Elena Santangelo - By Blood Possessed -- An Author Interview

It was threatening to storm the day I met Elena Santangelo at Merrymead Farms. We were closely watching the weather while eating delicious ice cream and discussing her body of work. She has written historical mysteries with modern characters. Being true to the time periods is important to her so she does the research before using her creative side. Though she remains relatively subdued throughout the interview, her passion for and belief in using language of the time to create new characters and events is evident.

She wrote her first book, By Blood Possessed, in 1995 and it took four years to get published. It was started because of a dare from her brother. Just as he influenced the start of her career, her parents have influenced the books she wrote, but she is now ready for a new chapter.

When asked about her upcoming plans, Elena mentioned wanting to write a book that would encourage girls to be interested in science. She also mentioned that she would like the challenge of writing a children's book.

Her writing cannot begin without knowing where things are going. She will listen to hear the narrator's voice in her head. Because she is a fan of language, the color/flavor of her characters come to her before she begins to write. She further develops the language and character as she writes. Elena firmly believes that writers need to work at their words to get it right.

Elena gives credit to all the writers she knows for influencing her. Agatha Christie has been the most influential author for her. The great narrative style of Christie's early books spoke to Elena. She recently did a companion book for Christie's short stories entitled Dame Agatha's Shorts.

As a mystery writer, her competitors are also friends that she wishes success. As she gives encouragement to others, I wish it for her to meet the level of success she desires. Elena is a creator and wishes that for others. She believes in using imagination to fully develop her music and stories.

For more information about Elena and her books visit: http://www.elenasantangelo.com/Books.html.

Prophecy of the Sisters by Michelle Zink -- A Book Review

Twin sisters Lia and Alice Milthorpe find themselves at opposing sides of a prophecy that has been foretold for centuries. Lia is slowly introduced to this information after the death of her father. As the mystery unfolds, Lia must determine what roles she plays, who she can trust, and the motivations of her sister in order to prevail.

Lia finds herself torn between the temptations of evil, the path of good, and the love she has for her family. She is tested emotionally and physically at every turn. The friends that assist her are in danger as long as they stay close yet can she continue on her quest without them?

Michelle Zink cleverly weaves the struggle within Lia into the unveiling of the prophecy. The descriptors pull the reader into Lia's mind and emotions. You find yourself experiencing the same tensions, thoughts, fears; and coming to the same questions and next steps.

The internal and external forces that influence Lia carefully play off each other. The transition between these perspectives is flawless. For this I highly complement Zink.

This book is a wonderful combination of character and plot. Readers will find it hard to put down. For more information on the book check out the website: www.prophecyofthesisters.com.

On a personal note, I cannot wait for Zink's next book.

This promotional copy was received during BookExpo America 2009 as a free marketing tool by either the publisher or author and was given to many attendees. It was not given to me to review. I did not receive any compensation from the publisher or author for this review.

How To Grow a Child By Bernard Percy -- A Book Review

This book contains insight into the 34 year relationship between a teacher and his student writers as well as the original book that was published in 1978.

Ann Arthur, Linden Jackson, Lori Johnson, Crystal Kornegay, Beth Wallace, and Reggie Wright each wrote entries, thoughts, poems, etc. for parents when they were just children. The book focuses on the truth that kids are people and should be treated as such.

Parents should read this book to remind themselves that children are smart and do understand more than they are usually given credit. Readers will enjoy this easy read that is an inspiration for all adults.

The biggest lesson from this book that I hope people would take away is that children deserve love, respect, and understanding.

This promotional copy was received during BookExpo America 2009 as a free marketing tool by either the publisher or author and was given to many attendees. It was not given to me to review. I did not receive any compensation from the publisher or author for this review.

The Twelve by William Gladstone -- A Book Review

In this tale, William Gladstone has the reader following the life of Max from his birth until the end of the Mayan calendar - 12/21/2012. During his life Max lives in a constant state of change. He travels the world, does many jobs, loves different women, and befriends people of varying backgrounds.

Max has a near-death experience in his youth that leaves a mystery for him to solve. There are twelve names, each associated with a color, that he knows are important for him. Unfortunately he only remembers the name of the final person. As time passes he begins to meet these people without knowing the connection they all share.

As Max finally approaches the meeting of these twelve people, he realizes the scope of their importance. He will also learn to accept his role in this world-changing climax.

Gladstone carefully mixes the meetings with the twelve people in with the telling of Max's life so that his personality is a pivotal part of figuring out the final element of the book. The book is fiction that pulls from beliefs held by others. It is a fascinating read if one is able to lose themselves in the reality the book presents.

By the end it felt as if Gladstone was being overly soapboxish. Even with this, it is an enjoyable, easy read.

