4 Wills Publishing – Interludes Tour – with #RRBC’s Harmony Kent

April 30, 2016April 30, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 69 Comments

It is my pleasure to host a stop on Harmony Kent’s 4 Wills Interludes Tour. Harmony is a fellow member of Rave Reviews Book Club, and it is a treat to have her with me today. The post is your’s Harmony.

Harmony Kent

Thank you, John. Hi, everyone. Harmony here. Thanks for joining me on my three-day tour with 4Wills Publishing and my fantastic host for today! You can find details of my other stops here: 4Wills Upcoming Events.

The first thing I have to tell you is that I’ve crossed over to the dark side, LOL, and ventured into writing Erotic Romance.

To date, I have six books published, which you can find HERE.

My seventh and latest book is INTERLUDES: a collection of A collection of short erotic fiction that will tickle more than your taste buds and wet more than your appetite.

Kindle Cover Interludes small copy

With a range of genres and styles, this book has enough steam for everyone.

GREY MANCHESTER—contemporary romance in 1000 words. Will Nadine choose to drop her knife or her knickers?

DOUBLE TROUBLE—ménage a trois in 2000 words. After a dry spell, Sophia gets more than she bargained for with a solicitor and a teacher.

DRAGON KISSED—shifter romance in 3000 words. Jenna’s life is fairly run of the mill until she has a flying accident. With a dragon. All is not as it seems in this fiery romance.

TRYST—contemporary romance in 4000 words. Polly pushes the boundaries on a workplace night out.

LOVE ON THE CORNISH LINE—contemporary romance in 5000 words. Becky falls flat on her face, and madly in love. Her weekly commute home proves to be anything but routine.

THE INLAW—contemporary romance in 6000 words. At 43, amputee Carla never expected in her wildest dreams to be called a MILF by a hot young stud. Trouble is, he’s her son in law’s brother. And young enough to be her son. Sparks fly when she’s caught with her hands in the biscuit tin.

NIGHT NURSE—contemporary romance in 7000 words. Denise has only weeks left to live. What constitutes life, though? What fills the yawning hours of empty days? Who are you once the chemo and the cancer have stripped you bare? What to do?—Go out on a slow fizzle, or with a big bang?

OVERBOARD—contemporary romance in 8000 words. When Stella falls overboard in the middle of the Pacific, she gets more than she bargained for. Sharks and storms not withstanding.

ALIEN LIAISON—alien romance in 9000 words. When the military transport, Lunas Two, crash lands on Zorth, Jay is given the job of liaising with the locals. She’s seen plenty of aliens in her four years of service, but never one as finger licking good as Lemo. How far will she have to go to keep the peace?

SAVING FACE—historical romance in 10,000 words. Non-related step brother and sister, David and Annalise, break all the rules in this steamy historical romance. Forced to live apart from the love of her life and into an arranged and loveless marriage, Annalise has to grow up fast. When all is lost, will she be able to save face?

READER ADVISORY: This book contains explicit sex scenes and language hot enough to melt your Kindle. For mature readers only.

Here is an excerpt from the book:

From Grey Manchester:

‘What do you want?’ Nadine asked. The metal handle of the knife felt hot in her hand. Why hadn’t she put it down yet? What did she intend? Which kind of payment would she give him?

They returned to their silent stare-off, and Nadine felt even more ambivalent toward this man who had been her friend since primary school. As a precocious five-year-old, his deafness had intrigued her and drawn her to him. She’d learned sign language for him, and how to lip-speak. Today, she deliberately withheld signing. Make him work for her words.

She hated that they couldn’t yell and scream at one another when they needed to blow off steam. Well, she could yell at him, but his deaf-muteness always rendered her thunder pointless and ineffectual.

Frustration … such an apt word. It described a multitude of feelings and unfulfilled want.

Noisy thoughts tore the taut silence asunder. Could she, in all fairness, continue to blame him for the attack? One punch—that’s all. Self-defence. He hadn’t heard her approach. She ought to have known better. His recent assault had left him jittery and vulnerable.

Nadine stared at his delicate hands, now clenched while his arms hung at his sides. She loved those hands. Those flexible fingers. The things they could do to her. A memory grew wings and fluttered in front of her. Their first time. His touch. The first time he’d touched her in that way. Two not-quite-sixteen-year-olds discovering each other.

INTERLUDES is available for pre-order now for just 0.99!

Buy it now and have it automatically delivered to your ereader on Monday!

AMAZON US

AMAZON UK

If you’d like to keep up to date with my new releases and news, please sign up to my mailing list HERE, or alternatively, you can visit my website at www.harmonykent.co.uk.

You can also find me on Twitter and Facebook.

For more sneak peeks, please join me on tomorrow’s tour stop, where you’ll find another tantalising excerpt from Interludes.

Thanks so much for stopping by and saying hi 🙂

“The tour sponsored by 4WillsPublishing.wordpress.com.”

Tuesday Anything Possible – #RRBC Spotlight Author Sherilyn Powers

April 5, 2016April 4, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 71 Comments

I am so pleased to welcome Sherilyn Powers this week’s Rave Reviews Spotlight Author. Please visit this LINK to see all the stops as part of her tour. So please welcome Sherilyn to Fiction Favorites.

Sherilyn Powers image I'm Not Crazy I'm Allergic by Sherilyn Powers

Eliminating Top Food Allergens
By Sherilyn Powers
Author of I’m Not Crazy… I’m Allergic!

