Why This Male Reader Loves Strong Female Characters

A Guest Post by Thaddeus Nowak

I’ve mentioned it before, but my formative childhood years were spent with the neighborhood girls. My family had the only boys for many blocks and with my closest brother being four years younger than me, the only people my age to play with were girls. I learned all about Barbie and Ken and playing house. I’m not complaining, we also romped around the woods, got covered in mud, had snowball fights, and played ball just like any group of kids would. To me, they were just my friends. There were no boys versus girls attitudes between us (that concept came later when we went to different schools and I had to make new friends). And even when faced with that concept, I always preferred to be on the girls’ team, because that’s where the girls were.

Due to those early years–to this day–I always think of women as equals, and probably superior in many cases. So when it comes to reading novels or watching movies, I have no trouble identifying with a female lead. In fact, I think female leads actually make stronger characters than their male counterparts.

What is a strong character?

To me, a strong character is one who’s personality can be felt. They may have inner fears and concerns, but they make the hard decisions and are decisive when it counts. They know what they want and actively make plans to get it. A strong character is a leader, someone the other characters look to for guidance. That is not to say they are hard-headed and stubborn; they have to be smart enough to know when they need to ask for advice and be willing to admit when they are not able to do something themselves. Delegation does not have to be a weakness–when done right it is a strength.

It may seem counter intuitive, but physical strength and prowess do not make a character strong. In fact, it can make them weaker in the long run. A bully lashing out and attacking may be able to overpower and intimidate others, but they still lack the strength of character that someone standing up to them possesses.

For male characters, physical strength and skill in combat (especially in fantasy novels) is a socially expected norm. A male character, who is not stoic in the face of danger can’t overcome his foes and has to rely upon others, is perceived as weak. The problem is, being a stoic loner often overshadows some of the character’s personality and limits how dynamic the character can be.

Whereas a female lead, while she may be physically adept, is not expected to use brute strength to overpower her foes. Society accepts the fact that she can have doubts (which are perfectly human, regardless of sex) and allows her to use her mind and intelligence to overcome obstacles. She has to decide to stand up to the stronger bully. I personally feel it makes the character richer and more balanced–more human and more like the girls I grew up with.

It’s not what’s on the outside that counts

The other reason I prefer stories with strong female protagonists is that they do not usually feature the females as window dressing–on the cover or in the story. While I have my share of traditional fantasy art hanging on my walls, my childhood influences don’t align with the concept of the half-naked damsel in distress unable to do anything for herself. Too many of the stories with male protagonists tend to have the main woman of the stories hopping along on the man’s coattails, doting on his every action. The girls I grew up with definitely did not dote; they knew what they wanted and knew how to get it. So when I read a story, I want to enjoy a little nostalgia and see women as I know they are.

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Mother’s Curse is a coming of age story about the youngest Princess of Cothel and her efforts to save her father and brother from her mother’s schemes, while at the same time, coming to terms with what it means to be a witch. Get it on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or iTunes.

Daughter’s Justice continues Stephenie’s journey of discovery, where she must overcome national opposition to her being a witch as well as lead her friends and protectors on a mission to stabilize her countries finances. Get it on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or iTunes.

Thaddeus Nowak is a writer of fantasy novels who enjoys hiking, photography, and the outdoors. Visit Ted on his website, Twitter, Facebook, or GoodReads.

Did I Expect Angels

By Kathryn Maughan

ISBN-13: 978-0595402595 $12.56 Paperback; Kindle ASINB004774MY2 $2.99

“Did I Expect Angels?” is a refreshing book with lot of positive reinforcing thought, learning and the mix of fiction and personal connection is hypnotic!

The book is about suffering; loss, ambition, and above all how people can be angels possessing varied abilities to influence great things by small deeds. The protagonist character is Jennifer Huffaker, however there are two protagonists since the plot itself is a twist, the author has beautifully kept two different plots side by side and it is marvelous to read.

As a reader you feel curious to know how these could possibly connect, both the characters are contrasting in many ways.

I must admit author has done a commendable job here and both the plots blend beautifully at the end creating a complete harmonious picture.

Yes, I do believe in angels now, hoping that there will be somebody sent from above when we really need help. It generates hope in a readers mind as grief and suffering are omnipresent. 

This book is a fiction but you carry something with you after reading it. It talks about real places –  especially Costa Rica since the author has a connection to it in real life she spent more than an year there – I felt the descriptions were alive and this touch of reality bonds you closely to the book.

It talks about how ordinary seeming people can be carrying or dealing with extraordinary suffering. I loved it and no wonder it is rated 4 points and above by most reviewers, I agree to all of them when they recommend this to others. 

The beginning of the book is like a melody, Maughan has an interesting and intriguing way of introducing the characters. For example she introduced the protagonist character “Jennifer” in a backdrop dialogue and the reader does not know even the name of the character for first few pages until it is revealed in the midst of a scene, a very innovative technique. This keeps the reader’s interest and maintains curiosity, because it is somewhat mysterious.

