Guest Author Annmarie Kelly

CMash September 5, 2012 2 Comments

As women, we all have struggles in life, some more difficult than others. I know I have. So when Nicole from Tribute Books contacted me regarding today’s guest and her book, I wanted to learn more. So please help me in welcoming Ms. Annmarie Kelly as she tells us about her powerful novel.

ANNMARIE KELLY

Author Annmarie Kelly is a professional speaker, workshop leader and victory strategist, who has firsthand knowledge of the transformative power which determination and motivation, the stuff of victory, can have in a person’s life.

Growing up in her Italian-Catholic home, Kelly wasn’t a natural go getter but rather a shy and introverted girl – a “good girl” who felt invisible and insignificant and powerless to deal with family problems including alcoholism, sibling abuse and mental illness.

In her early twenties, a broken engagement and her father’s reaction to it, caused Annmarie to look at her life and where she was going. After a couple “dark” years, she realized she had a purpose but that she was following a path that would only give her more of what she already had: disappointments, regrets and lost opportunities. Annmarie understood that she needed to make a change; she decided to start on a new track.

Through the rest of her twenties and thirties, step-by-step, she changed the way she thought about herself and her future, set major goals, and let go of many of the limitations that were holding her back, from kicking the undesired habits of smoking cigarettes and being a couch potato to getting honest about her own sabotaging behaviors. She also let go of people and environments that became obstacles to her efforts.

While leaving the comfort of the familiar for something better was what she wanted, it wasn’t easy. But in time the effort paid off. The decisions Annmarie made then have enabled her to BE more and DO more than she ever thought she could and HAVE more of the kind of life that, on her old path, would only have been a dream.

Not content to keep that kind of empowerment and success to herself, Annmarie Kelly has made it her life’s mission to help other women find the same confidence, inner power, and most importantly the “feminine victory” within. Whatever she does, whether she’s speaking, teaching, writing, blogging or coaching, she shows women just how much power they have over their own lives, encourages them to LIVE VICTORIOUSLY – out loud and in living color – and shows them the skills they need to do it!

Annmarie Kelly owns and manages SkillBuilder Systems, a training and development firm specializing in management development and communication skills. She is also the founder of The Victorious Woman Project which focuses on the information, resources and skill building which help women empower themselves so they can live their best life.

Annmarie is a member of the National Speakers Association (NSA), the Greater Philadelphia chapter of the American Society for Training and Development (ASTDPhl), The Press Club PA and the National Association of Female Executives.

Her services include:
– Keynotes for Corporate Events and Association Conferences
– Training Workshops (SmartWoman@Work and New Beginnings)
– Retreats
– Seminars, Teleseminars, Webinars
– Individual coaching
– Group coaching (Victory Teams)

Annmarie Kelly is available for interviews in the Greater Philadelphia area, New York, Maryland, Delaware and Washington DC, and by phone anywhere.
You can connect with the author at her website, Facebook, Twitter and GoodReads.

GUEST POST

ABOUT THE BOOK

Real Women – Real Stories – Real Challenges – Real Victories

What’s a woman to do? If she makes a bad choice or gets thrown one of life’s curveballs, is she forever doomed?

Author Annmarie Kelly says “NO!” and proves it with compelling real life stories of women who faced and overcame seemingly overwhelming life challenges. This powerfully moving book overflows with intelligence, understanding, emotion and true grit.

Kelly explains victory as the stretch you make out of your comfort zone and into the greater, fuller expression of who you really are – your authentic self. She demonstrates victory by taking you inside the lives of nine distressed women and showing you how they became victorious. You are likely to recognize something of yourself woven in each of these stories; each one will inspire and encourage you to forge your own victory over whatever is challenging you right now. At the end of each woman’s chapter you’ll find soul-searching questions that you must ask yourself to insure your own victories.

Author Kelly concludes the stories with a “lessons learned” chapter. Gleaning the best from each Victorious Woman, from the many other women she interviewed and from her own intriguing life challenges, Kelly describes the FOUR LIFESTYLES that either support you in victory or sabotage you, and the SIX SKILLS every woman has to learn to be in control of her SELF. She also gives you, her readers, the Victorious Woman Model to help you figure out what you need at different stages of challenges. The result is a book that is part inspiration, part motivation and part skill building. Some have called Victorious Woman “a blueprint for life” and “a practical approach to taking control of your life.”

Since its first publication, many women say that they keep Victorious Woman! on their book shelf for reference or on their nightstand for comfort at the end of a long day. This “celebration of life” is an encouraging and enlightening read for women who want to create their own personal and professional victories.