One of the things that is difficult in a journey to identify if you have food allergies or sensitivities, is where to start.
According to most allergy sites there are between eight and eleven top allergens that are most likely to cause issues. These are usually identified as mustard, peanuts, tree nuts, sesame seeds, milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, soy, wheat and sulphites.
Usually peanuts and shellfish are an “all or nothing” type of reaction. It seems that when people develop allergies or sensitivities to these, it doesn’t stay just annoying but quickly goes serious. Not everyone reacts like this but the majority seem to.
The other foods seem to be a little less critical for people and they are good to start your elimination diet.
Things to keep in mind as you eliminate a food is to make sure you aren’t getting it anywhere. Read labels. It doesn’t matter if eggs is the last thing on the list (supposedly meaning there is less of it than anything else), if you are eliminating eggs, don’t eat it.
The same thing goes for eating food where you don’t have control over all the ingredients ie. fast food. Unless you can look up their ingredients or allergy list, don’t chance it. The more diligent you are to ensuring you are not exposed to that food for the required time, the better result you will get when you reintroduce it if you do have a sensitivity/allergy to it.
Another thing to note… you may have to do an elimination of a food more than once. Sometimes the first time you take a food out, you don’t get a definite reaction. After a few other things have been eliminated, you can try that food again and see if your reaction is any stronger.
If you find that you take out a food, feel better for the week to ten days, and then feel horrible when you reintroduce it – congratulations! You have found something you would be better off avoiding. However, you aren’t done yet.
The bad news is… most people aren’t just allergic/sensitive to one thing. For a lot of people, once their bodies “decide” to react to one thing, it isn’t long before another one or two pop up.
In my book “I’m Not Crazy… I’m Allergic!” I go more in-depth with elimination diets and the things to help identify if you have unknown allergies or sensitivities.

Sherilyn Powers’ contact information:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/imnotcrazyimallergic
Twitter: @SPowersINCIA
Website: http://imnotcrazyimallergic.com

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Treachery & Triumph Tour #RRBC

March 1, 2016March 1, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 72 Comments

I am very happy to welcome my good friend John Fioravanti to Fiction Favorites. He is on tour and stopping on my site today. John the post is yours.

TREACHERY & TRIUMPH BLOG TOUR:
Nonnie Returns To Genesis – Episode 3

GIVEAWAYS:
(Leave a comment each day to be entered to win one of these prizes)

(1) $10 Amazon Gift Card
(2) $5 Amazon Gift Cards
(2) ebook copy of “TREACHERY & TRIUMPH.”

GRAND GIVEAWAY:
Anyone who purchases a copy of “TREACHERY & TRIUMPH” and sends to me a copy of the purchase receipt to jfinwat@gmail.com, and leaves a comment along the tour, will get their name entered into a drawing for a $25 Amazon gift card! One entry for each book that is purchased, whether in e-book or paperback format. Purchases must take place between 2/28 – 3/05/2016. If you’ve already purchased one of the books, then feel free to gift a friend, just for the chance to win!! Spend a little, and you could win a lot!!! If you leave a review on Amazon, you will earn a second entry for this prize. Reviews must be posted between 2/29/16 and 3/29/16.

TT-Cover-Final-LSI4 copy

EPISODE 3

Several months ago, renowned interviewer and author, Nonnie Jules, accompanied author, John Fioravanti to planet Genesis seven centuries into the future. Dr. John, as he’s called on Genesis, possesses unusual teleportation powers, which he uses to travel through time and space. He can travel with another person just by laying his hand upon them.

Yesterday, we witnessed a meeting between Nonnie, John and Andra Ursla, Earther Ambassador to Genesis. Nonnie expressed an interest in learning more about what makes Marco Rossini tick, so she thought a chat with his lead security agent might enlighten her further.

Our intrepid pair disappeared from the Earther Embassy and reappeared on the sidewalk outside the Campus Café – just across the university campus from Marco’s residence.

(Nonnie takes in a deep breath as she orients herself and releases John’s arm. John leaves her side, peeks into the Café window, nods, and returns to his friend.)

John: “He’s in there, Nonnie. Are you okay or do you need another minute?”

Nonnie: “I’m fine. Believe it or not, I think I’m getting used to popping in and out of thin air. Let’s go in… ugh… it’s too hot and humid out here!”

(John opens the door for her and follows her inside. Nonnie spots the waitress that served them on their last visit and flags her down, whereupon the waitress gives out a whoop and almost runs to meet her.)

Nonnie: “Suzie! How’s my baby?”

(The two hug each other briefly and Suzie steps away)

Suzie: “Oh, Mrs. Jules, I’m just so happy to see you again! Please, come and meet a friend of mine.”

(Suzie leads them to a corner booth on the far side of the café. Enroute, Nonnie stops to say hello to every person she passes. When she arrives, she finds another man greeting John and Suzie.)

Suzie: “Ted Gallo, this is Mrs. Jules – a very special lady and good friend of Dr. John.”

(Before Ted can respond, Nonnie steps forward and offers her hand.)

Nonnie: “Hello Captain Gallo, I’m Nonnie!” (turning to Suzie) “How did you know we came to see the captain?”

Suzie: (Grinning at John) “Let’s call it female intuition, shall we? Can I get coffee for everyone?”

(All three agree. Ted slides into the seat he occupied before their arrival and John slides in beside him. Nonnie takes the seat opposite the two men.)

John: “Nonnie, are you sure about the coffee? You know, if Marlena finds out…”

Nonnie: (Cuts him off in mid-sentence somewhat annoyed.) “I’m sure!” (Turns to address Ted Gallo with a sweet smile.) “You know, Captain, there’s something about that man (Points at John) that makes me want coffee every time we meet… he just unnerves me!”

(John stifles a laugh while Ted looks from one to the other clearly amused.)

Ted: “Nonnie, I’m really pleased that Dr. John asked me to meet you. I understand you’re a writer. I’ve never met a published author before, so I’m honored. And please call me Ted.”

Nonnie: “John and I had a meeting with Marco last year, and then I heard about the explosion on the hybrid Battlecruiser that almost killed him. I know that you’re in charge of his security, so I wanted to meet you. Say, why aren’t you with Marco right now?”

Ted: “My day off, Nonnie. James Drury takes over lead and we bring another man in when I’m off. I’m very happy to meet you too. Marco speaks warmly about his meeting with you two last year. I’m curious… why do you want to talk to me?”

(Suzie arrives with their coffee, Nonnie thanks her and she leaves to attend to other customers. Nonnie lifts her cup, inhales the rich aroma, and closes her eyes in thanksgiving.)

Nonnie: “I just adore the smell of fresh coffee!”

