Book Hookup

The Muse by Fred Warren

dsundblad@theinkslinger.net (Donna Sundblad) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 01:52:00 +0000

Imagine you’re a writer searching desperately for inspiration.

Imagine that one day, you find it, but in a way that seems impossible, that challenges all your assumptions about reality.

Imagine if inspiration could be fatal.

The Muse

Fred Warren

Stan Marino needs a muse. He’s written himself into a corner…again.
A shot of inspiration is all he needs to finish his story…where will he find it?
Stan doesn’t realize that inspiration has found him, and it’s about to take over his life. Ripped from reality, he must lead a band of lost souls into a life-or-death battle with a merciless enemy.
Stan has found his muse, but will he survive it?
Read the First Chapter Here

A Source of Hope, Courage and Inspiration

dsundblad@theinkslinger.net (Donna Sundblad) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 15:51:00 +0000

Overcomers, Inc: True stories of hope, courage, and inspiration will give readers the knowledge and emotional resilience to face the most difficult times of life by sharing inspiring stories of triumph.

You will find this a book of diversity. There are many authors, from many walks of life. However, they all share a common bond. They triumphed over tragedy and gleaned wisdom in this process. While this is not a religious book, there are stories full of faith, of many kinds and flavors. It is funny how in your darkest times, faith often becomes your brightest light.

All of the contributors to this book want to encourage you to hold tight to your belief that a better day will come. It is their sincere desire to pass along what they’ve learned through their own trials, to make your journey easier.

To get your own copy and receive dozens of bonus gifts go tohttp://www.overcomersbook.com/booklaunch

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Enjoy a peek inside the book with this excerpt.

Listen to What Your Heart Already Knows
Lauren P. Salamone

The good news: Finally, I knew the cause of my muscle disorder... and the tumor was benign.

The bad news: While my symptoms wouldn’t get worse, I would not regain full use of my muscles. I just had to hope for some improvement.

From Overcomers, Inc.; True Stories of Hope, Courage and Inspiration. To get your own copy and receive dozens of bonus gifts go to http://www.overcomersbook.com/booklaunch

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Dreams Come True

It has been an amazing journey. Stepping out from this place of belief has resulted in success for me – and for so many college students – with much more to come. The feedback I receive from students, parents, and deans is abundantly gratifying. I am a guest speaker, a mentor and a coach. I belong to mastermind groups that help keep me inspired and in top form. And I am living well with my muscle disorder, which is pretty much undetectable to those around me at this point.

To top it off, I came home one day to a message from an editor who wanted to know whether my book was still available to be published! (It’s coming out in 2010!)

Had I not experienced my challenging medical year, I never would have allowed myself to realize my dream. Misfortune can actually lead us to a place of joy we wouldn’t otherwise know. Whatever challenge you face, I hope you will allow yourself to recognize a meaningful opportunity that may arise as a result. Play soothing music, light a candle, mentally exhale, and listen to your heart. You will be delighted by what you hear.

From Overcomers, Inc.; True Stories of Hope, Courage and Inspiration. To get your own copy and receive dozens of bonus gifts go to http://www.overcomersbook.com/booklaunch

Widow's Walk -- Caught Between Faith and Desire

dsundblad@theinkslinger.net (Donna Sundblad) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 17:14:00 +0000

If you've wondered if Widow's Walk by Kenneth Weene is a book to add to your bookshelf, don't miss Steven Clark Bradley's penetrating review of the book at Stories that Read You http://stevenbradley.blogspot.com/2009/09/widows-walk-by-ken-weene-story-that.html . Bradley says, "In Widow’s Walk, Ken Weene uses a lot of excellent descriptions to paint some very deep-seated feelings […]."

While you're there learn more about the author Ken Weene in the in-depth interview, and take a moment to leave a comment. Those who do will be added to a random drawing for a chance to win a copy of Widow's Walk or Ken's book of poetry.

If you haven't already read Widow's Walk, be sure to pick your copy up at Kenneth Weene’s Author Website - http://widows-walk.webs.com/ or at Amazon http://tiny.cc/M5TjW.

You can also connect with him on Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/kenneth.weene or Twitter - https://twitter.com/Ken_Weene.

For more information about Kenneth Weene and his virtual tour, check the schedule at http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2009/08/widows-walk-blog-tour.html

Set Goals and Save Time

dsundblad@theinkslinger.net (Donna Sundblad) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 11:39:00 +0000

Nicolas Soergel, is the author of Happy About An Extra Hour Every Day. As the CEO of a multi-national corporation, had the opportunity to interview successful executives all over the world about how they manage their time. His book help readers save time negotiating various aspects of their lives, including working, traveling, and housekeeping. Buy the book on Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/Happy-About-Extra-Hour-Every/dp/1600051405
or visit his blog at http://www.anextrahoureveryday.com.

Set Goals and Save Time
by Nicolas Soergel

On major step on the way to improving your time management skills, is to be clear as to why you want more time to begin with. The better you get at defining your goals, the more motivation you will have to manage your time. Here’s how:

1) Set goals with short timeframes
Watch out for goals that are set too far in the future since it’s likely that you won’t start working on them right away. Instead, break your longer-term goals down into smaller, more immediate sub-targets necessary to achieve the bigger goal. This way, you will start managing your time to work on the goal immediately and you’ll be motivated because you can measure you progress. These sub-targets also give you a realistic idea of how long it may take you to achieve the big goal.

