Friday, May 16, 2014

My Review Of Noah Zarc Mammoth Trouble By D. Robert Pease

Noah Zarc Blog Tour Button FINAL

About the Book

Noah Zarc Mammoth Trouble by D. Robert PeaseTitle: Noah Zarc: Mammoth Trouble (Book #1) Author: D. Robert Pease Publication Date: July 22, 2013 Publisher: Evolved Publishing (2nd Edition) Number of pages: 214 Recommended age: 9+ Summary: Noah lives for piloting spaceships through time, dodging killer robots and saving Earth’s animals from extinction. Life couldn’t be better. But the twelve-year-old time traveler learns it could be a whole lot worse. His mom is kidnapped and taken to Mars; his dad is stranded in the Ice Age; and Noah is attacked at every turn by a foe bent on destroying Earth… for the second time.

Amazon | iTunes | Barnes and Noble | Kobo

Amazon (Audiobook) | iTunes (AudioBook) | Audible

    My Review:  I loved this book. Noah is such a great character. A character I'm sure every kid can relate to. He goes on an awesome adventure to save his mom and the world especially the animals. He time travels where he meets a new friend and he travels to different plants. Thanks, D. Robert Pease, for a good read.
 

The Buzz About the Noah Zarc Books

Book 1: "Pease's strength as a storyteller lies in his ability to connect multiple time periods imaginatively, as well as Noah's excited, fast-paced narration." ~ Publishers Weekly
Book 1: "If I had read this book at age 10, I think it would have made me love SF just as much as reading Asimov did. If you like the non-stop action and humor of Rick Riordan's Olympians books, I think you'll also like Noah Zarc." ~ Sher A. Hart, book blogger and author
Book 2: "This is another great mind-bender. The wild time jump details are fabulously thought out and cause some unexpected results." ~ Michelle Isenhoff, Children's Author
Book 2: "A well-written, adventurous read for young readers and even adults, Noah Zarc blasts through space and into your imagination." ~ TKristufek, Amazon Reviewer
Book 3: "I was completely captured by the characters, the action and the issues and questions: set in fantasy but integrating concepts and engaging readers with a fun tale that teaches as it entertains." ~ Gaele, Amazon Reviewer
 

About the Author: D. Robert Pease

D. Robert PeaseD. Robert Pease has been interested in creating worlds since childhood. From building in the sandbox behind his house, to drawing fantastical worlds with paper and pencil, there has hardly been a time he hasn't been off on some adventure in his mind, to the dismay of parents and teachers alike. Also, since the moment he could read, books have consumed vast swaths of his life. From The Mouse and the Motorcycle, to The Lord of the Rings, worlds just beyond reality have called to him like Homer's Sirens. It's not surprising then he chose to write stories of his own. Each filled with worlds just beyond reach, but close enough we can all catch a glimpse of ourselves in the characters he brings to life.

Website | Newsletter | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Google+

 

Noah Zarc: Mammoth Trouble Blog Tour Schedule (2014)

May 13
May 14
May 15
May 16
May 17
May 18
May 19
May 20
May 21
May 22
May 23
May 24
May 25
May 26
 

* $25 Blog Tour Giveaway *

Amazon 25 gift card Prize: $25 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal cash (winner’s choice) Contest ends: June 11, 11:59 pm, 2014 Open: Internationally How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, D. Robert Pease and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com. a Rafflecopter giveaway MDBR Book Promotion Services
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Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Mrs. D's Books Blast

 

About Book 1

The Trees Have HeartsTitle: The Trees Have Hearts | Author: Mrs. D | Publication Date: March 31, 2014 | Publisher: Mrs.D. Books Publisher | Number of pages: 41 | Recommended age: 6 to 10 Summary: A Mom's Choice Award Winner The story of a young girl, left friendless because she could not speak a new language, will touch your heart. It will take your child into the imaginary world of a little girl who moved to America from a different country. Unable to speak English, the lonely girl could not find friends. She lived in an old house with a small garden, where three blooming trees and the mysterious wind became her first imaginary friends. The garden friends developed a wonderful friendship with the lonely girl, and helped her overcome her fears and worries. Through the story, they taught her how to make real friends and helped her cope with difficult moments while adapting to new surroundings. Unforgettable characters will open a beautiful imaginary world to young readers, inviting them to share the fears, tears and joys of a little girl. The story will teach the true meaning of friendship while showing readers the beauty of nature. This book will open an unknown imaginary world through the eyes of a child...