The other protagonist is Henry, an ordinary man with less than ordinary appeal, but who has an extraordinary story about his life and believes in the power to change somebody’s course of life by using his grief and learning positivity. He chooses to save Jennifer during her grief and suffering. 

Kaitlin is Jennifer’s daughter and is a catalyst in bringing a positive change after their combined struggle with grief. It is touching to read and feel the pain of a four year old child. There are other secondary characters throughout the book like Jack who appears in her flashbacks of her past life, and Alma, who is Henry’s wife – a strong woman.

Maughans aesthetically describes the country of Costa Rica and the description is given by a Costa Rican Henry, who speaks with a slightly different accent. Maughan’s ability to portray this through a different dialect is captivating.

Here is my favorite quote from Herny:

“Not all of Costa Rica is terribly hot. The centro of the country, up in the mountains, is fresquito and nice all the year long. But on the borders on every side, as in Puntarenas, it make a heat you cannot imagine, winter igual que summer. Even at five of the morning when apen as it get light, even then you will sweat. And in the winter, the more hot it is in the morning the more terrible will be the rain of the afternoon. Puntarenas is not a rich town, and I come from the barrio the most poor there is, Juanito Mora. Even today there are no streets. Most of the houses in Costa Rica are of cement, but for the poor, houses are of wood. We did not have windows of glass, only a hole in the wall. We did not have water or light until our neighbor trap a wire from the new line of electricity. Our floor was of dirt, another symbol of the poverty; everyone else have floors of cement. . . ” 

I was amused by the clever use of some Spanish words in the conversations like “Por favor”, as a reader I did not understand the meaning but by the time I read half of the book I could figure ““Lo siento, Jennifer. It will not take long. Por favor.”  Interesting technique, also the plot set up in itself two scenes simultaneously that were fascinating; it intrigued me to find how they would meet or what the climax would be. Guessing was difficult!

Another example is where the Maughan narrated the view of the city of Costa Rica as a tourist”

“At the Tamarindo airport, a rusted VW bus picked us up. It shuttled us along a dirt road past an occasional house and lots of shops off to a resort, a series of bungalows nestled in dense tropical vegetation with the occasional break for a swimming pool, lodge, or restaurant. Brilliant flowers of pink, yellow, and orange leapt out at all turns— hibiscus, birds of paradise, anthuria, orchids, and others I’d never imagined, much less seen. I loved this place, so full of life. Immediately past the vegetation, like walking through a curtain, we were on the beach. The ocean was a pale shimmery blue extending as far as the eye could see, met by the shock of a bright blue sky. As we faced west, the sun set directly into the horizon line.” The detail is awesome and makes you want to see the place for real.

The touch of poetry and educational information about the works of poets like Christina Rossetti’s “GOBLIN MARKET”..,” LOOKING FORWARD” … , “THE THREAD OF LIFE “..,”PASSING”….and, ”TOUCHING”. Gerard Manley Hopkins’s, “NO WORST, THERE IS NONE..”, “PIED BEAUTY” etc. makes it a reading treat for the literary  reader like me. There is something for everybody in this read.

My favorite poetry from this book is by Gerard Manley Hopkins:

“No worst, there is none. Pitched past pitch of grief,

More pangs will, schooled at forepangs, wilder wring.

Comforter, where, where is your comforting?

Mary, mother of us, where is your relief?”

The concluding message with a purpose is very touching and convincing; this is a masterpiece for me!!

The author has created a site for acknowledging actual angels, has a list of stories from genuine readers thanking their real-life angels. I liked this the best about Kathryn Maughan and the book, it has a purpose and author has innovatively found a way to connect the reader to it through her site and writing.

Author Kathryn Maughan

Kathryn’s mission site- complimentary with the book –

Place to thank our daily real life angels:

http://www.myunexpectedangel.com/

The deeper into the death they delve, the further into their own personal histories they plummet, as each is forced to face the fact that the loss of Sam is far from their most devastating. As the case continues, inner anguish reaches crescendo points for Danny, Ella, Marco, and Sarah as the answers they want continue to elude them, and the evidence they want to escape refuses to retreat…

Shattered Illusions/ Goodreads

Website: http://www.leighhershkovich.com/#

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeighHershkovich?fref=ts#!/LeighHershkovich/photos_stream

Book/ goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16104490-shattered-illusions

Leigh/ goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6563089.Leigh_Hershkovich

About this author
Leigh Hershkovich’s writing career began almost at infancy. Born and raised in The City By The Bay, Leigh was never seen without a pen and paper by her side, and was never without a story to share. With her vivid imagination and sharp writing tactics, Leigh has taken the world by storm twice over. Now, with her debut novel Shattered Illusions, readers will get a first time glimpse into her first full fiction attempt.

An avid reader, accomplished pianist, passionate scholar of language and the arts, Leigh currently resides in New York with her imagination.

Follow Leigh on www /Facebook /Goodreads
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Excerpt

YOU HAVE TO LEAVE. I can’t stand to know that you’re watching me at a time like this. I need you to leave so that I can sink to my death in silence. You should not see this. I want to be alone, to fall apart slowly within. Give up your hope. I cannot bear the torn look in your eyes or the hard pounding of your eager heart. You are making this worse than it already is.

