Friday, May 30, 2008

June is 'Book Reviewing' Month at Blogcritics Magazine!

To promote the release of The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing, co-author Mayra Calvani will be interviewing 15+ reviewers and review editors during the month of June. Learn all about the business of book reviewing and what’s in the mind of some of the most popular reviewers on the internet today. Some of the guests will include: Alex Moore from ForeWord Magazine, James Cox from Midwest Book Review, Irene Watson from Reader Views, Andrea Sisco from Armchair Interviews, Magdalena Ball from The Compulsive Reader, Sharyn McGinty from In The Library Reviews, Lea Schizas from Muse Book Reviews, Linda Baldwin from Road to Romance, Hilary Williamson from Book Loons, Judy Clark from Mostly Fiction, and many others!

To see the complete lineup, visit: The Slippery Book Review Blog.

Between June 1st and June 30th, stop by Blogcritics and leave a comment under the reviewer interviews for a chance to win a Pump Up Your Book Promotion Virtual Book Tour ,OR, as an alternative to a non-author winner, a $50 B&N gift certificate!

Monday, May 26, 2008

Pump Up Your Book Promotion Social Network: Virtual Book Tours Q&A and Author Day

Cheryl Malandrinos of Pump Up Your Book Promotion has started a discussion at the Pump Up Your Book Promotion Social Network for those interested in learning more about virtual book tours. As we have been in the business for a year now, we've become experienced experts in the field. If you would like to ask us a question about anything regarding virtual book tours, visit the link and we'll be more than happy to address those questions.

The Pump Up Your Book Promotion Social Network was opened to allow authors to promote their books without cost. Sign up and brag, brag, brag. There's a sub-group in the left hand side that allows excerpts and another one that allows reviews and everyone is invited to submit. All you have to do is sign up and post.

If you are interested in our special section called Author Day which includes an entire day of promotion in a question and answer format, we do have to charge for this but you'll get your own page with book cover, buying information, author bio, book blurb and promotion for the event prior to the date you will appear. We use the same format of promotion we use for all our authors on tour, so you get more than your money's worth. We are booked for June, but do have openings in July. The cost is $25. If you are interested, email me at thewriterslife(at)yahoo.com and I'll send you the application for it.

Our list of authors scheduled for Author Day in June include:

June 2 - Karen White, author of the fiction novel, THE MEMORY OF WATER
June 4 - James Burns, author of the financial book on how to get rich, THE 3 SECRET PILLARS OF WEALTH
June 9 - Victoria Wells, author of the multicultural romance, A SPECIAL SUMMER
June 11 - Traci E. Hall, author of the paranormal romance, LOVE'S MAGIC
June 13 - to be announced
June 16 - Steven Baldwin & Karen Holgate, authors of the non-fiction book about the American school system, FROM CRAYONS TO CONDOMS: THE UGLY TRUTH ABOUT AMERICA'S PUBLIC SCHOOLS
June 18 - Grace Reddick, author of the children's book, ASHLEY'S UNFORGETTABLE SUMMER
June 20 - Candis C. Coffee, author of the literary fiction novel, MARIPOSA
June 23 - Phyllis Zimbler Miller, author of the woman's fiction novel, MRS: LIEUTENANT: A SHARON GOLD NOVEL
June 25 - Linda Merlino, author of the literary fiction, BELLY OF THE WHALE
June 27 - Peter Bowerman, author of the book on self-publishing, THE WELL-FED SELF PUBLISHER: HOW TO TURN ONE BOOK INTO A FULL TIME LIVING

All authors are giving away free books!

If you are one of our past clients and would like a stop at Author Day, your fee is waived, but you must book early as we only have a limited amount of stops.

Thank you!

Monday, May 19, 2008

Interview with Children's Book Author Bonnie B. Cuzzolino

Award winning author Bonnie Cuzzolino and her family live in New Jersey. Bonnie and her husband Ray are the parents to a beautiful daughter adopted from Hubei, China in November of 2001 at 12 months old. She and her husband are now waiting for a referral for their second daughter from China through Holt International Children's Services. Bonnie has had a lifelong passion to write children's books. This book is her first and is dedicated to her daughter, Jillian Mei. You can visit her website at http://www.plumblossombooks.com/.

