Thursday, February 28, 2013

Book Tour Blast: ENDLESS by Tawdra Kandle

Endless 

Endless

After the tumult of her high school senior year, all is right in Tasmyn Vaughan’s world. She’s attending college with her boyfriend, and she’s learning to control her powers. Everything is finally perfect, until it isn’t. When her new part-time job leads to more than she bargained for, Tasmyn is thrown into a deadly fight against forces of evil that she didn’t even know existed. Mastering her extraordinary gifts—along with the strength of an endless love—may be the only weapon that can guarantee her a happily ever after.  

Check out the entire King Series: Book 1: Fearless Book 2: Breathless Book 3: Restless Book 4: Endless

Tawdra KandleAbout Author Tawdra Kandle

Tawdra Kandle is the author of THE KING SERIES, a young adult urban fantasy quartet. Born in South Jersey, Tawdra published her first short story at the age of 13 in Child's Life magazine. During the early years of her marriage and motherhood, she wrote articles and columns on parenting and homeschooling, as well as some homeschooling curriculum. THE KING SERIES is her first published full-length fiction. Tawdra currently lives in central Florida with her husband, and children, both skin and fur types. And yes, she has purple hair.  

Follow Tawdra Kandle: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Amazon 

Tawdra Kandle is giving away an awesome swag pack. Fill out the form below to enter: 

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Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Dealing Positively with Negative Reviews by Michaelbrent Collings

Okay, so, you’re published.  Your book is “out there.”  It’s “in the world” and “up for grabs.”  People can “read it” and “peruse it” at their “leisure” (I like quotation marks). 

And at first, things seem all right.  Fairly predictable.  The book doesn’t become an instant bestseller, but it is selling.  Your mom bought it, and your dad bought two copies, and so did that slightly weird person who sits in your closet and mumbles a lot.  Or maybe that’s just what happens to me.

Regardless, your work is now on its own.  Living, breathing, and (hopefully) being passed from hand to hand by readers who are – slowly but surely – going to become Your People.  Your Followers.  Your Army.

And then it happens.  Among the four- and five-star reviews that have made you feel higher than a kite on meth, suddenly this rears its ugly head on Amazon:

A TERRIBLE read

I picked this boock up because of all the good revuews.  But I guess the revuews were all dun by, like, the writers’ parents and stuff.  Because the book stunk.  It stunk a lot.  It stunk like a dead skunk that has severe dysintary and then drowns in its own poop.  Also, the author is a ca-ca doodie head and probably has lice and kix baby seals and stuff.  Dont read this book, it will give you cooties.

- 1 star

You read it.  And the questions start.  Is my work really that bad?  How could this reviewer have so completely missed the point of my book?  Where did he learn to spell?  What if I do have lice?

And, most urgently… how do I respond?

To that last, I have three little words: Ig.  Nore.  It.

Okay, maybe that’s four words, I don’t know.  I’m a writer, not an accountant.

Seriously, though, when you get a review like the above, you must simply rejoice within yourself.  Why?  Because it means your book is being read.  It’s getting out into the world, meeting new people, getting beyond the closed circles of your family, friends, and writers groups.  It will inevitably meet up with people that hate it – because it’s not their style, because you did an objectively terrible job writing the piece (it does happen), or even for no good reason at all.


And like any good parent, you will have the urge to rush to your “child’s” defense.  RESIST.

There are really only two likely outcomes if you choose to wage war on the review or (even worse) on the reviewer himself. 

1)      You try to show the review is “wrong.”  The reviewer takes offense and goes to war with you.  You now have a dedicated enemy who will attack you at every possible turn, giving you low ratings wherever possible and urging his/her friends and family to avoid your work like a sack of rotten meat.  You have just accomplished nothing more nor less than magnifying the effect and range of the viewer’s bile and hatred.  Result: you lose.

2)     You try to show the review is wrong.  The reviewer takes offense and goes to war with you.  You mobilize your friends and followers and fight back.  A comment war ensues!  You beat back the scummy, evil, poor-spelling reviewer.   He/she is silenced forever.  Huzzah!  But wait… those comments are there forever.  And you look like nothing more nor less than a prima donna bully.  This will keep people from buying your books in perpetuity.  Result: you lose.