My heart is exploding in bitterness now. My body is exhausted, and I can- not go on much longer. If you were in my place now, would you say the same things to yourself? If this was you, would you know the secrets and the thoughts that I am clutching so tightly at my time of death? I want to be alone. You will do nothing by being with me now. You are not in my place. You do not breathe my air, you are not in my body. You are a whole person. You stand with the rest of the world, which I am no longer a part of. I am shattered.

Tour Schedule

May 19
The O’Raven Chronicles ~ spotlight, excerpt and schedule
http://revloush.blogspot.com/
Tracy Riva ~ spotlight
http://tracyriva.com/

May 20
Sassy Book Lovers ~ spotlight & top 10
http://sassybooklovers.blogspot.com/
Author Brandi Kennedy ~ review & ?
http://authorbrandikennedy.blogspot.com/

May 21
Reading is My Timeout ~ spotlight & guest post
http://readingismytimeout.blogspot.com/
Fiona’s Book Review blog ~ review & spotlight
http://nannyfi71.wordpress.com/

May 22
Romance Bookworm ~ spotlight & This OR That
http://romancebookworm.com/
Girls *heart* Books ~ spotlight & excerpt
http://lissalynnsreviews.blogspot.com/
Paranormal Book Club ~ possible review
http://paranormal-bookclub.com/

May 23
Confessions of the Paranormal ~ spotlight & excerpt
http://confessionsoftheparanormal.blogspot.com/
Sabrina’s Paranormal Palace ~ review & Top 10
http://sabrinasparanormalpalace.blogspot.com/

May 24
Tam’s Two Cents ~ spotlight & author interview
http://tamsbookblog.blogspot.com/
Fated Paranormals ~ review & spotlight
http://fatedparanormals.blogspot.com/

May 25
Oh My Shelves ~ spotlight & guest post
http://www.ohmyshelves.com/
Author E.C.Hibbs ~ spotlight, excerpt & playlist
http://echibbs.blogspot.com/ May 19

 The O’Raven Chronicles ~ spotlight, excerpt and schedule (excerpt 1)

http://revloush.blogspot.com/

 Tracy Riva ~ spotlight

http://tracyriva.com/

 May 20

 Sassy Book Lovers ~ spotlight & top 10

http://sassybooklovers.blogspot.com/

 Author Brandi Kennedy ~ review & ?

http://authorbrandikennedy.blogspot.com/

 May 21

 Reading is My Timeout ~ spotlight & guest post

http://readingismytimeout.blogspot.com/

 Fiona’s Book Review blog ~ review & spotlight

http://nannyfi71.wordpress.com/

 May 22

 Romance Bookworm ~ spotlight & This OR That

http://romancebookworm.com/

 Girls *heart* Books ~ spotlight & excerpt (excerpt 2)

http://lissalynnsreviews.blogspot.com/

 Paranormal Book Club ~ possible review & spotlight

http://paranormal-bookclub.com/

 May 23

 Confessions of the Paranormal ~ spotlight & excerpt (excerpt 3)

http://confessionsoftheparanormal.blogspot.com/

 Sabrina’s Paranormal Palace ~ review & Top 10

http://sabrinasparanormalpalace.blogspot.com/

 May 24

 Tam’s Two Cents ~ spotlight & author interview

http://tamsbookblog.blogspot.com/

 Fated Paranormals ~ review & spotlight

http://fatedparanormals.blogspot.com/

May 25

 Oh My Shelves ~ spotlight & guest post

http://www.ohmyshelves.com/

 Author E.C.Hibbs ~ spotlight, excerpt & playlist (excerpt 4)

http://echibbs.blogspot.com/

Today we have Destiny Phoenix herself, star of The Crimson Clan: A Destiny Phoenix novel here to celebrate the release of the first novel in her series with an  interview of the book’s author, David R. Bennett. I am really excited about this and am looking forward to what Destiny can get out of David. Plus, Destiny has promised us an excerpt following the interview.

I see Destiny walking into the room with a huge grin on her face. I wonder what she is grinning about. Undoubtedly, she’s here to interview me.

Destiny Phoenix: Tell me a little about yourself.
David R Bennett: Well, I am an author hailing from Spring, Texas just north of Houston. I was raised here and here I still remain. Also, I am a husband and father of 1. I love the paranormal works of fiction as well as sci-fi, fantasy, and mysteries. Well, mysteries are a part of most novels written, in my opinion.

DP: David R Bennett is that pen name or your real name?
DRB: It is pen name that came about from the rearranging of my real initials. I’ve always liked the name David and the last name Bennett seemed to have an ominous sound to it (probably since I watched Heroes).

DP: How long have you been writing?
DRB: Probably my whole life in one fashion or another. I have always woven a tale or even penned poems.

DP: What’s the hardest thing you find when creating your story?
DRB: Probably creating the background for the characters involved, if the first novel in a series. Otherwise, the not knowing what’s going to happen to my characters.