Welcome to Pump Up Your Online Book Promotion, Bonnie. Can we begin by having you tell us what Letter of Love From China is about and why you wrote it?

It is the story of my daughter, Jillian Mei’s adoption from China at the age of 12 months. Part of the story is based on the facts we know and the rest is based on the possibilities behind her relinguishment by her birth family. It is written in the voice of her birth mom in the form of a letter to her explaining birth mom’s love and hopes for her adoption. It is beautifully illustrated with vivid colors and scenes of Chinese life.

Letter of Love From China is a children’s picture book. Why did you choose this genre to write?

I wanted to write strictly children’s books and a dedication to my daughter seemed the best place to start. Did you choose it or did it choose you? I feel it chose me. My daughter had questions about her birth mom in China and this was a way to answer those questions for her. At the same time it would help other children understand the adoption process and provide a wonderful keepsake.

In regards to promotion, what have you been doing to promote your book online?

I advertise to adoption Yahoo groups, entering writing contests, have my own detailed website and now have chosen a virtual book tour.

Of all the promotional items (bookmarks, press kits, etc…) you have used to promote your book, which one was used most effectively?

So far advertising to the Yahoo groups and word of mouth with the help of friends has proven rather effective. I knew I needed to take promoting to a higher level to be truly successful.

Do you feel that the Internet has opened doors for authors who never dreamed they’d ever see a publishing contract and how has it influenced you in regards to your own publishing journey?

Yes, the internet is a great source for authors and publishers. It opens you up to a world wide audience. It has provided me with all the tools needed to research the best route for me to publish and has given me ideas for promoting my book. It also has offered me the opppotunity to enter writing contests of which my book recently became the Silver Recipient of the Mom’s Choice Award for Best Children’s Book in the Family Life category.

If you were in the middle of Manhattan (or any busy thoroughfare) and you wanted to call attention to your book, what would you do and what would you say?

I would set up an area that would call out to help orphans worldwide by educating all children and parents on the subject. I would let people know I donate a portion of my book proceeds to orphans through my adoption agency. I would invite everyone to stop , ask questions and of course buy my book.

If you could trade places with any author just for a day, who would it be and why?

That would be Eric Carle. His books are adorable and I would love to be able to do my own illustrations as he does. He enjoys such great success and recognition which is every writers dream.

Lastly, how do you determine your book’s success?

Success is determined by the compliments you get by every reader that enjoys your book. Recognition for your accomplishments is so important too by the industry itself.

Thank you for coming, Bonnie! Can you tell us where everyone can pick up a copy of Letter of Love From China?

My book is available on my website at http://www.plumblossombooks.com.

BUY THE BOOK


Friday, May 16, 2008

Historical Fiction Author Andrew Jalbert Joins Us on Author Day Today

Join us on Friday, May 16, 2008 between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. when historical fiction author Andrew Jalbert visits us at the Author Day section of our social network at Pump Up Your Book Promotion! Leave a question and Andrew will answer them all on Friday, plus give away a free book to one lucky person who participates!

About Andrew:

Award winning freelancer Andrew Jalbert has been a professional archaeologist and scuba instructor for over 15 years. During that time, he has worked throughout the Great Lakes, the Caribbean, Central America, Southern Africa, the Florida Keys, and Hawaii. His work focuses on tropical subjects–both above and below the water–and he is a regular contributor to scuba diving, natural history, fitness, and travel magazines. Andrew currently lives in Madison, Wisconsin.

You can visit his website at www.jalbertproductions.com.


About the Book:

What are the elements of friendship that last a lifetime-the mysterious connection that can outlast great distances and more than half a century of separation to bring friends back together? For Lázaro, a salty Cuban mariner and Dominic, a brilliant Chicago engineer, the answers can be found in the game of chess.