Book Trailer

Purchase

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About Book 2

The City Kittens and the Old House CatTitle: The City Kittens and the Old House Cat | Author: Mrs. D | Publication Date: July 11, 2013 | Publisher: Dog Ear Publishing | Number of pages: 37 | Recommended age: 6 to 10 Summary: This story revolves around Christmastime and a family who once adopted a lost kitten, naming it Nyda. Nyda has now grown old and has settled into a calm, uneventful life with her new family-until the day before Christmas, when the family's older daughter brings two playful kittens, Mickey and Jack, home for the holidays. The two kittens from the big city are a change for the family, and for Nyda. The old cat likes her settled life and is not happy about the new arrivals. She's also very protective of her belongings. The city kittens annoy her, and the old cat grumbles about the new additions to the family- until she hears a story one night that makes her feel bad. The kittens aren't the soft or spoiled brats she had thought they were . .

Book Trailer

Purchase

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The Buzz

The Trees Have Hearts: "This is a lovely book for young girls, and especially young girls who face loneliness because of being in a new place. They are sure to find peace and encouragement in the special values taught in The Trees Have Hearts. Mrs. D does a wonderful job of reaching out to kids in a unique way in this book. The beautiful trees give warmth and peace as they spread their blooms throughout the garden and into the hearts of those who read this book." ~ Joy Hannabass, Readers' Favorite
The Trees Have Hearts: "In The Trees Have Hearts, Mrs. D. demonstrates love, compassion and a touch of mystical ability as she manifests what the trees might say, if they spoke to a lonely little girl. Then again, maybe she writes to alert us all to listen with our hearts. I highly recommend this book." ~ 5 Star Review, sunnyrock, Amazon
The Trees Have Hearts: "The author writes a lovely story about a lonely little girl with a great big imagination. She turns her beautiful garden into her sanctuary of imaginary friends that remain in her heart and follow her into adulthood. The lessons to be learned in this story is love of nature, respect for nature and changes of nature from one season to the next. Just as children go through many changes from season to season. This would be a good bedtime story. reading a few pages each night nurturing your child's imagination and leaving them with sweet dreams." ~ 5 Star Review, It's Time to Read Mamaw, Amazon
The City Kittens and the Old House Cat: "The City Kittens and the Old House Cat is an inspiring story written from a cat's point of view. The story can be understood by all pet lovers. The book has some beautiful and colorful illustrations. That makes the book very attractive and visually appealing, something which all the kids love. Children's books should be colorful and bright. The message of tolerance is very important in the current living situation. The book has a nice moral which can be explained to children and they can be asked to practice it too." ~ 5 Star Review, Mamta Madhavan, Readers' Favorite
The City Kittens and the Old House Cat: "Snuggle up in front of the fire and share this sweet kitty tale with your little ones. Bright, richly detailed illustrations bring the story to life as the old cat learns to accept two little intrusions. Fun book to put on your wish list, especially around the holiday season. A delight for any cat or animal lover!" ~ 5 Star Review, CLMurphy, Amazon
The City Kittens and the Old House Cat: "Mrs. D. weaves wonderful lessons of acceptance, adoption and not judging other people without getting to know them into this sweet children's picture book. I highly recommend it for young children." ~ 5 Star Review, P.J. LaRue, Amazon
 