2) Translate your goals into actionable items
Although you might have spent considerable time defining your goals, you still have to translate them into action items that can be tracked and executed. A good approach is to think of each goal as a project and break it down accordingly:

a) Write down all tasks necessary to achieve a goal
b) Set a sequence for the tasks
c) Define an approximate duration for each task
d) Set a deadline for each task
e) Define who is responsible and who has to contribute to each task

After doing this, you not only have a clearer idea of what you want to achieve in your life but also on what you need to do to make it happen.

3) Make your goals and action items public
If you face difficulties pursuing your goals over a long period of time you can use other people to create public pressure. Announcing your goal makes it more difficult to give up or procrastinate on:

 Tell your coworkers you’re going to achieve a goal and report on your progress from time to time.
 Tell your family and friends about your goal and ask them to keep you motivated. Keep them updated and report on the progress of your action items.
 Write about your goal on a blog and post regular updates.
 Register on 43things (www.43things.com) and exchange with people who are pursuing the same goal as well as people who achieved it.
 Print out your goals and display them in a prominent place in your house or office.

Following these three simple steps will help you manage your time better. Not because of the recommendation of some time-management guru – but because they represent a step forward in creating the extra time necessary to achieve your goals in life. What could be more motivating!

Nicolas Soergel, is the author of Happy About An Extra Hour Every Day. As the CEO of a multi-national corporation, had the opportunity to interview successful executives all over the world about how they manage their time. His book help readers save time negotiating various aspects of their lives, including working, traveling, and housekeeping. Buy the book on Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/Happy-About-Extra-Hour-Every/dp/1600051405
or visit his blog at http://www.anextrahoureveryday.com.

The Heart Behind the Novel Widow's Walk

dsundblad@theinkslinger.net (Donna Sundblad) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 11:30:00 +0000

Don't miss the interview with author Kenneth Weene at Books and Authors http://joyce-anthony.blogspot.com/2009/09/talking-with-kenneth-weene.html where you'll learn more of the heart behind the novel Widow's Walk. See why he writes and learn more about the passions that drive him. While you're there, be sure to leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of Widow's Walk or his book of poetry. Winners will be chosen at random from among those who leave comments at any stop along the blog tour.

If you haven't already read Widow's Walk, be sure to pick your copy up at Kenneth Weene’s Author Website - http://widows-walk.webs.com/ or at Amazon http://tiny.cc/M5TjW.

You can also connect with him on Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/kenneth.weene or Twitter - https://twitter.com/Ken_Weene.

For more information about Kenneth Weene and his virtual tour, check the schedule at http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2009/08/widows-walk-blog-tour.html

Author Kenneth Weene About Faith

dsundblad@theinkslinger.net (Donna Sundblad) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 14:17:00 +0000

You don't want to miss author Kenneth Weene's guest post at The Nurse Mommy Blog http://www.thenursemommy.com/2009/09/guest-posting-about-faith-from-author.html today as he makes thes next stop along his online tour devoted to his novel Widow's Walk. He talks about his main character, Mary, and questions whether or not she is really a woman of faith or merely a follower of religion. Interesting and thought provoking you don't want to miss this one. Be sure to stop by and leave a comment. If you do, you put yourself in the running to win a copy of Widow's Walk or Ken's poetry book. Winners will be drawn at random.

If you haven't already read Widow's Walk, be sure to pick your copy up at Kenneth Weene’s Author Website - http://widows-walk.webs.com/ or at Amazon http://tiny.cc/M5TjW.

You can also connect with him on Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/kenneth.weene or Twitter - https://twitter.com/Ken_Weene.

For more information about Kenneth Weene and his virtual tour, check the schedule at http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2009/08/widows-walk-blog-tour.html

Widow's Walk Reviewed

dsundblad@theinkslinger.net (Donna Sundblad) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 14:03:00 +0000

Check out the latest review of Widow's Walk by author Kenneth Weene as Marilyn's Musings http://marilynmeredith.blogspot.com/2009/09/widows-walk-by-ken-weene.html joins the blog tour. Marilyn says, "This is a love story, a tales about religion and faith, marriage, life and death. It's not a particularly happy story, but it is a true slice of life, wonderful at times and heart-wrenching at others." Widow's Walk reflects how family, friendship, love, faith, and character affect that struggle.

When you stop by be sure to leave a comment. Ken is offering a couple of giveaways to those who leave comments along the Widow's Walk tour stops. Winners will be drawn at random and have a couple of chances to win. Prizes include a copy of Widow's Walk for one lucky winner, and he's also giving away a few copies of his poetry book.

If you haven't already read Widow's Walk, be sure to pick your copy up at Kenneth Weene’s Author Website - http://widows-walk.webs.com/ or at Amazon http://tiny.cc/M5TjW.

You can also connect with him on Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/kenneth.weene or Twitter - https://twitter.com/Ken_Weene.

