be an integral part of the story and capture Pippin and Nigel's unique personalities.

The whole process of the book was a great adventure for me. I enjoyed the journey from writing to illustrating, so of course, I had to write and illustrate a second book, Pippin and Nigel's Christmas Adventure.

About the Author

Anne Kaufmann is both the illustrator and author of the Pippin and Nigel adventure series for young children. She is the also the author of “Glenn Gould: Sketches of Solitude.” Anne is a former teacher librarian. She studied English Literature at Wilfrid Laurier University and the University of Toronto. Her passions include music, books, animals and creating nature journals. She has shared her life with dogs, horses, cats and birds.A nature lover, she spends many hours exploring the forests north of her home and walking her dogs, Indy, Maya and Pippin. She loves spending time with her horse, Aria. Some of her favourite childhood memories include summers at her cottage on Lake Simcoe, settling back on the family couch reading while listening to her dad’s weekly String Quartet group, playing with her dogs and wishing for a horse. She is currently working on the third book of the Pippin and Nigel Adventure series and a historical fiction novel on the great Canadian horse and Kentucky Derby winner, Northern Dancer. She lives in Ontario, Canada.

About the Book:

Pippin and Nigel are two charming puppy brothers who live on a wonderful farm. They are best buddies and do everything together. They are full of mischief, energy and fun! Pippin is the smaller puppy who wants with all his heart to be like his brother Nigel. Nigel is brave. Nigel is strong. Nigel is smart. One day, the puppies escape from their yard into the woods where they experience many adventures. Nigel is always there to help and protect Pippin. Then Pippin solves a dangerous problem all by himself and learns that it is okay just to be Pippin.

This story teaches young children the importance of believing in themselves and that they each have their own wonderful gifts and abilities.

ORDER YOUR COPY:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Thatll-Do-Pippin-Pups/dp/0991939786/ref=sr_1_fkmrnull_1?keywords=That%27ll+do+Pippin&qid=1556647850&s=gateway&sr=8-1-fkmrnull

Canada Amazon: https://www.amazon.ca/Thatll-Do-Pippin-Anne-Kaufmann/dp/0991939786/ref=sr_1_fkmrnull_1?keywords=That%27ll+do+Pippin&qid=1556647945&s=gateway&sr=8-1-fkmrnull

# Guest Posts

Tuesday, June 4, 2019

Encounters by Patrick Stull #guest

thewriterslife 12:00 AM 0 Comments

Encounters

By Patrick Stull

Rarely does one have the opportunity to see imagery coupled with prose that elevate the visual and cerebral experience. Encounters is that, a collection of imagery created and compiled over the last 15 years to inspire and challenge the observer while always empowering the subject. A portion of the portfolio presents something more than a photographic image. Here the imagery is developed into contemplative art pieces of the surreal genre, where the viewer is transported into the depths of their own psyche challenging them to see something new.

Another element in this body of work reflects on the power of art and its ability to expedite connections with something primal, subliminal, about who and what we are as humans. I attempt to communicate using multiple visual and philosophical dimensions. Photographers capture the moment, hoping you will see what they see. Encounters operates in multiple disciplines: the realm of the surreal, blatant reality and the abstract. I have designed and created the postures and elements in the imagery to exemplify my views of women, the power and erotic nature of the human body, society and, most of all, my love for art.

In Encounters, you will encounter 232 pages of fine art prints that include real and unique images of the human body, original drawings and photographic art. All of this is orchestrated to express and offer you a unique artistic and humanistic experience. Seldom does one have an opportunity to experience this kind of composition. I wish you an exciting and unique experience.

Encounters is dedicated to:

To the human body, a magnificent creation from the once singularity and the bowels of the earth.

To those that seek, through their actions, a more humane and just world.

To those that exercise restraint in the face of violence.

To those that cry out when the innocent creature is cruelly butchered for our vanity and entertainment.

To those that refuse to stay quiet when women and children are the recipients of violence.

About the Author

American artist Patrick Stull has spent the last eighteen years mostly creating imagery about the lives of women. He searches for what lies beneath the surface of his subjects, empowering each one he encounters. He has recently ventured into the realm of surrealism, creating powerful imagery that reflects on our humanity while dealing with the meaning and power of art.

Stull say's, "My work has allowed me to venture past the camera into the realm of a humanist, an artistic life, delving into the intellectual, a more cerebral life experience, creating what I call 'connectivism.'"

His ongoing work is based in large-scale digital photography accompanied by sculpture/body casts, composition art, painting, poetry/prose and drawings. His art is then integrated, collectively, into exhibitions to provide the viewer a once in a lifetime experience. The presentation of the work is delivered to the viewer in a unique and emotionally powerful way.

Stull, 71, a self-taught artist, works in many artistic disciplines. Educated at San Diego State University with degrees in psychology, economics and philosophy during the 1960’s, amidst the backdrop of the counter-culture revolution and the Viet Nam War, where his social consciousness and political views were shaped. Stull emerged from a Catholic Irish/German family, one of five children where work, discipline and religion took precedence over emotional expressions of the self – a different kind of loving environment. Being a husband of thirty-plus years and father to two has taught him the power of kindness, love and commitment.

His latest book is the fine art photography book, Encounters.

Visit his website at www.patrickstull.com.

About the Book:

Title: ENCOUNTERS
Author: Patrick Stull
Publisher: Independent
Pages: 250
Genre: Fine Art Photography Book

BOOK BLURB:

With photography at its base, Stull offers a nuanced explication of his encounters to allow the viewer an opportunity to form a relationship with his art. While looking within ourselves, exploring our own feelings, he hopes that he will inspire greater humaneness in response to his art.