Book Details:
Paperback
Price: $16.95
Publisher: Optimal Living Press
ISBN: 9780974603704
Pages: 279
Release: September 2004
Purchase links: Amazon B&N IndieBound

THANKS TO AUTHOR, ANNMARIE KELLY, I HAVE ONE (1) COPY
OF HER BOOK TO GIVE AWAY. U.S. RESIDENTS ONLY.

CLICK HERE TO BRING YOU TO
THE GIVEAWAY ENTRY PAGE.

DISCLAIMER
No items that I receive
are ever sold…they are kept by me,
or given to family and/or friends.
ADDENDUM
I do not have any affiliation with Amazon.com or
Barnes & Noble. I am an IndieBound affliate.
I am providing link(s) solely for visitors
that may be interested in purchasing this Book/EBook.

Author, Giveaway, Tribute Books

GIVEAWAY ENTRY PAGE “VICTORIOUS WOMAN!” by Annmarie Kelly ENDED

CMash September 5, 2012 20 Comments

SEPTEMBER 5th to SEPTEMBER 19th, 2012

VICTORIOUS WOMAN!
by ANNMARIE KELLY

SYNOPSIS:

Real Women – Real Stories – Real Challenges – Real Victories
What’s a woman to do? If she makes a bad choice or gets thrown one of life’s curveballs, is she forever doomed?
Author Annmarie Kelly says “NO!” and proves it with compelling real life stories of women who faced and overcame seemingly overwhelming life challenges. This powerfully moving book overflows with intelligence, understanding, emotion and true grit.
Kelly explains victory as the stretch you make out of your comfort zone and into the greater, fuller expression of who you really are – your authentic self. She demonstrates victory by taking you inside the lives of nine distressed women and showing you how they became victorious. You are likely to recognize something of yourself woven in each of these stories; each one will inspire and encourage you to forge your own victory over whatever is challenging you right now. At the end of each woman’s chapter you’ll find soul-searching questions that you must ask yourself to insure your own victories.
Author Kelly concludes the stories with a “lessons learned” chapter. Gleaning the best from each Victorious Woman, from the many other women she interviewed and from her own intriguing life challenges, Kelly describes the FOUR LIFESTYLES that either support you in victory or sabotage you, and the SIX SKILLS every woman has to learn to be in control of her SELF. She also gives you, her readers, the Victorious Woman Model to help you figure out what you need at different stages of challenges. The result is a book that is part inspiration, part motivation and part skill building. Some have called Victorious Woman “a blueprint for life” and “a practical approach to taking control of your life.”
Since its first publication, many women say that they keep Victorious Woman! on their book shelf for reference or on their nightstand for comfort at the end of a long day. This “celebration of life” is an encouraging and enlightening read for women who want to create their own personal and professional victories.

THANKS TO AUTHOR, ANNEMARIE KELLY,

I HAVE ONE ( 1 ) COPY OF THIS
BOOK TO GIVE AWAY.
HERE IS WHAT YOU NEED TO DO TO WIN.

*USE THE RAFFLECOPTER FORM BELOW
IN ORDER TO BE INCLUDED IN THE GIVEAWAY*
BE SURE TO INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL

ADDRESS IN THE RAFFLECOPTER FORM
SO THAT I CAN CONTACT YOU IF YOU WIN
*LEAVE COMMENT: FROM READING THE SYNOPSIS,
WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE EITHER A PERSONAL

OR PROFESSIONAL VICTORY IN YOUR LIFE?*

*U.S. RESIDENTS ONLY*
*NO P.O. BOXES*

**HONOR SYSTEM**
ONE WINNING BOOK PER HOUSEHOLD
PLEASE NOTIFY ME IF YOU HAVE
WON THIS BOOK FROM ANOTHER
SITE, SO THAT SOMEONE ELSE MAY
HAVE THE CHANCE TO WIN
AND READ THIS BOOK.
THANK YOU.

*GIVEAWAY SEPTEMBER 19th DATE AT 6PM EST*

WINNER WILL BE CHOSEN BY RAFFLECOPTER AND NOTIFIED
VIA EMAIL AND WILL HAVE 48 HOURS TO RESPOND
OR ANOTHER NAME WILL BE CHOSEN

DISCLAIMER / RULES

Giveaway copies are supplied and shipped to winners via publisher,
the giveaway on behalf of the
above. I received a copy of this book, at no charge to me, in
exchange for my honest review. No items that I receive are
ever sold…they are kept by me, or given to family and/or friends.