For more information about Kenneth Weene and his virtual tour, check the schedule at http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2009/08/widows-walk-blog-tour.html

Widow's Walk a Story of Lives Turned Upside Down

dsundblad@theinkslinger.net (Donna Sundblad) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 13:10:00 +0000

Drop by Xanga.com http://cce613.xanga.com/711963936/book-promo-widows-walk-by-ken-weene/ today to catch the latest peek inside author Kenneth Weene's Widow's Walk. Host Chelle Cordero shares an excerpt from this riveting book in which you'll meet Mary Flanagan, a woman caught between her sense of religion and obligation on one hand and her very human desire for love and life on the other.

Widow's Walk is a story of good people who struggle – sometimes successfully and often not – to deal with the challenges in their lives. The novel reflects how family, friendship, love, faith, and character affect that struggle. For the Widow's Walk blog tour, Ken Weene is offering a couple of giveaways to those who visit tour stops and leave comments. Winners will be drawn at random and have a couple of chances to win. Prizes include a copy of Widow's Walk for one lucky winner, and he's also giving away a few copies of his poetry book.

If you haven't already read Widow's Walk, be sure to pick your copy up at Kenneth Weene’s Author Website - http://widows-walk.webs.com/ or at Amazon http://tiny.cc/M5TjW.

You can also connect with him on Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/kenneth.weene or Twitter - https://twitter.com/Ken_Weene.

For more information about Kenneth Weene and his virtual tour, check the schedule at http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2009/08/widows-walk-blog-tour.html

Meet Christian Author Kenneth Weene

dsundblad@theinkslinger.net (Donna Sundblad) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 17:06:00 +0000

Katie Hines – Walking on Water http://katiehines.blogspot.com/2009/09/meet-christian-author-kenneth-weene.html introduces Christian author, Kenneth Weene and talks with him about his first novel Widow's Walk.

Widow's Walk is a story of good people who struggle – sometimes successfully and often not – to deal with the challenges in their lives. The novel reflects how family, friendship, love, faith, and character affect that struggle. Throughout Weene's diverse career which included teaching, pastoral care and psychology, he has also been devoted to writing. For the Widow's Walk blog tour, he is offering a couple of giveaways to those who visit tour stops and leave comments. Winners will be drawn at random and have a couple of chances to win. Prizes include a copy of Widow's Walk for one lucky winner, and he's also giving away a few copies of his poetry book.

If you haven't already read Widow's Walk, be sure to pick your copy up at Kenneth Weene’s Author Website - http://widows-walk.webs.com/ or at Amazon http://tiny.cc/M5TjW.

You can also connect with him on Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/kenneth.weene or Twitter - https://twitter.com/Ken_Weene.

For more information about Kenneth Weene and his virtual tour, check the schedule at http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2009/08/widows-walk-blog-tour.html

Widow's Walk Peels Back the Layers of a Good Family

dsundblad@theinkslinger.net (Donna Sundblad) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 12:51:00 +0000

According to the latest review at Astrology for Everyday – One Writer's Passion http://gooddaysnodays.blogspot.com/2009/09/blog-review-widows-walk.html Widow's Walk by Kenneth Weene "peels back the layers of a good family torn apart emotionally, spiritually and physically." Be sure to stop by and read the entire review and while you're there leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of the book, or possibly a copy of Weene's book of poetry. The chance to win will be available to people who visit any or all of his stops along the tour route and leave comments. Winners will be drawn at random.

If you haven't already read Widow's Walk, be sure to pick your copy up at Kenneth Weene’s Author Website - http://widows-walk.webs.com/ or at Amazon http://tiny.cc/M5TjW.

You can also connect with him on Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/kenneth.weene or Twitter - https://twitter.com/Ken_Weene.

For more information about Kenneth Weene and his virtual tour, check the schedule at http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2009/08/widows-walk-blog-tour.html

Widow's Walk and the Irish Experience in WWII

dsundblad@theinkslinger.net (Donna Sundblad) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 14:53:00 +0000

Stop by Ascroft, eh? today http://dianneascroft.wordpress.com/2009/09/04/widows-walk-by-kenneth-weene/ to get a taste of Kenneth Weene's new novel Widow's Walk. Kenneth sets up introduction to an excerpt you don't want to miss. It offers a glimpse into the Irish experience in WWII.

Throughout Weene's diverse career which included teaching, pastoral care and psychology, he has also been devoted to writing. For the Widow's Walk blog tour, he is offering a couple of giveaways to those who visit tour stops and leave comments. Winners will be drawn at random and have a couple of chances to win. Prizes include a copy of Widow's Walk for one lucky winner, and he's also giving away a few copies of his poetry book.

If you haven't already read Widow's Walk, be sure to pick your copy up at Kenneth Weene’s Author Website - http://widows-walk.webs.com/ or at Amazon http://tiny.cc/M5TjW.

You can also connect with him on Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/kenneth.weene or Twitter - https://twitter.com/Ken_Weene.

For more information about Kenneth Weene and his virtual tour, check the schedule at http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2009/08/widows-walk-blog-tour.html

Blog Tour with Author Ken Weene Kicks Off Today

dsundblad@theinkslinger.net (Donna Sundblad) — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 13:16:00 +0000

Author Kenneth Weene kicks off his virtual blog tour with a stop by Writer's In the Sky http://yvonneperry.blogspot.com/2009/09/widows-walk-by-kenneth-weene.html where Yvonne Perry delves into Kenneth the person and the author with an in-depth interview.