DP: I assume that when you start you have some idea of what’s going on?
DRB: Rarely, unless I create a bunch of title names and create small blurbs for them. I did do this for the Destiny Phoenix series. So I have a hint of what’s going to happen in the series. Exactly how that all comes about is another thing entirely.

DP: Interesting. What method, if any, do you use to curb writer’s block?
DRB: I’ve talked with other authors about this same thing. And, like myself, quite a few feel that having various projects running at the same time helps to prevent writer’s block. I have a highly active imagination. Sometimes it’s hard to curb, so I always have more than one project going on at the same time.

DP: What’s next on your plate?
DRB: Always love to share this part. Always promoting my latest work with those I know. Right now, I am in the beginning of Alien in the Midst (a sci-fi story about an alien crash landing on Earth), preparing to tackle Destiny Phoenix and the Cry of the Wolf, and starting Mind Games about children who gain superpowers after being left for dead in car crash.

DP: Wow. That’s a lot on your plate. How long do you think that the Destiny Phoenix series is going to run?
DRB: At least twelve books from what I can figure. Possibly, most likely, more. As for my others, who knows. Life is difficult and so is everything my characters will go through.

DP: Where does your inspiration come from?
DRB: My inspiration comes from multiple sources. I watch movies, TV, and read books. So from all of that. And sometimes it comes right out of thin air on some things.

DP: What genre does your work fall under?
DRB: Trying for YA paranormal fiction. But, really, I try to make the books where everybody will enjoy it. That was the mission of JK Rowling and I like it.

DP: What genres do you read?
DRB: I probably have something from most genres out there from YA to horror to mystery-crime to action/adventure to fantasy to space operas to paranormal to sci-fi to romance. Mostly I read sci-fi / fantasy.

DP: Who is your favorite author?
DRB: There are several that have inspired me over the years Margaret Weiss and Tracy Hickman (Dragonlance series), Michael Stackpole, Timothy Zahn, Stephanie Meyer, JK Rowling, and even a few contemporaries of mine such as Ann Snizek, Michael Knight, and Stephen C Ormsby.

DP: What advice, tips, do you have for others getting into the business of writing?
DRB: Write what you want to read, not because it’s the in thing. And use the social media as you marketing tool and networking with other authors.  And, above all, of course, write, write, write until your story ends. That is the main thing before publishing your work.

Excerpt

“I hope it won’t take too long to find, Sandra,” Destiny says.

“That depends on the power of Sandy’s cell, Des.” Chris mutters. “Try calling her.”

I do as my hunky boyfriend suggests. I dial Sandra’s phone on my brother’s cell.

“Hello?” I hear from the other side of the phone with some panting in between the words. Quickly, she seems to stop. “Destiny?”

“Yeah, Sandra,” I say. I can hear her gasping for breath. “Where are you?”

“What the hell is going on?” She screams into the phone frantically.

“We’re on the way to pick you up.”

“Can you kinda hurry,” Sandra asks me. “I’ve got these weird pasty freaks on my tail. For what?  I don’t know.”

“Pasty freaks?” I say aloud. That’s when I hear Brandon mutter some curse word and floor the gas pedal.

“Where are you at?”

“Near the Dillard’s entrance by Four Oaks Drive.”

“Okay, Sandra. Stay calm. We’ll be there in five. Meet us at the west entrance of Dillard’s.”

“All right. Hurry.” I hear the panic in Sandra’s voice.

“Stay calm and peruse the store not to give any suspicions to the workers.”

“K. See ya soon.”

“Certainly.” I say hanging up the phone.

“Destiny, what’s going on?” Chris asks me as I can see the worry in his face. “Are the same ones after Sandy that invaded my home?”

“The exact same creatures. They want us. You, me, Brandon, and Sandra. They don’t know about Little Michelle here. Let’s keep it that way.”

“Why?”

“We’re the chosen slayers to bring balance back to this world,” Brandon states. “I was sent to a boarding school for my protection when I was nine just after the birth of Destiny.”

“That sucks, bro.” Chris says as we reach the Mall.

It did not take us long to figure out where Sandra was. People were rushing out the doors of Dillard’s in fear. Obviously, these pasty creatures were in the store and have yet to find Sandra.

However, we spot Sandra easily. She managed to mix in with the crowd that rushed out of the store. We screech to a halt. Brandon pops open the back door for Sandra to jump in.

“Sandy, get in,” Brandon says to his sister.

“Your car?”

“Forget it. We can come back for it.”

The dark haired brown-eyed best friend of mine, who stands at five-foot- four, an inch shorter than me, hurriedly, gets into the Tahoe. Sandra, quickly, jumps in and shuts the door.

“Chris, Miki, what’s going on?” She says trying to catch her breath.

The white pasty creatures see us peel out around the Mall ring road as we make our escape after helping Sandra out.

“Hang on!” Brandon screams as one of the wraiths jumps out in front of our car. We run over it leaving a partially body badly squished all over the road.