Of the two, the second is gratifying to the author, but far more damaging.  I am friends with a great many authors, some of them legitimately Famous People.  And occasionally one of them will get their undies in a wad over some disparaging comment made re their work and will mobilize their fans to attack.  The fans attack.  Or some of them.  Some don’t.  Some become “un”fans, turned off by the author’s childishness.  And though maybe Famous People can afford to lose fans, the average author just can’t.

An example: my most recent novel, Darkbound, just came out.  It’s a deeply disturbing horror novel about six strangers who get on a subway train that turns out to go everywhere BUT where they want it to.  When it was released, a very eminent horror review site called Hellnotes wrote up a stellar review.  So did several other review sites.  A friend who had received an advance copy sent me a note saying he was… well… less than enamored of it.  It was too dark, too violent.  Worried, no doubt, about typical author ego, he asked what my response would be if he posted such a review.

My response: “Do it!”  People have a right to know others’ thoughts.  The fact that this reviewer didn’t like Darkbound as much as he had liked other books I’d written was a bummer.  But it didn’t mean the end of the world, and insisting that he love everything about my work, all the time, would be not merely ridiculous, but counterproductive.

The reviews of our work will at times be insightful, helpful, warming.  And sometimes it will be shallow tripe that looks like it was probably written in crayon by a five-year-old struggling against some weird form of Tourrette Syndrome.  Both are part of being a writer.  Don’t respond to either (even the good ones – that can be a bit “stalky” and can also mess with your fan base).  If you want to interact with fans, get a Facebook page, a Twitter account, or stand on a box in Hyde Park.

But leave the reviews – and reviewers – alone.  Ig.  Nore.  Them.

It is three words.  I counted with my fingers.

Reprinted with permission.

Michaelbrent Collings has written numerous bestselling novels, including his latest novel http://www.amazon.com/Darkbound-ebook/dp/B00B6NY4SYDarkbound.  His wife and mommy think he is a can that is chock-full of awesome sauce.  

Book Tour Blast: THE MARRIAGE CAPER by Sandra Edwards

The Marriage Caper 

The Marriage Caper

Andre de Laurent is the second son of an extremely wealthy family, which basically means he’ll always be number two. That is, until his mother’s uncle dies and leaves him a multi-billion-dollar fortune. So what’s the trouble? Andre has sixty days to take a wife, and he’ll have to remain married for one year or forfeit the inheritance to distant relatives—who are hell-bent on claiming the inheritance as their own. Aspiring actress Tasha Gordon has never wanted anything quite so much as that big break—until she met Andre de Laurent. Could his offer turn out to be the role of lifetime?  

Purchase The Marriage Caper on Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo.

Author Sandra EdwardsAbout Author Sandra Edwards

Sandra is an award-winning author of romance. She has eclectic tastes, penning tales in a variety of genres such as paranormal (mostly time travel and reincarnation), contemporary and suspense. She lives in the U.S. (west coast) with her husband, two kids, four dogs and one very temperamental feline. Sandra's books often push the envelope and step outside the boundaries of conventional romance. 

 Follow Sandra Edwards: Facebook / Twitter / Blog / Goodreads

 The author is giving away a $50 Amazon GC as the Tour prize. Fill out the form below to enter:

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Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Interview with John A. Ashley

 
Can you give us a brief overview of your latest book? Is it part of a series?
The Scrolls of Xavier is a science-fiction/adventure novel. Set in the year 2067, it follows the courageous Captain Michael Dawn as he leads a team of earth’s most skilled soldiers across the globe of the breathtaking, yet deadly planet of Xavier997 in search of five mysterious items known as the Scrolls. What seems like a routine mission, however, goes terribly wrong as Dawn and his team quickly realize that Xavier does not give up her treasures without a fight. To find the Scrolls, Captain Dawn must risk everything, including his love, his career, and his life. The Scrolls of Xavier is the first in a series, followed by the sequel, Before the Storm.

Do you have a favorite character?
It's hard to narrow it down, but if I had to pick a favorite, it would be the happy-go-lucky RAF paratrooper, Benjamin Roberts. His quick humor juxtaposes well with his skill on the battlefield, and combining that with a past full of dangerous secrets certainly made him a fun character to write about.