Kenneth's novel, Widow's Walk, is for women who are trying to decide what to do with their lives. It's a book for people who like to experience emotions and at the same time think about life’s meaning. Kenneth's career – primarily in New York – has included teaching, pastoral care, and psychology. Throughout his career Ken has also been devoted to writing, and he is offering a couple of giveaways to people who visit his stops along the tour route and leave comments. Winners will be drawn at random and have a couple of chances to win. Prizes include a copy of Widow's Walk for on lucky winner, and he's also giving away a few copies of his poetry book.

If you haven't already read Widow's Walk, be sure to pick your copy up at Kenneth Weene’s Author Website - http://widows-walk.webs.com/ or at Amazon http://tiny.cc/M5TjW.

You can also connect with him on Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/kenneth.weene or Twitter - https://twitter.com/Ken_Weene.

For more information about Kenneth Weene and his virtual tour, check the schedule at http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2009/08/widows-walk-blog-tour.html

What Is an Energy Vampire?

dsundblad@theinkslinger.net (Donna Sundblad) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 16:50:00 +0000

Today's Book Hookup guest is Dr. Judith Orloff author of:

Emotional Freedom: Liberate Yourself From Negative Emotions and Transform Your Life

Book Summary -

New York Times and Wall Street Journal Bestseller!

Emotional Freedom by Judith Orloff, MD

A Guide to Staying Brave and Positive During Stressful Times

National bestselling author Judith Orloff MD presents new solutions for dealing with emotions in our hyper-tense world. She invites you to take a remarkable journey, one that leads to happiness, serenity, and a mastery over negativity that pervades daily life. You possess the ability to liberate yourself from worry, anger, and fear. True emotional freedom is closer than you think.

What is an Energy Vampire?

by Judith Orloff MD

Relationships are always an energy exchange. To stay feeling our best, we must ask ourselves: Who gives us energy? Who saps it? It's important to be surrounded by supportive, heart-centered people who make us feel safe and secure. It's equally important to pinpoint the energy vampires, who, whether they intend to or not, leech our energy.

Positive energy in others can be rejuvenative. For instance, you're nervous about a job interview, but the minute you meet your prospective boss you relax. He's so calm and welcoming, you calm down too. Or perhaps you have a good friend around whom you always feel loved. These are energy-givers, those we must gravitate towards.

In contrast, energy vampires exude negative energy that drains. Vampires range from the intentionally malicious ones to those who are oblivious to their effect. Some are overbearing and obnoxious; others are friendly and charming. For example, you're at a party talking to a perfectly nice person, but suddenly you're nauseous or weak. Or how about the co-worker who drones on about how she broke up with her boyfriend for the tenth time? Eventually, she feels better, but you're spent. The bottom line is that on a subtle energy level these people suck you dry.

Exercise: Take an inventory of people in your life who give energy, and people who drain. Specifically identify the energy vampires, and begin to evaluate ones you'd like to limit contact with or eliminate. Plan at least one complete afternoon with people who give off positive energy and avoid drainers. Notice how this beneficially affects their physical and emotional well-being.

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About Judith Orloff
Judith Orloff MD, an Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at UCLA and intuition expert, is author of the new book Emotional Freedom: Liberate Yourself From Negative Emotions and Transform Your Life (Harmony Books, 2009) Her other bestsellers are Positive Energy, Intuitive Healing, and Second Sight. Dr. Orloff synthesizes the pearls of traditional medicine with cutting edge knowledge of intuition and energy medicine. She passionately believes that the future of medicine involves integrating all this wisdom to achieve emotional freedom and total wellness. www.drjudithorloff.com

Purchase “Emotional Freedom” from Amazon through the link below and you can receive 100 free gifts from noted transformational leaders such as Dr. Christiane Northrup, Dr. Michael Beckwith, Dr. Bruce Lipton, Shirley Maclaine and more go to: http://www.drjudithorloff.com/emotional-freedom-promotion. For more information about the tour, please visit: http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2009/07/emotional-freedom-by-judith-orloff.html

Authors Unleashed Interviews Donna Sundblad

dsundblad@theinkslinger.net (Donna Sundblad) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 13:07:00 +0000

Donna Sundblad, author of the young adult fantasies Beyond the Fifth Gate and Windwalker
stopped by Authors Unleashed for an interview. Check it out to learn about the inspiration behind these fantasies, along with plenty of fun facts.

Here's a taste of that interview:

Who is your favorite cartoon character?

I can't say I have a favorite. It's more like I enjoy cartoon characters with relationships. Even if they are love/hate relationships. That's what makes them interesting I grew up watching the Flintstones and Jetsons, and today enjoy The Simpsons. The shenanigans of the Road Runner and Wile E. Coyote are fun, too. Those writers have had to come up with new ways to blow Wile E. Coyote up, throw him off a cliff, and have something land on him, while keeping it fresh and even making us laugh.

Which cartoon character is most like you?

I guess out of the characters I listed above, I'd say I'm most like Marge Simpson. She's a caring mom, loving wife, and an independent woman.

If you could beam yourself to anywhere in the world (“Beam me up, Scotty!”), during any time in history, where and when would it be—and why?

You can find the answer to this and more at Author's Unleashed.

Inclinations by David B. Harrington

dsundblad@theinkslinger.net (Donna Sundblad) — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 21:37:00 +0000

The little book that packs a powerful punch!

