New Publisher and Look for Last Train to Murder and Other Stories

Dinky Publishing is proud to announce that Last Train to Murder and Other Stories is now officially under the Dinky Publishing umbrella. It has a new cover and ads for the books that were written by the other authors. You can get the book now at this link https://www.createspace.com/6715252 ^^^Please share this with any Monkees fan or on any The Monkees Facebook group.

Price Reduction

Project: Hero Atlantis Under Attack is now discounted by $2. Originally selling for $12.95 now on sale for $10.95. Get it today at https://www.createspace.com/5013789

5 Star Review

Last Train to Murder and Other Stories gets a 5 star review on Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Last-Train-Murder-Other-Stories/dp/1312272503/ref=la_B003O3MMR4_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1420316742&sr=1-2

Author Interview with Robin Merrill on her book Grace Space A Direct Sales Tale

1. Tell me about your book. How did you come up with the story?

I dabbled in a few direct sales companies, trying desperately to pay the light bill. I found the whole subculture thoroughly entertaining and just wanted to explore that. This tale is 100% fiction, but I've heard from some saleswomen that it rings true. 

2. How did you get interested in writing this particular genre?

My background is in poetry, and then I moved into nonfiction, and fiction is very new to me. I didn't do it on purpose. It just sort of happened, but I'm thrilled! I've always liked to make up stories in my head (maybe even too much) so it only makes sense to try to get a few of them on paper.

3. What kind of research did you do for this book?

I didn't do any purposeful research. I just thought about my own experiences with direct sales, and then just tried to make them even more ridiculous.

4. What's a typical working day like for you? When and where do you write? Do you set a daily writing goal?

I'm a mom first, so I work around my kids, but I try to write for several hours each day. There is no set goal, but I usually have some deadlines spurring me on. While I do have a home office, I often end up writing on the couch, with children crawling all over me. 

5. What is the hardest part of writing for you?

The children! Just kidding. I find it difficult to make a protagonist both real and likable. To make a character realistic means to expose their flaws, right? Then my readers say, "I don't like her."

6. What’s the best thing about being an author?

The best thing about being an author is that I get paid to do what I would do anyway. I can't help but write. I'm so thankful people actually read my words. 

7. What are you working on now?

I am working on a nonfiction ghostwriting project and a new novel(la?)! I am very excited about the latter. 

8. What advice would you give aspiring writers?

I'm not sure I'm qualified to give advice, but here's what has helped me: hanging out with writers who are better than me. That means taking classes, participating in workshops, going to readings, and reading other writers. I could not possibly write in a vacuum. Well, I could, but that would be a diary.

9. Do you have any favorite authors or favorite books?

I have a lot of favorite authors and books. My all-time favorite is Richard Adams, but I am also a Stephen King junkie. And I love to read poetry. My fave poets include Robert Cording and Lauren Zuniga.

10. What question have you always wanted to be asked in an interview? How would you answer that question?

What a good question! I have no idea. One question that I like to be asked is, "Why did you become a writer?" because then I get to quote Rocky Balboa: "Because I couldn't sing or dance."

11. If you were writing a book about your life, what would the title be?

Blessed Chaos!

Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions. It sounds like a fun book. If you would like to buy her book Grace Space A Direct Sales Tale just go to Amazon.com or click here.

Author Interview with Val Newton Knowles on her book Everyday Uplifting You

Cover to the expanded paperback version

 

1. Tell me about your book. How did you come up with that idea?
My book, “Everyday Uplifting you,” is filled with short powerful uplifting quotes for each day of the year. The quotes are designed to jumpstart your day and to inspire you to keep going every day for the year. I wrote my first book, and was working on my second when one of my aunts went through a series of challenges. Being one of the strong aunts, it broke my heart to see her hurt so much. She had several strokes and lost her husband. Later, she fell in the yard and broke her hip requiring emergency surgery. I started writing the quotes to uplift her and they did. I had a specific book that was designed for her because it was never meant to be for sale. She was so blessed and encouraged, that I decided to make it available for anyone who might want to bless someone else or need an uplifting word themselves.

2. How did you get interested in writing in this particular genre?
 I believe that a part of my divine purpose is to motivate and uplift others. My first book, while not filled with quotes, is also filled with encouraging words geared towards pulling on the greatness that exists in all of us.

3. What kind of research did you do for this book?
This book for me was a labor of love, so I tried to express that every day in each quote. It is not written as me just making a quote, or saying words, but my readers will feel the empathy and compassion flowing from my heart to theirs, while edging them on with a “Together we can and we will attitude.”