I am not responsible for lost or damaged books that are shipped
from agents. I reserve the right to disqualify/delete any entries
if rules of giveaway are not followed

YOUR JAVA SCRIPT MAY NEED TO BE UPDATED
IF YOU AR EXPERIENCING DIFFICULTY
USING THE RAFFLECOPTER ENTRY FORM

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Guest Author, Showcase

Guest Author Nicole Lundrigan

CMash September 1, 2012 Leave a Comment

When Alison, from Claire McKinney PR, contacted me with a synopsis of today’s showcased book, I wanted to know more. So I ask for help in welcoming Ms. Nicole Lundrigan to CMash Reads!

NICOLE LUNDRIGAN

Nicole Lundrigan is the author of three critically acclaimed novels: Unraveling Arva, Thaw, and The Seary Line. She grew up in Newfoundland and now lives in Ontario with her family.
Visit Nicole at her website here.

GUEST POST

I never dreamed about being a writer. When I was little, I had a children’s biography of Louis Pasteur, and I dreamed of being a scientist. I imagined my grown-up self in a lab somewhere making discoveries that would help people.

During school, I enjoyed my English classes, but Science still held me. I was always curious to understand why things worked the way they did. How did that happen? While at university, my gears shifted slightly, and I became interested in forensic science – particularly forensic anthropology, with its crime scene analysis and study of skeletal material. After some floundering, testing out different areas of study, I had finally found my path.

As I was working through graduate school, I assumed I would continue my education and earn a PhD. But life had other plans for me. I gave birth to my first child just months after graduation, and I quickly I realized the immensity of that responsibility. I made the decision to stay at home and care for her.

While that was a joyful time, I can’t deny it was also a period of intense isolation. I missed university. I missed talking to people who were studying the same subjects as I was. I missed having to puzzle over something until my head became woozy. I missed simply walking the halls of those old buildings and breathing in that air. I’ve often wondered just why I started writing, and part of me knows it was to assuage that loneliness. I’ve never actually admitted that before, but I know it’s true.

Some days I still think about my Louis Pasteur biography and my childhood declaration of being a scientist. Do I feel I’ve lost something by leaving science behind and jumping headlong into motherhood with a side order of writing? Not really. In many ways, science and writing overlap. Both involve observation and precise steps towards understanding. Both are infinitely complicated. And if we watch and listen carefully, both can lead to exciting and meaningful discoveries. About the world. Or about ourselves.

ABOUT THE BOOK

“Deftly walks the line between light and dark, hope and fear, with dazzling honesty and truth.”~Ami McKay, author of The Birth House

Secrets and denial can exist in tandem. Families are fond of hiding things about their loved ones hoping that the future will bring brighter days devoid of any ill effects from the past. The problem is, the tendency to hide those things that are dark or shameful can produce an explosion down the road, where everything is exposed whether one likes it or not. In her new novel GLASS BOYS (Douglas & McIntyre; September 1, 2012; $18.95) Nicole Lundrigan explores these themes in a small town in Newfoundland where two families find out how deadly hiding the past can be.

Garrett Glass has a secret. He has a pickle jar filled with some illicit pictures of a boy he once knew. When his stepfather discovers this treasure and confronts Garrett another young man, Roy Fagan is accidentally killed. Lewis Fagan the surviving brother of Roy, becomes a local cop in their town, and keeps his eye on the family that murdered his kin. For his part, Garrett’s stepfather never told anyone about Garrett’s special pictures. He did not realize that this was a deviant sign that would eventually cause many more problems.

Lewis Fagan went on with his life, met a girl, and had a family, but his wife was a troubled soul. Wilda was abused by her mother and as a teenager she ran away from home to find a life on the streets. A kind man and owner of an antique shop gave her a home and a job, but her feelings about her past seedy behavior never went away. Even the adoration held for her by her oldest son Melvin, was no comfort. When the storm finally comes to these two families, they will find that one cannot escape the past or ignore evil when it offers a glimpse of bad things to come.

GLASS BOYS is a dark story with lessons to be learned, but there is hope that even in its worst moments, life can indeed go on.

DISCLAIMER
No items that I receive
are ever sold…they are kept by me,
or given to family and/or friends.

Guest Author, Showcase, The Hachette Book Group

Guest Author Christie Craig

CMash August 30, 2012 2 Comments

Have a seat, grab your coffee because we have guests to welcome!! Jennifer, from Forever, The Hachette Book Group is visiting CMash Reads for the first time and she has brought with her, author, Christie Craig. And I know you are going to love hearing about her book. So please help me in giving a warm welcome today’s guests, Jennifer and author Christie Craig!!!