Replete with angels and mythical creatures, Inclinations is a strange and allegorical mixture of poetry and prose. Based on a series of mystical and esoteric visions, this collection of short stories and poems covers a wide variety of themes including faith, judgment, mysticism and spiritual warfare. With a bit of prophecy clouded in the metaphor of sacred language, one must decide where to interpret the text literally and where to interpret it figuratively.

Inclinations is available at Amazon.

Back Story - The Behind the Scenes Look at Writing a Novel

dsundblad@theinkslinger.net (Donna Sundblad) — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 13:54:00 +0000

Check out the Back Story--The Behind the Scenes Look at Writing a novel as author Donna Sundblad shares insight into the backstory of writing Beyond the Fifth Gate.
Listen to Back-story on Blog Talk Radio

Reduce Your Learning Curve with MaAnna Stephenson's Just the FAQs

dsundblad@theinkslinger.net (Donna Sundblad) — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 15:57:00 +0000

A Book Inside http://abookinside.blogspot.com/2009/07/do-you-need-website-ask-maanna.html talks to MaAnna Stephenson, author of the Just the FAQs ebooks series, about Just the FAQs - Blogs and Just the FAQs - RSS Feeds and how they help to dramatically reduce the learning curve of setting up a blog and adding RSS feeds with step-by-step directions to optimize and customize features of both.

The Just the FAQs series pulls from MaAnna's experience which includes two decades of technical writing, web design and marketing. When you visit her tour stop at A Book Inside, leave a comment and you'll be entered in a random drawing for two free Just the FAQs classes http://www.justthefaqs.net/classes.shtml . Not only that, but every commenter is a winner and will have the opportunity to receive a copy of MaAnna Stephenson's e-book the Quick Step Guide. If you haven't already read her books, be sure to pick up the series at http://www.justthefaqs.net/ebooks.shtml.

For the most up to date information for all tours, visit: http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2009/05/just-faqs-blog-tour-with-maanna.html

Just the FAQs About Marketing, Web Design and More

dsundblad@theinkslinger.net (Donna Sundblad) — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 14:47:00 +0000

Want to know more about author MaAnna Stephenson and her user-friendly guides to the technical aspects of internet marketing and promotions? Stop by Books and Authors http://joyce-anthony.blogspot.com/2009/07/talking-with-maanna-stephenson.html to take advantage of MaAnna's insights based on her Just the FAQs ebook series. MaAnna's experience includes two decades of technical writing, web design and marketing for countless private clients and community groups. Be sure to visit this tour stop to learn about how you can purchase the series at a discount.

When you visit the tour stop leave a comment and you'll be entered in a random drawing for two free Just the FAQs classes http://www.justthefaqs.net/classes.shtml . Not only that, but every commenter is a winner and will have the opportunity to receive a copy of MaAnna Stephenson's e-book the Quick Step Guide. If you haven't already read her books, be sure to pick up the series at http://www.justthefaqs.net/ebooks.shtml.

For the most up to date information for all tours, visit: http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2009/05/just-faqs-blog-tour-with-maanna.html

Donna Sundblad

Promo 101 Tour Coordinator

www.theinkslinger.net

Just the FAQs Puts Internet Basics At Your Fingertips

dsundblad@theinkslinger.net (Donna Sundblad) — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 18:41:00 +0000

MaAnna Stephenson, author of the Just the FAQs ebook series talks with Books and Authors http://joyce-anthony.blogspot.com/2009/07/just-faqs-maamermaanna.html about some of the fundamentals regarding:

• Where to start with blogging
• A better understanding of RSS feeds
• Building a web presence
• How to cash in on the presence through article writing

The Just the FAQs series pull from MaAnna's experience which includes two decades of technical writing, web design and marketing. When you visit her tour stop at Books and Authors, leave a comment and you'll be entered in a random drawing for two free Just the FAQs classes http://www.justthefaqs.net/classes.shtml . Not only that, but every commenter is a winner and will have the opportunity to receive a copy of MaAnna Stephenson's e-book the Quick Step Guide. If you haven't already read her books, be sure to pick up the series at http://www.justthefaqs.net/ebooks.shtml.

For the most up to date information for all tours, visit: http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2009/05/just-faqs-blog-tour-with-maanna.html

dsundblad@theinkslinger.net (Donna Sundblad) — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 18:02:00 +0000

The Writer Today http://www.thewritertoday.com/2009/07/just-faqs-with-maanna-stephenson.html talks to MaAnna Stephenson, author of the Just the FAQs ebooks series, about her background and how her technical and creative sides complement each other and give her the unique ability to translate technology into language for creatively-minded folks.

The Just the FAQs series pull from MaAnna's experience which includes two decades of technical writing, web design and marketing. When you visit her tour stop at The Writer Today, leave a comment and you'll be entered in a random drawing for two free Just the FAQs classes http://www.justthefaqs.net/classes.shtml . Not only that, but every commenter is a winner and will have the opportunity to receive a copy of MaAnna Stephenson's e-book the Quick Step Guide. If you haven't already read her books, be sure to pick up the series at http://www.justthefaqs.net/ebooks.shtml.