This promotional copy was received during BookExpo America 2009 as a free marketing tool by either the publisher or author and was given to many attendees. It was not given to me to review. I did not receive any compensation from the publisher or author for this review.

Another Faust by Daniel & Dina Nayeri -- A Book Review

Five children from various cities disappear one night only to reappear years later in New York City. They are part of the Faust family. Each has their own desires for what they feel is success. The events that led the children to reach out to the governess in the first place are directly related to the ideas of success that each desires. In order for them to achieve their "success" they make deals with their governess for gifts/abilities.

There are prices for receiving these gifts. As each desires more, there are more questions about the motives of the governess. What is she really trying to accomplish? What is in it for her?

The authors paint a great picture of the flaws in desiring superficial accolades to heal an emotional hurt. As each character develops, their fragile natures are explored. As much as this is a modern view of the Faustian bargain, it is a close tale of the pressures many teenagers will face today.

The authors are able to use not only spoken language but thoughts to truly convey what is happening for each character. You feel the pressures, insecurities, drives, and desires of them. The reader will not just be told what is happening. They will become part of the world created. Readers will relate to and enjoy reading this book.

This promotional copy was received during BookExpo America 2009 as a free marketing tool by either the publisher or author and was given to many attendees. It was not given to me to review. I did not receive any compensation from the publisher or author for this review.

Undone By Karin Slaughter -- A Book Review

A victim of a vicious torturer escapes and ends up in an emergency room in Atlanta. It is here that three characters from previous Karin Slaughter works cross paths. Sara Linton from Faithless plus Will Trent and Faith Mitchell from Fractured each take a distinct path in helping this woman known only as Anna.

As the characters relate memories from their past to the case, conflict and new relationships arise. As a new deadline looms the characters are forced to work through their personal issues and catch the culprit before more women are seriously injured or tortured.

Tensions rise with each dead end. The suspense builds within the reader as each suspect manages to be cleared only to be brought back into the light. Slaughter is able to truly make this a mystery.

In the end the reader will enjoy this mystery and may be surprised at the final climatic scenes. The detail Slaughter uses pulls the reader into the horrifying crimes. A sense of dread creeps up on the characters and readers with each new development of the case.

It was hard to put down this book because the action was non-stop. The depth of the characters was a welcome surprise. This reader was left wanting more of the characters and is hoping for another book where these three reunite.

This promotional copy was received during BookExpo America 2009 as a free marketing tool by either the publisher or author and was given to many attendees. It was not given to me to review. I did not receive any compensation from the publisher or author for this review.

The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane by Katherine Howe -- A Book Review

Connie Goodwin leaves her post-graduate studies at Harvard University to assist in cleaning up and selling her Granna's house. She does this as a begrudging favor to her mother with whom she has had strained relationship due to their similarly opposing personalities.

As the summer progresses Connie finds herself seeking not only a primary source for her PhD dissertation but the history of a woman that has captured her imagination. Along the way Connie begins to open her mind to things about herself and the history she studied all these years.

Connie soon finds herself having visions of history that are too real to explain through logic. As her relationship with a steeplejack Sam progresses, her life soon begins to mirror that of the woman in the family tree she is researching.

Katherine Howe has produced an intriguing character that complements the factual and fictional history within her book. Connie lives both in her today and other people's yesterdays. This dynamic is beautifully built into the character that develops. Howe has truly blended the plot with the character in this book.

The use of various languages throughout the book takes the reader back to the time of Deliverance Dane and the Salem witch trials. The images invoked by Howe's descriptors is magnificent and allows the reader to be alongside the characters' journeys. This is sure to be on the must-read lists of tomorrow.

I highly recommend this book to all readers.

This promotional copy was received during BookExpo America 2009 as a free marketing tool by either the publisher or author and was given to many attendees. It was not given to me to review. I did not receive any compensation from the publisher or author for this review.

Sandra Krajewski - There Are No Lighthouses In Kentucky -- An Author Interview

It was a hectic Thursday when Sandra met with me at the Barnes & Noble in Plymouth Meeting, PA. She took time from her teaching position to speak with me about her books and future projects.

She arrived early and enjoyed a bite from the café with me. It was during the first few moments that her warm, engaging personality became evident. She spoke openly about her current job, writing goals, and publishing experiences.

Sandra’s first book There Are No Lighthouses In Kentucky was written in four months. The story is about a woman, Dee, who is in an abusive relationship. She can only escape by giving up her children. When she returns to Kentucky, the process of rebuilding her life begins. This book has a deep connection for Ms. Krajewski. As she spoke about the plot, her demeanor shifted.

Sandra stressed with great passion that psychological and physical abuse go hand-in-hand and it was the less discussed psychological abuse that spurred her to write the book. She said that one “doesn’t have to see abuse to see hurt.”

Her hope was to create awareness for her audience. Most people may not understand that the situation is surreal for someone experiencing abuse. They don’t know how they got there but realize it is most dangerous when they threaten to leave.