What is your writing process? Do you listen to music or do you like silence?
I usually write late at night will listening to music. I think if it's too quiet, my mind tends to wander, so some soft background noise has always been a part of my writing routine.

Do you outline your story or just go where your muse takes you?
I daydream...a lot. So before I ever even begin a book, I've got a fairly detailed outline on my head. On starting a new chapter, however, I do sit down and jot down a few notes, but other than that I just write it as I go. I've often wondered what different routes certain scenes, (or the entire story for that matter) might have taken if I'd simply sat down to write them at a different place or time.

Did you hire an editor to review your manuscript before publishing?
No, and it took a lot of work to make up for this. I didn't want to publish a story with even a single error in it, and I (along with my wonderful family and friends) spent many long hours going over it with a virtual microscope to make sure this didn't happen. I'm sure a there's a mistake or two buried somewhere in there still, but if there is, I don't want to know about it.

What factors influenced your decision to self-publish your book(s)?
To be honest, in many ways it was a decision that was made for me. I was completely on the fence about whether to self-publish or go the traditional route, when I happened upon a contest whose top prize was a publishing package through a POD publisher. I entered The Scrolls of Xavier right away, and wound up winning first place. With the prize in hand, I decided to go ahead and self-publish, and I must say that I have no regrets.

If you used a graphic designer/publisher’s designer, how involved were you during the creative process for your cover?
To create my covers, I hired an amazing designer named Richard Green. From start to finish it was great, and very hands on--something that I came to love. He took my concept and expanded on it wonderfully, sending proofs of every small change to make sure I was still pleased. This involvement is something that list very high on reasons to self-publish, and is certainly something that I look forward to doing again.

Besides writing, do you have any other passions?
I don't know if I'm as passionate about anything as I am writing and publishing, but I do enjoy many other things. I am avid sports fan, an outdoor enthusiast, an amateur astronomer, and a reader, just to name a few.

Besides Amazon, are there any other sites where your books are for sale?
Along with Amazon, my books are for sell on my website, www.scrollsofxavier.com, as well as just about anywhere ebooks are sold, (including Apple iBooks, Kobo, and Smahwords). 

What’s next for you?
I suppose keep writing. When it come down to it, that's simply the best thing to do. Nothing promotes you better than a new book, and obviously, nothing makes your readers happier either. This has been an incredible journey thus far, and most excitingly, I have a feeling that it's merely begun. The idea of the books I still have in my head one day making into publication thrills me. Now just to go write them.

Monday, February 25, 2013

Review: DRAGON KEEPER by Robin Hobb



4 of 5 stars

Robin Hobb is one of my favorite authors and I was delighted when I saw she had a new series out especially books about dragons. In "Dragon Keeper" we are introduced to a new batch of dragons, but they're not exactly right or even healthy. They can't fly nor can they hunt on their own. When the humans tire of trying to feed and care for the dragons, a plan is hatched to send the dragons on a journey to their home--the mystical city, Kelsingra. A misfit band of teenagers including Thymarra, a wealthy Bingtown Traders wife, Alise Kincarron who is an scholar on dragons and a crusty river boat captain take on the quest to escort the dragons home. The beginning of the book is a bit confusing as all of the characters are introduced, but after that the book flows along. 

The author does a great job of fleshing out the characters--their hopes and dreams, their heartache and loneliness and even the dragons begin to take on personalities of their own. The one criticism that I have is that Book 1 does not resolve any of the major conflicts in the story, but is more of a setup for the other 2 books. I'm happy that the other books in the series are already published and I'm eager to see what happens next in this series. 

Book Tour Blast: GROUNDED by G.P. Ching


Grounded 

Grounded

"All my life I've worked to be simple, but I can't pretend anymore. Nothing about me is simple." In the year 2050, a secret government study nicknamed Operation Source Code injects eight volunteers with a retrovirus. The goal? To abate the energy crisis by reprogramming human DNA to power personal electronic devices. The experiment works but with disastrous consequences. Seventeen years later, Lydia Troyer is far from concerned with the energy crisis. Growing up in the isolated community of Hemlock Hollow, life hasn't changed much since 1698 when her Amish ancestors came to America. She milks her cow by hand, makes fresh bread every morning, and hopes to be courted by Jeremiah, the boy who's been her best friend since she could walk. But when Lydia's father has a stroke and is taken to the outside world for medical treatment, Lydia and Jeremiah leave Hemlock Hollow. An ordinary light switch thrusts Lydia into a new world where energy is a coveted commodity and her own personal history makes her the most sought-after weapon on the planet.  