(She looks at Ted and ignores John who’s grinning and wagging his finger at her disapprovingly.)

“Ted, you know the private Marco – the one the public doesn’t see. You accompanied him on Agamemnon on the return trip from Earth. Tell me, is he really okay or do you have concerns?”

Ted: (chuckles) “Yes, I have serious concerns!”

Nonnie: “Seriously? What do you mean?” Give it to me straight… no sugarcoatin!”

Ted: (Grins at her) “I fear for the well-being of any Rouge thugs that might decide to attack him!”

Nonnie: “But he’s a former professor who almost got killed not so long ago. Why do you say that?”

Ted: (Looks at both Nonnie and John in turn and lowers his voice.)

“Our trip home from Earth took the better part of two weeks, and I worked out with Marco twice daily. We sparred – that’s hand-to-hand combat – for an hour each day. When I left the Marine Corps to join the Alpha Corps, I was the champion and head instructor for trainees. I had to use every bit of experience just to hold my own against Marco.”

John: “Really! How can that be, Ted?”

Ted: “When I started this gig after the election, Marco asked me to train him on the sparring mat. His close friend, ArcGeneral Pat Conroy, had taught him a lot over the years, so I agreed to help him along. I smiled to myself the first time we faced each other. I wasn’t smiling for long! He was good. Now he’s faster, stronger and he has a warrior’s heart.”

Nonnie: “Now I understand why Andra is so impressed with him.”

Ted: “It’s a bit ironic, but as a security team, we’re confident that if we ever have to fight off attackers, Marco will have our backs! Security gigs get no better than this! Oh yes, and one more thing. Every couple of weeks his mother sends him a couple of boxes of baked goods from her oven. Marco tells us to help ourselves… oh my… can that lady bake!”

Nonnie: “Don’t you have a wife that bakes for you?”

Ted: “No, I don’t. Wish I did… but I don’t think there’s a woman out there who would put up with me and my lifestyle.”

Nonnie: “I’m sorry, I’m intruding into your private business…”

Ted: “I’m not offended.” (sighs and closes his eyes for a moment, opens them again and continues)

“Nonnie, there is someone. She’s an Alpha and I work with her quite often. She’s everything I could want in a woman, and she’d understand my work and the stresses, but…”

Nonnie: (Reaches across the table and pats his hand.) “You don’t think she’s attracted to you. You think she’d refuse you if you asked her out”.

(Ted remains mute, but nods in agreement)

“What if you’re wrong? Think about it, Ted… maybe she likes you and is afraid of messing up your professional relationship. From where I’m sitting, you have everything to gain and only your loneliness to lose.”

(Ted remains silent, lost in thought for another minute. He looks up at Nonnie and gives her a sad smile.)

Ted: “Thanks, I’ll give your words a lot of thought.”

John: “Ted, I thank you for your time and the sharing you did with us today. We need to take our leave now. Nonnie, are you ready?”

(Nonnie slides out of her seat and waits for John and Ted to slide out as well. Ted gives her a big hug and wishes them both well. John leads the way to the door, and Nonnie follows at a discreet distance, careful not to touch him. As they emerge onto the sidewalk outside, John turns to Nonnie.)

Nonnie: “Before you whisk me off somewhere, I want to know…”

(John smiles, says something about a surprise, takes her hand… and they’re gone!)

Be sure to tune in tomorrow for… whatever happens!

To follow John’s tour, please visit the 4WillsPub home page and click on the CURRENT EVENTS tab, which will take you directly to John’s blog tour page! Thanks for stopping by today!
CONTACT VIA:

Twitter: @JohnJFioravanti, @FioraBooks
Facebook: Fiora Books Company Page
Blogs: The Genesis Lounge & My Inspiration

Passion&Struggle

TRAILERS:

“THE GENESIS SAGA (Passion & Struggle + Treachery & Triumph)

“A PERSONAL JOURNEY TO THE HEART OF TEACHING”

“This tour sponsored by 4WillsPublishing.wordpress.com.”

Tuesday Anything Possible – #RRBC Spotlight Author Tour with Mark Aberdeen

February 23, 2016September 15, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 46 Comments

I am pleased to Welcome Mark Aberdeen the current Spotlight Author for Rave Reviews Book Club. He is on tour, and I am fortunate to have him stop by my place. If you would like to follow his tour you can go HERE to check the other stops. So Mark with no more delay tell us about your writing process.

Mark’s Writing Process – Patent Pending

By Mark Aberdeen

Writing isn’t my full-time job. In my day job I manage a bunch of engineers for a telecommunication’s company and it blocks off a good portion of my week. I also have a wife, house, three dogs, obligations and a honey-do list with a never-ending list of home repairs that need to be done. When I come up with a story idea, it can be very annoying. First, my characters don’t know how to shut up and go away. They nag me until I write it down. Let’s be clear, I’m not literally hearing voices, but there are stories that need to be told, and I’m the appointed one to tell them. It’s a responsibility I take very seriously and one I don’t take on lightly. It’s an obligation.

I know once I settle down to write, I have a difficult time stopping. My wife becomes temporarily widowed, my dogs bark at me as if I were a stranger entering our home, I stop for bathroom and coffee breaks, I’ve slept with my face in my keyboard, I’ve had to delete a thousand pages of the letter E, I emerge from my office, not unlike a groundhog on February 2^nd jumping at shadows and clutching a manuscript in grubby, coffee-stained fist, desperate for a shower, human contact, vitamin D production from sunlight and new eyeglass prescription. My creative process takes no prisoners. I use the rest of the year to recover from it and convince my wife not to spend the insurance money. My process isn’t for everyone, but the point of it is a writer can’t write without doing the work. Some talk about writing, or think about writing, or contemplate writing; they have terrific ideas, but there’s no substitute for putting words to paper, or pixels to screens, or whatever the kids are doing these days. A writer writes…patent pending.

Knight and Dex

Excerpt

Snow settled over New London and covered the alley with a chilly blanket, which normally gave me a moment’s pause to reflect. I might have thought about tranquility, but there was nothing tranquil in the roundhouse kick I took to the face. Steam rose from crimson splatter as my blood hit the freshly fallen snow.