Sandra hopes to create the audio version of this book so that the audience can further get into the characters. This next step would be in line with her role as an advocate for education on the mental side of abuse.

As the topic became too close to her heart, we adjusted the conversation to her children’s books. She wrote six in two years. One of which, Numbers With Attitude won her the Author of the Year for Children’s Book from her publishing company. She was flown to Seattle in November 2008 for the award ceremony. Her son-in-law, Frantz Augustin, did the illustrations which also won an award.

Her hometown honored her with a community day. The town is small enough to make it personal for her. It was a proud moment for her. It helped her realize she was ready for a new challenge.

As an African-American writer her characters have shared in this ethnicity. One of her new projects titled Familiar has two Caucasian main characters. She feels this is a stretch for her as a writer. The story is about two people that fall in love and the various events that happen to them individually and as a couple. Sandra’s focus for this story is not on the love story but the role of fate. She believes that fate plays a role in all of our lives.

As the interview began its conclusion she noted that she “wants to write something that means something to someone, an important book.” If she continues to write about subjects she is passionate about, this interviewer, after meeting her, feels she will attain this goal.

You can find her books online or in stores. Look for more from her soon.

Mark Stang - Phillies Photos: 100 Years of Philadelphia Phillies Images -- An Author Interview

I met Mark as he was signing copies of his book Phillies Photos: 100 Years of Philadelphia Phillies Images at the front entrance of the Barnes & Noble in Plymouth Meeting PA. He was smiling at each customer that entered or left the store.

He stood to introduce himself and had a firm handshake. He was prepared for the interview with promotional information on his books. He has written eight - all are about baseball. This dedication to one subject made me ponder - why baseball?

Mark spoke of his father’s coaching varsity baseball during his childhood. His father put him to work. He spent many hours working on the field, hauling equipment, and interacting with players.

As Mark went away to college his focus shifted on other areas but was drawn back to the game in the early 1980’s. He was so dedicated to this sport that he joined the Society for American Baseball Research.

His first large project, researching uniform numbers, was a first taste into a literary career. He self-published the seven pound, 1152 page book. Eventually a publisher took the pitch and it was published as a reference book titled Baseball By The Numbers by Scarecrow Press in 1996.

Mark had moved to Cincinnati and found someone who did book imprinting, Greg Rhodes. Together they did the first photo history book. Mark learned quite a bit from Greg and after the success of this first project, Mark asked Greg to work on another book with him. After Greg declined, Mark moved to the Cleveland Indians alone.

Over the years Mark moved to various metropolitan areas and became a fan of that city’s baseball team. Many diehard fans would say this is not the action of a true fan, I disagree. Mark is a fan of the game and when you look at and read any of his books, you will notice this also.

He wants to give memories to his audience. The reader can use the book to show reasons they are a fan of their team. They can bond with their parents, siblings, friends, etc. by having a photograph trigger a story. Mark noted that many people do not realize the history that is also written in his books when they first glance through due to the wonderful pictures.

As the conversation concluded I had to know if there were any teams Mark disliked. The answer is yes. For information on his books, please visit his website: www.markstangbaseballbooks.com.

Whacked by Jules Asner -- A Book Review

Dani is a writer on a TV crime drama Flesh and Bones. She is intrigued by forensics and all things murder. Her interest in finding clues and reasons for crimes takes her into morally-questionable situations. As her relationship with long-time boyfriend, Dave, hits bumps her activities become more whacked.

Dani is clearly flawed and not an easy person to root for. Jules Asner brilliantly created a character that draws the reader into her world as it turns upside down after her break-up. The blind dates that range from good to bizarre help further highlight Dani's craziness. The obstacles and traumatic events that feed Dani's craziness build in frequency and intensity in her mind. The outcome of all these lead to a climax that is a natural progression for the character.

The plot is well-written and fast-paced. This is a book readers will not want to put down. Asner portrays a side of LA that seems completely alien to what many perceive, yet it is believable enough for the reader to feel like a voyeur.

Feeling dubious about this book initially, this reader can say all doubts were baseless. Asner is a talented author whose debut book is engaging and a captivating must-read for summer.

This promotional copy was received during BookExpo America 2009 as a free marketing tool by either the publisher or author and was given to many attendees. It was not given to me to review. I did not receive any compensation from the publisher or author for this review.

Catching Boo by Joanne Rowlinson with illustrations by Mari Brown -- A Book Review

Based on the true story of a runaway dog, this story capture's the owners' view of events. After adopting Boo, Joanne Rowlinson realized Boo was unhappy and she soon went missing. For months the owners searched for and tried to recapture Boo. Without giving away the happy ending, this book is meant to pull at the heart strings.