CHRISTIE CRAIG

Photojournalist, Author and Speaker

Christie Craig, an Alabama native, is an award-winning, multi-published writer, multi-published photo journalist, motivational speaker, and writing teacher.. Her non-fiction articles and photography have appeared in almost three thousand national magazines. A Golden Heart finalist, and a finalist in more than fifty RWA-sponsored contests, she has gained a well-deserved reputation for writing romance fiction that has both witty humor and a suspenseful, sexy tone. Published by Silhouette in the 90s, she recently broke back into fiction in a big way, making four book sales in one day. Her seventh humorous single title romance novel, published by Dorchester, will hit the stands in June 2010. Her non-fiction book, co-authored by Faye Hughes, released September 08, is The Everything Guide To Writing A Romance Novel and their second non-fiction book, a humorous self-help relationship book, Wild, Wicked and Wanton: 101 Ways to Love Like You Are in a Romance Novel is scheduled to be released December 2010. Craig’s latest writing adventure is the sale of a young adult paranormal romance series, Shadow Falls Camp, that will be published by St. Martins Press in the near future.

Click here to see a video of Christie on the Houston Chronicle.com about her overcoming the difficulties of being dyslexic.
Christie would love to hear from you!
Visit the contact page to send an email or join her mailing list.

Ten Things You Will Learn from Blame it on Texas.

1. Guys don’t like to play dress up; but when one willingly dresses as a clown for their six-year-old niece’s birthday party—because the real clown canceled—he’s one special uncle. And could possibly make a special hero for some lucky lady.

2. Sometimes, fear itself can do much more damage to us than the thing we’re actually afraid of.

3. Any man who doesn’t cuss up a blue streak when you dump a plate of hot grits on him can’t be all bad. (In fact, he might just be The One.)

4. It’s important to remember the lessons of the past so we can use them when making decisions for the future. But those lessons should never keep us from having the future we deserve.

5. Before accusing the sexy guy who pounced, knocked you down, and crawled on top of you of being foreplay impaired; check to see if someone is shooting at you.

6. The southern delicacy of a banana and mayonnaise sandwich may be an acquired taste, especially when a hungry hero chomps down on the delicacy and is expecting ham and cheese.

7. If you think getting caught screaming and dancing on top of a mattress—all while attempting to rescue your cat from an overzealous dog—can be slightly embarrassing, try doing it while you’re wet from the shower, and as naked as a jay bird. Oh, and just to make it even more fun, make sure you’re caught by your possible love interest who hasn’t seen you naked yet, and . . . (yes it can get worse) his two best friends.

8. It’s downright amazing how playing a few rounds of Strip Scrabble can spice up an evening.

9. A family doesn’t always have to be the people who share your bloodline; sometimes, the best families are those we make when we gather together all the people we love.

10. Learning to trust yourself is usually a lot harder than trusting another person. But both are generally required before finding true love.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Zoe Adams has always been content with her quiet nights at home, watching TV alone-until her life turns into a real-life episode of Unsolved Mystery Hunters. The story of a kidnapped girl triggers unexplained memories, and Zoe is dead-set on figuring out why. Her search leads her to one of the Lone Star State’s richest families-and to sexy PI Tyler Lopez.

Tyler has sworn off women, especially redheads with killer curves who poke their noses into his clients’ private lives. Still, he can’t deny the attraction any more than he can deny that some of Zoe’s crazy story makes sense. But when she becomes a hit man’s target, this cold case starts heating up. Suddenly, Tyler will do anything to protect Zoe-even risk his heart.

THANKS TO JENNIFER, FROM FOREVER BOOKS, I HAVE
THREE (3) COPIES TO GIVE AWAY. U.S. RESIDENTS ONLY

CLICK HERE TO BRING YOU TO
THE GIVEAWAY ENTRY PAGE.

DISCLAIMER
No items that I receive
are ever sold…they are kept by me,
or given to family and/or friends.

GCP/Forever, Guest Author, The Hachette Book Group

Guest Author Rochelle Alers

CMash August 29, 2012 Leave a Comment

I so enjoy when authors come back to visit. It means that we are in for a treat to read and escape into their latest novel. Ms. Alers visited us back in January, so it has been a while since we had the pleasure of her company. Grab a coffee, sit and please help me wecome Ms. Rochelle Alers back to CMash Reads!

ROCHELLE ALERS
Photo by Henry Stampel

With nearly two million copies of her novels in print, Rochelle Alers is a regular on national bestseller lists, and has been the recipient of numerous awards, including the Gold Pen Award, the Emma Award, Vivian Stephens Award for Excellence in Romance Writing, the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award and the Zora Neale Hurston Literary Award.