For the most up to date information for all tours, visit: http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2009/05/just-faqs-blog-tour-with-maanna.html

Just the FAQs on Websites, Blogs, Article Marketing and More

dsundblad@theinkslinger.net (Donna Sundblad) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 11:42:00 +0000

Author MaAnna Stephenson stops by Creative Penn http://www.thecreativepenn.com/2009/07/14/just-the-faqs/ where she talks about her Just the FAQs series written for folks to help reduce their learning curve when developing an online presence. Whether you're creating a blog, articles, a website or want to learn about RSS feeds, this series is for you.

These books pull from MaAnna's experience which includes two decades of technical writing, web design and marketing. When you visit her tour stop at Creative Penn, leave a comment and you'll be entered in a random drawing for two free Just the FAQs classes http://www.justthefaqs.net /classes.shtml . Not only that, but every commenter is a winner and will have the opportunity to receive a copy of MaAnna Stephenson's e-book the Quick Step Guide. If you haven't already read her books, be sure to pick up the series at http://www.justthefaqs.net/ebooks.shtml.

For the most up to date information for all tours, visit: http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2009/05/just-faqs-blog-tour-with-maanna.html

Just the FAQs to Create an Online Presence

dsundblad@theinkslinger.net (Donna Sundblad) — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:57:00 +0000

Want to be a confident site owner and create an online presence that gets results. Author MaAnna Stephenson stops by Katie Hines – Walking on Water http://katiehines.blogspot.com/2009/07/meet-e-book-author-maanna-stephenson.html today, July 10, to talk about her Just the FAQs ebook series. Books include:

Just the FAQs - Quick Step Guide Just the essentials for setting up a blog with RSS Feeds. Once you see how easy it is to use JTF eBooks, we know you'll come back for more.

Just the FAQs - Blogs Guides you step-by-step through creating, customizing, and optimizing your blog on Blogger with no geek-speak and no-tech talk. If you can click a mouse, you can have a presence on the Web.

Just the FAQs - RSS Feeds Guides you step-by-step through creating, customizing, and optimizing RSS Feeds for your blog on FeedBurner with no geek-speak and no-tech talk. If you can click a mouse, you can have a presence on the Web. A perfect companion book to Just the FAQs – Blogs.

Just the FAQs - Web Sites This easy-to-read book includes all the information you need to learn about domains, hosting, and design elements. It also includes three printable worksheets that will help you organize your marketing information and tips to help you avoid costly pitfalls of Web site ownership.

Just the FAQs - Articles Step-by-step instructions for registering and submitting to major article directories. Included are tips and tricks to help you organize and streamline your article marketing campaign.

These books pull from MaAnna's experience which includes two decades of technical writing, web design and marketing. When you visit her tour stop at Katie Hines – Walking on Water, leave a comment and you'll be entered in a random drawing for two free Just the FAQs classes http://www.justthefaqs.net/classes.shtml . Not only that, but every commenter is a winner and will have the opportunity to receive a copy of MaAnna Stephenson's e-book the Quick Step Guide. If you haven't already read her books, be sure to pick up the series at http://www.justthefaqs.net/ebooks.shtml.

For the most up to date information for all tours, visit: http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2009/05/just-faqs-blog-tour-with-maanna.html

MaAnna Stephenson On the Top Two Things Site Owners Should Know

dsundblad@theinkslinger.net (Donna Sundblad) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 12:40:00 +0000

Want to know "The Top Two Things All Site Owners Should Know"? Stop by Sharing With Writers http://sharingwithwriters.blogspot.com/2009/07/maanna-stephenson-shares-top-two-things.html on July 6 where author MaAnna Stephenson offers insights based on her Just the FAQs ebook series. MaAnna's experience includes two decades of technical writing, web design and marketing for countless private clients and community groups. Her instructional series titled Just the FAQs includes user-friendly guides to the technical aspects of internet marketing and promotions.

When you visit the tour stop leave a comment and you'll be entered in a random drawing for two free Just the FAQs classes. Not only that, but every commenter is a winner and will have the opportunity to receive a copy of MaAnna Stephenson's e-book the Quick Step Guide. If you haven't already read her books, be sure to pick up the series at http://www.justthefaqs.net/ebooks.shtml.

For the most up to date information for all tours, visit: http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2009/05/just-faqs-blog-tour-with-maanna.html

Author Steven Clark Bradley's Patriot Acts

dsundblad@theinkslinger.net (Donna Sundblad) — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 23:11:00 +0000

Author Steven Clark Bradley has been to or lived in 34 countries, including Pakistan, Iraq and Turkey. He has a master’s degree in liberal studies from Indiana University. He speaks French and Turkish. He has been an assistant to a prosecutor, a university instructor and a freelance journalist. He recently sat down to talk with Book Hookup for this interview:

The political undertones in Patriot Acts reveal a working knowledge of history, government and the military. How did this play a role in your plot development?

It is true that I have had a very diverse career, politics, journalism and world travel. All of those activities in my life have given me a real understanding of what is out there and the dangers we face. I want to write stories that are only scary because they are so very plausible. I can say that the scenario of Patriot Acts and Patriot Acts Two, which is now completed and in editing, are both very real and related to the things and issues and dangers we now face in a world gone mad and gone weak. We have a president who thinks talk is enough and a government that is spending us into oblivion. That is why I have striven so hard to make what I write so real and something that serves as a warning of the future that we face without realizing that freedom is not free.