4. What is a typical day like for you? When and where do you write? Do you set a daily writing goal? I am fully employed as an Assistant Financial Controller. My writing usually takes place late in the night ( when I am done with my daughter and school) or very early in the morning. The quiet times (2:00am) works great for me. Dr. Myles Munroe once said, setting goals are pointless if you don’t make the time to accomplish them. To fulfill your dreams may often require you getting up in the early morning or going to bed late, but it is a small price to pay when you are passionate about what you have to say.

5. What is the hardest part about writing for you?
  I believe for me, I need to exercise some patience. In writing, I try to put myself in the shoes of my readers. I am continually looking for ways that I can help them. Because my style is more uplifting and encouraging others, I look to my source, The Lord Jesus Christ for guidance on what to say that would be a benefit to my readers.

6. What is the best thing about being an author?
Being able to be a blessing to others and being able to touch the world with that message. Writing offers the author such freedom and as it takes me on a journey, I love being able to share it with the world and hopefully bless and empower them in the process.

7. What are you working on now?
I am currently re-doing my first book, “No Shame Only Power,” and also working on another manuscript offering practical steps on how to maintain what you have obtained.
 
8. What advice would you give aspiring writers?
Do not quit or give up on your dream. If you are convinced that this is what you are called to do. Do it and be consistent at it. No one can tell your story like you can, and believe it or not, there are people out there that need your story.

9. Who are your favorite authors?
Sheldon Newton, Dr. Myles Munroe, Dr. Creflo Dollar, Dr. Norman Vincent Peale, John C. Maxwell. I am currently reading a book by Dr. Munroe, “Releasing your Potential.” The Bible remains my favorite book of all time and I read it daily.

10. What question have you always wanted to be asked in an interview? How would you answer that question? What is it that inspires me to keep going?
 I believe that I have a gift for writing, but more importantly, I believe that there is a message to be told. There are a lot of people all over the world that are hurting and some have lost all hope. Writing allows me to help restore some of that and give people back some hope. Our situations and problems in life are universal and I am honored to be able to be a voice that can uplift us and tell us that no matter how it looks hope will be the light that will guide us safely through.

11. If you were writing a book about your life, what would the title be?
“She soared and carried others on her wings.” Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions Val. If you want to get her book you can click here to get the kindle version. or you can click here to get the expanded paperback version of Everyday Uplifting You.

Interview with Author Tammie Ratliff about her book Shower Talks Vol II: Selah Moments from My Secret Place With the Father

1. Tell me about your book. How did you come up with that (story, angle, idea)?
My book is a devotional that I had not planned to write; however, it came about as a result of some things I went through in 2012. Through relationship downfalls, I began to see things a little differently as it relates to how I was treating people. In other words "My heart was revealed to me." This process brought about a deeper level of introspection through my communication with God. I noticed that every time I got into the shower, I would hear the voice of God say things to me that were healing and instructional. This is why the series is called Shower Talks, Selah Moments From My Secret Place With The Father.
2. How did you get interested in writing this particular genre (historical novels, mysteries, sci-fi, children's books, etc.)?
I have always journaled my thoughts. However, I found that writing helps me to filter through my feelings and get to the root, and ultimately the answer.
3. What kind of research did you do for this book?
I used the bible for to support my writings.
4. What's a typical working day like for you? When and where do you write? Do you set a daily writing goal?
A typical day consists of waking up around 5 a.m. - taking a shower, prayer, sitting to computer and allowing whatever to flow. I do a lot of my writing in the mornings, from 5 a.m. until about noon. And yes, I set a goal to write something every day.
5. What is the hardest part of writing for you?
The hardest part about writing for me is getting started, especially if I have taken a break for a day or so.
6. What’s the best thing about being an author?
The greatest thing about being an author is the fact that writing opens me up to see things in a different way. When I write, mysteries unfold. It's like digging a ditch - the more I write, the deeper I go.
7. What are you working on now?
My memoir,
8. What advice would you give aspiring writers?
Take your time, and write well. Also, be open to flowing with the pen (keys). You may already have a preconceived notion of how you want things to look on paper, but be open to allowing the words to shape your story. You will be surprised at what YOU will learn about life, love, yourself, etc....
9. Do you have any favorite authors or favorite books?
Dr. Maya Angelou is my all-time favorite, as well as Wayne Dyer.
10. What question have you always wanted to be asked in an interview?
What took you so long to start writing at the level of sharing.
How would you answer that question?
Fear. I'd always felt like I was alone and that no one would understand me. I felt like I didn't have anything of value to offer ... but that has changed.
11. If you were writing a book about your life, what would the title be? I am actually writing it now. Title: Coming Clean, One Woman's  Journey To Wholeness
Thank you Tammie for your time to discuss your book. If you would like to get her book you can if you click here to purchase Shower Talks Vol II: Selah Moments from My Secret Place With the Father

Project: Hero is the Book of the Day

The first book in the Project: Hero series is the book of the day on eBookStage at http://www.ebookstage.com/mainPage.xhtml

Dinky the Elf is on Smashwords!