Bestselling author Rochelle Alers has long been known for her warm yet sensual writing style and intriguing plots set in small towns. Earlier this year she released Sanctuary Cove, the first book in her Cavanaugh Island series. Now Rochelle is poised to release ANGELS LANDING (Forever mass market; August 28, 2012; $7.99), the second book in the charming series.
You can visit Ms. Alers at her website, Facebook and Twitter.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Kara Newell has a big-city life that needs a major shake-up. Her dedication as a social worker is unwavering, yet her heart tells her that there is more to life than just work. Kara gets the push she needs when she shockingly inherits a large estate on an island off the South Carolinacoast. Now the quaint town of Angels Landingawaits her – along with a secret family she never knew she had.

After surviving war, loss, and heartbreak, ex-marine Jeffrey Hamilton takes his position as sheriff ofCavanaughIsland seriously. So he is the perfect person to watch over the beautiful, confident woman who has turned her new family’s expectations upside down-and stepped into the crosshairs of angry local residents.

Soon Kara becomes more than just a job to him, and he begins to need her in ways he never expected. As Kara and Jeffrey confront the town gossips together, they’ll learn to face their fears and forgive their pasts in order to find a future filled with happiness in Angels Landing.
Watch for my review in the near future.

THANKS TO JENNIFER, FROM GCP/FOREVER, I HAVE
THREE (3) COPIES OF THIS BOOK TO GIVE AWAY.
U.S RESIDENTS ONLY

CLICK HERE TO BRING YOU TO
THE GIVEAWAY ENTRY PAGE.

DISCLAIMER
Giveaway copies are supplied and shipped to winners
via publisher, agent and/or author. This blog hosts
the giveaway on behalf of the above.
I received a copy of this book, at no charge to me,
in exchange for my honest review.
No items that I receive
are ever sold…they are kept by me,
or given to family and/or friends.

GCP/Forever, Giveaway, The Hachette Book Group

GIVEAWAY ENTRY PAGE “ANGELS LANDING” by Rochelle Alers ENDED

CMash August 29, 2012 6 Comments

AUGUST 29th to SEPTEMBER 12th, 2012

ANGELS LANDING
by ROCHELLE ALERS

SYNOPSIS:

–Kara Newell’s dedication as a social worker is unwavering, yet her heart tells her that there is more to life than just work. When she shockingly inherits a large estate on a small island off of the South Carolina coast, the quaint town of Angels Landing awaits her – along with a secret family she never knew she had.
–After surviving war, loss, and heartbreak, ex-marine Jeffrey Hamilton takes his position as sheriff of Cavanaugh Island seriously. So he is the perfect person to watch over the beautiful, confident woman who has turned her new family’s expectations upside down-and stepped into the crosshairs of angry local residents.
–Soon Kara becomes more than just a job to him, and he begins to need her in ways he never expected. As Kara and Jeffrey confront the town gossips together, they’ll learn to face their fears and forgive their pasts in order to find a future filled with happiness in Angels Landing.

THANKS TO JENNIFER, AND THE AMAZING

PEOPLE AT GRAND CENTRAL PUBLISHING/FOREVER

I HAVE THREE (3 ) COPIES OF THIS
BOOK TO GIVE AWAY.
HERE IS WHAT YOU NEED TO DO TO WIN.

*USE THE RAFFLECOPTER FORM BELOW
IN ORDER TO BE INCLUDED IN THE GIVEAWAY*
BE SURE TO INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL

ADDRESS IN THE RAFFLECOPTER FORM
SO THAT I CAN CONTACT YOU IF YOU WIN
*LEAVE COMMENT: FROM READING THE SYNOPSIS,
WHAT DO YOU THINK THEIR FEARS ARE?*

*U.S. RESIDENTS ONLY*
*NO P.O. BOXES*

**PER PUBLISHER**
ONE WINNING BOOK PER HOUSEHOLD
PLEASE NOTIFY ME IF YOU HAVE
WON THIS BOOK FROM ANOTHER
SITE, SO THAT SOMEONE ELSE MAY
HAVE THE CHANCE TO WIN
AND READ THIS BOOK.
THANK YOU.