“I’ve only heard if these guys before,” Brandon tells us. “I don’t know how to defeat them.”

“Oh, great, we’re screwed,” Chris mutters.

He, then, gets slapped on the shoulder as their little sister sits zoned out holding her legs. Michelle is totally out of it. This is out of her level of comprehension. Or so I thought.

“Don’t worry, I know to defeat these wraiths.” I calmly, and confidently,  say. Where did that come from?

 Writing a Memoir: It’s for the Reader

By Tim Bishop

With wife, Debbie, Tim co-authored Two Are Better: Midlife Newlyweds Bicycle Coast to Coast. Two Are Better officially launches to the book trade May 15, 2013. The couple blog at www.openroadpress.com.

People who live private lives aren’t usually the type to trumpet their affairs. But, when long-standing dreams come true, gratitude is a powerful stimulus. Good news will find its way to a larger audience.

When my wife, Debbie, and I ventured cross-country on bicycles following our wedding, we had no plans to write a book. Nor did we expect to share our courtship—as well as deep-seated personal struggles—with the world. We were too busy reengaging in life after our midlife metamorphosis. Having just left a long-term career in corporate finance, I was wondering what was next. Thirty-one years of pushing a pencil, writing computer code, managing people, trading futures contracts, and tending the corporate till hardly seemed like training ground for an author, let alone a cross-country cyclist. Neither did a background in elementary school education and home economics. Upon returning from our two-month cycling honeymoon, Debbie was so busy in her full-time teaching job that writing a book seemed about as far away from reality as the Atlantic is from the Pacific.

Just as we settled into marriage and began catching up on life, a blood clot of mysterious origins commandeered my life—and Debbie’s. Mandatory bed rest squeezed the brakes on all activity, yet provided ample time to ponder the blessings Debbie and I had enjoyed in the past year…and the deeper truths therein. A nearby digital picture frame rolled the best photos from our fantastic voyage, injecting an inspirational overdose of a more preferred medicine. With a netbook computer by my side, the inevitable began.

As intriguing as our cross-country tour was, there were more compelling reasons to write a book about it. Debbie and I had just lived through an incredible time—well beyond the bicycle trip. If our story had been simply all about us, I could have taken up scrapbooking, called it good, and sat in front of the TV with soda and popcorn for the next two years—or gone out and gotten a “real job”! But, our union, our unique celebration, and our life changes spelled hope for many who have become stuck and lost sight of their dreams. Here we were with a recent overflow of fulfilled dreams and life lessons. When God blesses you, He expects you to share what He has given you. That’s what we wanted our book to be about.

In the first draft of Two Are Better, sharing feelings did not come naturally. Describing business strategies, financial results, and accounting treatments in my prior job were one thing, but conveying personal feelings and private matters as Debbie and I embarked on life together were quite another. After four months, I had assembled plenty of facts about our trip and some colorful essays describing awesome aspects of our journey—and there were many! But, had I missed the essence of what had happened between the two of us? It was time for a test ride.

We hired a professional editor to evaluate the manuscript. His evaluation acknowledged a mechanically sound work, but one that lacked the proper flow and depth of sharing to do justice to an otherwise compelling real-life story. His key points follow.

·         Don’t bore the reader with extraneous details, especially right up front.

·         What were you feeling, Tim? Don’t make things up, but be more transparent so that the reader can “get under your skin.”

·         Where is Debbie’s voice in this tale of two? You can’t speak for her. Only Debbie knows what was going on inside of Debbie.

·         Although this is nonfiction, it does have a plotline—and a strong one at that. Respect it for the reader’s benefit. And leverage it for your own sake.

My bruised ego soon healed. I pulled myself off the mat and came to appreciate the wisdom in that evaluation. A rewrite was in order. We didn’t want another blow-by-blow travelogue. We’ve read bicycle-touring accounts like that. They can belabor the reader with minutia that leads to monotony. We would treat the reader to a vicarious ride along a chronological and geographical plotline, share key events, personalize the journey and communicate truth, but stop short of journaling. Those technical details about how we conducted our tour would be better suited to another audience. And despite a full-time job clamoring for her time, Debbie would add a perspective that readers would cherish. This would strengthen a central theme encapsulated in the book’s title, Two Are Better.

Adding a second author seemed simple and straightforward, but it wasn’t. When two narrators tell a story, how does the reader know who is speaking without cumbersome transitions? Since our book would include full-color photography, we decided to switch the narrator at will, depending upon the storyline, using magenta ink for Debbie’s voice. We also indented her words to accommodate readers and e-readers that have difficulty interpreting colors.

Conveying our message of hope would require honesty and transparency. We didn’t want to paint an unrealistic picture of what newly married life would be like for two lifelong singles. Beneath the veneer, our fantasy ride across the states would come with some unique challenges. Anyone who has ever been married can appreciate the compromise and adjustment in the “early years.” When you take on marriage in midlife, entrenched habits and thoughts can intensify the adjustment period. In Two Are Better, we share both the conflicts and the mountaintop experiences. Candy coating aside, every couple has them.