About the Author: Mrs. D

Mrs D ~ Olga D'AgostinoMrs. D. (Olga D’Agostino), an award-winning children’s author, was born in western Ukraine. She lived in the historical city of Lviv, where she studied business in Lviv Business College and worked in the food industry. In 1992, she immigrated to the USA with her two small daughters and for years worked in her own business. In 2011, she began her career as a writer, focusing on writing children’s books that have meaning and provide valuable lessons. Two of her children’s books, The Trees Have Hearts and Good Morning, World!, won Mom’s Choice Awards in 2013. She is a member of SCBWI and speaks a few languages fluently. She lives in the famous town of Smithville, NJ, with her husband Patrick and a meticulous old cat named Nyda. Published books by Mrs. D. include Carlo the Mouse on Vacation, The Trees Have Hearts, The City Kittens and the Old House Cat, Good Morning, World!, and Carlo the Mouse, Book 1: Too Many Rules for One Little Mouse and The Little Girl Praying on the Hill(a short story for an older audience). Coming in 2014: The Royal Palmand Carlo the Mouse, Book 2: Now We're Talking! The full series of Carlo the Mouse and her new books, The Mysterious Life Inside a Closet, That Is How Things Are (two connected stories): The Autumn Wind, and The Kitten and the Sparrow, and three rhyming stories in Who Is Most Important in the Fridge? will be published in the near future. Her books are available in print on Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and as e-books for most popular electronic devices. For updates on Mrs. D.’s books, please visit her website: www.mrsdbooks.net.

Website | Author Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Amazon Author Page

 

* $50 Book Blast Giveaway *

Amazon $50 Gift Card Prize: $50 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal cash (winner’s choice) Contest ends: June 10, 11:59 pm, 2014 Open: Internationally How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, Mrs. D and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com. a Rafflecopter giveaway MDBR Book Promotion Services
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Monday, May 12, 2014

My Review Of Four Fiends By Nikki Bennett

Four Fiends Blog Tour Button FINAL  

About the Book

Four Fiends Cover FINALTitle: Four Fiends (The Countdown), 2nd Edition Author: Nikki Bennett Publication Date: February 16, 2014 (2nd Edition) Publisher: Independent: Firedrake Books LLC Pages: 215 Recommended Ages: 8+ Summary: The Four Guardians of the world have gone missing. They’ve been kidnapped by some of the most diabolical fiends that ever existed. Now, four misfit kids from different parts of the world must band together to save the Guardians. Along the way, they learn to work together, as they confront and conquer their deepest fears.  

Purchase

Amazon | Barnes and Noble

 My review: I give this five stars. I really enjoyed it. It reminds me of C. S. Lewis book where you find hidden meaning in the story. Four kids gather to find the Guardians and save the world. Along the way they learn about themselves. Entertaining. Great characters and adventure. Thanks for a good read.
 

The Buzz

"This was one of the most entertaining reads for the whole family we have found in a long time. The characters are very believable, and I am always a sucker for heroes that have to find their way. The reading is very fluid and easily understood by the little kids when read aloud (sounds silly but anyone trying to do this will tell you it's not as easy a thing to achieve as it sounds) and the kids all seem to enjoy the story. The history is easily accessible even without a lot of research or background knowledge. The kids are very motivated to research and learn more on their own because this story has captured their interest. I already have many home learning lessons in mind using this book and have begun developing them with my kids. I think this is a book that will be found in classrooms very soon! Great job! I'm looking forward to more soon!!!" ~ 5 Star Review, Mariah W., Amazon
"Excellent read in and of itself, and provides excellent, character-building source material for reading to youngsters. The characters are well written and realistic, and the storyline is cleverly written and intelligent." ~ 5 Star Review, Alia K., Amazon
"Fantastic read. I loved the characters in this book so much that I re-read to my 9 year old after finishing it. I highly recommend this book for anyone that likes stories about adventure and believing in yourself." ~ 5 Star Review, Keith, Amazon
 

About the Author: Nikki Bennett

Nikki BennettNikki Bennett is an author and world traveler currently living in Japan. She loves traveling, and incorporates all the culture and folklore she can from the countries she visits into her stories. Nikki has two books out right now. Her first book, FOUR FIENDS is a MG fantasy adventure and her newest book, MUKADE ISLAND is a YA adventure/fantasy (think Lord of the Flies meets LOST, it it was set on a different world!) Find out all about Nikki's books at www.worldofnikki.com

Website | Author Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

 

Four Fiends Blog Tour Schedule (2014)

May 1
May 2
May 3
May 4
May 5
May 6
May 7
May 8
May 9
May 10
May 11
May 12
May 13
May 14
 