Minx’s claws flashed. I jumped back and narrowly avoided being torn open at the belly.

It was difficult to wax poetic while someone was doing their best to kill me.

Welcome to my life.

I swung my left fist. My intention wasn’t to connect with Minx’s jaw but to buy a precious second. The parry worked well enough and gave me the moment I needed to draw the pulse pistol from under my coat. I bellowed a triumphant, “Ha!”

My moment of glory was short-lived. Another kick connected with my right hand. The blow jarred the weapon loose, and it sailed into a snow bank. Powdery snow swallowed it whole. The thing about being unarmed, it felt a bit like being naked in a crowd. No way to cover my ass.

I gripped my stinging hand. “Shit.”

A powerful arm, furry and itchy and stiff as a crowbar, hooked me around the neck. Minx had gotten behind me, and the momentum of her attack tore my feet from the ground. I cartwheeled, forcing her to detach and spring back, but I landed face-down in a heap. The snow with all its apparent fluffiness did nothing to cushion my fall. The impact rattled my bones and lights danced across my vision, swirling in loopy rings.

All I needed was another concussion.

Strong hands grabbed me by the collar and belt. My stomach lurched as I was torn from the relative comfort of the ground and flipped onto my back like a flapjack. Minx pounced on top of me and pinned my arms to my sides with her powerful thighs. Normally, I approved of such positions, but she wasn’t Pink Panther, and this wasn’t foreplay. I feared she would crunch me like a walnut in a nutcracker. I gasped for precious air.

To any observer, it would appear as if I were unprepared for this fight. That observer would have been correct. I’d seen her running down the sidewalk and duck into this alley. She was up to something, and I’d interrupted her. Evidence suggested it was something she didn’t want the cops to know about. While my intent was to have a friendly chat with her, she’d decided to take our exchange in a different direction.

Minx had a reputation in underworld circles as an effective messenger. Our not-so-cozy encounter fell within the realm of her typical delivery method. While I didn’t feel like she took sadistic glee in her work, I thought she took pride in a job well done. I, on the other hand, found the work environment hostile, and already I was drawing up a complaint to her HR department.

Purchase Mark Aberdeen’s Dex Series here:

Dex Territory (Dex Territory Series Book 1)

TWB Press: http://www.twbpress.com/dexterritory.html

Amazon Link: http://amzn.com/B00R1JZVIE

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dex-territory-mark-aberdeen/1120906076?ean=9781936991860

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/dex-territory

Follow Mark Aberdeen

Website: http://www.markaberdeen.blogspot.com/

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Mark-Aberdeen

Twitter handle: @Mark_Aberdeen

Facebook: www.facebook.com/dexterritorybook

The “100 THINGS WE ALL WONDER ABOUT NONNIE JULES” Blog Tour Day #4

February 17, 2016September 15, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 96 Comments

I am very pleased to welcome Nonnie Jules President of Rave Reviews Book Club as part of her The 100 Things We All Wonder About Blog Tour. Nonnie has some special prizes for you.

GIVEAWAYS:
(2) $10 Amazon Gift Cards
(1) $5 Amazon Gift Card
(2) e-book copies of “THE GOOD MOMMIES’ GUIDE…”

ULTIMATE PRIZE GIVEAWAY #1:
Anyone who purchases a copy of “THE GOOD MOMMIES’ GUIDE…” “DAYDREAM’S DAUGHTER, NIGHTMARE’S FRIEND” or “IF ONLY THERE WAS MUSIC” and send to me a copy of the purchase receipt to nonniejules@gmail.com, and also leave a comment along the tour, will get their name entered into a drawing for a $50 Amazon gift card! One entry for each book that is purchased, whether in e-book or paperback format. Purchases must take place between 2/14/16 – 2/29/16. If you’ve already purchased all of my books, then feel free to gift a friend, just for the chance to win!!! Spend a little, and you could win a lot!!!

ULTIMATE PRIZE GIVEAWAY #2:
Anyone who reads and posts a review of “THE GOOD MOMMIES’ GUIDE…” “DAYDREAM’S DAUGHTER, NIGHTMARE’S FRIEND” or “IF ONLY THERE WAS MUSIC” and sends the link to their review to nonniejules@gmail.com, will get their name entered into a drawing for a $20 Amazon gift card! One entry for each book read and reviewed. Reviews must be posted between 2/16/16 – 3/15/16 to be placed into the drawing.

Nonnie has agreed to answer some questions about herself and the club so let’s get started.
Q: You are the well-respected President and Founder of the very successful RAVE REVIEWS BOOK CLUB. Tell us why you founded the club and the vision you have for the club going forward?
A: John, that’s a great question and thank you so much for that compliment. Anytime you are referred to as being “well-respected,” I mean, that’s a tough act to follow, but I try my best. I initially founded RAVE REVIEWS BY NONNIE JULES as a way to offer readers an insight into “truthful” reviews. I had been reading so many reviews that were 4 and 5 star raves, that were pure trash (sorry, Bette Stevens) and I couldn’t believe it. I know that some say that “Just because I didn’t like it, doesn’t mean that it’s trash.” There is a word that I would insert here for those that say that and ARE reading pure trash but won’t say so, but I’m not going to use that word, as kids might be reading this interview. What I will say is this…there are some who are true connoisseurs of the written word, and they know when writing is good or bad, and then, there are the others. YES, I SAID THAT! And I didn’t stutter when I did, for those gasping because I had the nerve to say that. So, back to answering the question, I wanted to give those who were truly interested in honest reviews, a place to find those books, listed on my site.
Then, one day in December, I had a thought that I could take this concept a step further by offering a place where others could also feel safe in sharing “very truthful,” honest reviews. That’s when I went after those awesome supporters that I had connected with online (my initial board members: Bruce A. Borders, Shirley Harris-Slaughter, Lynette Creswellyn, Kathryn C. Treat, Beem Weeks, etc.), who I knew would be just as interested in helping authors get more honest reviews, as well as pushing support for others, as that was unimaginable at that time. Hence, we now have the wonderful RRBC!
The vision that I have for RRBC going forward, is to grow the base of supporters that we have now, the truly uber-supporters that we have, into a pool of support so large, that to be a “real” author, you will HAVE TO BE A MEMBER of RRBC. The other ideas that I have for the club, well, John, this question has already turned into a full-page book. I’d advise you all to stay tuned for more of the awesome things my mind cooks up late at night (when I should be sleeping), for RRBC!