Purchase Grounded on Amazon | Nook | iTunes | Kobo

Author GP Ching About Author G.P. Ching

G.P Ching is the author of The Soulkeepers Series, The Grounded Trilogy, and a variety of short fiction. She specializes in cross-genre paranormal stories, loves old cemeteries, and enjoys a good ghost tour. She lives in central Illinois with her husband, two children, and one very demanding guinea pig. Learn more about G.P. at http://www.gpching.com and more about The Soulkeepers Series at http://www.thesoulkeepersseries.com. 


 Follow G.P. Ching Website | Facebook | Twitter 

 "I am seriously impressed with how the author took the simplistic Amish life and combined it with a futuristic, almost dystopian story line as seamlessly as she did. I highly recommend it." Crafty Cauldron  

"I am also a sucker for Amish stories, and love the idea of the new paranormal/supernatural/dystopian twists using them. This book is electric. You are pulled into Lydia's story and keep on reading, trying to find out what happens next.I tried to figure out what I would do if I were in her situation. I am impressed by the strength she is able to find within herself." Andi's Young Adult blog  

"I never know what to think when I start reading a book by a new author. But this one was electrifying!!! his book had me on the edge of my seat all the way to the last page. " Taking Time for Mommy  

"It begins with the perfect bang, and lights up your mind in ways you may not have thought. As much as it is dystopian it is speculative, and I am all for challenging the minds of the human race." Literary Sweet  

"The characters were so well written that I felt like I knew them. Lydia stayed true to who she was and her personality even when she had to make decisions that were not at all what an Amish would have ever imagine anyone would have to make." Delphina Reads too Much  

Tour Prize - $100 Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or Apple Giftcard fill out the form below to enter! 

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Friday, February 22, 2013

New #fantasy Release: INTO A DARK LAND by Walter Shuler



Book blurb:
Book II of The God Wars Trilogy

Narrowly escaping death at the hands of the mad god of death, Conn and his companions have arrived at the court of king Manannan, but safety is scarce even in this blessed realm. Forced to return once more to the mortal world, Conn must struggle to unravel the dark god’s plot amidst a land plunged into chaos and war.

Faced with enemies on all sides, he must join in an uneasy alliance with the few who stand against the tide of madness. He finds new allies and delves deeper into Cernunnos’ machinations, but will it be enough? The gods play the long game, and Conn’s time is running out.

Author bio:
Walter Shuler is a father, husband and fantasy writer, with a deep interest in ancient history and Celtic history in particular. His books Blood and Brass and Gods of Sand and Stone are both available on Amazon.

Buy links:
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/282219
Amazon: see icons below:

Thursday, February 21, 2013

It's Time to Break Out!

 
By Rebecca Forster

Three years ago I took the plunge and left traditional publishing. It felt like walking off a cliff. Gone were the editors, designers, agents, and booksellers. It was me, my words, and my computer.  I thought I was isolated, but boy was I wrong.

There is a diverse community ready, willing, and able to help indie authors publish their books. Early on, though, I found authors were mostly talking to authors. For all of us the challenge wasn’t writing, it was figuring out where we fit into this new publishing paradigm. How would we get noticed? Who would read our books? Would our work be considered lesser because we published independently? The answers, initially, were not in the author’s favor.  It was when I read an article about Smashwords, a digital publishing house run by Mark Coker, that I was inspired to move forward boldly. With his encouragement, I believed the best was yet to come. 

Mark is a standard bearer for the democratization of creativity. He believes that everyone should have the opportunity to publish their book if they have the courage to write it. The last few years have seen Smashwords grow to a major force in a vital and ever-changing, industry.  Recently, though, an even more encouraging and exciting layer was added to the indie experience. Apple launched a unique section in iBookstore called Breakout Books featuring indie authors. They launched as only Apple can: hugely, brightly, and proudly.