The author decided to use controlled rhymes which makes the story flow poorly. Not all of the rhymes are pure which causes them to be difficult to read aloud. Emotions are lost due to this rigid approach. The execution of this heart-warming tale falls short of engaging the reader.

This promotional copy was received during BookExpo America 2009 as a free marketing tool by either the publisher or author and was given to many attendees. It was not given to me to review. I did not receive any compensation from the publisher or author for this review.

Spoon by Amy Krouse Rosenthal with illustrations by Scott Magoon -- A Book Review

This children's tale begins with Spoon being envious of the jobs and abilities of other pieces of silverware. In the end Spoon might just realize what a good job and life he has. The uses of common utensils is discussed along the way. Amy Krouse Rosenthal mixes this educational thread with the moral lesson.

The wording and flow are wonderful. It is an entertaining read for all ages. The illustrations compliment nicely. Overall a great new book that the whole family can enjoy and be able to take away a renewed sense of self.

This promotional copy was received during BookExpo America 2009 as a free marketing tool by either the publisher or author and was given to many attendees. It was not given to me to review. I did not receive any compensation from the publisher or author for this review.

Murder At The Lake (An Amanda Christie Mystery) by Bren Gaudet -- A Book Review

The back cover of the book reads:
When seventeen-year-old Amanda Christie is invited to a cousins-only weekend retreat at her aunt's estate in Austin, Texas, she doesn't know what to expect. But she soon finds that the weekend will be anything but boring. One of the guests is responsible for the death of Amanda's uncle, and when a dangerous storm traps the teens inside the secluded mansion, Amanda becomes determined to uncover the killer. But when their cell phones go missing and guests begin to disappear, Amanda realizes that the killer isn't finished. With time running out and no way of knowing who to trust, she must either uncover the murderer... or risk being the next victim.

This book is scheduled to be published August 1, 2009 and is intended for Young Adults. As I read the first chapter, written by Bren Gaudet I felt like this book was going to be another predictable teen crime story. As the story unfolded, there were enough doubts thrown into the plot by the author to keep me guessing. This is an enjoyable read with one slight flaw. The main character is not fully developed. At one point I felt like the author made an assumption about the audience knowing the career aspirations of Amanda. By the time Gaudet mentioned Amanda wanted to be a crime scene photographer; it felt too late. This should not detract most of the intended audience.

This book is the first in a series for the character of Amanda Christie. According to the author's website (www.bengaudet.com) future stories will include Amanda's best friend and boyfriend as she travels to exotic locations to solve mysteries.

This promotional copy was received during BookExpo America 2009 as a free marketing tool by either the publisher or author and was given to many attendees. It was not given to me to review. I did not receive any compensation from the publisher or author for this review.

BEA 2009 - Feedback on Writer's Conference

BEA was great for me this year.

I was able to attend the Writer's Conference for the first time.

Karin Slaughter was very funny. The talk she gave was informative and inspirational. It was exciting to listen to someone who has experienced the success she has. Receiving an autographed copy of her book was a special moment for me. I thought I was past the crazy fan stage but was proved wrong.

As I went into other workshops, my level of enthusiasm was high. The character workshop really helped me. My husband felt it was important for me to learn about writing great characters. In his mind this is what makes books memorable. This workshop taught me a lot and reinforced my husband's thoughts.

The next workshop I attended was bad. For the sake of the speaker I will not mention it. It felt more like a constant push of the book and not a teaching seminar for the writers in attendance.
As other people decided to leave, my manners were pushed to the limit as I stayed instead of leaving.

The lunch was okay. I was able to sit next to one of the few people that I made a real connection with. We had fun reviewing the various workshops we attended. The speech was funny. Again, this was unexpected. I began to worry that in order to be successful in this world, I would have to be funny. No one that has ever met me has accused me of having this trait.

The final workshop was good. I learned a lot about pitching to the agents. Hopefully I would get at least one card. One person interested in my work. After listening to the other people going over their pitches, I realized how unprepared I was.

Time for the pitch slam. This was extremely hard. The agents were honest and nice. They gave me wonderful constructive feedback. As I adapted my pitch over the course of the afternoon, an agent finally showed interest. Success!

I learned a lot there. I realized that there are many others out there further along in their journey. This makes me nervous. What if the timing is not right? What if my pitches were premature? How to get past the anxiety and insecurity to the next step?

If you have feedback, input, insight, or comments on this, please attach to this post.

BEA 2009 - Initial Thoughts

BEA is over. I am tired, sore, and excited. I came home with many galleys, bags, and new friends.

This year was only my second experience at BEA. I learned so much this year. (Read the PW show daily to get more information on author signings.) I also made many mistakes. (Don't offer to bring things home for friends.)

My plan is to review the books I brought home for this blog. I will also post feedback from my friends.

Check back soon for more thoughts on BEA.