Q: If you had to do it all over again what changes would you make in founding RAVE REVIEWS BOOK CLUB?
A: If I had to do this all over again (and thank goodness I don’t!), I would have the wisdom to select a panel of board members from the beginning who were truly worthy of being called to serve the membership of this great club, and I would still have those same board members today, and some I do have. BUT, if I hadn’t kissed a few frogs along the way, as they say, then I wouldn’t have gotten the great group I’m blessed to work with today, like you, John!

Q: Thank you Nonnie. Although you are very busy, what gives you joy when you are not working?
A: I love what I do so much, I love feeling as if I’m being of service to others so much, as that’s not the norm, that question is hard to answer! Now, don’t get me wrong, I love downtime, even more-so now than ever, and I certainly don’t enjoy being overwhelmed, which at this moment I am, but I love my work. I also love my family dearly, because they give me the space to work, but when I’m not working (which is hardly ever), I enjoy writing; I enjoy reading; I enjoy exercising; I enjoy running on my treadmill while I catch up on my episodes of the Young & The Restless, which as of today, I’m on the episode from February 2. I’m not one of those who has to be out. I love my beautiful home. It’s peaceful and serene; most often it’s quiet these days, but honestly, if I didn’t have two of the busiest daughters in the world, I’d stay locked up in my home, writing, reading, and exercising while watching The Real Housewives of anything and Y&R!
Q: What is your personal motto and how did it become so?
A: John, I have so many and you can find most of them on my site at www.BooksByNonnie.wordpress.com (under Quotes by Nonnie). My personal favorite, which is being used all over the world by individuals and sites such as Shiny Quote, Best Quotes Library, Quoting.com, and organizations such as Spotlight Youth Theatre, AnonymousGood.org, and is also noted on a list of famous quotes with The Pope, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Ghandi, is “A tiny spark ignites a flame, just as a helping hand can do the same.” I live by that. I truly believe that for us to be successful, we have to push each other, stand on each other’s shoulders and lift each other up as we climb. Not the opposite.
You know, when I first started in this business, it was so hard trying to get others to help me, or even to answer questions for me. I guess they were all of the mindset that we had to be in competition with one another. But, that was OK, because a lot of what I learned, I taught myself. I remember wanting to go on a blog tour, and almost everyone that I asked turned me down. One even tipped into my DM on Twitter and said basically that I was new here, and it wasn’t appropriate for me to go around asking for help the way that I was. She said “I’ve been here a long time, and you have to pay your dues here before anyone will help you.” Basically, in her mind, I was a nobody, and no one knew my name so no one would help me. I thought “Really?” Well, a while ago, she applied for membership to RRBC, and of course, got her name on our roster, did nothing for anyone else, actually, we never heard from her since the day she joined, and then she left. The irony of that story is, I’m sure lots of folks know the name Nonnie Jules now, and for the life of me, even if I tried, I couldn’t recall her name to share it with you. We must all remember, the same faces you step on climbing to the top, are the same faces you’ll see on your way falling down. “There are only two classes of people, the movers and shakers and the sitters and takers” ~ Nonnie Jules original

Q: If you could grant your followers one gift, what would it be?
A: If I could grant my followers a gift, only one, it would be a lifetime of love, happiness and the feeling of joy that overwhelms you when you take the focus off you for a while and put it on someone else. Those would be my gifts, all wrapped up in one! Thanks so much for having me, John!
To follow Nonnie’s tour to get more of your questions answered, please visit her Blog Tour Page on the 4WillsPub site http://wp.me/P43s9i-FEw. Thanks for stopping by today and good luck on winning some of these great prizes!

CONTACT NONNIE VIA:
Twitter: http://twitter.com/nonniejules
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BooksByNonnie
Blogs: www.nonniewrites.wordpress.com , www.BooksByNonnie.wordpress.com & www.AskTheGoodMommy.wordpress.com

Nonnie’s Books

TRAILER:
“THE GOOD MOMMIES’ GUIDE TO RAISING (ALMOST) PERFECT DAUGHTERS,” https://youtu.be/zg15rptFN2g

“DAYDREAM’S DAUGHTER, NIGHTMARE’S FRIEND,”

TRAILER: https://youtu.be/qbUK3XQ5-dA

“SUGARCOATIN’ IS FOR CANDY & PACIFYIN’ IS FOR KIDS,”

TRAILER: https://youtu.be/fQBnt0wix88

“IF ONLY THERE WAS MUSIC,”

TRAILER: https://youtu.be/g2gNns8ZVFI

Thursday – A Little Personal – #RRBC Spotlight Author Tour with J.A.Stinger

January 14, 2016January 9, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 12 Comments

Welcome to J.A Stinger. I will be interviewing this amazing author today on Rave Waves Radio “Bring on the Spotlight” at 11:00 AM CST Here is the link to listen. Now to the tour and more about the author.

Make me feel it

In my opinion, there’s nothing better than an intensely powerful, emotional scene in a novel. I love writing a chapter that has left me drained at the end, and left me with a profound feeling so strong that I can only hope that it gives my readers the same.

Now, here’s my caveat… I’ve used it sparingly. I don’t want to take my readers on such an emotional roller-coaster that they can’t wait to get off. But, I don’t want to do it just for the shock value either. I want my readers to be there with my characters to feel the joy, sorrow, pain, and loss. I don’t want them to be so far away that they feel like spectators at the zoo, and not too close that they feel like they are looking over the shoulders with a magnifying glass.

