…of The Spirit Of The Heart by Dr. Ismael Nuño
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Today is old friends day, which means a new book to put on our TBR list. TJ was here this past November, which you can see here, and is back to tell us about his newest book. So without further ado, Mr. TJ Cooke!!! Welcome back!
TJ COOKE
TJCooke, otherwise known as Tim, was formerly a legal executive and adviser to the BBC’s Eastenders. Since then he has dovetailed his career between advertising copywriting, freelance journalism, screenwriting and novels.
Tim has written numerous television and radio commercials for a variety of well known companies. He has written many hours of broadcast drama, notching up writing credits for some of UK’s most popular series, including London’s Burning, The Bill and Bad Girls.
His debut novel ‘Kiss and Tell’ is available via Amazon Kindle. Tim currently lives in Devon.
Connect with TJ at these sites:
Q&A with TJ Cooke
CM: Do you draw from personal experiences and/or current events?
TJ: I would imagine that most writers draw on their own experiences to a greater or lesser degree. Having been through many ups and downs, been fortunate enough to travel to interesting places and taken on a variety of roles in differing professions it would be foolish not to use these experiences. It gives you the confidence to write with authenticity.
TJ: I would imagine that most writers draw on their own experiences to a greater or lesser degree. Having been through many ups and downs, been fortunate enough to travel to interesting places and taken on a variety of roles in differing professions it would be foolish not to use these experiences. It gives you the confidence to write with authenticity.
CM: Do you start with the conclusion and plot in reverse or start from the beginning and see where the story line brings you?
TJ: That’s an interesting one. With ‘Kiss and Tell’ I had two definite story arcs, one concerning Jill Shadow’s journey, from a poor background to a successful lawyer, and the other regarding the drugs story, or stories, which feature in the book. Both started from the beginning and I wasn’t sure at first how they would merge or even end. With ‘Defending Elton’ my latest release, I started with a ‘what if’ concept and allowed the story to develop organically. Neither had a ‘set-in-stone’ conclusion from the outset, but fortunately they came along quite naturally as the characters drove the plots forward.
TJ: That’s an interesting one. With ‘Kiss and Tell’ I had two definite story arcs, one concerning Jill Shadow’s journey, from a poor background to a successful lawyer, and the other regarding the drugs story, or stories, which feature in the book. Both started from the beginning and I wasn’t sure at first how they would merge or even end. With ‘Defending Elton’ my latest release, I started with a ‘what if’ concept and allowed the story to develop organically. Neither had a ‘set-in-stone’ conclusion from the outset, but fortunately they came along quite naturally as the characters drove the plots forward.
CM: Your routine when writing? Any idiosyncrasies?
TJ: I’m definitely a morning person. I find I’m more alert then. In an ideal world I’d start writing around 7 or 8 am and see how long I can go for. Of course life tends to get in the way sometimes! More often than not I break in the middle of the day and if possible have a later afternoon or early evening session. There are also times when I just can’t sleep and every now and again have no choice but to write down the things that are whirling around in my mind… often if I’m in the middle of a first draft and have an idea that can’t wait!
TJ: I’m definitely a morning person. I find I’m more alert then. In an ideal world I’d start writing around 7 or 8 am and see how long I can go for. Of course life tends to get in the way sometimes! More often than not I break in the middle of the day and if possible have a later afternoon or early evening session. There are also times when I just can’t sleep and every now and again have no choice but to write down the things that are whirling around in my mind… often if I’m in the middle of a first draft and have an idea that can’t wait!
CM: Is writing your full time job? If not, may I ask what you do by day?
TJ: It seems like it’s a full time job at the moment. I would like it to be one anyway, but a lot depends on how things go with these first two novels. I also enjoy my advertising work. I write and create radio commercials and would like to keep doing so. It’s a great release for a mad creative mind!
TJ: It seems like it’s a full time job at the moment. I would like it to be one anyway, but a lot depends on how things go with these first two novels. I also enjoy my advertising work. I write and create radio commercials and would like to keep doing so. It’s a great release for a mad creative mind!
CM: Who are some of your favorite authors?
TJ: Many and varied. I admire John Grisham, Val Macdermid, Sophie Hannah, Mark Billingham and a host of others. Grisham perhaps not so much for his actual writing but his skill at finding a winning formula. Val and Sophie I like because I find they can paint intriguing pictures and conjure up atmospheres. I also like Mark Haddon, I’m a big fan of his ‘Curious Incident’ novel.THANKS TO AUTHOR, TJ COOKE,
TJ: Many and varied. I admire John Grisham, Val Macdermid, Sophie Hannah, Mark Billingham and a host of others. Grisham perhaps not so much for his actual writing but his skill at finding a winning formula. Val and Sophie I like because I find they can paint intriguing pictures and conjure up atmospheres. I also like Mark Haddon, I’m a big fan of his ‘Curious Incident’ novel.