*GIVEAWAY SEPTEMBER 12th DATE AT 6PM EST*

WINNER WILL BE CHOSEN BY RAFFLECOPTER AND NOTIFIED
VIA EMAIL AND WILL HAVE 48 HOURS TO RESPOND
OR ANOTHER NAME WILL BE CHOSEN

DISCLAIMER / RULES

I am not responsible for lost or damaged books that are shipped
from agents. I reserve the right to disqualify/delete any entries
if rules of giveaway are not followed

YOUR JAVA SCRIPT MAY NEED TO BE UPDATED
IF YOU AR EXPERIENCING DIFFICULTY
USING THE RAFFLECOPTER ENTRY FORM

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Guest Author, Partners In Crime Tours, The Story Plant

Guest Author Mark Gilleo

CMash August 28, 2012 Leave a Comment

It was just a few months ago that I was introduced to today’s guest author through a tour with Partners In Crime Tours via Mr. Lou Aronica, publisher of The Story Plant. It was Mr. Gilleo’s debut novel, Love Thy Neighbor, and I have to tell you, I was blown away. You can read my review here. It was amazing!!

Today he is back to tell us about his latest novel, that hit the shelves today, as he kicks off another tour with Partners In Crime Tours. I ask, for you to help me, give him a warm welcome back to CMash Reads!!

MARK GILLEO

Mark Gilleo holds a graduate degree in international business from the University of South Carolina and an undergraduate degree in business from George Mason University. He enjoys traveling, hiking and biking. He speaks Japanese. A fourth-generation Washingtonian, he currently resides in the D.C. area. His first two novels were recognized as finalist and semifinalist, respectively, in the William Faulkner-Wis- dom creative writing competition.
You can connect with the author at his website.

GUEST POST

I am often asked where I get the plot for my novels. The answer is “I don’t know.” The idea for Sweat came from a conversation I overheard while working in Asia. How that single line idea transformed into several hundred pages with multiple subplots, well, that is the mystery and magic of writing. Obviously, the idea for my previous novel, Love Thy Neighbor, is pretty straight forward, as the inspiration came directly from a real situation.

When I first starting writing Sweat, there was no Senator. The story was about an international businessman, his son and a seamstress. As I progressed through the book and the plot expanded, a host of other characters entered into the fray. A couple of chapters into the book I realized that it may be more relevant if the subject of scrutiny were a Senator. It occurred to me that people could imagine a Senator more easily than they could an international businessman. Maybe I am wrong on that point, who knows.

Some readers are probably saying “but the Senator first appears in chapter 2.” They are right! I have started five books and finished three of them, and I have yet to have Chapter 1 remain the first chapter. At some point, Chapter 1 gets bumped, as does Chapter 2 and 3. I have actually given up on numbering chapters I am currently just naming them and will assign a number later. For whatever reason my subconscious mind doesn’t want to feed me the story in the correct order.

Another question I often get is whether characters in my book are born from people I know. “No” would be my short answer, butthere are elements of people I know in almost every character I write. I don’t consciously pick and choose the character attributes, but there are occasions when I am re-reading a passage and I think to myself, “That guy sounds a like Uncle Joe.” If I were to try to mold a character to a real person, I think it would slow me down. It could easily become an exercise akin to fitting a square peg in a round hole. No two people are alike, even if one of them is fictional. So a real person, with all their skills and flaws, may not meet the requirement of a fictional character I need to fill a particular role in the story.

So not only do I avoid modeling a character after people I know, I wouldn’t want to, unless a friend came out and asked me if I would.

ABOUT THE BOOK

When Jake Patrick took a summer internship at his estranged father’s corporation, he anticipated some much-needed extra cash and a couple of free meals from his guilty dad. He would never have guessed that he’d find himself in the center of an international scandal involving a U.S. senator, conspiracy, backroom politics, and murder. Or that his own life would hang in the balance. Or that he’d find help – and much more than that – from a collection of memorable characters operating on all sides of the law. Jake’s summer has turned into the most eventful one of his life. Now he just needs to survive it.

From the sweatshops of Saipan to the most powerful offices in Washington, SWEAT rockets through a story of crime and consequences with lightning pacing, a twisting plot, an unforgettable cast of characters, and wry humor. It is another nonstop thriller from one of the most exciting new voices in suspense fiction.
Read my review here.

Read an excerpt:

As the van pulled away in a small cloud of dust, the senator inspected the main guard booth and the now present guard. Lee Chang took Peter by the arm and stepped away. The sweatshop boss dropped his voice to a whisper and looked over Peter’s shoulder as he spoke, “Interested in the usual companionship?”Peter, in turn, looked over at the senator who looked back and nodded in approval to the conversation he couldn’t hear but fully understood. “Is Wei Ling available?” Peter asked as if ordering his favorite wine from the menu.

“Yes, of course. Wei is available. Shall I find a companion for the senator as well?”

“Yes, the senator would enjoy some company. Someone with a good command of English. I don’t think he wants to spend the evening playing charades,” Peter responded.