I do put the warning label on the back cover of my books that lets everyone know that the novel ends in a cliffhanger, but I let readers off the hook right away in the first paragraph of the next novel. I had a co-worker send me a text message to let me know she was at an airport and wanted to know when the next book would be out because she needed to know what happened. She was so connected to the characters that she didn’t want to wait. Thankfully, the next book isn’t too far away.

J.A. Stinger is the co-author of

Generations Beyond

A military sci-fi with a romantic flair

J.A. started writing seriously after being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and craved a creative outlet. She is a wife, mother, and Army veteran. J.A. writes with her husband, P.W.

Get Your Copy of Generations Beyond At:

Amazon

Barnes&Noble

Kobo

***

Social Media Links:

Twitter: @Jenniferstinger

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

Website: https://jastinger.wordpress.com

The Phoenix Project Tour with #RRBC Author D.M.Cain

January 12, 2016January 11, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 50 Comments

I am very pleased to welcome D.M. Cain to Fiction Favorites. She is on her The Phoenix Project tour with 4Wills Publishing. You can go HERE to see other stops on the tour. I present D.M. Cain

Why I’m proud of my 1-star review

To an author, a negative review can be soul-destroying. You have poured your heart into hours and hours of writing and editing something that, at times, feels like your baby – you treasure it and love it, and want to hold it high and shout your pride from the highest mountain. So when a reader dismisses it as ‘rubbish’ or slates your use of language, it can be hard to take.

Recently my debut novel ‘The Phoenix Project’ got its first 1* review:

Did I sulk and cry and decide to never write another word? No, I smiled and heaved a sigh of relief.

This little solitary star does not mean I am a useless writer. It means I didn’t appeal to that reader. But more than that, it means I’m being taken seriously as a proper author. This isn’t a requested review, it hasn’t been paid for, it isn’t a friend or family member doing me a favour – this is a 100% honest member of the public who took the time to read my book. So it wasn’t for them – that’s fine. There has never been a book in the history of literature that hasn’t been disliked by somebody. I want reviewers to be honest and I appreciate it when they give me points to work on. I know that I am already a significantly better writer than I was this time last year – because of the reviews and advice I have received. I have taken comments on board and altered my style in just this last twelve months. It also means that, at this moment, I am a far worse author than I will be in one or two years’ time. So, I need this feedback from readers to help me to get to that level more quickly.

The Phoenix Project is not an easy read, I know that. When I set out to write such a bleak and emotional story, I wanted to affect my readers. I wanted them to have a strong reaction to my work – even if that reaction is negative. A 1* review is as powerful a response as a 5* review and, in my opinion, is better than a dispassionate 3* review.

I also believe that 1* reviews tell potential readers as much as 5* reviews do. When I’m looking for a new book to read, I often take a glance at a few five-star reviews, but then I head straight to the 1* column. Why? Because the things people hated about a book will tell me what I need to know.

Take these two reviews of Suzanne Collins’ ‘The Hunger Games’:

5* review – The hunger games series are some of the best books I’ve read for a long time, couldn’t put them down!!

1* review – Should have been called ‘The Boring Games…’ It was juvenile and seemed to be gladiator meets big brother.

Here, the five-star review tells potential readers nothing – just that the particular reader liked it. However, the one star review actually tells a lot about the book – it tells us people fight to the death while they are watched on TV screens (a bit like The Phoenix Project!) Based on these two reviews, I would still buy this book as the 1* review told me what I needed to know.

That’s the way I am viewing my own 1* review. Take a look again:

This review tells my potential readers 2 things:

1) It is a dark and heavy-going book with emotional and disturbing material (Thanks, reviewer – that’s exactly what I was going for and want my readers to know before they pick this book up)

2) That the storyline didn’t make much sense to him (Which is fine – I appreciate that this is a dystopian sci-fi and this genre always takes a stretch of the imagination. Maybe he isn’t used to reading dystopian novels. But I bet there will be people who read his review and decide to pick the book up for this very reason – to see if the plot will make sense to them.)

To me, getting 1* reviews isn’t always comfortable, but it can tell us a lot about our book and ourselves as a writer. So, fellow authors, when you get negative feedback, hold your head up high and take whatever positives you can from it.

Don’t miss my Author Party Event (http://4wills-dmcain.chatovod.com/) on Friday, January 15th at 1:00 pm CST!!

GIVEAWAYS: (2) book bundles – (1) paperback of THE PHOENIX PROJECT along with (1) paperback of her children’s book, SOREN!

To be eligible to win one of these sets, merely leave a comment on any stop along the tour, including this one and you could be one of our two lucky winners!!!

Biography

D.M. Cain is a dystopian and fantasy author working for US publisher Booktrope. She has released three novels: The Phoenix Project – a psychological thriller set in a dystopian future, Soren – a middle-grade fantasy, and A Chronicle of Chaos – the first in a dark fantasy series. She is currently working on the next novel in the series, ‘The Shield of Soren’, and a novella to accompany it.

D.M. Cain is also a member of the International Thriller Writers and is one of the creators and administrators of the online author group #Awethors. Her short story ‘The End’ was published in Awethology Dark – an anthology by the #Awethors.

Cain lives in Leicestershire, UK, with her husband and young son, and spends her time reading, writing and reviewing books, playing RPGs and listening to symphonic metal.

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DMCain84

Mailing List: http://eepurl.com/XevZH

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/dmcain84/

Website: www.dmcain84.com

Google+: https://plus.google.com/+DMCain/posts

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7888430.D_M_Cain

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzt_E8st1pyfkoTiA4E5jNg

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/D.M.-Cain/e/B00LTTX3PA/

The Phoenix Project:

Nook:

http://www.nook.com/gb/ebooks/the-phoenix-project-by-dm-cain/2940157645656

Amazon:

US http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0195A6AYK
UK http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0195A6AYK

Barnes and Noble:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-phoenix-project-dm-cain/1123117161

iTunes:

https://itunes.apple.com/book/id1066900946

“This tour sponsored by 4WillsPublishing.wordpress.com.”