Dinky the Elf is now on Smashwords. I did this to get him on more ebook sites. So if you don't have Kindle or Nook he will soon be on a site that you can purchase him. If you have Smashwords you can get him now at http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/500972

Project: Hero Atlantis Under Attack discount

Project: Hero Atlantis Under Attack is the first book to come out under the publishing imprint Dinky Publishing. look for it where ever fine books are sold. Remember, if it's good...it's Dinky! go to https://www.createspace.com/5013789 Use code X5P9MYJ9 and get it at 10% off at the check out.

Nixon's Ghost

I'm working on an short story that I hope to have done buy the end of the month. I want it in time for Halloween. I call it Nixon's Ghost. Trying to figure out how to start it, like should it be first person or third person. Wish me luck.
Meanwhile here is a look at the new cover of Project: Hero Atlantis Under Attack

Projet Hero Atlantis Under Attack may be out sooner

Good news I am now putting the finishing the touches on Project: Hero Atlantis Under Attack. That means it may be available sooner rather then later. So if you have a Kindle you can pre-order it for the low price of .99 cents. It may go up a little after it is officially released. Here is the link for the Kindle http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00N9N4C2W

Early Christmas Surprise

Here is a very early Christmas surprise. If you use code D7ZKAYBL at this store https://www.createspace.com/4236646 you can get 13% off the price of the children's story Dinky the Elf. You will have it in time to read to yourself or your children or grandchildren for Christmas. Actually you'll have it in time to read to them for Halloween if you wish.

Guest Post: Evolution of a Cover by Elizabeth Delana Rosa

 

About the Book:

COMING JUNE 13, 2014

Title: Queen of the Loch

Series: Children of the Loch Saga

Author: Elizabeth Delana Rosa

Published: Expected publishing June 13th, 2014

Word Count: Approximately 42,000

Genre: YA Paranormal

Synopsis:

Nineteen year old, Jaelyn Adena McDonnell, known as J.J. to all, just found out she is not who she thought she was. On her twentieth birthday, a handsome man shows up on her porch with a marriage edict and news that the grandfather she has never met, has died. Her world is about to change forever. J.J. must make the perilous journey to the Loch and take her place on its throne. With no idea, what is expected of her and dark forces closing in at every turn, will J.J. be able to accept her destiny or will she be stopped her before she can? Come join this first person account of a young woman’s journey to finding herself and those she meets along the way. Previously released as a free novella named Child of the Loch, this is a completely new novel based on the same premise with new characters, renamed characters and completely revamped story-line. The novella has stayed in the top 20 of Christian Fantasy and Science fiction Free Kindle since its publishing date in November of 2013. The expected publishing date is June 13, 2014. While it maintains a great level of clean reading and it references a faith, it is in no way preachy.

Cover Art from Start to Finish…

When doing a cover, you first must identify the character. My character of choice was Jaelyn, I spent time searching through a variety of pictures from www.canstockphoto.com and found the perfect one, but she needed work.

I trolled the internet’s vast collection flames, scars and plugged them into Photoshop. It’s important that all the elements come together.

[caption id="attachment_3187" align="alignleft" width="209"] ©2010-2014 stuff-stock flame[/caption]

Finally, I touched up the Color and added the lighting and Font. I won’t go into all I did but I will share the evolution of the cover with you.

These covers are for the Novella. I released it twice but re-covered it 3 times.

 

Bio:

Elizabeth Delana Rosa has always been a writer. When she first learned to write in Kindergarten, she wrote about pigs who “groo” wings and became “butterfys.” Elizabeth knew way back then that she would have a love affair with writing. It overtook her life and has been a constant companion. Now over 20 years later, that love flows over into writing blogs, reviews, poetry and fantasy novels. Lastly Elizabeth is a big nerd. She loves Fantasy, YA, Paranormal Romance, and Sci-Fi books. Her dream is to promote Authors and help them reach the highest level of Success, while writing her own YA and NA Fantasy Novels. She often says,

I hope that my stories connect with people of all ages, genders and races. All it takes is a good story to unite people who wouldn't normally be on the same side.

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