Not to be lost in a story like ours are the visuals. Cross-country bicycle touring is as much about discovery as it is about challenge and self-preservation. With simple point-and-shoot digital cameras, we returned home with an astounding assortment of beautiful landscapes and unforgettable images. They are a powerful ingredient to a story like ours, and certainly elongated the timeline and process of bringing Two Are Better to market. Including color photography in a book of this nature challenges the economics of small press publishing. As a start-up publisher, we couldn’t price the book out of its market, but neither could we afford to lose money on each copy sold. The cost of color reproduction prevented the use of print-on-demand technology. Instead, we needed to invest in printing a large quantity of books on a more economical offset printing press. A good designer helped bring the visual elements of the story to life. Add in another editor’s perspective on a re-evaluation, copyedit, and proofread, and we’d done our best to button up quality control. Don’t compromise a good story. Cast it in its best light. After all, it’s for the reader.

Just as there is vulnerability when bicycling through unknown areas or stormy weather, so is one exposed to the elements when sharing private feelings in a public forum. Frankly, it feels awkward for someone who values privacy. However, a memoir is all about personal experience—sharing with the express purpose of influencing others. A mentor once said, “People want to read about people, not things.” I’m gaining a new appreciation for that. Sharing from the heart is an investment in the reader. Personal accounts that convey truth about relationships and life contain a high level of transparency. That personal testimony legitimizes to its readers the life lessons therein. Debbie and I are hopeful that the story God has given us brings inspiration, motivation, insight, and joy to all readers who tour its pages.

 Are you looking for adventure? Want to simplify your life? Break free? Go for it! This unique and entertaining story proves it’s never too late to make your dreams come true. After 52 years of life, Tim and Debbie Bishop finally found in each other that special someone they’d been searching for years to marry. In only 10 weeks, they moved from marriage proposal and wedding, to Tim’s “retirement” and relocation, to embarking on a cycling adventure of a lifetime. Was it a grand getaway or a big mistake? Two Are Better: Midlife Newlyweds Bicycle Coast to Coast is a full-color, 208-page, 6″ x 9″ paperback book published by Open Road Press, including over 100 color photos of the Bishops’ trip across the country. Learn the inspiring story, be challenged to make your own dreams come true, and enjoy a vicarious adventure across a beautiful land. Available now in the Open Road Press Store. Embrace life like never before. Read Two Are Better, and begin your own quest to more adventuresome living!

Author Bio:

Originally from Maine, Tim Bishop has over thirty years of experience in business, first as a CPA, then for many years in various roles in the corporate world. In addition to consulting for small businesses, Tim serves as a Hope Coach for TheHopeLine, a nonprofit organization that seeks to reach, rescue, and restore hurting teens and young adults.

Debbie Bishop has taught for over 26 years, for the past 11 years as a literacy specialist in Framingham, Massachusetts. She has a passion for reading and seeing that young people do it well. She also has high interest in recovery issues and encouraging others with her own triumphs over struggles earlier in her life. Debbie also serves as a Hope Coach for TheHopeLine.

Throw the confetti skyward! Charmaine Gordon’s newest book The Catch releases today and we’re here to bring you a special look at the first two chapters courtesy of the author herself. We will also have a review of this hot new release before the month is up.

Synopsis:

Tom Donnelly, once known as The Catch – every woman’s dream guy, has fallen down every rung of the ladder he once worked so hard to climb. On New Year’s Day, he realizes just how far he’s fallen, and makes a list of resolutions to change his life. He vows to regain the trust lost from his family, his law firm, and his friends – and maybe even find the right woman this time.

He crosses paths with Joanne McKenna Friedman – a smart young lawyer, beautiful on the outside, damaged on the inside. Joanne’s secret past leaves her distrustful of everyone. Until a court case comes up to threaten her career and even her life, and she turns to Tom for help.

Click on picture to buy The Catch

Here is our Sneak Peek at the First Two Chapters

Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

BIO:

An Air Force wife for many years,  Charmaine wrote sketches, directing and performing in the Officers Club. Moving to New York as civilians and her youngest almost out of high school,  Charmaine pursued her dream of working professionally. Daytime drama was fun, commercials, and movies like Working  Girl where I sang Happy Birthday to Melanie Griffith. Lunch with Sir Anthony Hopkins, singing during a break with Harrison Ford. I was Geraldine Ferraro’s legs in a Diet Pepsi commercial with Secret Service men all around. There were many sweet moments ending in a leading role off Broadway when a story popped in my head and wouldn’t let go. And so writing became my new career. In three years Vanilla Heart published six of Charmaine’s books in the Romance/Suspense genre. Her  latest release is The Catch.

Congratulations on your newest release Charmaine. I can’t wait to read it!