“No, I’m sure he wouldn’t.” Lee Chang smiled, nodded, and barked at Chow Ying in Chinese. The large subordinate walked across the front lot of Chang Industries, down the side of the main building, and vanished into the seamstresses’ two-story living quarters. The CEO, senator, and sweatshop ruler went upstairs to wait.

Traditional Chinese furnishings cluttered Lee Chang’s living room.

“Nice piece,” the senator said, running his hands across a large black cabinet with twelve rows and columns of square drawers.

Peter spoke. “It’s an antique herbal medicine cabinet. The Chinese characters written on the front of each drawer indicate the contents.”

“Tattooed reminders of a former life,” the senator said with poetic license.

Lee Chang stepped over and pulled open one of the drawers. “And now it holds my DVD collection.”

“Modernization never stops,” Peter added.

The three men found their way to the living room and Peter and Senator Day sat on the sofa. Lee took a seat on a comfortable wooden chair, small cylindrical pillows made from the finest Chinese silk supporting his arms.

The middle-aged woman who entered the room to serve tea didn’t speak. She had standing orders not to interrupt when her boss’s guests were wearing suits. The senator watched the woman skillfully pour tea from a blue and white ceramic teapot. He wondered if the woman was Lee Chang’s lover. Peter knew Lee’s taste ran much younger.
The intercom came to life on the wall near the door and Chow Ying announced that the ladies were ready. A brief exchange followed in rapid-fire Chinese before Lee Chang ended the conversation abruptly, flipping the intercom switch off.

“Gentlemen, if you are ready, the car is waiting.”

The senator took the front seat next to Chow Ying. Peter gladly sat in the back seat, squeezing in between the two beautiful Asian women. As he got comfortable in the rear of the car, Wei Ling whispered in his ear, her lips tickling his lobe. Peter smiled as his lover’s breath blew on his neck.

Shi Shi Wong, the senator’s date for the evening, looked up at the seamstresses’ quarters as the car began to move. She spotted several faces pressed against the glass of a second floor window and fought the urge to wave.

By the time the black Lincoln exited the gate of Chang Industries, Peter had one arm around each lady. He kept them close enough to feel their bodies move with every bump in the road. He leaned his torso into theirs with every turn of the car.

Peter Winthrop’s favorite table at The Palm was in an isolated corner next to a small balcony overlooking intimidating cliffs thirty yards from the back of the restaurant. A steady breeze pushed through the open French doors that led to the balcony, blowing out the candle in the center of the table as they arrived.
Peter asked for recommendations from the chef and ordered for everyone. They had spicy barbecued shrimp for an appetizer, followed by a salad with freshly sliced squid that the senator refused to eat. For the main course, the party of four shared a large red snapper served in a garlic and lemon-based Thai sauce. Copious amounts of wine accompanied every dish.

Chow Ying waited subserviently in the parking lot for over three hours. He fetched two cups of coffee from the back door of the kitchen and drank them in the Lincoln with the driver’s side doors open. With his second cup of coffee, he asked the waiter how much longer he thought the Winthrop party was going to be.

“Another hour at the most,” came the reply.

On the trip back to the hotel, the honorable senator from Massachusetts threw his honorability out the window and sat in the backseat with the ladies. Flirtatious groping ensued, the senator’s hands moving like ivy on human walls. His Rolex came to rest on Wei Ling’s shoulder. His Harvard class ring continued to caress the bare skin on Shi Shi Wong’s neck.

Peter made conversation with Chow Ying as the driver forced himself not to look in the rearview mirror. Peter, never bashful, glanced at Wei Ling on the opposite side of the backseat, their eyes meeting with a twinkle, her lips turning up in a smile for her lover. Peter smiled back.

Wei Ling was beautiful, and a sweetheart, and intriguing enough for Peter to find an excuse to stop in Saipan when he was on business in Asia. He usually brought her a gift, nothing too flashy, but something meaningful enough to keep her compliant in the sack. A dress, lingerie, earrings. He liked Wei Ling, a simple fact tempered by the realism that he was a CEO and she was a third-world seamstress. Pure attraction couldn’t bridge some gaps. But Lee Chang was proud of the fact that Peter had taken a fancy to Wei Ling. It was good business. She was a company asset. He wished he could put her on the corporate balance sheet.

Chow Ying dropped the party of four off at the Ritz, an eight-story oasis overlooking the finest stretch of white sand and blue water on the island. He gave Wei Ling and her sweatshop roommate-turned-prostitute-without-pay a brief command in Chinese and followed with a formal handshake to the senator and Peter. He waited for the four to vanish through the revolving door of the hotel and then pulled the Lincoln into the far corner of the parking lot.