CM: What are you reading now?
TJ: Right now I’m so caught up in my books that I don’t have much time to read. However, I look forward to a little space sometime and am on the lookout for something. I saw something the other day about a new book called ‘Poppet’ by Mo Hayder and might give that a go.
TJ: Right now I’m so caught up in my books that I don’t have much time to read. However, I look forward to a little space sometime and am on the lookout for something. I saw something the other day about a new book called ‘Poppet’ by Mo Hayder and might give that a go.
CM: Are you working on your next novel? Can you tell us a little about it?
TJ: I am in the planning stage for my next novel. It’s a further adventure for Jill Shadow. In fact I’ve got three further stories for her mapped out. I will be doing a story breakdown first, then will get busy writing.
TJ: I am in the planning stage for my next novel. It’s a further adventure for Jill Shadow. In fact I’ve got three further stories for her mapped out. I will be doing a story breakdown first, then will get busy writing.
CM: Your novel will be a movie. Who would you cast?
TJ: Well that’s funny because when I was actually writing ‘Defending Elton’ I always imagined it a as movie. In the book narrator Jim Harwood describes Elton as looking like the actor Forest Whitaker, so there’s a clue there! In ‘Kiss and Tell’ Jill would be the key to casting success. A few years back it would have been a Jodie Foster type, but right now I’m not too sure… someone sharp and intriguing, with sexual chemistry she ‘s probably not that aware of…
CM: Would you rather read or watch TV/movie?
TJ: Both. I enjoy both so much. It’s only the pressure of time which stops me reading more, and the fact that as I have a problem with one eye I tend to get very ‘reading tired’. I guess you can’t beat a good read because it allows you to cast and direct your own film, whereas a movie does that for you. But I love the atmosphere of a strikingly original piece of cinema. A fair chunk of David Lynch’s work and some of the Coen brothers films were fine examples. As for TV, well I used to write tv dramas but seldom watch them now. I’m not a fan of formulaic tv drama, even though I felt it wise to learn the art of writing them!
CM: Favorite food?
TJ: Too many choices! Beautifully cooked French food, Italian, a spicy Thai or India curry… or if I’m snacking at home its cheese on toast with Worcestershire sauce.
TJ: Too many choices! Beautifully cooked French food, Italian, a spicy Thai or India curry… or if I’m snacking at home its cheese on toast with Worcestershire sauce.
CM: Favorite beverage?
TJ: If alcoholic it would be a nice red wine or a crisp medium cider. Non alcoholic then blueberry and pomegranate juice.
TJ: If alcoholic it would be a nice red wine or a crisp medium cider. Non alcoholic then blueberry and pomegranate juice.
ABOUT THE BOOK
When London lawyer Jim Harwood is introduced to the beautiful and enigmatic Sarena he is instantly smitten. However, with his jealous work colleague Loren on their tail, their dalliance comes to a sudden and catastrophic end.
Though Sarena’s demise was accidental, Jim knows that to a jury it will look like a classic ‘love triangle’ murder. He reckons he has no option but to distance both Loren and himself from the crime scene, and does so by providing the police with both an alternative scenario and a far more likely suspect…
…Enter the hapless Elton Spears, an unhinged and gullible ‘care in the community’ patient. Jim knows that Elton is potentially dangerous, and that he has committed previous crimes which might suggest he’s the likely assailant. He seems the perfect patsy. Indeed, Jim seems to have all bases covered… not only does he use all his criminal law experience to frame Elton, but he represents him too, thereby having control and conduct of his case…
Jim’s strategy to escape from culpability seems as risky as it is reprehensible, and when things start to go wrong at Elton’s murder trial he not only regrets his actions but seeks a path to redemption. He may have cleverly outwitted the authorities, and skilfully manipulated the system, but as Sarena’s death comes back to haunt him he discovers that playing with truth is a very dangerous game…
Described as a ‘devilishly clever and inventive tale’ and a ‘tense and edgy thriller’Defending Elton is full of neat twists and turns, which keep you guessing how things will turn out, right to the unexpected end.
BOOK DETAILS:
Paperback: 276 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (March 15, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1482751801
ISBN-13: 978-1482751802
PURCHASE LINKS:
THANKS TO AUTHOR, TJ COOKE,
I HAVE ONE (1) EBOOK TO GIVE AWAY.