Two Are Better: Midlife Newlyweds Bicycle Coast to Coast by Tim and Debbie Bishop

Published by Open Road Press

Available $19.95 via OpenRoadPress.com  or as a Kindle e-book for $9.95 ASIN B00CSAUPP0

Two Are Better is a wonderfully told story of Tim and Debbie’s adventure- both as cross country cyclists as well as a newly married couple! I don’t read many non-fiction books- I admit, I’m more of a fiction gal, however, after reading Two Are Better, I just may make a change. There are many aspects of their book that I really enjoyed- from the beautiful photos to how Debbie would interject her own observations and thoughts providing a multi-dimensional perspective on life, marriage, and cross country cycling.

The book itself is very uplifting and inspirational. Tim begins by giving a bit of background on himself and what leads up to he and Debbie’s marriage and ultimately their decision to embark on a daring honeymoon trek across the United States by bicycle. The payout of this book as a reader is two-fold. First, it is a great travelogue of a journey across the country. As an avid traveler and someone who has driven across most of the United States I was intrigued by the route and the scenery that Tim and Debbie took on their journey. I loved Tim’s vivid descriptions of the different regions and states. It was interesting to think about a familiar location – say Montana- and see it in terms of the challenges it would present to someone who is traveling outside the norm of a motorized vehicle. Dangerous inclines, declines, curves, crazy dogs and wildlife are all things you have to consider when on bicycle, not to mention strange men in vans in the middle of nowhere. I cringed with sympathy pains when Tim and Debbie talked about the ‘saddle sores’ from long distance riding. Overall, it was an exciting journey to read and really ‘see’ through their eyes.

The second payout comes in the form of a wonderful inside view into the trials and celebrations of a new marriage. I loved watching the evolution of their relationship bloom. From cycling buddies to life partners, they are a great team. The strengths that each bring to their marriage are very apparent by the end of the book. Tim is very cautious and keeps things ‘real’ and make sure to weigh the pros and cons of the situation. Debbie is the free spirit- she is ready to jump in and then ask questions or figure things out as needed. There is one part of the book that truly illustrates these traits. They are riding down out of the hills and it is getting dark. Tim, being cautious, takes his time and uses his brakes- always aware to the possibility that something unexpected, like a deer, might pop up and cause injury. Debbie, on the other hand, lets it all go and enjoys the rush of racing down the hills and (at least to Tim) doesn’t worry about the ‘what if’s’. Romantic spirit that I am, I loved this journey of two people who find each other and through triumphs, time, and divine inspiration are able to become each other’s perfect match. Their story is a true testament to my own personal faith that God indeed does have a plan for each of us and that if we open our minds and hearts we will be shown the way.

Forever My Lady

By Jeff Rivera

A Contemporary Romance | New Adult

Page Length: 202

Tour Dates: April 5 – May 20

Synopsis:

**Ages 18+ due to mature content and strong language.**

Dio Rodriguez grew up on the streets and knew all too well the hard, cool feeling of the barrel of a gun tucked down the back of his jeans. But his hard exterior softened when he met Jennifer. Jennifer understands Dio like no one else and makes him want to be a better man. Suddenly a drive-by shooting lands Dio in a prison boot camp and sends Jennifer to the hospital. When Dio learns that Jennifer is pregnant, he realizes that he must find a way to turn his life around and return to his lady. But can trainee Rodriguez get his act together among the hardcases in prison? And will Jennifer be waiting for him if and when he does?

Book Links:

Forever My Lady on Amazon: http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=boobroandbar-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B009D6PPCA

Forever My Lady on Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2047833.Forever_My_Lady

Be sure to check out these interviews and reviews to learn more about Jeff Rivera and Forever My Lady

Interviews:

http://romancedivas.com/2008/10/forever-my-lady-by-jeff-rivera/

http://evannelorraine.com/2008/10/debut-novel-forever-my-lady-by-jeff-rivera/

http://www.hispanictrending.net/2008/11/qa-with-jeff-ri.html

Reviews:

http://wereaditallreviews.blogspot.com/2011/01/forever-my-lady-by-jeff-rivera.html

http://ourstack.blogspot.com/2011/02/forever-my-lady-by-jeff-rivera.html

http://enduringromance.blogspot.com/2008/10/forever-my-lady-by-jeff-rivera.html

Author Bio:

Jeff Rivera is an author and inspirational media personality. He has appeared on national television, radio and print in such outlets asForbes.com, The Boston Globe, Publishers Weekly, Right On! Magazine, Rotarian Magazine, TMZ, WABC, WNBC, WCBS, SITV, American Latino and NPR.

His humble beginnings of living in American poverty on welfare and food stamps as the child of a single mother, to his days living in his car and final rise to becoming a published author, journalist and media personality have inspired many.

Links:

Official Website: http://jeffrivera.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mrjeffrivera

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Jeff-Rivera/e/B001IZT9ZS

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6589005.Jeff_Rivera

Huffington Post: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jeff-rivera/

   The Speed of Darkness

 by Sarah Baethge

The Speed of Darkness by Sarah Baethge, (born on 17th March 1982 Houston, Texas) is the first Smashwords Edition dedicated to her dad, Bruce Baethge. 

This book is an interesting mix of supernatural powers, scientific experimentation, and the good bad perspective of an evil organization experimenting on the werewolves.