From the time of their meeting and first chess match on Key West in the 1930s, each man's win is scratched into the back of the board. As the game tally grows, so does their friendship. Now, both men are in their twilight years, but it's Dominic's life, weathered by cancer, which is reaching its conclusion. Lázaro, who fled from his island home and his friend years ago, learns that Dominic is rapidly dying and sets off on the long journey from Boston to Florida to see his old friend. Prior to leaving, Lázaro retrieves the old chessboard and makes a startling discovery. The number of scratches, first marked over sixty years before and uncounted until now, has the two men evenly tied.

As he drives towards Dominic and the keys, Lázaro is forced to confront a past he has struggled to forget while anticipating the reunion with his old friend and what could be their final game.

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

BOOK SPOTLIGHT: HOW TO SAY IT: BUSINESS WRITING THAT WORKS by Adina Rishe Gewirtz


How to Say It: Business Writing That Works
by Adina Rishe Gewirtz
ISBN-10: 073520425X
Publisher: Prentice Hall Press

How to Say It: Business Writing That Works takes the gut-wrenching pain out of the writing process by breaking it down into ten easy-to-follow steps. Adina Gewirtz teaches that writing is first of all a thinking and organizational skill, and that if writers learn how to ask themselves the right questions, understand their audience and group ideas and information before they try to find the right words, the words will come.

In a funny, light style that makes the learning painless, Adina Gewirtz teaches her ten-step system, then shows how to put that system to work in various business writing tasks, from a letter to a report to a proposal. The book covers even notoriously hard writing tasks like audits and performance reviews, and teaches writers how to make even a reluctant audience a willing one.

About the Author:

For 15 years, Adina Gewirtz has been helping struggling writers get organized. Trained as a journalist, and with a master's degree in journalism from the
University of Maryland at College Park, she spent her early career freelancing, and then created The Writer's Roadmap based on techniques pioneered by two-time Pulitzer prize winner Jon Franklin. Those techniques were designed to help professional writers structure and execute a well-crafted piece of writing. By translating them into tools even non-professionals could use, Ms. Gewirtz quickly discovered the vast need for such a system by those struggling to write for work or school.

By the mid 1990s, she was teaching writing seminars for accounting giant Arthur Andersen LLP. After 2001, she returned to her own writing and again worked with high school and college students. Her recent book, How To Say It: Business Writing That Works (Prentice Hall, 2007), is available at Amazon.com or area bookstores. Another book, The Student Writer's Roadmap, is in the works for struggling writers in college and high school.

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Virtual Book Tour: Interview with Romantic Fantasy Author R. Leigh

Today's guest author is R. Leigh, author of the romantic fantasy novel, The Winds of Asharra.

Author R. Leigh is a mystery to local neighbors, appearing enigmatic and ageless, and wearing an ever present red crystal pendant. Some have guessed this author's secret other worldly origin, speculating that the tales of Asharra might somehow be true. Outskirts Press does not confirm this and will not comment on rumors that the manuscript for this novel appeared in their offices out of nowhere. We urge you to read this book and decide for yourself.

You can visit R. Leigh's website at www.thewindsofasharra.com.

Welcome to Pump Up Your Online Book Promotion, R. Leigh. Can we begin by having you tell us what The Winds of Asharra is about and why you wrote it?

Our current novel ,The Winds of Asharra is 600+ pages of fantasy, romance and New Age Fantasy. It’s a story of self discovery as well as the adventure of two teenagers from Earth who find themselves on a strange journey in a wonderous and sensual land. In short, it is a crossover work, appealing to fans of multiple genres. In addition to being a fantasy story, set in an alien world, and having quite a bit of sensuality, it also explores the complex mystical culture and philosophy of the Asharrans in great detail. So, in short, it’s something for the head and the heart. If hard pressed, we would call it a “New Age epic fantasy romance adventure”.

Why did you choose this combination of genres to write? Did you choose it or did it choose you?