#RRBC Spotlight Author Tour – Michael P. King

November 28, 2015November 24, 2015 ~ John W. Howell ~ 16 Comments

AUTHOR PHOTO (9) THE TRAVELING MAN

I am pleased to host Michael P. King on his seventh stop on his Spotlight Author Tour. This kind of recognition is what every active member of Rave Reviews Book Club has an opportunity to enjoy.

Welcome Michael.

Thanks John,

When to Start on Social Media

Probably one of the biggest mistakes I made in becoming an Indie author was to start so late on social media. When I launched The Traveling Man in April 2015, I had a rudimentary website and a three-week old Facebook presence. Since then, I’ve been playing catch up. And starting out so far behind means that I’ve had to spend a lot of valuable time learning how to use social media that I could have used for actual marketing, or hunting reviews, or working on my next book. But we don’t get to start where we want to start; we start where we have to start.

So now, about eight months out, I’ve finally gotten up and running in an appreciable way on my website, on Facebook, on Twitter and on Pinterest. So if you haven’t got your first book out yet, and you’re not on social media yet, it could take you six months or so to get everything into place. And that’s work you want done before you launch your book if at all possible. Because after you launch your book, all your spare time will be taken up with marketing (Veteran writers are all nodding their heads now). And all your already-in-place social media connections will be invaluable to getting the word out.

To learn more about Michael P. King, or to purchase The Traveling Man, please visit:

Website: https://michaelpking.org

Amazon Author Page: http://bit.ly/MPKingA

Twitter handle: https://twitter.com/mpking3312

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichaelP.King.thetravelers

Frighteningly Fun Halloween Tour – with C.S.Boyack

October 16, 2015October 13, 2015 ~ John W. Howell ~ 31 Comments

Frighteningly Fun Halloween Tour

I am very happy to welcome C.S Boyack to Fiction Favorites as part of his 4Wills Publishing The Frighteningly Fun Halloween Tour in support of his paranormal tale Will O’the Wisp. The story involves a mildly handicapped girl facing a mysterious threat. The wisp has been killing off Patty Hall’s family for generations, and she’s next on the list. It is suitable for young adult readers. It’s a perfect Halloween read.

***

We have a real treat for everyone today. Joining us is an honest to goodness Greek Muse. Lorelei, many of our readers think Muses are simply fables. Why do you think this is a common belief?

Lorelei: There are many Muses, but we are selective about those we inspire. Most people will never encounter a Muse, so we become something of legend.

John: You work with an author, C. S. Boyack. Why did you choose him?

Lorelei: Craig has always been a creative guy. I first approached him in the 1980s. He wrote a few things that showed promise, but he wasn’t committed. I parked him in my watch list for decades, because he wasn’t ready. He needed a wife and children. Those led to a certain comfort level, and that’s when his mind really blossomed.

John: Is this a matter of seasoning, or just available time?

Lorelei: A bit of both, actually. He’s a very driven fellow, almost a workaholic.

John: What inspiration did you provide for Will O’ the Wisp?

Lorelei: Craig doesn’t always get everything the way I provide it. Sometimes I whisper on the breeze or appear in his dreams. He was watching a cartoon with his grandchildren about these benevolent forest spirits. I blew into his ear about the beautiful artwork, and wonders of nature. He came up with a story about witchcraft, survival, and revenge.

John: Does that mean he really doesn’t listen to you?

Lorelei: He listens, but he’s wired a bit differently. He’s a creative fellow, and that’s why I chose him. Some of the things he comes up with are surprising.

John: This book says it’s suitable for young adults. Is that something you helped him with?

Lorelei: No. He doesn’t work that way. He writes stories the way he feels them. If the end product has adult themes, so be it. Will O’ the Wisp didn’t need adult themes and simply came out that way.

John: The story is a first person point of view, and the main character is a 15-year-old girl. How did that come to pass?

Lorelei: I had a lot to do with that. Craig and I chatted about his personal challenge for this book. I always make him push his limits in one way or another. He improves as a writer by trying new things. We came up with the idea of something in first person. He agreed to try it, knowing it was part of his growth as a writer. The readers will decide if he did a good job, or not.

John: I never knew Muses helped with promotion. I think that’s fabulous. Tell us what promotional effort you’re putting into this project.

Lorelei: My job is to inspire. I do it very well. I also take responsibility for Craig’s growth as an author. To be honest with you, I don’t care if he ever publishes something. I want him to grow and improve his skills.

John: Then why are you out stumping for him today?

Lorelei: He’s such a whiner. He thinks I’m more charming than he is, and begs until I give in. It’s true that I have more social skills.

John: Will O’ the Wisp is more than a paranormal story. It’s also a coming of age story. How much influence did you have here?

Lorelei: Quite a bit. When I looked at Craig’s storyboard, it was very meat and potatoes. It told the story, but that’s about all. We shared a drink one night, and I helped him flesh things out.

John: How does this book compare to Boyack’s other novels?

Lorelei: They’re all different in some way. I think they’re all good stories. Will O’ the Wisp is the kind of story that could put him on the map as a writer. If you’ve been waiting to read one of Craig’s stories, this is the one you’ve been waiting for.

John: Thank you for joining us today, Lorelei. Can you tell us what we have to do to attract our own Muse?

Lorelei: Keep working on your craft. You never know when one of my sisters has you on her short list.

***

Patty Hall is perfectly prepared for the wrong problem. She is enamored with the space race, and knows the history of NASA by heart. She is faced with an ancient threat that has been targeting the Hall family for generations. Hampered by an overprotective mother, if Patty can’t figure it all out in time, she may be the next member in the Hall family cemetery plot.

It’s not hard enough to be a fifteen year old girl, and a social outcast. As she watches her friends mature and grow, she has to face the idea of never turning sixteen. Please consider joining Patty on her incredible adventure.