The storyline is amazing and has a lot of potential, as a reader I expected more after reading the first few pages; however there seems to be too much idea and not much depth in execution.

Also, couldn’t agree more with some of the reviews on the net that said  the book needs some rework. There were a few places the grammar seemed off and the indentation is not contemporary. It could be intentional, an experiment by the author to write things differently…can’t say it’s bad, but it did not seem normal. There were few places where content was italicized other captions were also used liberally.

*****

Mr. Omlup is a professor teaching computers in a community class, he is also a part time web design consultant. The secret to his personality – he is a werewolf. I liked the plot and the interesting mix of a modern character – educated, professional, having a skill and also having a dark side. It seemed great!!

Hillary is Dr.Omlup’s favorite student she also has a not known side (Her link to a mysterious organization and her nearly genius programming skills), a good trait which she uses against Dr. Omlup, it is captivating to read how her ignorance is manipulated. Is this not how things seem in real world?

Simplicity and characterization through mere conversation are the highlight of this book. Here is an example of how the author has beautifully narrated a point that Hillary has more to her character then being good at computers: ”…she can be just cruel. He thought, Hillary may be my best student, but I’m sure she’s responsible for that virus in my computer lab…”

The author has a very interesting style almost satirical in conveying serious plots here is an example: “It wasn’t like he became some sort of imaginary androgynous wolf-person, no; he would become a literal wolf trying to drive a car. I wonder what the Prewitt-County cops who find the car afterwards would think of –that-?

There is a lot conveyed in few words, more meaning than the actual context, a lot of read between the lines for example “The added safety that might be present within the walls?- Pu-lease; his wolf mind rejected that notion! Surely, there is no danger if you cannot see it! Wolf eyes did not see danger in the same things that human eyes did. If there was a problem, an unpleasant situation; the wolf mind would rather fight it than hide from it!”

Here the author has beautifully conveyed the desire of a human mind to be free and the animal nature to fight and win.

By the time I finished reading the book I did not know a single character completely. Sadly it seems undone. I feel there is a great potential in the plot it is the execution which needs little bit more detailing.

Right now all the characters seem somehow not real or undone!!

We only know the dark side of the characters, there is a scope to explore the good side and more narration of how the opposites (Good-Bad) blend, their personal traits likings etc. would be great.

Here are the synopses:

3 Gates of the Dead:

Jonathan Ryan is a novelist, blogger and theologian. “3 Gates of the Dead” follows Aidan Schaeffer, a young assistant pastor whose fiancé is a victim in a series of ritualistic killings. Aidan investigates but threatens to corrupt his very soul with the otherworldly truth behind the slaughter of innocents.

A Reign Supreme

Richard Crystal is a novelist, producer and accomplished jazz musician. In “A Reign Supreme” a musician discovers he is half-brother to a Kenyan King who needs his help to save his people from genocide and the greed of corrupted officials, when a copper deposit is found on their ancestral lands.

A Thousand Perfect Things

Kay Kenyon is the author of eleven science fiction and fantasy novels. “A Thousand Perfect Things” is set in an alternate 19th century Earth, where a war rages between scientific Anglica and magical Bharata. Tori Harding, an aspiring botanist must journey into the world of magics to claim her fate.

Board Stiff: Xanth #38

Piers Anthony is a New York Times bestselling author twenty-one times over. His Xanth novels have been read by millions. In “Board Stiff” a young woman makes a wish for adventure and excitement because she is board stiff. The mischievous fates in turn transform her into a plank of wood.

Charisma:

Barbara Hall is an award-winning novelist and television producer. In “Charisma” Sarah Lange is plagued by heavenly voices and a desire to go “home”, after a near death experience. Frightened by her desire to die, she enlists Dr. David Sutton, a scientist who struggles to save Sarah and to believe.

Merrick:

Ken Bruen is hailed as one of the most prominent Irish crime writers of the last two decades. “Merrick” is a noir crime story set in New York City about a rogue ex-cop from the Irish Guarda, who is actually a serial killer wanted for murder in Ireland.

No Way Out:

A new Karen Vail novel from bestselling author Alan Jacobson. When a firebomb destroys an art gallery in London, FBI Profiler Karen Vail is sent overseas to work with Scotland Yard. Vail discovers the motive behind the attack—an explosive 440-year-old manuscript that political radicals will destroy at all costs.

Rubber Soul:

Greg Kihn is a rock star, radio host and author. “Rubber Soul”, inspired by interviews that Greg conducted with The Beatles, is a rock murder mystery that takes readers on a ride through Beatlemania—from the early days in Liverpool to six sold out shows per night in Hamburg.

Soul Numbers

Michelle Arbeau is a celebrity numerologist, TV host and author. “Soul Numbers” teaches readers how to decipher the message behind any number sequence and how to apply that information to successfully navigate their lives. In these times of great global shifting, Arbeau’s Soul Numbers reveal the deeper meaning behind numbers.

Some great picks here so enter the Rafflecopter and Good Luck!