The Winds of Asharra is difficult to classify and quite honestly, it was more a case of creating the product first and then attempting to determine exactly what had been created. That was both a happy and curious discovery as well as a challenge, since the Winds of Asharra almost defies classification. The musical dragons and dreegins, the telepathic trees and the evolved felines make Asharra a fantasical place, the true essence of the fantasy definition. However, the overt sensuality and sexuality, so evident on Asharra also more than qualifies the story of Victor, Zoe and Ionera as a romance, although it makes no attempt to follow the too-often cliche conventions of that genre. Lastly, it is definitely accurate to say that there is a considerable amount of New Age philosophy embedded into the story within the definitions of Asharran culture, appealing to yet a third demographic. So, yes, in a sense, the particulars of Asharra chose us, rather than the reverse. We did not set out to create such a complicated hybrid, appealing to three different target audiences, but in a sense, it found us.

In regards to promotion, what have you been doing to promote your book online?

We've already dabbled in virtually all of the standard elements of promotion ranging from advertising, interviews, book trailers, contests and of course virtual book tours like this one, and the larger one we are planning for July. It's kept us very busy so far and there is more to come.

Of all the promotional items (bookmarks, press kits, etc…) you have used to promote your book, which one was used most effectively?

Ask the question again in six months and we'd be happy to reply. We're enjoying the results of all of them and still sorting out the particulars. It will be very interesting for us to learn which avenues of promotion ultimately attracted the most potential readers and which were just entertaining endeavors for their own sake.

Do you feel that the Internet has opened doors for authors who never dreamed they’d ever see a publishing contract and how has it influenced you in regards to your own publishing journey?

Unquestionably, the Internet allows a much faster transmission of information and news about items when the readers know where to look. The potential is enormous but so is the challenge to actually reach that world wide audience. There is an old story comparing the internet to a giant library into which a small child is brought. The child does not know who wrote all of the books or even what they are about, but the sheer scope and size of the library is overwhelming. Even if the child can not yet read, it knows that it is surrounded by something that evokes awe. That’s where we are with the internet, so much potential and vast in scope. The challenge is to enjoy the enormous library and not become lost in it.

If you were in the middle of Manhattan (or any busy thoroughfare) and you wanted to call attention to your book, what would you do and what would you say?

Given the risks we've taken in the Winds of Asharra including various plot threads and philosophical points, the answer is clear. We would simply have to bring a folding chair and start reading the book aloud. The unique elements would bounce off of the skyscrapers, reverberate off of the folliage in Central Park and encourage the curious to start to gather around. Sure, a few might shake their heads and maybe one might even make silly faces. Yet, there among the growing crowd, would be some expressions of surprise and wonder. That’s what books can do if they stretch your conventional thinking in new ways or into new realms.

If you could trade places with any author just for a day, who would it be and why?

That is a difficult question but we'd have to say we would be honored to walk the path of authors Rod Serling or Harlan Ellison. Both pushed the limits of their writing, sometimes surprising their audiences and occasionally even irritating them. Yet, in all cases, both of these authors made their audiences think and feel in different ways and consider different possibilities. They made them grow, whether they wanted to or not.

Lastly, how do you determine your book’s success?

The cliche practical answer is usually some variation on the old chestnut, when it enables the author to spend enough time to concentrate on sequels. Yet, that is far too Western for us, and quite honestly a very un-Asharran answer. Since we actually follow a philosophy that parallels that in the book, it's more accurate for us to say that the Winds of Asharra was a success when the last letter and article of punctuation was completed and when the book took physical form, enabling it to be shared with readers. The very creation of such a complicated hybrid, spanning several genres, and challenging the readers to stretch their definitions of entertainment was the moment of success for us. Or, if you prefer, our characters repeatedly say in the book, the only way you can fail is is you give up. By, that definition, there is no need to determine the success of the book. We're happy to report that we are already there.

Thank you for coming, R. Leigh Can you tell us where everyone can pick up a copy of The Winds of Asharra?

It’s been a pleasure. Interested readers can find copies of the WInds of Asharra at a variety of online book retailers including Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, Powells and Books a Million.