ENCOUNTERS is the second in a series of six large-format books in which artist, photographer and author, Patrick Stull explores a wide range of experiences. Using light and the physical body, the written word and his artistry he creates imagery that examines aspects of the lives of women.

Compiled over the last 18 years, the images in ENCOUNTERS, Stull says, are meant to “inspire and challenge the observer while always empowering the subject.”

Stull brings a powerful sense of the surreal and the spiritual to his work as he plots a course along the many paths of the human experience. His imagery runs from the ghostly and ephemeral to the flowing and fiery.

As much as he concentrates on the human form, Stull never forgets to focus on the humanity of his subjects. His choice of the coffee-table style book format draws the viewer into an experience both intimate and universal.

Stull’s first book in his series, titled EVOLVE, was published in 2006. A third book, titled HIDDEN DIMENSIONS, is completed and awaiting publication. Future titles in the series include DHARMA, BEING DIFFERENT, and YOGA, A HEALING MOMENT.

Stull hopes that his readers come away from the book with “a love for art and a respect for the female who gives us life and challenges us to be better human beings.

ORDER YOUR COPY HERE

# Guest Posts

Monday, June 3, 2019

The Inspiration Behind Fid's Crusade by David H. Reiss

thewriterslife 12:00 AM 0 Comments

The Inspiration Behind Fid's Crusade

By David H. Reiss

I didn’t intend for Fid’s Crusade to be the first book in an ongoing series. I didn’t even intend for it to be a novel!

I’d been working on another (still unfinished) novel and had written myself into a corner; at that point, I hadn’t yet found a tool or method to effectively organize my thoughts for longer projects. At an impasse, I was becoming increasingly frustrated…and thus decided to work on something else for a while: a short story to act as a mental palate cleanser.

I’d been a comic-book geek in my youth, and it has been thrilling to see some of my favorite childhood heroes successfully make the transition to the big (and small) screen. A bit of superheroic prose seemed as though it would make for a fun diversion.

But I didn’t start with a hero. I started with a villain.

Generally speaking, heroes are reactive. They struggle and sacrifice to stop the villain’s plan…but the true origin for all of that conflict is the villain’s choice. It would be interesting, I thought, to explore the thought processes and motivations behind a supervillain’s actions.

The project was coming along well and I was having fun…but then I made the ‘mistake’ of approaching a new-to-me writers’ group. One member asked what I was currently working on so I explained my project…and was gently told that perhaps I would be more comfortable if I found a different group.

“We’re trying to be REAL authors here,” I was informed in a gentle and earnest voice. “We don’t write comic books.”

Since I’m far too passive-aggressive for my own health, I immediately raced home to re-write my story with the intent to prove that capital-L-Literature wasn’t limited to any one genre. Instead of a relatively light-hearted character piece, I constructed a deep-dive into the mind and heart of the superhero story’s traditional antagonist: a non-linear stream-of consciousness with a style informed by the works of Faulkner and Vonnegut. What I ended up with was chewy and technically well-written…but, unfortunately, squeezed dry of any of the original concept’s joy.

So I tore it apart and re-wrote it. And then I tore the next draft apart and re-wrote it again.

All of this poking and prodding led to the gestation of a larger story. My passive-aggressive stubbornness slowly faded and subsequent drafts were looser. And while all of this was occurring, I’d stumbled across a piece of software that helped me to orchestrate larger works and to maintain a birds-eye view of my overall plotlines.

Before I knew it, I had finished my debut novel.

About the Author

While growing up, David H. Reiss was that weird kid with his nose in a book and his head in the clouds. He was the table-top role-playing game geek, the comic-book nerd, the story-teller and dreamer.

Fortunately, he hasn't changed much.

David is a software engineer by trade and a long-time sci-fi and fantasy devotee by passion, and he lives in Silicon Valley with his partner of twenty-six years. Until recently, he also shared his life with a disturbingly spoiled cat named Freya.

(Farewell, little huntress. You were loved. You are missed.)

David's first book, Fid's Crusade, has just recently been published; this was his first novel-length project, but it certainly won't be his last—he's having far too much fun!

Website Link: https://www.davidhreiss.com

Twitter Link: https://twitter.com/davidhreiss

Facebook Link: https://www.facebook.com/davidhreiss

About the Book:

Consumed by grief, rage, and self-loathing, a brilliant inventor rebuilt himself to take on a new identity: the powered-armor-wearing supervillain, Doctor Fid. For twenty violent years, Fid has continued his quest to punish heroes who he considers to be unworthy of their accolades, and the Doctor has left a long trail of blood and misery in his wake. After a personal tragedy, however, Doctor Fid investigates a crime and uncovers a conspiracy so terrible that even he is taken aback.

Haunted by painful memories and profound guilt, the veteran supervillain must risk everything to save the world that he once sought to terrorize. Every battle takes its toll…but the stakes are too high for retreat to be an option.

In the end, it may take a villain to save the entire Earth from those entrusted with the Earth’s protection.

Praise:

"Fid's Crusade by David H. Reiss is one of the most refreshing and lively takes on the superhero genre I've seen in years. His title character's crusade is colorful, compelling, and takes wonderfully unexpected turns, and the novel delivers an impressive emotional punch (to go along with the super-powered ones). It stands easily alongside other character-driven superhero novels like Austin Grossman's Soon I Will Be Invincible, Carrie Vaughn's After the Golden Age, and Paul Tobin's Prepare to Die!." - Hugo award-winning author Tim Pratt