* Blog Tour Giveaway *

Amazon $50 Gift Card Prize: $50 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal cash (winner’s choice) Contest ends: May 31, 11:59 pm, 2014 Open: Internationally How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, Nikki Bennett and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com. a Rafflecopter giveaway MDBR Book Promotion Services
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Wednesday, May 7, 2014

My Review Of Josh And The Gumshoe News Crew By Melissa Perry Moraja


 

About the Book

Josh and the Gumshoe News Crew by Melissa Perry MorajaTitle: Josh and the Gumshoe News Crew: The Super Secret | Author: Melissa Perry Moraja | Publication Date: May 5, 2014 | Publisher: Melissa Productions | Pages: 154 | Recommended Ages: 6+ (read-aloud) Summary: Up until a few days ago, nothing extraordinary had ever happened in ten year old Josh Wunderkind’s life - except eating a whole pot of pasta by himself. But that all changed after a mammoth-sized bird hit him smack on the face with a glob of neon green bird poop, triggering his superhuman Wunderkind ability and leaving him with the responsibility of caring for a baby bird he named Max. Now Josh was just like his older brother and twin sister Madison-super extraordinary! But what Josh didn't realize was that being superhuman wasn't all fun and games. And things only got more complex in Josh’s life when his two siblings and a couple neighborhood friends persuade him to lead a super crime-solving, neighborhood news team—the Gumshoe News Crew. But not before they agree on the Super Secret and complete Gumshoe Boot Camp. Find out what the Super Secret is. Will the Gumshoe News Crew complete boot camp? Or will Josh let his team down?  

Purchase

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | iTunes

 My review. I give this book five stars. I really loved it. Super characters. Entertaining. These kids train to become the Gumshoe News Crew and solve a mystery. Melissa Perry Moraja can even make bird poop interesting, which I'm sure will appeal to most kids. Good read. Thanks.
 

About the Author: Melissa Perry Moraja

[caption id="attachment_14966" align="alignleft" width="170"]Melissa Perry Moraja, Author Melissa Perry Moraja[/caption] Melissa Perry Moraja, Award-Winning Author and Founder of Melissa Productions, Inc., is an entrepreneurial mom, a multifaceted business woman, a creative producer, and an author and illustrator of numerous modern-fantasy children’s books and self-help books. And that’s just the beginning! Melissa also has published articles, appeared on television, been interviewed on radio, has spoken in front of hundreds of people, and held workshops at local schools, discussing creative learning, publishing and parenting. Her desire to make a difference in her four young children’s lives inspired her to leave her six-salary career at IBM in 2007 to become a full-time mom, children’s author, speaker, and consultant. Melissa spends her personal time coaching soccer and softball, painting, and coming up with fun art projects for her kids. She also blogs for Working Mother blog, has guest blogged for Charlotte Observer Mom’s Charlotte, and has her own personal blog at Not Your Ordinary Psychic Mom. Melissa is also committed to building awareness and support for type 1 diabetes. Her twin daughter was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes November 4, 2011. To learn more about Madison’s type 1 diabetes disease please read Madison’s Story. For more information about Melissa and her books, please visit http://www.melissaproductions.com and http://www.notyourordinarypsychicmom.com

Website | Wunderkind Family | Blog | Facebook (Author Fan Page)

Facebook (Book Fan Page) | Twitter | Goodreads | Google+ | Pinterest

 

* Josh and the Gumshoe News Crew Blog Tour Schedule (2014) *

May 5
May 6
May 7
May 8
May 9
May 10
May 11
May 12
May 13
May 14
May 15
May 16
May 17
May 18
 

* Blog Tour Giveaway *

Amazon 25 gift card Prize: $25 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal cash (winner’s choice) Contest ends: June 3, 11:59 pm, 2014 Open: Internationally How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, Melissa Perry Moraja and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com. a Rafflecopter giveaway MDBR Book Promotion Services
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Monday, May 5, 2014