The senator and Peter weaved slightly across the lobby of the hotel. Wei Ling and Shi Shi Wong followed several paces behind. The concierge and hotel manager, jaws dropping momentarily, engaged in a seemingly urgent conversation and didn’t look up until the elevator doors had closed.

Purchase links: AMAZON link B&N link

DISCLAIMER

I received a copy of this book, at no charge to me,

in exchange for my honest review.

No items that I receive

are ever sold…they are kept by me,

or given to family and/or friends.

ADDENDUM
I do not have any affiliation with Amazon.com or

Barnes & Noble. I am an IndieBound affliate.

I am providing link(s) solely for visitors

that may be interested in purchasing this Book/EBook.

Guest Author, Showcase, Simon & Schuster

Guest Author Mark Hosack

CMash August 22, 2012 Leave a Comment

Stephanie from Simon & Schuster contacted me regarding today’s guest. When I read the synopsis, I knew that I wanted to share this book with all of you. So please help me welcome Mr. Mark Hosack!!

MARK HOSACK

Mark Hosack is a screenwriter whose credits include Pale Blue Moon and Give ‘em Hell, Malone. He lives in Los Angeles where he also directs and edit movies. IDENITY is his debut novel.

GUEST POST

The E-Book Species

By Mark Hosack

Dinosaurs. Now there’s something we can definitely agree on—they’re all awesome and they’re all dead. The printed book isn’t a dinosaur, not yet (though indie bookstores, sadly, seem to be going extinct). But books have evolved as a new digital species, and the industry is following suit. E-books are becoming the new mass-market paperback. It’s the biggest evolution since the printing press–and we’re smack-dab in the middle of it.

The numbers say its good business: It’s been shown that people with e-books read and buy more books. E-book reader and tablet sales are skyrocketing. And now, following the rise of indie publishing, the big publishers are jumping into the game.

That’s where I come in.

My debut novel, IDENTITY, is something of an experiment. It’s one of the first books to be published by Pocket Star, Simon & Schuster’s brand new e-book imprint.

I’m friends with a lot of indie authors—writers who work very hard at publishing and marketing their own work. And in return, they get to keep a bigger piece of the back end. I’m going the other way, giving up more of my back end in return for a great editing and marketing team over at Simon & Schuster. I have no idea where I’ll end up financially, but I do know that this means there is room in the digital world for everyone, and that’s a great thing for writers.

Don’t want to wade through the tedious process of securing a traditional publisher? Great. Do it yourself. Want to get a big publisher in your corner? Good news—now that publishing is cheaper, they can take on more novels.

If there’s a truth to publishing, it’s that many deserving books never see the light of day. Hopefully, with more access, that will change. And therein lies the greatest benefit of the e-book evolution—diversity.

Of course, all of this also means more competition. As a writer, you’re going to have to elbow your way to front of the pack. As a reader, you’ll have to search hard for that undiscovered gem. It’s out there, but its drowning in a sea of 1s and 0s with little marketing to rescue it.

With such access, it’s a great time to be a writer—but it’s still hard. It will always be hard. That’s because writing a book is hard. And if it isn’t hard, you’re probably doing something wrong. Writing is a long process that comes with very little certainty and, often, very little reward. For a writer, you have to love the process. And that process is the same whether it is an e-book or a printed book. Traditional or Self Published. In the end, I feel as though a lot of this debate is just noise. The business is going to go where the readers go, and everyone will have to chase them there. It’s that simple. And maybe that’s the point. A book is a book, whether it’s digital, printed on paper, or scribbled on a tower of bar napkins. It doesn’t really matter.

The reader is what matters.

If you’re a writer, write for the reader—not the e-book.

The animal has evolved, but the guts are the same.

ABOUT THE BOOK

A novel of mistaken identity and corporate financial fraud, IDENTITY Is Wall Street with a Hitchcockian flavor. IDENITY tells the story of Paul Majors, a respectable businessman who, in trying to unravel fraud within the Corporate offices of SunSoft’s parent company, gets not only pulled in deeper into the illegal doings there, but into those of another firm as well. Soon he’s on the run across the United States, chased by dirty executives, international underworld figures, the FBI, and local law enforcements, trying desperately to unravel the mysteries he’s caught in and save the 1,500 employees who depends on his leadership. Relevant to our modern times, IDENTITY is an everyman tale about someone battling the frauds of “Corporate”, told as a suspenseful thriller.

IDENTITY, Mark’s first novel, will be released by Pocket Star, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, on August 7th. You can pre-order it now for a special sale price of $1.99 at: amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com and iTunes.com.

Also, you can win a free Kindle or Nook Touch by entering our IDENTITY giveaway. Please sign up and help spread the word!