What idea first ignited you imagination that led you to write this story?

I believe we are losing our freedom, freedoms that were never granted by any government, but by god. There are forces at work today that place all of us in the crosshairs of totalitarian treatment. One of the biggest mistakes we are making today in our seeming delight in playing the part of the Ostrich. We have our heads in the sand and think our enemies cannot see our hinder parts. Patriot Acts goes a long way in showing that going softly and politically with nations like Iran and North Korea only emboldens them and gives them the idea that we will not react to their behavior that endangers the peace of the world. Unfortunately, they may be right.

The dialog and Middle Eastern scenery in your book are authentically vivid. Have you visited the Middle East? Did you serve in the military?

I have lived in the Middle East and in Muslim countries outside of the Middle East. I have lived in Turkey, Pakistan, Iraq, and Senegal, West Africa. All together, I have either lived in or been to 34 different countries, which did give me a real understanding of the culture and the life they live there. In Patriot Acts, many of the events, especially in the first three chapters, are events that I actually lived. I worked there and some things I cannot talk about, but there were things that I have seen and did that show me and hopefully my depiction of the these things in a fictional form will show others that threats are real and present and that without vigilance, we shall not survive as a nation.

The threat of an apocalyptic terrorist threat combined with the unlikely alliance between the Islamic Republic of Iran and radical American militia groups to free your innocent protagonist, Colonel Fisher Harrison, is brilliant. What inspired this unholy alliance?

I have heard from some who felt it was not realistic to think that Americans would gang up with terrorists. All I had to do was to refresh their memories and mention names like Terry Nichols, Timothy McVeigh or the Uni-bomber. All of these are part of a huge underground network that is even now looking for a way to change the world we have built into an anarchist’s paradise.

After I published Patriot Acts, I found so free pictures to use for marketing and one man called me and told me he was one of the people in one of the pictures I had used. He was a really interesting man, but very despising of the world in which we live. I was raised in Northern Indiana. In the country area where I am from, there are literally hundreds of private armies and militias. I know people who have tanks and heavy armaments that could wage a pretty effective revolution. Most of them love America, but they have arsenals that would make your skin crawl. These people are real. They are not interested in peace, because peace would put them out of business.

I have always said that it is impossible for Hamas and Hezbollah to make peace with Israel. If those terror groups make peace, they will have negotiated themselves out of existence, and terror is why they are the scourge of the world today. Those in America are no different. They are paranoid, nervous, often delusional and dangerous.

You've created interesting yet complex characters complete with strengths and flaws. Which character(s) grew beyond the scope of your original concept for them and in what way?

This is a great question. I used to wonder how I could paint a fictitious human in a genuine way. As humans, we have histories of greatness and profound mistakes at times. I came to an understanding that all I had to do was take a realistic look at myself. That provided the good and the bad that all of possess. I would love to write a memoire in the future, but my greatest concern is how I can portray the real me and still have friends, in light of the life I have lived and some of the things I have done, that I cannot speak of. I will not write a biography unless I can tell the good, the bad and the ugly.

Do you see part of yourself in any of your characters?

I would say a lot of Fisher Harrison’s development and personality and actions represent who I am and somewhat who I would have liked to be. Hamilton Smith and Jamie O’Rourke ended up basically who I patterned them to be. But, the character who took on a life of his own was the President figure, Christopher A. Tate.

President Tate, in Patriot Acts, was patterned after someone in my past who was a real self-indulged, egotistical and despicable person I worked for politically, in my past. My intent was to paint him as I recalled him, in a very negative light, to say the least. Yet, he emerged as a naïve man, a man with bitter demons that plagued him, but who was courageous enough to face his mistakes and character flaws and to grow into a real leader. I have always said that a great story starts to write itself, and President Tate in Patriot Acts is a prime example of that. He has a supreme role in Patriot Acts Two and his character, I predict, will bring you to tears.

This story is full of suspense and intrigue. It is written with such clarity and realistic fervor that it seems one could click on the TV and see these fictional events played out on the news. What do you hope to accomplish with this story?

As it has accurately been said, fact is often stranger than fiction. I want Americans too actually see that there is no future unless we take the rose-colored glasses off and look at the world around us. In 2002, I was in Israel. I was doing a freelance journalistic endeavor for a newspaper. I was on a bus that was third in line to go to Bethlehem. About ten minutes after I got on my bus, the bus that was first in line and full of children returning back to school after their summer break, blew up and killed eighteen children and several adults. Those kids got up and only wanted to see their friends. Their parents only wanted to make sure their kids got a good education, but by the middle of the morning, they were all dead.

On the morning of September 11, 2001, the mothers and fathers and children of so many loved ones only went to the World Trade Center to do their jobs; to support their families and build their careers. Yet, because of the desire of evil men with evil intents and with evil ideologies, over three thousand of them would never see their kids again. That morning, they kissed their wives, their husbands, their kids, their parents for the very last time. It seems impossible that Americans would ever forget such a massive attack, and it seems logical that we’d want to fight such evil actions regardless of the world’s feelings, in spite of the cost. Yet, we have forgotten.