Starlight By K C Sprayberry Release Day Blitz

What happened to Tawni Barclay?
The first thing Brad Patterson noticed as he skidded into the Starlight Resort was a teenage girl hanging from the elm tree near the entrance. A shudder ran through him. This scene bore an eerie resemblance to a local legend of three girls who had killed themselves forty years ago. No official records existed to prove those three deaths happened. All he'd been able to uncover were three missing person cases involving three teenage girls who had never been found.
“Where are you, Jayme?”
Jayme Barclay sees her 15 year old swinging on a rope from a tree at Starlight, the mansion the county commissioner is making over. Brad Patterson loses a piece of himself when he answers the 911 call to get to Starlight on a snowy December night. A year later, the mystery surrounding Tawni's "suicide" still haunts both Jayme and Brad. Events spiral until Jayme must return from her isolation and face her demons. After reuniting with Brad, she reveals a secret she hid from him. They work with Tawni's friends to uncover the activities at Starlight and rescue another teen before she kills herself.
READ IT TODAY: 
KC Sprayberry started writing young, first as a diarist, and later through an interest in English and creative writing. Her first experience with publication came when she placed third in The Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge contest while in the Air Force, but her dedication to writing came after she had her youngest child, now in his senior year of high school. Her family lives in Northwest Georgia where she spends her days creating stories about life in the south, and far beyond. More than a dozen of her short stories have appeared in several magazines. Five anthologies feature other short stories. She has three books that are Amazon best sellers: Softly Say Goodbye, Who Am I?, and Mama's Advice. Her other novels available are: Take Chances, The Ghost Catcher, Family Curse … Times Two, Secret From The Flames, Where U @, The Wrong One, Pony Dreams, Evil Eyes, and Grace. FOLLOW Kc AROUND THE UNIVERSE via:  [Website] [Blog] [Facebook] [Twitter] [Goodreads] [Pinterest] [Google+] [Amazon] [JacketFlap] [Manic Readers] [AUTHORSdB] [Authorgraph]

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Starlight-K-C-Sprayberry-ebook/dp/B00K2IMHOM/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1399038532&sr=1-1&keywords=k.c.+sprayberry+starlight
Geotracked Link: http://bookgoodies.com/a/B00K2IMHOM
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/starlight-kc-sprayberry/1119252016?ean=2940045828772
bit.ly/1kr7l2B
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/428900
http://bit.ly/PXogBz


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Friday, May 2, 2014

New Release School Deaths By Christopher Mannino

 Blurb:

Can a timid girl find bravery as the first female Death?

Thirteen-year-old Suzie Sarnio always believed the Grim Reaper was a fairy tale image of a skeleton with a scythe. Now, forced to enter the College of Deaths, she finds herself training to bring souls from the Living World to the Hereafter. The task is demanding enough, but as the only female in the all-male College, she quickly becomes a target. Attacked by both classmates and strangers, Suzie is alone in a world where even her teachers want her to fail.

Caught in the middle of a plot to overthrow the World of Deaths, Suzie must uncover the reason she’s been brought there: the first female Death in a million years.

SCHOOL OF DEATHS, a YA Fantasy novel, will be released by MuseitUp Publishing as an ebook on May 2nd.  
  1. Tell us about your book and how the story came to be.  

The idea for School of Deaths emerged when I was finishing my graduate degree at Oxford University.  I spent four months abroad, far from everyone I knew.  Every week, I traveled somewhere I had never been before.  I would climb castle ruins in Wales and visit cathedrals in England.  One of my favorite trips was to Tintagel Castle in Cornwall.  I crept to the cliff face of Barras Nose, a stony peninsula jutting into the North Sea and overlooking the ruins of Tintagel, which some believe to be the birthplace of King Arthur.  It was dawn, there were no other people in sight, and I had to struggle against the wind, fighting to keep my balance so I didn’t crash into the ocean.  I imagined being buffeted by winds, alone, and what that would do to a character.  I came up with the character of Suzie, alone in a world of men, buffeted by sexism. 

Returning to Oxford, I envisioned Suzie alone in a strange school.  The idea of a school of trained Reapers appealed to me, giving a fantasy edge to her story.  In an early draft, the school of deaths resembled Oxford.  However a beta reader told me, very correctly, that Oxford was the inspiration for JK Rowling’s Harry Potter series.  I eventually changed the setting drastically to avoid that parallel.  