OPEN TO ALL–EBOOK
FILL OUT RAFFLECOPTER ENTRY FORM BELOW
GIVEAWAY ENDS MAY 17th 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
VIA EMAIL AND WILL HAVE 48 HOURS TO RESPOND
OR ANOTHER NAME WILL BE CHOSEN
YOUR JAVA SCRIPT MAY NEED TO BE UPDATED
IF YOU AR EXPERIENCING DIFFICULTY
USING THE RAFFLECOPTER ENTRY FORM
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 affiliate. I am providing link(s) solely for visitors that may be interested in purchasing this Book/EBook.
….of If You Stay by Courtney Cole
12 Deana Matera Calvanese Leave a Blog Post Comment
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18 Melissa T. Be a Public Follower of ‘CMASH Loves to Read’
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An email has been sent to the winners and they have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen. Thank you to all that entered.
I have been in an awful slump since the beginning of the year, having read, if I’m lucky, one book a month. I can only remember once that this has happened to me whereas I was in a slump this long. I know part of the problem is that I have been very busy with VBTs. I have tried different things to get me in the reading mood again, even signing up for a couple of Read-A-Thons in hopes that it would jump start my lack of desire to read, but it didn’t work. But I’m not giving up.
Bout of Books is hosting a read-a-thon, May 13th thru May 19th, with sign ups today and I plan to participate. Will this help? I think so especially since this will be taking place while I am on vacation and have already packed what books will be coming along.
Want to join this read-a-thon? Click on the link above and sign up. From the Bout of Books site:
The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, May 13th and runs through Sunday, May 19th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure, and the only reading competition is between you and your usual number of books read in a week. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 7.0 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. – From the Bout of Books team.
MAILBOX MONDAY
April is being hosted by Mari @ MariReads
Mailbox Monday was created by Marcia of A girl and her books and is now on tour.
According to Marcia, “Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week. Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.
Click on title for synopsis via IndieBound (I am an IndieBound affiliate)
Tuesday: The Outsider and The Abbey by Chris Culver from The Hachette Book Group
…of Friendship Makes The Heart Grow Fonder by Lisa Verge Higgins
9 Linda Kish Be a Public Follower of ‘CMASH Loves to Read’
22 Maureen Carol Tweet about the Giveaway
An email has been sent to the winners and they have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen. Thank you to all that entered.
Don’t you just love it when you receive unexpected treasures? Then you know how I felt when Marissa, from GCP/The Hachette Book Group, thought of me and sent not one, but all 4 of the series. And when I read the synopsis, I wanted to share with you. So, grab your coffee, and please help me welcome Ms. Debra Webb to CMash Reads!!
Debra Webb, born in Alabama, wrote her first story at age nine and her first romance at thirteen. It wasn’t until she spent three years working for the military behind the Iron Curtain—and a five-year stint with NASA—that she realized her true calling. A collision course between suspense and romance was set. Since then she has penned nearly 100 novels, including her internationally bestselling Colby Agency series. Debra’s debut romantic thriller series, Faces of Evil, propelled her to the top of the bestselling charts for an unparalleled twenty-four weeks.
Connect with Ms. Webb at these sites:
ABOUT THE BOOK
Debra Webb’s USA TODAY bestselling Faces of Evil suspense series is back with the chilling fourth installment, RAGE.
A woman has been brutally murdered and the scene is one straight out of a Charles Manson playbook. A former profile for the FBI, Jess sees beyond the heinous parlor tricks of a demented killer.
Once again her unorthodox tactics have her colleagues in the Birmingham Police Department at odds with her, especially when the victim’s husband, a decorated detective, becomes the focus of her investigation. When she discovers an unexpected witness in an autistic child, both Jess and the boy become targets of a killer who will stop at nothing to protect an act of rage no one saw coming…
BOOK DETAILS:
Publisher: Forever Mass Market
ISBN-13: 978-1-4555-2764-9
$5.99; April 30, 2013
PURCHASE LINKS:
THANKS TO MARISSA AT GCP/FOREVER,
I HAVE ONE (1) SET, 4 BOOKS, TO GIVE AWAY.
OPEN TO U.S. and CANADA RESIDENTS
FILL OUT RAFFLECOPTER ENTRY FORM BELOW
GIVEAWAY ENDS MAY 17th 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
VIA EMAIL AND WILL HAVE 48 HOURS TO RESPOND
OR ANOTHER NAME WILL BE CHOSEN
YOUR JAVA SCRIPT MAY NEED TO BE UPDATED
IF YOU AR EXPERIENCING DIFFICULTY
USING THE RAFFLECOPTER ENTRY FORM
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 affiliate. I am providing link(s) solely for visitors that may be interested in purchasing this Book/EBook.
…of Replacement Child by Judy Mandel
15 Susan Stenvog Leave a Blog Post Comment
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