Now we are negotiating with Iran; our President tells those with the same evil ideas that we are not at war with them, that their evil ideals in the name of some evil concept of a god that they have a good faith and that we are friends. We have blinded our eyes and the forces at work to destroy us and the current political leaders controlling the nation are a combination that places this nation and our children’s futures in peril. That is why I burn the midnight oil to push myself to tell the next generation that there will be no future of freedom, there will be no happy ending unless we give our all to thumb our noses at the peaceniks who would just as soon see us perish than to do what it takes to survive. These are some of the reasons why I write on issues that some may find too realistic to say they enjoy my writing. I am not trying to be enjoyable. I want to stimulate, to resurrect the desire to maintain our free society and to see the threats so we can prepare for them.

Where do you hope to take your writing in the future? Is there a sequel on the horizon?

The sequel is written and I would say, though the characters are the same, the story is just as powerful as and actually more so than Patriot Acts One. I have tentatively called it The Second Republic. It is about domestic biological terrorism and it will make your hair stand up on your arm. I do not know where such ideas come from, but it is a plausible and super-frightening scenario of what evil men and women can do to control the lives of others and to make the world to tremble. I sometimes feel too clear in what I see for the future if we stay on our current path. I fall asleep wondering where we are headed. Perhaps, instead of worrying about some unproven hole in the ozone, perhaps we should worry more about the holes in our security, about the breaches of trust our leaders create, bout those who wish to relegate America to the ash heap of history. I will write it until we are told we cannot longer so, and then I will double my efforts.

What dreams have been realized as a result of your writing? Any special memories that you would like to share?

Of all the books I have written, I have to say that Nimrod Rising shook me to my very core. I came back to America to live in 1995. I felt the changes and I could see where it was headed, and I am sad to see that I was right. In 1996, while writing and researching the novel, I wrote about the Twin Towers falling in that novel and an aircraft slamming into them. I do not claim any special gifts, except that which God has given me, for what have we that has not been given to us? But when it actually happened, I actually began to shake and sweat. I knew I had read it all right. That book eventually took me twelve years to write and I can say that it became a treatise on the future of America. Patriot Acts demonstrates how the border with Mexico is an effective conduit for weapons of mass destruction, and I read just last week how Al-Qaida is trying to smuggle in Anthrax into this country through Mexico. This is not the fault only of Mexico. It is more our wrong policy that refuses to appreciate our sovereignty and the plot of my book seemed so very real. It is time that we speak the truth, and it is a time when, sadly, fiction is more real than all the pipe dreams we have that all will be well without resolve and a will to fight. I am not a negative person. I have tons of bad jokes and am a very happy man. Yet, I am a realist and I know that unless we act to save our nation, those we seek to befriend will use our naivety to kill us. That is why I write.

Where is Patriot Acts available?

This new exciting novel is easy to find and available all over the net. Here are a few links to help you secure you own copy of Patriot Acts.

Patriot Acts (Print Version) at Amazon,com

Patriot Acts (Print Version) at Cambridge Books

Patriot Acts (Electronic Version) at Ebooks on the net

Patriot Acts (Electronic Version) at Amazon.com

Patriot Acts (Electronic Version) at Fictionwise.com

Patriot Acts (Electronic Version) at Mobipocket.com

I hope everyone who reads this will not just think it is entertainment or the irrational rambling of a scared American. I am not afraid; I am convinced that no one will secure our future except us. That is why I declare the main theme of Patriot Acts in one key phrase: Patriot Acts – No unconditional Talks – Just patriot Acts!

Steven Clark Bradley

New Release - Steel Town by John P. Matsis

dsundblad@theinkslinger.net (Donna Sundblad) — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 12:31:00 +0000

Steel Town, a city of proud immigrant men and women awakens to the call of a distant war. Bessemer converters, open hearths, and steel workers gear for the machinery of a war they don’t understand. Night is no longer dark as the horizon glows from the nonstop flow of molten steel; the evenings no longer tranquil as eighteen-wheelers roar, fully loaded with steel to make tanks that spit fire and for destroyers that patrol the Sea of Saigon.

In a place as alien as a far off planet, two boys, the best of friends, come to age and find themselves catapulted into the horror of war—where the enemy, like moles, tunnel beneath the damp earth and into the hillsides, where booby trapped bombs and punjii stakes await the unwary American soldiers as they step through tall grasses and beneath the canopy of dense vegetation in search of the enemy. It is a place where a cunning and determined enemy calls home, a jungle arena where boyhood dreams and bonds of friendship are tested. The motto, “till death do us part,” becomes a sudden reality when a enemy grenade explodes, and the once “pretty boy” must come to grip with a terrible reality—he has only half a face. He is no longer the boy with a face that girls die for, no longer the vision of a Greek god born of proud immigrant parents.

As the war escalates, Steel Town, Gary, Indiana, must come to grip with the changing times. The old ways are strained, tradition no longer to be taken for granted—the war has changed everything. Like the war afar, lives totter and bend in the gust of controversy. A Greek coffeehouse keeper, an ex-middleweight champion of the world, and a young girl face difficult decisions. A priest struggles with his own demons. Parents look at each with apprehension, uncertain of the future of their sons. Two soldiers, their lives forever changed, struggle in a chess match of life and death. Even the enemy must face the inevitable…that life is indeed fragile