The story is ultimately a tale of overcoming adversity, and how that can propel people to greatness.  Although it has many dark and disturbing undertones (a kidnapped girl, aggressive sexism, a world of Grim Reapers, and so on), I tried to give the book a lighter tone.  I am an optimist myself, and thought it better to focus on the wondrous and magical elements rather than the disturbing elements of Suzie’s plight.  



  1. What three words best describe your main character?

Curious, Persistent, Courageous

  1. Do you have a method for creating your characters, their names and what do you think makes them believable?

Most of my characters, in terms of their personalities, are based either on a facet of my own personality or something I’ve experienced in others.  As I draft, I keep the characters’ role in the story in mind, but usually try to let the character develop in their own way on the page.  One of the antagonists in the story, nicknamed Frenchie, ended up being a far more complex character than I’d originally intended.  On my website, I have added a free downloadable short story (4000 words) called Shadow of the Scythe ( http://www.christophermannino.com/free-reads.html ).  This is a prequel to School of Deaths, set two years before the novel, and told from Frenchie’s point of view.  It was a fun experience writing the story, and an example of how often your characters can surprise you.

As for names, I write most as I go.  The children have fairly common names, to indicate that they were pulled against their will from the Mortal World.  The main characters are Suzie, Billy, Frank, and Jason.  Most of the adults use their last name, and are only referred to as such.  There is another race in the World of Deaths, and those characters have names with meaning, many of which took me longer to develop.  In the earliest draft some of their names were INSERTNAME1 and INSERTNAME2.  After finishing the draft I picked names for them. 

4.  Do your characters follow your plot path or do they take on a life of their own? Do you keep them in check?

As mentioned above, sometimes characters find their own paths.  For the most part, characters follow the overall arc I have set, but I leave freedom for the story to evolve as I write.  If something isn’t working, it’s usually because a character doesn’t like a particular path I’ve set them down, in which case I’ll change their path or let them find their own way.


  1. Have you ever suffered from writer’s block? If so, how did you over come it?

Absolutely.  Before my travels abroad, I lacked inspiration.  Now, the issues is a lack of time.  The best ways I find to combat both is to find inspiration in everything, and to make sure to take a little time each week to write. 


  1. What types of books do you like to read?

I read many different types of books, both fiction and non-fiction.  My favorite books are usually fantasy and science fiction.  I grew up with Tolkien’s Middle Earth, CS Lewis’s Narnia and Isaac Asimov’s Foundation.  I worked in Borders during the Harry Potter releases and devoured those books.  I work with teenagers, so it felt natural to write YA Fantasy, but I’d eventually like to move to other genres.  I enjoy historical fiction such as Ken Follett’s Pillars of the Earth or CJ Sansom’s Shardlake series.  I also enjoy humorous books such as Terry Pratchett and Douglass Adams.  My favorite recent read was Brian Selznick’s beautiful YA book Wonder Struck.

  1. What do you like to do when you aren’t writing?

Unfortunately most of my time is spent “not writing.”  My life consists of visualizing dreams.  My full-time job is as a high school theatre teacher, where I teach 200 students theatre history, acting, theatrical design and more.  When I’m not working, I enjoy seeing theatre, acting, singing, and traveling.  If I am away from the stage for too long, I miss it.  I tend to burst into song just for fun, even in the middle of my classes.  Theatre and writing are my two greatest passions, and I am overjoyed to share them with others. 


  1. What’s next for your writing? Are you working on a new story?

I am currently working on a sequel to School of Deaths, called Sword of Deaths.  I enjoyed the world and characters introduced in my first book a great deal, and while it was written to be a standalone novel, I’d always hoped to turn it into a series.  I have also started work on an adult science fiction novel, and have been working on an absurdist play. 