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Thursday, May 8, 2008

BOOK SPOTLIGHT: THE WINDS OF ASHARRA by R. Leigh


The Winds of Asharra
by R. Leigh
ISBN-10: 1432723111
Publisher: Outskirts Press

It was a spectacular cross-over from ya to yi, as the twin suns parted company, creating a breathtaking twilight, on a world where it never became completely dark. The clear sky, now a softer shade of violet, was only dotted with a few wisps of light blue clouds as the naked winged pair lazily glided home to their own crystalline osharra. While aloft, they embraced and kissed, even joyfully managing a spin and a tight loop without breaking contact. His large blue wings covered her smaller red ones as he playfully introduced his tongue into her mouth. It was an Earth custom which she was grateful to have learned and one which she would never forget. He touched one of her tiny silver horns for luck, a gesture that had become a habit, as he slyly patted her on the globes of her tezz before releasing his mate from his embrace and landing on the familiar red soil of Asharra. They had been through so much together and encountered so many fine creatures, many of whom were formally declared as friends by way of the Doings.

For her part, she was relieved at the completion of the most recent events, even with the surprising consequences which she could never have imagined. Images of the beings they had encountered along the way darted across her greater mind as she snuggled into the pile of multi-colored looshie cushions inside the sleeping chamber. She was grateful for the experience of knowing the intelligent plants and the brash blue two-legged bull, to say nothing of the dreegins and the dragons. The sudden appearance of Paraaz, the great emerald colored gerh, a feline with more pride than poise, also reminded her to add him to the list. The winged beast, if he could have read her mind, would have been satisfied at the addition. She was as content as a friznaggle who had just gobbled up a batch of zim.

Her mate flexed his body in preparation for sleep, eager to cuddle up to her and enjoy the closeness of her warmth and scent. He absentmindedly touched the red crystalline pendant which he wore around his neck, part of a matched set, and indicative of all that they had recently experienced. His sense of purpose and identity had been clarified and fulfilled. His Kokayniah was true and he was firmly on the path, despite a few accidental diversions along the way.

“Tell me a story, my mate, “ she cooed to him, playfully rubbing her body against him.

“And which one might that be.” he joked, clearly knowing the anticipated reply.

“Silly dox, “ she giggled, “there is only one worth telling.”

“Where shall I begin?” he whispered, beginning to caress her body with more urgency.

“At the beginning of course…” she sighed, “and don’t skip over my favorite parts..”

BUY THE BOOK


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Virtual Book Tour: Interview with Historical Fiction Author Andrew Feder

Today's guest author is Andrew Feder, author of the historical fiction, The Heretic.

Born in Hollywood, Andrew grew up in a dsyfunctional Jewish family in San Fernando Valley, a suburb of Los Angeles. But that didn't stop Andrew from achiving his dreams who went on to become the author of a thrilling and thought-provoking novel that whisks readers back in time with an intriguing story of war and romance.

We talked with Andrew to find out why he wrote his book and what he was doing to promote his book online.

Welcome to Pump Up Your Online Book Promotion, Andrew. Can we begin by having you tell us why you chose a historical fiction to write? Did you choose it or did it choose you?

It was something of a duality regarding why I chose it, and it chose me. It would be like Quantum Physics - Is energy particle or wave or both? Thus the similar quasi phenomenon happened with the choice of genre for “The Heretic.”

First having been personally regressed I wanted to create a story connecting past lives. I also have been intrigued with history since my youth. I chose the Alexander the Great period, because Alexander fascinated me with his military and political strategies which were so far ahead of his time. But then again by incorporating my theme both in moral and spiritual aspects, I was compelled and drawn to create historical novel that would while being entertaining and adventurous would also bring up several intriguing aspects like cultural vs. moral and regressions and past lives and how they relate to us in our present life in this embodiment.

In regards to promotion, what have you been doing to promote your book online?

After my experience with my first published book “When the Angels Have Risen” I knew what to do and what not to do - in regards to publicity for my newly released book, The Heretic .”

First, I got my website up and going for my book. I then went out to get reviews and continue to get reviews. Also I found word of mouth is the best publicity as well. So I always carrying business like cards of my book and wherever I am like Starbucks or stores or restaurant or etc I give out my card in casual way. I also use myspace, blog ads and blogs themselves to drive people to my website of my book. I am also a host at www.BBSradio.com for my show “When Pigs Fly and utilize advertising which compliments both my show and book. Some people will hear my show and what to read my books while others whom have read my books want to hear my show. And of course, I try the standard book-signing events though for a day may seem like not much compared to the internet have long range after affects – again word of my mouth. And of course I radio show interviews as well.