This move was hailed by Smashwords as unprecedented, and the New York Times equated Apple’s Breakout Book feature to ‘front of the store’ space in brick and mortar stores. I was thrilled that Hostile Witness was chosen to be part of launch, but also realized that this new feature signaled a change in the psyche of the industry.  Writers helped one another, innovators like Mark Coker actually admired us, and now iBookstore was wrapping our work up in ribbons and bows and presenting it to the reading public without apology.

What does this mean for you, the author? It means you have true friends in high places to champion, encourage, and promote your work. Don’t hesitate a moment longer.  Start the journey with these five steps:


1)    Write the best book you can
2)    Educate yourself about the business (technical and creative)
3)    Reach out to individual authors and online groups respectfully
4)    Reciprocate when you have information to share
5)    Support indie writers. Read and analyze their work

Be bold. Be brave. Break out – with a little help from your friends.

Find Breakout Books here: http://iTunes.com/BreakoutBooks.
NY Times on Apple’s Breakout Books: http://nyti.ms/XZGKhh
Mark Coker on Breakout Books: http://bit.ly/XtaZNK
Hostile Witness on iBooks: http://bit.ly/W4l5Hf

A Treat for my Readers: COLLAPSE by Richard Stephenson

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What would it take for the United States to fall from within? In a not too distant future, America is put to the test. With the American people deep in The Second Great Depression and two of the most powerful hurricanes on record to contend with, the United States is in no condition to deal with hidden terrorists on its soil, maniacal politicians, and the most formidable military threat the world has seen since the Third Reich. This is the story of three men from three very different walks of life: Howard Beck, the world's richest man, also diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome; Richard Dupree, ex-Navy SEAL turned escaped convict; and Maxwell Harris, a crippled, burned-out chief of police of a small Texas town. At first, they must overcome their own struggles and fight for their survival against impossible odds. In the end, the unlikely trio must band together to save their beloved country from COLLAPSE. Empires topple. Nations crumble. Civilization is fragile. In 2027, America will fall. 

About Author Richard Stephenson:

Richard Stephenson was born in 1975 in Denison, TX and spent his childhood in North Texas. In 1992, he graduated high school after only three years. He then pursued his degree at Oklahoma Christian University, once again accomplishing the task in three years. Richard then married his best friend before going off to basic training to be a military policeman with the US Army. With his new wife joining the adventure, they spent the next four years at Fort Polk, LA and had two children. Just before his son turned five, Richard and his wife were told that their oldest child had Asperger's Syndrome. Nine years later, Richard's son would become the inspiration for the character of Howard Beck. After leaving the armed forces, Richard continued his law enforcement career in the federal sector and has been with the Department of Justice for twelve years. 

 Follow Richard Stephenson: Website | Facebook | Twitter

Download Collapse for FREE on Amazon Feb 21 & Feb 22.

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Interview with Lataeya Lane


Can you give a brief overview of your latest book? Is it part of a series?
Currently I am working on the second book in the Chronicles of the Celestial series. I am in the process of possibly making some changes to the title but the second book continues Sydney's journey to save the Earthly Realm from a great evil. Sydney is getting the hang of using her abilities and embracing her magical birthright. More secrets of her past are revealed as she travels throughout the dimensions to search for a magical being that is wanted within the supernatural world.

Do you have a favorite character?
My favorite character has to be Sydney London. She is beautiful, real loving, strong, resilient and complex at times. Despite the fact that she is a powerful member of the magical community, she is compassionate, relatable and humorous. She is open, embraces her feelings and speaks her mind.

What factors influenced your decision to self-publish your books(s)?
The most important factor that influenced my decision to self-publish is having creative control. With creative control I have the ability to control every aspect of the publishing process.

What is your writing process? Do you listen to music or do you like silence?
My writing process is pretty random. Every time I have the opportunity I write, but it all starts with jotting down a few ideas. I write my books in notebooks first, and then I type them into a document in my laptop. I do not listen to music, I usually have the television on low. It’s easy for me to write with the TV on because when I am writing I am transformed into the characters and worlds I create.  I am not easily distracted.