  1. What’s the best piece of writing advice you’ve received?

An author I met once told me: “What do you call a writer who never gives up?  Answer: Published.”  The road to getting published was not an easy one, and even with a contract it’s easy to get frustrated in the maze of editing, reviews, and marketing.  Sometimes I ask myself why I push myself so hard, when I do have another job, and plenty of other things to focus on.  However, my reason for writing is to share my dreams.  Stephen King, in his book On Writing, calls writing and reading the only true form of magic, since it allows a writer to share thoughts directly with a readers’ mind.  There’s no other medium that accomplishes this feat so elegantly as a book, so I will always write and always seek to share my dreams with the world. 

  1. Where can readers find you and your books?

http://www.christophermannino.com/
http://poetsfire.blogspot.com/
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8108129.Christopher_Mannino
https://twitter.com/Ctmannino
https://www.facebook.com/CTMannino


https://museituppublishing.com/bookstore/index.php/museitup/fantasy/school-of-deaths-detail


http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/school-of-deaths-christopher-mannino/1119059176?ean=2940045799010
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Thursday, May 1, 2014

Mighty Dads Book Blast

Mighty Dads by Joan Holub and James Dean

About the Book

Title: Mighty Dads | Author: Joan Holub | Illustrator: James Dean| Publication Date: April 29, 2014 | Publisher: Scholastic | Pages: 40 | Recommended Ages: 3+ Summary: A new constructacular picture book from the New York Times bestselling creator of Pete the Cat, James Dean and bestselling author, Joan Holub.
Mighty dads, strong and tall,
help their children, young and small.
They keep them safe and bolted tight
and show them how to build things right.
Inventively told through James Dean's colorful construction vehicle characters, MIGHTY DADS is an adoring dedication to hardworking fathers and the subtle ways they teach their boys and girls to follow in their tracks. The Dump Trucks learn to get dirty. Crane keeps his little one safe from harm. The busy Cement Mixer gives his daughter a hug. The Forklift cheers his son on. A surprising and touching view of a father's love for his children, MIGHTY DADS is the perfect way to say: I'm proud of you!  

Book Trailer

 

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The Buzz

"Like the best 21st-century human dads, the vehicles don’t just show their kids the ropes—they also offer plenty of TLC (“Cement Mixer Busy/ gives a hug if Mixie’s dizzy”) and affirmation (“Forklift Wise/ cheers whenever Forky tries”). Dean’s decision to anthropomorphize the construction equipment solely through a highly stylized, often single, forward-facing eye takes some getting used to—imagine a cross between the Eye of Providence on the dollar bill and a Egyptian hieroglyph. But his construction sign–inspired palette and ability to convey calm, steady affection between parent and progeny quickly outweighs this visual idiosyncrasy, making this a book worthy of any young armchair foreman." ~ Publisher's Weekly
"This will make a good read aloud for those looking to update their trucks/machines storytimes." ~ Goodreads Review
"The simple rhyming text will be fun at read alouds as children can do motions (roll, roll, roll or smooth, smooth, smooth)" ~ Goodreads Review
 

About the Author: Joan Holub

Joan Holub author Mighty DadsJoan Holub is co-author of the best-selling Goddess Girls series, the Grimmtastic Girls series, and the Heroes in Training series. Her picture book Little Red Writing received three starred reviews and has been named to many Best-of lists. Her mighty cool dad inspired the creation of the picture book, Mighty Dads.

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About the Illustrator: James Dean

James Dean Author Pete the CatJames Dean is the creator of the best-selling Pete the Cat. Before James started painting Pete the Cat as a full-time profession in 1999, he wanted to paint cars and trucks. He loves things that go, and currently drives a 1971 VW bus camper and a 1959 Chevy truck. He worked as an electrical engineer for fifteen years before he decided to try to make a living with his paintings. James lives with his wife, five cats, and a pug named Little Emma.

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Want a Chance to Win a Copy of "Mighty Dads"?

Be sure to head on over to our review and giveaway of Mighty Dads for your chance to win a copy. Open US/Canada. Ends May 19, 2014. Just click on the cover below. Mighty Dads by Joan Holub and James Dean  

* $50 Book Blast Giveaway *

Amazon $50 Gift Card Prize: One winner will receive a $50 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal cash (winner’s choice) Contest ends: May 31, 11:59 pm, 2014 Open: Internationally How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, Joan Holub and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com. a Rafflecopter giveaway MDBR Book Promotion Services
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