And now for the first time I am doing a Virtual Book Tour – oh yeah but you know that….

So bottom line, I continue all publicity no matter what while always being persistent, because the minute that you stop trying that’s when your book stops selling. So I consider it a never ending process that never ends utilizing whatever means as aforementioned.

Of all the promotional items (bookmarks, press kits, etc…) you have used to promote your book, which one was used most effectively?

If its just items I would say first business like cards and bookmarks would have been the most effective.

Do you feel that the Internet has opened doors for authors who never dreamed they’d ever see a publishing contract and how has it influenced you in regards to your own publishing journey?

If it wasn’t for the internet, most authors would still have their manuscripts sitting on a stack of other manuscripts while waiting forever for the all mighty call from your agent or publisher. And if the call did come that your book will be published, the odds of your book having a chance of marketing success were more dismal. The internet though there are many new authors getting their work in print still levels the playing field and opens the market worldwide.

If you were in the middle of Manhattan (or any busy thoroughfare) and you wanted to call attention to your book, what would you do and what would you say?

I would take off all my clothes (yeah I would be naked) and hang a big sign over my head showing book and yell over a megaphone, “The Heretic will always challenge us with our own belief system no matter what place, culture or time he/she might be found. The Heretic allows us the opportunity to grow and progress. Aias is that individual. Read The Heretic!”

If you could trade places with any author just for a day, who would it be and why?

If it was in past and he is one of my favorite authors, it would be Kurt Vonnegut. He was certainly well ahead of his time and his stories were to the point but with a sly satire.

But as far as adventure – hell that’s easy…. Ernest Hemmingway….

Lastly, how do you determine your book’s success?

My book is successful if it has opened one’s eyes, challenge our beliefs, questioned the things that we take for granted or have been taught to take for granted, given a sense of self-worth and of course been quite entertaining, then it has reached its goal…

Thank you for coming, Andrew. Can you tell us where everyone can pick up a copy of The Heretic?

You can check out my website at www.AndrewtheHeretic.com. At my site I have direct links to Amazon, Barnes Noble and directly to my publisher for my information and purchase. The Heretic is available at all major stores like Barnes Noble, B Dalton and Borders Bookstores as well as your local bookstore. The Heretic is also available at most internet stores and bookstores as well.

Andrew Feder will be on virtual book tour all this month. If you would like to follow his tour, visit www.virtualbooktours.wordpress.com.

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Wednesday, May 7, 2008

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: WEST ACROSS THE BOARD by Andrew Jalbert

Award winning freelancer Andrew Jalbert has been a professional archaeologist and scuba instructor for over 15 years. During that time, he has worked throughout the Great Lakes, the Caribbean, Central America, Southern Africa, the Florida Keys, and Hawaii. His work focuses on tropical subjects–both above and below the water–and he is a regular contributor to scuba diving, natural history, fitness, and travel magazines. Andrew currently lives in Madison, Wisconsin.

You can visit his website at www.jalbertproductions.com.

West Across the Board synopsis:


What are the elements of friendship that last a lifetime-the mysterious connection that can
outlast great distances and more than half a century of separation to bring friends back together? For Lázaro, a salty Cuban mariner and Dominic, a brilliant Chicago engineer, the answers can be found in the game of chess.

From the time of their meeting and first chess match on Key West in the 1930s, each man's win is scratched into the back of the board. As the game tally grows, so does their friendship. Now, both men are in their twilight years, but it's Dominic's life, weathered by cancer, which is reaching its conclusion. Lázaro, who fled from his island home and his friend years ago, learns that Dominic is rapidly dying and sets off on the long journey from Boston to Florida to see his old friend. Prior to leaving, Lázaro retrieves the old chessboard and makes a startling discovery. The number of scratches, first marked over sixty years before and uncounted until
now, has the two men evenly tied.

As he drives towards Dominic and the keys, Lázaro is forced to confront a past he has
struggled to forget while anticipating the reunion with his old friend and what could be their final game.



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