What have you learned during your self-publishing journey?
The self-publishing journey really has been a literary journey. There are so many aspects of the publishing world that I have been exposed to and other aspects I have yet discover. What I can say about the industry is that it is a consistent process of learning. The industry and process is very detailed and as a self-publisher you must learn to be flexible, patient, and professional.
Besides Amazon are there any other sites where your books are for sale?
My books are also available at Barnes&Noble and Smashwords. There are multiple eBook formats of Swept into the Darkness.
Do you find it difficult to juggle your time between marketing your current book and writing your next book?
It is extremely difficult to balance my time between marketing Swept into the Darkness and writing the other books in the series. I spend a little time everyday on everything. I am a really good time manager so as of now things are falling into place nicely. Book two in the series is complete. I am typing it on the laptop and book three is currently being handwritten. I am writing the final chapters.
Do you outline your story or go where the story takes you?
I use a combination of both. Usually I just go with the flow of where the story takes me but there are times that other ideas about characters and events come into my head. When I am inspired I outline those ideas.

Besides writing to you have any other passions?
I have many passions, I love to paint, draw, read, watch movies, and eat different foods. Experiencing a variety of elements of creativity is my passion.

What's next for you?
There are a few things I have lined up for the near future. I will be starting my own publishing company. I also will begin a new book series. I already have the name for my company and the title of the first book in my post apocalyptic fantasy, which I cannot disclose for copyright reasons. PR announcements will be made at the appropriate times.

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Blog Tour: THE APPLE GROVE GANG Series by Hamilton C Burger


Series: The Apple Grove Gang


by Hamilton C. Burger


http://hamiltoncburger.com/

(Book covers link to Amazon)


Blog Tour Blast: PLAYER by Laura DeLuca

 

Player

Joshua Hanover had it all. He was handsome, rich, athletic, and had always been popular with the ladies. Yet, until he gets paired up with his beautiful but shy lab partner, Rosa, he never allowed himself to fall in love. As the chemistry between them grows, Josh realizes that his player days have come to end. But it seems his change of heart has come too late. Not only is Rosa leery of his bad boy reputation, he has four vindictive ex-girlfriends who are on a rampage. At first he doesn’t take their threats seriously, but then his tires are slashed, someone tries to poison him, and one of the girls turns up dead. Josh doesn’t know who to trust, but one thing is certain. It definitely isn’t worth the price he’s paying to be a player.   

Follow the author Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads | Pinterest

Buy on Amazon / Smashwords

   
Laura “Luna” DeLuca lives at the beautiful Jersey shore with her husband and four children. She loves writing in the young adult genre because it keeps her young at heart. In addition to writing fiction, Laura is also the sole author of a popular review blog called New Age Mama. She is an active member of her local pagan community, and has been studying Wicca for close to eight years. Her current works include Destiny, Destiny Unveiled, Phantom, Morrigan and Player.   

February 19- Blast 
 February 20 - 1. http://mommyreadstoomuch.com  2. http://nikita-mattes.blogspot.com 
 February 21- 1. http://livingatthewhiteheadszoo.blogspot.com 2. http://takingtimeformommy.com 
February 22 - 1. Jennifer http://simplyathomemom.com/ 2. Interview http://ereadingonthecheap.com 
 February 25 - 1. Review: http://andisyoungadult.blogspot.com 2. Review: http://mamasgotflair.com 
February 26- 1.Review: http://www.craftymomof3.com 2. Guest Post - http://mamivalsbooks.blogspot.com 
February 27 - 1. Review: http://tiffanytalksbooks.com/ 2. Excerpt: http://museunleashed.com/ 

Tour Prize - $25 amazon gift card and a signed copy of the book. 

Fill out the form below to Enter

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Monday, February 18, 2013

Interview with Frank Nappi


Can you give us a brief overview of your latest book? Is it part of a series?
Nobody Has to Know is a dark and somewhat daring psychological thriller that, tells the story of Cameron Baldridge, a popular high school teacher whose relationship with one of his students leads him down an unfortunate and self-destructive path. Stalked through text-messages, Baldridge fights for his life against a terrifying extortion plot and the forces that threaten to expose him. Nobody Has to Know is a sobering look into a world of secrets, lies, and shocking revelations, and will leave the reader wondering many things, including whether or not you can ever really know the person you love. On a more profound level, Nobody Has To Know illustrates how the landscape of our past influences our present and how, sadly, some of these more indelible moments hold us prisoner for the duration of our lives. It has also been described as a cross between Fatal Attraction and The Last Seduction.