You can pick up a copy on Amazon using your Kindle or a free reading app. Download it here:

North American version: http://a-fwd.com/asin-com=B00UPH6BNS

International version: http://a-fwd.com/asin-com=B00UQNDT2C

***

Author Bio I was born in a town called Elko, Nevada. I like to tell everyone I was born in a small town in the 1940s. I’m not quite that old, but Elko has always been a little behind the times. This gives me a unique perspective of earlier times, and other ways of getting by. Some of this bleeds through into my fiction. I moved to Idaho right after the turn of the century, and never looked back. My writing career was born here, with access to other writers and critique groups I jumped in with both feet. I like to write about things that have something unusual. My works are in the realm of science fiction, paranormal, and fantasy. The goal is to entertain you for a few hours. I hope you enjoy the ride.

***

Follow Craig at the following locations:

Follow my blog: http://coldhandboyack.wordpress.com

Check out all my novels here: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00ILXBXUY

Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/Virgilante

On Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/9841203.C_S_Boyack

“This tour sponsored by 4WillsPublishing.wordpress.com.”

#RRBC Back-To-School Book and Blog Block Party – Interview with John J. Cannon

September 15, 2015September 14, 2015 ~ John W. Howell ~ 122 Comments

Welcome to Fiction Favorites! Today, I am thrilled to be participating in Rave Reviews Book Club’s Back-to-School Book and Blog Block Party from Port Aransas, Texas USA You can visit the entire tour and locations by clicking HERE.

In addition to learning a bit more about me and my book My GRL while you’re visiting, I hope you will leave a comment. If you do, you will be entered into a drawing for a chance at a ten-dollar Amazon Gift Card.

All you have to do for a chance to win is leave a comment. There will be a drawing, and the winner will be selected at the end of the day on September 15th, and announced on September 16th! For more prize opportunities visit the RRBC website.

Interview with John J. Cannon

Today I am pleased to welcome John J. Cannon to Fiction Favorites. For those of you who are unfamiliar with John let me give you a brief introduction.

John is a litigation attorney who lives in San Francisco. He has taken a leave of absence from the law firm to pursue his dream of becoming a charter boat captain. John currently resides in Port Aransas and is the protagonist in the thriller titled My GRL.

FF: Welcome John to Fiction Favorites

John: Thank you. It is so nice to be here. I’m pleased to be with you.

FF: Let’s dive right into the questions. I know you want to become a charter boat captain but I have to ask why you would give up a successful career in law?

John: I have been practicing for twelve years without a vacation. Honestly, I need a change of pace. In addition, I’m not giving up the law I’m just taking a leave of absence.

FF: Okay glad you cleared that up. We understand your boss is not very happy with you asking for a leave of absence.

John: Yeah, he has expressed a little disappointment but the fact remains it is corporate policy and I have qualified for the leave. I think he is worried about the revenue I won’t be brining into the firm.

FF: So he granted you the time off?

John: To be clear he granted me six months off. I asked for a year.

FF: My goodness sounds like trouble back at the ranch.

John: No. There’s no trouble. I simply have to request another six months when the time is done.

FF: What if he says no?

John: He won’t.

FF: I understand you bought a boat.

John: I sure did it’s a beauty. It is a sixty-five foot Hatteras Sport Fisherman. I named her My GRL.

FF: That must be some boat to navigate.

John: I took some lessons in how to handle her. She’s like an old friend.

FF: How soon will it be before you become a licensed captain?

John: I have about two months in and it takes a year so about ten more months.

FF: So you aren’t making any money yet?

John: Money is not the reason, but you’re correct.

FF: So tell us about the woman who sold you the boat.

John: Gerry’s her name. She was killed by some people who wanted to make a point.

FF: Yes Gerry. I remember you were found unconscious next to her body.

John: Yeah I was.

FF: Did the police think you did it?

John: I think they thought of me as a person of interest rather than a suspect. I had no gunshot residue on me or any other evidence that I was the perpetrator.

FF: Did they find out who did it?

John: There’s not a suspect. Gerry was killed by a professional who is still free so far. We do know who hired the hit, though.

FF: You say we like you were working with the police.

John: Well I did give a little advice and was eventually involved in the case.

FF: So who hired the hit?

John: I don’t have enough evidence to say publicly. I’ve a suspicion but would rather keep it to myself.

FF: You mentioned Gerry was killed to make a point. What was the point?

John: I think she was being punished for talking too much about certain people.

FF: Some that you don’t want to identify.

John: Yes, that’s correct. I wish I had the evidence but I don’t.

FF: Are you in any danger by talking to us in this interview?

John: I don’t see how. I haven’t said anything the police don’t know.

FF: Well that’s good.

John: I would like to say to those people who shot an innocent person, Gerry, that they’ll not get away with it and someday they’ll pay.

FF: Are you married?

John: No I’m not. As I said, I have been working a lot and no real-time for anything else. I suppose I could say my boat is my relationship right now. I guess that’s why I named her My GRL.

FF: You’ve been described as an ordinary guy caught up in unusual circumstances. How do you like that description?

John: Who says that?

FF: Reviewers

John: On one hand I’m flattered since it appears they know my personality. On the contrary, I would like to be seen as a hero. At least one time. Of course, it’s not my choice I’m more of less predestined to be what ever I turn out to be.

FF: Once you get your captain’s license will you keep chartering or go back to the law firm.

John: I really think that is a hard question to answer. Do you know what I mean when I say fourth wall?

FF: Well yeah it’s a term used to describe the fine line between fiction and reality. It’s a term from the theatre. A stage has three walls and on the other side of the fourth is where the audience is.

John: So when I say break the fourth wall you know it is a blurring of fiction and reality.

FF: Yes that’s correct.

John: Okay to answer your question about whether I’ll go back to the law firm you will have to ask the guy who authored My GRL if he has a story line that includes returning to the law firm. You could also ask if I’m going to find love and happiness. I would like to know myself.

FF: I do know him so next time we chat I’ll ask.

John: I appreciate that. I’m not sure he will take suggestions for his precious plot. In the meantime, I’ll keep an eye on those responsible for Gerry’s murder.

FF: John this was an interesting interview if somewhat different. We’re so glad you could spend time with us. Please come again.

John: Yes, it was a pleasure for me as well. Who’s the us you’re talking about?

FF: All of us here at Fiction Favorites including our boss John W. Howell.