Do you have a favorite character?
Well, all of the characters in this novel are severely flawed, with the exception of John Volpe. Consequently, it is difficult for me to really “embrace” any of these individuals. However, as far as fulfilling my creative intentions, I’d have to say that Cameron Baldridge evolved into the multi-faceted character that I had hoped for. Cameron is deeply mired in past tragedy and grapples with very self-destructive proclivities but is essentially a decent person who is victimized by poor judgment. I believe that Cameron is an appropriate vehicle through which many of the novel’s themes may be conveyed.

Have you ever had a minor character evolve into a major one? Did that change the direction of the novel at all?
Sure, minor characters sometimes burgeon into more prominent figures. The important thing is that all characters, minor or major, become real. In any great work, one that resonates with the reader, there needs to be authenticity with regard to the characters. If a reader does not invest in the characters, the author’s message is lost. It is my experience that “real characters” think and act just as real folks would. There is nothing contrived about their existence – their words and emotional responses to situations are emblematic of those of real people. This can be accomplished in part through the use of flashbacks, which become windows into the psyches of these individuals. If a reader knows where a character has been, where he is presently becomes far more plausible.

Did you try the traditional route to publishing, i.e. querying agents/publishers?
I have been published in the traditional fashion three times. And for Nobody Has To Know, my agent and I pitched the manuscript to several legacy houses, many of which were interested. The one reservation they had, however, was with the social taboo of a teacher becoming romantically involved with a student. Many editors suggested changing that aspect of the story, something that I absolutely refused to do. As a result, I decided, with the help of my agent and assistant, to publish directly through Amazon. It was certainly the right decision, as the book has received much praise, including a glowing endorsement from Nelson DeMille.

Do you outline your story or just go where your muse takes you?
This is always a most interesting question to answer. I have heard so many authors delineate the process by which they write a novel. Many of the traditional methods include outlining, character sketches, and timelines. None of this applies to me. And while I do not think this is an indictment of any sorts, I do feel a little left out. I have yet to talk to an author who does what I do. My process is far less formulaic. And it varies each time I pursue a new endeavor. Most of what I do early on begins and remains in my head. There is no paper involved. The only variable is how I actually begin. For instance, my first novel, Echoes From The Infantry, began with a very complex character who suffers from the insidious residue of WWII. He was fully developed in my mind before I ever wrote one word. The fictional framework came later on. In the first Mickey Tussler novel, it was just the opposite. I had already written a first chapter before I ever really knew exactly who my protagonist was going to be. The same is true for my latest novel, Nobody Has To Know. Things tend to evolve with me at their own pace. This is the beauty of the writing process. Stories come from so many different places and are executed in so many different ways.

What is your writing process? Do you listen to music or do you like silence?
Silence is a must. Just the sound of my fingers tapping the keyboard is all I need.

What kinds of marketing [twitter, facebook, blog, forums] are you involved with for promoting your book(s)?
My agent and assistant have really helped me promote the book through a wide variety of venues, including Blog Tours, Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads. It has been a fairly time exhaustive endeavor, but well worth it.

What advice would you give a new author just entering into the self-publishing arena?
Believe in your work. Find some readers you can really trust to provide you with objective feedback and perfect your story. Once you have reached the level at which you believe the work is viable, pursue a reputable avenue to get your book out there.

Besides writing, do you have any other passions?
I love the beach, especially in the off season. I spend a lot of time there. I am also a rabid baseball fan, so many hours are spent watching my two sons play the greatest game there is or lamenting the fate of my New York Mets. Country music aint so bad either! Naturally, many of these things have a tendency to creep into my novels. The most obvious case I suppose is the baseball backdrop for my Mickey Tussler series. There is always, I believe, a lot of every author is each novel he/she creates. However, I suppose in light of the subject matter of my latest book, I should issue the disclaimer that not everything that appears in a work of fiction is rooted in personal experience.

What’s next for you?
I am presently working on the third installment of my Legend of Mickey Tussler series and also playing with an idea for another thriller. Both works are very different but equally enjoyable to write.